Free hostel stays for travelers who volunteer to do good on their vacation
Hostelling International USA wants you to do some good on your next vacation. Travelers with at least five friends or family members who volunteer their time in the communities they visit will receive free nights at participating hostels in January and February.
What: The Great Hostel Give Back, now in its ninth year, rewards those who engage in community service while on the road. Hostels offer basic accommodations that often come with free breakfast.
Fill out an application for a group of at least six people (but not more than 30) and receive a free night’s stay for volunteering at least two hours a day at a planned service activity. Free stays are limited to five nights.
Among the choices in California are downtown Monterey, the wilds of Point Reyes National Seashore in Northern California or at Point Loma in San Diego. Other free hostel sites include San Francisco; Portland, Ore.; Seattle; New York City; and Washington, D.C.
When: Free lodging is good for stays in January and February, based on availability, at more than 30 sites. Applications must be filed by Feb. 15.
Details: There are lots of good options at California sites, where winter temperatures will be mild compared with Chicago or New York City. Look for volunteer opportunities in whatever location you choose at Volunteermatch.org.
Info: Hostelling International USA’s Great Hostel Give Back, email ghgb@hiusa.org
ALSO
Sail from L.A. along California’s coast with L.A. Times travel and food writers
Have a close encounter with gray whales in a lagoon in Baja, Mexico
Sign up for The Wild
We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
