Most travelers who stay in hostels are honest, kind people. But it's always a good idea to take responsibility for your own personal safety when hosteling.
So, let’s run through a basic list of tips and guidelines that will ensure your hostel stay is a happy and fun one.
- Protect Yourself. Common sense applies here. If you are traveling solo, stay aware of your surroundings and get to know your fellow roommates. If traveling in a group of two or more, look out for one another. Note the safety and fire exits in the building. You’ll find most fellow hostelers to be friendly people, but there’s always a chance, like in any accommodation, that someone may have less than honorable intentions towards you. Just keep your wits about you and you’ll be fine.
- Protect Your Belongings. Lock up your belongings when not in the room. Many hostels offer in-room lockers but I suggest using mini-locks on your suitcase/backpack, as well. If the item is expensive or electronics, like a camera, ask if the management can store it for you in a safe while you’re out and about. Don’t just leave things lying about in plain view that might be worth stealing and you should be ok.
- Keep Your Wallet With You At All Times. Your money, credit cards/traveler’s checks and I.D. are your most valuable items and hardest to replace when traveling. Keep your wallet on your person at all times. When sleeping, keep the wallet in your pillowcase. Again, most roommates are honest people, but it’s better to err on the side of caution with these items.
- Know When A Room Situation Isn’t Working. If hostel roommate turns hostile or you simply cannot handle someone’s personal habits, don’t be afraid of politely going up to the manager on duty and asking for a room change. It’s going to be better than suddenly erupting into a full blown argument or worse.
- Give a Loved One/Friend a Copy of Your Itinerary. It’s always a good idea when traveling, to let someone not traveling with you know your itinerary, complete with phone numbers and addresses. And check in with them every couple of days to let them know all is well, either via email or by phone.
- Make Photocopies of Important Documents. This includes your passport, tourist visas, driver’s license, traveler’s checks and credit cards. Give one copy in a sealed envelope to a person you trust, keep one on you (packed separately from the real items) and I even go so far as to scan them and store them in a .pdf file in my online Google mail account that I can access from anywhere. If you lose any of the items, having the numbers to reference will speed up your claims and replacements.
- Make Sure Your Cellphone Works There. If traveling outside your own country, make sure your phone will work where you’re traveling. Some companies will have plans for international roaming, but you might have to rent a mobile phone that does, if yours won’t. No use having a cellphone on you that you can’t use, especially in an emergency.
- Have a Back-Up Plan. Make a list of other hostels nearby, just in case the one you chose doesn’t quite live up to your expectations, or the management doesn’t address your safety concerns to your satisfaction. It’s better to pay twice for a night of sleep than to stay someplace you don’t feel safe. Most likely you won’t need to use this list, but it’s better to have it on you, just in case.
- Respect The Culture. If you’re in another country than your own, they may have rules regarding religion, clothing, footwear and more. It’s best to show respect to these cultural rules while staying at your chosen hostel. For instance, when traveling in certain countries, it’s important to observe whether or not the culture allows women to show skin when out in public. This makes a big difference between walking around in a long skirt and sleeved shirt or choosing shorts and a tank top.
Stay safe and stay aware and you’ll enjoy your trip a lot more. If you have more tips to add, or have had an experience hosteling that fits any of the above, please let us know in the discussion forum.
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The copyright of the article Hostel Safety Guidelines in Budget Accommodations is owned by Michelle Snow. Permission to republish Hostel Safety Guidelines in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
