Travel Tips & Advice

The 6 Best Travel Safety Products


Caroline Morse Teel
Caroline Morse Teel
Compass and first aid kit on a backpack in the woods

    Safety is probably the last thing on your mind when you’re packing for a trip, but it should factor into your packing list, especially if you’re traveling solo. Adding a few small gadgets to your bag, like a portable door lock or a carbon monoxide detector, could save your life on your next trip.

    Don’t leave home without these six essential travel safety products.

  • Sabre Portable Door Lock

  • Sabre Portable Door Lock (left) and a demonstration of how to insert the lock into a door (right)
    Amazon

    Ensure no one can access your hotel room (even if they have a key) with the Sabre Portable Door Lock. This small but mighty gadget works on most doors and prevents intruders from getting in from the outside.

    No tools are required to use the door lock, which can be set up within minutes.

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  • Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector

  • Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector
    Amazon

    Cases of carbon monoxide poisoning at hotels have been in the news recently. Hotels may not always have working carbon monoxide detectors in every guest room—so protect yourself by bringing your own. 

    Kidde's Carbon Monoxide detector is small and can be set up anywhere, plus the battery lasts for 10 years (so no need to worry about making sure it’s charged).

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  • Personal Safety Alarm

  • Two close ups of the Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, one on a white backdrop (left) and one on a pink floral backdrop, showing the alarm on a gold carabiner (right)
    Amazon

    Solo travelers should pack a personal safety alarm that they can use in a threatening situation. This alarm by Birdie can be worn on a keychain for easy access. Pull the top pin to activate a loud siren and flashing strobe to draw attention to you and scare off attackers.

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  • Hidden Camera Detector

  • Hidden Camera Detector (left) and digital illustration of how to use the hidden camera detector (right)
    Amazon

    Worried about being watched in your vacation rental? Pack a hidden camera detector to find any audio or video devices in a room, no matter how small. 

    Read our guide on checking for hidden cameras for further tips on how to find secret recording devices.

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  • AAA Road Trip Kit

  • Two views of the AAA Road Trip Kit
    Amazon

    If you’re headed out on a road trip, especially to isolated locations, you should always pack an emergency kit in your car. This kit, created by AAA, has everything you might need if you get break down or get into an accident.

    The compact carrying case houses 76 preparedness items, including a booster cable, air compressor, poncho, and bandages.

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  • Power Bank and Emergency Light

  • Two side-by-side close ups of the NRG Emergency Light and Power Bank
    Amazon

    Having a dead cell phone can certainly be a safety risk—you won’t be able to call for help in an emergency or navigate yourself out of a bad situation. Pack the NRG Emergency Light and Power Bank, which can fully charge your phone or other electronics.

    It also doubles as a flashlight, another essential item for your emergency toolkit, so you can utilize it during a fire, earthquake, or power outage to light your escape path out of a hotel room.

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  • RFID-Blocking Wallet or Passport Holder

  • Mojito RFID Travel Wallet sold by Nordstrom
    Nordstrom

    Identity theft is a growing concern for travelers, especially with contactless payment methods and digital passports. An RFID-blocking wallet or passport holder, prevents thieves from skimming your credit card or passport information.

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  • Portable Door Stop Alarm

  • SABRE 120 dB Wedge Door Stop Security Alarm
    Amazon

    In addition to a portable door lock, a door stop alarm adds an extra layer of security. This one from Sabre wedges under a door and sounds a loud alarm (around 120 decibels) if someone tries to force their way in, making it great for hotel rooms or Airbnb stays for an extra layer of protection.

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  • Anti-Theft Backpack or Crossbody Bag

  • Pacsafe Metrosafe Ls100 3 Liter Anti Theft Crossbody
    Amazon

    Pickpocketing is a common issue in many tourist destinations. This one from PacSafe has lockable zippers, RFID-blocking compartments, and slash-resistant straps to deter thieves.

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  • Water Purification Device

  • LifeStraw Water Filter at REI
    REI

    Safety isn’t just about keeping yourself safe from other people - you also have to keep yourself safe from environmental factors.  If you’re traveling to a destination where tap water isn’t safe to drink, packing a water purification device like the LifeStraw or SteriPen can prevent illness. These portable gadgets eliminate bacteria, viruses, and parasites to make drinking water safe.

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  • First Aid Kit

  • Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
    REI

    Accidents happen, and a travel-sized first aid kit ensures you're prepared. They are compact yet packed with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and pain relievers - everything you’d need should someone get a minor injury.

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  • Luggage Tracker

  • Apple AirTag 4 Pack
    Amazon

    Lost luggage is an unfortunate reality of travel. A GPS luggage tracker, such as an Apple AirTag or Tile, can help you locate your bags if they go missing. Keep in mind, if your bags are stolen, contact authorities and do not go and try to find the bags on your own!

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