actually i was worst than hostels hosting, and sometimes more than backpacking... lol

students hostels is actually one of the best solution she can find, because all the people over there are students in the same situation, or were student before they open these hostels...

you can find some information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backpacking_%28travel%29

but she can also check at her local university, there is a lot of services for backpacking and traveling for students... the best shot is when you know where you can sleep, even if you change your destinations day after day... and if you have some contacts in the regions where she goes, she is better having these phone numbers in case there is a problem... or even just to give you some News by the phone..

this is a fun activity and a great learning for teens/young adults.