Czech Republic

From the historical Charles Bridge, ancient churches, numerous beer gardens, museums, and the many national parks, the Czech Republic has something to offer every kind of traveler. This country is full of outdoor adventures, picturesque town squares, amazing beer, ancient castles and posses some of the most interesting history in Central Europe. The Czech Republic is a perfect destination for backpackers and vacationers alike and can easily be travelled on a budget.

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Why Travel To The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is quickly becoming one of thee most sought after countries to visit. Whether you're a backpacker or a casual vacationer looking for a fun and unique destination, the Czech Republic is an extremely affordable and welcoming country to visit. From the more than two-thousand ancient castles overlooking every city and town, to the hundreds of pubs overflowing with Pilsner, and the dozens of National Parks, the Czech Republic offers its visitors with weeks of adventure, days of relaxation or a perfect mix of both. Get lost in the maze of cobblestone streets, stumble upon delicious restaurants and historical pubs, spend hours exploring the museums in Prague and Brno learning about this country's fascinating history, and explore the castles and churches that make this country so well known. There is no excuse why you wouldn't want to visit this beautiful country and if you are planning backpacking trip, make sure this country is on your list. 

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The National Flag of the Czech Republic

The Nitty Gritty Facts

Almost 10.56 million people live in the Czech Republic and 1.3 million of them are concentrated in Prague, the capital.

The Czech Republic's national language is Czech. 

The National currency of the Czech Republic is the Koruna (CZK). 

The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption rate per capita in the world.

The Czech Republic ranks as one of the least religious populations in the world, with only 19 percent of people claiming to believe in God.

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Our Route

Prague — Brno

The best way to travel within the Czech Republic is by train. Sure, you can find cheap flights or take a bus with the ever popular European tour company Busabout, but traveling by train is fast, efficient, affordable and allows you to see the countryside and travel through towns and cities you would have otherwise never seen. The best option is to buy a Eurail pass which will allow you to travel seamlessly throughout the country whenever you want and will take you wherever you want. To save money on accommodation, take night trains, and reserve a couchette for a good night's sleep.

Travel by train in the Czech Republic is fun and easy. Major train stations and routes are in every major city.

Interrail pass for 3 days within one month for Italy start at $70 USD

Eurail pass for 3 days within one month for Czech Republic start at $238 USD

Budget airlines for Czech Republic include:

RyanAir

EasyJet

Czech Airlines

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The Rugged Budget

The official currency in the Czech Republic is the Koruna 22 CZK = $1 USD

24-hour metro pass 110 CZK ($5 USD)

One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 24 CZK ($1.08 USD)

Accommodation in a 6 bed mixed dorm in most cities in Czech usually cost around 200 CZK ($9 USD)

Private room in a 4 star hotel in any major Czech city starts around 1,217 CZK ($55 USD)

Beer at a bar 30 CZK ($1.36 USD)

Beer from a shop 15 CZK ($.68 USD)

Meal at pub with beer 100 CZK ($4.50 USD)

Sit down restaurant 200 CZK ($9 USD)

A pack of 20 cigarettes 100 CZK ($4.50 USD)

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Czech Republic From From The Scratch My Pack Lens

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Helpful Hints For Traveling In The Czech Republic

While many shops in Prague will accept Euros, to get the most of your money, withdraw Czech Koruna from an ATM.

One of the great things about Prague is the size. It’s a small city, and most areas of Prague are well connected by public transportation. Tickets start at about $1.08 USD for a single-fare ticket on public transportation.

A tram ticket costs 24 CZK for 30 minutes of use, or 32 CZK for a 90 minutes. You can buy tickets in many small convenience store or metro station.

Prague has a metro system with three lines, totaling 62 kilometers of tracks, and 61 stations.

If you’re on a budget, cooking for yourself can save you a lot of money. Groceries in Prague are very affordable and there are plenty of supermarkets, and farmers markets.

The Czech Republic uses the European plug. They have sockets using 220 - 240 V so citizens from countries such as the US, Canada, and most of South America need a voltage adapter to charge their devices. 

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Walk across the Charles Bridge, Prague: Free

This is probably to most iconic and well known attraction of Prague. Everyone from tourists to locals flock here all times of the year to walk from one end to the other, enjoying the city views, gazing at the art being sold by vendors, or to listen to local musicians. The Charles Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the Vltava river and was constructed in 1357.

Explore Malá Strana, Prague: Free

Walk the historic cobble stoned streets and gaze at the beautiful centuries old buildings. You will find lots of hip shops, restaurants, pubs and expensive hotels in this area. Make sure to bring your camera for this one.

