The 14 Best Travel Safety Products of 2023
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
From door alarms to fake wedding bands, here are your travel safety essentials.
Ensuring your personal safety and well-being is just as important as making memories and enjoying la dolce vita while traveling (if not more so). Luckily, staying safe while abroad or on a trip across the country doesn’t take much to get right. Simply come prepared with a few travel-focused safety products to give you peace of mind while you’re on the move.
We’ve rounded up some of the best safety products available, including those which we personally use. We especially love the Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, Monsin Door Stop Alarm, and Raytix RFID Money Belt, which can all help you stay safe in any situation you might encounter while traveling.
Best Door Wedge: Monsin Door Stop Alarm
Why We Love It
This door stop doesn’t just block unwanted visitors — it actually includes a built-in alarm that will sound if someone tries to tamper with your hotel room door.
What to Consider
This alarm is very sensitive and could go off if room service or housekeeping staff attempt to enter your room.
It can be hard to fall asleep in a strange hotel room — even if it’s a plush five-star property. Whether you’re traveling solo or have a travel buddy sharing your room, the Monsin Door Stop Alarm is a great option for giving you peace of mind while you’re sleeping. Just wedge it into the closed hotel room door and it’ll keep unwanted visitors out by acting as a powerful doorstop. This option also comes with a built-in alarm that will ring if anyone tries to tamper with or open your door.
Price at time of publish: $12
Best Secondary Door Lock: Winonly Travel Door Lock for Hotel Rooms
Why We Love It
This budget-friendly door-locking system adds another layer of security to your hotel room and is pretty simple to set up.
What to Consider
This option might not fit very well on doors that have weatherproofing or other large seams along the doorframe.
The Winonly Travel Door Lock for Hotel Rooms is a great safety alternative for travelers who don’t want an alarm triggered when hotel staff enter the room for cleaning or turn-down services. Use this portable door lock by attaching it to the hole on the door jam, then inserting the red handle into the lock-in-place. It’s quick and efficient to use and install, and can also be easily removed in the dark for emergencies that require quick evacuation.
Price at time of publish: $25
Best Door Alarm: Lewis N Clark Travel Door Alarm
Why We Love It
This budget-friendly travel door alarm is loud enough to both wake you up and scare off any unwanted visitors.
What to Consider
The alarm is sensitive and could be falsely triggered if hotel staff try to enter your room.
The Lewis N Clark Travel Door Alarm can offer you the peace of mind you need to get a good night’s sleep in any hotel room. This compact and easy-to-install safety alarm attaches to the inside of your hotel room door, so you’ll instantly be alerted if someone tries to come in. Be sure to keep the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door and keep the interior properly locked to make sure you don’t accidentally set the alarm off on an unassuming housekeeper.
Price at time of publish: $16
Related: These $12 Safety Gadgets Just Went Viral on TikTok — and They're a 'Travel Must-have'
Best Personal Alarm: She’s Birdie Safety Alarm
Why We Love It
This personal safety alarm is small, subtle, and can easily be slipped into your pocket or handbag.
What to Consider
Some reviewers note that this alarm should be louder and more offensive, especially for those traveling in big cities.
You never know when a personal safety alarm will come in handy — even in your own hometown or city. This alarm will immediately draw attention to you if your personal safety is threatened, if you encounter a pickpocket, or find yourself in any other unsavory situation.
This small device looks more like a USB drive than a personal safety alarm, and it fits conveniently into your pocket or handbag so you can keep it on you at all times. The compact alarm system sounds when you remove the top pin. To turn it off, just slide the pin back into place.
Price at time of publish: $30
Best Motion Detector: Crevant Portable Mini Motion Detector Alarm
Why We Love It
This compact motion detector is ultra-lightweight and small, so it’s easy to slip into a suitcase or carry-on bag.
What to Consider
The instructions aren’t very clear which makes the initial setup a bit difficult.
