Hostel Safety Tips for Girls Who Travel Solo

Even though hostels are quite safe, it’s worth keeping a few things in mind if you are a solo female traveller. First of all, many single travellers choose hostels instead of hotels, not only because of the price but also for other reasons. Hostels often have a more social vibe, making it easier to strike up a conversation and not feel lonely when you arrive at a new place on your own. Secondly, most hostels give you a communal kitchen to make use of, so people who are on a diet, or who prefer to cook for themselves, can do so economically.

For a girl, the number one concern when sharing room with others is safety. When you stay in a hostel, you don’t just share a dormitory, you also share the communal spaces such as the toilets, kitchen, or lounge. To avoid possible pitfalls and have an enjoyable stay, remember the following tips when you book your next hostel.

Check the Reviews

When you know nothing about the city you are about to visit, let alone a specific hostel, your best friend is Google. Do your homework and research on the hostel before making a decision. Pay special attention to negative reviews and try to spot the common pattern among them. If most of the complaints are about a certain thing, then chances are it’s a real problem, and if that issue is something you don’t tolerate, move onto another hostel.

Ask for Recommendations in the Community

Thanks to the advent of social media, now it’s pretty easy to find and join groups of people who share a common interest. There are many solo traveller groups on Facebook which may provide helpful recommendations for you if you publicly ask for advice. You may even trust these recommendations more than the ones you find on a booking site.

Speak Up if You Feel Unsafe

When you feel unsafe or uncomfortable with the behaviour of another guest, do not hesitate to communicate your concern with the hostel staff. They may be able to relocate you to another room or communicate with the other guest to ensure the offence does not occur again. If the bed doesn’t have a privacy curtain, consider using your towel as a makeshift curtain. This will not only preserve your privacy but also act as a courtesy towards your fellow roommates if you have to use the reading lamp late in the night.