+Glyn Morris Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 Hi guys. Thinking of joining the Yha and wondering what it's like these days. If it wasn't for caching I wouldn't have thought of it but we want to search beyond our backdoor and don't want to spend a fortune. We do camp a bit, but prefer a solid roof where possible. Is the YHA the answer to my prayers? Quote Link to comment
+Guess Who? Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 We use it sometimes for a few days of caching, we're going upto Yorkshire then Cumbria at the end of the month with the YHA. Fairly cheap, great facilities, ideal for the cooler months. I recommend it (Also try haggerling, it usually works) Quote Link to comment
+Globetrotter.uk Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 I am a member and it's great for families too. Often I stay in London and the food is great. Also I use their restraunts even when just in London for a days caching. Quote Link to comment
+Team Balders Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 Hi guys. Thinking of joining the Yha and wondering what it's like these days. If it wasn't for caching I wouldn't have thought of it but we want to search beyond our backdoor and don't want to spend a fortune. We do camp a bit, but prefer a solid roof where possible. Is the YHA the answer to my prayers? I returned to hostelling a couple of years ago and found that it had changed quite a bit (for the better). No more chores No more sheet sleeping bags No more 10 O'clock curfew Licenced Bars in many Personally, I joined the Scottish YHA - all the same as the YHA but a lot cheaper Quote Link to comment
+Dorsetgal & GeoDog Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 No more sheet sleeping bags Oh noooooooo, you mean the one I have had in the back of the airing cupboard for years, "just in case" is now redundant? Quote Link to comment
+currykev Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 (edited) No more sheet sleeping bags Oh noooooooo, you mean the one I have had in the back of the airing cupboard for years, "just in case" is now redundant? I can possibly see a new dog-blanket in the making. I was going to stay at the Arundel YHA, but after 9 hours of walking, I decided to take the train home instead. I'm sure it's nice though! Edited October 12, 2008 by currykev Quote Link to comment
+Pharisee Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 Just flash your membership card and Millets will give you a 10% discount on most stuff. Quote Link to comment
+rutson Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 Just flash your membership card and Millets will give you a 10% discount on most stuff. My RA card does that too Quote Link to comment
+careygang Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Just flash your membership card and Millets will give you a 10% discount on most stuff. My RA card does that too Royal Artillery? I never had you as a military sort Quote Link to comment
+uktim Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Hi guys. Thinking of joining the Yha and wondering what it's like these days. If it wasn't for caching I wouldn't have thought of it but we want to search beyond our backdoor and don't want to spend a fortune. We do camp a bit, but prefer a solid roof where possible. Is the YHA the answer to my prayers? I returned to hostelling a couple of years ago and found that it had changed quite a bit (for the better). No more chores No more sheet sleeping bags No more 10 O'clock curfew Licenced Bars in many Personally, I joined the Scottish YHA - all the same as the YHA but a lot cheaper You honestly think things have improved? The YHA is supposed to provide good basic cheap accomodation. They stopped doing that years ago you they moved to smaller rooms and carpets everywhere Quote Link to comment
+ivanidea Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 As a life member and hosteller for many years, I have seen plenty of changes. I have even been involved with organisational side, but gave up when it purely became a managed company which didn't listen to its members. I still hostel, as an individual and as a member of a local group. Althought the accomodation is not the value for money it once was, I still like the option of self catering to reduce costs (also a fussy eater). The social side is better than a B&B, it is good to meet and talk to other hostellers, especially for a lone traveller. Non members can stay, but pay an extra £3 per night, but this is refundable off the membership fee. As a local group, we prefer to stay at the basic (cheaper) non licensed hostels, so we can take our own alcohol and cook our own group meal. Licenced hostels sell cheap wine at expensive prices. Ivan Quote Link to comment
+Glyn Morris Posted October 13, 2008 Author Share Posted October 13, 2008 I like the idea of self catering. Is this an option at most hostels? Quote Link to comment
+HazelS Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 I stayed in one in Bristol a fair few years ago, and I have to say, I was very pleasantly suprised... However, these days I prefer to book a travelodge in advance and pay £29 a night for the whole room... Horses for courses I guess! Quote Link to comment
+SkiBums (UK) Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Just flash your membership card and Millets will give you a 10% discount on most stuff. My RA card does that too My SA card does that too!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment
+Simply Paul Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 RA=Ramblers Association? SA=Skiers Association? YHA=Youth Hostel Association. Reg. Charity No. 306122 Quote Link to comment
+SkiBums (UK) Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 RA=Ramblers Association? SA=Skiers Association? YHA=Youth Hostel Association. Reg. Charity No. 306122 SA = Scout association Quote Link to comment
+SkiBums (UK) Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 RA=Ramblers Association? SA=Skiers Association? YHA=Youth Hostel Association. Reg. Charity No. 306122 SA = Scout association RA = Rebel Alliance Quote Link to comment
