Many hostels now run tours and have staff member who are either local or who have lived in the destination for a long time, giving you more of a first-hand glance of the culture than you would get at a hotel.

FORBES: A Glam Option For Frugal Travelers: 'Boutique Hostels'

However a glance at Megan's Twitter account gives a sense of what a culture shock a new life at Stormont might prove for the young Sinn Fein activist.

BBC: Culture shock for Stormont's youngest MLA, Megan Fearon