Advice you can taste. Adventure you can feel.

Broken heart, job loss, family overload? If the holidays are giving you the blues…

Escape into nature, on a budget.

The holidays can be rough enough without the added downer of a break-up, a layoff or your annoying underage cousin asking you if their fake ID is good enough for the local bars. So how might you avoid a potentially stressful holiday season? Take a break, go into nature and save money by staying at a Northern California Hostel during their 50^th anniversary! For you skeptics, I implore you to continue reading and learn about these gorgeous treasures that rest in the Bay’s backyard. These accommodations are a far cry from the lodgings you paid pennies for during your youthful backpacking adventures in Europe or Latin America…I assure you.

Why hostels? During these uncertain economic times, singles, DINKs (dual-income, no kids) and families can all benefit from a mini-vacation while saving a few bucks. Also, as a non-profit organization, the cost of your lodging at any Hostelling International hostel in Northern California directly supports numerous programs, such as Hostel Adventure Program, which educates inner city kids on intercultural and environmental practices through an overnight stay at one of the network hostels. Hostels provide the perfect retreat for friends, a solo soul-searching escape, or a historical adventure into the past that will surely impress your family’s know-it-all history buff.

Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel: Imagine spending a quiet night near a historic lighthouse, waking up to the Pacific Ocean and taking a vigorous walk along a secluded beach cove with tide pools. Recently rated 6^th worldwide among Hostelling International’s 4,000 hostels, Point Montara offers a unique experience for their guests. Not only can you chip away at the blues by escaping into the sunset, but you can also sip an espresso while reading about the only lighthouse that existed on both the Cape Cod and Montara coastlines. This spot is only 30 minutes south of San Francisco, along the Pacific Coast Highway…you can’t go wrong.

Sacramento Hostel: This 19^th century Victorian mansion is great for families looking to wean their kids of Wii and teach them something about the state’s capital. The building’s classic restoration will transcend you to the Gold Rush days, perfect for even the scariest of ghost stories!

Point Reyes Hostel: For any traveler seeking fresh air, coastal views and wilderness deep inside the pristine National Seashore, this hostel provides the only available accommodations. The rustic and Certified Green lodging is ideal for groups looking to escape urban chaos and wander the multitude of trails surrounding the hostel. For large family reunions, or for friends needing a getaway before holiday insanity takes over, do what I’m doing, and rent out the entire Bunkhouse which sleeps 20 comfortably. Carpool up with your best pals, set up dinner/breakfast crews, bring guitars, drums and maybe even cajones to dance the night away. In the morning, wake to the beauty and magic of the 70,000-acre park, walk the grounds and slip into a blissful state as you make your way out to the rugged seashore.

More hostel suggestions to satisfy every taste, check out Hostelling International for worldwide accommodations.

Weotta make a reservation today!