Ask anyone under the age of 30 what the difference is between a hotel and motel and we're willing to bet you'd get some interesting answers. In a nut shell, motels are low-cost, no-frills lodging options that are perfect for a budget conscious vacationer or a road weary traveler. As many Americans are looking to explore the Heartland of America and see other parts of this great place we call home, motels fill a necessary void in the lodging industry. Did I hear someone say "road trip"?

Spain is a hot tourist destination for Europeans and cruise boats come the summer months. With many miles of coastline, Spain is the place for sun worshipers and beach-bunnies, and in August it can be downright depressing trying to find a hotel on the coast. Shared rooms at Albergue Altafulla Aside from being hard to come by, hotels are also expensive. If you are on a budget in Spain, then consider bunking at an Albergue, or hostel. True, the hostel experience is not for everyone and the shared rooms, communal snoring, and bunk-beds can get old. However if you are a single traveler or on a budget, albergues are the way to save some Euro cash. Swim along the many beaches in Tarragona near Altafulla There are albergues all over Spain, and for Albergues in Catalonia try Xanascat.cat. On this somewhat confusing website, you’ll find a nice selection of hostels that are run by the Catalan government and located on the Mediterranean Sea.

Maybe it is because I am from the United States originally, but I am impressed by old buildings that are still in operation. For this reason, Albergue Cerveri de Girona peeked my interest. Set in a 12th century building, this hostel combines history and budget beds in one of Catalonia’s most interesting cities, Girona. A beach along the Costa Brava near Girona This albergue, or hostel, is used by University student’s part of the year, so make sure to call ahead. There are 90 beds in the large building, plus a TV room, a library and a computer room. Rates range between 15 and 23 Euros a night per bed. Girona Hostelling Girona is many times overlooked by those traveling in Spain and this is a mistake. The city makes for a fabulous 1 or 2-night side-trip from Barcelona, and the Flower Festival held here in the first part of May is a real treat. Girona could also be used as base to explore the many secluded beaches on the Costa Brava, not too far east of Girona proper.