Hostels around the World
Hostelling International
Hostelling International has more than 2,300 hostels around the world and 2.63 million members, and has been at it for over a hundred years. Most youth hostels accept reservations. Almost none have age limits.
You don't have to be a member to book, but the rules vary by country. In some countries you need a membership to stay, in others non-members pay a small extra fee or buy a card when they arrive. Members get member rates or a discount at every HI hostel, as long as they book directly with the hostel or through HI or the national YHA website, not through a third-party agent. An adult membership lasts 12 months, costs depend on the country where you live, and everyone over 16 needs their own.
The IYHF address this page used to link, iyhf.org, no longer loads. Search and book on hihostels.com instead.
Private Hostels & Backpackers
For independent hostels, look on Hostelworld. Hostels.com, which this page called the most complete list in 2011, now simply redirects there. Hostelworld passed 3 million members in November 2025, and its app lets you see who else is staying, chat with them and join events at your hostel and nearby.
Some private hostels, especially the party ones, set an upper age limit for their dorms, usually 35 or 40. It's shown on the listing, so check before you book. If you're past it, or just want a door that locks, many hostels have private rooms too, often for less than a comparable hotel, and you still get the kitchen and the common room.
Getting the most out of hostels
On a long trip, hostels are where you pick up the tips that aren't in any guidebook: which bus actually runs, which border crossing is quick this month, who is heading the same way. In the expensive countries the hostel kitchen is a real saving. Cook a few meals a week and it adds up over six months.
For other ways to sleep cheaply, see Hospitality Exchange and Homestay & Home Exchanges. For hotels, see Hotel Reservations. BootsnAll's guide to accommodation for long-term travel covers the rest, and our Low Cost RTW Trip page puts it together with the flights.
Tags: backpackers, Hostels, Hostels around the World, low cost travel, round the world, RTW backpack, rtw on the road
Planning a round-the-world trip? AirTreks has built multi-stop itineraries since 1987. See sample routes or ask a specialist.