BEST TRAVEL SAFETY PRODUCTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
This post is about the best travel safety products for solo female travellers.
Planning a trip? We often focus on flights, hotels, and itineraries, but safety is much more crucial.
Surprisingly, some of the most effective travel safety tools are ones you might not even know exist!
From ingenious gadgets to practical accessories, these products are game-changers for worry-free travel.
As a solo female traveler this guide will help you stay secure and prepared for the unexpected.
Let’s dive into these essentials that could save the day on your next adventure!
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
NO TIME TO READ NOW? 📍PIN FOR LATER
WHY TRAVEL SAFETY IS SO IMPORTANT
🗺
Staying safe whilst travelling is something we often don’t think about and we don’t plan for. But we should! Let’s face it though - it’s not the exciting part of the trip. The last thing you want to be doing before a trip is thinking about the things that could go wrong. You want to be researching amazing adventures you can go on. There are so many things that can go wrong with a trip though and it’s important to be prepared for these.
If you’ve travelled anywhere particularly touristy you will have more than likely come across a tourist scam. One that comes to mind for me is when I was wondering around Paris and a man came up to me trying to put a friendship bracelet on my wrist. He told me it was a gift and kept trying to put it on my wrist even though I’d polietly declined. This is a well known scam and they get the bracelet on your wrist then pester you to pay for it. It’s something I knew about so didn’t fall for it. It’s important to do a little research about common scams at your destination beforehand and trust your instinct.
Theft always seems to be on the rise. Pickpocketing has gotten so sophisticated that even seasoned travellers can fall victim. I used to carry a regular backpack until I noticed how easy it was for someone to unzip it in a crowd (yep, it happened to me at a train station in Barcelona). That’s when I invested in an anti-theft backpack with hidden zippers and slash-proof material. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until it happens, but it’s worth every penny.
There are no end of different emergencies that can happen whilst travelling and when you’re abroad, even minor issues can feel overwhelming. I once got food poisoning in a country where I didn’t speak the language. Finding a pharmacy was an adventure in itself! Since then, I always pack a small first-aid kit and a few over-the-counter medications, just in case. Plus, I make sure I have travel insurance with coverage for medical emergencies. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need but will be incredibly grateful for if you do.
Ultimately, staying safe while traveling isn’t about living in fear; it’s about taking simple, practical steps to protect yourself. Things like locking your hotel door with a portable lock, using RFID-blocking wallets and keeping a copy of your passport handy are small actions that can make a big difference. And don’t forget to share your itinerary with someone back home - it’s a simple way to ensure someone knows where you are if plans go wrong.
PORTABLE DOOR LOCK
🗺
A portable door lock was something I had never thought of until my sister had a horrible experience in a room she was renting. After her experience she was sharing with me that she now uses a portable door lock whenever she’s not in her own house and it made sense to me. I now always carry one when I travel. It gives me so much peace of mind.
Even if you’re staying somewhere with decent security, you can’t always control who has access to the master keys or how secure the locks really are. A portable door lock is ridiculously easy to use. The one I carry now is lightweight, fits right into my carry-on, and takes less than 30 seconds to install. You don’t need any tools or handyman skills.
The first time I used one, I was a bit skeptical. Would it actually hold up against a forceful push? I tested it by shoving the door as hard as I could and that lock held firm. It works by anchoring into the strike plate of the door, making it virtually impossible to open from the outside, even with a key.
This is the one I carry with me.
A couple of tips from my experience:
Test it at home first. The first time I used mine, I fumbled around trying to figure it out. Practice setting it up before your trip to avoid frustration.
Check the door type. Portable locks work best on inward-opening doors, which are standard for most hotels but not all Airbnbs.
Pack it somewhere accessible. You don’t want to dig through your luggage late at night when you’re already tired.
Honestly, this tiny gadget is a game-changer. It doesn’t take up much room, costs less than a fancy coffee, and could be the thing that lets you sleep soundly on your next trip.
Here’s a few different types you might want to try.
RFID BLOCKING PASSPORT HOLDER
🗺
Call me stupid but I just didn’t realise how vulnerable my personal information was until I overheard a conversation at an airport lounge. Someone was talking about the fact that someone had skimmed the data from their passport chip while waiting in line at customs. I didn’t even know that was possible! That was when I decided to invest in an RFID-blocking passport holder.
Without protection, RFID chips in your passport or credit cards can be read by skimmers using cheap, portable devices. This happens in crowded areas like airports, train stations, or even tourist attractions.
