The Prague Plus Hostel offers girl only dorms with hairdryers and fluffy towels

There are very few things in the world that are as liberating as traveling. Once upon a time, worldwide travel was restricted only to the fortunate; few, in truth, could afford the luxury of planning trips abroad. And then came the travel revolution, with countries actively advertising themselves to an international market, and various transportation companies on hand to do the necessary ferrying.

Today, travel is open to one and all – including women who want to cross the globe on their own. Ask any woman backpacker and she will tell you that the experience of solo traveling is indeed a unique one. However, the needs of a woman backpacker are often different from the requirements of a male backpacker. So read on to find out what you should always have with you when you are traveling around the world alone.

Packing
The golden rule when it comes to packing – whoever you are – is that packing light is always right. Remember that backpacking means intensive traveling and the last thing you want is a huge mound of luggage tagging along with you everywhere you go. So pack light and don’t forget to put in important stuff like a first aid box, tissue paper and lots of water.

Clothing
There are certain things that the backpacker needs to keep in mind while traveling regardless of however much style they intend to do things in. In terms of woman solo travel, the way the backpacker dresses is very important as there are certain preconceptions involved with solo travelers – especially those who travel from the west to the east.

Before embarking on your trip, then, make sure to read up about the local customs at your destination and pack accordingly. It’s also worth remembering that who can always buy clothes once you arrive, and these will, by definition, fit with the local way of doing things. Again, packing light is the right thing to do.

Where to Stay
Another very important aspect of backpacking is finding a good place to stay. Thanks to the hostel revolution that’s occurred over the past decade or so, finding a sociable, comfortable and affordable place to stay is no longer difficult. If you’re concerned about staying in a hostel alone, however, it’s easy enough to find woman friendly hostels that assure the safety and comfort of the woman traveler. This will normally come in the form of a female-only dorm.

Before you set off on your travels, then, it’s a grand idea to check out websites that give you information about hostels that have women-only dorms. For example, the Plus Prague Hostel in Prague is famous for providing comfortable and safe accommodation at great rates. This women friendly hostel even has nice clean fluffy towels and hairdryers.

These three tips should help make life easier for women solo travelers. Thankfully, the gap between the ease of day-to-day travel for men and women is lessening all the time; keep the tips above in mind and you’ll be able to lap up the joys of crossing the globe as much as anyone else.

Ios is a party island in Greece that is popular with backpackers

If you’re planning on backpacking around Europe this summer or just fancy a bargain beach break, there are loads of last minute holiday deals in hostels in southern Europe.

Budget accommodation specialists HostelBookers have just launched a summer sale, with rooms in top hostels in Europe from only £3 per person per night. There’s even a handy guide to travel deals in each destination, to help you plan your perfect summer break in Europe.

The destinations on offer include Malta, Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus and Portugal, and there are last minute deals for every kind of traveler, from cash-strapped students to families looking for a cheaper summer holiday.

Couples could spend a romantic break on the pretty Greek Island of Zante, in a hotel perched over a cliff, or enjoy a week in a chic and modern guesthouse in the heart of a valley in Madeira, Portugal. Families will love the range of child-friendly hotels and safe beaches in locations such as Paphos in Cyprus, and Spain’s Costa del Sol. Then there are plenty of student and backpacker-friendly places to stay, from Barcelona with its buzzing nightlife to hedonistic beach parties in Corfu.

So whether you want to party in Portugal with a hostel in Lisbon or find a Greece last minute travel deal, it’s easy to find a bargain summer holiday in August.

London's Generator Hostel is a great place to stay and meet other travelers from all over the world

Whether it’s to hear the chimes of Big Ben or marvel at majestic, browse museums and galleries or the boutiques of Bond Street, London makes one of the most exciting city breaks in the world. This sprawling, multicultural city is packed with things to see and do, and a typical evening could take you from a quiet pint in a traditional pub, to an edgy warehouse party in the east end.

But one thing uniformly acknowledged is that London is one pricey city – from eating out to getting around, the capital’s high prices can put travelers off. But there’s loads of ways to stick to a budget in London – most of the city’s top museums are free to get in. and there are dozens of cool markets for stocking up on cool clothes or cheap eats.

There’s no shortage of budget accommodation either, with plenty of London hostels in the city center. Hostels have come a long way in recent years, and some have the facilities, private rooms and chic decor you’d expect from a boutique hotel. Still, a first-time stay in a hostel can be daunting, with an overwhelming range of hostel types available. Here’s a guide to the choosing a hostel in London:

Where to Stay

London hostels are located all over the city, from right in the heart of the West End, to the more residential outskirts. Where you choose to stay depends on what you want to do in the capital.

West London, Notting Hill and Bayswater are ideal for browsing the designer boutiques in Knightsbridge, visiting top museums like the V&A, Science and Natural History Museum. Hostels in the West End are the most central, but also in the noisiest and most hectic area on London, close to the busiest nightclubs, Oxford Street’s bargain shopping and the delights of Soho, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden and Chinatown.

