Membership here also gives you access to the International Hostel Association linking you to youth hostels all over Europe and around the world - and not necessarily for 'youths' as in the name - its for young at heart travellers who want to travel and stay at these places. Likewise theres some great places around Europe - including strategic central locations and castles, water mills, high rise buildiings and even ships! in locations beside beautiful water or on cliff tops or out in beautiful woodlands surrounded by bluebells.
At the same time know that membership helps provide funding for groups that the YHA support such as disadvantaged young people joining fellow classmates or friends on residential trips with the YHA (see www.yha-breaks4kids.org.uk)
Membership of The YHA of the UK entitles you to their annual guidebook on all hostels within the UK, and an anuual Hostelling International Guide to worldwide hostels is available for purchase at a 25% discount to members.
Have found this very handy to have in conjunction with accommodation recommendations provided within my Lonely Planet and Rough Guide guidebooks when on my driving tours - especially if travelling in an expensive location and budget accommodation is scarce. I get to see what nearby locations i can choose and drive to instead and also any special hostels to take advantage of such as a castle or ....
Accommodation can range from single to double or family rooms with ensuite bathroom facilities to 4 to 12 person dormitory rooms sharing communal facilities. Usually cooking facilities are provided. Quality can be in 3 star motel type accommodation to basic but generally the services are clean and in most cases 24 hour reception is provided. Ive stayed in some great and much enjoyed places!
