YHA

This article is about the Youth Hostel Association, for the IATA code YHA see Port Hope Simpson Airport.

YHA logo.

YHA and Hostelling International (HI) hostels are found in over 60 countries around the world, with over 4,000 located in places you have probably long dreamt of visiting.

YHA is an initialism or abbreviation for Youth Hostels Association, for example that of YHA England & Wales, and Australia. These are part of the Hostelling International (HI). They have long provided low-cost overnight accommodation, originally in scenic parts of the country, and on the assumption that all guests would cook for themselves.

The YHA/HI hostel network with the support of UNESCO, enables young people of differing nationalities, cultures and social background to meet informally, share experiences, learn about themselves, each other and their surroundings. Hostels foster a remarkable international awareness about current issues.

YHA is dedicated to playing an active role in environmental conservation and is leading the way in mainstream tourism with its commitment to best practice management. Eco-hostels have been developed where travellers can experience environmentally self-sustainable living.

YHA aims to provide an atmosphere that encourages interest in the surrounding cultural and natural environment, and recognises that these are two elements that are essential to meaningful travel. The future wellbeing of all people depends on the actions of today, and because of this, YHA strives to be a responsible quality accommodation provider.

The YHA network in Australia began over 65 years ago in Victoria. It has grown to be the largest budget accommodation network in Australia, with over 140 YHA hostels located in all cities and regional areas. You can stay YHA while you visit the Sydney Opera House, dive on the Great Barrier Reed, go white water rafting, ski in the country’s best snowfields and walk through World Heritage rainforests.

YHA facilities have become more varied and less spartan in terms of comfort and amenities. In England & Wales as part of the 'Eat the View' scheme, and an initiative by Food and Beverages Manager Colin Rich, many hostels now offer local dishes as part of their menu, with organic food supplied by local farms and producers. Gone also are the Nestle coffee and chocolate bars, in favour of fair trade products. The YHA is aiming to open up its membership to people from all walks of life - despite the organisation's name, membership has always been open to people of all ages. Youth Hostels in England & Wales also provide a base for field trips.

Wastwater Youth Hostel in the English Lake District

The vision of the regional organization differs considerably. German hostels, and the larger British hostels, are very much dependent on pre-booked schoolgroups, so the casual traveller may not find a roof here, whereas in Britain there are many very small hostels. In some countries you may not drink alcohol on the premises and other countries have their own bar. Many hostels are in local beauty spots. The catering, if available, differs very much too. Most, but not all hostels have a members' kitchen and certainly not all hostels are staffed. Many of the large dormitories have been split into smaller, cosier bedrooms, including rooms reserved for couples or family groups. Some people are put off youth hostels in the UK by an allegedly 'naff' image, where elegant hallways are spoilt by promotional posters pinned to walls, but the hostels provide inexpensive accommodation in a very informal atmosphere.

External links

[http://hihostels.com - Hostelling International Website
[Official website - England and Wales]
[Official website - Australia]
[Official website - Hong Kong]
[Official website - China]

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