When I first started traveling alone nearly 20 years ago, I remember desperately researching whether it was safe to travel with pepper spray. The little pink canister I wore on my key chain was like a security blanket for me when I was walking around campus alone in college. I didn’t know how I could feel safe without this when traveling alone.
Let’s return to today. I have visited over 50 countries alone, safely and without pepper spray. Now I believe traveling alone is safer. Because you’ll be more aware of your surroundings, research your route to and from your destination more thoroughly, and be sure you’re making the best decisions for yourself.
Along the way, I learned that there are many ways to protect yourself when exploring a new city. This also includes wearable personal safety items. My favorites are anything that is TSA-friendly and that no one will notice and that I can forget I’m wearing (so bulky neck wallets are a no-no for me!). Keep scrolling for the best wearable personal safety devices for solo travelers. All available from just $10 on Amazon.
lolly portable charger
Amazon
I didn’t realize that a power bank was a safety device until my phone died while I was traveling alone in Uganda, leaving me with no maps, no way to call for help or transportation, and no stored numbers. It was. That was a big awakening. Thankfully, it ended well and I made it safely back to my hotel room after retracing my steps. I now never travel without a portable charger. I love that I can attach this charger to my keychain, wallet, or backpack to charge multiple devices at the same time. Plus, it’s currently on sale for over 30% off, so it’s the perfect time to add it to your cart.
Safetrac hair scrunchie
Amazon
The main purpose of this sub-$15 satin hair scrunchie is to slip it into an AirTag to keep an eye on your kids, but I’m more interested in the idea of stashing emergency money or a copy of your passport. So I always have a backup just in case something happens to my main wallet. However, it’s not a bad idea to hide an AirTag inside so your close friends can track your movements and location when you travel alone.
Inicat Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
Amazon
While we understand the idea that an RFID-blocking bag would protect your digital and financial data, we’ll be the first to admit that it’s not all “cute.” This bag has a sleek leather exterior that complements any outfit and a strap for comfortable all-day carry, all while keeping your ID and credit cards safe from scanners and scammers while keeping them from falling into that category. yeah. It has plenty of pockets, so you can carry everything you need while sightseeing.
Zynsmart 5-in-1 Self-Defense Alarm
Amazon
I always travel with my She’s Birdie personal alarm, but any personal alarm is better than no personal alarm when I’m out alone. This Bluetooth version offers a lot of functionality for such a small device. Sound a sharp alarm to thwart attackers, send alerts to emergency contacts, locate keys, share your location, and send 30-second voice recordings to designated contacts. You can Attach it to your keys, belt loop, wallet, etc.
Ecbanli Emergency Self-Rescue Bracelet
Amazon
This humble piece of jewelry could save your life. The tiny beads on this rubber bracelet are made from tungsten, a material strong enough to shatter glass. It works like a slingshot, simply pulling back the tungsten striker bead and the impact shatters glass (even car glass). Thankfully, I didn’t have to use anything like this while traveling, but it’s cheap, easy to wear, and a great self-defense or self-rescue tool for anyone who rents a car in a foreign country, or who rents a car abroad. I like that it can be used as a tool. I use transportation apps such as Uber.
Chensprx Minimalist RFID Blocking Wallet
Amazon
I’ve always felt that money pouch necklaces are bulky and uncomfortable, and obviously so (even when worn under baggy sweaters). I much prefer a real wallet with RFID functionality and lock options. This minimalist wallet has everything you need for a night out in a new city and can be carried inside your purse, attached to your pants zipper, or even hung around your neck.
yoder leather company
Amazon
I still prefer wallets to money belts. Because so much of the money belt is painfully obvious and difficult to actually access in real-life situations. However, this belt is incredibly discreet, so I like the idea of using this as a backup for extra cash or a passport photo in case something happens to my main wallet.
Invisiwear smart necklace
Amazon
This necklace is not only smart, it could also save your life. There’s a small button hidden on the back of this necklace charm that, when double-tapped, will send an SMS message to the person you’ve designated as your emergency contact (friends, family, local police, etc.) so they can contact you. I know you need help. You will also receive a link to your location. If necklaces aren’t your thing, the brand also makes keychains and bracelets.
Travelon anti-theft backpack
Amazon
Travelon makes some of my favorite anti-theft devices, and this backpack is why I respect this brand. Of course, it’s equipped with a card holder to block RFID, but each zipper is actually a mini carabiner that locks into place, making it extremely difficult for pickpockets to open it without being noticed. . I think the straps are impact resistant and the size is about perfect for a travel backpack.
Zpsolution zipper clip anti-theft agent
Amazon
These tiny zinc mini carabiners may not be what comes to mind when you think of “wearables,” but they work in a huge variety of scenarios and are a true asset to keeping your belongings safe while traveling. You can make a difference. I like it on my backpack. One end is fastened to a zipper and the other end is fastened to a loop or ring to prevent pickpockets from easily unzipping the bag. Also great for securing two zippers together or connecting a wallet to jeans. There are many possibilities.
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