The Intrepid Guide

57 Brilliant Travel Accessories Every Traveller Must Have [2024 Edition]

Best Travel Accessories in 2024

Travel smarter and safer in 2024 with 57 of the best brilliant travel accessories and travel gadgets. From the best adapters, earplugs, space-savers, travel safety to portable chargers.

1. this ergonomic travel pillow.

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Pillow

The smart design of this washable pillow prevents your head from falling forwards as you sleep. Suitable for adults and children and perfect to use on airplanes, buses, trains, cars, camping, while backpacking, wheelchairs, airport terminals, or even while watching TV.

Buy it here

2. Pack more with these awesome space bags ! I have 20 of them!

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Space bags

Saving space in your suitcase is no longer a challenge with these amazing space bags that push out the air when rolled up. You effectively gain up to 50% more space in your baggage. I use the larger ones at home and the smaller ones for travel. They make for great organisers too!

Buy them here

3. Keep your dirty clothes separate with this handing laundry bag

Travel Accessories and Gadgets- Nomatic Hanging LaundryBag

Keep your dirty clothes organized and separate. This handy GOMATIC hanging laundry bag has a strap to attach it to a doorknob. Once your laundry bag is full, you can easily pack it and have it ready to empty straight into your washing machine when you get home. Buy it here.

4. Get this cute secret pocket infinity scarf

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Infinity Scarf

5. This Travel-sized Wireless Router with USB Media Storage

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Wireless Travel Router

Convert any wired network to a wireless network and stay connected! Not only that you can also stream your videos, photos, and music to your connected media devices. If that wasn’t enough, back up and free up space on your mobile devices by using an attached USB flash drive or hard disk.

6. This Travel Door Alarm

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Door Alarm

Travelling alone or just wanted added peace of mind in your accommodation? Attach this pocket-sized alarm to your door or window and be alerted the second there is an intruder. There’s also a built-in LED flashlight so there’s no fumbling in the dark.

7. This Multi-Bag Stacker

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Multi-Bag Stacker

No more bag juggling or pushing multiple trolleys/carts, just attached this nifty strap that connects suitcases and bags together through their handles.

8. These Amazing Space-Saving Laundry Soap Sheets

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Laundry Soap Sheets

Add water and the sheet will dissolve instantly. They also come in shaving, body wash and hand soap versions.

9. Protect your phone from water, drops and scratches with this Lifeproof Case

10. this digital luggage scale.

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Luggage Scale

You’ll never be surprised with having to pay for excess weight at the airport again. This compact and lightweight luggage scale can weigh up to 110 lb / 50 kg luggage. No batteries required.

11. No more breaks and leak with this inflatable bottle bag

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Inflatable Bottle Bag

This versatile roll-up travel bag suspends items in an inflatable air cushion to protect your bottles such as wine and olive oil. No more nasty surprises and messy spills when you open your suitcase.

12. Boost Circulation with these highly-rated compressions socks

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Compression Socks

13. Keep your Laptop and Other Items safe with a Portable Safe

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Pacsafe Travelsafe Portable Safe

14. This Vintage Laptop and Travel Backpack that Charges your Gadgets

Best Travel Accessories 2024 - Backpack with USB charger

15. The Only Travel Adapter You’ll Ever Need PLUS Dual USB Ports (Covers 150 Countries)

Best Travel Accessories 2024 USB Travel Adapter

16. This inspirational luggage tag with card slot

Travel Accessories - Luggage Tag with card slot

17. Always Be Ready with a Pocket, Picnic and Beach Blanket

Best Travel Accessories 2024 travel pocket blanket

18. For Those Who Love a Mini Electric Toothbrush

Travel Accessories - Travel toothbrush

19. Keep Your Drinks Hot on Long Haul Flights with this Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug (Different Colours Available)

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug

20. Get This Gorgeous Multi-Use Travel, Hiking, Camping Bag Rucksack

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Multi-Use Travel Hiking Camping Bag Rucksack

21. This Smartest Carry-on suitcase Built-in USB Charger

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Smart Luggage

22. Keep your toiletries organized with this waterproof organizer

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Waterproof Travel Kit

23. Stay clean with these laundry sachets 

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Accessories Laundry Kit

24. This personalised passport holder and protector  

Travel Accessories - Passport Holder and Protector

25. Charge multiple accessories super fast with this portable compact charger

Best Travel Accessories 2024 - Portable Charger

26. Get some shuteye with this contoured sleep mask

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Sleepmask

27. Avoid the knots and get this nifty cable organizer

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Cable Organiser

28. Sleep anywhere with the ultimate ergonomic neck supporter

Best Travel Accessories 2024 - Sleep Anywhere Travel Pillow

29. Pack like a boss with these space-saving packing cubes with shoe bag

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Accessories packing pouch

Keep your gear organised with these travel cubes in assorted sizes. Buy it here

30. Keep your stuff safe with this TSA approved luggage lock

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Luggage Lock

31. Keep your jewellery organized with this compact jewellery box

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Jewellery Box

32. Never buy cabin luggage again with this durable and lightweight case

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Cabin Suitcase

33. Stay hydrated with this collapsible water bottle

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Collapsible Water bottle

34. Breathe easy with this USB or battery operated mini humidifier

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Humidifier

35. Take your music with you with this wireless and waterproof Bluetooth speaker

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speakers

36. Get safe drinking water wherever you go with the LifeStraw water filter

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Lifestraw

37. Get 18 in 1 multi-purpose credit card size pocket tool

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Wallet Tool

38. These cabin-approved leak-proof travel bottles for makeup and cosmetics

Travel Accessories - Travel bottles for makeup and cosmetics

39. Stay charged on the go with this mini power bank

Best Travel Accessories 2024 - Mini Power Bank

40. Take your phone underwater with a universal waterproof case

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Underwater Phone case

41. Protect your camera with this anti-theft shoulder strap by PacSafe

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Anti-theft shoulder strap

This camera strap is essential for supporting heavy cameras like DSLRs and even popular travel cameras such as Mirrorless ones.

Buy it here $26.87

42. Take this lightweight tripod anywhere and wirelessly take pictures and video

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Tripod Stand

43. Protect your gear with this anti-theft shockproof backpack that’s ScanSmart TSA friendly and water resistant

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Anti-theft Shockproof Backpack

44. Charge your phone and tablet with this USB solar charger

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Solar Charger

45. Keep your phone clean with this sanitizer and universal phone charger

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Sanitiser

46. Put your feel up with this compact foot hammock

47. hang up your washing with this travel clothes line.

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Pegless Washing Line

No more hanging your delicates over hotel room chairs. This pegless washing line stretches up to 2.5metre and can be to affixed to either a  wall or furniture with its metal hooks or suction cups.

48. Get this beautiful waterproof travel and passport wallet

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Organiser

49. This Convenient Water Bottle with Built-in Pill Organizer

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Bottle and Pill Organiser

Great way to take your medication while on the go! This water bottle can store your medication for each day of the week. The medication holder can also be detached. Holding 23 oz. or 600ml, the bottle cap also doubles as a cup. Ingenious!

50. Keep all your documents in once place with this travel wallet

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Wallet

51. Alert others when in trouble with this safety whistle

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Safety Whistle

52. Stay entertained with movies, TV shows, songs, Kindle e-books, apps and games on Kindle Fire

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Kindle Fire

Buy on Amazon for $79.99

53. Wash your clothes wherever you are with this machine quality wash bag

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Washing Bag

Buy on Amazon for $42.44

54. This Clever Tank Top  with Secret Pockets

Best Travel Accessories 2024 clever tank top

Keep your  passport, cash and credit cards safe with this versatile tank top. Perfect for both warm and cool climates. It can even fit your cell phones and keys.

Buy on Amazon

55. This Anti-Crease Shirt Transporter

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Shirt Organiser

Save time on ironing! This Tupperware for shirts and blouses is called the Shirt Shuttler, perfect for those trips when you know you’ll be spending a night out on the town or in a boardroom, or both!

Buy on Amazon for $24.99

56. This Optical Camera Lens for Smartphones and Tablets

Best Travel Accessories 2024 SmartPhone Tablet Camera Lens

57. The only worldwide travel charger and power adapter you’ll ever need  (UK/US/AU/EU/JP) + Dual USB Ports

Best Travel Accessories 2024 Travel Charger Adapter

Buy on Amazon for $25.99

Want more? Check out these 43 Amazing Money-Saving Tips for Smart Travellers

Stay tuned! I’m constantly updating this page as I discover the latest and greatest travel accessories. If you’re going backpacking or long-term travelling, check out my ultimate travel packing list . Got a favourite travel accessory? Share it below! :)

best travel security items

Want more travel tips? Don’t miss these

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  • 43 Amazing Money-Saving Travel Tips and Hacks
  • Travel Insurance for Italy (What You NEED to Know Before You Go)
  • 10 Simple Long Haul Flight Tips for Arriving Rested and Relaxed
  • 23 Top Travel Essentials: Ultimate Travel Packing List for Backpackers
  • What Pack for Winter in Norway: 17 Must-Have Packing Items
  • 10 Travel Hacks That’ll Make Your First Solo Trip A Total Breeze
  • 20 Clever Ways to Staying Fit While Travelling You Should Try

Like it? Pin it for later!

Best Travel Accessories in 2024

Over to you!

What other travel accessories do you recommend? Have you used any of these? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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best travel security items

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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best travel security items

Howdy Michele, I love to travel. I’ve read so many posts about travel gadgets, but you are the best one. Your article was beneficial in finding the necessary devices. I personally like an anti-theft shockproof backpack, which is ScanSmart TSA friendly and water-resistant. It is useful for everyone.

Thank you so much, Kim :)

best travel security items

Hello, I have gone through your guide and seems to be interesting though I have one more concern on the WiFi devices. Can you recommend me on the best Pocket Device that will work well on anywhere I travel. I have using AllDayWifi but its very slow on their international data plan. I have been considering RentnConnect though I know very little about it

Hi Collins, have you considered this Skyroam device ? It one of the leaders in the market and very compact.

best travel security items

What about this Trackimo 3G Travel Tracker device this has Light Exposure Sensor – detect/alerts when package or luggage is opened. I am currently using this tracker and i found this very useful to me every time i go travel around the world :)

Excellent addition Helen, thank you :)

best travel security items

A tracking device would be a great addition to this list.

best travel security items

Amazing! This makes traveling easier.

best travel security items

Definitely brilliant ideas worth sharing

best travel security items

This IS such a cool list! I thought I had everything, but then I found out the door travel alarm (never would’ve thought of it)!. And I wonder how good the neck support (#33) is because there were PLENTY of times I could have used something like that on my trips.

Hey Trang, the door alarm is such a great idea especially for those times when you just don’t feel safe :) Is there anything you’d add to the list?

best travel security items

I just carry a small rubber door stop wedge.

best travel security items

WOW! This is one extensive list of all things travel and certainly one that I will be using to give hints to my friends and family round the holiday season. The new ScanSmart backpack along with the waterproof phone case and solar charger are on top of my list. However my top two purchases are going to be the smart suitcase and the backpack which are absolutely brilliant. Thanks for such a cool list.

best travel security items

Hi Michele, There are all great ideas. I have one more suggestion for you. Smart Blanket! I used it when flying to Zurich to see my son and his family. The plane was freezing, and there were no blankets to be had. I was the only one that was warm and cozy for the whole 8 hours. I love mine. Got it on Amazon http://amzn.to/2hTYlOP I paid $49.00 for mine. Think they are having a sale on them now. Hope you like my suggestion.

best travel security items

The door alarm and aeroplane pillow are a great idea to stay comfy and safe! I always take an extension lead when I travel; so that I have more plug sockets in a hotel room, and it also means you don’t need as many adapters when you travel. You also can’t go wrong with baby wipes and small-ish plastic bags in case a seat is wet, a bottle is leaking or you’ve got a mark on your clothes! ✈️?

All brilliant ideas Emily :) Thanks for sharing. I love the baby wipes idea!

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Must-Have Travel Safety Items: 17 Essentials for Your Travel Safety Kit | Travel health and safety | solo female travel safety

Must-Have Travel Safety Items: 17 Essentials for Your Travel Safety Kit

Last Updated: June 27, 2023 //  by  Ashley Smith Leave a Comment

Take a look at any of my pre-trip packing checklists and you’ll see half the things on there are travel safety items. I may be an adventurer, a thrill-seeker, and even a daredevil at times, but that doesn’t mean I’m not also a hyper-paranoid hypochondriac.

Was I like this before I got robbed while traveling solo ? It’s hard to say. The “safety” side of my travel plan is so deeply engrained it’s just part of my DNA at this point.

Whether or not something unsavory has ever happened to you on the road, it’s important to know that the possibility is always there. I’m not here to scare you out of seeing the world, I’m just here to keep it real. Danger lurks, y’all. Danger lurks.

Table of Contents

Prague astronomical clock crowd | How to NOT guide for getting robbed abroad | What to do before, during, and after getting robbed abroad. Pickpocketing in Europe, travel insurance, etc. #traveltips #europe

Travel safety kit

To avoid ever having to cry my way through an Italian train station again (et al), I now travel with a full-on travel safety kit—an arsenal of products (and mindsets) I utilize to keep myself healthy, safe, and in total control.

I recommend putting together a travel safety kit of your own because traveling the world is so much better when you can do it stress-free and with absolute peace of mind. Start here with the 18 travel safety items I take on every single trip.

New York City MET Museum | Must-Have Travel Safety Items: 17 Essentials for Your Travel Safety Kit | Travel health and safety | solo female travel safety

Travel safety items for hotels & hostels

I always follow my gut, read reviews religiously, and make an extra effort to always and exclusively stay in hotels and neighborhoods that I deem safe. However, since I am often a solo female traveler staying in hotels by myself in foreign countries, the more security I can get, the better. 

1. Door stop alarm

One big must on my list of travel safety items is a door stop alarm . These act as both warning alarms and door stops to keep someone from entering your hotel room while you sleep, shower, whatever.

Simply slip it under your hotel room door then flip the switch to ON. If someone tries to sneak in, the alarm will activate and it is loud as Hell . You’ll wake up and the perp, hopefully, will run for their life.

Door stop alarm | Must-Have Travel Safety Items: 17 Essentials for Your Travel Safety Kit | Travel health and safety | solo female travel safety

Also, because of its wedge shape there’s a good chance they won’t be able to make it into the room anyway. Sure, a normal door stop would solve this problem, but if someone is trying to sneak into my room, I want the whole entire city block to know it. I definitely sleep a lot better knowing my room is alarmed and barricaded. 

Pro tip: Remove the battery from the alarm when packing it just in case it gets activated. We don’t want to reroute any flights, mmkay?

Get your door stop alarm here

crappy bed with an old door as a headboard

2. Portable safe

Brought to us by the Pacsafe brand (which you’ll see a lot more of in this post) is this portable travel safe . This is a totally secure, theft-proof bag with a combination lock. You can fit a good amount of your valuables in it, then lock it around your hotel sink, the pipes, the bed, anything.

Many hotel rooms do come with safes but rarely anything bigger than your wallet can fit in there. What about your iPad? Or camera equipment? Plus, I literally have experienced an electronic hotel safe dying after I put my camera, phone, wallet, and passport inside at a beach cabana in Belize after hours. Do you know what that kind of panic attack feels like?

This Pacsafe portable safe means you get to lock up all your goods while still being in total control.

Get your portable safe here

crowds in Turkey | Must-Have Travel Safety Items: 17 Essentials for Your Travel Safety Kit | Travel health and safety | solo female travel safety

Travel safety items for public safety

In a highly official polling of my Instagram followers, 38% of them say they have been a victim of a crime while traveling. Many of the stories involve what has been unfairly designated “petty theft” (though there’s nothing petty about getting your passport or laptop or wallet stolen while in a foreign country).

I know firsthand what a literal gut-wrenching nightmare this is and have vowed to never let it happen again. Everything I carry on my trips locks, zips, snaps, clips, and/or is, as we’ve seen is this post, booby-trapped.

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3. Anti-theft bags

Have I ever been pick-pocketed in the literal sense? Thankfully, no. But that’s not for thieves’ lack of trying. I can guarantee there is no one else on earth more hyper-aware of her belongings when she travels, more purse-paranoid or suitcase suspicious. You will never, ever see me with an open-top bag or a purse that doesn’t latch shut.

Thankfully, there are companies like Pacsafe and Travelon who totally feel me! I’m obsessed with all their products and I outright refuse to travel with anything else. They have purses and bags of all sizes, shapes, and designs. (Even camera bags!)

best travel security items

Their bags have securable zippers that would be difficult to open for someone trying to rob you, and they’re made of cut-resistant materials . (People cutting bags and cameras off you with machetes or hedge clippers is something I’ve been warned about, specifically in Barcelona, pick-pocketing capital of Europe apparently.)

They have RFID pockets for the safety of your passport and credit cards, and padded laptop sleeves inside. These bags also have arm straps that can be clipped (and locked) around a chair leg or pole or anything immovable to prevent theft of the whole bag.

I feel so much safer using these bags when I’m in crowded train stations or on a busy street or standing in a line. This way, I can worry about other things like getting on the wrong train or what life is going to be like having never tried Turkish delight. Here are the particular ones I use…

best travel security items

4. Anti-theft carry-on backpack

For a carry-on backpack I use the Pacsafe Venturesafe 15L GII Anti-Theft Daypack . It’s on the smaller size but they have bigger sizes depending on your needs. (I’m also a small girl so I wanted one that would also be comfortable to wear. I tried four other versions before I found this one. It even says in the description, “Great gift for her!”)

This bag holds everything I need for a trip and has a bunch of pockets and pouches. I also love the solid black design—some other ones have the brand name on them and visible locks which just screams, “I have valuable stuff inside and I’m totally paranoid by the way, come get me!”

Get your Pacsafe backpack here

Must-Have Travel Safety Items: N Essentials for Your Travel Safety Kit | Travel health and safety | solo female travel safety

5. Theft-proof backpack purse

I’m usually not one to wear a backpack when I’m out exploring because I’m super paranoid about pick-pocketing as we’ve discussed, but I feel so much better about it with my Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Slim Backpack .

Like the name says, it’s slim and simple. It’s great for holding exactly what you need—phone, wallet, keys, a jacket, sunglasses, whatever—without being super bulky. Also, it’s made with securable zippers, water-resistant and slash-resistant material, slash-proof straps, RFID blocking organizer, and a lock-down strap. It’s basically Fort Knox in a cute “feminine style with incredible inner strength.”

It has a key clip inside so you never have to dig for your keys and a little LED flashlight. Also, there’s a quick-access pocket on the front that’s perfect for the bottle of hand sanitizer you need every ten minutes.

Get your anti-theft backpack purse here

me in a black and red dirndl inside a beer tent at oktoberfest in munich

6. Anti-theft purse

For the times I don’t want to use a backpack, I always wear a cross-body bag with various safety features. Cute, but conscious. This always includes securable zippers, flaps that latch, straps I can lock-down to my chair, etc. Honestly, you’re sacrificing nothing by using a theft-proof purse–there’s no good reason to not use one.

Travelon has so many cute theft-proof purses that don’t go overboard looking all “safe.” These purses also have RFID-blocking pockets and slash-proof material and are available in a ton of styles.

Personally, I’m a fan of the Anti-Theft Courier Saddle Bag and the Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody bag and I won’t travel with a “normal” purse ever again.

Shop all anti-theft purses here

giant puffin popping out of the ceiling above baggage claim area

Travel safety items for luggage

While it would be nice to simply trust the people who handle our bags, we all know that’s not the case. But we can do a few things to tip the odds in our favor.

7. Luggage that locks

Everything in my life locks, can you tell? Including my luggage. Especially my luggage.

I don’t always check a bag, but I quite often do. And I always travel with hard shell luggage that locks. The best part is that most luggage locks are now TSA compliant—so, the TSA can still get in your bag if they need to, but deadbeat thieves cannot.

(That’s not to say an airline employee won’t swipe your stuff, so always keep the really valuable stuff with you.)

I personally travel with Away luggage and, though a bit pricey, I have no regrets. Their suitcases have an excellent locking system, are lightweight but sturdy, and help me keep my stuff organized.

Shop all Away luggage here

8. Bag locks

If you have a great piece of old luggage you love and aren’t ready to replace, I highly recommend a small set of locks for the zippers.

These, too, are now TSA compliant and are super affordable. I use these whenever I have to check a bag that doesn’t lock (like a hiking backpack or other) and for locking my carry-on bag in my hotel room. These can also be used for a ton of other scenarios!

Pick up some bag locks here

best travel security items

Travel safety items for personal safety

It’s one thing to secure your items… but it’s another to secure yourself. I care a lot about the things I bring on my trips, but in the end they are just THINGS. The most important thing you need to protect is yourself.

9. Birdie personal safety alarm

Just about any time I’ve ever out by myself (whether it be traveling around Europe or getting groceries in my town), I always have my Birdie personal alarm .

The idea of the Birdie is that should someone try to attack you (or whatever) you can activate the incredibly loud alarm (with flashing lights) to draw attention to yourself and what’s happening and hopefully scare the perp away.

best travel security items

I shopped a bunch of different kinds of personal alarms before I bought the Birdie and I really liked this one the best. The design and activation method made more sense than the others and I like the oval-shaped hook it comes on.

I like the Birdie over, say, pepper spray because it’s something you can safely and legally travel with. Pepper spray carries with it a lot of potential issues and even the possibility of spraying yourself. Let’s not help out the criminals, ok?

Get your Birdie personal safety alarm here

best travel security items

10. Safety whistle

While the Birdie alarm works best for everyday scenarios, there are certain times when you’ll need a safety whistle . For instance, while hiking.

If you find yourself lost or in a bind while hiking, a safety whistle is a must – but you have to know how to use it. While an alarm like the Birdie will certainly help people locate you, blowing on a safety whistle in three sharp blasts is the universal sign for I NEED HELP!

