Most travels are, thankfully, trouble-free, but preparing for a worst case scenario helps to reduce stress levels when you’re on the go. That starts with packing a few key items that you most likely won’t need, but will be glad you brought if you find yourself in an unsafe situation. Here are our picks for eight essential products that help keep you safe and give you peace of mind while traveling.
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Money Belt
Travelers in unfamiliar environments can be especially vulnerable to opportunist theft, particularly at transit gateways such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals where there’s a good chance they’ll have all your possessions with them. Therefore, it’s a good idea to split your cash and cards between different bags if possible. You might also wish to tuck some of your cash into a money belt — these fit under your clothes and lie flat against your skin, so they shouldn’t be visible to anyone else. Some travelers also carry a dummy wallet containing a small amount of cash, which can be handed over in an emergency situation while the rest remains safely tucked away.
Anti-Theft Bag
Backpacks and travel tote bags are often a convenient option for travelers who plan to move around a lot. However, there’s one serious drawback in comparison to a hard-shell suitcase — backpacks and totes can be slit with a knife. Indeed, some thieves may be so skillful that you won’t even notice them doing it, allowing them to melt away into a crowd. Choose an anti-theft luggage brand such as PacSafe that is designed to be slash-proof for peace of mind.
Portable Safe and Cable Lock
While it’s best to leave any unnecessary valuables such as expensive jewelry at home, there are certain items — like phones or laptops — that are often hard to do without on vacation. Consider investing in a personal safe or a TSA-approved cable lock that can be easily attached to your belongings to help prevent theft. While they’re not foolproof, they’re likely to act as a deterrent to potential thieves.
First-Aid Kit
A basic first-aid kit should also be on the list when you’re gathering safety products before a trip, particularly if you’re venturing off the beaten track. At a minimum, it should contain something to clean a wound, antiseptic cream to avoid infection, gauze and bandages, scissors, tweezers, and a sterile thermometer. You might also wish to throw in a pack of pain relievers, remedies for an upset stomach, and some antihistamines for allergies. If you’re reusing an existing kit, make sure you check it is still complete and the contents are not expired.
Map
Knowing where you are and where you’re going will help keep you safer during your travels. Coupled with prior research and local intel, a map will help you avoid straying into rougher neighborhoods of unfamiliar cities or running into trouble during a road trip. Some travelers may choose to carry an old-school paper map or rely on the rental car’s navigation system, but if you prefer to use your smartphone for directions, Google Maps offers a handy feature to download maps for offline use — which is particularly helpful if you don’t have international cellular service and aren’t near a Wi-Fi connection.
Phone Charger and Power Bank
There’s no point in planning to use Google Maps on your smartphone if the battery dies. Today’s travelers rely on their phones for everything from airline tickets to translation apps, emails, messaging services, and tap payments. To avoid finding yourself stranded, ensure you have the right charger with you and carry a portable power bank so you can recharge your devices on the go. Also, it’s smart to have a backup plan in case your phone is lost or stolen.
Rubber Door Stop Wedge
Many hotels have safety latches and peepholes to ensure someone can’t enter your room unexpectedly. For extra peace of mind, you can also pack a rubber door stop wedge that can be pushed under the bottom of the door from the inside. This will prevent someone from opening the door unless you remove it, providing the reassurance you need to get a good night’s sleep.
Personal Safety Alarm
Some travelers may also opt to carry a personal travel alarm. When pressed, these alarms emit a loud noise that can alert others nearby. Whether you are walking in poorly lit areas of a city late at night or returning to your car in a deserted parking lot, there’s a chance that this might encourage someone to come to your aid if required. Where it’s far less likely that you will encounter other people, such as when out hiking in the wilderness, a can of pepper spray is a possible alternative (though check local laws to make sure it is legal).
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