Is it safe to stay in a open dorm hostel where you have to leave your bag out with random ppl while you sleep

Question

I'm planning on spending a month backpacking through Europe with a few friends, and we are on a tight budget, so we were planning on staying in hostels, but i was wondering if it was safe to leave our bags with all our stuff in it out in an open dorm, and if not what are things we can do

Answer 1

International Youth Hostels.

http://www.international-youth-hostels.c...

Safe, with common sense and a little extra precaution...yeah, everyone generally respects everyone else, and there are protections in place.

Answer 2

most hostels have lockers, but even then they can cut them. Always carry ur passport with u. and important docs. make sure u have travel insurance, so you can be coverd if you get sick is well

i went on a 13000 trip around europe and it was 700 for me, which was good.! try and keeep it with u at all times. you know dont who is watching you. have you ever seen hostel?  

Answer 3

Most hostels in Europe are pretty safe, pretty clean and not a problem.

You should indeed keep your passport and valuables with you at all times, even when taking a shower.

Therefor it is a good thing not to take many valuable things, and wear most of them on your body, under your clothes.

I think the thin pouches that are worn around your waist, -fitting in the top of your jeans- are the best, place enough for a passport, credit cards, rail pass or tickets and money.

For the rest, keep your things tidy, when your things are well stored in your pack you will not find others temped to tidy your things away in their own packs.

The majority of hostels offer lockers, either small ones for a few valuable things or big ones that can take a fairly big backpack or suitcase.

Bring your own lock, or rent or buy one at the hostel.

While some independent hostels are not up to standard, so are some YHA or HI hostels, (different abbr. for the same thing,) and if you really do not like the hostel, move on. Loosing the money for a nights sleep is less annoying than finding that you should have.

I never had to, in 25 years of hostel traveling, nor did any of the people I know, and I know many people traveling hostels.

The advice you got about diseases and pests is a good one to follow in third world countrries, but not really needed in western Europe.

There might be a few places in the south-east of Europe that are less safe in that respect.

If a hostel has locks on the doors, use them. If there is a safety lock on the front door, take it serious and do not leave your piece of paper with the code next to it.

Do not bring strangers from the street into the hostel with you, other than into the reception area when there is staff on duty.

If you are with a group, leave one in the room with the cameras and so on while the others take a shower, taking turns.

But most of all, do not react overy paranoid, a relaxed attitude is the best way to avoid problems.

Answer 4

Having stayed in many an unsavory hostel while in college, I can attest to the fact that safety measures are in order! Aside from choosing a reputable hostel, there are some safety tips that can help make your hostel experience a safe and pleasant one.

1. Money - When I travel in Europe, I am able to access my U.S. checking account from almost any ATM. There is a small service charge, but the convenience and safety are worth it. Still, you may need to carry some cash just in case you can't locate an ATM or it isn't working. The safest way to carry cash is in a money belt, which looks like a regular leather belt with a long zipper inside. You fold the bills up and hide inside the zipped compartment. Sleep with your belt on! There are also pouches that you strap to your chest under your clothing. You can hold passports and other essentials there as well. Pay for as much as you can in advance of your trip - rail passes, hostel reservations, etc.

2. Valuables - The best thing you can do when traveling from hostel to hostel is not to take anything that could be perceived as valuable - no jewelry, fancy gadgets, expensive watches, etc. Take a trip without this extras in order to avoid calling attention to yourself in a hostel. Likewise, avoid taking expensive-looking luggage or backpacks because thieves will assume that someone carrying an expensive pack also has valuables on them. Some hostels have safes or lockers where you can store valuables but your best bet is still to avoid bringing any!

3. Health - Check the CDC website (Centers for Disease Control) to see if the country where you'll be traveling has any special requirements in terms of vaccinations. Check on outbreaks and make sure to take the necessary precautions. Look for a clean hostel that doesn't have signs of infestation by rats, mice, bedbugs, etc. Avoid putting your pack on the bed or upholstered furniture. Keep it on a table or other hard surface to help prevent insects from getting into your things. Watch the food and drink that you are given. When in hostels, buy food at the local supermarket or a reputable market. Watch your drinks as there are sometimes cases of date-rape substances being put in travelers' drinks. Bring insect repellent, a small first-aid kit, toilettes for wiping off if there are no decent showers or toilet paper!

4. Hostel standards - Look for a hostel that is a member of the Youth Hostel Association if possible. Make sure the hostel looks fairly safe, well-maintained, and in clean condition. Locate the emergency exits and know what to do in case of a fire or other emergency. Don't be embarrassed to decline a room if the condition leaves something to be desired!

5. Friendships - Hostels are a great way to make friends from around the world, but there are a few bads seeds in every bunch. Avoid one-on-one encounters with anyone - arrange group activities whenever possible. Always let a travel companion know with whom and where you are going if you do decide to go out with new acquaintances. Still, your best bet is to make any event a large group outing. If you are traveling in a more dangerous country or for an extended period of time, notify your embassy that you are traveling in the country so that they will be a point of contact for relatives should any emergency arise. Stay in touch with family at home by phone and email so that they have a good idea of where you are and know where you are staying.

Answer 5

Very good advice from all. Hostels have lockers and 99% of the people there are in the same situation as you. As long as it is locked up, and someone couldn't just grab it and go, you are fine. I would carry your passport on you at all times.

Marty

http://www.sleepingbag.net