I first joined the YHA just over a year ago. I had been looking for ways to save money when I travelled around the country and abroad and as I was able to get my first years membership free through my student bank account, I decided it was insane not to join!

The card entitles you to discounts at youth hostels around the UK and abroad, so if you like visiting different places across the country but need to do it on a tight budget; this can only help you out even further, saving you around £3 a night extra with the membership card.

I have also used the YHA card abroad as it is also a 'Hostelling International' card. This entitled me to an extra Euro2.50 a night off the listed hostel prices. Saving me Euro25 in one trip alone! Definitely worth the £9.95 membership fee for Under 26s or £15.95 for over 26, especially if you're travelling for long periods of time going from one hostel to the next.

The benefits do not simply end at savings on accommodation though. The YHA card entitles the holder to many additional discounts too, including 10% discounts at millets, Columbus direct travel insurance, blacks and even higher discounts on ordinance survey maps, insight guides, geographical magazine, national trust membership, SeaFrance ferries and many more. I found the Millets discount particularly useful when buying tents and sleeping bags for a festival, but also for some of their excellent weather proof clothing.

For anyone interested in travelling, this is more than a worthwhile investment as the potential savings are huge.