Climb the steps to the top of the Astronomical Clock, Prague: $5

This is an ancient clock that dates back to the 12th century. It has never been destroyed (even during WWII) and remains an iconic symbol for the city of Prague. Hike up the stairs to the top where you can see 360 degree views of the city.

Drink at the National Beer Museum, Prague: $13

If you pay for the tour (which is the $13 price we have listed), you get a quick but fun tour learning all about the history of beer in the Czech Republic. When you are finished you get 4 free beers of your choice. Otherwise, this is just a cool place to hang out and drink good beer. There is always live music happening and the bar boasts 30 different beers on tap.

Take a stroll through Letna Park, Prague: Free

This is a large park located at the top of a hill overlooking Prague. From here you get stunning views of Prague and the river, where you can get great pictures of the Charles Bridge and the cityscape, get lost in the maze of flowers, or have a glass of wine during sunset.

"Imagine" yourself at the John Lennon Wall, Prague: Free

A lesser known tourist attraction, the John Lennon wall is an old stone wall that is always being spray painted with John Lennon quotes, Beatles lyrics and inspirational quotes. It changes all the time as local artists come here and contribute their additions. Can be hard to find but the adventure you have looking for it leads you into some cool parts of town. Ask the locals or your hostel to point you in the right direction.

Explore the ancient catacombs, Brno: $6

A catacomb is "an underground cemetery". This specific catacomb is located underneath the Church of St, James and you can take an unguided tour exploring the hallways and rooms that feature the bones and skulls of more than 50,000 people.

Check out the Spilberk Castle, Brno: Free

This is an 13th-century castle that first served as a fortress and then as a prison for common criminals and opponents of the Hapsburg monarchy which lasted from 1526 to 1804. 

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

Hostel Prague Tyn, Prague  $18/night for an 8 bed mixed dorm

We really enjoyed this hostel for many reasons. The staff was excellent and always went out of their way to help, the location is in a beautiful part of town, surrounded by small local streets where you can find great food and beer, and the beds were really comfortable. It also features great bathrooms, a nice common area and fun atmosphere to meet other backpackers.

Hostel One, Prague $30/night for a 10 bed mixed dorm

This is one of the more expensive hostels in the city but is well worth it. It features an awesome cave bar in the basement, a huge backyard where you can drink beer with friends all night, a nice kitchen where you can cook any time of the day, a movie room (yeah, a movie room), and a central location next to cool bars and restaurants. It also boats nice beds, great room views, clean bathrooms and knowledgeable staff. 

Hostel Jacob, Brno $20/night for a 10 bed mixed dorm

This was a nice hostel in a great part of town. It is small so there is not as much atmosphere as other hostels, but features great beds, wood floors, huge windows that let in tons of sunlight, clean and modern bathrooms, wonderful coffee and friendly staff.

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United Kingdom

From the wild nightlife to the vast amount of historical buildings and monuments in London, the gorgeous castles in Scotland, the open landscapes of Wales, the pubs and people of Northern Ireland or the stunning Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the UK has something for every type of traveler. The UK is a perfect destination for a backpacker looking to find a good time at the pubs or the casual vacationer looking to relax on the beaches or immerse themselves in history.

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Why Travel To The UK

Apart from the various kinds of rich history within this country, the UK offers visitors many reasons to explore this island country. This is a great country to find your backpacking feet if you're just getting started on a European backpacking trip, or a perfect country to explore the landscapes and relax on the beaches if you're on a quick holiday trip looking for some rest and relaxation. You can explore the castles of Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland, drink like a Brit in the pubs in Manchester, relax on the beaches down south near Brighton, get lost in the many colorful areas of downtown London, take a train through the green hills of Wales, explore Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland, or get lost in the many small towns like Crewe, York or Preston. Though the UK can be an expensive country, there is always a way to do it on a budget, and with the UK being so backpacker friendly there are many ways you can explore on a budget if you're willing to put in the research.

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The National Flag of the UK

The Nitty Gritty Facts

Almost 66 million people live in the UK and 8.8 million of them are concentrated in London, the capital.

The UK's national language is English but you will find people speaking languages from all over the world, 300 to be exact. 

The National currency of the UK is the British Pound £. 

The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.

The shortest war against England was with Zanzibar in 1896. Zanzibar surrendered after 38 minutes.

