Whether you’re male or female, safety, especially while traveling solo, should be your number one priority. Having fun, traveling off the beaten path, meeting new people – yes, all good and great. But safety, my friends, is first and foremost. The truth is we live in an unpredictable world where anything can happen at any minute.
My purpose of this blog is not to scare you, but to make sure you’re prepared for the worst, even if it’s unlikely to happen. To help, here is a personal safety gear list that I use myself, including:
1. Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments. These babies are WONDERFUL! I’ve written about these garments quite a bit in my ten+ years of blogging, and for good reason: they’re genius! They have hidden interior pockets so crooks never know you have credit cards, passport and cash, keeping your valuables safe while also alleviating you from carrying a purse. I have the adorable boyshort underwear with two secret pockets and the unisex tank top, which I wear as an undershirt. They are also ridiculously comfy!
2. Want other cool clothes with discreet compartments for your goodies? Try this infinity scarf with two hidden pockets… or this nifty travel belt with a hidden zippered security pouch.
3. She’s Birdie Personal Alarm. A handy item made for women by women. Chicago, Louiseville, Cambodia, Patagonia… I carry personal alarm everywhere. I usually clip it onto the outside of my purse, but it has a wrist strap so you can wear it on you wrist as well. If you need to, easily pull the cap off to sound a BLARING alarm that would likely scare any attacker. The Original Birdie, which features a 130db alarm and flashing strobe light designed to deter an attack, and the Birdie+, which also includes 24/7 live support. Plus, feel good knowing that a percentage of your purchase get donated to organizations supporting women’s safety, shelter, and health.
4. Safety Whistle. Another nice device that emits a rather loud sound is this Fox Sonic Safety Whistle. It especially makes me feel safer when hiking solo, as I’ve had issues with curious dogs (and annoying men) following me in the past. It happens, but feel safe when it happens.
5. A simple Rubber Door Stop. This is an easy and excellent item to bring that can add an extra layer of protection to your hotel room and keep those that wish you harm out. It’s easy to install by simply placing it under the door from the inside.
6. PadLocks. I use these to lock zippers together when carrying a backpack — even in my home city of Chicago on the subway — and keep anyone from sneaking in and snatching my goods. Thieves are more likely to break into a padlock-free bag that’s easier and faster to access than one that is secured. Plus, locks can also help secure your items together so they don’t accidentally spill or break free.
7. This Lewis N. Clark Cable Lock. Yes, another lock! This is especially great when you’re grouping a few bags together… or leaving bags somewhere (like in the storage closet of your hostel). The flexible and retractable 30-inch braided stainless steel cable allows you to keep your luggage locked securely, secure a bike to a fence, or even keep a door closed locked.
8. Zero Grid Anti-Theft Wallet. This handy wallet, the Zero Grid Anti-Theft Wallet, comes with a variety of security features. Cybersecurity for travelers is of utmost importance, especially with the proliferation of identity theft and I’ve been using a wallet like this for many, many years. BUT, what makes this brand a SUBERB travel security product is the bonus offers that come with it. In the event your items are stolen from this wallet, the company can reimburse you up to $300 – that’s a deal you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Right?
9. Virtual Private Network (VPN). Pro tip. You should never use the internet without a VPN, especially while traveling and using public WiFi. A VPN hides your online activity and helps protect you from hackers and online prowlers by hiding your IP address, browsing activity and personal data when using WiFi. There are number of great VPN providers, but I tend to use NordVPN. This company has a number of powerful features – like their Threat Protection, which makes your browsing experience safer and faster without tracking your actions online. Even if you accidentally install malware or click a malicious link, the feature neutralizes cyber threats before they can do any real damage to your device or data.
10. Red Cross Emergency App. Developed by the American Red Cross, this all-inclusive app serves as a go-to resource for what travelers can do in the case of 14 different types of emergencies and disasters within the U.S. Users can customize more than 35 emergency alerts based on their location and where their contacts live. The app also contains a kit of emergency first aid info advising on everything from heart attacks to heat stroke. It’s truly one of the top travel safety apps you can download!
