Some North American Lodgings at Low Cost

Young travelers looking for low-cost lodging in North America can learn about more than 500 budget accommodation facilities through a new booklet researched by members of the International Student Travel Conference.

“The Sleep Cheap Guide to North America” was researched last winter by the Council on International Exchange in New York and the Assn. of Student Councils in Canada. The $3 booklet contains listings of student residences, youth hostels, budget hotels and motels, YMCAs, YWCAs and guest houses with prices ranging $5 to $40 per night.

The listings include distances between facilities, public transportation and city centers. Students and teachers will find that any special discounts available are shown, but it is not clearly indicated whether rates quoted for shared rooms are for dormitory facilities, or only available to small groups that check in together. The listings include telephone numbers so you can check details and make reservations.

Prices in Canadian Money

Something else that’s not clearly indicated is that the listings are in Canadian funds. You should actually pay about 30% less in U.S. dollars for accommodations.

The booklet offers information for both the United States and Canada but the following states and provinces are not included: Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and South Dakota.

Copies of “The Sleep Cheap Guide To North America” can be ordered for $3 U.S. from Travel CUTS, 187 College St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 1P7.

Contiki, youth tour operator, has announced a special offer of a two-night Pacific stopover at no extra cost for travelers who use Air New Zealand when taking a Contiki tour. Australia and New Zealand tours range from 8 to 22 days and are open to travelers ages 18 to 35.

The two nights, with airport transfers, can be spent in Hawaii (at the Waikiki or Marina Surf), Tahiti (at the Ibis or Royal Papett) or Fiji (at the Mocombo or Tanoa). Travel agents can supply details on tours and the stopovers.

Camping in Jamaica

Caribbean-bound travelers who would like an economical alternative to beaching it may contact the Jamaica Camping & Hiking Assn.

JCHA has an information center with several rooms and camping sites about five miles from Kingston on the top of Jacks Hill, at the start of the Blue Mountains. The center can provide information on hiking and backpacking trails, low-cost accommodations around the island and guided hiking tours.

The general information is free but for detailed assistance the center charges a $15 service fee. For example, locations of budget accommodation listings for the island can be hand-marked for a fee on the tourism maps available.

Guided Hiking

Peter Bently, JCHA president, also operates guided hiking tours. Mountain huts are used for accommodations. Rates range from $17.50 (U.S.) for a half-day trip to eight-day guided tours for $345 (U.S.). White-water canoeing trips are also available. You can get details from Sense Tours or JCHA, Maya Lodge, Skyline Drive, Jacks Hill, Box 216, Kingston 7, Jamaica, or by calling (809) 927-2657.

Moon Publications, producer of travel guides for budget adventurers, recently published “Guide to Jamaica” by Harry S. Pariser. It includes information on the history of the island plus practical advice for the low-budget traveler.

It’s available through retail bookstores for $9.95 or you can order it from Moon Publications, P.O. Box 1696, Chico, Calif. 95927. The cost including postage is $8.20.