Online travel insurance should be considered a priority by backpackers planning a stay in an Australian hostel.
According to ABC News, a hostel owner in Bundaberg, Queensland, has warned that up to 20 backpacker hostels in the region may not satisfy proper fire safety legislation. John Walker said he was concerned about the deteriorating reputation of Bundaberg among backpackers and tourists, many of whom come equipped with
backpacker travel insurance, and so he compiled a list of local establishments that he believed should be investigated.
Mr Walker told the network: "There's vermin of all sorts, I've even heard complaints from people about possums and things like that sharing the accommodation with people when they come down to eat".
The local council said it would investigate the claims but stressed that standards breaches were sometimes difficult to prove.
Fire safety has been a particularly sensitive issue in Australian hostels since a fire in 2000 killed 15 backpackers.
Worldwide travel insurance is advised for backpackers heading to Australia.
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cheap travel insurance to Oz.