This small but mighty portable miniature motion detector alarm is a great alternative (or add-on) to a door wedge or door alarm. The compact safety product is extremely quick to trigger the alarm if it senses movement in the direction it's pointed — making it a great option for larger hotel rooms or suites where you don’t have your eye on the entrance at all times. Make sure to keep the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door so you don’t set off a false alarm when housekeeping or other hotel staff attempt to enter your room.
Price at time of publish: $16
Best Retractable Cable Lock: Lewis N Clark Triple Security Lock
Why We Love It
This cable lock offers extra strong, triple-security material that ensures it can’t be cut through or tampered with.
What to Consider
The lock itself can sometimes be finicky and may take a few minutes to get open.
Travel safety products range beyond personal safety items — to ensure a safe trip, you’ll also need to think about keeping your belongings secure while en route, and when you’re out and about. That’s where the Lewis N Clark Triple Security Lock comes in. This extra-strength lock can prevent thieves from getting into your handbag or backpack. It’s also TSA-approved, which means you can use it on your checked luggage without worrying about having it cut off or confiscated while in transit.
Price at time of publish: $14
Best Luggage Tracker: Eufy SmartTrack Link
Why We Love It
This subtle and compact tracker can easily be thrown in your handbag, backpack, or suitcase.
What to Consider
It is only compatible with Apple devices.
Most frequent flyers will tell you to buy a luggage tracker immediately if you plan on checking your luggage or taking a large carry-on on the plane with you. Adding the Eufy SmartTrack Link to your suitcase will allow you to easily track your belongings at all times. So if you do end up losing your luggage while in transit, you can pinpoint where it is — which can actually help the airline crew to expedite the process of getting your luggage back to you. We found the Eufy SmartTrack Link to be easy to use with Apple's Find My app, so you don't waste time learning a new system or downloading additional apps.
Price at time of publish: $20
Best Portable Safe: Pacsafe Travelsafe Portable Safe
Why We Love It
This portable safe isn’t imposing or heavy like a traditional metal safe — but it’ll keep your valuables just as secure while on the move.
What to Consider
The slim shape and flat bottom make it difficult to fit items like laptops or cameras.
Keeping your gear secure while at the beach can be a challenge — especially for solo travelers who don’t have someone with them to watch their stuff while they take a dip in the water or grab a drink at the pool bar. That’s where the Pacsafe Travelsafe Gii 5 Liter Portable Safe comes in. This unique portable safe isn’t a traditional metal security box — instead it’s lightweight and easily portable for travel. Another key feature is that it can easily be locked to a tree or a pool chair, making it extremely difficult for potential thieves to make a stealthy getaway with your belongings.
Price at time of publish: $120 for 5-liter
Related: The 8 Best Travel-sized Carbon Monoxide Detectors of 2023
Best Money Belt: Raytix RFID Money Belt
Why We Love It
This money belt fits beneath your clothing without looking bulky or obvious.
What to Consider
The small inside pocket is in the corner of the bag, so it's difficult to actually fit items inside.
If you’re more comfortable keeping your valuables hidden away in a discreet money belt than in a backpack or handbag, then you should absolutely consider the Raytix RFID Money Belt. When tested, we found it especially useful for carrying large amounts of cash or for storing passports on you for long periods of time.
This budget-friendly money belt is ultra-slim, discreet, and features RFID-blocking technology to ensure your cards stay safe from potential thieves. Plus, the two front pockets help keep you organized to access all items easily and quickly.
Price at time of publish: $18
Best Anti-theft Backpack: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Backpack
Why We Love It
This backpack features slash-resistant fabric and zippers that clasp together.
What to Consider
At nearly 4 pounds when empty, this is a fairly heavy backpack.
This anti-theft backpack features all the bells and whistles you would need for traveling safely, but it also offers a streamlined, minimalist aesthetic that’ll suit the rest of your luggage and travel gear. We love that the back compartment includes a laptop sleeve suitable for computers up to 15 inches and the main compartment opens like a suitcase to make packing and organizing a breeze.
The thick fabric is also embedded with eXomesh Slashguard, a wire mesh lining that prevents any rips or cuts. The zippers also clasp together to thwart theft and the top has a built-in stainless steel cable so you can latch the zippers closed and even lock the bag using a padlock.
