The word 'hostels' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a type of inexpensive hotel or lodging for travelers and other temporary guests. Example: I chose to stay at a hostel when I went on my trip because it was more affordable than a hotel.
Sometimes it was embarrassing to roll up on council estates, at women's refuges, probation hostels or queues of the homeless at midnight soup kitchens – but never mind the car, she could put anyone at their ease.
Related: The Brecon Beacons' Dark Sky Reserve: five ways to see it There are scores of places to stay, from dirt-cheap hostels to seriously luxurious hotels.
Loch Ossian in the Highlands is one of the greenest hostels in the country - reached by train and a mile's walk from Corrour station (from £14 a night).
Competitors run with small packs containing food and equipment for each day, while overnight bags are transported to mountain hostels, which also provide a simple breakfast and evening meal.
The Northern loop route takes in 10 cities including Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, Prague and the pretty town of Cesky Krumlov in southern Bohemia, which has become a huge hit with backpackers in recent years thanks to its laidback hostels and riverside picnic spots.
Tailor-made firms such as Last Frontiers can organise flights, accommodation and a car for around £5,000 per person, but Europcar at Coyhaique's Balmaceda airport will rent 4WD pick-ups for two weeks from around £1,100, and you could keep costs down by packing a tent or using hostels.
Tour packages from the UK are included, but it's easy to visit Patagonia independently – there are hostels all over, excellent campsites, frequent buses and mini-buses, and English is widely spoken.
At the other end of the scale, HI (Hostelling International, hihostels.com) hostels have always been easy places to meet other travellers.
Self-catering doubles from £28, +27 22 772 0026, kitelab.co.za Aimed at backpackers looking for a peaceful alternative to Cape Town's party hostels, Eco Wave is within a few minutes' walk of Kommetjie's wild and gorgeous Long Beach.
Making friends of all ages is easy, especially if you travel by train and stay in hostels.
In recent years, with the absence of hotels across the islands, people have begun turning their homes into restaurants and hostels.
