National news
Podium, issue 2
We're really excited to share with you our first edition of Podium in 2022. It's packed full of brilliant articles ranging from sport, health, wellbeing, fun, Games and competitions. Take a sneak peek at one of our favourite pieces:
Youth Hostels revisited
They’re not just for youth, and they’re a lot more than just hostels. For your next UK holiday, have you thought about the YHA option? By Judy Yorke
The staycation trend seems here to stay. Holidays abroad in the Covid era involve paperwork and keeping up with varying and ever-changing regulations in different countries. For many, it just seems too much stress and hassle for something that’s supposed to be a treat.
Most of us, willingly or unwillingly, ended up holidaying in the UK last year – and many expect to do the same this year. But if you’re despairing over costs, cleaning charges and minimum stays, we’re going to let you into a secret. Whisper it – well actually, shout it – but youth hostels are not just for the young. The ones run by the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) are budget-friendly, family-friendly and, well, just plain friendly. You’ll find them teeming with families and groups as well as single travellers.
They might not offer five-star luxury (don’t expect a turn-down service or a pillow menu) but nor are they all about dorms and shared showers. Yes, those are still available (Covid regs permitting) for those who want the cheapest option, and most beds are bunk beds, though we came across the occasional double. But you’ll also find private rooms, often en-suite, and chores are no longer a thing. Facilities vary, but you can expect self-catering kitchens so you can cook for yourself, or, in most hostels, decently priced food cooked for you if you’d rather not bother. Many have drying rooms, lounges and even games rooms.
And one of the pleasures of hostelling is the sheer variety of accommodation and locations. Some hostels are bright and modern and located in city centres. Others are in historic buildings in amazing locations: YHA Whitby is about as close to Whitby Abbey as you can get without bumping into Dracula under one of the arches….continue reading here.