Don’t ever enter the wilderness without a safety whistle – just go ahead and keep it clipped to your backpack.

Get yourself a safety whistle here

Pharmacy in Sorrento, Italy | Must-Have Travel Safety Items: 17 Essentials for Your Travel Safety Kit | Travel health and safety | solo female travel safety

Travel safety items for health and wellness

Now more than ever we are all concerned with our personal health while traveling. As someone who routinely gets sick on just about every international trip I take, I fully understand the importance here.

Now that the stakes are higher than ever, make sure to have these essential health-related travel safety items in your travel safety kit:

11. Disposable face masks

As a world traveler, it’s never been uncommon to see people on planes and in airports wearing face masks, I was just never among them. Now, I don’t foresee a trip anytime in the future where I won’t be masked up on an airplane. People are gross.

best travel security items

Our “recent situation” or not, I can think of at least a handful of occasions when wearing a mask while traveling would have saved me a ton of stress. I get sick while traveling a great deal so wearing a face mask on planes, on buses, on trains, and just about everywhere else I’m in contact with other humans is officially my new normal.

Many European countries (and others) still require you to wear KN95 masks or the equivalent in many places including on public transportation. Be sure to pack as many of these as you think you’ll need. I prefer the ones in pretty colors, naturally.

Get your face masks for travel here

PSA: The mask goes over your nose.

Getting Sick While Traveling Abroad // What to Do and How to Deal | Travel insurance, prepare for getting sick abroad, when to see a doctor, emergency room experience, medicine and medical care abroad, and more. #sickabroad #traveltips #travelguide #healthytravel #healthtips #travelinsurance

12. Thermometer

And I’m not even referring to the Covid-impulse to take our temperature every time someone coughs in our direction.

I have a small, simple thermometer I bring with me on all trips… now. It’s nothing fancy, but hella useful. I somehow have gotten myself into a handle of foreign illnesses where I did not have, yet desperately needed, a thermometer.

I even had to be visited by an emergency doctor in the middle of the night, in the middle of the jungle in Costa Rica, who did not have a thermometer (of all things) in his black medical bag. This isn’t totally shocking once I tell you he also didn’t know how to take my blood pressure but sure as heck tried anyway.

I’ve since started packing a thermometer for all my trips—it’s such a simple, small, lightweight thing to bring that can be seriously helpful.

Get your travel thermometer here

best travel security items

13. First aid kit

Regardless of what your planned activities are, there’s a good chance you’ll need a first aid kit amongst your travel safety items.

As prone to being taken down by foreign germs as I am, I’ve seen the inside of my fair share of foreign pharmacies. (Shout out to my favorites: Germany and Taiwan!) However, that doesn’t mean I always want to make the extra trip.

You should always consider bringing: band-aids and antibiotic ointment, tweezers, gauze, alcohol wipes, moleskin for blisters, disposable gloves, safety pins, and more.

best travel security items

I personally have put together my own first aid kit that I just toss in my bag every time, but if your house isn’t already stocked with this stuff (seriously, what it is like to not embody Steve Urkel?) you can pick up totally stocked travel-sized first aid kits .

Keep in mind that if you’re headed out on adventure of the mountainous sort or otherwise, what you need in your first aid kit will be a little bit more. In that case, you’ll need something more along the lines of this 299-piece first aid kit , complete with an aluminized rescue blanket, cold packs, and more (but still travel-sized).

Cloth face masks | Must-Have Travel Safety Items: 17 Essentials for Your Travel Safety Kit | Travel health and safety | solo female travel safety

14. Medications and prescriptions

Obviously if you’re taking prescription medication you should bring that, but you should also carry a copy of your prescription as well. Not only is it mandatory in many places for many different drugs, it can also help get a replacement in case you run out or your luggage gets lost, etc.

And I’m not just referring to pills and the like. Let me tell you about the time I got my backpack, which contained my eyeglasses, stolen. I was legally blind at the time and living in Italy—fun times!

I had to get a replacement pair of glasses ASAP and trying to get my prescription from my doctor in the U.S. to an optometrist in Italy was such a pain in the ass. It wasn’t impossible, but man was that a hassle. I softened the blow with some new Dolce & Gabbanas.

best travel security items

Luckily, I didn’t have any medically necessary prescription drugs in my bag or that “petty theft” could’ve been potentially fatal.

A note on Epipens

If you suffer from allergies, be it food or otherwise, consider bringing an Epipen on your trip. Even if they’re mild, chances are what you encounter in a new country will be new to your body. You may breathe in plants you’ve never been exposed to or eat foods containing any number of mystery ingredients. Be sure to discuss your upcoming travels with your allergist.

Flu medicine, Getting Sick While Traveling Abroad // What to Do and How to Deal | Travel insurance, prepare for getting sick abroad, when to see a doctor, emergency room experience, medicine and medical care abroad, and more. #sickabroad #traveltips #travelguide #healthytravel #healthtips #travelinsurance

15. Over the counter drugs

In addition to your prescription drugs, don’t forget to bring the OTC drugs necessary for your destination. Things like:

  • Anti-diarrheal meds for places like Mexico and India where, we’ll call it gastrointestinal distress, is common
  • Ibuprofen for high-altitude destinations like Peru and Mexico City (read about my experience with altitude sickness here)
  • OTC allergy medications for places like Tuscany in the summer where hay rules all
  • Anti-nausea drugs and/or patches if you’re prone to motion sickness. I used to be, critically, but I’m not anymore. Read about how I cured my motion sickness permanently here!
  • Whatever else keeps you going

Turkish delight in Istanbul | Must-Have Travel Safety Items: 17 Essentials for Your Travel Safety Kit | Travel health and safety | solo female travel safety

16. List of allergies

Speaking of allergies, if you suffer from food allergies (guilty!), medicinal allergies, or really anything, definitely carry a list of what you’re allergic to… in the language of your destination.

If you suffer from food allergies and don’t speak [insert language here], you can show your list to a restaurant server, a street vendor, anyone really, to make sure they don’t sell you something that can kill you.

I showed my list to the woman working at the Turkish delight shop in Istanbul who basically shoved me out of the store after reading I was allergic to almonds.

Not only does this help in those instances, but it also shows you what words you need to avoid. For instance, “almonds” looks very different in: Germany ( mandeln ), Italy ( mandorle ), Mexico ( almendras ), Turksih ( bodem ), etc.

best travel security items

17. Travel insurance

You’ve probably heard me talk about travel insurance a million times, but it’s for good reason. Travel insurance, for me, has proven to be inexpensive yet absolutely priceless!

Though travel insurance can potentially save you tons of money on lost or stolen luggage, flight delays, canceled trips, and more, it can also play a vital role in case of a medical emergency.

  • Check out this post on how much I got reimbursed after getting robbed in Italy.
  • Then check out this post on my medical emergency in Costa Rica
  • and this one for how travel insurance saved my friend’s life when her appendix burst in a remote village in Thailand

I’ve also used it for canceled flights and canceled trips. Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but I find the peace of mind of just having it is worth whatever it costs.

Are there any travel safety items you always use? Let me know below!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 32 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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17 Travel Safety Gear Essentials You Need To Pack

By Jessie Festa. This article on travel safety accessories is sponsored by Jase Medical and contains affiliate links to trusted partners.

Not sure what travel safety gear to pack?

Then you’re in the right place! Let’s be honest; we’ve all pulled our hair out (and maybe cried a little) when trying to decide what to pack.

Though no matter what you put in your carry-on, travel safety items should be high on the packing list.

You’ve heard it before but I’ll say it again: nothing should come before your health and safety.

While there are myriad beautiful places to explore filled with good people, the truth is we live in an unpredictable world where anything can happen at any minute.

My intention isn’t to scare you from traveling, but to make sure you’re prepared for the worst, even if it’s unlikely to happen. This is why I’m sharing this list of my personal top picks for travel safety items.

You’ll also hear about one of the most important items for traveling you can pack, the Jase Case , which can help with emergency antibiotic preparedness.

Table of Contents

How To Stay Safe While Traveling: Preparation

The best way to stay safe while traveling is to prepare for unfortunate situations on the road before you leave home.

This should include looking up local scams and issues to be aware of, familiarizing yourself with local customs and beliefs so you don’t offend locals, and researching where is and isn’t safe to explore.

Along with considering personal protection for travel, you should also think about travel health. Ask yourself: how medically prepared are you?

According to the CDC , about 130 million Americans visit the emergency room each year – many of which could be prevented through education and having the right supplies and medications on hand.

It’s important to empower yourself to be your own caregiver – especially when visiting a remote destination or a place where the standard of care may not be the same as you’re used to.

Plus, as the last few challenging years have taught us, you never know when a natural disaster may occur or when the global supply chain will be interrupted.

Actually, this is why online telemedicine service Jase Medical created the Jase Case , a travel pouch containing five life-saving medications – with a manual on how to use them to properly treat a wide variety of ailments, from pneumonia to animal bites to traveler’s diarrhea and beyond.

I’ll share more about the Jase Case, one of your most important healthy travel essentials, below.

the Jase Case is an important travel safety gear item

Your Travel Safety Kit: Quick List

Before we discuss the travel safety products you’ll want to pack in-depth, here is a quick summary of the items:

  • Jase Case (snag $10 off with code JESSIEONAJOURNEY10)
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • First Aid Kit
  • Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments
  • Speakeasy Travel Supply Pickpocket-Proof Scarf ​​
  • Pacsafe Anti-Theft Bag
  • Neck Wallet
  • She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
  • Fox Sonic Safety Whistle
  • Glow Bracelets
  • Garmin inReach Mini 2
  • Emergency App
  • SafetyWing Travel Insurance

On that note, let’s go over this list of safety items for travelers so that you truly understand why each is so important to have in your carry-on.

These are truly some of the best things for traveling and staying healthy and safe, and I highly recommend adding them to your packing list!

Best Travel Safety Items For Health

1. jase case.

Jase Case is a must-pack travel safety item

The Jase Case was created by Jase Medical, a company founded by board certified physician Shawn Rowland, M.D.

Jase Medical is on a mission to help empower patients with the tools necessary to take action and care for themselves and their loved ones.

This is why they created the Jase Case, an Emergency Antibiotic Pack made and prescribed by doctors that contains:

  • Amoxicillin-Clavulanate
  • Azithromycin
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Doxycycline
  • Metronidazole

Plus, you can score $10 off with code JESSIEONAJOURNEY10.

Each customer goes through a consultation and antibiotics are prescribed directly to them by board certified physicians.

From there, you’ll receive a handy travel pouch containing your medications as well as an Emergency Antibiotic Guide sharing how to use the included medications to treat a wide variety of conditions.

I think most of us have experienced nausea, vomiting, sinusitis, and traveler’s diarrhea on the road, though the medications can also help with ailments related to bioterror, illness, sexually transmitted infections, and illness related to drinking contaminated water (just to name a few).

You can see a full list of treated conditions on their FAQ page .

And while the Jase Case is an important piece of travel safety gear, keep in mind it’s also helpful to have on hand at home, too. You truly never know when an issue will arise.

Honestly, there are so many personal stories I could share where a kit like this would have come in handy — like when I hiked Nepal’s Mohare Danda Trail .

I spent a week in Kathmandu and felt absolutely fine. It wasn’t until I was making my vertical ascent into the Annapurna Himalayas — hours away from any pharmacy or doctor — that I started to become majorly ill.

Vomiting my way through the woods and getting sick in squat toilets was not exactly fun, but the only “medications” I had were Tylenol, tiger balm, and tea. Let’s just say that after that experience, I’ll never be so unprepared again.

You can find full information on the Jase Case here . Use code JESSIEONAJOURNEY10 for $10 off your first Jase Case!

2. Face Mask

Travelers wearing face masks for enhanced travel safety

Due to the global situation of the past few years, face masks have become a regular part of our lives both at home and on the road to help keep us healthy and avoid catching viruses.

It can also help you maximize your itinerary.

Personally, before wearing a mask on planes, I would always get a sinus infection – which would leave me feeling sluggish on the first few days of a trip. Since wearing a mask, I haven’t had this issue.

Note that for a mask to be effective it should cover your nose and mouth.

Additionally, the CDC recommends both disposable and cloth masks as well as respirators. Specific recommendations vary by individual and location, and you can click here to read their full guide .

You can also click here to read the CDC’s recommendations for travel specifically.

3. Hand Sanitizer

While hand sanitizer is no substitution for washing your hands with soap and water, the CDC notes that when this option is not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs.

As a traveler, I can think of countless times on the road where I haven’t had access to a working sink – even in places where you’d think there should be one, like a roadside restaurant or restroom.

This makes hand sanitizer one of the smartest travel abroad accessories you can pack.

To use effectively, apply the recommended amount of sanitizer (check the label) to the palm of one hand and then rub it all over your skin until your hands are dry.

4. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is one of the most important travel safety gear items

When it comes to essential travel safety items and accessories, a First Aid Kit is a smart addition to the list.

A few essentials to include in your kit:

  • Antibacterial wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pain reliever
  • Thermometer
  • Medical tape
  • Medications ( which your Jase Case can supply !)

For a full list of First Aid Kit essentials, check out this list from the Cleveland Clinic .

Best Travel Safety Accessories To Avoid Pickpockets & Thieves

5. neck wallet.

Raise your hand if you love carrying a heavy purse when you explore a new city?

Hands fly down.

Me neither. Which is why I love this helpful travel safety gear item! A neck wallet stores my keys, cards, and cash in a lightweight travel wallet that is worn like a necklace that gets tucked into my shirt.

Think of it as a money belt, but with less sweat stains in hot destinations.

Bonus: If you like to work out or go jogging, you won’t need to carry your keys in your hands or awkwardly tie them to your shoelaces.

6. Pacsafe Anti-Theft Bags

Pacsafe Anti-Theft Backpack is a top travel safety gear essential

When it comes to personal safety gear, one brand to get on your radar is Pacsafe – a leader in the world of travel safety products, particularly when it comes to anti-theft backpacks and bags.

They utilize a number of technologies in their gear, like cut resistant fabric, lockable zippers, RFIDsafeTM blocking materials (that keep your personal documents and credit cards from being scanned), and the ability to fasten your bag to a secure object.

Depending on what type of trip you’re going on, you can peruse their travel backpacks, day packs, camera bags, carry-on bags, handbags, wallets, wheeled luggage, and more.

The company also keeps sustainability in mind. Along with pledging to remove all virgin plastic from their supply chain by 2025, they donate 1% of every sale to turtle conservation projects.

If you’re looking for the safest travel backpack, definitely check out Pacsafe!

7. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

You really should never use the internet without a VPN, which hides your online activity. This is especially true when traveling and regularly using public WiFi.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where people are constantly trying to steal your identity and personal information, and a VPN helps to protect you from hackers and online prowlers by hiding your IP address, browsing activity, and personal data when using WiFi.

One highly-rated VPN is NordVPN , which has a number of powerful features – like their ​​Threat Protection, which makes your browsing experience safer and faster without tracking your actions online.

Even if you accidentally install malware or click a malicious link, the feature neutralizes cyber threats before they can do any real damage to your device or data.

8 . Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments

Clever Travel Companion offers top travel safety gear

I’ve written about these apparel pieces a lot over the years, and for good reason: they’re genius!

These pickpocket-proof garments are my favorite travel safety gear essentials, as they feature hidden interior pockets so crooks never know you have credit cards and cash. This keeps your valuables safe, while alleviating the need to carry a purse.

A few of my favorite Clever Travel Companion Garments include:

  • The leggings featuring two secret pockets
  • The boyshort underwear with two secret pockets (so comfortable!)
  • The unisex tank top with hidden front pocket (I often wear this as an undershirt)
  • The unisex striped long johns with two secret pockets (love these if I’m traveling somewhere cold)
  • Striped t-shirt dress with zipper pockets (so stylish I’d wear it even if it wasn’t an essential piece of travel safety gear)

All of the above-mentioned garments take up almost no space, making it easy to have a travel safety plan while flying with only carry-on luggage.

Combine them with the Jase Case from Jase Medical for maximum health and safety protection on the road.

9. Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden-Pocket Scarves

travel safety gear hidden pocket scarves

Can you tell I love safety travel gear with hidden pockets?

Speakeasy Travel Supply Co was started by fellow travel bloggers from Beers & Beans, based on their own travel safety needs.

These hand-made scarves come in a wide-variety of patterns, with styles made for all seasons (so yes, you can totally find a hidden pocket scarf to wear in Thailand !).

But the beauty isn’t just in the style, as the hidden pouches on these scarves offer a place to secretly store you valuables.

Best Personal Travel Safety Gear

10. door stop.

There are many important things to carry while traveling abroad, and a door stop is one of them.

The scary truth:

Like your apartment, your hotel room can be robbed. Or worse.

A rubber door stop is a good travel safety item to bring that can add an extra layer of protection to your guestroom.

Along with a simple rubber door stop, you might consider purchasing one with a security alarm – like this door stop that includes a 120db alarm .

This way, if someone tries to break into your hotel room, you’ll be awoken before they have a chance to get in.

11. She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

travel safety gear She's Birdie personal alarm

A personal safety alarm should be at the top of any list of safety items for travelers, as it includes a loud siren that you can set off when needed.

Attackers — both humans as well as animals like bears — will get scared and run off. This means you should also wear the alarm whether you’re wandering a city or hiking in the woods.

While there are many brands to choose from, She’s Birdie alarms are made for women by women (though they are also great for male travelers).

They offer two powerful travel security products, both of which can be worn as a keychain:

The Original Birdie, which features a 130db alarm and flashing strobe light designed to deter an attack, and the Birdie+, which also includes 24/7 live support.

Feel good knowing that a percentage of your purchase get donated to organizations supporting women’s safety, shelter, and health.

This is truly a piece of travel security gear you shouldn’t leave home without, whether you’re exploring another country or your own neighborhood.

12. Safety Whistle

This is another powerful piece of travel safety gear that scares using loud sound.

I’ve been wearing my Fox Sonic Safety Whistle for years. It especially makes me feel safer when hiking solo , as I’ve had issues with angry dogs chasing me on trails in the past.

As with the personal alarm, this safety whistle can scare away both humans and animals.

13. Glow Bracelets

glow braclets are a top travel safety gear item

If you’re like me and enjoy cycling while traveling , it’s important that when riding at night you’re visible to cars.

While a helmet, bike lights, and bright clothing are also important pieces of bike safety gear, I like glow bracelets and glow vests to make sure I’m definitely seen.

And hey, if you’ve got a rave to go to they can act as a funky accessory, as well!

14. Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

One of my top solo hiking tips – which is also smart advice for anyone going on a remote adventure in general – is to carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger, like the popular Garmin inReach Mini 2 .

Having one of these is key if you’ll be in a remote area, as both of these tools can help you send SOS messages when it danger.

Just make sure to check the coverage map for the device(s) you’re considering to make sure your specific trail is covered.

You can check this guide for additional help with choosing a PLB or satellite messenger.

Best Travel Safety Essentials To Be Ready For Anything

15.  emergency app (free; ios & android).

The Emergency App from the Red Cross is a top travel safety gear item

Developed by the American Red Cross, this all-inclusive app serves as a go-to resource for what travelers can do in the case of 14 different types of emergencies and disasters within the U.S.

Users can customize more than 35 emergency alerts based on their location and where their contacts live.

The Emergency App also contains a kit of emergency first aid info advising on everything from heart attacks to heat stroke. It’s truly one of the top travel safety apps you can download!

16. Airalo eSIM

No list of travel safety equipment would be complete without discussing gear for staying connected – which Airalo can help you do.

Airalo is a global eSIM company that lets you access the internet from almost anywhere, at any time. I’ve used it on multiple trips, including in remote Mongolia , and it’s exceeded my expectations.

Sure, you can usually buy a local SIM Card, which may or may not work. And there is public WiFi, which may or may not be available. But, Airalo offers a better solution.

Airalo helps ensure you’re never without a connection, which is vital when traveling in a place you’re unfamiliar with.

Not only does having a connection mean you can always look up directions and things to do, but it also allows you to keep loved ones up-to-date on your whereabouts or call for help if needed.

Plus, being connected is important for getting out of sticky situations. For instance, as a solo female traveler who goes on numerous road trips each year, it’s imperative I have a working phone in the car at all times.

Airalo provides service in over 200+ countries and regions. They offer an array of data plans based on your destination, the length of your trip, and how much data you’ll want to use. You’ll receive notifications if you begin running low on data, and you can quickly and easily top up your eSIM online.

17. SafetyWing Travel Insurance

travel safety gear SafetyWing insurance

Of course, no safety packing guide would be complete without mentioning travel insurance – an absolute travel essential!

While you hope everything runs smoothly, sometimes travel just doesn’t go according to plan. This is why I recommend always purchasing travel medical insurance .

The scary truth is it only takes one bad accident to lose everything — or be thankful you were covered.

Personally, I use SafetyWing , as they’ve got a large network, offer both short-term and long-term coverage (including limited coverage in your home country), are budget-friendly, and offer $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Travel Safety Gear For Every Situation

I hope you found this list of travel safety items valuable.

Remember, it’s important to consider all aspects of travel safety when choosing what to pack.

Of course, personal safety is important, but you shouldn’t forget things like online security and travel health, too.

And when it comes to travel health, remember that the Jase Case can help protect you from a wide variety of ailments and illnesses that can ruin your trip – and even put your life in danger – if you’re not prepared.

Again, this isn’t meant to scare you, but to empower you to have a plan for anything that might threaten your health and safety on the road.

Bonus: Score $10 off your first Jase Case with code JESSIEONAJOURNEY10 .

What travel safety gear items would you add to this list?

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14 Comments

What do you do with your passport and money when you go swimming?

@April: I rarely take my passport out of the hotel room. I carry copies of it in case. You can use a waterproof money holder though if you are concerned.

Thanks for sharing! I never even thought of some of these things. A door stop….brilliant!!! Happy Journeys and keep sharing your tips!

