I'm just starting to plan for a 4 month road trip through the the northern tier of states from N/S Dakota to northern Calif, Oregon, and Washington coast then up through BC, AB, the Yukon and Alaska next summer.

I'll be 63 next week and love traveling and meeting folks in all their varying conditons.

To save some money, I'm thinking about using hostels where I can. I've never done that before and wonder if any of you have any hosteling experience, pro or con.

Will you have a car?

In most places, it will be critical to have a car.

I've only stayed at a couple of Northern California hostels: one in the Redwood Park and one at Point Reyes, both because there are no alternative lodgings within the parks themselves and I wanted to spend the night in the park. The Redwood Park one was OK, the Point Reyes one was too crowded for my tastes.

Sorry, but haven't stayed and so therefore no recommendations for the other places you have named.

You might try Priceline for some of the smaller towns along the way. You could get a decent 2* for $20-$30 and this means you could have your own private room which might be worth the added cost.

Good luck!

Don, are you referring to the youth hostels where 20-somethings gather? Or, this?

http://www.elderhostel.org/welcome/home.asp

I'm sure it's youth hostels that dwooddon is referring to, and they're definitely not only for 20-somethings. That's their primary demographic, because that's typically the age group that is unmarried (so needing less privacy) and has less money to spend on hotel rooms.

But, there are family rooms at many hospitals where parents can stay with their children, and they are also used by plenty of folks old enough to not be considered 20-somethings.

Hostels are few-and-far-between in the Dakotas, Washington & Oregon...but you can check out reviews of worldwide hostels at www.hostelZ.com

May I suggest (if you have not already) looking at www.lonelyplanet.com and go to their BB called The Thorn Tree. Lots of experienced hostel-ers there. Check the U.S. and also a branch called 'older travelers' might find you more folks with experience similar to this idea.

the hostels in banff, lake louise and jasper, alberta get good ratings. need to book early.
the hostel in edmonton, alberta is in a very good location just of of whyte avenue which is very lively. haven't heard any reviews on it though.

Thanks for all the information and links. Anyone else?

At the risk of stating the obvious?

www.hostels.com

Disclaimer- I have no idea about this site myself, but often see it mentioned in answer to similar questions.

My hosteling experiences have always been positive and I have met so many more people staying in hostels than I could ever meet in the typical hotel environment. When you stay at a hostel you make More friends no matter what your age.

Suze: I've looked at several hostel web sites including the one you suggested.

I was hoping with this thread to get impressions and experiences from folks who have actually used hostels and either enjoyed the experience or did not.

I suspect that there is an inverse relationship between hostel users and Fodor's users.

I understand. But as Maxwell mentions correctly above, as you are finding Fodors hostelers are few and far between. That's why I suggested the Lonely Plant, where staying in a hostel would be typical and expected, not out of the ordinary at all. Happy travels!

I agree with wemr. A few years back I stayed at the International Hostels at Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper on a two-week trip...it was a wonderful experience. I was 57 at the time and traveling solo for the first time. Pro: Met friendly travelers from all over the world; low cost when traveling solo; cooking facilities. Con: Beds were clean but not very comfortable; belongings had to be locked up at all times.
Marilyn

I've only stayed at hostels in New Zealand, but there were people of all ages there and we had a lovely time.

Do check on Lonely Planet and the other sites mentioned.

Lee Ann

You may want to take a break from the hostels just to have your own room and bathroom sometimes. Check www.biddingfortravel.com for the places you are intending on visiting. Maybe you could stay in hotels when they are cheap such as $25-35 a night.

Have a great time on your adventure. Also, keep your important docs, credit cards, id, and cash with you at all times.

Thanks again, everyone, for all the info and advice. I'll be stopping in lots of little towns along the way as well as more remote areas. I expect I'll be spending some time in small motels/hotels as well as in hostels and I'll also be doing some tent camping. I've got the motel and camping parts covered and now, with your help, I know a bit more about the hostels.

Author: TexasAggie
Date: 12/14/2004, 01:12 pm
Message: I did this on a several week trip right after college (2002). Many of the hostels have age limits (age 26 and under).
I used Let's Go travel books and by and large, the recommendations were good.

FROM THE EURO BOARD to dwooddon & jlm_mi

"Official" hostels, those affiliated with Hostelling International, do not have an age limit (except those in Bavaria, which are a bit inconvenient for a trip up the west coast of N. America).

Haved stayed in hostels in Canada and Europe, but not in the U.S. We are a 40-ish couple and really enjoyed every hostel stay. It is a very easy way to meet other travellers, share info, sometimes hook up for day hikes or other experiences. Hostels we've stayed in have always had laundry facilities so that makes life easy. Usually they are within walking distance of public transportation. Some hostels in Europe have their own mini-restaurant or bar and the crowd can get a bit loud at times. You can stay in a dorm-type room with 6-8-10 beds, or can reserve a private room with it's own shower, much like a hotel room.
When planning trips for my husband and myself, I frequently include a night or two at a hostel just for the cultural experience of it. And you can't beat the price!