I’ll be honest straight away here - I never used to even consider "youth" hostels for family trips. I spent many of my younger years backpacking all over the world and for me they were "just" somewhere for backpackers travelling solo or with friends. That has all changed in recent years as independent hostels have really stepped up their family game. And I’ve come round too to the bountiful charms of a family holiday based at a hostel.

The most obvious attraction of Scotland’s community of hostels is that they are seriously budget conscious. You can stay at a hostel for a fraction of what it would cost at a hotel, whether it is in one of Scotland’s seven cities, or out in the countryside. And they have kitchen facilities on hand too to help save more cash. For really wee ones this is great for warming bottles and the like, but it is equally handy with fussy toddlers and teenagers looking to cook up a storm on their terms.

You can put this budget conscious aspect to good use too - when you save serious pounds the family fun really starts. In these tumultuous times we all want, and I reckon deserve, a treat so you can use the money you saved on accommodation to splash out on a lovely meal out, or that wee toy your kids have been nipping at you to buy. I often treat my girls when we are staying at hostels and this in turn leads to them insisting we stay at more. Call it bribery if you like, but it works all round!

On to the actual experience of hostels. I love the informality. No-one is judging the heap of family members and baggage struggling through the lobby, teddies and baby bottles akimbo. The warm welcome is something I really appreciate with my two daughters in tow.

Fellow guests are another great reason for families to stay at hostels. The atmosphere is a social one so your kids can meet and interact with other children. And you'll encounter travellers from all over the world with different languages, cultures and ideas to share. Hostelling really is an eye-opening, mind-expanding experience no matter your age.

Key in enjoying hostelling experiences is local knowledge. At independent hostels you benefit from owners and staff who are passionate about meeting people and also learning about and living in the culture around them. This is priceless for families as they are often clued up on the best places to go with kids, or know someone who can help. And then, of course, there are other families around to ask.

As well as the all important kitchens, hostels have lots of other great facilities that make them a great option for families. There's usually a space where your kids can play games with their new found friends and you can relax too. Most hostels have laundry facilities, a lifesaver when you're away from home. And when you've spent the day getting stuck into the great outdoors you'll appreciate a drying room where you can dry your muddy boots, dripping waterproofs or your well-worn wet suits! 

Looking at where the members of Scottish Hostels are located on a map the appeal for families is obvious too. We’re talking hostels on the edge of lochs, at the foot of hills, out on islands. These are places where you bundle out of the door and straight into the great outdoors. If Covid has taught us one thing it is the over-arching power of nature, the need we all have to get out and just breathe in fresh clean air in the natural world. Staying at a hostel surrounded by flora and fauna is a joy for families.

If you’ve never really considered a hostel for a family holiday then I urge you to think again. We stay at hostels on many of our family trips in Scotland. Yes, a key motivator is that they can help you save money, but they are also a rich place where you can meet people, glean local knowledge and get straight out into our spectacular landscapes. I reckon if you try booking a family break at a hostel there will be no looking back – your kids will insist you stay at more!

Blog by our travel writer, Robin McKelvie