Backpacker Buzz

Hostels are some of the most eco-friendly accommodation options out there. Check out a few ways hostels are helping the planet in Norway, Iceland and New Zealand.

Norway

HI-Norway has partenred with tour operator Norway Green Tours to offer deals on eco-minded activities on the country's west coast. The partnership makes it easy to combine hostel stays with hop-on, hop-off style bus transportation in a stunning area that has traditionally been difficult to get around.

Some of the stops are in UNESCO World Heritage sites, but regardless, you won't be too far from fjords, glaciers and boatloads of outdoor activities. You can even ski in the area year-round.

Find out more.

Iceland

Already HI-Quality certified hostels in Reykjavik, Iceland have recently been awards with the Swan, the official eco-label of the Nordic countries. The Swan is without a doubt the most important and reliable ecological label in the Nordic countries, with a widespread recognition and trust among consumers.

HI-Reykjavik Downtown opened a year ago and was certified for the first time, while HI-Reykjavik City Hostel was re-certified, having been previous certified in 2004. Recycling and compost options are prominent in the kitchens, communal bookshelves allows you to swap books with fellow travellers, you can rent bikes from the hostels and signage gives suggestions for saving energy and water. The hostels' breakfasts include organic options and fairtrade coffee.

Find out more about HI-Iceland

New Zealand

Staying at any one of YHA New Zealand’s hostel will now be cheaper if you are a cyclist or a hiker. It is all part of the “Retro Revival” campaign to support sustainable travel.

In the good old days, to be allowed to stay at a YHA New Zealand hostel you used to have to arrive by foot or bike. These restrictions vanished over 20 years ago but with a growing awareness of how individual carbon footprints impact on the environment, YHA is taking a trip down memory lane. The Retro Revival campaign is now launched with the objective to reward people who choose to arrive at the hostels using sustainable travel. They will be able to enjoy up to a 25% discount on both their overnight rate and on membership.

Find out more.