International Travel Guide

Hotels used to be purely for necessity, inns that provided a room for the night for voyagers passing through during the night. Today, properties are still frequented by over-night trekkers in need of a bed, but the variation between the inns of the past and the hotels of today is enormous. The same goes for theaters, which have been used for centuries to get peoples’ minds off of the difficulties of every day life. Now there are theaters that are both famous monuments and works of art, as well as others that are more present-day and modern. Just like other endeavors, hotels and theaters have altered drastically over the decades; some can only dream of enjoying them.

All around the world are dreamy destinations that can fit into any fantasy; at any of these settings you can find a deluxe place to stay that offers anything your heart desires. There are theme hotels, for example Quebec’s Hotel de Glace, a hotel in Quebec City that is made entirely out of ice, and even historic hotels such as the Martello Tower in the United Kingdom, which is an ancient Napoleonic fortification. One can find outdoorsy themed lodges, boats, and even lighthouses that have all been converted into hotels. Most of these resort type inns have been made to create an experience, some of which are luxurious, and others that are more about the adventure and less about the glitz and the glam.

Some of the most extravagant and impressive works of art around the world are theatres, a number of which are old and others that are new. When tourists travel, they generally search for these monuments of art, both to watch plays as well as to experience history. La Comeacutedie Franccedilaise, located in Paris, is one of the more historical and world-renown locals for enjoying plays; it is the oldest national theatre, created in 1680. The building itself is breathtaking and worth a trip, if not just to take in the beauty as well as a few photos. The National Theater in England, built in the 1960′s, is an excellent example of a modern theatre that specializes in the more avant-guarde productions, in order to represent itself as unique and fashionable. There are many buildings like this around the world, and usually one in each large city, though they may not be as impressive as the National Theater. The choice between contemporary and classic depends on the individual himself, who must decide based on his own preference and taste. For a tourist, however, it should be noted that both are worth a visit because in most cities, there are modern and historic options.

When considering a trip to one or more foreign countries, a vast amount of research should be required so that visitors do not miss out on the assortment of hotel and theatre options that are out there. Do not forget to check out multiple web sites, travel guides, and definitely try to find some locals to talk to that can tell you the coolest and most interesting locations. If they can make a hotel out of ice, just imagine the possibilities that you could be missing!

Few things are as enjoyable as hanging out, local brew in hand, on the roof of a semi-run down but friendly and brightly painted hostel in the middle of a major city.

You’re usually sharing laughs with like-minded travelers you met two hours before. And, often, within a block or two, you can see the brightly lit sign of a Hilton or other major hotel.

And whether that hotel has a roof deck or not, chances are it’s not filled with new friends buying each other rounds. And there’s no doubt, it’s 10 times as expensive as your friendly little hostel.

But there is, of course, a cost to staying in the heart of Prague for $20 bucks a night: The Hostel Dorm.
Yes, to get that cheap rate you have to sleep with anywhere from four to 40 people. And not in the fun way.

But with a little preparation and the right attitude, the benefits far outweigh the meager costs.

What to Expect
First, if you’ve never stayed in one, hostels are essentially college dorms writ large: Rows of three-high bunk beds, shared bathrooms and piles of backpacks, lots of shoes and the occasional short-term relationship. Good hostels also have lockers to store your stuff.

Upsides and Hassles
The upside of staying in any hostel dorm is the cost. Usually it’s half the price of a private room and a tenth the cost of staying in a traditional hotel.

The dorm is also where you hear about that local house party, or the hike everyone is going on the next day. It’s better than a guidebook, the social cloud is free and it’s a good time.

Hassles
The downside of all that community is, actually, all that community. If this is your fifth hostel full of new friends, it can get claustrophobic. Everyone needs a break from the madness.

Another is noise. Fact is people snore – loudly. You might even be the snorer and not know it. Either way, someone is going to keep you awake after you have been raging or traveling for 24 hours straight.

Drunk dorm dwellers also often seem to forget that they are, in fact, dorm dwellers. This increases proportionally to alcohol intake. So loud 3 a.m. recaps of the night’s events – often with lights on – are not uncommon.

You can also be kept awake by the occasional dorm room tryst or the group that has to catch a 4 a.m. train and forgets to pack the night before.

How to Survive and Thrive
The over-abundance of community can begin to drive you nuts if you don’t take a break. But lots of hostels are beginning to recognize this and have started offering “chill” rooms. It’s just a dedicated space with hammocks, bean bags, whatever. But there is no talking allowed. It’s a place for you to be in your own space. Alone (kind of) and quite.

Just ask when you book if they have one.

You’ll also need an eye mask and ear plugs. It’s a simple solution. But they really work. The lights and madness continue around you while you’re in dreamland. They are especially handy if you are trying to catch an afternoon nap in the midst of a busy dorm.

And if you are the snorer, bring some ear plugs to hand out. Seriously, I’ve been in dorms where this was done and everyone was really appreciative. The guy knew he snored but still wanted the dorm room deal, so he made sure he didn’t keep everyone else awake. And it worked.

You’ll also want to bring a standard size combo lock and a small luggage lock. Hostels often provide lockers but no locks. The cheapest hostels, however, just have beds. So you’ll want to be able to lock your bag to the bed frame and to use a small luggage lock or two to secure your bag’s zippered pockets.

Probably the best tool you can bring to survive hostel dorm life, however, is a good attitude. People shout, have sex, turn the lights on, undress, snore, shake the bunk and generally live there life not on your schedule. It’s not your space. That’s just the way it is.

Private Rooms / Semi Dorms
The final way to survive hostel dorm life is to, well, avoid hostel dorm life. The best way to go about this is the semi-dorm. Lots of hostels also offer rooms with four to eight beds.

So if you’re traveling with others or meet friends along the way, invite them to share a smaller dorm room. You’re still sharing your space, but it’s still way cheaper than a hotel or private room. You’ll also likely be on the same schedule as your roommates and you’ll know who is sleeping in the bunk above you.

And, for the ultimate in comfort, there is always the hostel private room. They are much more expensive than dorm rooms, but still a fraction of the cost of a regular hotel. You also get to enjoy the friends, the community and spirit of hostel life. You’ll part of the cloud, but have your own space whenever you want it.

Make sure to book in advance, as private hostel rooms are few and far between and often occupied.

So despite the occasional restless night and bodily noises, dorm rooms are definitely the way to go for the budget traveler. And if someone is keeping you awake, you can always to go the roof-deck with a local pint in hand, stare at the Hilton sign two blocks away and count the money you’re saving.