Updated October 2023
Whether you’re the type of traveler who likes to take a bunch of small trips throughout the year, or a one-big-trip-per-year kind of person, there are many reasons why getting a HI USA membership is totally worth it. Not only will you have access to some pretty spectacular hostels across the country and the world, but you’ll also get some great perks to help you on the road or in between adventures. At just $18 a year, a HI USA membership is already a pretty good deal, but take a look at just a few ways you can really make the most of it.
Stay a While at a HI USA hostel
If you’ve purchased an annual membership for just $18, you’ll get exclusive access to discounted Member Only rates at HI USA hostels across the country. Your membership is good for 12 months on any nights you stay across the HI USA network, and you’ll even save on private rooms. If you stay multiple nights within a year, the membership will quickly pay for itself! So take advantage of those long weekend getaways, or visit a destination you always thought was out of reach: you’ve got another great reason now.
Take that international trip
When you’re planning a trip to a country you’ve never visited before, choosing your accommodation can sometimes feel overwhelming. Luckily, Hostelling International has a network of hostels around the world where you’re guaranteed a quality stay and the chance to experience a destination in an authentic way, so they’re an easy choice. Most HI hostels offer discounted stays for members in the range of 10%, so you’ll often get an especially good deal if you decide to splurge on a private room.
Plan a trip with Lonely Planet
Whether you’re planning a trip within the U.S. or a big international adventure, get some insider help from Lonely Planet’s famous guides. LP always has some good travel advice, which is why HI USA’s partnered with them to offer our members a 25% discount at the Lonely Planet online store. With city and country guidebooks running about $15 to $25 at full price, it only takes a couple of purchases to cover the cost of your HI USA membership (and plan an awesome trip).
Take an Intrepid Urban Adventure city tour
No matter where you are in the world, from Los Angeles to Lisbon, you can take a fun and immersive city tour with Intrepid Urban Adventures at a discounted rate. These day-long, locals-led walking tours can run upwards of $80 in some cities, so the 25% discount for HI members will definitely come in handy and you’ll get to have a great day exploring a new city.
Or just take a road trip
If you’re working on tip #1 and trying to stay in as many hostels as possible, then how about a road trip? Whether you’re up for the history and hipness of the East Coast, or an offbeat drive down California’s Highway 1, you’ll find some great HI USA hostels along the way. Plus, if you don’t have your own, you can rent a car from Hertz using your 10% HI USA member discount.
Keep in touch with My Postcard
All your good travel photos deserve more than just Instagram, especially when you can turn them into cute personal postcards to send to friends and family around the world. Use My Postcard, an online service that prints your photos on a postcard and also mails them for you (even internationally!). The more postcards you send, the more you’ll save with your 25% HI USA member discount, which is a pretty decent reason to take more photos and share them ‘round.