Going to skiing school, travelling with your school mates, first time away from home, or travelling the first time with your backpack through Europe. This is what many people associate with the term Youth Hostel – as well as bunk beds, very spartan rooms, spaghetti and water every night, and so on and so forth.

Many believe they are leaving the target group of Youth Hostels when they reach the age of 30 and can close the chapter Youth Hostel experience. But that is not the case – the Youth Hostels have also changed with the times and offer far more comfort today than you think.

Granted, bunk beds are still to be found in the Youth Hostels and spaghetti are undoubtedly still on the menu, especially of course in groups of children, where Spaghetti Bolognese is undoubtedly a timeless classic. However, the comfort in the rooms meanwhile has become much larger. Even in so-called “dormitories” there are only smaller rooms with a maximum of six beds here in Austria, while there are often double and single rooms for booking. Of course, also without bunk beds. Even if you are traveling with the family, you can choose one of the family rooms for the next family vacation. The TV in the room is also no longer a foreign object in hostels – just ask. However, there is no need to ask that there is Wi-Fi for all in the Youth Hostels.

And the culinary art? The breakfast buffet has grown over the years and now offers a wide selection for the perfect start to the day – and at lunch and dinner, the kitchens of the hostels do not need to hide. For a reasonable price, guests can enjoy the freshly prepared and balanced meals. Of course, a vegetarian selection is also included.

All well and good: But where can you find the Youth Hostels? In Vienna, for example, you can admire one of the most modern Youth Hostels in Europe, where comfortable double rooms with TV and Wi-Fi are waiting throughout the house. Those who prefer to explore the most beautiful lakes in Austria, are well advised in the Youth Hostels in St. Gilgen or Cap Wörth. The hostel in St. Gilgen with its charming half-timbered house style directly on the beach of Lake Wolfgang is perfect for the next beach holiday, while the nearby hostels Bad Ischl and Mondsee serve as great starting points for the sporty exploration of the Salzkammergut.

Cap Wörth offers an exceptional location with its own private beach on the Wörthersee, generous green and sports areas, a unique barrier-free lake access and even its own indoor pool, while the  Youth Hostels Klagenfurt and Villach also offer athletic sports with an attached climbing hall.

But these are only a few possibilities in Austria – the hostels of Austria are part of the non-profit network Hostelling International, which unites over 3.700 Youth Hostels worldwide. So many possibilities, the young at heart can use. If you’re still a bit sceptical, let me tell you that you can expect already made beds and fresh towels in the new comfort rooms – so the adventure of spending the first time as a grown-up in a Youth Hostel is on your way… the adventure Youth Hostel is waiting!