With over 5 million members scatted across all countries, it is almost certain that if you can locate a hostel, you can find a couchsurfer host nearby, eager to host you for free.
Traveling used to be so easy. I remember throwing a change of underwear and a few clean shirts into a backpack and just taking off. Not anymore.
In my experience, hostels are generally clean, inviting, hospitable and full of friendly staff members and guests. After staying in a handful of hostels, I actually find that I prefer them to hotels because they are safe and comfortable places to stay without a hefty price tag.
Fortunately, there are still some cheapo-friendly small hotels, B&Bs and hostels in central London that offer nice rooms and friendly management.
If the cliches were true -- bigger was truly better and the devil resided in the details -- than the world's smallest hotel rooms might also be its le...
You turn around a corner and find 200 people descending onto a little junction, drinking mojitos, smoking joints and dancing to hip hop booming out of makeshift DJ booths.
Do you stay in hostels? If not, would you? Why or why not? I have found that staying in hostels can be a great way to stretch your dollar (or euro/dirham/rupee) when you travel. Here are some of my tips for improving your hostel stay:
Travel expert, Seth Kugel, told me about his favorite lodging alternatives when traveling abroad, such as apartments and hostels. var src_url="ht...
When your budget approaches the big "O" halfway across the world, everything becomes less peaches and sunshine and more hunger pangs and angry fits. Luckily, you don't need a trunk of Portuguese gold to turn the situation around.
Covered in steep hills and rickety descents, Lisbon takes some climbing to explore. While most of Europe gives up the goods pretty easily, Lisbon makes you work for its main attractions.
Never thought of Canada, did you? Well this sleeping giant knows how to have a good time. When Amsterdam stops burning, hop past Washington, blaze through to Vancouver and make Holland beg for forgiveness.
Alessandro Zampedri is famous for the last reason a race car driver wants to be famous. In 1996, as he was about to finish fourth in the Indianapolis ...
Billionaire Ronald Burkle, a private-equity investor and big Democratic fund raiser, is appealing to a new constituency: scruffy, 20-something backpac...
The varied and shape-shifting nature of my voyages have revealed certain travel truths; I know what I like and, alternatively, what I can't stand, when I'm on the road.
When you travel solo you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. If you're still feeling a bit hesitant about going it alone, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Yes, five star hotels and remote romantic resorts are lovely, but sometimes it's necessary to travel on the cheap. That's where hostels come in. Don't...
Our own fears and lack of confidence keep us from going overseas and taking that trip we dream of. After you take the leap you will realize that all your worries were for naught.
Driving across America is not as easy as is imagined. Here are a few things to remember.
Most vacations are safe and fun. But especially if you're a female solo traveler, keep in mind these seven safety reminders when booking a room anywhere in the world. Then enjoy yourself!
There are all sorts of ways to have a green vacation, and check out our slideshow of some of the top eco-friendly accommodations, from hostels to high...
Fancy spending some time on an organic farm, practicing yoga and taking long walks through the hills? Or would you rather stay in an art-filled old do...
The nice thing about travel is that the more you wander, the more experienced you become. These days, it doesn't take me long to settle in anywhere.
