How safe is staying at hostels in europe?riding overnight trains?

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Nyanna

Don't watch the "Hostel" movies, lol.

whatsjenupto

I'm an American now living in Europe (Germany) but the first time I traveled in Europe, I was also alone and had the same concerns.

My advice is to really read through all of the comments people leave on hostel booking websites like hostelworld(dot)com and hihostels(dot)com. They offer additional advice about the areas you will be staying in, places to avoid and using common sense, etc.

Once you are in your hostel, I would recommend using some sort of lock (pacsafe is a good brand) to either keep most of your things in a locker or secured to your bedpost. You can buy these kinds of locks at REI or SportChalet, etc. Then, the next thing you should do is be social! Talk to the other travelers who are staying in your hostel and find out what they have seen/done/plan on seeing/doing and re-plan accordingly. Also, if they've been staying in the hostel for a couple nights already, feel free to ask them how they feel there. Don't feel like you HAVE TO stay at any hostel you feel uncomfortable in.

The cities you're about to visit are all relatively safe. People are not messed up day and night in Amsterdam. There are other things going on and I suggest that you do those other things so you can avoid feeling awkward.

Your best bet is to avoid unwanted attention. Don't leave your belongings unattended in public places. Don't trust anyone, especially if they approach you in a train station. Use daypacks with zip closures to avoid pickpockets in crowds.

Overnight trains are also "safe" just make sure you secure your belongings - even if that means stepping through the arms of your pack. Any sort of deterrence is a bigger hassle than it's worth. So make it unworthy of their time!

The last tip I have is to keep two of everything, and if possible, keep them separate. For example, make a photocopies of your passport, ID, credit card (or have an additional credit card), emergency contact numbers, serial numbers of your travelers checques and your travel details and keep them in a distinctly separate place (on your body is best for originals, copies can stay in the hostel safe or securely locked bag/locker.)

This may all sound paranoid, but it's when you don't do it that you will wish you had.

So, with that said, have a great time, enjoy what you see, and take lots of photos!

Orla C

Don't accept food or drink from anyone else on the train.

The only serious potheads you'll see in action in Amsterdam are the tourists. The train journey between Paris and Amsterdam is just a few hours.

penchie

it should be safe.just pack a photo copy of your passport and the number of your consulate or embassy.and find out now how to dial from over there:without area codes!when you go out,drink only bottled water,this is not the time to get drunk.do not travel with your valuables.get one of those kangaroo bags for your money.have small bills ready in your pocket to pay for small things so you do not have to give everyone a view of what you keep in your wallet.and do not stop when someone tries to ask you stuff.better to seem rude than fall for someone trying to distract you...pickpockets can work in pairs...travel as light as possible.souvenirs cost more at the airport but you will not have to haul them all the time.the point is to have your hands as free as possible in trains,subways etc.when you can get a private room.sometimes saving 25 bucks a night..is not worth it if you will not fully get your rest when u are worried about people stealing...splurge on that and save on other less important stuff.being alert and rested sure is important when the point of the travel is to visit beautiful places and enjoying it!
good luck!

Daniel B

Hostels are safe, do some research on where you are staying for piece of mind, like whats nearby, how you get there from the train station. Overnight trains are fine, may not be comfortable but pretty safe, just keep all valuables tucked away and not visible. You will see potheads in Amsterdam at the coffee houses, and you may smell pot, but its a safe city. Just don't hold wads of cash waiting for people to snatch it away. Blend in and u should be fine.

Al Koholic

as long as the hostel isnt run by quentin tarantino

kingtaco

Hostels are so-so as you usually end up with complete strangers as roommates.

I spent a good week of the time I was in europe sleeping on trains, it was all safe enough. I never ran into a problem.

As for the potheads. :) Amsterdam isn't that bad. Just like any big city in a foreign country with a lot of tourists who have money muggings do happen. But staying in public places eliminates that risk. Amsterdam was a fascinating city, and even the red light district is clean, safe and well policed.

mara.ovidiu

HI I am from europe, and i know that after the Hostel movie everubody has a bad image about us, but i want to tell u that is safe to sleep in hostels in europe and is very nice too.

darkman

It is very safe. Just be sure not to go around alone at, like, 3 am. It's not that it is dangerous, but perhaps the time when it is more dangerous.

RATZ

Ever seen the movie Hostel? lol.

rhythm

HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook
Internet edition. Photographs by the author.

On top of what others have already shared, try to visit the link below for some more insights. I have wanted to go on the same holiday myself. Happy trip and God bless!

http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/rail3.htm
http://www.enjoy-europe.com/

Morky

i travelled europe, eastern europe, used hostels all my life and been to amsterdam many times. i'm a female and weight 8 stone. nothing has ever happened to me. if you act like a victim people will treat you like one. Pot heads are harmless its drunks and crack heads that worry people take advice from other answers but do it, its an excellent way to see europe.

Lorraine H

I can answer about the overnight trains because I took several. They are safe.

Cate

Don't pay attention to the first post..lol...I beleive that was Hostel the movie...not an actual place.
Its fairly safe just use your own commen sense. Keep your passport and money either in a locked safe or on your person (like underneath your clothes)

The Bold Tortoise

it's as safe as staying at hostels in the States.

portugeezer

You've been watching hostel

May J

write a will leaving everything to me. go on your trip. bon voyage!

Jenny Smith

Don't do it, I watched some movie that showed them hacking up Americans, I think they are run by wealthy businessmen that want to experience killing a human

pura_rosa

NOTHING is safe, your computer may burst into flames right now and kill you! When it is your time to go you go, even in a freakish weird way so enjoy life, take reasonable precautions but don't fear when death wants you it will get you no matter where you are!!!!

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