9 Editor-approved Solo Travel Personal Safety Tips

Solo travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, and as someone who has been adventuring solo for nearly a decade, I couldn’t be more excited. Visiting a new country or even just exploring a neighboring city is something I think every traveler should experience. Solo travel builds confidence, it allows you to go at your own pace, and it opens the door to trying new things and meeting new people that you might not have pursued within the confines of a group.

I absolutely love these solo tours though. No regrets that I’ve ever taken, I can’t help but look back at my younger self and see 20-something Amelia. Really The wind liked to be careful. If I had a time machine, I’d go back and tell her how important it is to travel safely, but since I can’t, I’m choosing to do the next best thing: I’m sharing with you the nine solo travel products I wish I had 10 years ago starting at just $8.

Best Overall Solo Travel Personal Safety Products:

Tip 1: Always have a personal safety alarm

That birdie is a personal safety alarm

Most of us would like to believe that we would be able to fight or run away from an attacker, but the truth is, you never know how you react until it happens to you. In an emergency, our bodies react with the fight, flight, or freeze response, and unfortunately, you can’t answer which of the three you can’t. Carrying a loud personal safety keychain can help you find your voice without putting yourself at greater risk. Pop right off the top of its birdie alarm, and a faint, 130-decibel alarm will go off, alerting passers-by of the encounter and deterring your attacker from further pursuit.

Tip 2: Always keep a backup charger handy

Breast portable charger

A dead phone is annoying when traveling with a group — but it’s a recipe for disaster when traveling solo. 10 years ago, my solution was to carry a charging block and USB cable in my day bag. I’m wise enough to know now that I shouldn’t have assumed I’d find a wall outlet at a moment’s notice.

Now, I refuse to travel without a portable charger. Specifically, this quad portable charger. It already has four different charging cables, so I can quickly recharge my — or a new travel buddy’s — phone. It has an LED screen that tells you exactly how much juice it has left, and now that I’ve dropped it a zillion times, I’ve found it to be practically break-proof.

Tip 3: Use GPS trackers for everything

Apple AirTag 4 Pack

I use Apple Ear Tags to keep track of everything I travel with. I use it to help find my parked car at busy airports, keep tabs on my wallet and keys, and stay aware of where my checked luggage is in the world. 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 my younger, free-spirited self these four-packs of ear tags and instruct her to use them on every trip, solo or not.

Tip 4: Lock up the important stuff

trenhivsto portable security lock box

Anvil luggage lock 3 pack

Young solo travelers, listen up: Never assume your luggage is safe in a shared room. It’s easy to let your guard down once you’ve made some friends in your dorm, but if you want to make it back home with all the stuff you brought with you, I encourage you to keep all your stuff locked up and guarded. A portable lockbox, like this waterproof option, is great for keeping your small electronics, valuables, and sentimental items in place, while these versatile anvil locks can be used to lock your carry-on, checked luggage, or the zippers of your assigned locker at your hostel (PSST: Visit a daypack or visit your daypack

Tip 5: Keep your documents close to the chest

Venture 4th Travel Money Belt

I’m lucky enough to report that I’ve never had my passport stolen while traveling solo (knock on wood). However, I’ve almost lost it in Costa Rican rains and dunked it in the ocean while snorkeling in the Caribbean. I’m thankful to be able to return home both times, but I’ve learned my lesson about keeping it safe and secure while abroad.

Now, I keep my travel documents and cash close to my chest. I like to use a crossbody sling bag or money belt for these items when I travel, as they’re easier to access and harder to dig out for pickpockets. The Venture 4 is so thin, it can be worn under your shirt, and it has RFID-blocking credit card slots to protect your information from scanners.

Tip 6: Protect your bedroom door

The original portable door lock Edalic

Monson Door Stop Alarm

In my 20s, I easily believed that the chain lock on my hotel room door would be enough to keep me safe from intruders. Now I know how violent and ineffective they are. Just one strong yank can be enough to rip someone from the door frame. I recommend that every solo traveler pack additional security measures for their room door, such as a portable door lock, door security bar, or door stop alarm. This Adlock Portable Door Lock and this Monson Door Stop Alarm make a great pair: the former instantly adds a second layer of security against unwanted guests, and the latter detects an ultra-loud alarm that acts like a door stop, scaring off any strangers trying to enter your room.

Tip 7: Craft a memorable signature look

Kotopexi Kapai 3L Hip Pack

One of my favorite things about solo travel is the ability to go and do your own thing, whether it’s exploring a city on foot or hiking off the beaten path. When I was younger, I was so clueless about what my next adventure would be that I wouldn’t go out of my way to introduce myself to other travelers or hotel and hostel staff—and looking back I realize how dangerous that oversight was.

If I were lost or hurt, I would have no one back at home to remember me. I strongly recommend that solo travelers make sure they make connections with these people during their stay, whether it’s the front desk employee or other guests. Don’t reveal private information — like your room number, or the fact that you’re traveling solo — but make eye contact, introduce yourself, and try to create a signature look that people will remember. Carrying a brightly colored belt bag, wearing your hair in a certain style, or donning a unique bracelet or pair of sunglasses can easily make you stand out to people you meet on your travels.

Tip 8: Bring a hidden camera detector

Navifalcon Hidden Camera Detector

In my 20s, I would have laughed at the idea of ​​packing a hidden camera detector in my carry-on—they just looked like something Spy kidsHowever, if only she knew how common the problem actually is: There have been a number of horror stories that have emerged over the past year about travelers discovering hidden microphones and video cameras inside their Airbnbs and hotel rooms.

Old man I know you can never be too safe, and that my privacy is worth protecting. This Nofalcon hidden camera detector has earned a permanent place in my travel bag. This gadget picks up the radio frequency (RF) signals emitted by the camera and alerts you when it detects wireless signals.

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

North American Rescue Cat Combat Application Tourniquet

Blade Stop First Aid Powder

Sanson Car Safety Hammer 2 Pack

As the daughter of two medical professionals, I grew up understanding that life is fragile, and that in the moment of a medical emergency, every second counts. Yet, like every 20-something traveler who thinks they’re invincible, I believed I was the exception.

Now, I always travel with first aid gear – not just for my own safety, but in case a fellow passenger needs help. One of my non-negotiable road trip accessories is a car window breaker, like this one from Sanson. It has two carbon steel pointed heads that can shatter auto glass and a seat belt cutting tool, both of which can help you escape from your car in an emergency. As for outdoor adventures, I make sure to pack Blood Stop, which is a powder proven to quickly clot blood, and the North American Rescue Tourniquet, which cuts off the blood supply to an injured limb, buying you time before rescuers arrive.

Want a great deal? Sign up for our T+L recommends newsletter And we’ll send you our favorite travel products every week.