Hosteling is basically like a dormitory in college where you share rooms or bunks with other people. In this case, other travelers. These have been around for a very long time, at least dating back to the 1960s.

Another difference between a hostel and a hotel (not only the difference in pronounciation and one less letter), they have shared dining areas, bathrooms and kitchens. Yet, the newer hostels have accommodated the demands of the present generation of traveler and include private rooms for couples and families as well.

Wi-fi today is a popular amenity for travelers with laptops. Some hostels even provide chargers for iPhones and iPods. Today at hostels you may even see travelers in their 50s and 60s who have lived in them earlier in their lives while traveling and like to reminisce their past adventures.