15 years
I don't know if I agree completely that ageing hostelers are responsible for increases in pre-booking and 'regular' hostelers who arrive at the door getting turned away. I think this has a lot to do with improving communication technology - the internet (of course) and fact that it is now feasible to travel with mobiles - so it's much easier to pre-book.
As someone who is now in the 2nd age bracket described in the article (*sob* how did that happen?) I guess this means I am now an older hosteler. Having only 'discovered' hostelling at the ripe old age of 21, perhaps I have not yet 'grown out' of hostelling? It is certainly true that the idea of a cheaper accommodation is always appealing. And while caravan parks may be similarly priced, you have to BYO bed!
But I don't think it's just about the money: hostelling offers things that hotels, B&Bs, caravan parks etc do not. IMO the most significant are the 'communal' areas. The design of hotels and B&Bs can discourage guest interaction, and in caravan parks the only place to 'meet' other travellers is in the amenities block - hardly a stimulating environment for the deep and meaningful conversations or the lifelong friendships that can come from chance meetings in a hostel lounge/kitchen.
Maybe it's just me, but I see hostelling as more of a travelling 'genre' - distinct from caravanning or staying in hotel/motels or B&Bs/guesthouses - than a type of building, and it's probably just because I'm an oldie and a parent these days, but I wish there was less emphasis on 'backpackers' and more hostel style accommodation options for people who don't fit into that category yet still want interesting, budget accommodation with a communal lounge and a free food shelf :p
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