@Wendy: Thank you! 🙂

I usually carry a flashlight, especially when traveling overseas. Many of the streets/trails/routes going to/from places are not well lit (if at all) at night.

Very nice blog.

@Dave: Thank you for the kind words. And great suggestion!

I always carry a compass, which can be VERY helpful in cities,

I carry a DoorJammer with me when I travel. It’s like a secondary door lock and bit more durable and secure than a rubber doorstop. Love the Clever Travel clothes, such a good idea! Will definitely have to get some.

What a world we live in, when you can stick a sticker on your SIM card and not have to pay roaming charges! It’s kind of hilarious that it has a huge warning on Amazon though – CHOKING HAZARD!

Been traveling with one of Northface backpacks for a while but it was only till recently when I discovered there was actually a built in whistle in it! I honestly didn’t know what it was. There was a dusty hole because I’ve been using it for traveling. And then I wanted to clean it up so I blew through the hole, and viola! It was an actual safety whistle!!! Made me the happiest!! I love secret gears! 🙂

Aah I love the neck wallet! That is actually really cute lol

I like to carry a small and slim fanny pack that is also great for putting my phone in while going for runs. I’ll be getting one of those door jammer things when I’m in mexico for a month!

i need that belt for my everyday life

Great thanks for sharing!

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25 Essential Travel Safety Products You Need Right Now

a variety of travel safety products

Imagine this: you’re about to set off on your next travel adventure. The excitement is building, and your bags are almost packed. But, have you thought about your essential travel safety products? I’ve created the ultimate list of important travel safety items to help you and your loved ones stay safe on your next adventure.

a variety of travel safety products

Why You Need Travel Safety Products

As a travel enthusiast and a parent, I’ve spent years exploring this beautiful planet with my family. Let me tell you, safety is always a top concern. That’s why I’m here to guide you through a list of must-have travel safety products. From protecting your identity to keeping your loved ones secure, safety should be a priority.

Let’s face it, the world is a vast and diverse place. Each destination comes with its own set of potential risks or dangers. I’ve been to places where I’ve felt completely safe, and places where I didn’t even want to leave the hotel after dark.

Now, whether we’re talking about sneaky thieves or unexpected health hiccups, even well-seasoned travelers can’t dodge every curveball life throws. But before you start cancelling your plans, let me reassure you. With the right travel safety products, you’re not just taking precautions; you’re taking control.

But, let me be clear, no single item can be your magical shield against all the world’s worries. So, while these products are great, always remember to trust your gut. Be sure to keep your wits about you, and steer clear of sketchy situations.

Travel Safety Products – Our Top Picks

Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack, Midnight

Anti-Theft Backpack

Portable Door Lock 2Pack Extra Lock for Additional Privacy and Safety in Home,Hotel and Apartment,Prevent Unauthorized Entry,Protect Family Security in Traveling,Home,Bedroom,Hotel,Apartment,AirBNB

First Aid Kit

Best travel safety products for personal security.

Personal security is obviously important, no matter where you roam. Even if you can’t bring your “big” security items with you, these travel safety products will help increase your safety. From personal alarms to RFID blocking technology, the following products help protect your body and identity from petty theft or other threats.

Personal Alarm

Being a travel lover who also values safety, I understand the importance of having a trustworthy security device by your side. This personal alarm by She’s Birdie is a perfect addition to your travel essentials. It truly gives you a source of confidence when exploring new places.

With a simple pull, it emits a loud, attention-grabbing sound. This can serve as both a deterrent to potential threats and a beacon for assistance in case of emergency.

She’s Birdie–The Original Personal Safety Alarm for Women by Women–130dB Siren, Strobe Light and Key Chain in 5 Pop Colors (Aqua)

Safety Whistle

A small yet mighty tool that can be a game-changer when it comes to personal security is a safety whistle . Its compact design makes it easy to carry, which is important. Also, the high-pitched sound it produces can alert others to your presence in emergency situations. Whether you’re in the great outdoors or an unfamiliar urban setting, this unassuming device is a reassuring addition to your safety toolkit.

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard Safety Whistle Survival Shrill Loud Blast for Kayak Life Vest Jacket Boating Fishing Boat Camping Hiking Hunting Rescue Signaling Kids Lifeguard Plastic 2 Pack

RFID Blocking Wallet

Whether you’re a travel lover or a homebody, an RFID blocking wallet is a must have item. It protects your cards from unauthorized use, which is absolutely essential in this contactless payment world. This one’s slim design also makes it super convenient to carry.

I personally love minimalist wallets, because I have a tendency to jam other wallets full to the breaking point. With this one, you only carry what you actually need.

FurArt Slim Minimalist Wallet, Front Pocket Wallets, RFID Blocking, Credit Card Holder for Men & Women

RFID Blocking Passport Holder

All US passports now have electronic chips which contain all of your passport information. That means your name, address, gender, nationality, expiration date, etc. along with a digital photo of you used for biometric identification is all accessible.

Therefore, it is essential that you have an RFID blocking holder for your passport . It protects you from identity thieves who may try to steal your personal information just by being in close proximity to you. This one also has slots for credit cards, money, and more.

Melsbrinna Passport Holder,Passport Holder Card Slots,Cute Passport cover for Women/Men,Waterproof Rfid Blocking Travel Wallet (Aqua green New)

VPN (Virtual Privacy Network)

Everyone should always be using a VPN, or Virtual Privacy Network . A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it significantly more challenging for hackers, cybercriminals, or prying eyes to intercept your data. This is crucial, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. These public networks in cafes, airports, or hotels are much more vulnerable to security breaches.

It’s an essential travel safety product, since it’s super common to connect to public WiFi when traveling. You don’t want to risk your personal information being exposed, especially not when you’re supposed to be enjoying a trip. This one covers 5 devices for 12 months.

Mullvad VPN

Must-Have Travel Safety Products For Your Hotel Room

Everyone should be able to feel safe while sleeping. These travel safety products are designed to help you make your lodging more secure, whether you’re in a hotel, hostel, B&B, guest house, cruise ship, or anywhere else.

We personally never travel anywhere without bringing a set of travel door locks . They set up in seconds and make the doors impossible to open from the outside, even with a key. We’ve used them all around the world in hotels and on cruise ships, and haven’t yet encountered a door we couldn’t lock.

Another way you can add an extra layer of security to your hotel room or other accommodation is with this set of door stops . They’re designed to wedge under the door, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to enter your room. This can be particularly reassuring when you’re staying in unfamiliar places.

They’re quick and easy, and give you even more peace of mind while traveling, knowing that your room is secure while you’re sleeping. If someone tries to open your door, they emit a very loud shrill that not only may scare away the intruder, but also alerts those in the area that something is wrong.

This one comes in a set of 2, so you can even secure a connecting door or back door as well as the main entrance.

EMDMAK Door Stop Alarm with 120DB Siren Door Stop for Home & Travel (Black) (Pack of 2)

Door/Window Alarm

Another option for securing your hotel room is a travel door alarm . If triggered, the loud, piercing alarm wakes you up, alerts your neighbors, and hopefully scares off whoever or whatever tried to get in.

It can be used in any type of accommodation, and can even be used in windows. It’s super portable, making it convenient to bring on any trip. An alarm like this easily adds an extra layer of protection while you’re traveling, and is one I highly recommend. Just remember to put the “do not disturb” sign on the door so you don’t accidentally freak out housekeeping!

Lewis N Clark Travel Door Alarm + Window Guard Portable Home Security System Battery Operated for Hotel, Bedroom, Apartment & Dorm, with Built in LED Flashlight, Blue

Sliding Door/Window Locks

Lots of hotel rooms or resorts have sliding glass doors and/or windows. These are often much more accessible and vulnerable to tampering compared to regular doors, so a sliding door lock is a great travel safety product to bring with you.

Having a lock on sliding doors or windows is especially important if you’re on the ground floor of the hotel. Personally, I always wanted to make sure my kids couldn’t open the sliding doors when they were young, not to mention preventing strangers from entering.

AceMining Upgraded Door Security Bar & Sliding Patio Bar, Heavy Duty Stoppers Adjustable Jammer for Home, Apartment, Travel (1 Pack,White)

Travel Safe

Many hotels and resorts provide a safe in your room, but remember, someone in that hotel still has a key to that safe. Theft happens, even from room safes, so by bringing your own portable safe , you can ensure your important documents, jewelry, cash, and electronics are actually secure.

Not only does a portable safe give you peace of mind in your hotel room, but you can also use it for your car, when camping, or anywhere else for that matter.

Master Lock Portable Small Lock Box, Set Your Own Combination Lock Portable Safe, Personal Travel Safe

Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector

There have been quite a few incidences of travelers being hospitalized, or worse, due to carbon monoxide poisoning in their hotel rooms. I always bring a portable carbon monoxide detector with me everywhere I stay now, just in case.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely serious, even deadly, so this is one area where I am overly cautious, especially when I’m in a different country. It doesn’t matter how luxurious the resort is, I’m bringing a carbon monoxide detector with me, and I strongly encourage you to do the same.

Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug In Wall with AA Battery Backup, Test-Hush Button

Wearable Travel Safety Products

When it comes to wearable safety products, there’s an array of clever options designed to keep you secure without sacrificing style. You can keep your stuff safe from pickpockets and thieves with all kinds of garments and accessories with hidden pockets. Or, choose to keep your stuff secure with anti-theft bags or belts.

These wearable travel safety products seamlessly blend security with style, making sure you’re well-prepared for your adventures. They make it a lot harder for pickpockets, which is bad for them but great for you. And in the regrettable instance of a mugging, you can keep some of your stuff and the mugger will never know.

Keep your stuff safe with an anti-theft backpack . This one from Travelon not only has locking compartments, but also has slash resistant straps and a slash resistant body, so thieves can’t just cut into it to grab your stuff. It also has RFID blocking card and passport slots so you don’t have to worry about unauthorized purchases.

Neck Wallet

A clever way to keep your valuables out of the reach of pickpockets is a neck wallet . They’re designed to hang comfortably around your neck, allowing you to store your passport, cash, credit cards, and even your smartphone within easy reach.

Because they’re such a slim design, they are easily stashed under your shirt, concealing your important belongings. It’s like having your own hidden treasure chest, ensuring you can enjoy your adventures with added peace of mind. Plus, this one is RFID blocking, adding even one more layer of security wherever you go.

Lewis N. Clark RFID Blocking Stash Neck Wallet, Travel Pouch + Passport Holder for Women & Men, Taupe, One Size

Anti-Pickpocket Shirt

There are certain places in the world that are notorious for being pickpocket hotspots. Any city or crowded space is a potential spot for thieves to take advantage of the chaos, and you don’t want to become a victim.

Keeping valuables out of sight is key, and one way to do this is by wearing an anti-theft t-shirt . The zippered pockets in shirts like this one make it a bit trickier for pickpockets to swipe your stuff.

Avalanche Men's Zipper Pocket T-Shirt Lightweight Short Sleeve Hiking Tee Crewneck T-Shirt for Workouts, Hikes, Casual Wear

Anti-Theft Underwear

Another way to keep stuff hidden is with nifty secret clothing like anti-theft underwear . You can get them in Men’s and Women’s, and they’re a great way to keep your stuff completely safe.

Stash your cash, ID, keys, hotel room key, etc in these zippered pockets and have total peace of mind that you’re not going to lose your important belongings.

Clever Travel Companion Women's Underwear with 2 Secret Zipper Pocket, Pickpocket & Loss Proof Brief Shorts Boyshort Panties

A clever way to keep your money, credit cards, ID, and other important stuff out of sight is with a money belt . It discreetly hides around your waist and under your shirt so you can securely keep your belongings away from the sticky fingers of thieves.

What makes this one even better is the RFID blocking technology it employs, which we know is incredibly important nowadays for your passport and credit cards.

Lewis N. Clark RFID Blocking Money Belt Travel Pouch Waist Stash + Credit Card, Id, Passport Holder for Women & Men

Anti-Theft Infinity Scarf

I absolutely adore this infinity scarf from Zero Grid. It’s super versatile, crazy soft, keeps you warm, and has 2 hidden zippered pockets to stash your stuff. You can wear it with your favorite outfit, and even use it as a blanket to keep you warm.

I love that you can keep your stuff on your person without anyone knowing. It’s a fantastic and stylish way to keep your cash, cards, ID, passport, or anything else safe and out of sight but always within your reach.

Zero Grid Infinity Scarf with Hidden Pockets Converts to Blanket and Wrap Perfect for Travel

Hidden Pocket Scrunchies

Whether you love velvet, suede, or satin, you’ve got to get a pack of scrunchies with hidden pockets . It’s a perfect addition to your travel safety products arsenal.

You can carry your money, keys, lip balm, tampons, or any other small items you want to keep on you, and no one will even know. Use these scrunchies to keep your stuff dry while you’re in a pool, or just on your body if you don’t want to keep everything in your purse.

LokiStashed 3-PACK Velvet Hair Tie Scrunchies for VSCO Girls & Women, THE ORIGINAL HIDDEN POCKET SCRUNCHIE with Zipper Pocket Storage, Accessories, Small Items, Keys, Money (Mocha Set)

Additional Travel Safety Products

Our last section of essential travel safety products encompasses a variety of items you may find useful in your travels. Between having emergency kits, power cells, and various locks for your personal belongings, it’s important to be prepared for whatever life throws at you. These travel safety products will help you do just that.

For obvious reasons, having locks on your bags is a valuable travel safety product. Locks alone are a deterrent for tampering, as thieves generally want easy access to the things they’re trying to steal.

What’s great about these bag locks is that they’re TSA approved – meaning you can put them on your luggage, and TSA still can access your bags if they’re chosen for a search, without having to break or cut your locks. These provide a balance between keeping your bags secure, and still being in compliance with airport regulations.

TSA Approved Cable Luggage Locks, Re-settable Combination with Alloy Body

Another layer of protection to add to your travel safety is a few cable locks . They can be used to secure your belongings to a fixed object, such as a bed frame or luggage rack. This adds an extra layer of security, preventing opportunistic theft.

If you’re engaging in outdoor activities like camping or hiking, cable locks can help secure your gear or even your tent, ensuring your possessions stay protected. Their flexibility allows you to adapt cable locks for various uses, making them practical for a range of travel situations and excellent travel safety products.

Master Lock Bike Lock Cable, Set Your Own Combination Bicycle Lock, Cable Lock for Outdoor Equipment, Black

Luggage Trackers

An incredibly versatile bit of technology, AirTags and other tracking devices are a wonderful tool for travelers. You just throw one in your luggage or in anything you want to be able to keep tabs on, and you’ll always know its exact location.

A very common use for these wonderful little gadgets is when airlines lose your luggage. You can see where your bags are at a glance, which can be reassuring, even if it is still inconvenient to be in one city and see that your luggage is in another.

In case your bag or valuables are stolen, a tracking device can help law enforcement or you locate the stolen items, potentially increasing the chances of recovery.Knowing that you can quickly locate your belongings in unfamiliar or crowded settings definitely provides added peace of mind during your travels.

Apple AirTag 4 Pack

Silicone Wedding Bands

Sometimes, you might find yourself in an area where wearing flashy jewelry might get you attention you really don’t want. Or perhaps, you’re doing activities that you don’t want to risk damaging or losing your rings by wearing them.

In any case, silicone wedding bands act as a perfect temporary placeholder for your original jewelry. As a woman, wearing a wedding ring can sometimes even provide protection against unwanted male advances. It’s sad, but true.

I know I don’t want to risk anything happening to my wedding rings, so inexpensive replacement ones are a great idea.

ThunderFit Silicone Wedding Rings for Men - Brushed Top Middle Engraved Line Rubber Engagement Bands - 8.2mm Width 2.5mm Thickness

As a mom, I always have various bandages and medications with me. But even if you don’t have kids, you should still keep a first aid kit on hand. This one comes with a wide variety of bandage sizes, various medications, creams, ointments, and more, for any accidents or mishaps you might have during your adventures.

Roadside Emergency Kit

If you’re traveling anywhere by car, you definitely need to have a roadside emergency kit with you. It has jumper cables, a flashlight, a blanket, a reflective vest, and so many more things you would want in an emergency.

You don’t want to be stranded in an unfamiliar place because of something as simple as a flat tire, so keeping a kit in your car is the best decision. I also suggest keeping non-perishable foods in the car, like granola bars, dried fruits, beef jerky, and other snacks.

Kolo Sports Roadside Emergency Car Kit - 156-Piece Multipurpose Emergency Pack with Automotive Tools and First Aid Kit - Car Tool Kit Includes Heavy-Duty Jumper Cables and Tire Pressure Gauge

I know that when I’m on vacation, the days are long, and I’m always using my phone to take photos, check my location, or see what’s in the area. A power cell is essential to keep on hand so you can always stay connected.

It’s not just about convenience; it’s about safety. When you’re lost in a new place or facing an unexpected situation, being able to make a call or access vital information on your devices can be a game-changer. It’s like having a safety net in your pocket. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re completely stranded and can’t get help.

Anker Portable Charger, Power Bank, 10,000 mAh Battery Pack with PowerIQ Charging Technology and USB-C (Input Only) for iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, iPhone 14/13 Series, Samsung Galaxy

Final Thoughts On Travel Safety Products

As someone who’s clocked in a fair share of miles, I’ve come to appreciate the peace of mind that these travel safety products can offer on a trip. It’s not about being paranoid; it’s about being prepared.

Especially as a parent, I need to make sure that we’re all safe as we’re exploring the world and having adventures. So, whether that’s by being prepared for scrapes and falls, or hiding valuables in crowded places, safety is always forefront in my mind.

So, as you get ready for your next adventure, think of these safety tools as your trusty travel buddies. They’re there to ensure your experiences are memorable for all the right reasons.

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Hi there! My name is Rachel, and I'm a travel enthusiast, writer, and lifelong learner. With over 15 years of marriage and two amazing kids, I've learned that traveling is one of the best ways to bond and create lasting memories with loved ones. I'll share everything I learn, from tips and tricks to specific product and business reviews, so you can make memories around the world too!

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What to consider before you go

What should be in your travel safety kit, what you should leave at home, is it safer to fly or drive, your driving safety plan, your airport safety plan, our experts, the 15 travel essentials to keep you the safest from omicron this holiday season.

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

  • COVID cases are up as the Omicron variant spreads, impacting holiday travel plans across the U.S.
  • The best precautions for travel are getting vaccinated with a booster and wearing a mask in public.
  • Additional items like at-home COVID tests and hand sanitizer can also help you travel safer.

Insider Today

COVID cases are on the rise again with the highly contagious Delta and Omicron variants. Initial reports do indicate that while Omicron spreads quickly, it might be milder than other COVID variants , at least for vaccinated people.

But taking precautions when you travel is still essential, whether or not you're vaccinated. Everyone must wear a mask over their nose and mouth on planes, buses, trains, taxis, and other forms of public transportation. And all experts agree the best way to protect yourself and others is to get your vaccine , including the booster if you're eligible.

And if you're traveling internationally, make sure you read up on your destination's specific visitation rules, as most require proof of vaccination and/or certification you've had a recent negative COVID test. Many experts also recommend taking a COVID test before and after you travel regardless of if it's required.

No matter if you're flying for driving, vaccinated or not, it's important to be prepared. We talked to three experts about everything you need to know to travel safely, including what essentials to pack and the proper precautions to take.

Here are the new essentials everyone should pack before traveling:

  • Vaccine passport: CommonPass
  • N95 mask: Kimberly-Clark N95 Respirator
  • KN95 mask: Powecom KN95 masks, 10 pack
  • Disposable mask: DemeTech DemeMask Surgical Mask
  • Fabric face masks: Herschel Classic Fitted Face Mask
  • Face masks with removable filter : Halo Life Nanofilter Mask
  • Face masks for kids: Onzie Mindful Masks (2-Pack)
  • At-home COVID test : EmpowerDX At-Home COVID-19 PCR Test
  • Portable hand sanitizer: Touchland Power Mist Sanitizer Spray
  • Travel-sized disinfectant wipes : Clorox Disinfectant Wipes To Go
  • A smartphone sanitizer: PhoneSoap 3 Smartphone UV Sanitizer
  • Packing cubes : eBags Hyperlite Packing Cubes
  • Tape to help your face mask fit better : Cabeau Tape
  • A mask bracket for added comfort : HeartFormSF Mask Bracket
  • Reusable bags for safety gear : Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag

best travel security items

Vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the most important and effective way we can reduce the spread and severity of COVID-19, David Aronoff, MD, director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told Insider during his medical review of this piece.

"While masks, reduced crowding, and social distancing are among the many things we can do to reduce the spread of COVID-19, vaccination has been shown to protect against getting infected, reduce the risk of symptoms or severe disease, and prevent death," he said.

Be sure that anyone in your traveling party (or meeting you at your destination) is vaccinated if they are eligible and vaccines are available in their country, and that they've received their booster vaccine dose, which is now available for most people who've already been immunized.

Additionally, all travelers should ask themselves before they go: Can I afford to be trapped somewhere if I or one of my travel companions gets COVID and can't travel home? "If the answer is no, stay home," Dr. Aronoff added.

If you are traveling, Dr. Aronoff encourages checking your health insurance carefully to find out where and how to seek medical attention if you need it and exactly what your policy covers. Some countries require proof of travel health insurance that covers COVID to enter their borders. Dr. Aronoff also suggested having a plan for where you'd go to get care if you got sick and how you'd quarantine from the people you're visiting.

best travel security items

Whether you're vaccinated or not, driving or flying, remember the basics of COVID travel: Wear the best mask you can (ideally an N95-type mask), making sure it fits snuggly without gaps at the sides (layering two masks can help), and keep your distance from people outside your household as much as possible.

Then, pack a portable COVID-19 safety kit, whether flying or driving.

