Am I too old for a youth hostel?
We hear this question more often than you might think: ‘Can I still stay in a youth hostel at 40?’ The short answer is yes, absolutely. The slightly longer answer explains who our hostels in Luxembourg are really intended for.
The name is misleading
‘Youth hostel’ suggests there’s an age limit, but this isn’t the case. This term dates back to a time when hiking and travelling were mainly activities for young people. Today, however, our hostels are open to everyone, including families, solo travellers, hiking groups, students, working people, and senior citizens.
It’s true that in many hostels abroad, children and teenagers are often given priority when it’s very busy, for example during school trip season. However, this doesn’t mean that older guests are turned away – on the contrary, they make up a large proportion of our guests.
Our guests include
- Families looking for affordable, hassle-free accommodation for day trips
- Hiking groups and clubs needing a central base for multi-day tours
- Solo travellers of all ages who value interacting with other travellers
- School classes and youth groups, for whom our hostels were originally designed
Things you should know if you’re ‘older’
There’s no upper age limit. While some countries in the Hostelling International network charge a small surcharge for guests over a certain age, this is the exception rather than the rule in Luxembourg. All you need is a valid HI membership (or a day pass), a willingness to share a room with other travellers (unless you opt for a private room) and an interest in straightforward, communal travel.
And if I’m young?
If you’re aged 12–30, it’s worth taking a look at the ‘Carte Jeunes’, which not only offers discounts at youth hostels but also provides savings on culture, leisure and travel throughout Europe.
In short
A youth hostel isn’t a place for a specific age group, but for a specific way of travelling: simple and communal without unnecessary frills. Whether you’re 16 or 60, if that’s your thing, you’ve come to the right place.
Do you have any questions about accommodation, membership or our hostels? Get in touch – we’re happy to help. Alternatively, take a look at our FAQs – you might just find the answer you’re looking for.
