Two years have passed since the publication of the last YHA handbook, so you might be expecting to see a new one hitting your doormat amidst all the other Christmas post. Well, you’re going to be disappointed as YHA have decided not to issue a new guide, at least not yet, as they deem it too expensive.
Hostellers will have to make do with the website (due for an overhaul in the near future) or with old copies of the book. That’ll be no change for many seasoned members, who use old handbooks for bits of information dropped in more recent editions – such as maps to help you find each hostel.
It has not yet been decided whether to permanently abandon paper in favour of electronic publication. It would be a brave decision. The internet is a marvellous thing, but it’s a lot less convenient to shove into a rucksack, pannier or glove compartment.
Does a paper hostel guide have to be a glossy, full-colour, perfect bound behemoth? Scotland get by with a 36-page booklet (pictured left), some countries just issue a road map with the hostels marked on it and with their addresses on the back. Admittedly, YHA has a big network to publicise, but could this be a way forward?
Just this week, an email was sent to this website asking:
Is there a book which lists all the youth hostels in the UK, so that I know where to go when I get to town?
Setting aside the issue of the UK being covered by three HI associations, is that really a ridiculous thing to ask for?