Price at time of publish: $280
Best Hidden Stash Spot: LokiStashed 3-Pack Velvet Hair Tie Scrunchies
Why We Love It
This hidden stash spot doubles as a functional (and stylish) hair scrunchie.
What to Consider
The zipper isn’t easy to hide and is noticeable on the lighter colorways.
Looking for a spot to safely stash a handful of cash without having to bring along your wallet or handbag? LokiStashed 3-pack Velvet Hair Tie Scrunchies are among our personal favorite options when it comes to discreet storage on the go. These velvet scrunchies function the exact same way a regular scrunchie does — but you can easily store at least a few folded-up bills inside without drawing any attention. It’s great for traveling in busy cities, and is a convenient choice if you’re heading out the door at home and don’t want to be weighed down with a handbag.
Price at time of publish: $13
Best Fake Wedding Band: ThunderFit Women Breathable Air Grooves Silicone Wedding Ring
Why We Love It
This affordable and comfortable silicone wedding band will send the desired message without attracting thieves or appearing overly flashy.
What to Consider
These wedding bands run large so you might want to size down at least a full ring size in order to ensure a proper fit.
Depending on where in the world you’re traveling, you may experience unwanted attention — especially if you’re a solo female traveler. If you’re worried about finding yourself in a situation where you feel harassed or unsafe, then wearing a fake wedding band might be a smart idea.
The ThunderFit Women Breathable Air Grooves Silicone Wedding Ring is a great option for this purpose. It isn’t flashy like a diamond engagement ring, so it won’t attract attention from potential thieves, but it’ll still send the right message to those who might otherwise be difficult to shrug off. These rings are waterproof and breathable, so you won’t have to worry about developing an unsightly green line across your finger, either.
Price at time of publish: $14
Best First Aid Kit: First Aid Only All-Purpose Essentials First Aid Kit
Why We Love It
This kit includes everything you need in a pinch.
What to Consider
At over nine inches long, it's not the most compact first aid kit out there.
This handy first aid kit comes with all the essentials from ibuprofen tablets to tweezers. Whether you're exploring a major city or hiking a new trail, this kit can help in the case of blisters, burns, headaches, cuts, and more. The 298-piece kit is organized with like-items together, so you can quickly access exactly what you need. Plus, it comes in a lightweight and waterproof carrying case so you can leave it in your vehicle or pack in a day bag to ensure that you're fully prepared for health issues on the go.
Price at time of publish: $20
Best Passport Wallet: Melsbrinna Waterproof RFID-blocking Travel Wallet
Why We Love It
Your passport fits snugly on one side of the wallet, so it's easy to slide out at customs.
What to Consider
There is no space to store coins.
We love a wallet that's large enough to safely store your passport and this Melsbrinna case is the perfect, safe-yet-stylish option that even includes RFID-blocking technology. Your passport sits on one side of this wallet and the other side features four slots for your credit cards, ID, transit cards, and more. There is also a pocket designed to hold your ticket or other important small documents and two pockets made to keep SIM cards safe. Throughout our travels, we loved that this passport wallet kept all of our items secure, but never felt cumbersome and, in fact, easily fits inside any purse or travel backpack.
Price at time of publish: $14
Tips for Buying Travel Safety Products
Consider every step of your journey
You’ll want to think about the potential risks you’ll be taking throughout your trip, from getting there to exploring your destination, and while staying at your hotel or Airbnb. Travel safety products range significantly from items focusing on solo female travelers’ personal safety to items that protect against theft. Think about where you’re going and what makes the most sense for the destination or type of travel you have in mind, and go from there.
Pick the best way and place to secure valuables
This is something to think about before embarking on your adventure — not just to avoid potential theft, but also to make sure you don’t accidentally misplace anything. You’ll want to know where your valuables are at all times, whether they be jewelry, cash and credit cards, or your passport. Keeping your belongings in a personal safe or money belt while traveling can help give you peace of mind while also keeping you organized.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and solo female traveler to curate the best options to suit most needs.
Related: The 6 Best Anti-theft Backpacks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.
For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