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Our Route

London, England — Stansted, England — Bishops Stortford, England — Cambridge, England

Crewe, Wales

Edinburgh, Scotland

Belfast, Northern Ireland  — Antrim, Northern Ireland — Londonderry, Northern Ireland

The best way to travel within the UK is by train. Sure, you can find cheap flights or take a bus, but traveling by train is fast, efficient, relatively affordable and allows you to see the countryside and travel through towns and cities you would have otherwise never seen. The best option is to buy a BritRail Pass which will allow you to travel seamlessly throughout the country whenever you want and will take you wherever you want. To save money on accommodation, take night trains, and reserve a couchette for a good night's sleep.

Travel by train in the UK is fun and easy. Major train stations and routes are in every major city.

A BritRail Pass for 3 days within one month for the UK start at $145 USD

Budget airlines for the UK include:

RyanAir

EasyJet

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The Rugged Budget

The official currency in the UK is the British Pound £ (£1 = $1.30)

Transportation for trains £30— £150 (Unless you have a train pass)

Accommodation in a 6 bed mixed dorm in most major cities in the UK usually cost around £14 - £20

Private room in a 4 star hotel in any major UK city starts around £130 ($170 USD)

Beer at a pub £6 ($7.80 USD)

Beer from a shop £2 ($2.60 USD)

Fish & Chips at a pub £8 ($13 USD)

Sit down restaurant £20 ($26 USD)

A pack of 20 cigarettes £10 ($13.00 USD)

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The United Kingdom From From The Scratch My Pack Lens

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Helpful Hints For Traveling In The UK

If you're looking for an inexpensive bite on the go, stop into any of the Tesco Lotus shops and get their £5 deal. It's any entree (sandwich or wrap) with a snack (chips, candy, energy bars) and a drink (soft drinks including Naked smoothies) all for only £5. 

Take advantage of your resources and search for free accommodation using Couch Surf, HelpX or WWOOF. 

Weigh the cost and benefits of staying in London's city center vs. outside of it. Although hostels are cheaper outside of London, the difference in price will often equal that of a stay in the center once you factor in the price of taking The Underground. 

The Underground is expensive so if you can, take the bus instead. You'll be exchanging money for time as buses take longer, but you'll also get to be above ground to see the sites. 

The UK uses the European plug. They have sockets using 220 - 240 V so citizens from countries such as the US, Canada, and most of South America need a voltage adapter to charge their devices. 

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Free Walking Tour, London: Free

Check out some of London's most famous tourist attractions by foot. There are loads of Free Walking tours offered in this city that will take you to some of the most sought after tourist sights. The tours usually last around three hours and will take a break for lunch. All you have to do is tip your guide at the end if you enjoyed the tour.

Pub Crawl, London: The cost is up to you

It's cheapest to get drinks from the local shops in London rather than go to the pubs, however, it is a fantastic experience to drink drafts at a pub in the UK— right of passage. So our best advice is to take advantage of the happy hour deals in town, some of them listing £3 beers and house wines until 8 pm on weekdays (Adam & Eve Bar). We also found Simmons King's Cross has £2.50 bottles of beer, spirits with a mixer, or wine from 4-9pm, Sunday to Friday.

Take a Museum Tour, London: Free
Take a tour through one of the ten free museums in the city ranging from The British Museum to The Science Museum and the national gallery.

Explore the Edinburgh Castle, Scotland: $20

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting and historic sites Scotland. Located in the heart of Scotland's dynamic capital city, Edinburgh. The views from the castle are breathtaking and allow you access to see the city from a viewpoint like none other in the city. This castle is obviously very rich in history and will leave you entertained for hours as you explore the museums, hallways, art and terraces.

Stay on the Train, Wales: Price varies depending Route

Whether you are heading to Manchester from London or you just want to explore the east, make sure you take a train ride through the country of Wales. The scenery (especially by train) is breathtaking. You will see green pastures as far as the eye can see, loads of sheep and mini-horses running around, beautiful rolling hills, and stone buildings every couple of minutes. This is a very relaxed country and should definitely be explored, but at the very least, take a train through the country, listen to someone speak welsh, and have a pint in the rain.

Take a Black Taxi Tour, Belfast NI: £35 but the price gets cheaper with more people

Belfast is full of political history and culture. After 35 years of conflict, Belfast, and most of Northern Ireland have taken to expressing the conflicts through art. The black taxi tours take visitors on a controversial and detailed experience through history.  

Visit The Giants Causeway, Antrim NI: Free
Make sure to take a visit north, far north, to visit the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, that result of an ancient volcanic eruption. You can tour the site for free, without a guide, and roam the lush cliff sides through guided paths. 
 

