You may also want to obtain a American Youth Hostels' Hostelling International Card (HIC), which is recommended if you are going to be traveling extensively outside of the program. Hostels offer inexpensive (compared to hotels) lodging for travelers, but many hostels require proof of your membership in AYH before they'll let you stay; hence the need for the HIC. There are over 5,000 participating hostels in more than 70 countries, so you'll probably want to visit their website (www.hiusa.org) to find out if there are hostels along your planned route. A book listing international hostels is also available from AYH. The card is good for one year, effective as soon as you receive it.
