Who We Are

Hostelling International USA (registered as American Youth Hostels, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization founded in 1934 to promote international understanding of the world and its people through hostelling. HI-USA operates a network of more than 100 hostel accommodations throughout the United States that are inexpensive, safe and clean. Hostels range from urban high-rise buildings with hundreds of beds to small hostels in rural settings.

HI-USA, in cooperation with other worldwide national associations, belongs to the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF). This entire network, known as Hostelling International, offers more than 4,000 hostels in over 60 countries. Hostelling International USA and the blue triangle with the tree and hut are the trademark and seal of approval of the IYHF, assuring travelers quality, affordable accommodations and travel programs worldwide.

HI-USA is also associated with 34 councils throughout the United States. These councils provide local members and visitors with a wide range of special programs, events, trips and activities.

Annual Report

History of Hostelling International

The founder of the youth hostel movement was Richard Schirrmann, a German school teacher. While assigned to a coal mining area, he became conscious of the impact of the industrial revolution on his students' health and welfare. Concerned about their environment, he began taking his students on weekend field trips into the countryside for the fresh air and interaction with nature - in effect a "wandering school." School buildings, empty on weekends, were used for overnight accommodations.

The concept of a network of student "youth hostels" was developed from this experience. In 1932 the first international meeting was held in Amsterdam and the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) was formed. Isabel and Monroe Smith of the United States attended the 1933 conference and opened the first youth hostel a year later in Northfield, Massachusetts. Within a year, a network of more than 30 hostels was operating throughout New England.

Today, there are 4.5 million active members and an "alumni" of hundreds of millions.