You can purchase many different types of RFID-blocking passport holders but I like the simple pouch below. I used to have a more leather look passport holder but I found that lots of security checks require you to take your passport out of any holder so I just found having a pouch much easier but I will link some other RFID-blocking passport holders further below incase you don’t like the pouch look. (I get it, it doesn’t look particularly stylish but I’m a function over style kinda girlie).
If you’re shopping for an RFID-blocking passport holder, here are a few tips:
Make sure it’s certified. Not all RFID-blocking products are created equal. Look for one that specifies it can block frequencies in the 13.56 MHz range, which is what most passports and credit cards use.
Think about size. Some passport holders are bulkier than necessary. Stick with one that’s compact and lightweight but still holds everything you need.
Here are the other RFID-blocking passport holders incase you don’t like the pouch that I use.
READ MORE : Best travel insurance for solo travelers
Do you prefer to read books on your Kindle or listen to audiobooks?
Why not join Kindle Unlimited which includes some great benefits:
Unlimited reading from over 1 million ebooks
Unlimited listening to thousands of audiobooks
Read on any device
Membership plans are also giftable
Why not consider an audible membership? it also makes a fantastic gift and comes with loads of fab features including:
An unmatched selection of audiobooks performed by world-class talent
3 titles for each month of their gift membership: 1 audiobook + 2 Audible Originals.
30% off any additional audiobooks.
Anywhere, anytime listening with the free Audible app.
Free and easy audiobook exchanges.
An Audible book library they’ll own forever.
PERSONAL ALARM KEYCHAIN
🗺
I used to roll my eyes at the idea of carrying a personal alarm keychain. I thought that anyone who did was ‘being over the top’ and ‘what are the odds I’ll actually need one of these?’ But that’s the thing with most if not all of these best travel safety products - the chances of you really needing them are slim but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Personal alarms are tiny, unassuming, and honestly kind of cute, but they’re lifesavers in more ways than one. Most models emit a noise upwards of 120 decibels - imagine standing next to a jet engine. It’s not just loud; it’s disorienting. When you set one off, it grabs attention instantly, which is exactly what you need in an emergency.
What I love most about my alarm is how easy it is to carry around. It’s lightweight, so it doesn’t feel like I’m adding bulk to my keyring. And let’s be honest, we’re all a little picky about what we attach to our keys or bags - it has to be practical and look decent. Luckily, personal alarms come in all sorts of designs now. Mine is a sleek, pastel blue that I love but you can find ones shaped like hearts, animals, or even minimalist monochrome styles.
This is the alarm I carry.
A few tips I’ve learned from using my alarm:
Keep it accessible. I used to bury mine in my purse, which totally defeats the purpose. Now it’s clipped to my keyring where I can grab it in a split second.
Test it occasionally. Alarms can run out of juice, and the last thing you want is a dead battery in a crisis. A quick test every few months ensures it’s ready to go.
Know when to use it. You don’t need to press the button every time something feels slightly off, but trust your instincts. If a situation feels genuinely unsafe, don’t hesitate.
Here are some more designs of personal alarm keychains.
HIDDEN MONEY BELT
🗺
The first time I used a hidden money belt was on a trip to Bangkok. I’d read loads of stories about pickpocketing, and as someone who gets distracted by every shiny trinket and street food stall, I knew I’d be an easy target. I slid my cash, a backup credit card, and even a copy of my passport into the belt, which sat snugly under my shirt. It wasn’t bulky or noticeable, and I forgot I was even wearing it most of the time.
One of the best features of a good hidden money belt is its discreet design. The one I use is made from soft, breathable fabric, so it doesn’t feel like I’m wrapped in plastic all day which some of them can feel like, especially in tropical environments. Plus, the adjustable strap means it fits comfortably, whether I’m wearing it high on my waist or lower around my hips. Some newer models even have RFID-blocking layers, which also protect your credit card info from digital theft.
This is the hidden money belt I use.
Here are a few things I’ve learned about using a hidden money belt:
Don’t overstuff it. Trust me, I tried cramming my phone in there once, and it was... not cute. Keep it slim with just the essentials—cash, cards, and maybe a folded photocopy of your ID.
Use it for backups, not your main wallet. I still carry a small, decoy wallet with a little cash for quick purchases. That way, I’m not constantly pulling up my shirt in public, which can look super awkward (and kind of defeats the purpose).
Test it out before your trip. Wear it around the house or on errands to make sure it’s comfortable and doesn’t shift around too much.
Here are some other great options for hidden money belts.
PORTABLE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR
🗺
It’s not something people like to think about, but carbon monoxide (CO) leaks can happen anywhere, even in places that seem perfectly safe. That’s why I never travel without my portable carbon monoxide detector anymore - it just gives me great peace of mind.
