We all know that Halloween nowadays is just another excuse to party and have fun while wearing scary costumes!

However, for centuries Halloween was considered a moment when the dead, or magical creatures like witches and elves, would walk around on Earth, scaring the hell out of us poor humans.

You might not remember this while you are having a beer and trying to pick up that sexy dressed up Catwoman, or that cool vampire – but if you are staying in one of this hostels, you might suddenly be reminded…

Here are our Halloween hostels: mysterious places, whose past is rich with history and whose present is sometimes disturbing… discover the best hostels for Halloween!

1.  USA Hostels San Diego: located in an 18^th century brothel, this hostel has a number of stories that  is simply unbelievable, from the age of the Spanish missions to the time of the cowboys, to the Gold Rush, probably every sort of strange event has happened here. If you are a fan of old western gunfights at the Ok Corral, this might be the best place for you: it is said (whispered, actually) that the ghost of Sheriff Wyatt Earp still wanders around seeking revenge for his friend Doc Holliday.

Former guests of Usa Hostels San Diego recall seeing the light go on and off for no reason in the middle of the night, and an entire dorm was once awakened by a strange knocking on the walls… the worst part being that the knocking was moving all around the room, including the ceiling and the floor! You may not believe this – but the management later decided to turn that room into a bathroom… and not to forget, the unexplainable night breezes, or all the guests that were woken up after having been “touched and grabbed by icy cold hands”…

2. A convent in Tuscany might not look scary… but what if we talk about an old monastery in the heart of Florence, home of the poisonings and treacheries of the Borgia family?  The monastery of the Seven Founder Saints has now been turned into a hostel, conveniently named Ostello Sette Santi (Hostel of the Seven Saints). You might be awakened and taken for a free night tour of the hostel by the soul of an old dead monk, who still has to find forgiveness and eternal peace… and might need your help to find them!

3.  The High Street Hostel is located in one of the oldest building of the capital city of the first nation that comes to mind when mentioning legends and mythical creatures: Edinburgh, Scotland! Who knows which creatures haunt the halls of this scary 16^th century palace!!

4. If you are one of those who “want to believe” that the Lochness monster exists, there is no better day than October 31^st to go find out! The West End Hostel in Edinburgh organizes day trips to the Lake of Ness.

5. But if you want to stay even closer to “Nessie”, you might want to check out the conveniently named Highlander Hostel Inverness, in one of the oldest building in town, just a stone’s throw away from Loch Ness.

6. The Falu Prison Hostel is not just another “prison hostel”. First of all, the prison closed only in 1995, but it has been active since 1850! But that’s not all, near Falu you’ll find a 1000 year old copper mine and an abandoned wooden village: the souls of those who died in the dark tunnels of those mines are said to wander around here!

The best experience of your life (or, maybe, the last one?) could be sleeping in the in the isolation cell of the former prison, but will you be able to resist the obscure presences gently suggested by the graffiti carved by inmates who would never see the sun again? Go and check if their souls have found eternal peace.. or if they still haunt the prison, looking for revenge!

Happy Halloween!

When it’s cold somewhere, it’s hot somewhere else and if you’re into surfing, HostelsClub has the best surf destinations for you. Check out the full List of Surfing Destinations and Surf-Friendly Hostels so you can get your Surf On!

Some of the hot spots are Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Spain and the US, so be sure to check out the best places to surf and where you can stay at budget pricing since just getting to these places might take a toll on your wallet.

Cowabunga Surfer Dudes! Ride the waves and save money while you sleep!

Thinking about travelling with Fido? Well, while it use to be difficult to find pet-friendly accommodations, now there are many places which welcome you and your four-legged friends! HostelsClub has added it as a searchable facility so you can filter out only those hostels that are animal friendly.

To give you some ideas of where you can go around the world at budget prices, we decided to make a little list for you.

Here are a few hostels where you can take your pet on holiday!

1. Rome – AD 1 House is a few steps from Termini train station and offers dormitory beds from € 18 and private rooms from 38€. AD 1 House staff are always available and friendly and will have no problem welcoming your 4-legged companion.

