UIA Insurance News

Hostels 'a growing alternative for low-cost accommodation'

Individuals looking for a trendy getaway this year might be interested in staying in a European hostel, it has been claimed.

Johan Kruger, head of public relations and communications at Hostelling International, said that the type of people being attracted to stay in hostels is changing, with families now becoming more inclined to book.

Booking travel insurance should not be forgotten by anyone heading overseas, however, as it is important to maintain cover for both medical treatment and the loss of belongings.

He commented: "[Staying in a hostel] gives you freedom and you have self-catering facilities in hostels which are always an option if you want to keep your costs down."

Mr Kruger added that the increased sociability aspect of staying in a hostel is also one of the draws which are leading more people to stay.

According to figures provided by HiHostels.com, there were close to 1.4 million overnight stays booked on the website during 2008 and the biggest increases in overnight stays were seen in the USA, France, Switzerland, Argentina and Belgium.

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