Portable carbon monoxide detectors are a must-have, especially if you’re staying in unfamiliar accommodations like Airbnb rentals, cabins, or older hotels. They’re small enough to fit in your palm, which makes them super easy to pack - even if you’re a light traveller. Most models are battery-operated and have simple displays that show CO levels in real time, with an alarm that’ll jolt you awake if something’s wrong.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Isn’t this overkill? I’ve never even thought about CO poisoning before.” I used to think the same. But carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, which means you won’t know there’s a problem until it’s too late. Even the best accommodations can have issues with old appliances or poorly maintained heating systems. And don’t just rely on the place you’re staying to have detectors installed - they’re not always there or in working condition.
When shopping for a portable CO detector, look for one with a loud alarm, a clear display, and good battery life. Some models even come with additional features like temperature readings or smoke detection, which is a nice bonus.
VPN
🗺
What is a VPN or Virtual Private Network? Let me explain why using a VPN while traveling is a game-changer in terms of your safety and security.
When you're hopping between airports, hotels, and coffee shops, your internet connection is usually public. Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s also great for hackers. One of the first things I do when I land in a new country is set up my VPN. It encrypts my connection, making it super difficult for anyone to snoop on my personal data.
VPNs also offer privacy. Have you ever noticed how some websites or apps give you a different experience depending on where you're located? A VPN helps you mask your location and appear like you're browsing from another country. This is especially handy when you want to access content that's blocked or restricted in certain regions. When you're traveling abroad quite often your favourite streaming platform has a completely different library than what you’d normally see back home. With a VPN, you can “switch” your location to your home country and get back to the shows and movies you know and love. You can also use this when you’re not travelling to access different countries Netflix library, for example.
When you're on the road, you’re probably making payments or checking your bank account a little more often than usual. Public Wi-Fi networks are prime targets for hackers and making financial transactions on unsecured networks can leave you exposed. A VPN acts like a shield, ensuring that your sensitive info - like bank account numbers or credit card details - is protected.
The VPN I use when travelling is SurfShark which you can sign up for below.
ANTI THEFT BACKPACK WITH LOCKING ZIPPERS
🗺
When I first started traveling to busy cities, I didn’t think too much about my backpack. I figured, as long as my stuff was in there, I was good to go. But after one too many near-misses with pickpockets in places like Barcelona and Rome, I realised I needed a better solution. That’s when I invested in an anti-theft backpack with locking zippers.
These backpacks are designed to deter pickpockets and protect your valuables while you’re on the move. The locking zippers are a key feature. They might sound a little fancy, but they’re incredibly practical. The zippers lock into place, preventing someone from casually slipping their hand inside your bag without you noticing. That little extra layer of security might seem like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference when you’re walking around crowded streets or hopping on and off public transport.
There are plenty of anti-theft backpacks that come with different compartments for organising your gear, padded sleeves for laptops, and even hidden pockets for extra security. Some of these backpacks come with a USB charging port, so you can charge your phone on the go without having to dig around for a power bank.
GPS TRACKER FOR LUGGAGE
🗺
Most of us dread losing our luggage. It's the stuff of nightmares, right? You’re all excited for your trip, your bags are packed, and then… boom! You land in a new city only to find out that your suitcase has taken an unexpected detour, or worse, it's been lost altogether.
A GPS tracker for luggage is exactly what it sounds like - a small device that you place in your bag, and it helps you track it in real-time through a smartphone app. What I love about them is that they offer peace of mind, especially when you're traveling internationally or through multiple airports where baggage handling can get chaotic.
If you’ve ever had a bag delayed or lost, you know how frustrating it is not knowing where it is or when it will show up. With a GPS tracker you can track your luggage at any given moment. However, they aren’t perfect and they do rely on cellular networks and GPS signals, which means they won’t work in places with no service.
FINAL THOUGHTS
🗺
Staying safe while exploring the world is essential and the right travel safety products can make all the difference between a stress-filled trip and one where you can truly enjoy the adventure.
Travel is meant to be fun, enriching, and maybe even a little unpredictable. By taking the right precautions and equipping yourself with the best safety products, you can enjoy your journey with confidence, knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. Safe travels!
More Information About Solo Travel
If you still thinking about if you should travel solo check out these other solo travel guides and blog posts :
Destination Solo Travel Guides
Solo womans guide to Copenhagen, Denmark
Solo womans guide to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Solo travel tips and advice
How to research solo travel destinations
Best travel products for solo travel
Must have long haul flight essentials
Solo female travellers guide to safety
Read all of my articles about solo travel in the solo travel posts.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in world.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for wherever you’re going to and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfers from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions on your travels on Viator or Get Your Guide.
Did you know that …
When you purchase something through my links I earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win!
