Think of hostels, and you don't usually think of Asia, but here they are, and the number is growing. As you would expect, many of them are in the highly developed (and expensive) countries of Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, but they're found everywhere, even China, especially China, and the customers are not all Westerners, either. Hostels are all about more than just cheap rooms. Southeast Asia is the last place you'd need a hostel for cheap lodging, but here they are in full force: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and even Burma now. India has finally gotten on board, and Sri Lanka and Nepal, too. That's because a hostel is like having a bit of home with you. If one of the coolest things about hostels is their social nature, then one of their most utilitarian functions is their role as a haven of security and familiarity in a very foreign land. You'll need it here more than in Europe, America, or Australia. Yes, that means the English tongue. Yes, that means secure perimeters. And yes, that means banana pancakes (if you must). Plus, this book is full of travel tips to help make your travel easier and more efficient. It is also full of historical and geographical information to add more knowledge to your travels and meaning to your destinations. Start packing. C U in Bangkok...