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Thinking about applying for the Great Hostel Give Back? Check out our participating hostels, eligibility requirements, and terms & conditions.

Eligibility Requirements: 

To be considered for the Great Hostel Give Back, groups must: 

  • Have at a minimum of 6 individuals and maximum of 30 individuals 
  • Have a planned service opportunity in the local community surrounding the hostel that aligns with HI USA’s mission and values 
  • Agree to have your group members participate in a pre-stay virtual travel program 
    Options include:  

    1.  Travel 101 
    2.  Study Abroad 101 
    3.  Hostelling 101 
  • Complete the online GHGB application 

Please Note: Groups that have previously participated in the program and completed the program requirements may reapply for this year’s program. Groups that did not fulfill the program requirements are ineligible to return for this year’s program. 

 

Participating HI USA Locations

Great Hostel Give Back is available during the months of January and February at the following HI USA locations (based on availability):

  

Program Requirements: 

  • Submit a credit card as guarantee for unused rooms/cancellations/damages. 
  • Complete two hours of service each day in the community surrounding the hostel for each free overnight. (If you need help finding a group service project, please visit www.volunteermatch.org). 
  • Agree to have your group members participate in a pre-stay virtual travel program Options include:  
    1.  Travel 101 – Discover the benefits of exploring new locations
    2.  Study Abroad 101 – Understand the basics of study abroad 
    3.  Hostelling 101 – What is a hostel and why is it a great way to see the world? 
  • Complete a post-stay survey and submit at least three photos of the group participating in the service project or hostel event (all participants/group members over 18). 

Failure to schedule and/or complete the program requirements may make your group ineligible to participate in the following year’s Great Hostel Give Back program.

 

Application, Selection, and Reservation Process 

  • Complete and submit the online GHGB Application as early as possible. We are accepting applications, pending hostel availability, through Feb. 1, 2023. 
  • The application will be reviewed to ensure groups have met the requirements and that hostel is available on the requested nights. 
  • Selection will be based on group eligibility, hostel availability, and alignment of volunteer service to HI USA’s mission and values 
  • Within two weeks, the group will be notified of acceptance into the program by a HI USA staff member.  At this time, you will need to book your group reservation with an assigned staff member.   
  • A credit card is required as guarantee for damages, changes and/or cancellation (see Changes and Cancellation Policy below). 
  • Once we’ve booked your room(s), a separate HI USA Staff member will reach out to confirm your volunteer activity and schedule your pre-travel virtual program.  
  • Complete the above Program Requirements.  

Failure to schedule and/or complete the program requirements may make your group ineligible to participate in the following year’s Great Hostel Give Back programs. 

 

Changes & Cancellation Policy: 

  • Adding members to the reservation after confirmation is subject to availability. 
  • Reductions of up to 10% of the group booking can be made up until 14 days prior to arrival without penalty. 
  • Reductions of more than 10% of the group booking and/or made less than 14 days of arrival will result in a cancellation fee equal to the customary value of the first night’s stay for all cancelled beds. 
  • Cancellations should be made in writing at least 30 days prior to arrival. 
  • Cancellations made less than 30 days of arrival are subject to a cancellation fee equal to the customary value of the first night’s stay for all cancelled beds.
     

Contact Us

Applications for GHGB 2023 are now closed.

For more information about future GHGB Programs, please sign up for our “Programs and Events” mailing list.

We reserve the right to modify this agreement and any policies of HI USA Great Hostel Give Back. Modification is effective upon posting to our website or distribution via email or conventional mail. 

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