When you’re traveling, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. In this article, we will be discussing five different ways that you can check to make sure your hostel is safe for both you and your belongings.
Hostels are a great way to get off the grid and enjoy some time away from home – but there are certain safety measures to take when staying in one. We’ll cover what those measures are and how to use them in order to stay safe.
- Being Aware of Your Surroundings
When you’re staying in a new hostel, it’s always good to have a feel for your general surroundings. From grocery stores to the closest police station, get an idea of where things are. This way, if any emergency signs does happen, you know what resources are available to help.
In addition, learn which areas are frequented by other hostel-goers – especially if you’re in a new city. If there are specific streets that people walk down together, then it’s probably not the best place to be alone or at night.
- Checking for Security Features
When looking for a hostel, always check for features that will keep you safe. Things like security cameras, locked doors, and on-site staff at all times are some features that are pretty standard for safety.
For starters, use the lock. Just because there are a lot of people in one place doesn’t mean that they need to have access to each other’s things. Check your local hostel for locks on the inside of the room door – this is important if you’re staying in a dorm with multiple strangers.
A good hostel will also provide lockers to put your things in while you’re out exploring the city. If the hostel you’re staying at doesn’t have these types of features, it might be best to go elsewhere.
- Staff on Site
Having staff on site is always a good sign when it comes to safety. If you’re lost or need help with anything, the staff should be available and willing to help you out. Not only does this show that they’re invested in the safety of their guests, but it also means that they’re more likely to catch any dangerous or illegal activity happening on the property.
- Cleanliness of the Property
One of the best ways to tell if a property is safe or not is by looking at its cleanliness. A safe and clean property is usually well-maintained and free from hazardous materials. If you’re walking around and see any broken glass or syringes on the ground, it’s probably not a good idea to stay there.
Not only is it unsafe for you to walk around barefoot – but it can also be dangerous if you step on a piece of glass and get an infection afterward. This, along with low-quality appliances, is one of the best ways to quickly spot a bad hostel or property. If your bedsheets are dirty or stained, you might want to reconsider your stay.
- Customer Care
Customer care is a great way to tell if your hostel will be safe or not. If they have emergency contact numbers posted around the property, then it’s probably alright. If you’re in an emergency situation and can’t reach anyone, you know that help won’t come easy.
Staff should be more than happy to answer any of your concerns and help put your mind at ease. If they’re standoffish, unhelpful, or unwilling to answer your questions, it might be best to find another hostel.
Conclusion.
There are a few things you can do to stay safe when traveling. By being aware of your surroundings, using security features, and locking your door, you can help to keep yourself safe while on the road.
Additionally, make sure to look for a clean and well-maintained property – this is usually a good indicator of safety.