FAQ
About Eufed
"What is EUFED?"
EUFED is the acronym of "European Union Federation of Youth Hostel Associations".
EUFED promotes the co-operation between Youth Hostel Associations which:
a) are operating within the European Union,
b) are affiliated to Hostelling International (HI),
c) have chosen to join.
Currently EUFED has 19 Member Associations.
"What does EUFED do?"
EUFED monitors the political and legal developments in Europe, in order to assist Youth Hostel Associations to function properly in a changing environment. EUFED represents Youth Hostels' views vis-à-vis the European institutions, in order to safeguard Hostelling interests. EUFED co-ordinates innovative projects, using new opportunities created by European Union programmes. And EUFED provides access to European Institutions, whenever this is requested by national Associations.
"Is EUFED only working with the European Union?"
No. EUFED is co-operating with the various political bodies of the European Union, but also with the Council of Europe, other European intergovernmental institutions and a wide variety of European non-governmental organisations working in related areas (youth, tourism, sustainable development).
Membership in EUFED, however, is restricted to Youth Hostel Associations active in member states of the European Union. Youth hostel bodies in applicant ("candidate") states are invited to join as observers, with the perspective of becoming full members as soon as the country becomes a member of the Union.
"Who pays for EUFED?"
EUFED is mainly funded from membership subscriptions, backed up by an administrative grant provided by the European Union. The total operating budget is currently about €uro 170.000.
"What can EUFED do for me?"
Well, EUFED only works in an indirect way for the individual traveler. We certainly try to help out, but as a rule of thumb you should rather contact your (or any) national Association directly if you are interested in addresses, prices, travel tips, organised tours, legal questions, etc.
... on Youth Hostelling
"What are Youth Hostels?"
Youth Hostels can be defined as "establishments usually run by a not for profit membership organisation where beds, meals and/or self-catering plus other facilities, services, programmes and activities are provided as a basis for informal educational or recreational purposes primarily but not exclusively for young people." (Proposal to the European Committee for Standardization). In some countries, the term "Youth Hostel" is a protected trade mark of establishments belonging to associations which are affiliated to Hostelling International (HI).
"Where are Youth Hostels, and how do I find them?"
Youth Hostels are just about everywhere where travelers may want to go, at least in Europe. Information on youth hostels, facilities and prices can be found on Hostelling International website - use the search tool to find the country you wish to visit. National handbooks can be bought in branch offices of the Associations, and in many Youth Hostels. National Associations also offer this type of information online on the Internet.
"Can anybody use a Youth Hostel, or do you have to be a member?"
Youth Hostels are open to anybody. To stay at Youth Hostels anywhere in the world - and to qualify for special concessions including lower cost travel - all you have to do is become a member of the Youth Hostel Association in the country where you live. If you do not have a membership card, you can purchase a "Hostelling International Card" or buy individual "welcome" stamps when you spend a night in a Hostel.
Regular membership in a national Youth Hostel Association often includes travel and tourism magazines or newsletters sent to you at regular intervals, and membership advantages like discounts.
"Is it possible to book ahead?"
Check out the links on Hostelling International website - it is probably the quickest way to find the information you need.
"Do Youth Hostels still close at 22.00 hours?"
Certainly not in cities and major tourist attractions. There are many Hostels which are open 24 hours a day, others close at 01.00 or 02.00 hours. Only in remote hiking regions, or in small houses, you may run into a closing time of 22.00 or 23.00 hours. In that case: ask for a door key or the access code.
"Do all Youth Hostels have the same standard and price?"
Youth Hostels vary somewhat in standard and in price. Major price parameters are the location (city centre or mountain region), the national price level, the standard of the house and the standard of the room. Some Associations also offer off-season discounts. Although standards differ, there are certain ground rules which apply to all Youth Hostels in the Hostelling International network. These "Assured Hostel Standards" relate (among other things) to cleanliness, privacy, safety and security, hospitality and comfort. More and more environmental standards are applied and monitored, too.
"Is there competition between Youth Hostels?"
It is a basic rule that in any country, only one Youth Hostel Association is recognised by the International Federation. For historical reasons, specific situations apply in Austria, Belgium and the UK. However, in some countries where the term "Youth Hostel" is not legally protected, you may find competing hostels. Only one network will display the typical HI logo though. That is the right one.
"How do I get a job in a Youth Hostel?"
EUFED does not have a central job database. Please contact the national Youth Hostel Associations directly for any job enquiry.
... on Europe
"What is the European Union?"
The European Union is the "Europe of the 27", an intergovernmental structure with supranational decision-making and executive power. Its main bodies are the directly elected European Parliament (Strasbourg/France and Brussels/Belgium), the Council of Ministers and the European Commission - the executive branch (Brussels/Belgium). Other institutions include the Committee of the Regions, the European Court (Luxembourg), the European Central Bank (Frankfurt-Main/Germany), the European Investment Bank and many more.
Members of the EU are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
"What does the European Union do for Youth Hostels?"
Youth Hostel Associations co-operate with the European Union on a number of specific projects, such as the European Voluntary Service, or the vocational training of staff ("Leonardo da Vinci" 1st and 2nd phases).
In a wider sense, Youth Hostelling and youth tourism are subject to many political decisions taken by the EU bodies: taxation and corporate law, consumer protection, environmental standards or the introduction of the €uro. EUFED was created because of the need to follow these developments closely, and to influence them wherever possible in the interest of Youth Hostels and the young travelers.