+Simply Paul Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 TY=Thank You Quote Link to comment
+SkiBums (UK) Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 TY=Thank You YW= You're Welcome Quote Link to comment
+Alibags Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Just flash your membership card and Millets will give you a 10% discount on most stuff. My RA card does that too Roundhead Association? ooh, I must try and see if mine works! Quote Link to comment
+uktim Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Just flash your membership card and Millets will give you a 10% discount on most stuff. My RA card does that too You're admitting to having a RA card and shopping at Millets Quote Link to comment
+ivanidea Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 I like the idea of self catering. Is this an option at most hostels? I know at least one of the London hostels doesn't have a self catering kitchen, and the self catering facilities at some city hostels are not brilliant (especially for a group). Unfortuantly, some hostels have put up their prices and include a basic breakfast, again, it is mostly the city hostels. Further information about each hostel can be found on their website http://www.yha.org.uk/. Ivan Quote Link to comment
+Simply Paul Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Whispered: Is it ok to link to commercial/charitable organisations again now? Quote Link to comment
+rutson Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Just flash your membership card and Millets will give you a 10% discount on most stuff. My RA card does that too Royal Artillery? I never had you as a military sort That'd be the "Ramblers Association" Quote Link to comment
andynelaine Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Ok lets get down to brass tacks!! On a normal camping trip i would pay 52 quid for two people to stay three nights with tent plus car. How much is a hostel (and how much to join) ? I am thinking the peak district or the lakes(i would guess london is a little more). And what should i expect from a hostel? Iv never been to one, Is it rooms,dorms? Do you have to take your own beding?? Quote Link to comment
+ivanidea Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Hostels can be as little as £10 per person per night in a shared single sex dorm. The more luxurious hostels can cost over £20. Some hostels have rooms which can be booked for sole useage, although this usually costs more. The web site has information on each hostel, although it is not always easy to find the cost or availability for a particular night. Annual membership is £15.95 per person, or £22.95 for a family. Bedding is supplied (sheet, pillow case and duvet cover), although you do have to make the bed yourself. The only thing you need to take is food if you are self catering. Pans, crockery and cutlery are provided in the self cooker kitchens. Some of the bigger hostels have lockers, which you can put your padlock on, for extra security. Hostelling will be more expensive than camping, but you don't need to carry and pitch a tent (and associated equipment). If it is raining, you should be able to stay warm and dry, although bear in mind that most hostels are closed between 10am and 5pm. Ivan Quote Link to comment
+Glyn Morris Posted October 15, 2008 Author Share Posted October 15, 2008 All good advice. Cheers. Quote Link to comment
big_bob Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 As an alternative to YHA, have you considered a cheap Travelodge? They have some cheap deals on at the moment, some as low as £19, which should be of interest to geocachers visiting other parts of the country. Quote Link to comment
+Cushag Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Bought Life membership years ago when is was only £12 (for my lifetime) Still receive Triangle. Stopped using the Hostels when it became cheaper to tent on a Camping and Caravan site than Hostel. Old bones crept in and now I have a Campervan. I still carry my Hostel card with me when I travel just in case I get stuck somewhere and need a roof over my head. The YHA at Conkers looks very nice. I had a quick reccy around it this summer as the New Camping and Caravanning Site at Conkers is next door. It was also next to the Cycle/walking Ashby trail of 7 caches in only a few miles with Cache Moria Madness in the middle. Alas since the summer the Ashby trail caches have been archived. Cause? Pity as it was a very good series. I cycled it and did them all in one day. Quote Link to comment
+seacarrot12 Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 (edited) And you can use Tesco Clubcard points to join the YHA. And the Scottish SYHA, and the Ramblers a**, and several others. It's under green-deals. visit their site..http://www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals/ Edited October 22, 2008 by seacarrot12 Quote Link to comment
+seacarrot12 Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 It appears I cannot shorten Association. ?!? Quote Link to comment
+rutson Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 (edited) And the Scottish SYHA, and the Ramblers a**, and several others. Errr... what ARE you trying to say here??? Edited October 22, 2008 by rutson Quote Link to comment
+seacarrot12 Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Erm......posting info about a bargain..... (sneeks out of room....close's door quietly)........... Quote Link to comment
Sagina nivalis Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 You honestly think things have improved? The YHA is supposed to provide good basic cheap accomodation. They stopped doing that years ago you they moved to smaller rooms and carpets everywhere Yeah, they've closed a lot, but the ones that are still open are worth visiting. And smaller rooms = lower snoring impact potential. 'cept I use them mostly in the winter when they are mostly closed ... Quote Link to comment
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