European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 25, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Hostel a continued from page33 International network. Cards can be. Purchased through the mail. A americans stationed overseas can join hosteling International american youth hostels if they have an Apo or Fpo address says Toby Pyle of hosteling International american youth hostels in  can also join the hosteling association of their Host nation a or any other country with hostels but will Likely receive information in the language of that country. It. / in addition Pyle says most hostels admit nonmembers although nonmembers usually pay a higher overnight fee usually the equivalent of a few dollars More. Hosteling International also offers annual guides that locate and describe hostels throughout the world. The thorough Book covering Europe and the Mediterranean costs $13,95 and can also be ordered by mail. There Are Many privately run hostels it outside of the association to choose from. For a amps to Toresa Bujnoch these Don t require memberships and often enforce fewer rules. Independent hostels can offer a Laid Back alternative but since they Are hot regulated they vary in cleanliness and Comfort. The let s co Europe series of travel books often list the locations of both official and private hostels with a Short description they also list cheap hotels these and other student oriented travel books . Lonely planet rough guides offer invaluable up to Date information about budget travel for people of All Ages besides a  card it is helpful to bring your own Sheet or sleeping bag. Some hostels require them Ana rent them other places let you take your chances sleeping on the same blankets and pillows everyone else uses. Theft can be a problem at hostels so it pays to take simple precautions. Since you la Likely be sharing a dormitory room it s Wise to keep your Money on you in some kind of neck Pouch or Belt and your valuables including radios alarm clocks out of sight. Finding a Hostel is easy with a Guidebook. Without one ask at the local tourist information or look for the familiar signpost with a Silhouette of a hut and a tree. This is the International Hostel trademark. Hostels Are usually in Good accessible locations. Those in Rural spots tend to be less crowded and Host a More mature crowd a a Bonus for travellers with Access to a car. A Many travellers say they May Call ahead but rarely make reservations for hostels except in the High tourist season or during a special event like oktoberfest when accommodations of All sorts Are tight. A that said Hostel bed availability can still be very unpredictable since you never know when a school group May have the whole place booked. The Best plan of attack is to show up Early in the morning before the Hostel closes or late in the afternoon when it s about to reopen to grab a spot. Some hostels put out. Envelopes for each available bed so you can come any time of the Day drop in your membership card and claim your reserved bed later that evening a few new modern conveniences Are available for Hosteler who want to pay a Little extra for peace of mind German hostels have integrated a telex reservation system which will for a Small fee Book your next Hostel bed before you be left your present one. And hosteling International american youth hostels new computerized booking system can Reserve a space at More than 100 major destinations on five continents up to six months in Advance. To Access the International booking network know As in Call hosteling International american youth hostels in Washington at 202 783-6161. Clients pay in the currency of the country they Are calling from and receive printed confirmation credit cards Are accepted. The Cost is $2 not including the Cost of the phone Call and you can Book up to three consecutive nights for up to 9 people at a Hostel in the Ibn system. Mark Twain is attributed with the a observation that a Atrayel is fatal to prejudice bigotry and narrow mindedness like Twain you May be Able to Well of turd Europe s hotels. If that is the Case you May not appreciate the experience of hosteling. Hostels Are for people who get by on less to see More and for people who believe travel is More than what you read about in tourist  soss.isalr5e la Quot be Quot a her ln9ln