There are a bewildering number of schemes available, but most only operate from June to September and they all offer basically the same deal: consult your travel agent, or one of the national tourist boards. Two main schemes are the Scandinavian Bonus Pass and the Scandinavian Passepartout, while hotel chains participating in such schemes include are Best Western Hotels, Sweden Hotels, Scandic Hotels, RESO Hotels, Cumulus (In Finland) and SARA Hotels.? YOUTH HOSTELS Joining the International Youth Hostel Federation {lYHFl gives you access to what is sometimes the only budget accommodation available in Scandinavia. Nonmembers can use most of the hostels but viill pay slightly more a sizeable sum over a couple of weeks considering the low cost of annual membership. Another thing you'll need is a sheet sleeping hag, the only kind allowed in lYHF hostels, either rentable at the hostels or on sale at camping shops; alternatively, you can simply stitch a couple of old sheets together and take a pillowcase. If you're planning to cook for yourself using youth hostel kitchens, bear in mind that many don't provide pots, pans and utensils take at least the basic equipment with you. in Britain, you can join on the spot at the Youth Hostel Association office at 14 Southampton Street, London WC2 (membership enquiries «071836 1036; shop w071836 8541) and at other YHA shops throughout Britain, or by post. The KWf headquarters in the US is at AYH, Box 37613, Washington DC 20013, and there are over twenty offices around the States. } 8 в A S I с S The hostel card also provides various discounts to the holder on museum entry, ferry crossings and sightseeing trips. See each country's "Accommodation" section for the addresses of Scandinavian national organisations, and the text for details of the hostels themselves. It's worth noting that every youth hostel in Scandinavia is listed in the lYHFs Guide to Budget Accommodation {vol 1: Europe and the Mediterranean): the US branch produces a useful publication called the International Youth Hostel Handbook {vol 1: Europe and the Mediterranean], which contains listings for hostels in Scandinavia, In conjunction with the InterRail programme the YMCAYWCA has a string of hostels InterRail Points throughout Scandinavia, open in summer to anyone with a membership card. These have kitchens and laundry facilities, and, although usually less luxurious, are often cheaper than the lYHF hostels. All the mainland capitals and some of the larger cities have one. Membership cards and information are available from Rosie Williamson, National Council of YMCAs of Ireland. St George's Building, 3741 High Street, Belfast BT1 2AB («0232327 757); or the YMCA, 356 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001 (=2127605856). You can also join on your first night's stay at any InterRailPo hostel. CAMPING Camping Is hugely popular In all Scandinavian countries and covered in more detail In each country's "Accommodation" section.