The backpacker culture revolves around meeting fellow travelers. Bumping into other people who know the true meaning of a heavy pack, getting the low down on some great little Alpine town or Mediterranean village. The best way to rub (sore) shoulders with other vagabonds is to bunk in a hostel.

Sleeping in youth hostels is a great way to convene with other young people. They are almost always the cheapest sleeping choice available. Most hostels are situated in great parts of the cities and have wonderful accommodations. But, like anywhere else, make sure you keep your wits about you.

To be on the safe side, you should avoid leaving your bags in the room when you take a day excursion. Stash your sack in a locker, you could save yourselves a lot of grief. Keeping your doors locked goes without saying, even when you're only going to the bathroom. Almost any seasoned packer will tell you these hostel hints.

Don't be afraid to put stock in your own gut impressions too, not only relying on guidebooks and streetcorner advice. If you don't like the way the hostel looks, then leave. It's a judgment call. Just because the hostel is standing up, doesn't mean it's an upstanding hostel.

One way to avoid problems such as dirty rooms or elevated prices is to become a member of Hostelling International. For a one-time fee of $25, you can buy a YHI card at any Council Travel to ensure you a restful night at any establishment worldwide. This card is not by any means a prerequisite to stay in hostels. But if you end up in a town where the best-looking lodge is a YHI hostel and don't have a card, they'll make you buy one at the desk and at that point will wind up costing more.

Once you've found a bed to rest your head, make your hostel stay a successful one by asking the desk about any rules, including the dreaded lock-out policies. In most hostels, if you do not return before a specific time (usually 2 am) you cannot re-enter the building until they open in morning. You will then, in all likelihood, be tired and miserable the following day.

Here's another reminder. If you like something more than a blanket and pillow sans case to sleep with, you'll want to take a sleeping bag and sheet along with you. Otherwise, hostels will charge you for these creature comforts.

Also, make sure you've checked out the alternatives to youth hostels, depending on the number of people you're traveling with. If you're traveling in groups of two or three, hostels can be budget busters. Smaller hotels, called pensions, often provide more secure accommodations at cheaper costs, and all this without a lock-out time.

But the benefits don't stop at cost and comfort. First, kiss up to the lady at the front desk. Then ask her if you can possibly leave your bags at the hotel when you go out exploring. She'll say yes every time. To be on the safe side, call to make reservations ahead of time.

Check out the Hostelling International web site at www.hiayh.org to learn about the organization - and how to volunteer or get a job there! Another hostel resource for budget travelers is www.hostels.com.

Photo by Alex Catanese, Brooks Institute of Photography

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