Safety Tips for Solo Travelers, Recommended by Editors

As someone who has recently embarked on solo travel, I can attest to its popularity. solo adventures For nearly a century, I’ve been excited to travel. Every traveler, I believe, should have the opportunity to visit a foreign country, or even explore a nearby city alone. Solo travel gives you confidence, allows you to travel at your own pace, opens up new opportunities to try things, and to meet people you may not otherwise have met in a group.

While I have absolutely no regrets about the solo trips I’ve taken thus far, I can’t help but look back at my younger self and cringe—20-something Amelia You can also find out more about the following: Loved to throw caution to wind. If I could go back in time, I would tell her what a mistake it was. travel safelySince I am unable to, I have decided to do what I can: I share with you the nine products for solo travelers that I wish i knew about ten years ago. starting at just $8.

The Best Personal Safety Products for Solo Travel:

Tip 1: Always keep a personal alarm with you.

She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

You’ll never really know what you’ll do until something happens. Our bodies respond to emergencies with the fight or flight response. You can’t pick which one you will use. You can find your voice by carrying a loud keychain. Just pull the top off this She’s Birdie alarmA loud alarm of 130 decibels will alert passersby to the situation and discourage your attacker. 

Tip #2: Always have a backup battery charger with you

Charmast Portable charger

A dead phone is annoying when traveling with a group—but it’s a recipe for disaster while solo traveling. Ten years ago, I thought it was a good idea to keep a charging cable and block in my bag. But I know better now that I didn’t need to assume I could find an outlet on a whim. 

I will not travel without my portable charger, specifically this Charmast portable charger. It already has four different charging cables built in, so I can quickly recharge my—or a new travel buddy’s—phone on the go. It’s LED screen shows you how much power it still has. And after dropping it over a thousand times, it is practically unbreakable. 

Tip 3: Use GPS trackers—for everything

Apple AirTag 4-pack

I use Apple AirTags Keep track of everything you bring with you. I use it to find my car in busy airports and keep track of my keys and wallet. It also helps me know where my checked luggage is. It’s almost hard to believe I used travel. You can’t have it without GPS tracking devices. If I could turn back time, I’d give this four-pack AirTags to my younger self, who was more free-spirited, and tell her to take them with her on every trip. 

Tip 4: Secure your important items

Trenhivsto Portable Safety Lock Box

Anvil Luggage Lock 3-pack

You solo travelers should be aware of this: Do not assume that the shared room is safe for your possessions. If you’re looking to get home with the things you brought, don’t let your guard drop after you make some friends in your dorm. A portable lockbox, like this waterproof optionThis is a great place to store your small electronics, sentimental items and valuables. multipurpose Anvil locks Can be used to secure the zippers on your luggage (carry-on or checked), or your locker assigned at your hostel. 

Tip 5: Keep documents close to your chest

Venture 4th Travel Money Belt

I am fortunate to say that my passport has never been stolen when I traveled alone (knock on the wood). Although I’ve almost lost it in Costa Rican jungles and dunked it into the Caribbean sea while snorkeling, it has never happened to me. Fortunately, I was able get home both times. However, I learned my lesson about keeping it safe while abroad. 

Now, I keep my travel documents and cash close to the chest—literally. These items are easier to access in a sling bag than a backpack. Also, they are harder to steal from. This one is from Venture 4th It is so thin that it can be worn underneath your shirt. The RFID-blocking slots protect your personal information from scanners. 

Tip 6: Secure the door to your room

Addalock the Original Portable Door Lock

Monsin Door Stop alarm

I was naive in my 20s to think that the chain lock on my hotel door would keep me safe. I now know that they are flimsy, ineffective and can easily be ripped out of the doorframe with a simple yank. I suggest that solo travelers pack extra security measures to protect their room door. These include a portable lock, a security bar or an alarm. This Addalock portable door lock And this Monsin door stop alarm They are a perfect pair. The first adds an extra layer of protection against unwanted visitors, while the second emits a loud alarm and acts as a door wedge to scare away any strangers who try to enter your bedroom. 

Tip 7: Curate a memorable signature look

Cotopaxi Kapai Hip Pack 3L

The freedom to explore a new city on my own terms is one of the best things about solo travel. When I was younger, I was so zeroed-in on 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 this oversight was.

If I’d gone missing or been hurt, no one would have remembered me. I recommend solo travelers to make connections with anyone they meet, be it front desk employees or guests. Don’t divulge 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 for yourself that people will remember. Carrying a brightly-colored belt bagWearing your hair in a particular style or wearing a bracelet or sunglasses that are unique can help you stand out to the people you meet on your travels.

Tip 8: Bring a hidden camera detector

Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector 

Back in my 20s I would never have thought to pack a suitcase. hidden camera detector in my carry-on—they look like something straight out of Spy Kids, after all. It would be nice if she understood how widespread this issue is. There have been a lot of horror stories in the past year about travelers who have found hidden cameras or microphones inside their vehicles. their Airbnbs You can also find out more about the following: hotel rooms.

The older me knew that I should protect my privacy because you can’t be too careful. This Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector This gadget has earned a permanent place in my bag. It detects the radio frequency signals (RF) that are emitted from cameras, and will alert you when they have been detected. 

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

North American Rescue C-A-T Combat Application Tourniquet

Bleedstop first aid powder

Sinsen Car Safety Hammer 2-pack

As the daughter of medical professionals, I learned that every second counts in an emergency. I thought I was invincible like all the 20-something travelers who believe they’re unstoppable. 

Now, I always travel with First Aid gear—not just for my own safety, but in the event a fellow traveler needs assistance. A first-aid kit is one of my road trip necessities. car window breakerLike this one by Sinsen. The tool has two carbon-steel pointed heads which can break auto glass, and a seatbelt cutter. Both of these can be used to help you get out of your car if necessary. For outdoor adventures I always pack a seatbelt cutter. BleedstopA powder that has been shown to clot quickly and effectively. North American Rescue tourniquetThis will buy you some time until rescuers arrive.

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