Proof of vaccination

Again, getting the COVID vaccine is the best thing you can do to stay safe and keep others safe while traveling during the pandemic. Many countries require proof of vaccination before entering their borders, and even if you're traveling domestically, it's a good idea to have proof with you just in case a public space or business upon arrival requires it.

If you want to travel with your physical vaccine card, we suggest putting it in a protective vinyl casing . But there are also a handful of apps , such as CommonPass and VeriFLY , that allow you to upload proof of vaccine and even connect PCR test results so you have proof of your low-risk all in one place.

best travel security items

Masks for adults

Masks are required on all airlines, regardless of your vaccination status or where you're flying. They're also recommended for any public place while driving, like public restrooms or service stations.

As coronavirus is an airborne virus, wearing a mask is still one of the key ways to reduce spreading or getting COVID, especially in an indoor, crowded place like an airport or airplane, Joyce Sanchez, MD, medical director of the Travel Health Clinic at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin tells Insider.

Wearing the right mask the right way helps to protect not only the people around you but the wearer too.

Nearly everyone can safely wear a mask, other than those who can't put on or take off a mask themselves. This includes those with chronic lung and heart problems, Dr. Sanchez says. "Even if it feels harder to breathe while wearing a mask, it doesn't actually affect how much oxygen your body gets," she assures.

Why are masks so important? Think of the COVID virus like cigarette smoke spreading indoors — it flows throughout the space (beyond 6 feet from the person who exhaled it and around plexiglass barriers) and can hang in the air for hours, even after the person is no longer in the room.

Considering its spreadability, and given how contagious the Delta variant is, it's more important than ever to wear a well-fitting mask to both prevent spreading the virus to others and inhaling it yourself.

N95-type masks are best now that they're no longer in short supply like early in the pandemic, followed by KN95 masks (both technically called respirators rather than masks). Both seal the sides of the face and top of the nose to minimize any gaps where air can leak, and offer additional filtration of air as you breathe, Dr. Sanchez explains.

However, counterfeits are common, so check the CDC's list of approved masks and suppliers . A quick way to tell is that real N95s have straps around the back of the head instead of ear loops and a TC number (e.g., 84A-XXX for U.S.-approved N95s).

After N95s and KN95s, a three-layer cloth mask is your next best option. The outside two layers should be a tightly-woven fabric like cotton or linen and the middle a filter fabric, either built-in or added-in by you (a folded paper towel works great).

It's important that your mask fits snugly to trap the potentially-infected air particles rather than leaking through the edges of the mask and being directly inhaled, Abe Malkin, MD, MBA, the founder and medical director of Concierge MD LA , tells Insider. Make sure there are no gaps around the edges of your mask — a detail of equal importance regardless of if you're vaccinated or not.

If your mask has gaps on the top or sides or if you only have a single-ply mask, it's smart to double up with a disposable surgical-type mask underneath and a tighter cloth mask over top. And if your mask slips down under your nose as you talk, it's a sure sign you need a better-fitting mask.

Skip the neck gaiters and bandanas — early reports that they're worse than no mask at all were likely overblown , but researchers do know real masks are more effective. Plus, many airlines don't allow them anyway.

best travel security items

Masks for kids

A well-fitting mask is the most important factor for anyone, so children should use masks made for kids , Dr. Malkin says, adding "adult masks are too big for them."

If kids can help choose their own supplies, it increases the chance they'll use them. Dr. Malkin advises opting for a mask with a character or designs your child likes to increase the chance that they'll keep it on when you're not looking.

best travel security items

Masks are generally required on planes for kids 5 and older, though sometimes it's 2 or older (check your airline's requirements before you go). And Dr. Aranoff advises all kids over 2 years old should wear one in indoor, public places unless they physically can't. The CDC does not recommend masks for children under 2.

Kids need multiple masks just like adults, so stash a few extras in their backpacks and in the car, Jagdish Khubchandani , PhD, a professor of public health at New Mexico State University tells Insider.

At-home COVID-19 test

Most countries require you to have proof of a negative COVID test to enter. Taking one is a good idea even if you're traveling domestically, especially if you're unvaccinated, the CDC advises .

Even if your destination doesn't require it and even if you're vaccinated, it's wise to get a COVID test both before you travel and after you arrive to minimize the chance of spreading the virus to vulnerable people. "If you are planning on visiting others, make sure to get tested to ensure everyone's safety," Dr. Malkin adds.

For international or domestic travel, the CDC recommends that people who aren't vaccinated take a COVID test one to three days before you leave, keep your distance from others as much as possible while traveling, and once you return home, take another viral test and self-isolate for a full seven days. If you don't get a viral test, you should isolate for 10 days. Either way, avoid being around high-risk folks for 14 days.

As for where to get a COVID test, many towns have free testing sites. But you can also snag an at-home rapid antigen test or, slightly less common, more accurate molecular tests (such as a PCR test). Just remember, the tests aren't 100% foolproof.

Many at-home tests require you to mail in a nasal swab or spit tube to be processed in a lab. But newer tests (both antigen and molecular) available in some countries let you get your results online in as little as 45 minutes, with some antigen tests delivering results right in front of you, within 15 minutes. (Just be sure to follow the instructions closely and know that the tests can give a false negative.)

Most tests that are supervised by a health professional over video provide you with the certification you need for flights. Just make sure you know the precise time window to do your test and get the certification back before your flight.

When our team researched and tested the leading at-home COVID tests on the market throughout 2021, we found EmpowerDX Nasal to be the most accurate, covered by most insurance or the cheapest test available out of pocket and turns results around within two days of the lab receiving the sample. Dr. Sanchez also recommends the Abbott at-home antigen test kit, which offers six tests for $150.

Dr. Sanchez recommends each person bring at least two approved at-home test kits that meet the testing requirements when traveling internationally in case there's a problem with one or you need to re-test. "You do not want to be stuck or delayed in returning home because you have not prepared for that required step," she adds.

best travel security items

Hand soap, sanitizer, and wipes

Traveling exposes you to tons of germs — viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi — outside of COVID that can cause illnesses. It's super important to clean your hands before and after you eat, in particular. The best way : Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then dry them thoroughly with a paper or cloth towel (rather than an air blower).

But since that's not always possible, the second-best option is to use hand sanitizer. Always pack one with at least 60% alcohol in your carry-on, and rub it all over your hands, even the nooks and crannies, until it evaporates.

Antibacterial hand wipes are less ideal since they sometimes contain harmful chemicals and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. But in a pinch, they're definitely better than having unclean hands. Keep in mind that most wipes are formulated for objects and not for skin, Dr. Malkin points out. As with hand sanitizer, the formula needs to be at least 60% alcohol to kill viruses.

best travel security items

Disinfectant wipes

Keeping high-touch surfaces clean is important, but don't obsess over disinfecting every surface you come into contact with, Dr. Sanchez told us — you're not at all likely to acquire COVID by touching an infected surface . This is especially true when driving; there's no need to wipe down your car handles or steering wheel, for example.

That being said, high-touch surfaces on planes — armrests, tray tables, in-flight entertainment screens — can transmit germs, so it's wise to wipe down surfaces around your seat with a disinfectant wipe .

Be sure to clean your phone too — you might be surprised by how dirty it actually is . Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how to clean it and try to use it only with clean hands. (But be careful: Some cleaners can ruin your screen .)

best travel security items

Storage bags

When flying, carry-on storage is essential to make it easy to access hand sanitizer and other essential items. Ideally, your carry-on bag has multiple pockets so you can keep things like food and extra masks separate from dirty items. You can also use a small pouch to keep these essentials right on top (we like these durable, zippered pouches from Baboon to the Moon).

We also recommend having a few plastic bags available to store dirty masks, in addition to things like used disinfectant wipes or tissues until you can find a trash can. You'll want one for your car and in your carry-on.

It's also helpful to have a designated clean storage bag where you can put your mask when you take it off to eat away from dirty surfaces or other people's breath, Dr. Sanchez advises. Avoid placing your mask on a table or your arm to minimize germ contamination.

best travel security items

You don't need to bring gloves with you traveling. First of all, COVID-19 is transmitted by breathing, not by touching things and then touching your face. Regardless, germs can live on the surface of a latex glove, the same as skin, Dr. Malkin says. Plus, "some people become too relaxed when they are wearing gloves. They do not realize they are at more risk for spreading [germs] because they are touching multiple personal items in between other things," he adds.

Studies have suggested that people who wear gloves tend not to wash their hands as often or notice when gloves get dirty or damaged. It's also easy to contaminate your hands when removing gloves. Plus, we don't need any more COVID-19 waste than we already have.

Face shields

How important are face shields? "As we do not have data to support the use of face shields in protecting individuals from acquiring COVID-19 in the community setting, they should not be used as a substitute for a well-fitting mask," Dr. Sanchez says.

She added that while she saw no downside to adding a face shield to your travel safety kit, "they are not an equivalent substitute for face masks." They might provide protection if someone sneezes in your direction, for example, but they don't protect others from any virus you may be carrying.

best travel security items

If you do need to travel, driving is generally safer than flying commercially, Dr. Sanchez says. If you drive , you have control over who shares the car with you, where you stop along the way, and when you return.

If you're fully vaccinated and wearing a well-fitting mask, it's generally safe to fly from a COVID-19 transmission standpoint, she adds.

Just keep in mind that you're most likely to transmit or catch the coronavirus when in close proximity to an infected person, especially in situations where people aren't wearing masks at all or wearing them properly. That means airport lines are an issue (sitting on the plane much less so, as we'll explain below), as is driving with anyone not already in your household bubble. Eating indoors — since people have no choice but to remove their masks — is high risk.

Regardless of your mode of transportation, it's important to be diligent with precautions.

best travel security items

Remember that COVID is spread by people breathing and talking, not by touching surfaces. If you're driving, you don't need to wipe down your steering wheel. But it can bring peace of mind to clean your hands before getting in; have hand sanitizer at the ready before and after you eat, and for after you use a gas pump and public restroom, for example.

Choose restaurants where staff are diligent about wearing masks. Keep your mask on unless you're actively eating or drinking, and try to eat outdoors or in your car.

Use public restrooms for bathroom breaks. Pulling over for a roadside bathroom break is actually illegal throughout the U.S . Just wear a mask and try to wait outside in a well-ventilated space for a free stall. If the toilet has a lid, close it to flush. (There's evidence that the coronavirus can spread by flushing .)

Dr. Sanchez adds that you should assume public restrooms are not properly disinfected and that surfaces could be covered in many kinds of germs aside from COVID. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then use a paper towel to dry your hands and turn off the tap and open the door. If you do touch anything on your way out, use your 60%-plus alcohol hand sanitizer.

best travel security items

Airports — especially with lines at security, boarding gates, and within the plane itself — are risky because of the close proximity to other people. Wear your mask at all times and keep as much distance from others as you can.

When the TSA has you lower your mask for identity verification, touch it from the ear loops rather than the middle to avoid transferring any germs on the fabric onto your hands. It's wise to sanitize or wash your hands after you've touched security trays, not so much because of the coronavirus, but to protect yourself from other germs.

As for the plane itself, airlines have stepped up their disinfecting regimens. Many use electrostatic foggers nightly — sometimes between every flight. They spray a fine mist of disinfectant throughout the plane, and the electrostatic charge causes it to stick to all surfaces, not just fall to the floor.

Though COVID isn't transmitted by touching things, don't assume your flight has been freshly fogged with disinfectant. Planes can be filthy . It's still wise to wipe down everything in your seat area with a disinfecting wipe like Clorox Ultra Clean Disinfecting Wipes ; many airlines now hand out disinfecting wipes as you board, too.

If you bring your own, look for "disinfecting" and at least 60% alcohol on the label — a cleaning wipe rids your tray table of that splash of Coke, but it won't kill bacteria and viruses. Settle into your seat and wipe down everything you're likely to touch: the seat belt, armrests, the tray table, the air vent, the window-shade handle, and all places you need to touch to operate the entertainment system.

Then, thoroughly clean your hands with sanitizer. The TSA increased the size limit for sanitizer during the pandemic, and until further notice, you're allowed to bring one bottle that's up to 12 ounces in your carry-on bag. If you're flying internationally, note that some countries maintain the 3-ounce limit.

You might be worried about sitting in an enclosed space for hours, but the air on planes is cleaner than in many indoor places , and airlines' mandatory mask policies help protect everyone from virus particles that anyone could be breathing out. A September 2021 peer-reviewed, real-world study showed that the risk of contracting COVID-19 on a plane is 0.1% thanks to mask policies, requiring negative COVID tests to fly, and planes' hospital-grade air filtration systems.

When a plane cruises, the cabin air refreshes every three to four minutes, using both fresh air from outside and air that's gone through HEPA filters that remove virtually all viruses.

However, if you need to eat or drink on a plane, it's wise to wait a few minutes after the people around you have put their masks back on before you take yours off.

Minimize moving around on the plane, including wrestling carry-on luggage in and out of the overhead bin. If you need to use the restroom, be sure to close the toilet lid before you flush. After washing your hands for 20 seconds and drying them, use a paper towel to unlock and open the door. Avoid touching seatbacks as you return to your own, both to keep your hands clean ( headrests are the dirtiest surfaces inside an airplane cabin ) and so you don't disturb other passengers.

After your flight, it's smart to avoid crowds around the baggage carousel — wait until space clears before you grab your bag.

You'll also want to check your destination's latest COVID-19 rules for arriving passengers. Some countries require everyone, whether vaccinated or not, to have a negative COVID-19 test on arrival and self-isolate until it's confirmed negative.

For this article, we deeply researched across leading health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We also spoke with the following experts:

  • Joyce Sanchez, MD , the medical director of the Travel Health Clinic at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Dr. Abe Malkin, MD , MBA, the founder and medical director of Concierge MD LA
  • Jagdish Khubchandani , PhD , a professor of public health at New Mexico State University

This piece was also medically reviewed for accuracy before publishing by Dr. David Aronoff, MD , director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

best travel security items

  • Main content

Best gear to keep you safe while traveling

Dec 19, 2019 • 6 min read

best travel security items

The wonderful thing about hitting the road is the sense of freedom, independence, and limitless possibilities that can come with travel. But travel safety is an important consideration, especially if you’re traveling solo. We've put together a list of the top safety gear for travelers, making sure to include items that are legal in most countries (unlike defense tools like tasers and pepper spray which are often banned) and useful for a variety of destinations and travel styles – even if you’re packing light.

These pieces of gear will leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs, and help you keep track of valuables from your passport to your credit card number.

A man is on a mountain hike, surrounded by scrub bushes; he is carrying a dog and wearing a backpack with a red first aid kit clipped onto it.

Surviveware first aid kit

Throw Surviveware’s Small First Aid Kit in your suitcase every trip. It’s packed with 100 items, but still weights only 1lb. It won’t take up much volume in your suitcase, either, measuring just 5.5in x 7.5in x 3.5in. Inside, you’ll find scissors that can cut through seatbelts, CPR tools, an emergency blanket, medical gloves, splinter probes, bandages, antiseptic and alcohol wipes, and more. Surviveware has organized and labeled everything in this toolkit so you’ll be able to retrieve what you need quickly during an emergency. 

Thuraya SatSleeve 

The SatSleeve, created by Thuraya, is a phone case for Androids and iPhones that allows travelers to use satellite connectivity to text, call, use apps, or email. Thuraya’s satellite network covers 161 countries, ensuring travelers are connected at all times to family, friends, the internet, and emergency services across over two-thirds of the globe. With SatSleeve’s Emergency Call button, female travelers can rely on access to assistance at all times. 

Travelon anti-theft backpack

Protect your belongings by purchasing the 43195 Anti-Theft Tailored Backpack . As a backpack, you can keep your hands free, without worrying you’ll be pickpocketed, since it’s designed with a top zipper that both locks and is covered by a flap. Add in slash-resistant straps, a main compartment with RFID-equipped slots for your passport and cards, plus enough space to fit a tablet, and this Travelon bag is the safest, most practical bag for leisure travel. 

A person is inserting the SABRE door stop alarm under a door in a room.

SABRE door stop alarm

With SABRE’s door stop alarm , travelers won’t have to worry about attackers or burglars bypassing the locks on hotel rooms or rental apartments. This portable security device is wedged under the bottom of the door and when pressure is applied against it, such as someone pushing the door forward, a loud 120 dB alarm will alert the traveler of an intruder. The alarm can be heard up to 1000ft away, which will not only wake you up from a deep sleep, but could also prompt neighbors to call the authorities. 

XPlore Paracord bracelet 

With a long-range whistle, compass, and built-in flint fire starter, the XPlore Paracord bracelet is great for outdoor survival. However, the braided paracord, (a lightweight, strong type of nylon rope) might be the most effective item on the bracelet. Paracords can be used as fishing lines or in traps, or as a tourniquet or sling in emergencies. And while kidnappings are exceptionally rare, it’s good to know that the paracord can break through zip ties with enough friction. 

Garmin watches

Garmin’s wearable technology has top-of-the-line safety features for travelers visiting remote or dangerous places. The fenix 6S watch is their most impressive thanks to an incident detection feature that shares a wearer’s real-time location with emergency contacts, as well as providing topographical maps, trip routing, GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo navigation. All of that is powered by a battery mode that allows for GPS use over multiple weeks. 

The only real downside is the price – but if the fenix 6S is too expensive for your budget, check out the Instinct watch , which has a Live Tracking feature that’s shareable with loved ones.

Even in areas where the service is poor, users can pair their watches with the Garmin inReach Mini device to text anywhere in the world, send an SOS to 24/7 rescue teams, and read global maps and weather forecasts. 

A woman in a pink blouse is looking down into her black handbag; she is wearing a gold invisaWear necklace.

invisaWear 

Travelers may want to consider invisaWear , an emergency call button disguised as a charm on a piece of jewelry. During an emergency, the wearer presses the charm button twice to send immediate texts via a Bluetooth-connected smartphone to five friends or family members with their GPS location and a request for help. It also has a free feature that can connect emergency contacts with 911 dispatchers near the invisaWearer’s location. With no monthly fees or subscriptions, invisaWear is a cost-effective safety tool, though is currently not available outside the United States. 

Female travelers are mindful of the possibility that their drink could be spiked, and  SipChip can help give peace of mind. This coin-sized chip fits in the tiniest of pockets and can detect the safety of a drink in 30 seconds with one drop of liquid. SipChip has a 99.3% accuracy rating and has been tested on over 100 drinks. However, it can only be used once, so you’ll need to buy SipChips in batches of three, five, or 10 to guarantee you have enough for an entire vacation. 

A person is holding up a SABRE personal alarm; it's black and affixed to a keyring, which also has a key on it.

SABRE personal alarm

The best personal alarm for travelers is by far the SABRE Personal Alarm with Motion Detector, Magnet, and Key Ring . Like other personal alarms, this SABRE alarm will make a warning sound that can be heard 600ft away when the user pulls a pin from the device. However, it has an additional motion detection feature that will sound an alarm if the device detects motion up to 15ft away and within a 120-degree radius. 

PacSafe clothes

PacSafe offers an array of travel-safe clothing, but the  Women’s Travel Hoodie is a good pick in that it has strategically-placed interior and exterior pockets that are RFID safe and make it nearly impossible for criminals to pickpocket your passport, wallet, or cellphone. If all that wasn’t enough, the travel hoodie is made from antibacterial Polygiene odor-control fabric which allows you to wear it more and wash it less.   

Divine Eagle spy camera

Keeping an eye on yourself and your belongings 24/7 may seem like an impossible feat, but the Divine Eagle spy camera could do the trick. Hidden in a functional USB charger, this spy camera records Full HD video at a 90-degree angle on micro SD cards of up to 32GB. Plug it into the wall and the camera begins recording when it detects the slightest movement. This is a great tool to use if you want to monitor your hotel room when out and about during the day or sleeping at night. 

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The Best Gear for Travel

Various travel gear items laid out on a yellow background.

Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.

But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.

“Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something,” said Wirecutter founder Brian Lam. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the familiar, reliable stuff in your bag.”

Over the past nine years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing dozens of products to find the most dependable items that will help you travel well. On top of that, we sought the advice and wisdom of Doug Dyment, author and creator of OneBag. As a traveling businessman and public speaker, he has logged millions of miles over the past few decades. We also ran our picks by travel-gear reviewer Eytan Levy, the Snarky Nomad .

And we relied heavily on the experiences of Wirecutter staff, an especially mobile group of individuals. Our staffers have worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica—the five most frequent flyers among us travel about half a million miles in any given (normal) year.

The research

Flying/riding, just in case, travel tips.

A person walking through an airport with the Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on bag.

A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. Consider this example from OneBag’s Doug Dyment: “I’ve been in situations where I’ve landed in Chicago on my way to New York and everything was snowed in, no flights were flying anywhere, but I was able to rent a car or take a train whereas everyone whose bags were being held hostage by the airlines were simply stuck.” While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended business trips or weddings where you need multiple outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s better to cut.

Carry-on backpack (non-roller)

best travel security items

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

best travel security items

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility and clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts depending on how much you’ve packed. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

We spent six months testing 22 bags, and in the end we chose two as our top picks for travelers determined to never check luggage again: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

A person standing outside in a light blue short sleeve shirt wears the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack, in black with a gray llama-head logo and aqua accents.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The bag is protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Its front panel is made of a waterproof, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester (a strong fabric covered in a flexible plastic coating), which means you can lay it on its back in a wet field or in gravel without worrying about moisture soaking through or jagged edges ripping the fabric. The rest of the paneling is made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which feels similar to a strong canvas but with a more prominent weave. After four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item to store under the seat) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage that Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer who covers luggage, uses.

One caveat: The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth—which is where the personal item comes in handy. As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers; we offer a range of recommendations in our full guide to them .

A tester from behind, wearing the uniformly black, sporty Peak Design bag

The larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as through a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters.

If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. It still feels larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for the ability to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics—it feels tough, but not as tough as the Cotopaxi Allpa. As for flaws, it is expensive, especially if you commit to the entire system of packing cubes and camera cubes . The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses, though Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty.

Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we have picks in our full review of carry-on travel bags that can double as traveling offices , bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances , and budget options for travelers who want to give the one-bag strategy a try.

Carry-on bag (rolling)

best travel security items

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Great features, great value.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Since 2015, we’ve researched several dozen suitcases and gone hands-on with the 47 most promising candidates in a variety of tests—including having active flight attendants test bags for us in a fake plane fuselage in their training facility. We determined that for most people the  Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner  offers the best balance of features, durability, and price for most flyers who log less than 25,000 miles annually.

A person sitting in an airport chair with our pick for best carry-on luggage in front of them.

It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Compared with other bags in this price range, you also get surprisingly high-end components and a warranty that covers anything, even airline damage, for the life of the bag (as long as you register the suitcase within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).

Upgrade pick

best travel security items

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles a year, invest in a bag with unique features, superior details, and plenty of expandable room. This manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles annually and you’re willing to invest in a higher-quality product, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It can fit more clothing than any bag we tested, thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion and compression system that can adjust to variable levels beyond open and shut. Wirecutter’s founder, Brian Lam, has put more than 150,000 miles on his so far, and it’s held up great. His only complaint is that longer pants will need an extra fold, or to be rolled. In taller bags, pants will only need to be folded over once.

Checked luggage

If you need to pack more stuff than a carry-on and a personal item can hold, our first piece of advice would be to reconsider whether you need that extra outfit “just in case.” But you’ll have times when you need to travel with several pairs of shoes, formalwear, a winter coat, special equipment (like diving or camping gear), or all of the above. In these cases, there’s no way to avoid checking a bag.

best travel security items

REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (Men’s)

The best travel backpack for people with longer torsos.

Thick padding and highly adjustable straps make this the most comfortable and easy-to-fit pack sized for people with longer torsos.

May be out of stock

best travel security items

REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (Women’s)

The best travel backpack for people with shorter torsos.

Thick padding and highly adjustable straps make this the most comfortable and easy-to-fit pack sized for people with shorter torsos.

If you’re going someplace where you’ll need to walk a lot (or if there’s dirt or cobblestone roads), we recommend a travel backpack. Specifically, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (Men’s) for men (and tall women) and the REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (Women’s) for those with shorter torsos. The Ruckpack’s thickly padded, stowable straps are fully height-adjustable. The bag is made from rugged, recycled ripstop nylon and is guaranteed for up to a year. And it holds about 60 liters, which gives you noticeably more space than our other picks while still keeping the overall dimensions manageable. You can read all about why we like the Ruckpack in our review of the best travel backpacks .

best travel security items

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner Suiter

The best checked bag for most travelers.

The bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most people without going over airline weight limits.

If you don’t plan on walking around while carrying all your stuff, the  25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is our favorite piece of checked luggage for all of the same reasons we loved the carry-on size: It has excellent organizational features, it’s especially durable, and it has a better warranty than anything in its price range.

Luggage tags

The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag, our pick for the best luggage tag, shown on a wooden background

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Strong and easy to see.

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

A good luggage tag should be durable, simple to use, and discreet. Ultimately, a tag should allow someone to get your luggage back to you quickly and easily, and it should withstand the wear and tear of being thrown onto conveyor belts time and again. After researching the top-rated and best-selling models, reading existing luggage-tag reviews, and comparing fourteen tags , we recommend the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag for most travelers because it’s the only one we’d trust to survive being smashed by other bags, jammed into walls, and generally abused by baggage handlers. It’s the most durable tag we tested, and it comes in a wide selection of colors to help any bag stand out from the rest.

The Ovener tag’s silicone body seems nearly indestructible and is available in four bright colors (you get two tags per pack). Whereas other tags also feature metal cables, this tag has a metal grommet to keep the cable from eventually wearing through the silicone case.

Should you lose your bag, the Ovener makes it easy for a Good Samaritan to find your contact information. To fully access the info card, you have to unscrew and remove the metal strap; this lets the card slide out of the case. Most luggage tags we tested secure their info card in this way. It isn’t a difficult or time-consuming process, but it is an extra step compared with using a tag that displays all of your information openly. Still, for anyone who wants to keep their contact information out of view, the extra step is worth it.

Another approach to increasing privacy is to hide information in a QR code, as the Dynotag Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage Tag  does, or to provide a user ID number, as the Okoban UID Luggage Tags  do. But these seem like overly complex solutions to a problem that doesn’t really exist. The Dynotag requires a scanner app that many phone owners don’t want to bother with, and the Okoban requires going online and entering a code, which might deter otherwise-willing Good Samaritans.

Compression sacks

Originally designed for reducing the bulk of lofty sleeping bags, compression sacks are stuff sacks modified with additional nylon end caps that can be pulled together by strings or straps to remove air and create a smaller, denser package that’s easier to pack. Most travelers use compression sacks to condense socks, underwear, and other stuff you don’t mind getting wrinkled into a package with half as much overall volume. For example, an 8- to 12-liter sack can compress a fleece jacket and a long-weekend’s worth of socks and underwear into something that fits in one hand. They also make a decent pillow in a pinch.

best travel security items

Osprey StraightJacket (8L)

Easier access, less compression.

It has a full-length zipper on its side that allows access to the bag’s entire contents. However, it doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs.

Most compression sacks require you to empty out the stuff at the top to get to the stuff below it, but the side-zipper design on the Osprey StraightJacket allows access to the entire contents of the bag at once. The compression straps attach sideways, and are less likely to get tangled and twisted like on most compression sacks with lengthwise straps. It can also sit up on its own, and the handle design lets you break it out as a last minute carry-on to avoid an overweight-baggage fee. However, it doesn’t compress down as compactly as the traditional designs we tested so it’s not the best option if compression is your top priority.

GobiGear’s SegSac takes a different approach to solving the same access issue: It has four inner dividers that run the length of the sack in order to keep your socks separate from your underwear, winter accessories, towel, what have you. This means you don’t have to take out your T-shirts to get to your socks. Unlike the Osprey, it compresses just as much as a normal compression sack, but it loses points for versatility because the segmentation prevents it from handling large items like a down jacket or sleeping bag.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes could change your life. (Okay, maybe just your traveling life.) Packing cubes are basically bags to hold your clothes that you organize within your luggage. Though seemingly superfluous, they’re brilliant in action. If you imagine your suitcase as a dresser, you can think of these cubes as individual drawers: Put all your underwear and socks in one container, all your shirts in another, and your workout clothes in yet another. Then pull out only the cube you want. They make packing and repacking wonderfully simple.

best travel security items

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes keep your bag organized while you’re traveling.

The three-piece Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set keeps a week’s worth of clothes organized and moves easily from suitcase to hotel dresser. We’ve been recommending the previous version of these cubes for years, and after testing this newly updated set, we now recommend this version.

The full-size cube is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube and quarter-cube are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics such as stockings or sleepwear. These cubes are made of 300-denier polyester (a strong fabric) and stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. The Pack-It cubes’ windows are made of the tightest mesh link we tested—better for resisting snags—and the smooth zippers close easily around all corners, even when a cube is overstuffed.

The Eagle Creek cubes have the ability to unzip fully to allow full access to their contents while sitting in a dresser drawer. That means your clean clothes stay protected against some potentially dicey motel dressers. In 2022, Eagle Creek updated the design of these cubes, and now the company no longer uses YKK zippers, which are widely accepted as the best around . That said, we couldn’t tell any difference between Eagle Creek’s zippers and other brands’ YKK zippers, even with a magnifying glass, and their performance was indistinguishable. (For what it’s worth, an Eagle Creek product manager assured us that the proportion of zipper-related warranty claims hasn’t changed since the company made the switch from YKK.)

Most travelers are likely to be well served by the Reveal set. But if you value lightness above all, the more expensive Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is about 50% lighter than similar-size competitors (just over 1 ounce for a medium cube, whereas the Eagle Creek classic style weighs about 4 ounces). Unlike the Reveal set, this set is water resistant. However, the Isolate design’s thin sides—which don’t allow the cubes to stand up on their own—make those cubes a bit more challenging to pack than the Reveal cubes.

Buying the right gear can help organize your existing travel kit, but it’s a red herring if your goal is better portability. “It’s mostly the clothing that allows you to reduce what you need to carry,” explains veteran traveller Eytan Levy, better known as the Snarky Nomad . That’s because clothing, which is very voluminous, makes up the bulk of what’s in your bag. He recommends traveling with basic-looking clothes because you can always buy or rent something nice in a pinch, whereas lugging around formalwear just in case will always be a pain. It also helps if you can avoid cotton and stick to merino and synthetic fabrics, which dry faster. This allows you to do laundry by hand in the sink as needed to reduce the amount of clothes you need to carry.

Travel underwear

Men and women's underwear laid out on top of each other.

Good travel underwear keeps you feeling fresh and clean, even when your destination is gritty.  To find the best , we researched an array of underwear designed for men and women to find 34 pairs meeting our criteria: moisture-wicking and breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, stretchy, stylish, and cut to fit a variety of body types.

We then conducted rigorous pretesting (wearing the underwear for two days at a time, machine-washing them repeatedly, and tracking their drying speed when hung on a clothesline) before taking them out into the real world. Our testers went backpacking 215 miles throughout Portland, Oregon; hiking in the Canadian Rockies, including walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. Testers who flew to their destinations wore the underwear on the plane, too.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear, such as seam breakage and pilling on the fabric. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems. In addition to comfort and fit, we noted whether each pair seemed lightweight and packable.

best travel security items

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best for most men.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will get the job done for years.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested. The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing. It also features a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support, without feeling stifling. These boxer briefs dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically they’re everything you’d want from a pair of excellent travel underwear.

best travel security items

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best for most women.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

The Patagonia Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear: Feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making it well suited for athletic activities. The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—making them perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make them great for any traveler looking for comfortable, packable panties, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Budget pick

best travel security items

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value but don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch.

best travel security items

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Similar fabric to the Men’s Airism, with a no-ride cut for women, these underwear are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line has long been a great choice for men and women who can wear sizes small and medium. In recent years, both lines have expanded their size range somewhat (men to 3XL, and women to XL). If these fit, you can replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with the slightly odd cut and less-effective odor-control treatment.

If you’ve never traveled with merino wool socks, you’re missing out. These aren’t the scratchy wool socks your grandpa wore in the army; they are soft and stretchy ones that have natural sweat-wicking and odor-resisting properties that keep your toes comfortable under all conditions—even when wet. This combination of odor, moisture, and temperature regulations makes them ideal for traveling. "Because of its natural anti-bacterial properties, washing merino wool on a daily basis isn’t absolutely necessary,” explains Snarky Nomad , "after letting it air dry overnight while you sleep, it’ll seem brand new.” The only major downside is that merino tends to be a bit pricier than synthetic counterparts. But it’s a worthy trade-off, since you can go for longer with fewer pairs.

best travel security items

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (women’s)

The best quality for women.

The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.

best travel security items

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (men’s)

For the best quality.

The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.

Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew socks (both the men’s and women’s versions) have been our favorite hiking socks for years. Darn Tough made its name through its quality guarantee : “Our socks are guaranteed to be the most comfortable, durable, and best fitting socks you can buy. In a nutshell, if you wear a hole in them, we will replace them free of charge, for life.” Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers (hardcore backpackers who walk from Mexico to Canada in one continuous trip) praise them for their durability, comfort, and blister resistance. When you hold a pair of Darn Toughs next to a pair of Smartwools (which only have a two-year guarantee ), the difference is clear. The Darn Toughs are more tightly knit, the yarns are finer and feel sturdier, and the stitching is tighter.

Wirecutter’s Michael Zhao once wrote of his Darn Tough socks: “While I haven’t yet owned mine for life, my oldest pair is coming on three years old and I have trouble telling them apart from the newest pair I bought last month. During those same three years, I’ve worn through the heels of two pairs of Smartwool hikers and runners, had three pairs of Icebreaker ankle socks start to unravel, and developed holes in the heels and toes of six pairs of Stoic trail socks. Meanwhile, the Darn Toughs look as good as new. And unlike cheaper socks you can get from Costco or military surplus stores, they’re not so thick that you can’t wear them in warmer climates.”

best travel security items

WrightSocks

Light and fast-drying.

Not as durable but much lighter and faster-drying. A dual-layer design prevents blisters better than any other synthetic sock.

If you prefer a vegan product, have a wool sensitivity, or if you’d like something a bit cooler and are willing to sacrifice some durability, WrightSocks (both men’s and women’s sizes at that link) made from synthetic Coolmesh are a great choice (we like them better than Darn Tough’s synthetic option, which felt stifling). Like most synthetic socks, they’re lighter weight and dry quickly, but what sets WrightSocks apart is their dual-layered design, which prevents blisters by diverting friction between your shoe-lining and the sock onto the inner layer of the sock as opposed to your skin. This combination of blister prevention and light weight makes them particularly popular amongst runners in addition to travelers. Popular women’s travel gear review site HerPackingList calls them “the perfect sock for active travelers who will be on their feet for hours or days at a time.” Wirecutter writer Geoff Morrison switched his whole sock drawer out for these since he started traveling seven years ago and hasn’t looked back. “I've never gotten a blister, even after walking over 30 miles in a day during the 2014 Le Mans,” wrote Morrison in an email interview.

But with the WrightSocks, what you lose in weight, you also lose in durability. After just three trips through a washing machine, both the women’s and men’s versions we tested had substantial pilling in several locations. Morrison notes that his tend to start looking worn after about six months and that he replaces them about once a year. Also, avoid the dryer if you can because multiple user reviewers state that they’ll shrink in the dryer over time. (They dry quickly enough without the dryer that this isn’t really a huge issue.) And because they’re not merino, they really start to stink after a full day of walking around; bring extra.

best travel security items

Havaianas Top Flip Flop (Men's)

The best flip-flops for men.

Durable, grippy, and squeak-free when wet.

best travel security items

Havaianas Top Flip Flop (women’s)

The best flip-flops for women.

Same shoe in women's sizes.

A good pair of travel flip-flops should be lightweight, cheap, and flat. That way they’re easy to take wherever and it won’t matter if you lose them. After testing the super popular Havaianas, Ipanemas, Crocs, and Old Navy flip-flops, our pick is the Havaiana Top (for men and women ). These high-density PVC Brazilian classics are world-renowned for their durability, affordability, and reliable traction, even when wet. They weigh just 150 g, compared to the 220 g Ipanemas. They pack down to almost nothing, unlike the big and boaty Crocs. And while other cheap flip flops can get squeaky when wet, the Havaianas stay mostly silent, which is why they’re so popular in beach towns all over the world. Ultimately, this is what earned them the pick over our previous pick from Old Navy.

Clothesline

While doing laundry at home can be a large weekly event, OneBag author Doug Dyment recommends approaching travel laundry as a part of your daily routine, especially if you’re trying to pack as little as possible: “The laundry should be more like cleaning your teeth—something you do everyday. It only takes about five minutes to do it. Every night, do your socks and underwear and you’ll have clean socks and underwear everyday.”

best travel security items

A secure, hassle-free option

The Flexo-Line attaches easily to a door handle or faucet and grips garments securely between its loops.

Check out OneBag’s laundry packing list if you want specific tips on how to do it and what you’ll need, but it’s a pretty simple setup: All you need is a toiletry bottle of powdered detergent, a towel to help expedite drying, and a travel clothesline to finish the drying process while you sleep at night.

travel gear, flexo-line, clothesline

Specifically, you want a braided—not twisted—surgical latex clothesline with looped ends, which means you want a Flexo-Line . The Flexo-Line can stretch up to 7 feet long, which is enough to span most hotel bathtubs, and it has loops that you can attach easily to a door handle, bath spigot, or faucet. The braided construction is superior to twisted designs made from other materials because the latex does a better job of gripping garments securely between the loops, which means you don’t need any additional clothespins.

Dyment has tried them all, but the Flexo-Line is the one he comes back to. As he explained to me in an interview, “There are others that are fine, but there are far more that are not fine.” More specifically, Dyment says to avoid anything that’s not made of latex , because clothes will inevitably slip out of them. He also says to never, ever trust a suction cup: “They don’t work, period.” If the Flexo-Line is unavailable, Dyment says that the Rick Steves collection from Kiva Designs also makes a nice braided line that is a bit more expensive. If you have a latex allergy, Dyment recommends going with a length of cord ( paracord is nice because it’s durable and you can use it for other things as well) and stainless steel safety pins meant for cloth diapers , because they take up far less space than a clothespin and won’t rust. In fact, it’s worthwhile to get these items even if you can use a latex line because they’re great for making luggage repairs and performing other MacGyver-ish tasks in a pinch. To hang up the clothesline, we recommend using a bowline knot on one end and a taut line hitch on the other. These knots work well together because the bowline creates a simple, slip-proof loop to anchor one end while the taut line hitch allows you to adjust for tension and locks tightly in place. If you could commit any two knots to memory forever, these are the ones to learn.

Laundry detergent

best travel security items

Minisoak Travel Packs

A travel size version of the best delicates detergent.

Perfect for traveling because you don’t even need to rinse it out.

When you’re washing your underwear in a hotel sink, you want a fast and easy experience. For this, we recommend the no-rinse detergent Soak . That’s right, we said no rinse . You just add a drop to the sink, fill with water, and leave your garments to soak. Then press out the water and hang. Done.

In our tests of delicates detergents , Soak cleaned almost as well as our top laundry detergent, Tide; plus, it comes in individual packets of powder  that are great for traveling, as well as in  travel-size bottles of the liquid version . In addition to unscented, it's available in a variety of scents, although Lacey and Celebration are not the most descriptive of scent names. They all smell nice, not overpowering. Soak also comes in an assorted travel pack with two single-use packets of each scent, if you want to test-drive one or two before you buy. In that mini size, you get eight packets for $11 currently, but you really need only a squeeze, not the the whole packet, to wash a couple of pairs of socks and underwear.

One downside to Soak is that you won’t find it in a grocery store or big-box store. But it is available online at Soak’s site . And if you really want to walk into a store and put your mitts on a bottle, you can find it at most local yarn stores.

Don’t feel like buying Soak or bringing along a bit of your own detergent? Shampoo also works pretty well for cleaning garments in a pinch, so make use of that free bottle from the hotel. But a caveat: Neither Soak nor shampoo contains enzymes , which are biological molecules in laundry detergent that break down certain stains. If you have especially stinky or stained clothes, you might need to break out the Tide .

When we first published this guide, this section addressed only toiletry kits and bottles, razors, and packable towels. The times, and traveling, became more complicated. One thing we've learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick and don’t want to share your misery: with a cold, the flu, Covid-19, whatever. Fortunately, compared with early 2020, medical-style N95s and KN95s (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. 

Toiletry kit

We’ve researched dozens of travel toiletry bags and dopp kits over the past several years, and we tested 23 of the top-rated contenders in our most recent round of tests. After packing and unpacking a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries, conducting spill tests, and living out of the top performers on the road, we have a few different picks that stand out thanks to their style, packability, and quality of construction.

The Sea to Summit bag hanging open from a shower shelf.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is compact and durable. It’s small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. You can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair-care items.

best travel security items

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

For more stuff and longer trips.

With a 6.4-liter capacity and over a dozen compartments, this toiletry bag has a place for everything—and everything will stay put during transit, too. It can also accommodate non-travel-size bottles.

The L.L.Bean Personal Organizer (medium) is a great option for longer trips and people who travel with full-size bottles. Its 6.4 liters of storage spread across a dozen compartments means there’s a dedicated place for pretty much everything you could want to bring on a trip—it even has a removable mesh shower caddy for shampoo and body wash. This level of organization is crucial for larger toiletry bags because, as we discovered after years of traveling with our picks, contents that aren’t securely fastened can shift around in transit, which increases the chance of spilling. The downside of all this organization is that the L.L.Bean weighs 14 ounces when empty, so it’s not ideal for carry-on travel.

If neither of these bags seems right for you, read our full review of the best toiletry bags and dopp kits to learn more about our picks and everything we tested.

Toiletry bottles

best travel security items

Sea to Summit TPU Clear Zip Pouch with Bottles

These six TSA-friendly bottles are sturdy and smartly designed, dispensing liquids more precisely than any of the other bottles we tested.

For traveling with liquids in your carry-on, the Sea to Summit set is your best bet. All six bottles conform to TSA size limitations; three of them can hold 3 ounces of liquid each, and three can hold 1.5 ounces each, for a total of 13.5 ounces. Despite the set’s name, the bottles themselves are made not of thermoplastic polyurethane—“TPU" refers to the zip pouch—but a high-density polyethylene material, much like what you’d see used in most plastic milk jugs. It has an almost-smooth, semi-transparent surface just textured enough that it’s not slippery when wet. The plastic is also flexible enough that you don’t have to squeeze very hard to get your shampoo or liquid soap or whatever going. An insert at the mouth of each bottle helps regulate the flow, and the screw tops prevent liquids from leaking in transit.

Razor (faces)

best travel security items

Gillette Mach3

The best manual razor for most faces.

This classic razor’s three widely spaced blades provide the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. Its handle is comfortable and well designed, and replacement blades can be had for a fair price.

We researched and tested 100 manual razors for our full razor guide , concluding that the Gillette Mach3 is our top pick for manual razors. Although the three blades require a little extra time for a closer shave, it performs comparably to the latest and greatest offerings for as little as half the price.

The Gillette Mach3 provides the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. The Mach3’s simple, round handle is easy to grip and maneuver, and its three blades offer a close shave without over-irritating the skin or getting clogged with hair. And the price of Mach3 blades—$2 per cartridge or less, whether you buy them online or in a store—came close to, or even beat, the pricing of shave-club rivals, and the Mach3 shaved better than those competitors.

Five of our eight testers named the Mach3 among their top three razors, and two named it a favorite.

