Cheap (But Fancy!) Hostels You Have To See

When we think of backpacking around the world, we imagine sharing beers and engaging in heart-to-hearts with fellow travelers we only just met. Inevitably, these fantasy exchanges happen inside a very hip hostel. 

This increasingly popular form of accommodation is a far cry from the windowless, sparsely-furnished crash pads your parents might remember. The hostels of today are tailor-made for those who travel to meet people and make memories — something that the more buttoned-up hotel chains aren't necessarily thinking about. For less than the cab fare to the airport, you can spend the night in a charming treehouse in Turkey or chill on a hammock in Costa Rica. Ahead, we've compiled 13 stays with tons of character and intrigue. With their under-$50-per-night price tags, you'd better make a reservation, stat.