10 Anti-theft Safety Devices for Travel

South America has a rich and vibrant culture that attracts travelers from all over the world. But like many popular tourist hubs, it is not immune to the challenges of crime. I recently witnessed a pikepeting encounter while visiting Lima, Peru. As our group of 20 people paused to take photos, a local on a motorcycle rode past and, in one effortless movement, swapped the iPhone from the woman next to me. It happened in a flash and before we had a chance to react, the thief drove off.

The experience definitely shook me up and needed a wake-up call, reminding me how quickly things can change when you’re engaged and navigating a new environment—even when you’re in a group. While it is impossible to eliminate all threats, being prepared and proactive can make a difference. Below you’ll find 10 of my favorite safety devices and anti-theft accessories, like my trusty Charmast portable charger, the Birdie Keychain Alarm, and more, starting at $6.

My safety essentials are:

Shatterproof Car Windows: Rezqim Emergency Key Chain Car Escape Device, $9 (originally $10)

Guanzi Apple Air Tag Stick-on Mount for Phone Case

Traveling with an Apple Airtag is an easy way to add peace of mind to your luggage’s whereabouts. I put Airtags in everything I travel with—from my check-in to backpacks to my laptop sleeve. With this gadget, you can securely stick the Apple AirTag on your phone so that you can track its location after it is stolen. Nice as a backup, though not foolproof. Make sure a travel partner or loved one has access to the AirTag in their “My” network, so they can help you find your lost phone. The ability to track my items, especially when I’m not around, helps reduce stress when abroad.

Belt bag

No matter where I’m traveling, I always bring this belt bag. As a dual passport holder, keeping multiple documents and IDs safe and close (not to mention keeping your phone out of sight) is crucial, which is why I always turn to this Fabletics Belt Bag. I prefer to wear it as a crossbody bag, and use the hidden back zip pocket to secure my most important items. That way, I know my stuff is safer and I can focus on my surroundings. The material is water-resistant and the strap is adjustable, so you can wear the bag over the shoulder or around your waist, and the central compartment is great for things like a charger and snacks.

Kakao Phone Lanyard Neck Strap 2 Pack

This is something I didn’t bring to South America but wish I had. Between my phone, camera and other documents, I was moving things in and out of my bag and moving things around – a thief’s dream. After this pick-up event, I noticed that other people in the group had their phones connected to Cocoa by a similar lanyard. One shopper shared, “I used them on a crowded European vacation to provide security for (my) expensive iPhone. These liners provided some comfort that I was a harder target.”

Yoyi yoyi secret bad purse

Sometimes, the best place to keep your valuables is out of sight. A concealed bra wallet provides a discreet, secure way to carry cash and credit cards. Plus, if your phone gets stolen and you rely on Apple Pay, it’s a surefire way to make sure you always have some emergency cash. It also comes in handy for transporting small valuables. I put some sentimental jewelry in this bra purse from my grandmother, and flew with it in comfort on the 18-hour flight from Australia. It was an easy, discreet way to transport items and offered a ton of reassurance.

The rest of the items on this list aren’t necessarily related to phone security or my pickpocket experience in South America, but they are nevertheless anti-theft and safety devices that I never travel without. I’ve used a few of them while traveling, and each one offers more peace of mind than peace of mind.

Zillion Anti-Theft Zipper Carabiner Clips

An anti-theft zip lock may seem like overkill, until it’s not—it can be easy for someone to discreetly open a bag or purse without you knowing. A zip lock clip adds an extra level of security and comfort knowing that no one can open your bag and swipe your cash or phone. This pack of four has a very durable double carabiner design, so they’re also handy for attaching things like keys, water bottles and umbrellas to your purse or bag.

Jonny Novelty Purse

Before going to South America, I learned about the idea of ​​a “distraction wallet.” The concept is simple: In the horrendous event of a bust-up where you’re asked to hand over your wallet, you walk through the aisle, stocked with expired credit cards, small amounts of cash, and other non-essential items. The decoy may be enough to appease the thief and buy you valuable time to retreat to safety. When traveling in crowded areas where petty crime is more common, keep the deco at the top of your bag while your actual wallet, phone, and other important possessions are stored at the bottom.

Charmast Small Portable Charger

There are few things more unsafe and inconvenient than letting your phone die, especially when traveling alone to unknown locations. I used the Charmas portable charger on my trip to South America, and loved its small yet powerful design. I usually bring a small crossbody bag with me when exploring a city, and I really liked how this little charger didn’t add any bulk or require extra cords. I turned to this charger multiple times during my travels and loved that it plugged right into my lifeline (aka, my phone), quickly charging it on the go.

He is the original personal safety alarm birdie

You can be very careful and do everything right, but there may be a time when you still run into trouble on your trip. That Birdie Personal Safety Alarm can provide peace of mind in an instant. Although the device is small enough to slip into your pocket or clip onto your bag, once activated, it flashes a bright strobe light and blasts a loud alarm at 130 decibels. The alarm is TSA approved, making it easy to travel with, and can be used multiple times.

Nightcap original drink cover scrunchie

Traveling means experiencing new places and social scenes, but balancing that with safety can be difficult. I once overdid my drink. Luckily, I had friends with me, and my mom was only a phone call away. We don’t have that kind of quick help when we travel, which is why I always cover my nightcap drink when I’m abroad. Doubling as a scrunchie, the ingenious tool is discreet and helps prevent unwanted drink spills. The cover rolls up neatly to look like a scrunchie but can easily be pulled out when needed. You can never be too safe so this extra level of protection will allow you to enjoy the local nightlife without constant worry.

Resqme Emergency Key Chain Car Escape Device

No matter if you are at home or abroad, taking taxis or rideshares is sometimes unavoidable and requires a lot of trust in an unknown driver. I will never forget the uneasy feeling I had in a taxi in Greece. I wanted to get out of the car, but I couldn’t. This is where RaceQM comes into play. Equipped with a seat belt cutter and window breaker tool, it can be a life saver when you need to get out of a vehicle quickly. one Travel + Leisure A travel writer wouldn’t be involved without a car. Although the device is compact, the blade is not TSA-approved, so it’s best to keep it in your checked luggage to avoid possible confiscation.

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