Razor (legs/body)

best travel security items

Gillette Venus Original

The best body razor.

This classic Venus is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

Disposable razors (both the completely disposable and replaceable-cartridge variety) are fine to take through airport security , and among them we like the Gillette Venus Original best. After testing 22 top-rated body razors and panel testing the five best of them , we prefer its capable, three-blade head and easy-to-maneuver handle to the competition’s. Plus, as with any Venus, the Original’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and many heads from Gillette’s facial razors, making it exceptionally versatile.

The Original’s head has three blades separated by considerable slats of space, making it far easier to clean the head between strokes. And it includes simple aloe strips above and below the blades, allowing the lubricant to ease the shave without transforming your razor into a swamp. The Original is intuitive to hold and secure to maneuver, thanks to a contoured handle with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Original difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, it doesn’t feel too bulky. Gillette claims its razors have lasted for five weeks; we think one razor for a weeklong trip should be fine.

(Know that, confusingly, the Venus appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean or Venus Smooth. It’s the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Original’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color.)

Towel (packable)

best travel security items

PackTowl Personal

The best all-around packable towel.

The PackTowl Personal Towel is lightweight, soft, absorbent, quick to dry, and odor-resistant.

We put 20 top-rated towels through a battery of tests including regular shower use, a trip to the beach, camping, and a 48-hour stay in a ziplock bag under the hot Hawaiian sun. After all was said and done, the Packtowl Personal Towel is still the best all-around travel towel for most people. In addition to being the softest lightweight towel we tested, it was more absorbent than competitors made of similar materials. It had the best odor-resisting abilities and comes with a convenient mesh carrying pouch. We also have alternate picks for ultralight and all-natural towels below.

The Personal Towel’s suede-like material was the softest of the thinner towels. The Personal Towel also had superior absorption when compared with other similarly constructed towels such as the Sea to Summit DryLite  and the Shandali UltraSport —in our tests, it absorbed 2.8 times its weight in water, while the others absorbed between 2.3 times and 2.7 times.

travel gear, travel towels

One of just two we tested that featured an added antimicrobial treatment, the Personal Towel was only a little musty smelling after 24 hours in a sealed ziplock bag, and remained unchanged at 48 hours.

If you’re looking for a budget option, consider the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel , which is a tad smaller than our other picks and is made from a seemingly lighter-feeling fabric. Unlike most budget options, it has an antibacterial coating and still managed to carry a pleasant smell after being testing in different environments.

Regardless of how you get to your final destination, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in a seat that’s less than ideal. Travel gadgets that claim to reduce this misery, such as compression socks, are popular. But when they take up precious luggage space for the duration of your trip—not just the flight or train ride–they need to be worth every cubic inch of space. The less you can make do with, the better off you’ll be.

Neck pillow

best travel security items

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

More support for most necks.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows we tested because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case. Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, though supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks.

Noise-cancelling headphones

best travel security items

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear set has the most versatile active noise cancellation we’ve ever tested. With 10 levels of noise reduction to choose from, everyone should be able to find a setting that meets their needs. We also enjoyed the lightweight and comfortable design and the easy-to-use controls. What distinguishes the Bose 700’s ANC is the amount of adjustability it gives you: Most noise-cancelling headphones offer controls for only on/off or maybe high/low/off, but with the Bose 700 pair you can set the ANC level from 0 to 10, so you have more flexibility to dial in the ideal setting for your comfort. The 20-hour battery life, while not the best we’ve seen, is more than sufficient to get you to most destinations. We have additional options—including earbuds and surprisingly good budget options for  over-ear headphones and earbuds —in our full guide to noise-cancelling headphones .

best travel security items

Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

For blocking out the most noise.

These blocked the most noise in our controlled testing and got the most votes from our subjective sleep panel.

When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to fall asleep to unfamiliar noises. That’s why we spent several hours researching new contenders and tested four top-rated models while sleeping in a house that was next to an airport in order to determine that Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs for most travelers .

The Mack’s 37.1 dB noise reduction rating was the highest among the models we tested. According to Cooper Safety , that’s enough to reduce the volume of a gas lawnmower to that of a normal conversation. What made the Mack’s earplugs so effective is the fact that we could insert them and rest assured that they would stay in the whole night. Meanwhile, the Howard Leight MAX1 might be a favorite from crowdsourced sleep-aid review site Sleep Like the Dead , but the earplugs would inevitably fall out in the middle of the night. Thus, they failed to block out the noise of planes landing and taking off throughout the night, despite the MAX1’s 33 dB noise reduction rating. The Howard Leights also made our ears ache on occasion, whereas the Mack’s has a tapered shape that was consistently comfortable night after night.

The Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs cost about 20¢-35¢ per pair when purchased in a 50-pair pack. They come in a plastic case is about the size of a large coffee mug, which is small enough to toss in a large bag or suitcase. Many other ear plugs like our runner-up, the 3M’s E-A-Rsoft OCS1135 , can only be ordered in industrial-size lots that, while perhaps appealing to those who travel constantly (or run a hostel), are annoying to store and often lack a reusable container of any sort.

best travel security items

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

For air travelers and back-sleepers.

The lightweight and contoured Nidra mask is a light-blocking win for most face shapes, with deep eye cups that allow the wearer to blink freely and arrive feeling refreshed.

When bright lights hamper peaceful shut-eye, we recommend the light-blocking, contoured Nidra Deep Rest sleep mask. Of the 20 masks we tried over two rounds of testing , the Nidra blocked the most light on the most faces. It’s contoured to rest on your face like a pair of soft goggles, with fabric lenses that sit around your eyes (instead of directly over them). This design provides more space for your eyes to flutter during REM sleep, ensuring that you come through red-eye flights with less redness in your eyes. Makeup wearers will also appreciate that, with the Nidra’s elevated eye cups, there’s a smaller chance of smudging.

best travel security items

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat, silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

If the Nidra Deep Rest doesn’t fit your face quite right, we also recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask . It lacks contoured eyecups and thus applies some pressure to the eyes overnight like any regular eye mask does. But its flat design easily conforms to fit your face, and its silk exterior feels smooth and soft against skin (the padding is made of cotton). Its relative lack of structure makes it more difficult to knock off when you’re tossing and turning. Testers also liked that the Alaska Bear’s unobtrusive buckled strap didn’t snag on long hair the way a Velcro strap could. We think the Alaska Bear is a terrific eye mask for sleeping while traveling or in bed—regardless of your preferred sleep position—but we find the Nidra mask’s roomier eyecups more comfortable.

Sleeping bag liner

best travel security items

Sea to Summit Premium Silk Travel Liner

For a silky feel and extra warmth.

The Sea to Summit silk liner wicks moisture, doesn’t retain smells, packs down to the size of an apple, and even weighs less than one. It makes scratchy motel and hostel linens a lot more bearable.

A silk sleeping bag liner is a great way to insulate yourself from scratchy, cheap, poorly maintained linens you might find at a hostel or motel. On top of the obvious bling appeal of sleeping in silk, it’s the best performing material, too: absorbent yet quick-drying.  This makes silk superior to cotton, which becomes uncomfortable as soon as it gets moist, and synthetics, which retain smells more readily. Silk is also super strong, and its light weight means manufacturers can give you full body coverage in a compact package.

Our favorite is the  Sea to Summit Premium Silk Travel Liner , which is available in a variety of sizes, including regular, long, and even double for sharing. Whichever you pick, it will pack down to about the size and weight of a medium-sized apple. You won’t need it everywhere you sleep, but you’ll be glad you have it the next time you run into a set of scratchy sandpaper sheets at a cut-rate boarding house. (We have also used this for sleeping on long plane flights with great success.) Cocoon and Rab are the only other options when it comes to 100 percent silk liners available online and backed by a real company with a warranty, but those come in only one size. (Western Mountaineering makes silk liners as well, but they’re mainly available through independent retailers.)

Few things are better than landing at an airport, turning on your phone, and having it just work. No hassles, no stress, no worries about brutal roaming fees. You can check in with loved ones, scope out the route to your lodgings, and maybe post an Instagram story or two—because your phone works just like it does at home. This is especially freeing, and it makes travel so much easier. (Of course, phones aren’t the only useful tech to bring: Check out our accessories reviews for guides to the best cables ( USB-C , Lightning , and Micro-USB ), Wi-Fi hotspots , Bluetooth speakers , and more.)

Unlocked mobile phone

One of the most useful gadgets for international travel is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with cheap, prepaid phone plans you can sign up for at your destination. Unless your carrier offers plans including high-speed data that you can access internationally (i.e., you’re with T-Mobile or Google Fi), traveling with a phone under contract with a major carrier means paying an arm and a leg for data. Being able to access data-guzzling apps like Google Maps or Google Translate on the fly is worth the hassle to unlock a phone. Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp are free, easy ways to communicate with people you meet on your trip and people from home. Plus there’s checking email, TripAdvisor, banking, social media, and so on.

travel gear, cell phone

An “unlocked” phone means you can buy prepaid SIM cards in the country you’re visiting, letting you access their local network for significantly less money than the roaming fees incurred by your home carrier. With a prepaid SIM, your phone effectively becomes a new phone with a new (now local) phone number. Instead of seeing “Verizon,” “AT&T,” or “Sprint” at the top of your phone, you might see “Vodafone,” “Yes Optus,” “M1,” or whatever provider you choose in the country you’re visiting. The first thing to check is if your phone will work where you’re going. If you’re unsure if your phone will work where you’re going, check the Wikipedia page for your phone or contact your provider.

Your phone will also require a removable SIM (which most newer phones have). Most countries require a passport or other ID to buy a prepaid SIM without a contract, but switching the SIMs is easy. Most stores will do it for you while you’re there. Depending on the country/provider, this could take as long as 10 minutes but is often faster. The next question is easily the most complicated: Can you unlock your phone? Each carrier has different rules and criteria. Generally, if you have a brand new, expensive phone, they may not let you unlock it (there’s usually a waiting period after the purchase date). But if it’s a little older, or if you’ve paid it off, they probably will. The thing to remember is that a provider can deny an unlock request without giving a reason. You might be lucky, though; certain phones on certain providers are unlocked by default. Here are Verizon and AT&T’s pages on unlocking. Alternately, you can buy a pre-unlocked phone just for travel. Amazon and Best Buy, for example, sell unlocked phones. This is also a good option if you think you might lose your expensive phone and a cheaper one will suffice while you travel.

Plug adapter

best travel security items

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we look for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it charged more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with an extra USB cable and a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), a plug adapter could be what you need.

best travel security items

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

The tiny plug adapters from Ceptics are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics set will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter. These charts should help you find the shape you need before you order.

However, getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland a few years back. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on those charts, and the plug adapters she had used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) The world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

Whether two-prong or three-prong, an adapter just changes the shape of your plug, not anything about the electricity coming through the wires. However, this usually isn’t a problem because almost every power brick that comes with modern electronic gear is capable of accepting both the 110-volt standard used in the US and the 240-volt commonly used abroad. If your device has a power block on the cord, it likely says something like  “100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”—that’s the all-clear to use it without a voltage converter so long as the range covers the voltage of the country you’re visiting . This includes the vast majority of modern laptop and USB chargers. Products without some sort of power block at the end or with a non-detachable cord—in particular, things with heating elements like hair dryers and curling irons—are more likely to need a voltage converter. Putting 220 V through a US 110 V device would be like attaching a firehose to a drinking fountain—you’re likely to blow your face off. But voltage converters are tricky devices, and most of the inexpensive ones have awful (or dishonest) reviews. Since hotels and hostels will often have hair dryers and most newer gear can do the full range of voltages, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, you only bring items that work with a much simpler (and more reliable) adapter.

Wire/gadget organization system

Now that every device has a battery, every battery has a charger, and every charger has a cable—never mind power-plug adapters if you’re traveling abroad—the sheer quantity of accessories needed just to keep your gadgets running can take up more space than the devices themselves. And unless you organize them, you can bet on having to blindly fish them out of the least convenient spot at the bottom of your bag. Unfortunately, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, has been out of stock for a few years. It will, however, be coming back in 2024, according to Incase.

The Incase cable organizer is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. It is a soft-shell bag, however, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when it’s full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—its contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy. We have other picks in our full guide to bag and cable organizers , including a customizable mesh-pouch setup and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches ; we’ll also start testing other options to replace this one.

USB battery packs

usb-battery-packs-group

A USB battery pack (also called a power bank) can keep your small electronics—from phones and cameras to tablets and more—going while you’re on the road. Although the length of your trip will determine exactly how much extra juice you’ll need to have on hand, whatever your requirements, we have a great USB battery recommendation for you. The Zendure SuperMini 20W is about as small and lightweight as a power bank can possibly be while still offering enough capacity to juice up most smartphones up to three times. Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices (and recharge the power bank itself) at top speed with the included USB-C cable and a compatible wall charger (the one that came with your phone will work). The USB-A port can handle any older, non-USB-C devices you might have kicking around, too. The SuperMini’s rounded edges make it easy to hold and slip into a pocket.

If you’re traveling for leisure, try not to get too wrapped up in technology because you might miss what you’re actually there to do: experience a new place. OneBag’s Doug Dyment said in an interview, “Wearing headphones and staring at a screen is like putting a digital wall around yourself when you’re traveling. It makes you seem unapproachable and uninterested in what’s around you.” That may be a good thing if you do truly want to be left alone, but Dyment went on to say that some of his most memorable traveling experiences were the result of just looking lost and getting help from the locals. “One minute, you’re a lost foreigner in an unfamiliar village, then someone asks if you need directions. Before you know it, you’re eating dinner with his family.”

Travel binoculars

best travel security items

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The overall best binoculars.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars have performance comparable with that of many models that cost thousands more.

Our top pick for binoculars is durable and great for near-home hikes. In hot or dusty environments that may call for a clearer optical boost, the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 binoculars deliver top quality. Its focus dial offers a wide range of depths that makes it easier to see whatever it is you desire—birds, grass or darkened areas of the forest. Our recommendation comes with the assistance of a professional ornithologist who spent over 100 hours putting 17 pairs of binoculars to the test in the mountains of Southern California and the rain forests of southern Mexico.

Although the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars don’t offer a clear edge-to-edge view to the same degree of the Athlon Optics Midas EDs , they’re a comparable runner-up model that’ll be lighter on your wallet if having binoculars while traveling is a must. The TrailSeekers are equipped with great light-gathering qualities, close focus, and impressive optical resolution.

Ebook reader

best travel security items

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, and it’s finally been upgraded with sharper text on its 6-inch screen and support for USB-C charging. Those features bring it in line with much-pricier e-readers.

The entry-level Amazon Kindle finally got an upgrade, with the same crisp display and USB-C charging as the pricier Kindle Paperwhite has (and with double the storage space of the previous entry-level model). If you have $20 more to spend, the Amazon Kindle Kids is worth it even if you’re not a parent; it comes with a case, one year of Amazon Kids+, a two-year warranty (compared with the standard version’s one year of coverage), and no ads. Getting rid of ads on the base model costs $20 alone. Amazon’s well-stocked ebooks store remains its biggest selling point, along with the ease of checking out library books via Libby and sending them directly to a Kindle.

Even if you don’t have time for pleasure reading on your trip, it’s worth investing in a Kindle because many major travel guides are available in fully searchable ebook formats now. Furthermore, e-texts will also work on your phone, tablet, and computer, thanks to the Kindle ecosystem.

Travel water bottle

best travel security items

CamelBak Podium 21oz Bike Bottle

A lightweight squeezie.

This squeeze bottle is leakproof, light enough to throw into a carry-on for a flight, and cheap enough that if the TSA forces you to ditch it, the loss won’t break your heart.

If you’re tired of paying for a liter of water every time you take a plane trip, try a lightweight water bottle that you can stuff into your bag and then refill once you get past airport security. For years, we looked for a reliable collapsible travel bottle, but we were disappointed so many times: The HydraPak flopped, the Hydaway tasted plasticky, the Vapur and the Platypus collapsed (in a bad way), and the Nomader didn’t pack down very small. And in our experience, the implied way to carry a full one correctly—clipped to a backpack or belt loop—left them swinging around haphazardly. We’ve recommended all of these bottles in the past, but we’ve always been left wishing there was a better way.

Basic, light, and cheap, a squeeze bottle made for cycling is now our sincere recommendation for airport travel, and we like the CamelBak Podium in particular. It has a twist lock that provides extra assurance that it’s closed tight when you toss it in a bag—plus, it’s dishwasher safe. In addition to its being light and relatively compact, if the TSA takes it, you’ve lost only a few dollars instead of your investment in an expensive insulated bottle. The lid on this bottle is not covered, though, so if you dislike the idea of this bottle swimming around in a bag with the drinking surface exposed, you may prefer another of our water bottle picks, the Thermos Hydration Bottle , although some of our testers didn’t like having to fuss with the lid or flip lock on the Thermos.

Packable daypack

best travel security items

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, we think you’ll prefer one of our more-structured picks.

Packing a stowable daypack, one that stuffs down to fit in your luggage when not in use, is a relatively small investment of space in exchange for a high return of function and flexibility. After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it is very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory. The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water-resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, allowing the Ultra-Sil to carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more structured picks.

If comfort or waterproofing is important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

best travel security items

Field Notes 3-Pack Original Kraft Memo Books

For ultimate portability.

Field Notes are cheap but contain high-quality paper that earns praise from pen and stationery geeks across the web.

For writing your adventures as you travel, you can’t beat the portability, practicality, and romanticism of a pocket notebook. There’s nothing better in that category than Field Notes (three-packs available in a variety of styles and types ). These pocket-sized notebooks are widely praised for their excellent paper quality, and the Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy tells me “Field Notes is pretty much the runaway pocket notebook champ.” Dowdy has praised it for the lack of feathering or bleedthrough with almost any pen, as well as for the light brown ruled lines, which are easier to write over than solid black. Austin Smith of Art Supply Critic told us in an email that his recommendation is “Field Notes has it, no question.” The Well-Appointed Desk has reviewed a slew of different Field Notes variants for those looking for something a bit more interesting.

travel gear, field notes

Field Notes Expedition

A weather-resistant option.

Weather-resistant Expedition Field Notes are great if you’re writing in wet conditions, but don’t get them if you don’t need them. The synthetic paper feels weird and can cause some inks to smear.

If you think you’re going to be writing in foul weather, Field Notes also has the waterproof Expedition version with pages made from a synthetic water-and-tear resistant paper. You should only get these if you really need them, because otherwise, they just feel unnaturally slick and are more prone to smearing ink. At least one user has said that the paper shows less soaking through when wet than the similar Rite in the Rain books . The one caveat is that the synthetic paper will only work with pencils and certain inks ; thankfully, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT , our pick for best pen , definitely makes the grade.

Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, both where you are and where you’re not. Though you can’t prepare for every worst-case scenario, the peace of mind that a little bit of preparation grants will allow you to focus on what’s in front of you, instead of having to worry about what could go wrong. But preparation doesn’t simply mean buying more stuff just in case; it also means making efficient use of what you already have.

best travel security items

Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit

For the best combination of sewing tools.

The Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit is the only travel kit we found that had objectively high-quality thread and scissors.

There’s nothing quite like a wardrobe malfunction to put a damper on vacation, especially when traveling with limited clothing. A good travel-size sewing kit allows you to mend a popped button or ripped seam on the fly—or even tackle more pressing issues like fixing a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack. After 15 hours of research, interviews with sewing teachers and avid home sewers, and tests of six travel and full-size kits, we found the Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit had by far the best tools and was the easiest to keep organized. Standard travel sewing kits usually contain mediocre thread and plastic-handled scissors that break easily. They can also be hard to keep organized (a truth we confirmed when testing six top-rated travel and full-sized kits). The Merchant & Mills set was the only one that had high-quality thread, all-metal mini scissors (don’t worry, the TSA shouldn’t stop you ), and a durable tin case (about the size of a deck of cards) to keep everything well organized.

travel gear, sewing kit

Because the sewing pins are neatly stuck into paper inside a slim envelope and the three needles are housed in a mini glass vial, this kit also limits the risk of losing a sharp object in your bags. We found the Merchant & Mills needles easier to thread than others (no need for a fussy needle threader!) and we also like the vintage-looking safety pins that come clipped together along with two small white buttons. Although this kit only comes with black and white thread, the thread is strong and there’s more of it than you’d get in a flimsier set with shorter strands of multiple colors. We do think it would be nice if the kit included a more durable measuring tape than the paper one included, but overall everything about this kit is leagues ahead of anything else we considered. We didn’t find editorial reviews for any of the kits we tested, but the Merchant & Mills rapid repair kit was recommended by several sewing bloggers and is sold in many reputable indie fabric shops.

best travel security items

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best umbrella for most people.

This is a solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella that holds up in high winds. It also comes in a variety of colors.

price may vary by color or style

An umbrella you take traveling should be small, light, sturdy, and affordable. After putting in 66 hours of research and evaluating a total of 48 umbrellas across five rounds of testing (including one thunder-snowstorm), we found that the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is the best umbrella for most people. Its durable, nine-rib construction held up admirably against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice as much.

The Repel folds up to an 11½-inch long, 14-ounce package that fits easily into most bags and glove boxes. And it forcefully expands at a touch of a button to reveal an ample 37-inch-diameter canopy that protects your head and torso from precipitation in all but the windiest of conditions. Its lengthy, textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes. We also appreciate that the Repel comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easier to pick yours out of a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, despite its affordable price, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under the company’s warranty.

A person holding a red Repel Easy Touch umbrella in the rain.

Packing method for clothes

While packing cubes and other organization tools are helpful for maximizing your bag’s usable space, efficient packing is also achievable without the aid of tools and compartments. One Bag’s Doug Dyment tried all manners of folding aids and compression products but was unsatisfied with their claims of compression and wrinkle prevention. Frustrated, he developed his own method of packing clothes compactly called the Bundle Method, which he’s used and perfected over several decades of traveling.