2. Naples – Also in Italy, Hostel and Hotel Bella Capri, welcomes families and pets with high ratings in cleanliness and tranquility. The Hostel and Hotel Bella Capri is located in downtown Naples, at Piazza Municipio, and with 20 € per night, it can accommodate you and your pet.

3. Barcelona – The AAE Rey Don Jaime is located on the lively Via Laietana, a two minutes’ walk to the famous Las Rambas area full of bars and restaurants. Prices start at € 23.80 per night and you and your pet will sleep in the middle of Barcelona!

4. Paris – Hotel de la Herse d’Or is in the heart of the Marais, near Place de la Bastille were all the nightclubs/bars are allows you to leave your pet and enjoy the night in the land of love with secure, clean private rooms with free WIFI !

5. London – Forest Gate Hotel is located in East London with basic amenities but including a kettle, fridge, microwave and toaster in the room in case you want to make your own breakfast for you and your pet, has private rooms starting at 23 € per person!
The list of hostels that accept pets could go on and on, but for now we’ll stop here and wish you and your pet safe travels!!

Beach Parties, Summer Madness and Amazing Waters!

1.  Italy – Beach cities like Palermo, Rimini, Naples, Ravello (Amalfi Coast). Click here for current Italian sales and discounts!

2. Greece – Visit the clear waters of Mykonos, Crete, Santorini, and Zakynthos. Click here to see the Greek Discounts!

3. USA – Miami, Los Angeles, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts! Massachussetts might sound weird, but you haven’t seen the cool beach houses there…major house parties….

4. Portugal – Check out the Algarve Region on the Southern Coast! To die for…

5.  Spain – Ibiza, Barcelona, and the southernmost Andalusia region!

This is the inside scoop where you can find the locals and non-stop parties on all these coasts!

Rainbow pride can be fun for everyone!! And these festivals below are definitely unforgettable events!

1. Rome – Gay Village 2010 – June 17- September 12

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2. London – Pride London Festival Fortnight – June 19th – July 3rd

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3. San Francisco – San Francisco Pride – June 26th and 27th

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4. New York City – PrideFest New York – June 27th

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5. Amsterdam – Amsterdam Gay Pride – August 5th -8th

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Enjoy!!

Here are 5 top reasons why iPads can come in handy for travelers:

1. Weight –It only weighs 1.6 lbs which is much less than most laptops and even than my purse for that matter!
2. Battery life – The battery life is claimed to last for 10 hours which is very handy when stuck somewhere that doesn’t have any plugs nearby.
3. 3G – Now you can bypass local cable companies to access the internet, which saves you money on international plug ins, internet café searching and conveniently works in airports, hotels and hostels that you’ll be visiting along your trip.
4. Convenient design – If you are used to flying a lot you know how small the plane trays can be and the iPad fits conveniently on the tray allowing you to type easier too, especially if you have the iPad case.
5. Picture download capability – If you buy the camera connection kit, it will allow you to easily upload your photos while on the road!

While iPhones are small and handy, this device is just a bit larger and has more functions to play with! Become a HostelsClub facebook fan and enter the chance to win!

1. Do you know how to ride a bicycle?
2. Do you know the difference between left and right and do you understand road signs?  (We Dutchies bicycle on the right. We even have bicycle signs on the road, so please don’t be all over the place.)
3. Have you ever seen “almost” naked women or are interested in seeing them?
4. Do you love cheese?
5. Have you always dreamed of legally being able to smoke a joint?
6. Do you love DJ Tiesto, techno music and parties, parties and more parties?
7. Do you like to drink Heineken beer?
8. Do you like to “go Dutch” with your girlfriend during your holiday instead of being the gentleman all the time?
9. Are you able to walk in clogs?
10. Do you like tulips and windmills?

If you answered “Yes” to all these questions…..

Then consider yourself a 100% potential Amsterdam tourist! You are guaranteed to have the best time of your live in Amsterdam.

