One of the main goals of the Hostelling International network is to make travel accessible to everyone, no matter their situation. That is why HI organisations around the world run fundraising campaigns and projects that help children, young people and families enjoy trips and holidays they otherwise might not be able to afford.
Here are some of the inspiring projects and fundraising campaigns taking place across the HI network:
Through its Children’s Joy by the Sea fundraising campaign, Hostelling International Slovenia lets children from lower-income families have the chance to enjoy a few carefree days at Debeli Rtič. For many of them, it’s their first time seeing the sea, playing on the beach, making new friends and simply enjoying a summer they’ll remember for years to come.
There are several ways to support the campaign, including donating part of your income tax, making a financial contribution, becoming a member during the Say HI for Peace campaign or simply donating by text message.
The Dutch hostel network Stayokay has been helping children through its Stay4all project for more than ten years. The project gives children the chance to go on school trips and camps with their classmates instead of staying at home because of financial difficulties.
As part of the project, Stayokay provides accommodation, food and drinks at its hostels, while the Stay4all foundation helps with transport and extra activities. So far, the project has given more than 2,000 children and over 100 families the chance to enjoy a carefree holiday.
In England, YHA runs a fundraising campaign called No Child Left Behind, which helps children from lower-income families take part in school trips and camps. During these trips, children make friends, build confidence, become more independent and create memories that stay with them for life. For some children, it’s their only chance to spend a night away from home or experience a real adventure in nature.
Every year, Swiss Youth Hostels runs a special winter sports camp for children. The project mainly supports children from lower-income families, including children with disabilities.
The camp takes place in Interlaken and gives children the chance to experience snow, skiing and winter activities in the mountains for the first time. Alongside skiing and snowboarding, the programme also includes game nights, music workshops and many opportunities to form new friendships.
In the United States, HI USA runs a range of educational and community programmes that encourage young people to connect, learn about different cultures and get involved in their communities. Their hostels are places to learn, share experiences, and make new friends.
Programmes like Explore America and Explore the World help cover travel, accommodation and activity costs, which give young people the chance to enjoy experiences they otherwise might not be able to afford.
Hostelling Scotland runs a programme called Happy Hosteller Breaks, which gives children, young people and families the chance to enjoy unforgettable experiences in the Scottish countryside.
The programme is funded mainly through memberships and donations, with both individuals and organisations supporting its work. Donations help cover accommodation, meals and activities for those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford experiences like these.
In Spain, the REAJ youth hostel network runs a wide range of fundraising and community projects for young people, children and local communities. Their work focuses on bringing people together, respect for different cultures, accessible travel and caring for the environment.
One of their best-known projects is called Solidarity Holidays, which gives children from lower-income families the chance to enjoy free summer holidays in youth hostels. They also organise youth exchanges, environmental projects, programmes for people with disabilities, and other initiatives focused on sustainability and cultural heritage.
In Australia, the YHA Travel to Learn foundation helps young people access travel opportunities, education and job experiences. The programme mainly supports young people who otherwise wouldn’t get the chance to experience things like this because of financial or personal circumstances.
The programme is funded through donations, partnerships and member support, which help cover travel, accommodation, meals and educational activities.
Sometimes, a single trip is enough to completely change the way a young person sees the world and even a small contribution can mean a great deal to someone. For many children, a few days by the sea, their first school trip or a new friendship becomes a memory they carry with them for life.
If one of these stories speaks to you, you can support many of these projects yourself through a donation, membership, volunteering or simply by helping spread the word. Sometimes, even a small gesture can help create memories that last a lifetime.
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