I’ve Been Solo Traveling for 10+ Years — and the 15 Personal Safety Items I Swear by Are On Sale Right Now (2024)

For over a decade, solo travel has become my favorite way to take in the world. I’ve snorkeled alongside turtles in the Galapagos, embarked on a 14-hour hike to the base of Patagonia’s Mount Fitz Roy, and explored cities across the globe including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tartu, Estonia, and Ljubljana, Slovenia. There’s a certain thrill and fulfillment of being on my own, letting my instincts and curiosities guide my way, that helps me better understand the place I’m in.

That said, being alone in a city or country you’re not used to navigating can be intimidating. That’s why packing travel safety products is not only smart, but can also provide a sense of comfort that is more essential than ever when traveling solo.

During my solo travels, I’ve had a few unsettling experiences — from being followed by a stranger to coming down with a stomach bug — that have taught me why it’s important to carry certain items that provide an extra layer of precaution just in case something goes awry.

With Amazon Prime Day kicking off tomorrow, deals are rolling in, including those on a variety of safety products and devices that might be smart to add to your cart. I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite deals on these safety products so you can be prepared on your next grand solo adventure.

Apple AirTags

Two years ago, I flew to London for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, only to be separated from my checked bag. At first, I was relieved that the airline’s app said my luggage arrived on my flight, but after scouring the baggage claim at London Heathrow with no luck, the agent told me it was actually back at Newark Liberty International. That’s when I decided to invest in Apple AirTags so I could track my bags myself. Whether it’s tracking your checked bag on your flight or knowing your belongings are stored safely at your hotel, there’s confidence in knowing where your items are at all times, especially because the tracking is so simple through iPhone’s Find My app. Now, I never board a flight without them — stock up on a set of four for a rare 24 percent-off discount.

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

The Birdie Personal Alarm has become a favorite among my traveling friends. It comes with many features useful for a solo traveler, including its solid brass keychain to attach to your purse, backpack, or even a belt. Plus, the alarm is easy to use: Pull the top pin out to start the siren as well as the built-in LED strobe light to call attention to trouble. With a sleek design and fun range of colors, it also makes a great gift to give traveler friends to show you’re thinking about their safety.

BV Luggage Travel Lock

Even though my beloved Away Bigger Carry-on rolling suitcase has a built-in TSA-approved combo lock, I still carry a luggage lock for other purposes. The flexible but tough steel loop makes it versatile for different situations: Maybe you lock a bag up to a beach lounger while you take a dip or loop it through a hotel door lock for an extra degree of security. It could also come in handy on lockers, whether you’re at a spa or a museum that doesn’t allow certain-sized bags. Carrying a few of these locks while traveling on your own is bound to be worth it.

Amazon Echo Frames Sunglasses

Smart glasses are my new favorite solo travel safety devices. After all, they’re completely discreet and offer a wide range of uses, while keeping your hands free. These Amazon Frames sunglasses connect with the Alexa system, so you can use the voice cue of “Alexa, drop in on…” to immediately create a two-way conversation with any Amazon speaker connected to your network. More importantly, by simply saying “Alexa, call for help” with them on, the Alexa Emergency Assist (AEA) will be triggered, connecting you with a trained agent — so much safer than taking your eyes off a precarious situation by dialing a phone. Another reason I love these: unlike earbuds, which can sometimes be dangerous blocking off all ambient sound, these provide strong surround sound while still allowing you to be aware of your surroundings. Plus, the shades look sleek with four designs (from black square to brown cat eye) and shield your eyes with UV400 protection. While I also recommend the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses for an even greater offering of special capabilities, you can get the Amazon Echo Frames now for an incredible price of $170 (that’s 48 percent off!).

Apple Magsafe Charger

When I was in Paris in the fall of 2022, I squeezed in a visit to the Fondation Louis Vuittion at the last minute. With my phone running low on battery, I plotted out the shortest route through a park and took off. What I didn’t account for was that the sun was setting and it was about to rain — and there was no sidewalk! I had to use what was left of my phone charge as a flashlight to light my way through the muddy grass. When I arrived at the museum, I ran to a power outlet — only to find that water had seeped into my phone and it wouldn’t charge. Panicked, I did a quick trip through the galleries and bolted over to the Apple Store on the Champs Élysées. The sympathetic workers suggested I buy the Magsafe Charger so I could power up by contact, regardless of the water situation. Now I carry this backup charger with me on all my travels. After all, without my phone, I would have had no map, no flashlight, and no clue how to get around!

