It isn't clear why the U.S. has never developed a European-style youth hostel culture.

WSJ: In the U.S., Hostels With a Luxe Touch

The former shepherd's bothy, which became a youth hostel in 1933, has remained unaltered for many years.

BBC: Black Sail hostel in Cumbria to get ?260,000 revamp

The scheme, backed by the Northumberland National Park Authority and Youth Hostel Association (YHA), will also create 60 full-time jobs.

BBC: Hadrian's Wall to get ?10m visitor centre and hostel

Plans by a youth hostel to wash treated sewage into a cave on a Cornish beach are being opposed by local residents.

BBC: Aerial view of Treyarnon Bay

Jersey Police launched the investigation into the Haut de la Garenne site, which was a youth hostel in recent years, in 2006.

BBC: 'No child murders' in Jersey home

Le Tour Traveller's Rest, housed in a former towel factory, is Shanghai's best youth hostel and leaves most of the city's budget accommodation hanging out to dry.

BBC: The sharpest rooms in Shanghai

It was most recently a youth hostel between 1960 and 2006.

BBC: Decay fears for Portsmouth 'haunted house'

The cash has been raised by Youth Hostel Association (YHA) members.

BBC: Black Sail hostel in Cumbria to get ?260,000 revamp

The current building has been a vicarage, home to a Catholic religious order, a family house and most recently a youth hostel between 1960 and 2006.

BBC: Wymering Manor in Portsmouth

It was later a youth hostel from 1960 to 2006.

BBC: Portsmouth's Wymering Manor fails to sell at auction

Having one of the south's longest beaches, Plakias has attracted some smallish hotels and restaurants, though the truly extraordinary Youth Hostel Plakias (open from Greek Easter through October) also attracts devotees of all ages.

BBC: Seductive southern Crete