Backpackers planning to stay in a hostel in Australia are advised to first buy one-way travel insurance.
News Mail reports that with several backpacker hostels in the Australian town of Bundaberg having been found to be operating illegally, legitimate Bundaberg hostel manager John Walker has called for the creation of a single watchdog to clamp down more effectively. Illegally-run backpacker hostels can have a negative effect on local communities and bring regions into disrepute.
Mr Walker, who owns the Workers and Divers hostel, told the website: "I haven't got it in for any one of the regulating authorities; there's about eight and some of them even have clashing requirements which makes it very hard for us."
He said that a single body would be more effective in rooting out illegal hostels, while the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) said that it would continue responding to individual complaints.
Hostels are great ways for backpackers to save money, although their legitimacy should always be confirmed first and backpackers should make sure they have
online travel insurance.
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cheap travel insurance to Oz.