Book a hostel in Amsterdam straight away!

The HostelsClub philosophy this Valentine’s Day is that a romantic weekend does not have to be expensive or about how much you spend, but who and where you spend it at. Check out the Top 10 list:

1. Venice – No other city has more beautiful alleyways, foot bridges and scenery for couples in love. Picture this: narrow streets, small cafes and restaurants galore, canals and gondoliers singing just for you. The Venice Gondola Tour is the most romantic way to make declaration of love. Then in the evening you can go in the middle of St. Mark’s square and soak up the live classical concerts and the atmosphere of the city. While many consider Venice to be expensive, there are beds in Venice as low as 25€!

Book a bed in Venice

2. Paris – Also nearly tied with Venice, but in at number two, is this historic city of romance. It is a mecca for love and passion. Nice romantic ambience in every café, amazing architecture and sweet smells of croissaints and pastries filling the air. How about that for a nice backdrop for a romantic weekend? Spend a weekend in Paris and visit Montmartre Sacre Coeur, the Gardens of Luxembourg, dine in the Marais district and finally stroll along the Seine. You can find cheap hostels from as low as 20€ per person for a double room!

Book your hostel in Paris

3. Buenos Aires – The city where life and love are inseparable, much like the tango dancing which was born in the suburbs of Buenos Aires. It is known as the ‘Paris of the South’. Just go to the first bar in Buenos Aires and feel the passion in every corner of the city. With a great steak dinner and a bottle of Malbec, you’ll be tango dancing in no time! A double room in Buenos Aires costs as low as € 15 per person!

Book your hostel in Buenos Aires

4. Vienna – Because of the famous Austrian romantic waltz dance, we have chosen Vienna to be our fourth most romantic city. With its lovely cafes, avenues and parks, Vienna has become a favorite of all lovers. Have some hot chocolate at a cozy cafe on the corner, go on horse-drawn carriage rides, and walk through their beautiful green parks to set the mood. The distinctive ambience of the capital of Austria makes this city so special for a romantic trip. A double room can be booked from as low as 22 € per person.

Book your room in Vienna

5. Istanbul – It may be a surprise to you, but Istanbul, with its oriental atmosphere, where everything is mysterious and passionate, is full of romance and love! The narrow streets of Istanbul, oriental spices and hot drinks for both day and night time makes Istanbul is perfect city for a getaway with your loved one! With just 13€ each a double room here is perfect for a budget-friendly couple.

Book hostels in Istanbul

6. Las Vegas – The city of sin is where your love can reach all levels. Everyone knows it’s a great place to get married on the run, but it is also one of the most enchanting and fascinating places in the world, a sparkling jewel in the desert – literally. Not to mention you can always pretend you are traveling while visiting casino’s like the Venetian which also has romantic gondola rides you can partake in or go to the casino where you can feel like you’re in the Wild West at one point and Egypt the next. Las Vegas is the perfect place for a vacation and honeymoon. There are private rooms from 23€ per person!

Book your room in Las Vegas

7. St. Petersburg – The most romantic city in Russia is without a doubt, Saint Petersburg, with all their stories of dramatic love. Not for nothing this city is called ‘Venice of the North’. There are small canals and waterways, romantic white nights, and dinners with caviar and vodka which is a great cocktail for love. One of the favorite places for lovers is the Potseluev Bridge (the Kissing Bridge) where legend says that everybody who kisses on that bridge will be together forever! Private rooms in St. Petersburg from 19€ per person.

Book your hostel in St. Petersburg

8. Prague – The pearl of the East, is a magical place, perfect for romantics and lovers and is eighth on our list! Enjoy every romantic minute in the evening, under the light of gas lamps in the narrow streets and the romantic flair of the city. Many couples choose romantic castles of Prague to get married, so why not start your romantic holiday there? You can stay in Prague for just 10€ each!

