Trust your instinct - if you are skeptical about a situation or place just turn around and leave.
Hosteltimes.com has a listing of all hostels. We make no specific reference of any hostel. Your best references are the travelers
you meet that have stayed at these places and can fill you up with the details.
Get a good backpack. They hold more. It can be carried on your back on long distances. It also leaves your hands free for books,
maps, food, etc. The frameless backpack can also move through the airport easily.
Combine your luggage into one backpack when traveling. Having many bags makes you an easy target for "snatch and run".
Once you check in a hostel, lock your valuables in a locker or simply leave them at the front desk management. All good hostels provide
secure storage for valuables.
Do not wear cameras on the neck, it is supposed to be a camera not a status symbol. Carry it in small shoulder pack and only take it out
to take a picture.
Do not take photographs of people without there consent. It is considered rude and culturally insensitive. Please ask first.