As a solo female traveler, there is always an extra layer of details as far as safety and planning. As someone who has traveled solo a lot, there are a few solo travel safety tips that I live by. I’m not gonna lie – most have come from learning the hard way! That’s why I want to highlight some of the travel safety products that I use now for an added level of protection and comfort. Here are the Top 10 Must-Have Travel Safety Products I use. They’ll give you peace of mind while you’re traveling solo.
Luggage Lock
A TSA-approved luggage lock is an essential purchase for any traveler. They keep your belongings safe in transit whether you’re on a plane, bus, or train, as well as when you store your luggage at a hotel or hostel. Locks on luggage have also been proven to deter potential thieves at just the sight of them.
But why should you specifically get a TSA-approved luggage lock like this one? If you use a non-TSA-approved lock, the authorities might have to cut it to access the inside of your luggage. With a TSA-approved luggage lock, TSA has a universal key to open the lock, check your bag, and then re-lock it.
In my early travel days, I didn’t have a luggage lock and assumed people were being over-cautious. I’m always very protective of my luggage when it’s in my care and I trusted the security at the airport. Little did I know that it’s quite common for things to “go missing” from luggage from point A to point B. Unfortunately, I quickly learned my lesson when I had non-valuables stolen out of my luggage. I mostly just felt vulnerable knowing someone had riffled through all of my clothes. I wasn’t actually too worried about what was taken.
Don’t make the same mistake as me. Grab a TSA-approved luggage lock now before your next trip!
Anti-Theft Backpack
An anti-theft backpack is specifically designed with extra-durable, anti-slash material making it very difficult for potential thieves to cut into. They’re also made with hidden zippers, buttons, and flaps, so a point of entry is difficult to identify. Anti-theft backpacks are perfect for travel days and in big cities where pickpocketers are most common. Most anti-theft backpacks come with a lot of hidden compartments and include a built-in USB charging port. Plus they are waterproof to keep your electronics safe, dry, and powered up for you while you’re on the go!
Whistle
A travel safety alarm is one of the simplest yet most effective self-defense tools out there. Not only can it alert people nearby when you need help, but its loud sound can also startle attackers. Oftentimes this is enough to make them rethink their tactics before they act.
I love the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm because it comes in fashionable colors. But in addition to a very loud sound, it also sends a flashing strobe light which is perfect for nighttime attacks.
Flashlight
Keeping a flashlight handy is always important when traveling alone at night—especially if you’re exploring unfamiliar places after dark! A pocket-sized flashlight like these ones will ensure that you have enough light to see where you’re going without weighing down your bag too much.
Flashlights also come in handy for an overnight bus or train ride, hostel rooms, and hiking! There are many many times during my early travel and outdoorsy girl adventure days when a flashlight would’ve been helpful. I usually don’t plan on getting stuck somewhere in the dark but it has happened more than I’d like to admit. Having one on hand can ensure you’re safe no mater what!
Travel Safety Card Holder
As technology advances, thieves have learned to keep up. There are so many devices out there that can read your cards while they sit “safely” inside your purse. Keep all of your information safe and secure with an RFID-blocking card holder. It prevents unauthorized scanning or access to your data. A travel safety card holder like this one will hold credit cards, IDs, and cash.
Bagnet
The Bagnet was originally designed to attach to metal restroom stalls to keep your bag off the floor and germ-free. But these are also great to attach to your purse and metal on a restaurant table or chair. This will prevent a quick swipe of your purse from a passerby thief on a busy street. I’ve also seen them used to attach a purse to a shopping cart while in the store.
Portable Door Lock
Travel door locks are great for hotels, hostels, Airbnb’s, and even apartments [especially if you live by yourself]. They provide an extra layer of security to keep out unwanted intruders. Plus, they’re so compact making it perfect for carrying around on your travels.
Lipstick Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is basically like having a high concentration of habanero chili peppers on you in a tiny can. It’s a great way to protect you from potential attackers. Once the pepper spray hits the skin, it creates a burning sensation, causing temporary blindness if sprayed in the eyes, and induces coughing. While it lasts about 30 minutes which is plenty of time for you to get away and call for help, it’s important to note that you should practice using it beforehand as it can also be used against you.
Note that pepper spray is often not allowed at specific venues like sporting events or music festivals. They are also prohibited in certain countries, so check before you go! As of March 2023: China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, Norway, Turkey, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and New Zealand. Even if it is allowed in the country, pepper spray must be stored in your checked bag. Double-check before you go through airport security, otherwise it’ll be a waste of money.
The compact design of this Lipstick Pepper Spray won’t take up too much room in your bag and it’s very discreet.
Life360 App
The Life360 APP allows family members or friends back home to track your location in real-time via GPS, so they know where you are at all times—great peace of mind when traveling alone! You can even send emergency alerts directly from the app if needed.
Whether you are planning a long trip abroad or just taking a weekend getaway, these safety products will give you peace of mind! Want more safety tips? Check out this video and this post!
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