Just realized hostel loyalty programs might be a waste of time

I spent 6 months signing up for free hostel nights through their points systems. Stayed at 4 Hostelling International places in Spain last summer and only earned enough for a free bunk in a 10-bed dorm. You could get that same night for $12 cash if you just show up late and ask for a discount. Am I doing this wrong or are these programs just not worth the effort for budget travelers?

3 comments

3 Comments

nina_hall4817d ago

Yeah, those points barely add up to anything useful.

violag8017d ago

Well, that reminds me of the time my sister collected all those grocery store stickers for a year to get a "free" roasting pan. She ended up with this flimsy thing that warped the first time she used it in the oven. It's like these points programs are designed to look good on paper but never really deliver anything worthwhile. You spend all that time tracking and remembering them, and for what? A keychain or a discount on something you wouldn't have bought anyway.

violag8016d ago

And the funny part? They know most people never actually redeem. It's basically free money for them. Keep us chasing that carrot on a string.