Hi Guys!

I'm doing a research project among (aspiring)backpackers, to find possible trends in the hostel industry. If you can spare 2 minutes & fill in a brief survey, that would be a great help!

Click the following link to get to my survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=499112867416

Thanx a bunch!

-Teun
InHolland University
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

After Q9 the screen says "This survey has been closed."

I know I'm being bitchy but I am SO tired of &quot;Hi, <b>Guys</b>&quot; as opposed to &quot;Ladies and Gentlemen&quot; or even &quot;everyone.&quot;

So off-putting, both here and in restaurants.

<b>But</b> realistically, I guess not in hostels.

Teun, I hope you do get lots of response for your survey.

I am so with you, Dukey!

Hi Dukey,

Is &quot;Howdy, y'all&quot; OK?

when a waitperson greets us with &quot;Hi Guys&quot;, DW replies with &quot;I only see one guy here&quot;.

When greeted with &quot;hi folks&quot;, the tip is increased by 5%.

Guys is a very European used phrase to use in just the context that this presumably Dutch guy did. Give him/her a break.

Hey guys - you know it's like Europeans castigating us for not knowing the way they say something - i'm sure this 'guy' wished to say the greeting without putting off folks but didn't realize his gross transgression. Petty petty petty...

I filled in the survey, though I did think that it was aimed at a younger target than THIS backpacker. For me, it raised the question of budget accomodation geared to a more adventuresome middle-years market.

Though sometimes we take rather grand short (2 week) trips, increasingly we envision extended stays where we can ramble for a month or two or three overseas. We are too old for hostels and too young for Elderhostel, but we do backpack and I wish there was an alternative where we could meet like-minded travelers.

OK there guy, I took the survey. Happy to help. But really it seems more about hostels specifically than &quot;research on backpacking&quot;. Not that I mind, but since I don't stay in hostels, not sure my input matters. Also since the highest age group is over 32 (lol!), I'm guessing I'm not your target in that way either. Cheers, Suze

Indeed Fodorites are not generally your target audience - try www.lonelyplanet.com's Thorn Tree forum geared to younger more backpacker types.

&gt;&gt;We are too old for hostels&gt;&gt;

No way! I am 63 and I stay in hostels.
Don't be put off by the name. These days hostels are for everyone.

Most have single and double rooms in addition to the dorms, sometimes even with private facilities.

You do want to read the come-on carefully.

Stay away from &quot;good party place&quot;, and watch out for &quot;lock-out&quot; and &quot;curfew&quot;.

Be sure it says &quot;lock-ups available&quot;.

Most hostels have free internet, cooking facilities and lounges with an exchange library for free.

Try it! You never know, you just might like it

Indeed - Hostelling International even sells a Senior Hostel Card! But don't try in Bavaria where the age limit 27 i think is still enforced.

The survey let me answer all the questions on my second attempt. I stayed in hostels this year for the first time in my 30 years of traveling in Europe. Teun, you should have a category for 2x32 and over. I'm 64. Golly, I don't believe it. That seems old but I don't feel old.