Soak up Sydney’s spectacular skyline from the hip hostel roof terrace at Bounce Sydney. There’s also a BBQ and cabana up there – perfect if you’ve caught a few too many Aussie rays at the nearby Bondi Beach. Wi-Fi is available and lockers complete with power points too. Shared dorms start from €24.15pppn and private rooms from €34.48pppn.

If you’re after an award-winning hostel Chicago is a great city to visit. The Chicago Getaway Hostel is popular with our customers and was voted the hostel with the ‘Best Atmosphere’ in North America in the HostelBookers Awards for Excellence. Common areas, a gourmet kitchen and an outdoor patio make for a great environment and it’s just a short walk to the top beaches, bars and restaurants. There’s always some excitement here, with free BBQs, pub crawls and tours. Shared dorms start from €17.45pppn and private rooms from €19.63pppn.

Making squeaky bunks a thing of the past, the Princesa Insolente Hostel boasts the latest furnishings in a bohemian neighbourhood in Santiago. Rooms surround a candlelit courtyard complete with a bar for drinks under the stars. The brightly painted frontage has earthy wooden touches throughout and pretty dried flowers dangling from the rafters. Shared dorms start from €11.11pppn and private rooms from €57.12pppn.

Miss Sophie’s Hostel in Prague is an old favourite on the boutique hostel circuit. The hostel is tucked away down an historic side street and offers playful dorms designed by local architects. With the cosy cellar lounge complete with a plasma telly it’s a great hostel to visit in winter. Shared dorms start from €11.60pppn and private dorms from €16.78pppn.

It’s in Demark so you know already Danhostel Copenhagen City is going to be a stylish one. The wood-based hostel is brilliantly symbolic of the Danish architecture and you don’t even have to leave the hostel to find a cool or cheap Copenhagen bar with fine views of the Opera House and Brygge Islands. Shared dorms start from €11.60pppn and private dorms from €16.78pppn

Oops Hostel offers budget Parisian chic in the heart of the city. With private rooms, it’s also a desirable choice for couples on a budget, especially with the free Wi-Fi, free internet and free breakfast. Shared dorms start from €38pppn and private dorms from €50pppn.

KEX Hostel is a fantastic hostel housed in a former biscuit factory in Reykjavik’s most lively and exciting cultural quarter. It’s every inch a design project, and the restoration journey has been lovingly photographed. You’ll find guests and locals alike in the uber chic bar or chilling out on the heated patio area. Shared dorms start from €20.26pppn and private dorms from €45.58pppn.

The high ceilings and luxurious Ottoman-style decor at the Fauzi Azar Inn look beautiful in this 200-year-old Arab mansion. You’ll enjoy free cake and Arabic coffee under the hand-painted ceilings and with panoramic views in the communal area. Shared dorms start from €21.82pppn and private rooms from €26.97pppn.

The LoLhostel Siracusa is a brilliantly historic building with beautiful stone walls. It has all the mod cons including internet, a fantastically fashionable guest kitchen where you’ll be proud to rustle up your own cheap Sicilian dinner and a sunny courtyard with cheerful umbrellas. Shared dorms start from €23pppn and private rooms from €18.50pppn.

The Backpack & Africa Centre is hot on Fair Trade policy and offers guests the opportunity to volunteer to work on local projects. The place is buzzing and the atmosphere was recognised by guests in the HostelBookers Awards for Excellence. There’s also a swimming pool and outdoor lounge in the shadow of magnificent Table Mountain. Shared dorms start from €12.77pppn and private rooms from €25.05pppn.