The Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA) has spent about $1 million to refurbish a centrally located youth hostel in Edinburgh, Scotland`s capital.
This is one of about 80 youth hostels that operate in Scotland, providing inexpensive dormitory accommodations for men and women. Many are in scenic hill-walking areas and are within cycling distance from one other.
Edinburgh`s Eglinton Hostel, 18 Eglinton Crescent (telephone 031 337-1120), is open for new arrivals each evening until 11:30. There are no age restrictions, although most guests will be in their teens and 20s. The curfew for guests is 2 a.m.
For further information about youth hostels in Scotland, contact your local youth hostel association, or Scottish Youth Hostels Association, at 7 Glebe Crescent, Stirling, Scotland FK8 2JA. Stirling is 35 miles southeast of Edinburgh.
Each year SYHA offers special packages for independent travelers. For example, the association recently offered a $40 reduction on Highland Wayfarer packages sold directly through their offices.
The packages combine transportation for Scotland`s Highlands, plus vouchers for dormitory accommodations in the youth hostels. The travel passes are valid for unlimited rail and ferry transport, and one-third off bus fares, in the Highlands and islands. The eight-day packages have been reduced to $156. The 15-day versions cost $264.
Keep in mind while traveling in Scotland that international youth hostel membership cards are honored for half-price entrance fees at National Trust properties.
Free bikes in Copenhagen
This summer budget travelers will be able to get around Copenhagen, Denmark`s capital, on free bikes. Denmark is a northern European country that is ideal for cyclists because of its flat terrain and numerous bicycle paths. Copenhagen, a seaport only 12 miles from Sweden, is known for its picturesque canals and moats and statue of Hans Christian Andersen`s ”Little Mermaid,”
which watches over the waterfront.
Beginning April 1, up to 5,000 bicycles will be available for use, free, by residents and visitors to Copenhagen. The program was created to cut traffic and pollution. Much of the money needed to buy the bikes has been donated by private businesses. The bikes will be parked and secured like shopping carts. You will be able to release one for about $3.50, and your money will be refunded when it is returned.
Getting work abroad
The idea of subsidizing your travel budget by working abroad may conjure up exciting images, but the nitty-gritty of getting a work permit can be frustrating.
Many countries will not grant a work permit unless you have a job lined up, and many employers won`t offer you a job until you can assure them you will have the legal documentation required.
There is a special service that will help American students cut through this red tape. For the last 23 years the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has been operating a student work-abroad program. For a fee of $96, it takes care of obtaining permits to seek short-term employment legally in Britain, France, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand, Jamaica or Costa Rica.
The CIEE does not find work for you. It helps you look.
Participants are provided with a program handbook that contains information on the country, employment tips, a list of possible employers and advice on accommodations and travel.
Work Abroad information booklets and application forms are available by mail from CIEE, Work Abroad, 205 W. 42nd St. New York, N.Y. 10017. Also, you can pick up copies at Council Travel Services offices, including the one at 1153 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill. 60610.
