Unfortunate things always have the chance of happening, especially when you're in an unfamiliar area. As a woman, safety is always on my mind when traveling. I personally carry pepper spray and some sort of alarm just in case I find myself in an unsafe situation.
However, these devices alone might not be enough when traveling abroad. There are many precautionary tools that can ensure your safety during your next trip. Here are a few essential safety devices that will ensure your trip is enjoyable, but also keep you out of harm's way.
Although a lock and deadbolt might seem effective enough, hotel doors aren’t as durable and unbreakable as they appear. According to the National Institute of Health, hotels in urban centers have some of the highest rates of crime of any business.
Having an extra lock can ensure a traveler is safe in the comfort of their hotel room and buy time in case of an emergency. The HNHMT portable door lock is an inexpensive but effective reinforcement for unreliable hotel door locks.
This particular lock also comes with a door alarm, another tool that can help alert a traveler in the instance of danger.
A security camera may seem like overkill, but they actually do more for a traveler than meets the eye. Purchasing a small camera for travel prevents and discourages theft, ensures staff accountability, and manages privacy concerns within a hotel room.
The Blink Mini is a portable, inexpensive, and easy-to-use security camera. It comes with night vision, motion detection, and audio features. It can also be used as a dashboard camera in rental cars so you have a video record in case there's an accident.
"On the go" travel safety is just as important as hotel safety, so purchasing a portable safety keychain can be a great idea.
For a simple alarm that can attach to a bag, the Birdie alarm keychain is discrete and has a strobe light to draw attention if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.
But a more complex yet effective multi-use tool is the Stinger personal safety keychain. It includes an alarm, as well as a seatbelt cutter and car window breaker. This keychain might be appealing to those travelers who primarily use a car service for transportation.
Get the Birdie alarm keychain at Amazon
Get the Stinger personal safety keychain at Amazon
Padlocks always come in handy when traveling, but not all are TSA approved. Forge padlocks are a great option that come in packs of up to six and a multitude of colors, and they’re also TSA approved.
Whether it’s to securely close a bag or lock items away in a hotel room if a safe isn’t available, any traveler will eventually find a need for a good lock. And if you’re feeling whimsical and find yourself in Paris, you can even attach them to The Pont des Arts (Love Lock Bridge).
Bigger bags add extra weight while exploring, while making you more of a target for theft. That's why using a smaller bag or pack can be a safety device in and of itself.
The DAITET money belt comes in multiple colors and sizes, and it's a reliable anti-theft tool. It can keep your critical personal items safe and make your adventures more enjoyable.
Looking for an even more compact option? A theft-proof wallet that can fit nicely in your pocket or around your neck is another great way to keep your valuables close and in your control.
The Zero Grid anti-theft wallet is available in two sizes and a variety of colors, and it also comes with a lanyard. It's even got a built-in RFID blocker to prevent thieves from trying to use electronic means to access your personal information.
Finally, a carbon monoxide detector is another inexpensive purchase that can easily fit in any bag and ensure your safety from gas leaks. The FIRST ALERT carbon monoxide detector is a top pick on Amazon that's both affordable and effective.
Do you have a credit card with American Express, Discover, or U.S. Bank? Check to see if you’re eligible to get a discount on this and many other products by using your credit card points.