See Two Places at Once

Choose Border Hostels

If you are looking to expand your horizons while on vacation, visiting more than one destination simultaneously, consider border hostels. Border hostels are those lodging options that sit on the borders of 2 countries, giving you easy access to the tourist destinations offered in both locations. So, you can reduce your overall travel expenses while increasing the number of sites that you see on your vacation. Here are some of the best border hostel destinations to consider for your next vacation:

U.S./Canada

All along the Canadian/U.S. border, there are a variety of hostels for you to select from. Three of the most popular North American cities to stay near in order to visit both countries are Toronto, Detroit, and Seattle. When visiting Toronto, you are about an 1.5 hour-drive away from the city of Buffalo, and only 30 minutes from both the U.S. and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls. So, within a short amount of time, you are near a variety of interesting locales to visit. When staying in Detroit, you are within a half an hour from the Canadian border, where you can visit any one of the many popular casinos. When staying in Seattle, you are within driving distance of the beautiful Canadian city of Vancouver. For more Canadian hostels click here!

U.S./Mexico

If you are looking to visit both the U.S. and Mexico, consider staying in one of the border hostels located within Texas or California. These two countries offer visitors a variety of sites to see. And, many of the border towns allow you to drive or walk across, giving you day access to both sides of the border. In Northern Baja, you can stay at Coyote Cal's or Ensenada Backpackers which is only a two hour drive to San Diego, or you can stay busy there taking horse rides on the beach, mountain biking and even whale watching! To be in a more authentic Mexican area and about 2-3 hour drive to Texas, try hostels in Monterrey or Puebla.

Malaysia/Thailand/Indonesia

For an exotic border hostel vacation, consider staying on the Thailand/Malaysia border. Visitors to Malaysia are often drawn to the sharp contrast of the bustling cities, full of skyscrapers, and the calm, serene villages that are found throughout the countryside. Malaysia is also known for its eco-tourism, sailing, cave exploration and the country’s national parks. Nearby Thailand offers beautiful scenery, festivals, numerous tropical beaches and ancient ruins. Kota Bahru is usually a common stop in Malaysia just before entering Thailand, only a one hour bus ride away. Another option is to go from the bustling city of Singapore to the enchanting tropical Bintan Island hostel in Indonesia by catamaran in less than an hour! There are many alternatives since all three regions are intertwined in some parts, so you can cross over by land or water. Click here for more Thailand, Indonesian and Malaysian hostels!

Morocco/ Spain

Another popular border hostel area to find accommodations is the area between Morocco and Spain. Some of Morocco’s must sees include the city of Tangier, located along the Moroccan shore line, the Atlantic port of Essaouira, Marrakesh for the city’s famous storytellers and Casablanca. Along the border of Morocco and Spain lie the cities of La Línea de la Concepción and Marbella. Within a short day’s drive also lie a variety of other cities and regions of Spain that one can visit when staying in nearby accommodations. For more Spain hostel options along the border click here!

Sweden/Denmark/Norway

The Nordic region is quite a trek, but once you're that far north, might as well visit at least three of the countries bordering each other. Malmo, Sweden is only about a 35 minute train ride over the Oresund bridge to get to Copenhagen. You can have a great day exploring Denmark's capital and return at night to Malmo or vice-versa. Norway and Sweden shares a 2500km land border, so there are plenty of towns to cross over to the other side. From Oslo to Stockholm, you can take a six hour train ride or a one hour flight.

So, when planning your next vacation, consider staying in a border hostel in order to take advantage of the sites, scenery and activities that two countries have to offer. You will find that when visiting the above countries, even though you are staying along the border, when you step across one way or another, you are stepping into an entirely new culture, offering numerous new things to see and do. The duo of nationalities infinitely enhances your trip, so if you get the chance, stay in a hostel on or near an international border and enjoy the two-for-one experience!