Safety and Security while Backpacking

Hi again,

I'm looking for locks for my backpack, because I've heard stories about people having stuff stolen from their bags. My friend even suggested that I should lock my bag to the bed, so that nobody can steal it. Haha. I am planning on getting locks anyway for my large backpack and my daypack. Does anyone know where I can get decent ones? Canadian Tire maybe?

Another thing, with regards to your passport and other important papers, do you literally have to keep it on your person at all times? My friends and I were planning to go the bars, do you have to use your passport as an id? I know hostels have lockers and safes though.are those trustworthy?

Sorry if I sound like I'm paranoid. This is our first time travelling to Europe, doing so many countries at once. I've been to England and Calais, France, and Oostende, Belgium, but this Europe trip is the big one.

Its best to be cautious. Get a lock with a cable - then you can lock it to things like a bed or a chair in a train. You can find them at tonnes of stores, any luggage store for example. Maybe Canadian Tire. Usually cost around $10.

Make photocopies of your documents and give them to your friend as well. That way your documents are in two seperate places. I keep my money belt on my at all times if sleeping in a dorm. I'd leave things in a hostel locker, but if no safe or locker is avaiable, then I'd wear the money belt out with me as well. You could use your drivers license as ID too.

I never had any problems, but it's better to be cautious. Don't assume that someone is nice because he looks nice. don't be paranoiac either