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

St. Christophers Inn, London $35/night for a 4 bed mixed dorm

Not only is the location awesome, the building itself is breathtaking. Formerly a seaman's hostel, the building was converted to an astonishing traveller’s place. Featuring a huge Bar, a courtyard, a cosy hangout area in the lobby and all amenities a backpacker could wish for. Whether you just stop in London for a couple of pints, or you're planning an extended sightseeing and shopping trip; this hostel is the place to stay. All the rooms come with comfy wooden beds, private shower, and toilet facilities and lockers for your belongings.

Budget Backpackers, Edinburgh $41/night for a 12 bed mixed dorm

Budget Backpackers is in the lively Grassmarket area, surrounded by bars and cafes and within walking distance to sites around central Edinburgh. The hostel features quiet, clean and comfortable rooms and a highly praised pub crawl and walking tour. There's lots of common areas to meet people if you're travelling on your own and are looking to party and meet people this is a great spot.

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Italy

From the historical Colosseum and ruins in Rome, fashion in Milan, romance in Venice, beaches in the Amalfi coast, and the ancient cities of the south near Bari, Italy has something to offer everyone. This country is chalk full of adventure, picturesque moments, rich wine, tasty sweets, mouthwatering pasta and some of the kindest people we have met in Europe. Italy is a perfect destination for backpackers and vacationers alike.

Venice

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Why Travel To Italy

Apart from the obvious historical status, cobblestone streets, curvy roads, and delicious foods, there is no excuse why you wouldn't want to visit this beautiful country. If you are on a backpacking trip, chances are this country is on your list, as its geographical location is well within reach of of nearby heavily touristed countries. This is a perfect country to get lost in for a little while; your sense of adventure and exploration are heightened in this country as everything there is to see leads to something even more bold and beautiful. The list is infinite of things you can do to keep yourself busy. Moving throughout the country is easy, affordable and scenic, as Italy has a wonderful rail system that runs everywhere you will want to go.

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The National of Flag Italy

The Nitty Gritty Facts

Almost 60.6 million people live in Italy and 3 million of them are concentrated in Rome, the capital.

Italy's national language is Italian. 

The National currency of Italy is the Euro €. 

The world's third oldest continuously inhabited city for 9000 years is located in the south of Italy, called Matera.

Italy is credited with creating Parmesan, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Provolone and Ricotta cheese.

The Vatican City is an independent state within Italy.

Ancient Rome was said to be eight times more densely populated than modern New York.

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Our Route

Rome — Vatican City — Florence — Milan — Venice — Cinque Terre — Matera — Pomarico

The best way to travel within Italy is by train. Sure, you can find cheap flights or take a bus with the ever popular European tour company Busabout, but traveling by train is fast, efficient, affordable and allows you to see the countryside and travel through towns and cities you would have otherwise never seen. The best option is to buy a Eurail pass which will allow you to travel seamlessly throughout the country whenever you want and will take you wherever you want. To save money on accommodation, take night trains, and reserve a couchette for a good night's sleep.

Travel by train in Italy is fun and easy. Major train stations and routes are in every major city.

Interrail pass for 3 days within one month for Italy start at €90 ($105 USD)

Eurail pass for 3 days within one month for Italy start at €151 ($178 USD)

Budget airlines for Italy include:

RyanAir

EasyJet

Vueling

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The Rugged Budget

The official currency in Italy is the Euro 1€ = $1.16 USD

Transportation for intercity trains €22— €50 (Unless you have a train pass)

Accommodation in a 6 bed mixed dorm in most cities in Italy usually cost around€12— €24 ($15—$30 USD)

Private room in a 4 star hotel in any major Italian city starts around €50 ($58 USD)

Beer at a bar €5 ($5.80 USD)

Beer from a shop €2 ($2.3 USD)

Pizza €10 ($11.50 USD)

Sit down restaurant €12— €24 ($15—$30 USD)

A pack of 20 cigarettes €4.20 ($5.60 USD)

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Italy From From The Scratch My Pack Lens

Matera

Florence

Florence

Rome

Rome

Pomarico

Cinque Terre

Rome

Florence

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Helpful Hints For Traveling In Italy

Book your train tickets in advance as Italy is a heavily populated and visited country. Tickets to major cities sell out fast.

If you want to see The Pope, you can go to the Vatican City on any given Sunday and watch him give mass. The price is free but you may need to get your ticket ahead of time to ensure a seat.

If you want to see the real Italy, leave the big cities and visit a town you have never heard of before. There are tons of amazingly beautiful, old and raw towns that are untouched by tourism in Italy. This is a great way to get unique pictures, meet un-jaded locals, and walk down ancient cobblestone streets.

