9 Editor-Approved Personal Safety Tips for Solo Travel

Solo travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, and as someone who has been embarking on solo adventures for almost a decade, I couldn’t be more excited. Visiting a new country or even just exploring a neighboring city on your own is something I think every traveler should experience; Traveling alone instills confidence, allows you to go at your own pace, and opens the door to trying new things and meeting new people you otherwise wouldn’t have met within the confines of a group.

While I don’t at all regret the solo trips I’ve taken so far, I can’t help but look back at my younger self and shudder: twenty-something Amelia. In fact He loved to throw caution to the wind. If I had a time machine, I would go back and tell you how important it is to travel safely, but since I can’t, I choose to do the next best thing: share with you the nine solo travel products I wish I knew about 10 years ago. from only $8.

Best Personal Safety Products for Solo Travel in General:

Tip 1: Always carry a personal security alarm

She’s Birdie Personal Security Alarm

Most of us would like to believe that we could fight or flee from an attacker, but the truth is, you will never know how you will react until it happens to you. In emergencies, our bodies react with the fight, flight or freeze response and, unfortunately, you can’t choose which of the three you will respond with. Carrying a loud personal safety keychain can help you find your voice without putting yourself in further danger. Just remove the top of this. She is Birdie’s alarm.and an alarm will sound blaring at 130 decibels, alerting passersby to the encounter and dissuading your attacker from pursuing you further.

Tip 2: Always have a spare charger on hand

Charmast Portable Charger

A dead phone is annoying when traveling in a group, but it’s a recipe for disaster when traveling alone. 10 years ago, my solution was to carry a charging brick and USB cable in my day bag; I’m wise enough now to know that I shouldn’t have assumed I could find an outlet at any time.

Now I refuse to travel without a portable charger; specifically, this charmast portable charger. It already has four different charging cables built in, so I can quickly recharge my (or a new travel buddy’s) phone while I’m on the go. It has an LED display that tells you exactly how much juice it has left, and after dropping it a million times, I’ve deemed it practically shatter-proof.

Tip 3: Use GPS trackers, for everything

Apple AirTags 4-Pack

I use Apple AirTags to keep track of absolutely everything I travel with. I use one to help me find my parked car at busy airports, keep track of my wallet and keys, and stay informed about where in the world my checked luggage is. Looking back, I almost can’t believe I used to travel without GPS tracking devices. If I could go back in time, I would give this four-pack of AirTags to my younger, free-spirited self and instruct him to wear them on every trip, alone or not.

Tip 4: Lock up important things

Trenhivsto Portable Safe Box

Anvil Luggage Lock 3 Pack

Young solo travelers, listen up: never assume your belongings are safe in a shared room. It’s easy to let your guard down after you’ve made some friends in your dorm, but if you want to return home with all the things you brought, I encourage you to keep all your belongings locked and in order. A portable safe, such as this waterproof optionIt is ideal for storing your smaller electronics, valuables and sentimental items, while these multipurpose anvil locks It can be used to close the zippers of your carry-on luggage, checked luggage, or assigned locker at your hostel (psst: keep one attached to the zippers of your backpack or bag to protect yourself from pickpockets).

Tip 5: Keep your documents close to the chest

Venture 4th Travel Money Belt

I am lucky to report that I have never had my passport stolen while traveling alone (knock on wood). However, I almost lost it in a Costa Rican rainforest and submerged it in the ocean while snorkeling in the Caribbean. Fortunately, I was able to return home both times, but I learned my lesson on how to keep it safe while abroad.

Now I keep my travel documents and cash close to the chest, literally. I like to use a sling bag or money belt for these items when I travel, as they are easier to access than a backpack and harder for pickpockets to dig into. This of Adventure 4 It’s so thin it can be worn under your shirt and has RFID-blocking credit card slots to protect your information from scanners.

Tip 6: Safeguard your bedroom door

Addalock The Original Portable Door Lock

Monsin Door Stop Alarm

When I was 20, I naively believed that the chain lock on my hotel room door would be enough to keep me safe from intruders. Now I know how weak and ineffective they are; Just a strong pull may be enough to tear one from the door frame. I recommend that any solo traveler carry additional security measures for their room door, such as a portable lock, a security bar, or a doorstop alarm. This Addalock Portable Door Lock and this Monsin Door Stop Alarm They make a great pair: the first instantly adds a second layer of security against unwanted guests, and the second emits an ultra-loud alarm while acting as a doorstop, scaring away any strangers who try to enter your room.

Tip 7: Create a Memorable Distinctive Look

Cotopaxi Kapai 3L Waist Bag

One of my favorite things about traveling solo is the ability to get out and do my own thing, whether that’s exploring a city on foot or booking an off-the-beaten-path excursion. When I was younger, I was so focused on what my next adventure would be that I made no effort to introduce myself to other travelers or hotel and hostel staff, and looking back, I realize how dangerous this oversight was.

If I had disappeared or been injured, I would have had no one in my quarters to remember me. I highly recommend that solo travelers make sure to make connections with the people they meet during their stay, whether they be front desk employees or other guests. Don’t give away private information, like your room number or the fact that you’re traveling alone, but make eye contact, introduce yourself, and try to create a distinctive appearance that people will remember. carrying a bright colored fanny packWearing your hair in a specific style or putting on a unique bracelet or pair of sunglasses can make you easily recognizable to people you’ve met on your trip.

Tip 8: Carry a Hidden Camera Detector

Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector

When I was 20, I would have laughed at the thought of packing a hidden camera detector in my carry-on luggage, they look like they were taken straight from spy childrenafter all. If only you knew how prevalent this problem is: Many horror stories have emerged in the last year about travelers discovering hidden microphones and video cameras inside your Airbnb and hotel rooms.

Older Me knows that you can never be too safe and that it pays to protect my privacy. This Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector It has earned a permanent place in my travel bag; This device captures the radio frequency (RF) signals emitted by cameras and alerts you when these wireless signals have been detected.

Tip 9: Carry life-saving measures ‘just in case’

North American Rescue CAT Combat Application Tourniquet

Bleedstop First Aid Powder

Sinsen Car Safety Hammer, 2 Pack

As the daughter of two medical professionals, I grew up understanding that life is fragile and that in the time of a medical emergency, every second counts. Still, like every twenty-something traveler who thinks they’re invincible, I used to think I was the exception.

Now, I always travel with first aid equipment, not only for my own safety, but also in case a fellow traveler needs help. One of my non-negotiable road trip essentials is a car glass breakerlike this one from Sinsen. It has two pointed carbon steel heads that can break car glass and a seat belt cutting tool, both of which can help you escape from your car in an emergency. When it comes to outdoor adventures, I make sure to pack bleeding stopa powder that has been shown to clot blood quickly, and this North American Rescue Tourniquetwhich cuts off the blood supply to injured limbs, buying time before rescuers arrive.

Do you love it a lot? Subscribe to our newsletter T+L recommends and we’ll send you our favorite travel products every week.