WHAT IS HOSTELLING?
Hostelling is a special kind of travel. Unlike hotels that tend to be isolating and often generic in what they offer, H.I. foster meaningful, affordable travel. At Hostelling International-Brazil www.hostel.org.br we give people the chance to have life-changing experiences through travel using our hostels and programs. Hostelling International offers affordable, quality accommodations and services at more than 4,500 locations in over 60 countries.

WHEN DID BEGIN HOSTELLING?
Hostelling began in 1909, when German schoolteacher, Richard Schirrmann, began taking his students on weekend field trips to the countryside for fresh air and interaction with nature. He was concerned about the health and welfare of his students growing up in a coal-mining town. School buildings, empty on weekends, were used for overnight accommodations. The concept of a network of student "youth hostels" was developed from this experience. Then in 1912, was created the first Hostel, in Atena, German, which is working until now. The hostelling movement grew quickly in Europe. In 1932, the first international meeting was held in Amsterdam and the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) was formed. In Brazil, the idea started developpe in 1960 decade, from the Hippie and Students Movements called " Foot on the Road". In 1971, was founded the FBAJ in Brazil. Nowadays The Hostelling International is the major net of hospitality all over the world, in 5 continents.

IS HOSTELLING ONLY FOR YOUNGS? WHO CAN USE HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL?
No. Whatever your age, race, religion, income or nationality we offer you affordable year-round accommodation, and a range of programs. Hostelling International and the Blue Triangle are the global seal of approval of the International Youth Hostel Federation. Our mission is to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling. For more information information go to our national website www.iyhf.org

About HI

Hostelling International is the brand name of more than 90 Youth Hostel Associations in over 80 countries, operating 4,000+ hostels. No other hostel operator can match us for sheer quality or variety of accommodation! Unlike bland motels, impersonal hotels or dodgy backpackers, HI Youth Hostels are fun, lively meeting places, full of like-minded people.


HI is a not-for-profit membership organisation, with a proud history and a relevant philosophy. Supporting UNESCO and a vision of a world of peace, our Youth Hostelling for Peace and International Understanding campaign promotes peace and understanding between all people of the world. Other influential partners include EUFED.

Follow the links below to find out more about Hostelling International:

· HI Quality & Assured Standards - including a visit to the Virtual Youth Hostel

· Country Profiles - tell you more about the country you plan to visit

· National Associations - provides full contact details for your local youth hostel association

· FAQ - answers the Frequently Asked Questions every hosteller has

· Membership - explains what it is and where to buy it

· The HI Story - Learn about: Hostelling International History and Philosophy and the HI Environmental Charter. Discover how hostelling and youth hostels are contributing to Peace & International Understanding, and how HI works with organisations such as UNESCO and EUFed.

UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed."

UNESCO's main objective is to contribute to peace and security in the world, by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication. Hostelling International works with UNESCO to realise these aims through our Youth Hostelling for Peace and International Understanding campaign. To find out more, visit: www.unesco.org

The UNESCO Youth Section, which co-ordinates youth activities, recognises the vital role of young people in realising UNESCO's aims. A key activity is the bi-annual Youth Forum,: the 2003 Youth Forum took place 26-28 September 2003 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. It is a unique opportunity for young people from around the world to be heard, and is an integral part of the UNESCO General Conference.

The 2003 Forum's theme "UNESCO and Youth: a mutual commitment" reflects the desire for UNESCO to develop youth programmes and forge partnerships to actively support the initiatives of young people themselves. Delegates from 104 Member States discussed issues of critical concern for youth:

· Education for sustainable development - with emphasis on the universal need for fresh water

· Youth and HIV/AIDS

· UNESCO and youth

Read the 2003 Youth Forum report and find out more about the UNESCO Youth Section here.