The Bundle Method involves layering your shirts and pants at opposing angles on a flat surface, then wrapping them around a small “core” parcel (e.g. a packing cube full of underwear and socks). We won’t get into details, but Dyment does on his website ; you can watch this easy-to-follow video from NBC . The resulting bundle is compact and has no sharp creases that will require ironing out later on. Additionally, Dyment explains that “the slight tension created in the fabric by the wrapping process, along with the anchoring of the resulting bundle, greatly reduces the chances of wrinkling.” You then put it in your bag and use the tie-down straps to provide just enough pressure to keep it together.

While simple to perform, this packing method isn’t something you can master in one go. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it’s like riding a bike. The downside is that you can’t just leave your clothing packed and expect to be able to access your underwear without fully unpacking your clothes first. But unpacking is a good habit to get into anyway, as it allows your clothes to breathe and avoid wrinkles or mildew. Wirecutter founder and frequent traveler Brian Lam says that unpacking the moment he enters a room has a grounding effect that allows him to feel a bit more at home in a new environment.

travel gear, travel tips

If this sounds like too much of a hassle for you, you can do what we did before we found out about bundling: roll up your socks and underwear tightly and place them in packing cubes, then put your wrinkle-prone items (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets) in a garment folder—we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder . This is also travel guru Rob King’s preferred method of packing. Though the garment folder is not quite as space-efficient as the bundle method due to the added bulk of the folder and folding board, the plastic backboard does go a long way towards preventing wrinkles. Just be aware that if you leave your clothes in there for longer than a day, they’ll begin to develop unsightly creases that require an iron to get rid of.

travel gear

A big thank-you to the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, Oregon, for lending us a suite to use for the photos in this guide.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

  • There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
  • After traveling with 22 backpacks, we’d choose to carry our pick—but we offer other great options as well. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks  
  • After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
  • For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably. The Best Travel Backpack  
  • Learn what we found while searching for the best checked bag. We started with 26 pieces of checked luggage and selected five as our favorites for most travelers. The Best Suitcases for Checking  
  • We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  

Further reading

best travel security items

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

best travel security items

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

road trip checklist

Road-Trip Essentials

by Eve O'Neill

We spend a lot of time driving each year, and this is our list of essential road-trip gear to include in your packing list.

best travel security items

The Best Travel Pillow

by Sabrina Imbler

After testing eight travel pillows on four red-eye flights in window, aisle, and middle seats, we think the Travelrest Ultimate is the best for most travelers.

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The 6 Best Travel Safety Products

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Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Safety is probably the last thing on your mind when you’re packing for a trip, but it should factor into your packing list, especially if you’re traveling solo. Adding a few small gadgets to your bag, like a portable door lock or a carbon monoxide detector, could save your life on your next trip.

Don’t leave home without these six essential travel safety products. 

Sabre Portable Door Lock

Sabre Portable Door Lock (left) and a demonstration of how to insert the lock into a door (right)

Ensure no one can access your hotel room (even if they have a key) with the Sabre Portable Door Lock . This small but mighty gadget works on most doors and prevents intruders from getting in from the outside.

No tools are required to use the door lock, which can be set up within minutes. 

Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector

Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector

Cases of carbon monoxide poisoning at hotels have been in the news recently. Hotels may not always have working carbon monoxide detectors in every guest room—so protect yourself by bringing your own. 

Kidde’s Carbon Monoxide detector is small and can be set up anywhere, plus the battery lasts for 10 years (so no need to worry about making sure it’s charged). 

What is the Safest Hotel Floor to Stay On?

Personal Safety Alarm

Two close ups of the Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, one on a white backdrop (left) and one on a pink floral backdrop, showing the alarm on a gold carabiner (right)

Solo travelers should pack a personal safety alarm that they can use in a threatening situation. This alarm by Birdie can be worn on a keychain for easy access. Pull the top pin to activate a loud siren and flashing strobe to draw attention to you and scare off attackers. 

Hidden Camera Detector

Hidden Camera Detector (left) and digital illustration of how to use the hidden camera detector (right)

Worried about being watched in your vacation rental? Pack a hidden camera detector to find any audio or video devices in a room, no matter how small. 

Read our guide on checking for hidden cameras for further tips on how to find secret recording devices. 

AAA Road Trip Kit

Two views of the AAA Road Trip Kit

If you’re headed out on a road trip, especially to isolated locations, you should always pack an emergency kit in your car. This kit, created by AAA , has everything you might need if you get break down or get into an accident.

The compact carrying case houses 76 preparedness items, including a booster cable, air compressor, poncho, and bandages. 

10 Travel Safety Mishaps and How to Avoid Them

Power Bank and Emergency Light

Two side-by-side close ups of the NRG Emergency Light and Power Bank

Having a dead cell phone can certainly be a safety risk—you won’t be able to call for help in an emergency or navigate yourself out of a bad situation. Pack the NRG Emergency Light and Power Bank , which can fully charge your phone or other electronics.

It also doubles as a flashlight, another essential item for your emergency toolkit, so you can utilize it during a fire, earthquake, or power outage to light your escape path out of a hotel room.

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The Best Travel Safety Products Every Solo Traveler Should Have

Posted by Lara | Jul 24, 2020 | Solo Female Travel , Travel Tips , Uncategorized | 0

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Hi there, I'm Lara! Your classic Dutchie, who just as any other girl-next-door loves traveling, meeting people, and food. I am best described as an extremely clumsy, sarcastic solo female traveler with zero photography skills. Yet I decided to use these "skills" to give practical, budget, and sustainable travel tips for other solo (female) travelers.

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Home | Travel Safety | 16 safety and security products every traveller needs

16 safety and security products every traveller needs

Jessica Jones

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review . We may earn money when you buy through our links.

When you're travelling it's a good idea to take extra precautions for your personal safety. You're in an unfamiliar environment and many of the usual protections that we put in place in our daily lives are absent. While you generally can't bring bulky or fixed security items with you on vacation, there are quite a few things that can come along for the trip that will greatly increase your safety and security while travelling .

The top priority when it comes to safety while travelling abroad is obviously yourself. Although you don't want to end up in a situation where you have to, most things can be replaced, so focusing on personal safety first is wise.

Travel insurance

The most important thing you can have on any trip is travel insurance . It may not seem like a big deal when things are going well, but if anything goes wrong you'll be incredibly thankful that you took out a policy before leaving home. Especially since many countries don't offer subsidised healthcare like Australia does, so you could find yourself stranded and stuck with a nasty bill if you need assistance and don't have cover.

Personal safety alarm

A personal safety alarm is a good item to carry even when you're simply out and about in your own neighbourhood, but it becomes essential if you're travelling overseas. In unfamiliar places it can be easy to wind up lost and find yourself in an area that isn't the best, so being able to call for help easily is vital.

If you'd like to pair your alarm with an application, check out our list of the best personal safety apps .

Hand sanitiser

Depending on where you're headed, public places and restrooms aren't guaranteed to be clean, and you may even find you don't have access to running water. For this reason, carrying hand sanitiser with you is highly recommended.

To prevent yourself from getting sick , you should also use sanitiser any time you touch objects that may not be the cleanest. Even if a location seems clean enough, we suggest ensuring you have plenty. 

First aid kit

A first aid kit may seem a little over the top to carry with you everywhere, but as mentioned above, not all countries will have accessible healthcare. Carrying a first aid kit could also save your life if you're somewhere you cannot get proper medical care, and comes in handy for everyday scrapes and scratches as well.

best travel security items

Price is accurate as of post date.  Read full disclaimer .

Phones are essential for navigation, safety and more these days, so having a flat phone in a foreign country is never a good thing. Even if you think your battery is going to last all day, it's a good idea to keep a fully charged power bank on you at all times.

Finally, if you'll be accessing any sensitive data such as hotel bookings, online banking or anything else that has significant personal data tied to it, we suggest the use of a VPN . Short for Virtual Private Network, these types of services greatly enhance both privacy and security so they're a useful resource no matter where you are in the world.

For your belongings

In addition to taking extra steps to protect yourself while travelling, it is also a smart idea to add some extra security to your belongings.

RFID passport wallets

best travel security items

RFID passport wallets help prevent the theft of your personal information by blocking any RFID attacks launched against you. We suggest storing your passport, cards and any other belongings with RFID or NFC technology within this type of wallet while travelling.

Anti-theft bags

best travel security items

Anti-theft bags are made from stronger material than your standard options. This makes them harder to slice open or break the handle of, therefore offering better protection for your belongings. They also tend to have either shorter straps or a cross body strap in order to make them harder to snatch, and some options offer a locking mechanism. This helps keep your items secure and in your possession for the duration of your holiday, something that can be a bit of a struggle in certain destinations.

Luggage locks

As the name suggests, luggage locks help ensure that nobody is able to open your luggage. This small addition can provide greatly enhanced security with very little investment or effort, and we strongly recommend making use of luggage locks on all suitable bags and suitcases.

If you're prone to losing things, or heading to a destination where theft is common, attaching an AirTag to your valuables is a wise move. Not only will this help you find anything that goes missing, but it can also help you prove that you actually own the item in question.

best travel security items

Cash is still king in many places, and you're not always guaranteed to have your card on you, so it certainly pays to have a suitable amount of emergency money on you at all times. Having said that, cash is one of the most commonly stolen items when people are away on holiday, so it's a good idea to keep your stash in a money belt.

Portable safe

best travel security items

While hotel safes certainly offer better protection than simply leaving your valuables around your room, they're not always going to be available. If you're staying in a hostel , for example, secure storage for valuables often isn't provided, and if it is, it may not be to the standard you desire. By the same token, hotel safe codes are generally known both by staff and previous guests of the room making them less secure than a personal one. The good news is that portable safes are readily available for those who would like some extra protection, so we suggest getting one before leaving home if you'll be travelling with anything particularly expensive or sentimental.

For your environment

Finally, it is also a good idea to do your best to secure the environment that you're staying in. While this is never going to be completely doable, some extra protection is better than none, and it's relatively easy to achieve.

Travel door locks

best travel security items

Sometimes referred to as portable door locks, travel locks are a must no matter where you're staying. Hotel key cards are notorious for working on multiple rooms and you don't want someone stumbling into your space at 2am because they had a bit too much fun and forgot which room was theirs. These locks work by preventing the door from being opened from the outside - even if whoever is trying to enter has unlocked the door - and are an incredibly helpful addition to your travel kit.

Door stop alarm

A door stop alarm serves two purposes—letting you know that someone is trying to enter your room, and buying you a little extra time to react. While a door stop alone won't stop a determined intruder, this alarm will at least notify you that something is wrong and may even scare the intruder away.

You never know when you're going to need to secure an item to or within something, so it's a good idea to carry a padlock or two with you at all times. This is more relevant for those staying in hostels or other shared accommodation but it's worth carrying one no matter where you're staying.

Sanitiser wipes

While most accommodation is cleaned regularly, those who want extra peace of mind will benefit from taking sanitiser wipes with them on their travels and giving their room a quick once over upon arrival. Focus on high touch areas if your supply is limited, but if possible, we do recommend going over the entire room.

If you're catching public transport , its worth giving your seat a quick once over for that extra layer of protection, especially if you're travelling in an unfamiliar country. 

Travelling is a greatly enriching experience, but it can also be a dangerous one. These products are designed to help reduce the risk and each offers its own unique benefits, so we suggest adding all sixteen to your packing list next time you're getting ready to fly out.

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Shop TODAY editors and travel experts swear by these anti-theft products while traveling

best travel security items

The heart-dropping, stomach-sinking moment in "Home Alone" when the McCallister family realizes Kevin was forgotten isn't one that many can relate to. However, while traveling , many of us can relate to the head-scratching moments when we ask ourselves, "Did I leave something behind?"

What's even worse than forgetting to pack certain valuables is having them stolen from right under your nose and having nothing to blame but your easy-to-access bag or luggage. The best anti-theft products employ various protective features and aim to resolve these problems while helping you keep better track of your belongings.

Shop TODAY spoke with Mitra Amirzadeh and Katie Jackson, two seasoned travelers, to get their insight on what anti-theft products they trust to keep their valuables safe (and what you should be looking out for when shopping).

What are anti-theft features? | What should shoppers keep in mind? | Editor-recommended anti-theft products | Expert-recommended anti-theft products | How we chose | Meet the experts

Shop Today Snapshot

Best anti-theft travel products.

best travel security items

What do anti-theft features look like?

Anti-theft features might not always be obvious (for example, a subtle combination lock on a suitcase). They're worth it, though. Here are a few examples of some anti-theft characteristics in backpacks, luggage and more:

  • Zippers: Zippers on anti-theft bags might be hidden, such as a backpack with a zipper in the back rather than the front. There are also hard-to-find zippers that tuck into the bag itself, making them difficult to access.
  • Pockets: Amirzadeh appreciates a backpack with a rear-loading pocket rather than a traditional front compartment, as it makes it harder to pickpocket.
  • Bluetooth trackers: Both Jackson and Amirzadeh put their trust in Bluetooth trackers that they add to luggage, which they are able to access from their phones. The Apple AirTag was rated as one of the best travel accessories during Shop TODAY's Travel Awards in 2023, making it one that both Shop TODAY editors and travel experts trust.

What should consumers keep in mind when shopping for anti-theft products?

In order to stay one step ahead, Jackson assumes the position and mindset of a thief when shopping for these products.

She says, "What would you look for if you were going to steal a bag or its contents? Then, shop for a bag that doesn’t have those blind spots." Jackson continues, "If your bag is slightly inconvenient for you to open, that may be annoying, but in the long run it’s worth it if it prevents a thief from stealing your valuables."

This is one of the reasons why Jackson bought the Cotopaxi Allpa pack : because the zippers tuck into a loop.

Additionally, Amirzadeh has noticed an uptick in passengers carrying hip packs across the front of their bodies to clearly see and access their items. Plus, keeping your valuables in front of you helps reduce the likeliness that a thief will unzip your bag from behind.

"I think carrying your passport , your cellphone and your wallet in a hip bag that is towards the front of you, or a crossbody bag that you’re wearing across your chest, is a really good idea; you’re less likely to get your stuff stolen that way," she says.

Editor-loved anti-theft products

Ytonet laptop backpack .

Laptop Backpack

Laptop Backpack

  • Extremely roomy
  • Opens from the top
  • Many hidden pockets inside
  • Zippers aren't hidden

According to Amanda Fama , a commerce editor at Shop TODAY, this one "extremely roomy" backpack. It has a unique design that opens from the top, and the handles above can be secured together. Plus, there are various pockets throughout the interior.

"I used this backpack often for traveling and commuting with my laptop, and I always felt confident that my items were secure," She says. "Plus, it's roomy enough to fit clothes and shoes for weekend trips."

INICAT Crossbody Leather Bag

INICAT Small Crossbody Sling Bag Faux Leather Fanny Pack Purses for Women(No Touchscreen-Black)

INICAT Small Crossbody Sling Bag

  • "Functional and secure"
  • Won't give off tourist vibes
  • Logo is visible

This crossbody bag features two zippered pouches in the front and one in the back, which is why associate editor Shannon Garlin trusted it with her go-to ' s when traveling abroad.

"This large (but not too large)  crossbody bag  has become the star of my latest trip abroad," she says. "Not only did I get tons of compliments from friends, but also it fit everything I needed for a day exploring a foreign city, all while feeling secure!"

Quince Check-In Hard Shell Suitcase

Check-In Hard Shell Suitcase

Check-In Hard Shell Suitcase

  • Chic design
  • Can scuff quickly

Usually we associate Quince with affordable luxury fabrics and basics, but did you know they make travel products as well? From packing cubes to duffel bags and more, the brand is proving to be more than a go-to for reasonably priced clothing items.

Associate editor Allie Wise owns this hard shell suitcase, that's available in four different carry-on sizes and five colors.

"I received a sample of this suitcase in tan and I have not traveled with any other suitcase since," she says. "I absolutely love how well it rolls through the airport- almost too good! It also has a TSA-approved lock to safely store all your valuables."

Samsonite Outline Pro Medium Spinner

Samsonite Outline Pro Medium Spinner

This spinner won a Shop TODAY Travel Gear Award for best splurge suitcase.

  • The lock is easy to set up
  • Holds a lot, easy to clean
  • None to note at this time

Well-loved by Shop TODAY editors during our Travel Awards in 2023, this medium-sized suitcase was the first time that associate editor Kamari Stewart had used one that included anti-theft features.

"This suitcase is my tried-and-true favorite," she says. "I bought it two years ago and I take it literally everywhere. Aside from the massive amount of stuff that fits in what they call a 'medium,' I love the TSA-safe lock it has."

This 360-degree roller has a three-digit lock that you can use to secure your items.

"It was super easy to set up and has been a breeze to use ever since," she says. "It definitely provides me with peace of mind on longer/farther trips where I’m always scared of it getting stolen."

Expert-recommended anti-theft products

Apple airtag.

AirTag

  • "Game-changer"
  • Affordable, reasonably priced
  • Audio alert is quiet

Both Jackson and Amirzadeh swear by Apple AirTags to help keep track of their items, whether they’re in the overhead bins above them or stowed away under the carriage.

“While they won’t deter theft, they provide some semblance of hope that if our bags do go missing, they’ll at least be trackable,” Jackson says.

They’re available individually or in four-packs, which is convenient if you have multiple bags or family members with things to keep track of.

“I like knowing that if I accidentally walk away from my backpack or luggage that my phone’s going to go off, because where do we go without our phone? Absolutely nowhere. I like that it tells me ‘Hey, you might have left this item behind,’” says Amirzadeh.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Allpa 35L Travel Pack

  • Super spacious
  • Can be bulky

Jackson purchased this multi-tasking pack after nearly getting pickpocketed abroad and praises its zippers, a quality that is often overlooked in luggage.

“The zippers don’t lock, per se, but they tuck away, so you can’t open them unless you’re at the right angle and they take several seconds to undo,” she says.

This pack opens up like a suitcase, with zippered mesh compartments on each side that can fit a week or two weeks’ worth of clothing and items. Plus, it has loops on either side of the compartments to tuck your zipper into so they’re harder to access.

ThinkTank BackStory Backpack

BackStory™ 15

BackStory™ 15

  • Rear loading compartment
  • Is bulky, but holds equipment

This is Amirzadeh’s choice when it comes to carting her camera equipment around. With a rear-loading compartment that includes 15 panels to store cameras and accessories, she’s able to travel from country to country without fear of her items getting stolen.

“All of my gear goes in the reverse panels and I fill the backpack from behind, so all the zippers are up against my back, instead of out there where you could be behind me in line and unzip it,” she says.

Shopper-favorite anti-theft products

best travel security items

Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker

best travel security items

Waterproof Nylon Anti-theft Rucksack

best travel security items

Anti Theft Backpack

How we chose.

As a team of editors who are always on the go, the Shop TODAY staff pitched protective products that they depend on while traveling. We also included the preferred travel bags and accessories from a flight attendant and a travel writer. Many of the items included have anti-theft features such as hidden zippers, rear-loading designs and more.

Meet the experts

  • Mitra Amirzadeh has been a flight attendant for nine years, and a destination wedding photographer for five.
  • Katie Jackson is a travel writer and expert, serving on our panel of experts for the Shop TODAY Travel Awards .

best travel security items

Sierra is an editorial assistant for Shop TODAY.

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The 10 Best Portable Safes for Travel in 2023 [Hotel, Pool, Beach]

Amar Hussain's image

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

The 10 Best Portable Safes for Travel in 2023 [Hotel, Pool, Beach]

Things To Consider When Buying a Portable Safe

1. compact combination-lock safe for travel, 2. waterproof and compact steel safe, 3. great travel safe for the beach or pool, 4. anti-pry travel safe box with combination lock, 5. innovative design with wire mesh, 6. compact alloy-steel box safe, 7. safe box for guns and travel items, 8. safe with up to 8-digit code, 9. small safe with 3 modes of entry, 10. sturdy safe with anti-theft alarm, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Traveling can put your belongings at risk, and you would be wise to look for a way of keeping your valuables protected on your journey. While you hope thieves won’t take aim at you and your family, it’s best to be prepared for this unfortunate occurrence, especially when traveling internationally.

To avoid being an easy target, look to arm yourself with a high-quality portable safe. These safes can be used to store your phone, credit cards, jewelry, passport, and other valuables. They can be carried with you or left in your hotel room and used in place of hotel safes that may have easily breakable codes.

Portable Safe

Before we get into our top picks for portable safes, we’ll also address the most important aspects to consider when purchasing one.

Above all, you should consider the lock type . Digital locks might be your preference, but classic combination locks work just as well. Additionally, the safe material and protection methods make a real difference here.

You’ll also want to be aware of the size of the safe to ensure that it will hold all of your valuables. Let’s dig deeper into these factors.

Portable Safe Lock Type

There are several types of locks that can be found on portable safes. Manual key locks and combination locks are more common than digital locks and provide a high level of protection. Keeping the key to your safe in a dedicated place and the safe itself with you, or the other way around, will provide protection for your valuables.

Bottom Line: Combination safes are hard to break into, as long as the material itself is protective and resistant to tampering with a tool.

Another crucial factor in a proper portable safe is the material. You need waterproof material to protect your valuables, but you also need a sturdy and durable construction for longevity, making it impossible for thieves to break into.

Some of the best materials for a portable safe include alloy steel, metal blends, and butadiene and zinc combinations .

Portable Safe Size

Portable safes come in a variety of sizes to suit different needs and preferences. On the smaller end, compact safes are intended to hold your phone and a few essentials and usually measure 5 to 7 inches .

On the other hand, much larger safes can also fit jewelry, documents, expensive perfume, and watches. These typically measure 15 by 10 inches and have a capacity of more than a liter.

The 10 Best Portable Safes

Let’s get into the best portable travel safe options. We compiled our list based on the protective factors and capacity mentioned above to bring you the highest level of security for your valuables while traveling.

