Many college students dream of traveling the country and the world, but don't get the chance during the mostly-broke college years. As a result, many students are turning to hostels, not only for the low prices but also for the experience.
Before students can safely and enjoyably travel to foreign lands, they might benefit from practicing hostelling even locally in Buffalo. For those looking to travel the globe without the five star costs, the UB Hostelling Club can show them how.
"There is no better way to socialize and network while you travel," said Sarah LaPointe, a sophomore psychology major.
Michelle Schroeder, a senior philosophy major, said she had a mediocre experience with a very inexpensive hostel in Dublin, citing its lack of breakfast and a clean bathroom as bearable problems.
"My friends stayed in a hostel in Rome, and they had a really nice experience because they booked a private room with a TV," Schroeder said.
According to Mark Morris, a manager of Hostelling International, Niagara Falls, private rooms are available at many hostels, but rates vary according to the destination. Hostelling International offers memberships for reduced room and rail rates.
Typical rates at Hostelling International, Niagara Falls are $22 per night for members and $25 for non-members. Private rooms go for $48 per night for members and $58 for non-members.
Jayna Garske, a sophomore communications major and president of hostelling club, said that while traveling, she typically encounters hostel room rates between $15 and $20 per night.
"In my experience, staying in hostels is a bit like living in the dorm," Garske said. "Often you have to bring blankets, towels and even dishes if your hostel has an open kitchen."
Morris suggested it's a common misconception that travelers must tote along linens, pillows and towels because some hostels, especially those involved with Hostelling International, provide the necessities.
"I'm used to staying in condos with my family. Staying in a hostel is a step down in terms of luxury, but it's a great way to meet people your own age," said Paul Alguire, a sophomore English major.
According to Morris, hostels cater to students and provide them with a non-commercial experience. Students interested in avoiding tourist spots may find hostels an ideal place to stay, especially when seeking advice about day trips off the beaten path.
Hostelling International, Niagara Falls, for example, offers pub-crawls, group activities within the hostel and tours tailored to students.
"If you're booking online through a Web site like hihostels.com or hostelbookers.com, it's really important to take advantage of the guest reviews to make sure you are booking a clean and safe hostel," Morris said.
The hostelling club's latest trip is taking members to Philadelphia, where they will spend a weekend taking tours, seeing the haunted state penitentiary and staying in a mansion turned into a hostel at the low price of $140, including transportation.
The club plans to take two additional short trips and one long one, perhaps to Chicago for the dying of the river green on St. Patrick's Day.
"We work closely with Buffalo hostel and our advisor to set out an itinerary for a great price," Garske said. "We gain new members at every new meeting, and typically we meet at the Buffalo hostel so students can check out what a real hostel is like."
Trip planning and itineraries are not just available to groups but also to individuals. Hostelling International, Buffalo, features its own trip educator, Benjamin Breault.
Garske welcomed all international students to take advantage of the opportunity to visit places outside Buffalo with the hostelling club.
"Staying in hostels in the United States is a great way to prepare for international travel," Garske said.
