Just ran the numbers on hostel loyalty programs and I'm kind of shocked

Was looking into Hostelling International membership last night because I kept seeing the $28 annual fee and thinking nah. But then I added up what I spent on dorms in Europe last summer - 6 weeks, 42 nights. Turns out even with just the standard 10% discount it would have paid for itself after 2 weeks. And I didn't know they also give you a free night after 6 stays. How many of you actually use these cards or are they a scam?

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lindareed3mo ago

Nah, they're basically just prepaying for your discount with extra steps.

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patb863mo ago

You're spot on @lindareed. I signed up for one of those membership programs at a pet store thinking I'd save big, but it ended up being $30 up front just to get 10% off stuff I could already find cheaper online. By the time I broke even, the year was almost over. It's a way to lock you in more than anything.

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