With the summer travel season upon us I wanted to write about one of my favorite travel related savings tips and hints. Hostels, most often overlooked as a lodging opportunity, actually provide a wealth of savings and cultural opportunities.

Full disclosure and fair warnings up front: I’m a member of my local non-profit hostel’s board of directors. Many hostels not only provide lodging for guests of all ages but they also enrich their communities through education and outreach. We just celebrated our tenth anniversary here in Madison, Wisconsin which was an opportunity to host community members for an afternoon of entertainment.

For the budget savvy, hostels offer two great money saving opportunities. First, a bed here in Madison starts at around $18 per night. Single rooms start around $41. Many hostels, including Madison’s are located in the heart of metropolitan areas. Compare the hostel prices to the room rate for the hotel across the street where rooms start at $199 per night. Both the hotel, and Madison’s hostel are located two blocks from the state’s capitol building.

Second, many of a hostel’s community educational, social, or cultural events are offered to the public at no or very low costs. Not only does this present another savings opportunity but it means that your money is well spent and will be reinvested in the local community.

My favorite vacation secret is a hostel located just south east of Madison in one of our great Wisconsin state parks. Accommodations tend to vary somewhat from hostel to hostel. My vacation secret happens to be very similar to a bed and breakfast minus the prepared breakfast but there is an opportunity to prepare your own meals or to share with other guests. Well, when I need a vacation I give them a ring and tell them to have a bed ready then I knock off work early on Friday for a short drive away to peace and seclusion that doesn’t drastically drain my wallet.

I even use hostels for business travel when they’re available. Hostelling International is the best resource for finding and comparing hostels near you or your next travel destination. You’ll find hostels in many major metropolitan US cities, throughout Europe, and much of the rest of the world. With an adventurous spirit hostels make for an easy way to save on travel related expenses.