Ever been stolen while staying at Youth hostels in Europe?

Question

I'm heading to Europe next week and because of my limited budget, I planned on staying at youth hostels. However, I was told that in Europe, most Youth hostels don't offer lockers in dormitories in which people can lock their things during the day. Because of that, I'm afraid of getting some of my stuff stolen - voltage converter, hair dryer, nicer clothes, etc. So I was wondering, have anyone ever been stolen while journeying in european youth hostels ? Is the risk high? Are there some YH that do have lockers or luggage storage where you could leave your suitcase or packsack during the day? If anyone has tips, I'd appreciate. Thanks! B.

Answer 1

every hostel i've stayed in provides safe access through reception.  you can leave your important things with them and receive a ticket you use to redeem them later.  i'd keep with you at all times, though, your money and passport.

Answer 2

Infact, yes. I was staying at a hostel in Bratislava with a few of my closest friends, and in the middle of the night a masked gentleman in a mack stole me and took me to his house. My friend searched for me for hours, but eventually they just called up the bank and had me blocked and a new me issued.

What???

Answer 3

Well, I traveled 5mo only in Youth Hostels and never got my stuff stolen.  I spend a month out in S.E Asia and talk about dodgy!! Never one thing stolen.  

And most places I went to had lockers and I brought with me my own lock to lock it up.

www.hostelworld.com

They will let you know if they have locks at the hostels.  Mostly every hostel I went had lockers.  If they didn't. I would put it under my bed and lock my bag up as well on the bed itself and close the zippers.  Plus, don't leave anything of value there, take everything with you.   I don't know why you are taking a hair dryer though... more to carry around, no thank you... and voltage converter, just bring a day pack with you so when you go out for the day, just bring that in your bag, its not heavy and doesnt take up room.  As for clothes, its clothes, they'll make more... its not the end of the world.... I always thought they would be doing me a favor by stealing my clothes, less to carry!

Just go to that link and they will tell you if they have lockers or not.  If you are that scared of that, don't bring valuables with you like jewlery.... dont risk it.  You will notice that most travelers don't wear nice jewlery and clothes, at least the ones I saw... always wearing the same clothes... just part of it.

If you are only there for a day or so, leave your backpack in the train station lockers, most stations of lockers for you to put in.

So check out the link and it will give you directions other peoples thoughts about it and what kind of ammenities they offer like lockers, no curfew, pool table, internet and etc.

Good luck

Answer 4

I never had a problem with things being stolen when I stayed at hostels in Europe.  Some hostels do offer lockers where you can stash your stuff for a price, in fact I don't think I stayed at one that didn't have lockers.  If it doesn't train stations have lockers you could use if they're close to the hostel.  Have fun!!