9 Editor-approved Solo Travel Personal Safety Tips

Solo travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, and as someone who has been embarking on solo adventures for nearly a decade, I couldn’t be more excited. Visiting a new country or even just exploring a neighboring city by yourself is something that I think every traveler should experience; solo travel instills confidence, it allows you to go at your own pace, and it opens the door for you to try new things and meet new people that you might not have otherwise pursued within the confines of 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 really loved to throw caution to the wind. If I had a time machine, I’d go back and tell her how important it is to travel safely, but since I cannot, I’m choosing to do the next-best thing: I’m sharing with you the nine solo travel products I wish I knew about 10 years ago, starting at just $8.

Best Overall Solo Travel Personal Safety Products:

Tip 1: Always carry a personal safety alarm

She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Most of us would like to believe that we’d be able to fight off or run away from an assailant, but the truth is, you’ll never know how you’ll react until it happens to you. In emergencies, our bodies react with the fight, flight, or freeze response, and unfortunately, you can’t choose which of the three you’ll respond with. Carrying a loud personal safety keychain can help you find your voice without putting yourself into more danger. Simply pull off the top of this She’s Birdie alarm, and a blaring, 130-decibel alarm will ring out, alerting passersby of the encounter and deterring your attacker from further pursuing you. 

Tip 2: Always keep a backup charger on hand

Charmast Portable Charger

A dead phone is annoying when traveling with a group—but it’s a recipe for disaster while solo traveling. 10 years ago, my solution was to carry a charging block and a USB cable in my day bag; I’m wise enough to know now that I shouldn’t have assumed I’d be able to find a wall outlet at a moment’s notice. 

Now, I refuse to travel without a 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 has an LED screen that tells you exactly how much juice it has left, and after dropping it a zillion times now, I’ve deemed it practically break-proof. 

Tip 3: Use GPS trackers—for everything

Apple AirTag 4-pack

I use Apple AirTags to keep track of absolutely everything I travel with. I use one to help me find my parked car at busy airports, keep tabs on my wallet and keys, and stay informed on where in the world my checked luggage is. Looking back, I almost can’t believe that I used to travel without GPS tracking devices. If I could go back in time, I would give this four-pack of AirTags to my younger, free-spirited self and instruct her to use them on every trip, solo or not. 

Tip 4: Lock up the important stuff

Trenhivsto Portable Security Lock Box

Anvil Luggage Lock 3-pack

Young solo travelers, listen up: Never assume your belongings are safe in a shared room. It’s easy to let your guard down after you’ve made a few pals in your dorm, but if you want to make it back home with all of the stuff you brought with you, I encourage you to keep all of your belongings locked up and squared away. A portable lockbox, like this waterproof option, is great for stashing your smaller electronics, valuables, and sentimental items, while these multipurpose Anvil locks can be used to lock the zippers of your carry-on, checked luggage, or assigned locker at your hostel (psst: keep one affixed to your daypack or purse zippers to ward off pickpockets). 

Tip 5: Keep your documents close to the chest

Venture 4th Travel Money Belt

I’m lucky enough to report that I’ve never had my passport stolen while traveling solo (knock on wood). I have, however, nearly lost it in a Costa Rican rainforest and have dunked it in the ocean while snorkeling in the Caribbean. I was able to get back home both times, thankfully, but I’ve learned my lesson regarding keeping it safe and secure while abroad. 

Now, I keep my travel documents and cash close to the chest—literally. I like to use a crossbody sling bag or money belt for these items when I travel, since they’re easier to access than a backpack and are more difficult for pickpockets to dig into. This one from Venture 4th is so slim, it can be worn under your shirt, and it has RFID-blocking credit card slots to shield your information from scanners. 

Tip 6: Safeguard the door of your room

Addalock The Original Portable Door Lock

Monsin Door Stop Alarm

In my 20s, I naively believed that the chain lock of my hotel room door would be enough to keep me safe from intruders. Now I know how flimsy and ineffective they are; just a strong yank can be enough to rip one out from the door frame. I recommend that every solo traveler pack additional security measures for their room’s door, like a portable door lock, a door security bar, or a doorstop alarm. This Addalock portable door lock and this Monsin door stop alarm make a great pair: The former instantly adds a second layer of security against unwanted guests, and the latter emits an ultra-loud alarm while acting like a door stop wedge, scaring off any stranger who tries to enter your room. 

Tip 7: Curate a memorable signature look

Cotopaxi Kapai 3L Hip Pack

One of my favorite things about solo traveling is the ability to go off and do my own thing, whether it’s exploring a city on foot or booking an off-the-beaten-path excursion. 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 had gone missing or gotten hurt, I wouldn’t have had someone back at my lodging who would remember me. I strongly suggest that solo travelers make sure they establish connections with people they meet during their stay, whether it’s front desk employees or other 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 bag, wearing your hair in a specific style, or donning a unique bracelet or pair of sunglasses can make you easily recognizable to people you’ve met on your trip.

Tip 8: Bring a hidden camera detector

Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector 

In my 20s, I would have laughed at the idea of packing a hidden camera detector in my carry-on—they look like something straight out of Spy Kids, after all. If only she knew how prevalent this issue actually is: There have been plenty of horror stories that have come out just in the last year about travelers discovering hidden microphones and video cameras inside of their Airbnbs and hotel rooms.

Older me knows that you can never be too safe, and that my privacy is worth protecting. This Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector has earned a permanent spot in my travel bag; this gadget picks up the radio frequency (RF) signals that are emitted by cameras and alerts you when these wireless signals 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 two medical professionals, I grew up understanding that life is fragile, and that in the moment of a medical emergency, every second counts. Still, like every 20-something traveler who thinks they’re invincible, I used to believe I was the exception. 

Now, I always travel with First Aid gear—not just for my own safety, but in the event a fellow traveler needs assistance. One of my non-negotiable road trip essentials is a car window breaker, like this one from Sinsen. It has two carbon steel pointed heads that can shatter auto glass and a seatbelt-cutting tool, both of which can help you escape your car in an emergency. As for outdoor adventures, I make sure to pack Bleedstop, a powder that’s proven to clot blood quickly, and this North American Rescue tourniquet, which cuts off blood supply to wounded limbs, buying you time before rescuers arrive.

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