Shopping·9 min read

Our Favorite Personal Safety Products for Smarter Travel

Amazon keychain and multi-tool
Design: theSkimm | Image: Amazon, Birdie
February 5, 2024

This post was originally published in March 2022 and has been updated.

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

Whether you're heading off on a solo adventure to a new city or simply commuting home from work, traveling alone also means paying extra attention to your personal safety and your belongings. To be prepared, we rounded up some useful gadgets, apps, and accessories to help you get around with a little more peace of mind.

Birdie

An updated version of the personal safety alarm we swear by…

One of our editors keeps this clipped to her bag at all times. The alarm is super loud to create a diversion. It comes in a ton of bright colors so it’ll be easy to spot in your bag, but we recommend attaching it to your keys for even easier access. To activate it, remove the top pin. (Pop it back in to turn it off.) This updated version, the Birdie+, has an internet connection that allows you to 24/7 access to an emergency dispatch line, receive fake “excuse-to-leave” calls, and alert emergency contacts of your location. ($39.95, Birdie)

Buy the original BirdieBuy the Birdie+
Amazon

A slim, RFID-blocking necklace wallet…

To prevent your credit cards or personal info from getting hacked, we love using this slim wallet that’s built to protect against radio-frequency identification (RFID). It’s made of moisture-wicking fabric and weighs only about 1.5 ounces, so it won’t add weight to your neck. It’s perfect for keeping valuables close to you underneath a jacket. ($19.99, Amazon)

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Leatherology

Another RFID option if you're looking for something dressier…

This leather card case can do it all. It’s small enough to fit in most bags, has four card slots, and even fits some cash. It’s also RFID blocking due to its thickly woven lining, so it’ll keep your cards and personal information safe. Add a monogram to make it extra chic. ($55+, Leatherology)

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Amazon

A mini travel case that’ll keep your jewels protected…

Our latest obsession: this handy case that stays securely shut. Just add your rings, earrings, and necklaces, then screw on the top. Add the closure ring. You’ll notice that when you try to open it back up, it won’t budge. PS: We suggest keeping this inside your bag as a secure jewelry holder, as opposed to a key chain. ($36.95/3-pack, Amazon)

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Amazon

A TSA-approved safety lock…

When it comes to traveling, we’ll take any extra ease we can get. This strong lock is covered in a durable metal and vinyl combination. It’s built so that TSA screeners are able to inspect your bag and relock it without any damage. Set a three-digit combination and add it to your backpack or suitcase. ($8.99+, Amazon)

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BlissChicBoutique via Etsy

A mini safety key chain…

This tiny suitcase is filled with five safety essentials and two accessories to keep on your keys. You’ll get a whistle, a personal alarm, a seat belt cutter, a bottle opener, and some hand sanitizer. If you’re the person who keeps absolutely everything in your bag, you need this. ($24.99, BlissChicBoutique via Etsy)

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Noonlight app preview
Noonlight

An app designed to help get you from point A to point B safely…

Whenever you’re feeling unsafe, simply hold down the Noonlight app button. As soon as you release the button, Noonlight will send help to your exact location. If you no longer need help, just enter your customized pin to cancel the alarm. Pro tip: Noonlight can be paired with the Tinder app so you can feel safe and secure when you’re meeting someone for the first time. It’ll create a timeline and store information like who you’re meeting, where you’re going, and what time you start moving around. You’ve never had a wingman this good. (Free, Noonlight)

Download it
additional door lock for travel safety
Amazon

A tool that’ll give you peace of mind during hotel stays… 

This portable door lock is an essential during solo travels — or just for some added security. It’s got two different-sized holes to fit both standard doors and doors with larger bolts. You don’t need any tools to put it in place: Just insert the claw into the door and close to prevent anyone from being able to open it from the outside. Even if they have a key. Psst…keep in mind that this tool only works with inward-opening doors. ($14.99, Amazon)

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Air tag
Amazon

An Apple AirTag that’ll keep track of your location…

Use it with your valuables like luggage and personal bags, or keep one on your person in case you get separated from your phone. The tag can connect to most Apple devices through the app called Find My, which operates on a precision-finding, ultra-wideband network. If you’re traveling with a buddy, share an AirTag with them so you can always keep track of each other’s whereabouts. Travel hack = unlocked. ($24 Amazon)

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multiuse 12 in 1 tool
Amazon

A multiuse tool that can cut a seat belt and open a wine bottle… 

Because you never know when there’ll be a need for either. It’s the perfect item to have on hand for home repairs, camping trips, or traveling late at night. There are 14 different tools stuffed into this one gadget, including pliers, scissors, a wire cutter, and three types of screwdrivers. It comes with a side auto-lock for personal safety, and its ultra-durable stainless steel body prevents corrosion. Bonus: It comes in super-cute pastel colors. ($29.99, Amazon)

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window breaker in case of emergency travel safety
Amazon

A personal safety tool that’ll break you out... 

Stash this must-have safety tool in your car. If you’ve got to get out in an emergency, this tempered window breaker will make easy work of your car’s window. It’s got an ultra-strong carbide pointed tip on one end, and a blunt end to scrape away the loose glass. There’s also a sharp blade if you need to cut through your seat belt quickly. Instead of throwing it in your middle console, use the strap provided to keep your travel safety hammer within reach at all times. ($23.42, Amazon)

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Pen multi tool for travel safety
Amazon

An unassuming safety product you can carry anywhere… 

Toss this multifunctional pen in your bag or a pocket. It comes with a built-in LED flashlight, bottle opener, hex key, glass breaker, and concealing compartment. Oh, and you can write with it too. Win-win. ($22.99, Amazon)

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Lipstick pepper spray
Amazon

A powerful travel safety tool with a discreet design…

Aka, pepper spray disguised as lipstick. This little guy lets out 12 bursts of 10-foot-long spray so you can protect yourself even at a distance. Psst…before you snag this device, make sure you do a little research on your state's rules on purchasing and carrying pepper spray. ($9.99, Amazon)

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watch alarm
Amazon

A wearable alarm band perfect for late-night runs… 

Or midday strolls. Or Sunday brunch. It fits and looks like an armband, so you can wear it wherever you go inconspicuously — like under a sweatshirt or at the gym. (You can also attach it to a key chain.) It reaches a 130-decibel frequency that’s audible up to 1,000 feet away to draw attention whenever needed. This alarm comes with batteries, but you might want to grab two A23 12V ones for backup. ($9.99, Amazon)

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