Relais International de la Jeunesse Thalassa

Perched at the Mediterranean's edge, this hostel in Cap d'Ail, France (2km from Monaco, or five minutes by bus or train) has a fab beachside location, clean four- to 10-bed dorms, home-cooked meals (€12), takeaway picnics (€9) and a handy location 300m from the station. The one possible downside? Large school groups occasionally overrun the place.