I went to Sweden and Norway with my parents in 1974. We were on a bus tour staying in hotels, but i broke away from the group to stay at a hostel -- i think it was Balestrand, Norway. http://www.hihostels.com/hostels/Balestrand-Norway-index-E-NO-042029.php It was great to be among the locals and international travellers. There also is a great hostel south of san francisco on the beach with a light house and hot tub...http://norcalhostels.org/montara...their dad and i took our daughters there a few times...