11 Best Solo Travel Safety Devices on Sale at Amazon

When I first traveled solo, I had no smartphone (clearly, I’m dating myself here!) and trekked around Thailand carrying only what I could fit in a Jansport backpack. Today, having traveled to more than 50 countries as a cruise ship performer and now a full-time travel writer, I’ve garnered a lot more tips, tricks, and tools for smarter, easier, and safer traveling.

My biggest tip is a simple one: always be aware of your surroundings. It’s tempting to keep our noses in our phones, but that kind of behavior is exactly what petty thieves look for — distracted tourists. But beyond keeping your eyes open, I’d suggest packing a few modern travel safety devices that will keep you feeling confident, comfortable, healthy, and alert no matter where you’re off to, such as portable chargers, luggage trackers, and more. The best part? Each of these items is on sale now at Amazon, starting at as little as $9.

Portable Charging Device

When you’re traveling alone, your phone is your number one safety device. I use mine for navigation and translation, plus holding all of my reservations, boarding passes, and tickets. If my phone dies while I’m out, whether that’s wandering a sprawling city or hiking somewhere remote, I’m in big trouble. I travel with at least one backup portable charger at all times. I like these slender and compact magnetic chargers so that I don’t have to remember to bring the right cord (I always manage to grab the wrong one!). Another option is this Belkin charger that comes with a built-in kickstand.

Passport Cover With Built-In AirTag

Despite logging a lot of solo travel hours, I’m still that nervous traveler who always wants one hand on my passport. Recently, I upgraded my passport cover to the Satechi holder that has FindMy technology built in. Sure, you can get passport covers with AirTag pockets, but those are obvious — and thieves can easily find the AirTag and ditch it. This on-sale HiWe Passport Holder is similar to the one I use because it’s discreet, sleek, and has an integrated rechargeable battery (via Magsafe chargers). I find this feature incredibly helpful for easing my anxiety about losing my passport. Some extra safety features, like built-in RFID blocking technology, are extra perks to this helpful travel tool.

Apple AirTag, 4-pack 

After getting my luggage nabbed in Paris, I’ll never travel without putting an AirTag in every piece of luggage — including my purse, suitcase, and laptop bag. The luggage “theft” ended up being an honest mistake at the baggage carousel, but the amount of anxiety these luggage trackers save is more than worth their price. I like to tuck my AirTags in small pockets within my luggage so they’re not as obvious to potential thieves. You could even make a small cut in your luggage lining and hide them in there for added security.

Hidden Camera Detector

I haven’t always traveled with a hidden camera detector, but if I’m planning on staying at an Airbnb, home swap, or hostel, I’ll slip this discreet and not-too-bulky detector in my bag. It has a high average rating of 4.7 stars and uses infrared to detect any hidden cameras. Unlike other oversized detectors, this one is small enough that it’s easy to slip into your bag and leave there for your next trip.

Water Bottle Crossbody

Staying hydrated is key to staying healthy and safe when I’m traveling alone, so I’m eyeing this bag as a good protector against myself and my forgetful nature so I don’t leave another water bottle behind. This crossbody bag would be perfect for day adventures around hot summer locales, like Rome. It includes a pocket for essentials like your passport and money, and it even provides some insulation to keep your water bottles cool on hot days.

Phone Lanyard

Just like my passport, I always have a hand on my phone too. But sometimes even holding your phone isn’t enough to deter thieves. An experienced cruise travel advisor once told me he had his phone snatched out of his hand by a thief on a bicycle while standing on a busy thoroughfare. Ever since hearing this anecdote, I’ve started using a phone lanyard or wristlet to keep my phone secure. I always have my phone out snapping pictures anyway, so it provides an extra line of defense from falls or theft.

Personal Safety Alarm With Rechargeable Battery

A personal safety device is never a bad idea for a solo traveler, especially one that has a rechargeable battery. With all the devices I travel with, this design means I don’t have to think about adding batteries to my packing list too. This self-defense alarm lets out a siren of up to 130 decibels in addition to a flashing light in case of danger.

Nord VPN

When people think of personal safety, their minds go to safeguarding their purse or luggage. But my data, which includes my banking information, is my most valuable asset. So when I’m roaming around and connecting to public Wi-Fi accounts, I use a VPN that encrypts my connection and protects my laptop data from being monitored.

Crossbody Bag

There are a million crossbody bags out there, but there are a few features that distinguish a good one from an average one. It’s made of nylon, so it’s resistant to water and tearing and is easy to clean. It can be worn several different ways, as a crossbody or around your waist like a fanny pack. There’s also the Topo Designs Quick Pack that I especially love for its loop that’s designed to hold a bike light — it’s a perfect safety feature when I travel to Paris and get around almost exclusively on the city’s Velib bikes.

Vitamin C + Collagen packets 

Being a safe and smart solo traveler means looking after my entire well-being in a preventative way, not just a reactionary way. If I get sick when I’m traveling alone, I don’t have anyone to help handle my trip, bags, or itinerary. So it’s imperative that I stay healthy while on the go to keep a sharp mind. I like these electrolyte immunity packets to add to my water bottle to provide a boost of vitamin C and zinc (and I love the added collagen, too). I also always have these Manuka Honey throat lozenges in various pockets, which are miracle workers on a sore throat — but they also boost your immune system.

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