Youth hostel << HOS tuhl >> is an inexpensive overnight accommodation for travelers who belong to hosteling associations. The major hosteling association, Hostelling International, coordinates a system of thousands of hostels in dozens of countries. The official name of Hostelling International is the International Youth Hostel Federation. Its affiliate (branch organization) in the United States is Hostelling International-USA. Its Canadian affiliate is Hostelling International-Canada. The Youth Hostels Association (England and Wales) and the Scottish Youth Hostels Association coordinate systems of hostels throughout the United Kingdom. Both youths and adults can belong to hosteling associations.
Generally, each hostel has dormitory-style sleeping quarters, a common kitchen, and a lounge for socializing and relaxing. Large hostels in major cities offer additional facilities. On-site managers supervise each hostel, but visitors prepare their own meals and maintain their quarters themselves. Many hostels are close enough together that members can walk or cycle from one to the next. Many hostels occupy historic buildings.
Richard Schirrmann, a German schoolteacher, developed the youth hostel idea. He founded the first hostel in Altena, Germany, near Ludenscheid, around 1910. His plan became popular and quickly spread to most European countries.
The first youth hostel in North America was established by two Canadian teachers, Mary and Catherine Barclay, in 1933. It was a tent at Bragg Creek, Alberta, Canada. Two American Scout leaders, Isabel and Monroe Smith, introduced the first hostel in the United States, at Northfield, Massachusetts, in 1934.
