Ally

Has anyone used them as a cheap way to tour countries? You don't have to be a youth to stay there and they are very popular with budget travellers and hikers.

fin

As a matter of fact, yes. For my 50th birthday I spent a few weeks in New Zealand, with a rental car on both islands. Many young people were hitch hiking and I picked them up and ended up spending many nights at hostels. Thpically they had bunkbeds, a central room with picnic benches and cooking and refrig facilities, showers and laundry on premises as well.

Ally

There is a huge network of these hostels across the world. Its becoming a very popular way to see countries and they can cater for singles to families with cheap and basic overnight accommodation with either self-catering or a breakfast thrown in.