Hostels, Keeping the American Way of Life Alive During High Unemployment

High unemployment and worldwide destruction of businesses as well as jobs are causing ripple effects throughout the economies of the world. People are scared and pulling in their resources like never before. There is more saving and less spending because of fear. The fear of losing a job, a home and more importantly a way of life, and there seems to be no end in sight.

A major shift to lower incomes, lower house values and less disposable income have businesses looking for ways to offer potential customers something of value at an affordable price. The Hostel is one business that is in a position to provide both value and affordability in today’s economy.

In the past, American hostels restricted their guests to International travelers only. They believed International travelers would be more comfortable with other International travelers. Plus, they wanted to keep their accommodations open with short term stays. In today’s economy, the trend has shifted. American hostels are getting more travelers from surrounding communities; communities located within just a few hundred miles of the hostel. In addition, travelers throughout the United States are discovering what Europeans have known for years, hostels are a safe, fun and affordable place to stay while traveling.

Now, Americans are looking at hostels as a way to keep the “American Way of Life” alive without spending a lot of money. A bed in a dorm room is usually less than $25 a night and private rooms with or without private bathrooms range from $40 to $80 per night. Kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, living areas, porches and decks are shared. As a result, guests can easily meet other travelers in a friendly, home-style environment.

A good example is Joe. He came to our hostel in St. Augustine, Florida from the west coast of Florida. He told us, “I love the romance and history of St. Augustine and best of all it’s just a few hours away by car. I can come over for a weekend and have a great time for very little money”. Within an hour of Joes’ arrival at the hostel, he was sharing dinner with some of the other guests and playing in a pool tournament. Joe has become a regular, coming to visit St. Augustine at least four times a year.

Then there is Laurie. She, her husband and two kids came to stay with us from West Virginia. They were on their way to Naples, Florida where they were meeting friends for a mini vacation. Laurie told us, “We decided to stay in hostels in historic towns on the way down from West Virginia not only to save money but give the kids a history lesson”. “Plus’, she said, ‘we have found the kids are not as bored as they would be in a hotel or motel, they can play games, watch a movie or go outside, hostels are great!”

Hostels are the way Americans can still travel, enjoy an experience they might never have known and keep the American Way of Life alive.

Charles from Paris, France, said it best when he told us, “Most Hostels I have stayed at only have other travelers like me, I like the difference in your hostel very much because I can also meet and get to know Americans as well.”