There are several backpacker hostels in South London, close to London Bridge and the Southbank, perfect for culture vultures who want to visit the Globe, the National Theatre and the London Eye. Then there are hostels in Camden, an area packed with pubs and cool clubs for catching a rock gig, as well as the famous market.

But even if you choose a hostel a little out of the city center, getting around London couldn’t be easier. With an excellent public transport system of tubes, buses and even boats, by buying a travelcard you can travel across London quickly as much as you like. So even if you do choose a hostel a little out of the center, the main sights are still within easy reach. Plus there’s something to be said for discovering a little known patch of this diverse city.

Backpacker and Youth Hostels

The traditional hostel caters to cash-strapped students and backpackers, with huge dormitories, shared bathrooms, and the cheapest room rates. But London’s youth hostels are a cut above the rest – many have an extensive range of facilities, from on-site bars and clubs, to BBQ terraces, jacuzzi, and Internet cafes. Hostels like the Generator also have a buzzing atmosphere, helpful staff, and a lively social calendar, with year-round activities from walking tours of the city to Christmas Parties.

Boutique Hostels

This classier type of hostel caters to travelers looking for cheap but chic accommodation. Most boutique hostels in London have private rooms, ensuite bathrooms, and added extras such as LCD TVs, free wi-fi and not a bunk bed in sight. Hostels like the UMI London also have funky décor, and a bar lounge for relaxing after a tough day of sightseeing.

Gay Hostels

Gay and Lesbian travelers are spoilt for choice when it comes to London. Not only is it one of the most gay-friendly cities around, with several gay neighbourhoods and excellent nightlife, there are a couple of great gay hostels too. Hostels such as the London Gay House are the perfect place to meet other gay travelers, and get the low down on the top gay spots in the city.

Apartments and Suites

For a little more freedom and privacy on holiday, there are several apartments and suites like the Access Apartments that are perfect for families or large groups of friends. Whether you choose a sleek townhouse in Kensington or a modern apartment, these private rooms are more spacious than your average hotel room, and usually come with great self-catering facilities. You may also want to consider a timeshare apartment as they provide all the same amenities aforementioned and can be found for a much more inexpensive price on the online resale/rental market. Plus, they are owned by high end resorts, so you will also receive great 5-star services while having the privacy and luxury of your very own holiday home.

Summer Lettings

London is packed with student accommodation, and occasionally some rooms are let out during the summer to visitors, such as Sundial Court at the Guildhall School. As students sleep here year round, many of the rooms are private and just as comfortable as a regular hostel, and offer fantastic value for money.

BnBs and Lodges

For a more homely place to stay in the big city, there are several cosy lodges and family-run BnBs in London like the Grapevine Hotel, perfect for couples on a romantic break or small families.

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Busker performing on Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain

Whether you are backpacking in Barcelona or just wanting to save your money by booking cheap accommodation, the following hostels in Barcelona have been rated by real hostel guests and are highly recommended by offtoeurope.com.

Itaca Hostel & Apartments

The Itaca Hostel is superbly located in a quiet street in Barcelona’s Gothic area and is close to all of Barcelona’s main attactions including Las Ramblas, Picasso Musuem, Gaudi Architecture, MACBA (Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona) and the beach. Apart from the excellent location, this super clean hostel features a no curfew policy, secure lockers, a fully equipped kitchen, 24 hour reception, 24-hour hot showers, internet access, lounge area, games room and free linen. A nice breakfast will set you back €2.50 and a fresh towel will cost only €1.20.

HelloBCN Hostel

HelloBCN Hostel prides itself on providing a fun, relaxed and unforgettable experience when travelling in Barcelona. Take advantage of the free breakfast, free internet, secure lockers in dorms, sheets and blankets, cool bar and common room, kitchen facilities, luggage storage and 24-hour reception. Situated a short walk from the Old Town and Las Ramblas, the HelloBCN Hostel is in the center of Barcelona and offers easy access to Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions.

Somnio Hostel

Owned by two sisters from Chicago, Somnio is a stunning hostel located centrally in Barcelona. Situated next to Las Ramblas, Somnio offers the service and facilties of a hotel at backpacker prices. Whether you are traveling alone or with a group, Somnio will be able to provide you with a memorable accommodation experience. Rooms and bathrooms are brand new and come complete with luxury bedding, secure lockers, free linen and towels. This safe and extremely clean hostel also offers free Internet and WiFi, 24-hour reception, completely renovated facilities, 24-hour hot showers, lounge area, bar, air conditioning, tour guide and no curfew.

Paraiso Hostel

Paraiso Hostel is a recommended Barcelona hostel that is centrally located within walking distance of Barcelona’s must see tourist attractions. Rooms are clean and comfortable and offer en-suite facilities, secure lockers, clean linen and warm blankets. Personal room keys are provided to hostel guests. Hostel facilities include a rooftop terrace, guest kitchen, free WI-FI, high speed internet access, common room, DVD movies, plasma TV with international channels and free luggage storage. Paraiso Hostel has a no curfew and no lock out policy and offers 24-hour check in. Ask the friendly Paraiso Hostel staff about the free city maps and tourist information.

Have you stayed in a hostel in Barcelona? Was is like a night in heaven or hell? Make a comment and let everybody know!