One of the typical stories that many people will encounter when they travel solo is that of people who have been robbed of valuables or electronics while they were staying in a hostel. While every hostel is different and the level of security available can vary, make sure that you aren't giving opportunist thieves too much of a gift, and that you are smart while you are traveling. When you are exploring as a solo traveler it is natural to feel a little vulnerable, but making sure that you are not an easy target will help to reduce the chance of you becoming just another statistic.
Use The Lockers Provided
Most hostels will provide visitors with access to a locker, and these will usually mean that you can carry your own lock and keep your key safe, meaning that even the hostel staff don't have access to your bag and your possessions. Carrying a lock with you is a very good idea, and making use of these lockers to keep your possessions safe, even when you are just out for the day is a very good move. This is also true if you usually keep your bag with you at night, because if you put it away in the locker you can then sleep more easily without having to keep your hand on your rucksack.
Be Smart About Where You Leave Your Devices
One of the biggest challenges for many people is keeping all of their devices fully charged and ready to be used, and it can lead to people leaving items plugged in where they can be easily taken. This is just a gift to many thieves, so you need to make sure that you are careful and keep your devices in sight even when they are charging. If you prefer to settle down for the night by the TV, this is a good opportunity to charge your cell phone or tablet, while many modern hostels will have plug sockets inside the lockers, which is also a great facility if it is available.
Rucksack Lockable Mesh
When it comes to protecting your rucksack, it will often be the case that you don't need to make it impenetrable, just make it more difficult to get into than the effort is worth for thieves. One good tool is the lockable mesh that can be used to secure a rucksack, and while it is not completely safe, it will often be enough to deter potential thieves who are looking for an easy target.
Don't Flash Your Valuables
The use of different devices and gadgets as you travel can really help to make your trip special as well as helping to pass the time, while a good camera can help to ensure that you come back with a good selection of memories. However, try to keep a low profile with these devices around the hostel, as seeing someone with a large selection of electronics can catch the eye of other people, and in some cases even leaving a few devices behind can be a good idea.
Deterring Thieves
Along with the steps that have already been mentioned, there are certain types of bags that can be easier targets than others, so look to buy a rucksack that has a lockable zip closing rather than one that closes with a drawstring. Simply keeping a close eye on your possessions and making it obvious that you are watching over your goods will often be enough to keep those opportunists away, and looking at easier targets.
The Role Of Travel Insurance
If you are traveling without travel insurance, then the risk of theft becomes something that is a lot more serious, and while it can appear like an easy saving to make, if you do have your items stolen then it can genuinely ruin your vacation. While devices can carry memories and other files of sentimental value, if you back these up then travel insurance will arrange for you to have your devices replaced, and you can then download the pictures or other files on to