Make sure you spend some time on the Mediterranean coast. It doesn't matter where you do it, but make sure you see it; it is breathtakingly beautiful and the water is near perfect.

There are bakeries everywhere in Italy where you can get a croissant, baguette, cheese, or pastry for a cheap price.

Major cities can get quite expensive if staying in the center. Staying just outside the city center means you will be spending less money on accommodation and food all while being only 15-30 minutes away from the picturesque or touristy parts of the city. All the major cities have great and cheap public transportation so it will be easy to get anywhere you want to go.

Italy uses the European plug. They have sockets using 220 - 240 V so citizens from countries such as the US, Canada, and most of South America need a voltage adapter to charge their devices. 

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Colosseum & nearby Ruins, Rome: Free

It is free to view the Colosseum from the outside but costs money to walk inside. It has got really overcrowded and tickets are sold out regularly. Get your tickets early and arrive early in the morning for a less crowded experience. Make sure to walk all the way around the colosseum to see the surrounding ruins of ancient Rome. 

Hop on Hop off Bus Tour, Rome: $16

This is bus pass that allows you to hop on and off at every tourist destination in Rome over a 24 hour period. The company (Hop On Hop Off) stops at all the important stops and you can spend as much time you want there. When you're ready to leave just go back to the waiting point and wait for the next bus to pick you up and continue your journey.

Explore the Vatican City, Rome: Free

"Vatican City, a city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It's home to the Pope and a trove of iconic art and architecture. Its Vatican Museums house ancient Roman sculptures such as the famed “Laocoön and His Sons” as well as Renaissance frescoes in the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling."

St, Maria's Basilica, Rome: Free

This was Leonardo Da Vinci's last architectural design before he died. He actually died before it was complete, so half of the building is complete and painted and the other half is not. Upon entering the building it is typically Da Vinci, with beautiful paintings on the ceiling and a play of architecture that caters to his background in sculpting. In the back of the building there is a small museum dedicated to the history of the construction and to DaVinci himself. 

Trevi Fountain: Free

This a beautiful 17th century fountain that still stands today after moderate restoration. The reason this fountain is unique is because the water free flows through the pipes using gravity to push it out instead of mechanics like any modern day fountain. It is said to be good luck if you throw in a coin over your back while making a wish. Get there early as it is always crowded and is a must see attraction while visiting this city.

Visit the Duomo, Florence: Free

This is a breathtaking church (even for Europe) and boasts the largest free-standing dome in the world (hence the nickname "The Duomo"). Santa Maria del Fiore as it is actually named, is the third largest church in the world (after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London) and was the largest church in Europe when it was completed in the 15th century. 

Hike to the Highest Point in Florence: Free

Take an easy hike up to the top of the hill in Florence. At the top is a beautiful park where you can see the cityscape and escape the craziness of tourists roaming the streets. This is a great place to view the sunset or have a picnic of wine, bread and cheese.

Explore the Market, Florence: Free

Florence has one of the best markets in all of Italy. The market happens every day and lasts all day. The market is long and narrow and allows you a chance to escape the sun and get lost as you venture through the covered shops where you can find anything from food to souvenirs, to leather goods. 

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa: $12

Take a day trip from neighboring Florence (90 minutes away by train for $12) to visit the iconic Leaning Tower.

Take a Hike, Cinque Terre: Free

Cinque Terre means "The 5 towns". Start your hike early in the morning in Riomaggiore and hike the path through all the town to culminate your hike in the 5th town of Monterosso for sunset and dinner on the beach.

Explore the Sassi, Matera: Free

Matera is claimed as the third oldest continually inhabited settlement in the world after Syria's Aleppo and Palestine's Jericho. The city of Matera has been occupied for the last 9,000 years and is famous for its Rupestrian Churches and the two Sassi districts, which are intact, cave dwellings from the Paleolithic era (better known as the Stone-Age).

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

Hostel Lodi, Rome $21/night for a 4 bed mixed dorm

A very nice hostel located a bit outside of the main attractions but you can easily walk to the Colosseum or walk to the metro near by to take you anywhere you want to go. The staff was amazing and we were greeted with a very warm hello, welcome drink, and a smile. The staff answered all our questions and were eager to help us make sure we had a great stay in the hostel and in Rome. It boasts a great garden and comfortable beds.

L'Ostello dei Sassi, Matera $20/night for a 12 bed mixed dorm

This is great hostel with a great location. It was low season when we were there and pretty much had the entire place to ourself. It boasts great architecture, wonderful staff clean facilities and plenty of common areas to hang out in.

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