Travellers of all stripes look for clean, safe and fun places to stay. Sometimes simply being in an entertaining place can make up for amenities that are otherwise lacking. Keep in mind that a cheap bed for the night doesn't have to mean a rat hole.

Hostelling International
First, let's clear up a few misconceptions. Hostelling International (HI) used to be known as the International Youth Hostels Association. Not anymore. With the exception of Bavaria (a state in Germany) there are no more age restrictions on guests. Young and old alike flock to these very affordable accommodations. It's also highly unlikely that you'll have to do chores but, at some point somebody does have to clean... and you'll probably get booted out for at least part of the day. Very few have night curfews anymore (hurray!). And – no – don't bring a sleeping bag. Most HI hostels will either include bedding in the price or they'll provide it for a small fee. You will need a sleep sheet though. And –yes – you have to buy a HI membership to sleep in HI hostels. Get one before you leave.

So what exactly is a hostel? Think dorm. Each room will have between four to eight bunk beds (more sometimes) usually separated by gender. If the hostel has private rooms, they'll be available on a first-come, first-served basis and they'll go quickly. Most have kitchens, laundry facilities and common areas for hanging out. Some may also have lockers, storage, TV room, library, games room, Internet access or a small cafe. Sometimes breakfast is also included.

The hostel might be an older Victorian house, an 18th-century castle or a rejuvenated hotel. Some hostels are party-central, others are quieter and rustic. All are a great place to meet fellow travellers and share tales of the road.

HI operates its own computerized reservation system called the International Booking Network (IBN). Make sure you use it to book in advance.

Youth Hotels
If you'd like a break from the fraternity of hostels consider staying in a youth hotel: Have a night of privacy, catch up on much-needed sleep or just treat yourself. These hotels are not that much more expensive than a hostel. In fact, Travel CUTS/Voyages Campus has made special price arrangements with a few of them in some of the major cities. Bathtub, anyone?

Roughing It
Camping is very popular in many parts of the world with locals and tourists alike. In Europe, in particular, camping is a little different there than in North America. For one thing, you're not necessarily out in the middle of nowhere. Campgrounds are plentiful and cheap and have lots of amenities, like stores and showers. Yours might even have a cafe or nightclub. (Yup, just a little different).

Groups
On a tour you'll stay in some combination of youth hotels, hostels or cabins. Maybe you've chosen a camping trip, so you'll be in a supplied tent. If there's overnight driving involved, you'll be sleeping right on the motor coach.

For example, Contiki™ Holidays offers three types of accommodation: superior tours with hotels, budget tours with multi-share rooms or cabins, and ultra-budget tours on which you go camping.

Pensions
Sometimes a pension will be a small hotel, other times it might be someone's house. As you move throughout a region, pensions may cost the same as, or less than, hostels. Pensions vary wildly from place to place, country to country. Some will have amenities, others not; since pensions are privately run, it's entirely up to the owner as to what's offered and how. Ask to see the room you'll be sleeping in before you hand over any money.

Bed & Breakfast
B&Bs are exactly that: a bed for the night and breakfast in the morning. You'll be in someone's house or a bigger guesthouse. Again – ask to see the room you'll be sleeping in before you hand over any money.

Homestays
If you can stay with friends, family or locals you'll get a more in-depth introduction to a new culture. As with travel buddies, your negotiation skills will be important – that old cliché about overstaying your welcome can be a factor.

The Local Y
If you're looking for sporting facilities, you can stay at the YMCA or YWCA in many major cities.

Trains
If you can sleep in your seat, consider taking overnight trains. If you board after 7 p.m. and arrive at your destination the next day, you will only use one day of travel on your rail pass, not two. And you'll save money and time by spending the night in transit. Can't sleep in your seat? The train will have a compartment where the seats fold into beds. These are called couchettes. They sleep up to six people per compartment. You need to book a bed and pay a little extra, but for some, stretching out to sleep is important. The bunks are sold first-come, first-served and aren't separated by gender. When you book a bed, you're not necessarily saving money on accommodation, but travelling at night does keep your days free for sightseeing.