The English & Wales YHA celebrate their 75th Anniversary in 2005 and most hostels in Wales are YHA members. A YHA membership card is necessary to stay in these hostels, membership can be used internationally once purchased and can be bought on arrival at the hostel.
There is also a small number of independent hostels and bunkhouses in Wales. Hostels in Cardiff tend to be busy at weekends and during peak summer season and should be reserved in advance.