Australia Blog

Trip Down Under shows hostels not just for 20-somethings

In my post-collegiate travels around Europe, I had stayed at all manner of hostels and remembered them principally for their institutional bunk beds, curfews and showers that I would not venture into without wearing plastic flip flops.

Now, in my mid-30s, my boyfriend and I were preparing for a five-week trip to Australia and New Zealand. Knowing we couldn't afford to stay in charming bed-and-breakfasts for 35 nights straight, Paul suggested youth hostels. I was skeptical, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made.