Backpacking? More Unusual Hostel Locations

We can take care of the travel insurance for your backpacking trip.  All you have to do is decide where to go! If  you don’t find the Colditz prison-theme ’arresting’ (see yesterday’s blog) how about a haunted Highland Castle?  If you have delusions of grandeur and like champagne on a beer budget, then Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel has to be one of the most upmarket youth hostels anywhere.  Built in the early 1900’s, it has been inhabited by many wealthy and influential people and served as a refuge for royals.  You can indulge in your fantasies of fame and riches as you float past the large art collection and Italian marble statues. The Castle is set in a lovely scenic area by the River Kyle in Culrain, Inverness, and has plenty to keep nature and outdoor enthusiasts happy. Website:  carbisdale.org.  Or visit the Scottish Youth Hostels Organization (SYHO) site at syha.org.uk.

If you don’t mind creepy-crawlies, there’s the Sepilok Jungle Resort in a tropical rainforest in Malaysian Borneo. You’ll find yourself transported to paradise, in beautiful surroundings amongst nature and tropical rainforest and it is also close to the famous Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary.  There are plenty of activities on offer, including trekking in the jungle, boating and fishing in the lagoon, bird watching and camping. Many other fascinating local nature tours can be arranged.  There are a variety of accommodations including dormitory-style.  sepilokjungleresort.com.

How about indulging your wild and independent streak and dancing under the moon?  Try The Shiplake Mountain Hostel located near Dunmanway, about 30 miles outside Cork in West Cork, Ireland.  You can choose between staying in a traditional stone farmhouse or one of their romantic gypsy caravans set in the foothills of the Shehy Mountains.   shiplakemountainhostel.com.

If you’d prefer your unusual adventure a bit further west, try a lighthouse in California. The Point Montara Fog Signal and Light Station can be found alongside the rugged coastline approx. 24 miles south of San Francisco. Dating back to the 1870’s the lighthouse and other old buildings have been restored and used as a hostel since 1980. You might be lucky enough to catch sight of some gray whales as they migrate.  There is plenty to see and do in the area with wonderful hikes, biking trails, water sports and great views. norcalhostels.org/montara/.

While you’re out West, get a taste of the old Wild West at Sumpter Stockade & Hostel in Oregon.  Located approx. 25 miles from Baker City in the eastern part of the state, it’s in the middle of an old gold-mining town. They have a narrow gauge railway and a huge gold dredge and will take you on tours at no additional charge. You’ll sleep in a cot in the barracks and drink in a real saloon.  All this and modern conveniences too.  (Sorry, but having a bath Clint Eastwood-style with a pretty woman filling it for you while you smoke a cigar is no longer available).  For information on this and many other hostel choices around the world, visit: hostelworld.com.