Journeywoman - Win $200 for a stay in the hostel of your choice

	PRAGUE... At Plus Prague, girls will appreciate the homely creature comforts on offer; extra space, cosmetic tables equipped with hairdryers, complimentary toiletries and a goody bag are all included into their girls-only dorms. Girls need not feel like total hermits. The rest of the hostel is mixed and boasts an indoor swimming pool which guests can use for free. There is also a free welcome drink, a free city tour, a games room, bar and self catering facilities so it’s ideal for travellers looking to meet fellow backpackers.
	PARIS... Aside from offering a female-only dorm, ladies will like the colourful interior and arty features at Caulaincourt Square Hostel. Located close to Montmartre and Le Sacre Coeur in Paris’s pretty bohemian quarter, the hostel offers free Wi-Fi and free bike rental which is a great way to get around the city.
	BANGKOK... Spotlessly clean and style-conscious, Lub d Bangkok – Silom offers ladies-only dormitories with private bathrooms and also private rooms. If safety is top of your list, the hostel is equipped with plenty of security features such as key card access to both rooms and communal areas and with lockers in each dormitory, guests can sleep soundly. Bathrooms are modern and linen is crisp and fresh. The onsite bar is a trendy place for an aperitif before a night out and also serves breakfast and light snacks.
	CAIRNS... Just two blocks from the waterfront and the Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns Girls Hostel is a female-only hostel. With car rental facilities nearby, this is a great choice for those hoping to explore the coastline and the Greta Barrier Reef. There are lockers in the dorms, self-catering facilities and a cosy lounge area.
	MELBOURNE... The Sanctuary wing at BASE St Kilda in Melbourne is a girls-only level – no boys allowed! On arrival ladies will receive a glass of Champagne, a gift pack containing hair care products, a fluffy towel and treated to top quality linen. Tea and coffee is served in bed on weekends and bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and movie star mirrors for the ultimate pampering atmosphere. Ladies have access to their own private lounge complete with magazines, books, TV and even straightening irons! Melbourne city centre is a short tram ride away but for girls who want the best of both worlds – beach and cultural city life – St Kilda is Melbourne’s sunny seaside suburb.

Twitter users weigh in on hostels...

Journeywoman sent out this question on Twitter: 'Collecting quotes about staying in hostels. Do you have 140 characters to share on Twitter?' What do you like about them?

We chose a few thoughts to share with you.

- Hostels give me the opportunity to extend my stay anywhere, spending $ where it is worth it and not on sleep. @babarbaggins

- Choose a hostel that matches your personality, level of tolerance, & energy level. Change spots if it means a better exp 4 u. @zengarden17

- Oz and NZ hostels were amazing & felt like home. I wish I'd stayed in more co-ed rms, u meet many more people traveling alone! @melaniereiff

- I like hostels bc I travel solo and its a great way to meet people but also because its nice to make yourself a home cooked meal. @TravelYourself

- if you travel alone, hostels are a great, safe, place to connect with fellow travellers - often those from diff countries. @OKTravelTips

- Cheap and easy!quality ranges from clean and cheerful to pretty grimy and dank!Be prepared - its all part of the experience! @saz1241

- I meet new people, staff know the area well/usually younger, generally cheaper, fun activities (usually) and/or location. @meeknotweak

- Hostels can offer unique, once in a lifetime experiences. I once stayed in a Scottish castle for less than $20. @landlopers

- Stay lighthearted and know what you're getting into. Hostels can be a lot of fun if you're in the right frame of mind. @Jen_Banks

- I've used hostels & loved them because of all the interesting people I've met. I've also felt safe. @carlitarocks

- Why I like hostels? 1) its usually the cost (cheap). 2) & u can still get a pvt room lol. 3) its nice to have other travelers around. @AnjaniLadki

- It's exciting to be thrown out of my comfort zone (no hot water, dorms & simple interiors) makes travel fun! & very social. @TLC_Designs

- I have tons of reasons why I use hostels! Main reason is better social atmosphere. Also, believe it or not, safety is one. @amerimatryoshka