Hostelling International membership?

[WandererJolie]

I'm going through the CSJ guides for the coastal route, and I've noticed (so far) at least one albergue requires a membership to Hostelling International. Has anyone NEEDED an HI membership on their camino? Do you think it would be a good idea to get one?
I will be walking in July/August Camino del Norte.
(The membership is $35CAD I don't want to invest yet.)

 

[filly]

I'm going through the CSJ guides for the coastal route, and I've noticed (so far) at least one albergue requires a membership to Hostelling International. Has anyone NEEDED an HI membership on their camino? Do you think it would be a good idea to get one?
I will be walking in July/August Camino del Norte.
(The membership is $35CAD I don't want to invest yet.)

The cheapest Hostelling association is the Scottish one! I joined and used it several times, most notably in Toledo and Avila where they keep the card until you return the sheets!! But I can assure you that a Credencial is as good as and will get you in. However, I was SAVED in San Sebastián where the youth hostel was full but thanks to my card I had been able to book and reserve online ahead of time.

 

[KinkyOne]

I'm going through the CSJ guides for the coastal route, and I've noticed (so far) at least one albergue requires a membership to Hostelling International. Has anyone NEEDED an HI membership on their camino? Do you think it would be a good idea to get one?
I will be walking in July/August Camino del Norte.
(The membership is $35CAD I don't want to invest yet.)

Hi, WandererJolie!

Haven't been on del Norte yet. This year I walked Camino de Invierno and in Quiroga there was HI sign on the front door of Albergue which was not pilgrim orientated. My thoughts were almost the same about membership but the hospitalera just asked for pilgrim passport and that was it.

Ultreia!

 

[mralisn]

Have walked the CN in '10 and '14 (June-July) and not ever needed an HI membership.

You will be absolutely fine without. There has been an influx of new places to stay in these years as the CN becomes an alternative to the much busier CF. Especially in summer, the options are more than they have been in years with many more opening as popularity increases.

The CN is incredible. Absolutely incredible.

Trust in the arrows,
Simeon