Discover the real hostel experience (10 reasons why you should join and become a Hostelling International member)

My first HI membership card
from YHA New Zealand

Credit cards, bank cards, insurance cards, business cards, frequent flyer card; of all these, none do I carry with more pride than my Hostelling International (HI) membership card.  Seriously; "MEMBER SINCE 2000" and proud of it.

My wife and I first joined HI in early-2000 by procuring one-year memberships from YHA (or "Youth Hostel Association") New Zealand to take advantage of their discounted hostel accommodation rates for our 2½-week holiday there that autumn.

Until then, we'd never before stayed in hostel-type lodgings; and while not knowing what to expect, I must say we were pleasantly surprised by what we ultimately saw (and experienced).  Clean accommodation, hot showers and, more importantly, safe.  Yes, the rooms may be functional at best but, trust me, they were very decent and definitely excellent value for money.

On our return from NZ, we decided to sign up as life members of HI-Malaysia in anticipation of our future trips abroad and, in particular, our planned trip to Australia the following year.  From then on, HI hostels have become our accommodation of choice - be it in New Zealand, Australia, France, Switzerland or England.

I am writing this blog post to encourage all intrepid travellers out there who've yet to join as a member of Hostelling InternationaI - whatever your age or creed and wherever you're from - to do so today.  It will be one of the smartest choices you'll ever make in life and definitely one you won't regret.

My current life membership card from HI-Malaysia; proudly held since 2000

But what exactly is Hostelling International?  Well, HI is essentially a non-profit organisation where membership gives you more than a comfortable bed after a long day of sightseeing and exploration.  It literally puts you at the heart of a huge international family where you can share travel experiences and friendship with people of all nations.  Your HI membership card not only opens doors to the world's largest network of safe, clean and welcoming hostels but also (in the case of many hostels around the world) a discount of at least 10% off your accommodation - just one of the many reasons to become a member.

Apart from value-for-money accommodation in more than 4,000 hostels worldwide, HI membership also offers you access to thousands of travel-related deals such as concessions on admission to attractions and museums as well as discounts on meals, transportation and even sightseeing tours.

The card that allows you to see the world on a shoestring

So what's in it for you by enrolling as a member of Hostelling International?  Well, plenty.  In fact, here are 10 reasons why you shouldn't wait a minute longer.

-  Access to the world's largest network of safe, clean hostels
-  Discount member prices in many hostels
-  Be part of a global community of like-minded travellers
-  Discounted trips and activities
-  Concessions on entertainment during your travels
-  Reduced admission prices to museums and cultural centres
-  Savings in retail outlets
-  Reductions on a wide range of travel services
-  See the world on a budget
-  And lots more!

Whatever your budget, HI membership helps you to explore and literally say "HI" to the world - whether you're backpacking across Croatia, exploring the Pacific coast from Sacramento to Seattle, hotting up the tango scene in Buenos Aires or just chillaxing on an idyllic beach in Goa.

So, what are you waiting for?  Join the Hostelling International family today by clicking on this link: Hostelling International - Apply here to discover the real hostel experience OR if you hail from Malaysia: HI Malaysia membership application.  I hope to welcome you as part of the Hostelling International community soon.

Before I wrap up, allow me to leave you with a collage of pictures of HI hostels from around the world.  I trust you'll be impressed by what you're about to see.

YHA hostels from around the world

Disclaimer:  This blog post is neither an advertorial for nor a representation of any third party brand names contained herein.  I do not/did not draw any benefit - commercial or otherwise - out of this.


Are you a member of HI?  If so, please share with us briefly your experiences as an HI member.  If not, do you plan to join HI after reading this?