YHA
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YHA is an initialism or abbreviation for Youth Hostels Association, for example that of England, Wales, and Australia. These are part of the Hostelling International (HI). They have long provided low-cost overnight accommodation, originally in scenic parts of the country, and on the assumption that all guests would cook for themselves.
Latterly its facilities have become more varied and less spartan in terms of comfort and amenities. Canteen facilities became routine in the larger and new urban hostels. Despite the organisation's name, membership has always been open to people of all ages.
In the past few years the network shrunk considerably. Some years ago many European hostels were within a day's walk from each other, nowadays there are considerable whitespots.
The vision of the regional organization differs considerably. German hostels are very much dependent on pre-booked schoolgroups, the casual traveller may not find a roof here, where in Britain there are many very small hostels. In some countries you may not drink alcohol on the premises and other countries have their own bar. Many hostels are in local beauty spots. The catering, if available, differs very much too. Most, but not all hostels have a members kitchen and certainly not all hostels are staffed.