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Title – Backpacker hostels are ‘death-traps’Source – Times online
Date – 1st November 2007
When you are travelling, especially in countries you are unfamiliar with there are often days when you look forward to getting to your accommodation at the end of the day not only because you are tired or need a wash, but also because your accommodation is often your sanctuary, you feel safe on arrival and the stresses and strains of the day are left outside your door.
So the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your hotel or hostel, but should you?
The answer to that question is no you should not worry; you shouldn’t worry because you should know a simple few steps and checks to take to put your mind at rest. These steps don’t have to take a long time or be difficult and you’ll soon find them becoming routine, so you hardly even think about them. When was the last time you consciously thought of looking left and right before you crossed the road? Probably a long while ago or maybe when teaching your children; yet nearly every time any of us cross the street we do look both left and right, probably several times.
Fire safety standards in many parts of the world are much more lapse then in the UK; in many places they are effectively non-existent. Your destination will dictate the level of risk, but don’t think that your budget does. Some of the more expensive places I have stayed have been the biggest death traps and some of the cheapest have been the easiest to get out of…
The key is to decide for yourself where it is safe to stay and where you should avoid; have the courage to ask for a different room; ask for the fire safety guidance from the hotel / hostel; and ultimately if you are unhappy stay somewhere else.
Fires in hotels and hostels are far from rare, many go unreported. In the UK we tend only hear about fire where UK citizens are hurt or killed. For the sake of a few minutes observation and a few checks when you check-in, you can dramatically reduce the risk you face.
Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop (GYITSA) examines all aspects of Travel Safety from personal safety to Travel Health and Cultural Awareness to Transport Option. During the travel safety section of the workshop we examine the simple steps you can take when checking your accommodation to reduce your risks from fire and other harm. Whereas most people will check general cleanliness and speak up if it is unacceptable, some will go a step further and check under the sheets for bedbugs, we recommend you go even further and carry out a few fire safety checks that should also form part of your pre-check-in procedures.
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