Traveling alone and want to stay safe? You’re in the right place! After traveling solo for over five years, I have curated a roundup of safety tools that I don’t board a plane without. No gimmicks, just the stuff that works. So, ditch those chunky money belts (inconvenient much?) and let’s look at tools that are actually useful!
Also, I rarely check my bag. This means that everything is TSA-approved!
Psst…if you miss your pepper spray while traveling, check tool number 10 for a great alternative!
1. Birdie Personal Alarm
I don’t leave my hostel without She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm. She is loud. She is bright. And she is EFFECTIVE. A great way to ward off offenders when in a crowd.
Luckily, I’ve only had to use the alarm once. The man left right away, running, after several minutes of asking him to leave me alone.
She’s Birdie – The Original Personal Safety Alarm: Siren, Strobe Light and Key Chain
Pro Tip: Lie a little and say that the alarm calls the police! In Spanish: “Esto llama a la policía!”
2. Rip-Proof Handbag
After a thief cut my backpack open on the Barcelona subway, I strictly use rip-proof purses while traveling. A cross-body, rip-proof bag provides maximum security. It also signals that you’re not an easy target.
This one from Pacsafe has separate pockets for phone, passport, and credit cards. Also, it comes in pink!
Pacsafe Anti Theft Square Crossbody
3. Rfid Blocking Travel Wallet
Thieves are getting smarter. Now, they only need to be in close proximity to your wallet to steal your information. RFID skimming devices allow thieves to steal your credit card and passport information. The worst part is, you don’t even know you’ve been scammed till the charges start rolling in.
That makes the Zoppen wallet the ideal safety tool for cyber security. Plus, it has a spot for your passport!
ZOPPEN Mulit-purpose Rfid Blocking Passport Holder Travel Wallet
4. Money Pouch Attached To Bra
A sure-fire way to keep your things protected is to keep them on your body. This is not always necessary. But, in places like Brazil where robbery is ridiculously common, I recommend using a hidden money pouch. Especially when going out dancing!
Pacsafe Coversafe S25 Hidden Undercover Travel Bra Pouch for Women (Washable)
5. Portable Safe
You’ll want a portable safe when staying in hostels or even hotels in some countries. This adds an extra layer of safety for your valuables. Nobody wants a trip to the embassy for a stolen passport.
This one is great even to bring to the beach if the whole group wants to go in the water!
SAFEGO Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lock Box Safe with Key and Combination Access
6. Fake Wedding Ring
Deception can keep you safe. Men are less likely to approach you if they think you’re already spoken for. Its unfortunate (patriarchy much?), but you can use it to your advantage.
Wearing a fake wedding band one of the best safety tools for women travelers! If you don’t have a ring lying around, this one is super cheap.
Jude Jewelers 1.5mm Stainless Steel Classical Plain Stackable Wedding Band Ring
7. Doorstop Alarm
If you’re staying in a hotel, this one is a MUST. Hotels sometimes hire without doing background checks. As such, hotel staff have sexually assaulted women in their rooms. This has happened in Mexico and Jamaica, specifically. Having a doorstop alarm prevents anyone with a keycard from entering your room.
SABRE Wedge Door Stop Security Alarm, Extremely Loud Wireless Alarm
Pro Tip: Be careful setting up the alarm. My ear got blasted off, which, to be fair, is kinda the point.
8. Something Pointy
This is where I get creative with safety tools. TSA does not allow personal daggers on board. But, they do allow pens! And a metal pen to the eye can really hurt. I keep a one in my bag while traveling. If I feel unsafe, I’ll walk with the pen in my hand. Plus, its nice to have for customs forms!
Zebra F-701 Stainless Steel Retractable Ballpoint Pen
9. NightCap Scrunchies
Unfortunately, some vacation spots are known for drink spiking. If you want to go out drinking in one of these places, bring a drink cover with you!
NightCap is my favorite. Its hard to lose when its around your wrist.
Nightcap The Original Drink Cover Scrunchie
Pro Tip: Turn it inside-out to get rid of the large white logo that draws attention.
10. Hairspray
Missing your pepper spray while abroad? Hairspray also burns the eyes! I like to pack a little travel size in my purse if I feel like I need it. Coming from a former dancer who used hairspray for a tight bun: the cheaper the hairspray, the more effective for eye burning.
TIGI Bed Head Travel Size 3 oz
And that’s a wrap! In addition to personal safety tools, women should also check out local scams and tips.
Traveling Latin America? Check out She Travel’s Safely’s city guides for everything a woman needs to know before visiting alone!