$1 equals 1 Euro at European hostels with HostelsClub

Right now the exchange rate is $1.36 USD to 1.00 Euro. It’s not fun to think about a travel budget when our dollar doesn’t go very far on a vacation, but we still can’t keep ourselves away from Europe. It’s worth it, we tell ourselves. Staying at a hostel is an obvious choice for budget travelers, but the bargain is even better when you book through HostelsClub.com this fall and winter.

Deal: HostelsClub.com got a bunch of its European hostels to agree to take dollars straight across for euros. Travelers have the choice of taking this deal at hostels in Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Note: This deal is for U.S. citizens, so bring your passport. And some of the hostels only accept cash as payment.

Sample deal: The Mad hostel in Madrid has shared rooms for $14 and includes breakfast; free Internet and Wi-Fi, a gym and no curfew. Good between Oct. 15, 2008 through March 30, 2009.  See the Spain page for hostels participating in this deal.

More info: Hostels Club U.S. offer

— Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times Travel & Deal blogger

[Image: hostelsclub.com]