New Twist on Aussie Bus and Hostel Packages

The Australian budget travel service, YHA Travel, has announced a new twist to its “Go As You Please” hostel and bus pass packages for next year. A cheaper version makes use of standby bus travel.

Each package includes a ticket for unlimited bus travel on the nationwide network operated by Deluxe Bus. As long as a seat is available, you can board whenever you want.

The buses visit popular remote sites such as Ayers Rock and Kakadu National Park. These aren’t tour buses, but I’ve found that Australian bus drivers often grab their mikes and point out interesting sights en route, even on point-to-point service.

Traveling standby doesn’t mean that you’ll never know if there’s space for you until the last minute. You can get confirmation of a seat up to four hours before departure from a Deluxe terminal.

Before you decide to buy the standby version of the “Go As You Please” package, it’s wise to check to make sure that your travel plans don’t overlap with Australian school holidays. The Aussies’ main vacation period is Christmas through the end of January, and one-week holidays are often scheduled in late June or July, plus late September. The dates vary across the country. Ask for details from the tourist information office.

The best aspect of bus and hostel packages is that they remove a lot of concerns about how to get around and where to stay for those on limited funds who don’t know the country.

The accommodations vouchers are valid for dormitory lodging in any of the 135 official Australian youth hostels (YHA), including the new Perth hostel at 253 William St.; the central, historic Britannia Hotel; the new central Darwin hostel at 69-A Mitchell St., or at the recently added Hereford Lodge Hostel (which has a swimming pool and some twin rooms) at 51 Hereford St., Glebe, Sydney.

There are drawbacks to this type of package. The package is only for sale outside the country, so you must make the decision before you leave home. And you are restricting yourself to using certain services, when there’s a lot of competition for both budget lodgings and unlimited travel tickets.

As of next April 1 the price for a seven-day standby bus pass, plus five hostel vouchers, will be $229.50 Australian (about $190 U.S.). With each pass, several nights are open to make whatever other accommodations arrangements you choose. A 10-day standby pass with seven hostel vouchers is $313 Australian; a 15-day pass with 10 vouchers is $433.50; a 21-day pass with 15 vouchers is $606.50, and a 30-day pass plus 20 vouchers is $814.50. Longer versions also are available.

These prices will remain valid for one year. You must begin using your pass within six months of the date of purchase or you will be required to pay any fare increases that have occurred.

Similar “Go As You Please” packages that don’t force you to travel standby are also available for from seven to 90 days. These more expensive versions include one-way continuous travel on Tasmanian Redline Services. The most popular version of this package is a 21-day bus pass with 15 hostel vouchers, for $739.50 Australian.

For more information on the YHA “Go As You Please” packages, write to YHA Travel of South Australia, 4219 Sturt St., Adelaide, South Australia 5000.

A variety of unlimited travel bus passes are available from several companies. Some must be bought before you go but others can be bought after you arrive. Some companies, including Deluxe, also offer a student discount on regular tickets and passes if you buy your ticket through a student travel agency.

It’s best to compare the passes, routes and frequency of service. You can get more information on bus services by contacting the Australian Tourist Commission, 2121 Ave. of the Stars, Suite 1200, Los Angeles 90067, toll-free (800) 552-1988. Ask for a free copy of “Destination Australia.”

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The youth hostel in the Cambridge, England, area recently reopened after extensive renovations that reduced the number of large dormitory rooms in favor of smaller ones that provide guests with more privacy.

The city, known for its colleges, can be reached by rail from London in just over an hour. About 20 trains a day cover the route.

Visitors can cycle through the flat rural countryside, check out the student pubs and cafes or glide along the river Cam, from which the city gets its name.

The hostel, at 97 Tension Road, never closes and also has a new bicycle shop and new restaurant.