The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: November sixth, having a hostel experience.

Foreign travelers tend to be more familiar than Americans with the realities of youth hostels. The general concept is of small, dormitory style residences filled with youthful backpackers. While not wrong, that image is certainly incomplete. First, youth hostels have no age limits. In fact, a surprising number of adult travelers prefer them over hotels, less for their spartan, inexpensive accommodations than the prevailing communal experience, which offers a great opportunity to get to know fellow travelers of many different ages and origins.

The latest directory of the International Youth Hostel Federation lists over 5,000 hostels in more than 70 countries, with some 250 in the U.S and Canada. All of these IYHF hostels provide safe, low cost, short-term accommodation in dormitory-style rooms, which are segregated by gender. Some offer a number of private rooms. Most have a common kitchen and public areas. But hostels often also provide visitors with insights and discounts on local attractions, as well as a variety of tours and educational programs. They generally enforce basic rules and curfews, and also ask guests to share basic clean-up chores.

Rates vary by location, running from $8 to $25 per night for members and a few dollars more for non-members. While not required, annual memberships cost $25 for adults, less for seniors and students. Guests are generally welcome on a walk-in basis, but reservations are a good idea, especially for groups or in popular destinations during high season. A website, toll-free phones and computerized booking service makes international reservations easy.

For information about the youth hosteling call 202-783-6161 or www.hiayh.org

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