Otterbox Fast Charge Power Bank

Like it or not, our phones are clearly an important travel companion while solo traveling; I try to keep my cell as close to 100 percent charged as possible. Through the years, I’ve tried — and been disappointed by — so many portable power banks. But right now, my most trusted one is the Otterbox Fast Charge Power Bank. Though it’s slightly heavier than others, it’s capable of charging my iPhone multiple times with its 20,000 mAh battery capacity — and it does so quickly. For shorter days out and about, I opt for the slimmer Otterbox 3-in-1 mobile charging kit.

Gedsffati Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector

Although it’s something we wish we didn’t have to think about, we need to take the invisible danger of carbon dioxide poisoning seriously, especially when staying in a home rental or hotel room alone. This battery-powered travel-sized carbon monoxide detector from Gedsffati has 144 hours of battery life. With the touch of a button, you can check for carbon monoxide, as well as temperature, humidity, atmosphere, and altitude. Weighing 3.5 ounces, this lightweight, compact travel-friendly device will be easy to take with you on your next trip. Save 22 percent when you combine the discount with the bonus 15 percent-off coupon.

Buffway RFID Blocking Leather Wallet

Not to pile onto the anxieties, but physical safety isn’t the only thing we need to worry about while we’re traveling — we also need to ensure that our credit cards, IDs, and other important items aren’t stolen, even digitally. This simple, slim wallet from Buffway has RFID-blocking technology built in to block any cybercriminals from collecting data. Available in over 35 colors, this faux leather wallet is stylish and convenient with eight slots for all your most important cards.

Venture 4th Travel Money Belt

Take that RFID-blocking one step further and protect bigger documents, especially your passport on foreign trips. Although a hotel room safe may be an option for storing these items, you may want a secure way to carry them (and maybe some extra cash) on you. This money belt keeps everything close at hand by securely attaching everything to your body under your clothing. The adjustable band and back mesh panel make it comfortable to wear, too.

Sabre Runner Pepper Gel

I always thought that I should be discreet about carrying pepper gel. However, after speaking with friends recently, I learned that it’s wise to keep these protective devices noticeable so that it’s clear to potential assailants that we’re prepared and ready to defend ourselves. Since then, I picked up this bright pink pepper gel from Sabre. I especially like it because of its elastic handgrip that makes it easy to carry while running. You can also buy the combo set with a clip-on alarm (plus a built-in LED light) that’s on sale for $16. Keep in mind that pepper sprays and gels can’t be transported in carry-ons (and many other countries classify them as illegal offensive weapons). I keep the alarm packed in my travel bag at all times — and this one is super effective, with a 120 decibel distress sound that can be heard up to 600 feet away.

Protect Life First Aid Kit

Let’s face it, accidents happen — and it seems even more so when we’re out of our regular environments. From terrible tummy issues in Romania and accidentally spraying mosquito repellent into my eye in the Caribbean, I now pack what my friends have called a “Duane Reade” (a.k.a. my own personal pharmacy) of customized items for issues I know I tend to face. Curated by medical professionals, this 100-piece first aid kit is a great starting point for new solo travelers, with bandages of all shapes and sizes, tweezers, eye wash, safety pins, antiseptic towelette, and an emergency blanket. Use the included 30 percent off coupon for a total savings of $7.

Blink Home Monitor

One of the challenges of leaving your home, especially if you live alone, is troubling a friend to keep an eye on your place. I recently set up a Blink Mini 2 in my apartment so I could monitor things myself and only call for help if needed. (On one trip, I could even see that I had left my lights on by accident!) When my building alerts me to emergency situations, I can also use the camera to peek in and see if I need to let them know of any damage. Right now, you can get this Blink 4 Outdoor camera on sale for $38 to keep an eye on the exterior of your home, or the Blink Mini 2 for $20 to watch over the inside.

Winonly Portable Travel Door Lock

When I was in my hotel room in North Carolina last fall, a man suddenly walked in. Turns out he had been given the key to the same room! Thankfully he was just as shocked as I was, but the incident made me more aware of putting an extra lock on the door when I’m staying somewhere alone. This simple device fits most doors and prevents them from being opened inward, making it perfect for a hotel room or Airbnb door. It’s also relatively small and lightweight so it won’t be a hassle to pack.

Emdmak Door Stop Alarm

Another option to safeguard your hotel room is with this wedge door stop with a built-in alarm. With three levels of sensitivity to choose from, the alarm will sound with a significant 120 decibel warning anytime it’s triggered. Plus, it’ll prevent the door from opening, providing extra security. It’s pretty compact, so it’s easy to pack in your bag.

Elzama Infinity Loop Solid Color Scarf With Hidden Zipper Pocket

For an alternative to a bag or pouch to keep crucial items like your phone or passport close to you, you should try this brilliant infinity loop scarf. With a hidden security pocket inside the scarf, anything from a hotel key to cash can easily be tucked into the breathable accessory and zipped right up. The best part is that it doubles as a scarf for an extra layer during those summer nights when it gets a little chilly out.

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