By Linsay Evans
Senior travelers can save money by staying in Europe's many hostels.
If you're an older adult traveling through
Europe on a budget, there's no better choice of lodging than a hostel. Though traditionally geared toward student travelers and backpackers, many hostels are now more senior-friendly. According to Europe travel guru Rick Steves, many hostels even feature discounts for travelers over age 55. With features such as family rooms, fully-equipped kitchens and the chance to meet a variety of travelers from around, European hostels offer comfortable lodging that won't break the bank.
Hosteling International
Hostelling International (HI) offers a senior discount membership. For $18 a year (as of 2010), people over age 55 can enjoy membership discounts at 4,000 hostels around the globe; an "eKit" that provides up to 70 percent off on international telephone calls and email access; free currency exchange services worldwide; and discounts at selected restaurants and attractions. HI offers an online database and reservations system, so you can search from the comfort of your own home for hostels that offer the options that are important to you, for example, private rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Hostelling International
8401 Colesville Road, Suite 600
Silver Spring, Md. 20910
301-495-1240
hiusa.org/membership/ways_to_join
Globetrotter Inns
Globetrotter Inns, located in Edinburgh, Scotland, and London, are senior-friendly hostels that offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Private rooms sleep singles, doubles or family groups of up to six. All rooms are nonsmoking. Globetrotter hostels offer fully equipped kitchens, on-site restaurants and bars, Internet access, nightly cinemas and an on-site fitness room. Some rooms are wheelchair accessible.
Globetrotter Inns, Edinburgh
46 Marine Drive
Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K. EH4 5EP
011 +44-131-336-1030
Globetrotter Inns, London
Ashlar Court
Ravenscourt Gardens
London, U.K. W6 0TU
011 +44-208-746-3112
globetrotterinns.com/english/index.php
Funny Farm
The Funny Farm in Interlaken, Switzerland, offers private rooms, three bars, a restaurant, pool, gardens and activity booking services. Guests also receive a free bus pass for Interlaken and surrounding areas. Though dorm-style accommodations are available, senior travelers may want to choose a private, single room. Each includes a private bathroom. Guests can use the laundry or relax at the Funny Farm's nightly movie. There is no curfew, so stay out as late (or go to bed as early) as you wish. Some rooms are wheelchair accessible.
Funny Farm
Mattenhof resort AG
Hauptstrasse 36
CH-3800 Interlaken
Switzerland
011 +41-338-281-281
funny-farm.ch
Gästehaus am Graben
Austria's Gästehaus am Graben hostel, about a mile from the town of Ruette, offers double rooms with en-suite bathrooms, most with showers. Some rooms are wheelchair accessible. The Gästehaus offers a television room, game room, Internet access, optional meal service, a garden and bicycle rentals. Some nonsmoking rooms are available. The Gästehaus is about 20 minutes from the popular tourist destinations of the Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau and Linderhof castles.
Gästehaus am Graben
Graben 1
6604 Höfen
Austria
011 +43-5672-62-6440
hoefen.at/120/Englisch/The_House.html
Resources
About the Author:
Based in Phoenix, Linsay Evans has been writing professionally since 2004. With experience in nonprofit grant writing and community relations management, her research has been published in "LIBRES" and the "University of Washington Policy Journal." Evans holds a Master of Library and Information Science, as well as a Master of Arts in anthropology.
Photo Credits:
senior fisherman image by Pix by Marti from
Fotolia.com
