If you are planning to do a lot of hostelling, it is wise to investigate situation from home first. The Youth Hostelling Association, for example offers a membership card that entitles you to a reduced rate whilst staying at recognised sites. Hostelling International (HI) is largest chain of hostels in world. All HI sites require a YHA membership card to be presented when you turn up. These cards should be purchased in your home country before you leave.

There are plenty of private hostels available as well, but tales of infantile curfews, bedbug infestations and slightly deranged owners abound so if at all possible; it is best to stick with recognised brand. If you are thinking of booking a private hostel, do Google search first so see if there is anything untoward written about it.

You may have realised that you and your friends are not only people that are going to be backpacking through Europe in summer. If you are travelling in July and August, it is best to try and book ahead for some places, especially popular cities like Rome, Paris, London and Venice. Although it is tempting to be completely spontaneous, you may find yourself without a place to stay, especially at weekend.

The village itself is full of buildings and gardens. Everything is plain and productive, and authentic.

The people of village dress, talk, and act as best we know they would’ve on original Plymouth Plantation. But that doesn’t mean they are aloof or communicate in riddles or a strange tongue. Their aim is to educate and entertain but still remain true to era. I’ve always found they are engaging and excellent in this balance.

The stroll out of village along Eel River walk takes you to Native people homesite.

As I said earlier, Pilgrims would not have survived first year had it not been for help from Native Peoples. They taught them about region and it’s agriculture and resources of land, and how to thrive.

This special area is a home for an extended family not another village. It honors importance and affinity Native People have in this region.

Take time to appreciate skills of weaving and tanning practiced at site, and use of fire for burning out boats. Go inside one of houses and notice materials and bindings used for construction.

The inhabitants here do not role-play so feel free to discuss modern day subjects with them.

And now… linger for a while longer at Plymouth Plantation, and rest back at visitor center, or purchase that craft you saw at store earlier. And then when you’re ready to continue, leave Plimoth Plantation and head for town and Mayflower II replica.

Mayflower II is docked on State Pier on Water Street. Meter parking is available along waterfront. .

You’ll think it a small ship.

Imagine vast expanse of North Atlantic at times wild and unforgiving. A 2,760-mile trip in a ship that leaked and creaked at an agonizing speed of 2 mph!

During your Mayflower tour you’ll meet passengers on ship role-playing for you. You’ll get to see passenger’s cramped quarters and captain’s spacious cabin. But most of all you’ll be cast back in time.

And if you close your eyes and listen to gulls overhead maybe you’ll hear shouts of a sailor as he sights landfall and one journey’s end… and start of another.

Enjoy your day at Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II. They are entertaining reminders of our history and a link back to a monumental voyage.

For more information and opening times and ticket prices for Plymouth Plantation and Mayflower visit their web site at www.plimoth.org .