Solo travel is one of life’s greatest experiences, a hugely rewarding way of seeing the world, and a great opportunity to get to know yourself a little better as well.
However, traveling on your own does come with its fair share of challenges and pitfalls, and staying safe while on the road alone is vitally important.
For the modern solo traveler, there are a huge range of gadgets, technology, and tools that can help keep you safe while exploring the world.
So before booking a cruise offer and heading off into the sunset, take a look at these essential safety gadgets to add to your packing list that provide security and peace of mind for the solo traveler.
Traveling Alone? Don’t Forget These Safety Gadgets
Personal Safety Alarms
Personal safety alarms are one of the easiest and most portable safety devices around and are invaluable for solo travelers.
Small enough to carry around everywhere you go, they emit a shrill, blaring sound when activated in order to draw attention to you and call for help.
They double up as deterrence and a call for assistance, making them an incredibly useful thing to have in your carry-on.
Some safety alarms also come with additional features such as a flashlight, making them absolutely ideal for emergencies.
Our Top 5 Personal Safety Alarms
Vigilant 130dB Personal Alarm: This alarm produces a loud, attention-grabbing sound when activated. It is small and easy to carry, making it ideal for travelers. It also has a built-in LED flashlight.
Sabre Personal Alarm with Key Ring: Sabre is a well-known brand for personal safety products. Their personal alarm emits a loud sound and is activated by pulling a pin. It also comes with a key ring attachment for easy access.
B A S U eAlarm+: The eAlarm+ is a compact and lightweight personal alarm that emits a loud noise when activated. It has a reusable design and can be easily attached to a backpack or keychain.
ROBOCOPP SOS Personal Alarm: This personal alarm is designed to be easy to use and carry. It emits a loud sound when activated and has a compact, portable design. It is also available in a variety of colors.
Rebel Personal Safety Alarm: The Rebel alarm is designed for easy activation with a simple push-button design. It emits a loud, piercing sound that can alert others to your location in an emergency.
Portable Door Locks and Security Devices
Achieving peace of mind while traveling alone is incredibly important, and one of the best ways to do this is with a portable door lock or jammer.
These devices are designed to add an extra level of security to your accommodation, preventing unauthorized entry by reinforcing existing door locks from the inside.
Whether you are staying in a hotel room or an Airbnb, a portable door lock helps you sleep more soundly knowing that you are locked down for the night, especially if you are staying in a higher-risk area.
Our Top 5 Portable Door Locks
Addalock Portable Door Lock: This portable door lock is easy to install and does not require any tools. It works by hooking onto the strike plate of the door, preventing it from opening. It’s lightweight and compact, making it perfect for travel.
DoorJammer Portable Door Lock: The DoorJammer is a robust portable door lock that works by creating a barrier under the door, preventing it from opening inward. It’s adjustable and can be used on various types of doors, including hotel rooms and Airbnb accommodations.
Travelers Security Lock: This portable door lock is designed to provide added security for travelers. It’s easy to install and remove, making it a convenient option for solo travelers staying in different accommodations.
Defender Security U 10827 Door Reinforcement Lock: While not strictly portable, this door lock adds an extra layer of security to any door. It’s designed to withstand forced entry and can be installed easily with basic tools.
Portable Travel Door Lock: This compact door lock is easy to carry and can be installed in seconds. It works by hooking onto the door latch or handle, preventing it from being opened from the outside.
GPS Tracking Devices
Staying connected with folks back home is one of the best ways to stay safe and feel more secure as a solo traveler.
Portable GPS tracking devices allow your loved ones to keep tabs on your location in real time, ensuring that accidents or emergencies can be dealt with immediately.
Some devices come with emergency alerts, adding an extra layer of safety, and most are small enough to be discreetly attached to bags, clothes, or slipped inside pockets or handbags.
Our Top 5 GPS Tracking Devices
Garmin inReach Mini: This compact device provides two-way messaging, tracking, and SOS capabilities. It also offers basic navigation features and can be paired with a smartphone for more functionality.
Spot Gen4: The Spot Gen4 offers tracking, messaging, and SOS capabilities in a rugged, waterproof device. It also has predefined messages that can be sent to contacts and offers a long battery life.
Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular): While not a dedicated GPS device, the Apple Watch Series 7 offers GPS tracking, messaging, and SOS features when paired with a compatible iPhone. It also offers health and fitness tracking features.
Garmin eTrex 22x: The Garmin eTrex 22x is a handheld GPS device with a 2.2-inch color display. It offers preloaded maps, waypoint marking, and track recording, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger: The SPOT X offers two-way messaging, tracking, and SOS capabilities in a compact device. It also has a built-in keyboard for easy messaging and a rechargeable battery.
Portable Safes and Lockable Bags
If you plan to travel with valuables, precious items, or important documents, then you might want to consider bringing a travel safe or a lockable bag to ensure that everything stays where it is meant to be.
These small yet mighty bags and safes let you explore your destinations without worrying about pickpockets or thieves, or allow you to leave important or valuable items in your accommodation.
Emergency Communication Devices
Sometimes accidents and emergencies happen and it’s always wise to be prepared for the unexpected.
Emergency communication devices such as satellite phones, two-way radios, or emergency beacons are a great way to ensure that even if you find yourself lost or in trouble, you will be able to call for help.
These communication tools mean that if you are somewhere where standard mobile phone signal does not work, you will be still be able to alert the authorities and arrange rescue or assistance.
Our Top 5 GPS Tracking Devices
Garmin inReach Explorer+: This device offers two-way messaging, GPS navigation, and SOS capabilities. It also provides weather updates and can pair with a smartphone for additional features.
SPOT Gen4: The SPOT Gen4 offers tracking, messaging, and SOS capabilities in a compact, rugged device. It has predefined messages that can be sent to contacts and offers long battery life.
GoTenna Mesh: The GoTenna Mesh allows you to send text messages and GPS locations without the need for cellular service. It creates a mesh network with other GoTenna devices in the area.
Somewear Global Hotspot: This device provides satellite-based messaging and location tracking. It works in remote areas without cellular coverage and offers an SOS button for emergencies.
Bivy Stick Satellite Communicator: The Bivy Stick offers two-way messaging, location tracking, and SOS capabilities. It can be paired with a smartphone for additional features and works in remote areas worldwide
If You Liked This Post You May Also Like:
Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.
Having visited 100+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.
