I had a few questions that I wanted to ask and see if anyone could help me out. I'm in the search for a book geared towards the Youth Hostels in Europe. I heard there was a book that was all about them and their location and everything you ever wanted to know. Does anyone have any idea what the name might be and/or where I can find it. Also, I was interested in hearing everyones experience in staying in one and where it was and how it was. Look forward to hearing your stories!!! Thanks Mike

Stayed in HI hostels in Copenhagen, Odense, and Billund in Denmark with three children last June. Copenhagen was a little noisy but clean, Odense was quiet, immaculate, and beautiful, and In Billund we even had a bathroom in our room. The kids loved them all. Try the eurotrip hostels forum at www.eurotrip.com for more info on hostels. Quality apparently varies greatly from country to country.

Stayed in HI hostels in Copenhagen, Odense, and Billund in Denmark with three children last June. Copenhagen was a little noisy but clean, Odense was quiet, immaculate, and beautiful, and In Billund we even had a bathroom in our room. The kids loved them all. Try the eurotrip hostels forum at www.eurotrip.com for more info on hostels. Quality apparently varies greatly from country to country.

You can buy the book from Hosteling International for $3, but it only lists affiliated hostels. <BR>http://www.iyhf.org/iyhf/higuide.html <BR> <BR>You can also check out the hostel database at www.hostels.com - this lists independent hostels, too. There is also a bulletin board on that site. Ditto Anna's suggestion to go to www.eurotrip.com - that bulletin board is very busy. <BR> <BR>I've stayed in HI hostels here in the States and had a lot of fun. The hostels organize tours (usually free), have kitchens so you can cook your own food thus save money, and make it easy for you to hook up with other solo travellers. <BR> <BR>I am looking forward to European hostels too.

It has been a while since I did the youth hostel route, but I doubt much has changed. Most important - hostels are only open certain times. Be sure to get there when the hostel opens or you may be shut out of a spot. This can eat up valuable time. <BR> <BR>In summer, there tends to be a lot of small children at some of them (esp. in Germany). <BR> <BR>The variety of showers is interesting. In Winchester, England, it was a bucket with a hose attached by the river. <BR> <BR>Hostels are cheap, esp. for the single traveller. Didn't use to be a whole lot cheaper than inexpensive B&B's tho.

I just got back from two weeks in Germany, all spent in German hostels in Esslingen, Nuremburg, and Munich. I would have to agree about the little kids though, they can be quite annoying. Let me know if you would like details.

Richard, which hostels in Germany were you at?

Mike: One book with lots of information on hostels is Let's Go Europe, available in the travel section of almost any bookstore.

Hi Mike; When my daughter was a student in Europe summer 1997 she stayed in several hostels with varying opinions. Two of her favorites was the hostel in a converted castle in Bacharach on the Rhine in Germany and in Interlaken at Bahmers (spelling). We stopped in Interlaken because she forgot her pictures. It was really interesting with a movie room, general store and all sorts of sport activities. Rick Steves books generally mention a hostel for each location he recommends.

<BR>Look at www.ricksteves.com, go to the Graffiti board and click on Best European Hostels. Various people tell you about the great hostels they have stayed in and recommend. You can email them direct if you want more info.

The 4 you youth hostel in Munich is great <BR>