Hello Jet-Set Party People,

I'm psyched about my up-coming trip (May 17-July 6), but I was wondering how far in advance should I book my hostel stay? My tentative itinerary thus far is to fly into London, then train it to France, Spain, Portugal, France then back to London, where I will depart back to LA. I've been using the Hostel search on this site (which is really handy!) and have already booked my first 4 nights in London. At the moment, I'm thinking that booking via Travelpunk's site will be the main way I find a place to crash. My question is, will the prices on the websites change if I don't lock in my reservation now? I know that availability may be an issue if I don't book ahead, but my main concern is the possible price increase when peak season is in full swing. If I don't book ahead, how easy is it to find CHEAP accomodations in a major city? Any insight would be much appreciated!

well, from what i hear is that yes, the prices may change if you wait til last minute(you need a bed tonight, well then that will be an extra $20 sir). also, i am traveling roughly the same time as you, and i have already seen some of the more thrifty hostels filling.

I think even if you book now, you may lock in the rate in local currency, but you'll have to pay all but the deposit when you check in. So the exchange rate may end up screwing you or working in your favor. But at least you'll lock the pricei n pounds or euros... which is a good thing :)

Thanks for the tips! How soon in advance do ya'll usually book, when skipping from city to city?

Another question...how difficult would it be to find a cheap(around $20.) place to crash in a "cool district" of a major-expensive city (ie: Paris) the day of? Has any one ever experienced a rate increase of a publicized rate when inquiring at the hostle? How do u prefer to book...online or by just walking in? Is it ever cheaper to just inquire at the hostle as opposed to booking online? Am I asking too many questions????????x1billion

Tips much appreciated!

Hostel rates generally aren't like hotel rates - the prices tend to be much more fixed (after all, they're budget accomodations), based upon the season. So the rate for a same-day drop-in is usually the same rate that anyone else gets.

You are going in the peak tourist season, so drop-in is still possible, but more difficult, as a lot of the desirable hostels will be full or nearly full. Some places maintain a number of spots for people w/o reservations, but you usually have to line up at an ungodly hour to get in. (This happens at the Flying Pig in Amsterdam, as well as the 3 Ducks in Paris, I believe.)

I booked my paris hostel a few days ago, and to be honest, so far it was the biggest bitch of them all...it was hard to find a semi-cheap one w/o a damn curfew. i really didnt want to book ahead of time @ first because i thought it would take away the fun of wandering around, but i figured i will be doing enough of that in the cities. also, you can cancel the reservations if you give them 24 hours or so, and at the most you lose your $2 a day deposit, so reserving them ahead at least lets you know if all shit hits the fan you at least have a place to sleep. the hidden bonus i have found about booking early is the fact you can get a better read on the actual money you will need for accomidation. it has been :cheers: a huge help in the budgeting area.