Hostelling Worldwide

Hostelling was born in Germany in 1909. The International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) was formed in 1932 by national associations that recognized the need for common standards across national borders.

IYHF now oversees more than 4000 hostels in 85 countries. Hostelling International is the name familiar around the world for facilities operated under the auspices of the IYHF. HI-USA is the United States affiliate.

Hostelling is in many respects a social movement that speaks to cultural understanding and respect for the environment. The International Youth Hostel Federation, representing national associations throughout the world, defines its purpose as:

    “To promote the education of all young people of all nations, by especially young people of limited means, by encouraging in them a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside and an appreciation of the cultural value of towns and cities in all parts of the world, and as ancilliary thereto to provide hostels or other accommodations in which there shall be no distinctions of race, nationality, colour, religion, class or political opinions and thereby to develop a better understanding of their fellow men, both at home and abroad.”

Besides operating hostels that meet IYHF quality standards, national hostelling associations operate programs that further hostelling ideals. Some notable examples include:

These and other programs are offered as part of IYHF’s “Youth Hostelling for Peace and Understanding” initiative.

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