15 Best Personal Safety Devices for Senior Travelers

My aunt has been traveling by herself for as long as I can remember, with her first solo adventure at 18 years old taking her across the pond to London. Since then, she’s collected 45 years’ worth of passport stamps, crossing off destinations like Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Thailand, Bhutan, Morocco, and even Kenya on her travel wish list. Her most-visited country? France, which she’s been traveling to at least once a year, often by herself, and blogging about for a decade. One solo trip to France had her away from her Toronto home for 10 weeks, so needless to say, she knows a thing or two about the importance of traveling with reliable gear. 

As a self-proclaimed “cautious person,” my 65-year-old aunt always prioritizes smart travel accessories with anti-theft capabilities and personal safety features — in fact, she told me she’s been using a money belt since the ‘80s. As new products and innovations hit the market and her solo travels continue, she’s curated quite the arsenal of safety devices and accessories. From a dummy wallet to her favorite anti-theft travel bag, these are the 13 Amazon travel essentials she recommends to fellow senior solo travelers, whether embarking on a month-long trip or a simple weekend getaway. 

Pacsafe TravelSafe Portable Safe

One of my aunt’s favorite travel gear brands is Pacsafe because of its wide range of top-rated products with anti-theft technology. She owns two sizes of the Pacsafe portable safe, which she uses to put her valuables in when she’s on the go. For extra security, she locks it to a permanent fixture in the space she’s staying in. This safe is impossible to slash into because of the stainless steel wire mesh embedded into the canvas, and it packs flat making it easy to travel with. 

Baggallini Anti-theft Travel Backpack

Being hands-free is a must for my aunt, and she always travels with an anti-theft backpack that features a slash-resistant material. This lightweight backpack is an ideal daypack as it’s large enough to tote when filled with must-haves like a water bottle, a lightweight jacket, and any small purchases from a day of exploring. It also features a hidden back pocket with RFID-blocking card holders for added protection.   

Apple AirTag 4-pack

Although my aunt admits to not checking her luggage too often, when she does, she always uses an Apple AirTag in the off-chance that her luggage gets lost. When she arrives at her destination, she’ll put one AirTag in the luggage left in the room and another for the day bag she’s carrying with her for complete peace of mind on the go.   

Venture 4th Travel Money Belt

A staple in her travel accessory repertoire since the early ‘80s, a money belt still has a coveted spot on my aunt’s packing list because it keeps valuables like her credit card, cash, and passport safe. Choosing a breathable belt that wicks away moisture is a must to avoid sweat wrinkling up your cash or important documents (something my aunt said she learned the hard way on a trip to Greece). 

Travelambo Minimalist Slim Wallet

I hadn’t considered traveling with a dummy wallet until my aunt mentioned she carries one with her at all times when she’s traveling. She typically puts about 5 Euros into a basic wallet that she could hand over if she got mugged, while her real wallet stays safe. This genuine leather wallet won’t break the bank or add any extra weight to your day bag or purse. 

Vargo Titanium Emergency Whistle

A low-tech safety device my aunt doesn’t travel without is a trusty safety whistle. As an avid runner who trains (and races) on her trips, she loves that it takes almost no space in her luggage, is inexpensive, and gives her security on outdoor excursions. This titanium whistle is about the same weight as a paper clip and is incredibly durable. 

Vadoo Sling Bag

My aunt likes to have her valuables close to her at all times, which is why she chooses to travel with a crossbody bag and a backpack. She opts for something like this Amazon-loved sling bag for its lightweight and adjustable design that drapes flat against her body for comfort on the airplane. This one also features five convenient pockets for ultimate on-the-go organization. 

Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch 

When my aunt kayaked the Gorges del l’Ardèche in France, she wanted to take photos with her phone but didn’t want to risk it getting wet — or worse, falling into the water. From jogs in the rain to on-water excursions, this waterproof phone pouch has become an unexpected safety accessory she doesn’t leave home without. Keeping your phone dry isn’t just smart, but essential as most likely your hub for important travel documents, itinerary information, and more.  

Anker Power Bank

There’s nothing quite as stressful as being alone in a foreign country without a charged phone. To avoid this dilemma my aunt always travels with a portable power bank like this slim option from Anker. It’s compact enough to fit in a purse or pocket without weighing you down, and it can fully charge two devices simultaneously.

Gostwo Compact RFID-blocking Wallet

A non-negotiable for my aunt when traveling is using a wallet with RFID-blocking technology, so she won’t unwillingly get her sensitive information stolen from a digital pickpocket. This compact option has space for six cards, cash, and coins, and comes in an array of colors. Plus, it’s super sleek and stylish enough to be used with your everyday purse. 

Forge TSA-approved Cable Luggage Locks

My aunt knows that all it takes is a safety pin to open a TSA-approved lock, but she uses them on her luggage to dissuade potential thieves while her bag is in transit or just sitting beside her while she waits to board the plane. These top-rated TSA-approved locks are easy to set and are made with 100 percent zinc alloy for impressive durability. 

She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm

A safety device my aunt has seriously considered getting is a personal safety alarm. She considers herself very vigilant but admits she’s become more cautious as she’s gotten older. This editor-loved and best-selling safety alarm is a favorite of solo travelers for its compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use design; it emits a blaring siren and flashing strobe light to diffuse potentially dangerous situations. 

Emdmak Door Stop Alarm 2-pack

Sleeping in a new space is difficult for even the most seasoned travelers, which is why adding an extra layer of security, like a door alarm, can help you sleep easy regardless of your accommodations. My aunt has considered traveling with this security device since they’re fuss-free to pack and make an excellent deterrent. What’s more, this door alarm features three sensitivity levels and emits a loud shrill that will instantly scare an intruder away. 

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