By Jennifer Baik
Assistant News Editor
Hostels or hotels?
Which would you choose?
Students seeking affordable travel this summer should consider applying for the 10th annual Hostelling International’s Travel Grant.
Since 1991, the Los Angeles Council of Hostelling International – American Youth Hostels (HI-AYH) has been awarding $500 to students between the ages of 17-26 in the form of travel grants.
The purpose of the grants is to assist recipients in realizing their educational goals through their traveling experiences.
For most students, outside traveling can be expensive.
Living in hotels can be costly when students decide to travel abroad during the weekends. So Hostel International, the largest network accommodation in the world, has provided dormitory-style housing to youth for 80 years.
Students who plan on traveling this summer are encouraged to submit a proposal about their travel plans and the grant recipients will share their experiences with Hostelling International upon their return from the trip.
Aspiring photographers, writers, playwrights, artists, poets, and filmmakers are encouraged to apply.
The organization’s programs committee has approved writing, photography, film or theater as a way of demonstrating the ability to inspire others and illustrate the joy of travel.
“I believe in traveling as a way to learn about the world,” said Stephanie Rizzi, executive deputy director of Hostelling International at Santa Monica.
“Hostelling is a form of educational travel where we give people the chance to have life-changing experiences using our hostels and programs. That is why we encourage talented students to apply for the chance to win a $500 grant.”
Hostels are unique in that they give students the opportunity to share their travel experiences with others like them.
Hostels range from just a few dollars a night in some countries to an average of $12-16 per night in others.
“We stayed in at least three hostels while we traveled last semester during the London program,” sophomore journalism major Doug Stevens said. “I definitely recommend hostels since it’s a great place to meet other travelers while learning through your travel experiences.”
Today, there are 4,500 hostels through Hostelling International in 70 countries, including the United States, France, Italy, Germany, London, Spain, and Australia.
Hostelling International also provides a network of almost 125 hostel accommodations throughout the United States that are inexpensive, safe and clean.
“I liked how everyone was easygoing at the hostels I stayed in England and it was a cheap place to sleep,” junior biology major Brandon Lancelle said. “If you’re traveling by yourself or with friends, it’s a good way to meet people from around the world and have fun.”
In order to stay in one of these hostels while enjoying discounts on books, travel packs and food, a student must purchase an international student identification card from a nearby American Youth Hostels, sponsored by Hostelling International.
The closest one to Pepperdine is at 1434 2nd St. between Broadway and Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica. The $25 membership is good for one year.
With a HI card, students can save money by getting special discounts at museums, restaurants, attractions, tours and even on transportation in some countries.
“Students need more opportunity to learn by their traveling experiences and hostelling provides all of that,” Rizzi said. “What’s also great about hostels is that they provide a non-alcohol and gender separated atmosphere to help people feel safe and comfortable.”
For more information about the travel grant or about hostels, visit www.hiayh.org or contact the Los Angeles Council (AYH) office at 310) 393-6263.
January 31, 2002