When you undertake a long trip, the cost of hotels can become an issue or even prohibitive.
So, what's the alternative?
Here in New Zealand, where I am currently, the alternative to hotels/motels is either hiring a campervan (which is mega expensive!) or use competitively priced hostels?
My initial reaction to using hostels was tarnished by the 'party hostel' image that I had in my head from experiences many years ago in the UK and Europe. However, I was reassured that in NZ my experience would be different and far more acceptable.
On my recent South Island trip, I stayed in hostels for twelve of the 18 days and my overall reaction was actually one of surprise and enjoyment.
The hostels I stayed in were:
all clean and fit for purpose
all had the choice of private single/double bedrooms, some of which were ensuite, some weren't (Yes, I am too old for dormitories!!)
all had spotlessly clean toilet and shower facilities
all had comfortable beds with perfect linen
In addition, the staff at each place were ever so helpful, and the overall additional facilities all worked for me. Some places had super social kitchen and lounge areas, where you could mix with fellow travellers, as well as efficient laundries, which you really do need on long journeys.
But the one thing that surprised me most about hostels, apart from the competitive prices, were the age groups of fellow travellers.
Literally, there were people staying from 'gap year' international students right up to pensioners, like myself: both singles (male and female) and couples too, from all over the globe. It felt a bit like the UN at times but great fun and some fascinating stories haha
My favourite hostel was Noah's Ark in Greymouth.
From the amazing initial welcome I got from both the owners (and the dog) to the quirkiness of staying in animal themed bedrooms (in my case the Zebra room), this place was simply awesome, and I would fully recommend it to anyone staying in Greymouth.
The best overall hostel was the Tuatara Lodge in Invercargill.
This place had everything. Great town centre location (the bus stop for InterCity was literally outside the front door), really helpful staff, spacious bedrooms with ensuite, impressive laundry facilities and its own craft ale pub on site. What more could I ask for!
So the answer to the question: am i too old for hostels?
Absolutely not!
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