Hostel

Hostels may offer long-term lodging to guests for free or at a discount in exchange for work as a receptionist or in housekeeping.

[citation needed] In 2023, the hostel industry worldwide was estimated to be worth US$ 6 billion annually, and growing.

[3] The typical guest is between 16 and 34 years old, although it can vary depending on the country.In addition to shared kitchen facilities, some hostels have a restaurant and/or bar.

Even during the financial crisis of 2007–2008, many hostels reported increased occupancy numbers at a time when hotel bookings were down.

It showed that youth travel can lead to higher overall spending due to longer trips than traditional vacations.

Guests are advised to be respectful of others: In August 1909, Richard Schirrmann, a teacher in Germany, first published his idea of inexpensive accommodation for youth travel after leading a school camping trip that was derailed by a thunderstorm.

Schirrmann served in World War I and after observing the Christmas truce on the Western Front in December 1915, he wondered whether "thoughtful young people of all countries could be provided with suitable meeting places where they could get to know each other".

During World War II, many hostels in Europe were temporarily shut down or placed under the control of the Hitler Youth.

After the Great Recession, the industry grew rapidly in New York City, Rome, Buenos Aires, and Miami.