psypher

i know i've read some things in the past about hostel cards but i can't find those threads anymore!

so, the question is, which are the best cards to have for western europe as far as discounts on hostels an everything else. and more importantly, WHERE CAN I BUY THESE THINGS!? can i get them ahead of time?

thanks!

ScarlotteDorian

hey psypher, check out this site/page..it might help. but i'm sure that some of the more die-hard travelers on this site will be allong shortly to help you out too. toodles.

hostel cards from HiHostel

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pinion

I honestly wouldn't worry about buying a hostel card & would honestly stay away from HI's all together. I stayed at 2, and I hated them! They're more family oriented, so you're more likely to meet a group of scouts then anything else.

I would stay at an HI as a last resort, even then I wouldn't bothering buying one of their cards.

Stick with privately run hostels, ask other backpackers at train stations where they've stayed. The best review of a hostel you can get is from someone who is just leaving one.

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MolsonGirl

Pinion... I'm with you on the topic of not liking HI hostels... despite being the cleanest places I've ever seen, they are completly geared to familys and groups... and yes I've met a group of Scouts while staying at one LOL go figure. Anyways I hated staying in them as well. I know the Toronto one is different mainly because we only have two hostels in the whole city. But either way I would also recommend not staying at them unless you have to. ( I also have a crazy story about a lady I met in the Oxford HI who kept going on about how her parents left her to die in Hitlers Germany... she told us the story like 5 times)

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skidrage

While I agree with the others that it is best to stay away from an HI hostel, if you are going to a small town, a lot of times the only hostel in the town will be an HI one and might require you to be a member to stay there. But, there are always other alternatives to staying in hostels in this situation.

Another point about avoiding HI hostels that was not brought up in previous posts is that most of them have curfews and lock-outs, and I always avoid places that have these.

psypher

HI hostels sound pretty lame, i'll make sure to occupy a cave first ;-)

what about the other cards like YHA or ISIC?

thanks

MolsonGirl

ISIC... international student cards... ARE MONEY BABY! don't leave home without it!! Some schools (such as mine University of Toronto) have already paid for them. So I get them for free (basically) and to be honest it has saved me sooooo much money. like hundred of dollars.. for ISIC cards.

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skidrage

ISIC cards are good to have. I had one (got mine from my school as well) and they offer a lot of discounts. I did not use the card too much, but that was more my fault. It will allow you to get into many sites for a reduced rate and give discounts in some hostels and restaurants.

crious

Hey check out this site for the cards I use when I go over seas. I agree with everyone who says the HI hostels suck. The only time they are recommended is if you are about to have to sleep in the snow or want to try to baby sit some dumb kids for some quick cash. Yes I have done this and will not advise this to anyone it was not worth the $50 they paid me! I would have rather have had my girl friend scream in my ear while i had a hangover than do that again...LOL

B) Mikie

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