Treating Yourself to a<i> Real </i> Hotel

Sometimes a break from bunk beds and dormitory rooms at youth hostels and budget hotels is a welcome treat. If you are between ages 18 and 26 and will be traveling in Europe, keep in mind that the Ibis hotel network offers youth rates on empty rooms after 9 p.m.

Ibis is a network of about 400 tourist-class hotels, mostly in Europe. Its youth rate is only available to travelers who arrive without prior arrangements, and it’s subject to the availability of rooms.

The rate per room in Germany ranges from $41 to $55; in Austria it’s $48; in Belgium (with a small breakfast included) it’s $51; in France the rates range from $32-$42; in Great Britain the rate is $32; in Italy the rates (small breakfast included) range from $40-$50, and in the Netherlands the range is $44-$50. These rates are valid until Dec. 31.

Ask about Ibis hotels at a tourist information office in the country you are in. In London, the address of an Ibis office (near Euston Station) is 3 Cardington St., London NW12LW. In Paris (near the Paris Opera) it is 122 Rue La Fayette, 75010 Paris.

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When you want to visit areas that don’t have extensive public transportation, check with the youth hostel in the local gateway city; often they have arrangements with budget tour companies.

In Canada this year, for example, you can join budget tours of the Rockies that depart from Calgary’s international youth hostel. From Toronto’s international youth hostel, you can tour the Niagara escarpment and participate in guided single and multi-day hikes on the Bruce Trail.

Between June and September, 15-passenger vans operated by True North Tours depart from the Calgary and Banff international youth hostels for six-day adventures.

The driver-guides keep the programs flexible. Activities include hiking in Banff National Park, canoeing at Lake Louise and exploring the Athabasca Glacier in all-terrain vehicles.

This program is operated in association with Hostelling Alberta, and each night the bus takes passengers to one of its facilities. The hostels range from modern to rustic. The six-day tour price is $145 per person.

For more details, contact True North Tours Ltd. No. 5111-27 Grier Place NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2K 5Y5; tel. (403) 275-4979.

Canadian Experience offers one- and two-night hiking trips on sections of the Bruce Trail, the 481-mile nature route along the Niagara escarpment. Accommodations are provided on a 67-acre farm, the Spirit of the Valley Homestead.

For reservations, call Hostelling International-Toronto at (800) 668-4487.