Book a hostel in Prague

9. Lisbon - The city of broken hearts and breathtaking passion. Lisbon has become more and more popular for lovers, and it owes this reputation to their traditional music – fado – played with a classical guitar usually with lyrics about missing a loved one. Plus with its historical palaces, colorful houses, the shimmering river and warm light reflecting in the windows, it is the city of romance. For Valentine’s Day Lisbon offers rooms from 15€ each!

Book a room in Lisbon

10. Miami - The American caribbean city streamed with palm trees and the blue ocean of South Beach. Walk along the promenade of Collins Avenue where you have a tons of restaurants of all cuisines to choose to dine in. Enjoy of nice Cuban mojito on an outside terrace or poolside followed with a walk down the sandy beach with sounds of the caribbean music in the background. Private rooms for 35€ each including your own kitchen if you want to cook up your own meal!

Book your room in Miami

Perhaps you do eco-friendly shopping  in the grocery store, take the train instead of the car now and then. But did you know you could also make a conscious choice and Go Green also when you book hostels or hotels?

Hostelsclub has a lot of cool eco-friendly accomodation for you to choose between. Let’s start with Barcelona. At Urbany Hostel, they not only offer you pool, sauna, jacuzzi and free breakfast in a top modern environment. The entire house  is built in eco-friendly material. And  they even collect rainwater to water the green areas.

In Boston, the Boston Downtown/ Hi Hostelling International will be your green oasis in the middle of this hectic city with great recycling stations, energy efficient lighting and appliances, low VOC paint, recyclable carpet, low-flow plumbing, environmental-friendly cleaning products…  And they even recycle your shoes if you leave them behind and they will give them to the local shelters.

In Greece, you can stay at  eco- and artist-friendly Athenstyle in popular neighborhood Monastiraki overlooking Akropolis. A place where you sleep with a good conscience in rooms individually decorated by local artists.

There are tons more! Check out HostelsClub’s Full List of Eco-Friendly and Green Hostels!

So you have decided to travel; and you have decided on a hostel rather than a hotel. The big question here is how you know which hostel to choose and which to avoid.
Most of the tips I have mentioned are about you and what you want.  The best place to look for a hostel is on a hostel booking site.  Those sites have most or all of the information you will need.  If they know what you will need they can be ready.  Likewise, if you know what kind of atmosphere you are walking into you can be better prepared.
The most important resource tool for reserving a hostel is your computer.  If you don’t have a computer go to the library and use theirs.

1.    Where are you going and do you have a travel plan?  Do some research on the area you will be traveling.  The area of the world doesn’t matter just have an itinerary.
2.    How will you be traveling?  Will you be hiking?  Biking? Will you be traveling by car?  Will they have a place to store your bike, or a parking space for your car?
3.    What kind of shape will you be in when you get to your hostel?  If you are a hiker or biker chances you will want nothing more than a hot shower, a filling meal and a quiet place to sleep.  If you are traveling under your own power you will probably get a good nights sleep regardless of the environment.
4.    How many nights will you be staying.  Let the booking site know how long you intend to stay.  It will be awkward for you to be all unpacked and the host says you need to leave, because other traveler is moving in.
5.    Do you need privacy?  Many hostels just have a large dormer with several bunk beds and not much privacy.  Some do have private rooms for an additional fee.  If you are traveling with a significant other and would like to be alone make sure there is a place for you to be alone…..together.
6.    Are you allergic to smoke?  Ask what kind of smoking or no smoking policy the hostel has.
7.    Does the hostel have an elevator or a handicapped accessible entrance.  Will they have the proper facilities to accommodate a physically challenged guest.
8.    Are you the type that has to read before they can sleep?  You might consider buying a small head lamp if you think you will need it.
9.    Pack the right kind of sleeping attire.  Is it going to be cold?  Sometimes blankets are in high demand it cooler climates.  If you are traveling during the summer will they have air conditioning?
10.    Will they feed you?  Don’t expect anything fancy but, if you are hungry a bagel and coffee might take the edge off until you can get to a real breakfast.

The best advice anyone can give a traveler is do your homework &…. book on HostelsClub.com ! .  Dig up as much information as possible.  The more you know, the more you can be prepared.