Keeping Valuable Safe in a Hostel

When you stay at a hostel, you want to make sure your valuables and money are safe.  You know that cleaning personnel will clean the area and other guests may have access to your belongings.  Most hostels have reputable personnel and travelers respect other traveler's property; however, you don’t want to tempt anyone by leaving your valuables lying around. 

• Use the safe in the room, if optional.  Some hostels have private safes kept in the room for each customer to use.  There may be a small fee for using the safe, but you won’t have to worry about anyone taking your belongings or misplacing them during your visit.


• Ask the hostel management or owner if you can keep your valuables in the hostel safe.  Many hostels allow guests to put valuables in a central safe as a courtesy.  Guests are not allowed in the safe, but management can assist you with your items.


• Keep your money and other valuables buried underneath your clothing in your bags or in the pockets of your clothing.  Do not leave any valuable lying out in the open.  This is a prime place for others to see it or for you to accidentally misplace it.


• Consider leaving your valuables at home.  It is not necessary to take every piece of jewelry you own when you travel.  Wear one set and maybe take an additional set, but leave everything else at home.  If it is not absolutely necessary for you to have, don’t bring it.  You don’t want to risk losing it or having it stolen.


• Bring a safe or protective object with you when you travel.  Many companies make everyday products with hollow insides.  For instance, you can purchase a can of shaving cream that is empty inside.  You can keep your jewelry or other valuables in this type of container and no one will be able to see them.  They just see a can of shaving cream.  You are the only one who knows what is inside.


• Separate your money in different places.  Leave some money in your suitcase, carry some in your wallet or purse and hide some with your clothes or shoes.  Having money in different locations helps avoid having all of your money stolen at one time.  It is not likely that someone knows every place you keep your money.