by S D Rios

Created on: March 28, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

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.

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