Elizabeth, an area manager at the Rivercross Made in the USA store in Valle Crucis (next door to the Mast Store Annex), shares her international travel experience of hostelling:

In 2013, I was lucky enough to spend the month of September traveling around the United Kingdom.  I visited some absolutely wonderful places like London, Oxford, The Cotswold’s, and even Hill Top House, which is the home of Beatrix Potter.  I’m grateful to have experienced so many of England's treasures, but the experience that meant the most to me, by far, was my time in the Snowdonia National Park in Wales.

After weaving around single lane mountain roads for most of the afternoon, we pulled up to a beautiful Victorian manor House called Bryn Gwynant nestled up to Mount Snowdon in the heart of the park.  Once we settled, in we spent the rest of the evening enjoying views from the grand dining room windows, reading next to the fireplace, and getting to know our fellow travelers.  We even managed a visit with some obliging sheep who were wandering around the grounds.  It was an evening that I will remember for a long time to come.  

Now to the best surprise, we were able to enjoy all of this for only $20 each per night!  This was my first stay in one of the Hostelling International facilities and since that time, I’ve found that this organization offers opportunities for affordable lodging all over the world.  They try to place their hostels in interesting locations where you can make the most of your environment, even if you don't have a car.  Not only is it a great price, but you also have access to the public kitchens so you can save a little extra money by preparing your own meals.  

Hostelling International has also begun to make their locations more family friendly, so if a bunk room isn't your style, most locations offer private rooms at a slightly higher price.  Even if you aren't planning on leaving the United States this year, they have some great USA locations as well.  If you are traveling on a budget, I recommend trying a hostel.  I can't promise they will all be in Victorian manor houses, but if you do your location research, you should be able to find a hostel that will save you a little money and maybe offer an entirely new experience.

For more helpful travel tips, click HERE.