? Hostel Association Membership necessary on Via Francigena

[pat.holland]

A certain guide re via Francigena I am reading says that 'virtually all hostels (excepting religious hostels)are members of the International youth hostel association and you'll need to be a member'.
is this still the case? no problem if it is, just need to know so I can get the cards, etc.
thanks
ph

 

[Bradypus]

I walked the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome last year. I only stayed in 3 Hostelling International/IYHF affiliated hostels - Lausanne, Montreux and Siena. As a life member I had a card anyway. Otherwise I'm sure it would have been possible to stay for a slightly higher nightly rate. Swiss hostels charge an extra 6 CHF for non-members.

 

[SYates]

You normally can also buy the membership directly at the hostel or like @Bradypus says buy a daily membership. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Jotown]

I stayed in the youth hostel at Lausanne - as a pilgrim they only charged me the 'members rate ' , along with 3 other pilgrims ( although, like you I had read I would be charged more , and had joined anyway !)

This was the only 'youth hostel' I stayed at on the entire route ... So dependent on where you anticipate staying it may / may not be worthwhile joining before you go