Security

[Christian]

I am thinking of going to Europe next summer, but I may have to go by myself. I was wondering how secure hostels are especially when it comes to storage. Is there places to lock up your belonings if you go out for the day and if you are staying in a dorm with strangers is your stuff safe? UP!

[Canadian Dude]

Christian, nice to have you on the boards!!!

Most hostels normally have a storage locker or closet for your stuff prior to check in if you get there early. As for the rooms, alot of them have lockers available for you to use, but sometimes its hard to get your whole pack in there, BUt your day pack will fit for sure...

I have stayed in many hostels, some rooms had just me in it, and some had 40 people in it, Theft has not been 2 big a worry for me, becasue I keep the stuff I really gotta watch ( Passport, cash and credit cards) either on my body somewhere or locked in the locker. Bringing expencive stuff like video camera will cause you stress because you will worry about it all the time.

If you would like your dtuff to be more secure, then get a private room in the hostel, you will be able to lock it and you stuff will be a little more secure than a dorm room.

[Sijuki]

I had read one guys stories, and he said he always left his pack on the bed when he went out for the day. He had his day pack with him with all his expensive stuff and the pack at the hostel just had clothes and toiletries. He said he never had a problem. Does anyone else follow this method?

[Mocassin]

Me.

I'm not very paranoid about my stuff...Maybe I'm too naive, but I've never been stolen and I usually left my pack in the dorms. No locks. I have a tendency to trust people, but I'd be more careful in big cities. I think that if there are locks on your pack, it gives the impression that you have a lot of expensive stuff in there! Besides, my pack has no zippers so it's kind of hard to lock it. It closes with ropes......Heheh! I always keep my important things (passports, tickets, insurance papers...) with me, and always have 2 photocopies of them (one back at my mom's). Next time I go on a trip, I think I will also keep a scanned copy in my hotmail account...

[voyd]

Yeah, it's not huge problem - there's sorta a travellers' code of honor. I see people in hostels with their stuff all spread out like they're at home. Do be careful, but no need to get paranoid.

[Sijuki]

that's outstanding... I just wanted to confirm that. That was about my biggest worry of coming back after a day of sightseeing finding out someone thought it would be funny to steal all my boxers or socks. But I s'pose if its just clothes they can all be replaced.