BEST OVERALL: Master Lock Portable Small Lock Box

Master Lock 5900D Set Your Combination Portable Safe

The Master Lock 5900D is a small safe that can be packed up in any travel backpack or bag. It has a compact size safe with a combination lock that provides complete protection for your valuable items.

Not only does it allow you to set up a combination, but you can also use its integrated cable to attach it to any object, improving the security of your items. The interior has just enough room to fit your phone, passport, cards, and other small items.

This portable safe is also equipped with shock-absorbing foam and is water-resistant, giving you peace of mind while you’re on the move.

What We Like

  • Compact safe with a combination lock

What We Don’t Like

  • It could be breached with tools if stolen

UPGRADE PICK: VAULTEK LifePod Secure Waterproof Travel Case

VAULTEK LifePod Secure Waterproof Travel Case

With the VAULTEK power safe, you’ll be equipped with a completely protective safe for your belongings while traveling. It’s a compact safe that measures just 7 by 6 inches and is made of alloy steel to ensure protection.

It features a touch-activated keypad for code entry, and there’s a backup key entry discretely placed on the side. This way, even if you forget your code, you can use the spare key to open the safe.

This safe also stands out with features like a protective rubber gasket and dual compression latches.

  • Double-layered protection with a keypad and a spare key
  • Too small to fit anything larger than a passport and a watch

SAFEGO Portable Indoor Outdoor Lock Box Safe With Key

The SAFEGO lockbox comes with both custom combination access and key entry. If you will be using the spare key, it’s best to keep it somewhere accessible to you but not in the direct vicinity of the safe.

Styled to look similar to a small purse or bucket bag, this safe has an adjustable steel cable so you can attach it to another object. It’s extremely durable as it’s made from a blend of steel, zinc, and acrylonitrile butadiene . All in all, these features make the safe both impact-resistant and impervious to theft.

  • Made with a blend of metals and a powerful metal cable
  • Its design may limit its appeal

Amazon Basics Portable Security Case Lock Box Safe

This safe has you covered if you want a safe place to stash your money and room key. It fits easily into your travel or beach bag, with dimensions of just 9 by 6 inches.

Still, it’s big enough to fit small items such as your phone or small pieces of jewelry. With a combination lock and anti-pry alloy steel material , this is a classic safe that does what it’s meant to do. Surprisingly, this safe contains a foam-padded interior and is California DOJ-certified as a firearm safety device.

  • Simple and easy to use
  • No spare keys

PacsafeTravelsafeGii 5 Liter Portable Safe

One of the best large-scale travel safes is the Pacsafe option, with as much as 5 liters of capacity. It’s one of the largest portable safes you can find, and it still comes in a handy and portable bag design.

It has stainless steel wire mesh embedded in the fabric and a combination lock for maximum protection . All of your items will remain safe in this tamper-resistant bag.

The bag can be anchored to fixtures such as pipes or trees with a stainless-steel cable. It can even be stored flat in a suitcase and doesn’t take up much space for its size.

  • Portable and has a large capacity
  • The bag could theoretically be torn by heavy tools

SentrySafe Portable Safe 0.05 CubicFeet Black

This small box safe is constructed from steel and features a sturdy combination lock. With a durable box design and soft interior lining , it’s a great choice for travel when it might be shifted around or dropped.

It’s easy to reset the code and it will only consume 8 by 6 inches of your packing space. It also comes with a cable that can be used as a handle or an anchor to another object. Its size and alloy-steel construction make it suitable for carrying your phone, passport, credit cards, and jewelry.

  • Durable and compact
  • The cable is a little thin

Dalmbox Car Gun Safe For Pistols With Combination Lock

The Dalmbox gun safe box is a perfect option to keep on your hotel room nightstand. It’s a protective safe box with interior foam padding and a heavy steel cable to lock it to any fixed object.

With a 3-digit combination lock, this lightweight box works equally well on a plane, in a hotel room, or while taking a walk. You can bring it with you anywhere, and feel good about the fact that thieves will have a hard time breaking the code or breaching the steel construction. It’s also suitable for keeping guns away from children.

  • Multipurpose safe box
  • Can’t fit wide objects

RPNB Gun Safe California DOJ Certified

Whether you wish to keep your gun safe from children or to have a practical travel safe box, the RPNB gun safe is a solid choice. It’s perfect for thin items such as small pieces of jewelry, passports, credit cards, and phones.

This is a larger travel safe with dimensions of 12 by 9.4 inches, with plenty of room for a handgun along with other personal items. The customizable master code can be from 3 to 8 digits long , which is a great security addition in the world of travel safes.

  • Adjustable code up to 8 digits
  • Dimensions favor thinner items

Jolitac Pistol Safe Box Gun Safe Locking Case With Electronic Lock

You’ll never need another travel safe with an advanced option like the Jolitac pistol safe box. It has 3 modes of entry with a coded keypad, keyhole, and quick-access sensor. All of this is in a small and compact package.

Inside you’ll find padded foam, while the outside features a stable handle. It comes with batteries as well as 2 sensor keys and regular keys for the safe lock. It also comes with a cable for higher security to fix the safe to another object. With a carbon-steel construction, Jolitac’s pistol safe box is one of the best options on the market.

  • 3 protective layers and carbon-steel construction
  • Thin security cable

BAGKOOL Pistol Safe Portable Metal Travel Gun Safe

The BAGKOOL pistol safe box is perfect for travel thanks to its alloy-steel construction and a key lock, which might be old-fashioned but is still among the most secure lock types.

It has an anti-theft alarm and features some neat additions like a padded interior and a spare key . Along with these factors, this safe is a great travel companion thanks to its scratch protection and TSA approval.

  • Small, steel-reinforced safe
  • Padded insides don’t leave as much storage space

In the end, it all comes down to choosing the best option for you and your family based on the features we’ve listed as essential for portable travel safes. The type of lock and safe material you choose completely depends on your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are portable travel safes worth it.

Portable travel safes can be a great help when it comes to keeping your valuable items secure. No matter where you go, their compact size and security locks are a great combo for travel.

What’s the best portable safe size?

It all depends on the items you’ll be keeping in the safe, but in general, safe sizes between 10 by 5 inches and 15 by 10 inches are sufficient. Smaller sizes will hold items such as your passport and phone, while larger sizes can contain more than 1 liter of storage capacity.

What are the strongest portable safe materials?

The strongest portable safe materials are alloy steel, reinforced metal blends, and carbon steel.

How heavy should a portable safe be?

It all depends on your items and the safe material, but there are compact solutions that weigh as few as 3 or 4 pounds.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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5 Easy Ways to Secure Your Hotel Room

Inexpensive, portable safety devices to take with you when you travel

best travel security items

 TripSavvy /  Julie Bang

Are you worried about the security of your hotel room when you travel? You never really know who else has a key to your room, or how good the locks and deadbolts actually are.

Luckily, there are several easy, inexpensive ways to secure the room more effectively. Here are five of the best.

The simplest way to add extra security to your hotel room is with a rubber door wedge, and many travelers swear by them. They're cheap, take up almost no space in your bag, and can be set up in just a few seconds. You simply place the thin end under the door jam; then gently kick the wedge into place to secure it.

Door wedges work best on hard surfaces like wood or tile, although some do come with a Velcro strip to stop them from sliding on carpet. For extra security, you can also buy models that come with an alarm that will sound when the wedge is disturbed.

The door you're securing has to open inwards for the wedge to be effective. Most hotel doors do, but it's something to bear in mind.

Check prices for  door wedges on Amazon.

Portable Door Locks

Another straightforward approach to securing your room is by using a portable door lock. These come in several shapes and styles, but they all work in a similar way, preventing the door from opening inwards. Again, for that reason, they won't protect you when the door to your room opens out into the corridor.

Most portable locks have one piece that fits into the metal plate where the existing latch or lock goes, and another that sits across the back of the door. When locked in place, these prevent the door from opening unless someone physically breaks it down—not the most subtle of approaches.

A few portable locks take a different approach, with a piece that slides under the door jam, and a plate that screws down onto the floor.

When someone tries to open the door, the horizontal force is transferred into vertical pressure that secures the lock more tightly in place. Like door wedges, they work best on hard surfaces. You'll get some protection if your room has carpeted floors, but not as much.

Check prices for portable door locks  on Amazon.

Motion Detection Alarm

If you'd like to protect more than just the entry door to your room, consider a motion detection alarm. These infrared sensors can be placed facing a window, door, or anywhere else in the room (other than your bed), and will alarm when they detect movement.

Make sure you choose a model that has sufficient range (at least 10 feet, but more is better), and will automatically re-arm itself if you're planning on using it when you're out of the room. If you're protecting a window, be aware of flapping curtains and swaying tree branches when choosing the right position for the alarm.

Some can also be used as personal security devices, with loud alarms that can be quickly activated in an emergency, so look for that feature if it's important to you.

Check prices for motion detection alarms  on Amazon.

Travel Door Alarm

While it won't prevent access to the room, a door alarm should scare away all but the most determined of thieves. There are different versions, but a common type hangs from the door handle, with two metal prongs or blades that are pushed between the door and its frame.

When the door opens, the prongs come apart, and a loud alarm sounds. It's a simple but effective technique, with the advantage that it will work on any door type, including those that open outwards. These alarms typically only take a few seconds to set up, so you don't need to spend ages messing around every time you leave or come back to the room.

The Lock Locker

Finally, if your door has a deadbolt, but you're concerned about staff and others still having access with a spare key, the Lock Locker will help set your mind at ease. It's a two-part device, with a long flat section that fits around the handle and a round piece that fits over most deadbolts.

Set both pieces up, combine the two, and you've got a system that makes it pretty much impossible for anyone to open the deadbolt from the outside, whether they have a key or not

Check prices for the Lock Locker  on Amazon. 

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Customs and norms in other countries can be very different from those in the United States. Check out our Country Information pages to find specific information for every country in the world. You'll get info on visa requirements, safety and security conditions, crime, health and medical considerations, local laws, areas to avoid, and more. Enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get information about health and safety in your destination country. Enrolling in STEP also allows the U.S. embassy and/or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

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Review our Customs and Import Restrictions page to find out what items may not be allowed into or out of your destination country. These restrictions may include items such as over-the-counter medications, drugs, alcohol, contraceptives, religious items, and literature. Items allowed in the United States might not be permitted in other countries.

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The safety of public transportation varies from country to country. In many places, informal taxis or minibuses can be dangerous. This may especially affect those traveling alone. Find out what is and is not safe from reliable sources, such as local authorities or tourism officials.

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Review our Lodging Safety page and do the following:

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  • Download map applications that work with GPS instead of data to ensure you have access to local maps and routes. Keep your mobile device charged.
  • Tell someone you trust back home about your travel plans. Include where you'll stay, any far-away destinations from your accommodation, and an emergency contact.

Watch Your Drink

U.S. citizens can be targeted by criminals who seek to drug them in order to sexually assault or steal from them. Typically, the drugs are added to the victim's drink without their knowledge. Victims usually cannot tell that their drink has been drugged, and substances like Rohypnol, ketamine, and scopolamine can make a person unconscious and defenseless. Always watch your drink, and physically cover it with your hand if you can.

  • If meeting with a stranger, you should strongly consider meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur.
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  • If you start to feel strange or sick, tell a trusted friend if you can, and call emergency authorities right away. You can call the local police or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate . If you are assaulted, get medical care and resources from the nearest hospital or medical center. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for information on getting help and medical care in the country you are in.

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  • SaferTravel.org provides travel safety tips and information for travelers to over 350 destinations.

If you have safety and security concerns, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Reach out to the American Citizens Services unit.

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Can you spot the TSA contraband?

Test your airport security skills with this game.

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: What do a chicken , a PlayStation and jar of peanut butter have in common? TSA found a gun in all of them.

Every year, the Transportation Security Administration intercepts thousands of firearms at airport security checkpoints, plus pills disguised as candy, throwing stars, dead sea horses and lots of bottles of liquids over 3.4 ounces. That includes jars of peanut butter, sans guns. And while pets are not banned from planes, TSA is constantly reminding travelers not to put them through the X-ray scanners because they’ve found a few of those in suitcases, too.

The agency shares its weirdest finds throughout the year on social media and then compiles its greatest hits at the end of the year. Items left behind at checkpoints that are not contraband end up at TSA’s lost and found for at least 30 days and then are sold, destroyed or donated.

Think you could spot a banned item coming down the belt? Test your skills below with these real-life airport security X-rays from around the world.

Contraband found

best travel security items

Contraband shown left to right, top to bottom:

Knife and brass knuckles. Boa constrictor. Skull with wires and 9-volt battery. Bomb or improvised explosive device. Live dog. Gun. Gun hidden inside a gaming console. Bomb or improvised explosive device (IED). Three 9mm rounds sewn into the lining of shoes. Brass knuckles, folding knives and a large amount of cocaine.

Washington Post illustration; TSA; Shutterstock; Getty Images; iStock.

Editing by Amanda Finnegan . Art direction and design by Katty Huertas . Design editing by Christine Ashack . Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin . Copy editing by Jamie Zega .

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

Elina Geller

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards with travel insurance benefits.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on American Express' website

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

best travel security items

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

best travel security items

Compare plans from 13 providers.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

best travel security items

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

best travel security items

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

best travel security items

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance? How much is travel insurance? Is travel insurance worth it? What does travel insurance cover? Does travel insurance cover COVID?

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

30,000 Limited-time offer: Earn Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25 plus 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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I Traveled Abroad for 2 Weeks, and These Under-$30 Anti-theft Items Kept My Valuables Secure

Including a portable door lock, versatile backpack, and RFID-blocking wallet.

best travel security items

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

I have to admit, it’s daunting to travel to a new destination when you’re unfamiliar with the  country or continent. I recently found myself in that exact situation as I prepared for a two-week-long trip to Thailand. But part of my planning process included leveraging my experience as a shopping writer to find top-notch gear to help me travel safely and comfortably. 

My research paid off: I returned home without losing a single item, thanks in part to my street skills and new anti-theft products. The best part? Each item I relied on costs less than $30, and I’d easily use them again for my next international trip. Keep scrolling to add my top travel picks to your Amazon cart starting at just $6.

Apple AirTag

I travel frequently and have been fortunate that an airline has never lost my luggage, but that doesn’t mean the worry hasn’t crossed my mind. For $28, an Apple AirTag provided peace of mind as I traveled from Los Angeles to Bangkok. During my layover in Tokyo, a quick check on the iOS FindMy app assured me that my checked bag made it to the next destination. Now, the Apple AirTag has become my travel companion, and I always pop one into my suitcase or everyday bag and clip one to my keys using this handy AirTag holder . 

Lewis N. Clark RFID Blocking Stash Wallet

I can’t stand rummaging through my personal bag to find my passport, and Lewis N. Clark’s large wallet eliminates this hassle for just $16. Measuring 8 inches by 5 inches, the wallet has a velcro pocket to stash your passport, two side zipper pouches to store cash and small valuables, and a clear card holder to display your driver's license. It also features an adjustable strap that can be worn around your neck or across your body as you move through the airport. I found it very convenient for keeping all my valuables in one place, within reach, and safe. Plus, the lightweight organizer provides RFID protection.

Travelambo Slim RFID Blocking Wallet

Travelambo’s wallet also provides RFID protection by preventing your credit cards’ electromagnetic chips from being scanned by thieves. The 100 percent leather cardholder is slim enough to slip into your pocket or stash in a belt bag. It also has enough space for six cards, cash, and a personal ID. Choose from six colors like blue, black, and khaki, and add the minimalist wallet to your cart for as little as $7.

Cheruty Anti-Theft Backpack

Our team named Cheruty’s bag as the best mini anti-theft backpack for a reason. What sets it apart is its main compartment, which is only accessible by unzipping the pouch on the back of the bag. I used the backpack every day in Bangkok, and I appreciated that the interior was spacious enough to accommodate large items like a 14-inch laptop and a reusable water bottle. It also comes with a removable, adjustable strap, so you can wear it as a shoulder bag or crossbody bag. Shop the vegan leather style in 27 colors. 

Kfxfenq Crossbody Sling Bag

On the days I wanted to carry less, I opted for this crossbody sling bag . Made from faux leather, it features an adjustable, embroidered strap that is not only stylish but also thick and sturdy enough that it doesn’t add stress to your shoulder. The sling bag has a button-closure compartment that’s slim enough to hold hand sanitizer and sunscreen, and a larger zipper compartment ideal for storing a phone, wallet, and keys. 

Lgooiin Zipper Pulls

For additional security, consider buying zipper pulls. I bought Lgooiin’s pack of 10 for just $6, and I rely on them to clip a compartment’s two zippers together by the holes at the end, ensuring my bags are as difficult as possible to pickpocket. They also double as replacements for broken zippers. 

Rerishom Portable Door Lock

Getting a good night’s sleep in an unfamiliar place can be tough, especially if you’re an anxious traveler like I am. For peace of mind, I bring along Rerishom’s Portable Door Lock to provide extra security at night. Installing it is a breeze: Simply insert the handle into the door slot, close the door, and lock it into position. With the lock in place, no one can break into your room — even with a key. 

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55 Best-Selling Amazon Products You Need in 2024

We're talking travel gadgets, cool kitchen accessories and apartment must-haves.

amazon must haves

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

We combed through page after page (after page) of Amazon best-seller lists and customer reviews to pinpoint which popular Amazon products are actually worth shopping. Many of these best-sellers have been tested by Good Housekeeping Institute experts, and received two thumbs up : kitchen items , car accessories , beauty products , healthy snacks and travel products . We also included best-selling home items to upgrade your space and weird #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt finds that may just revolutionize your daily routine. And we know Amazon is a top destination for gift shoppers, so there are plenty of great gifts for women and must-have presents for men in there from Amazon's Most Wished For section . All that's left to do is hit Add to Cart .

Stanley Quencher Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Tumbler

Quencher Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Tumbler

There's no time like the present to jump on the Stanley Quencher bandwagon—or expand your collection with a fun new colorway (and perhaps a few Stanley cup accessories , while you're at it). Available in a versatile range of sizes and a rainbow of color options, the viral tumbler has vacuum insulation and stainless steel walls that'll keep your beverage cold all day .

Zulay Kitchen Handheld Milk Frother

Handheld Milk Frother

Though it may be called a milk frother, this handheld electric whisk can do a whole lot more: blend protein shakes, mix in collagen and supplement powders, make a mean matcha latte, whisk scrambled eggs to frothy perfection, and on and on. And did we mention it has over 160,000 five-star reviews on Amazon?

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe's non-comedogenic Moisturizing Cream was developed with dermatologists to hydrate dry skin and restore the skin barrier without irritating sensitive skin or causing breakouts. The Amazon Beauty best-seller has earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and two thumbs up from Good Housekeeping editors .

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patches

Mighty Patch Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patches

These Hero Cosmetics haven't just won over Amazon reviewers; they've also won over Good Housekeeping's panel of dermatologists and estheticians and earned our pick for the best pimple patches . Made from gunk-absorbing hydrocolloids, they'll draw out excess fluid and prevent you from picking at blemishes as they heal.

HeatnBond Iron-On Adhesive Hem Tape

Iron-On Adhesive Hem Tape

You don't need to be a sewing whiz to find use for Amazon's best-selling hem tape, especially at such an affordable price. In addition to hemming jeans, trousers and skirts, it can be used to shorten curtains, too. With over 16,000 five-star Amazon reviews, it's certainly worthy of a spot in your cart.

Fullstar 4-in-1 Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer

4-in-1 Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer

Eating your recommended vegetable intake is a whole lot easier with this 4-in-1 Fullstar vegetable chopper and spiralizer. Reviewers say it can whip up everything from chopped salads to zucchini noodles, pico de Gallo and sweet potato fries.

Poppi Sparkling Prebiotic Sodas

Sparkling Prebiotic Sodas

It's safe to say that Poppi has taken over the Internet. The sparkling prebiotic sodas have thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon and millions of views on TikTok. Plus, the "better-for-you soda alternative" won a Good Housekeeping Best Snack Award in 2023, where "taste testers couldn’t get enough of this fizzy drink, and it got the thumbs-up from our dietitians."

Cozy Essential 20-Pack Vacuum Storage Bags

20-Pack Vacuum Storage Bags

Over 37,000 Amazon reviewers agree that these Cozy Essential vacuum storage bags will significantly increase your storage space, whether that's under a bed, in a closet, attic, storage bin or even in a suitcase. This best-selling 20-pack comes with an easy-to-use hand pump so you won't have to fiddle with a vacuum hose.

Mellanni Queen Sheets

Queen Sheets

If you're shopping for sheets on a budget, you won't want to miss this set from Mellani. The GH Institute tested these buttery soft sheets , and we were impressed by the durable fabric that resists shrinking, even after multiple washes . With more than 246,000 five-star ratings, these top-selling sheets come in a variety of sizes and colors to match your current bedding.

Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

This handheld carpet and upholstery cleaner went viral on social media because of its ability to remove a disgusting amount of dirt from rugs, car upholstery and more . With more than 49,300 five-star ratings, it's Amazon's best-selling carpet cleaner. Plus, our cleaning experts at the GH Institute found that this small-but-mighty device was super easy to clean out, too, making it one of the best portable carpet cleaners on the market.

Bronax Cloud Slippers for Women and Men

Cloud Slippers for Women and Men

These viral pillow slides feel like walking on a cloud, according to thousands of Amazon reviewers. They're s uper easy to clean and offer plush cushioning while adding a little bounce to your step. As Amazon's best-selling slippers, they come in a range of sizes and colors to suit your style.

Linenspa All-Season Quilted Comforter

All-Season Quilted Comforter

It's what's on the inside that counts: Fill your favorite duvet cover (like the best-selling Bedsure option on this list!) with this quilted microfiber comforter, which is packed with a hypoallergenic down alternative . It'll keep you warm — but not too warm — all year long.

Bedsure Satin Pillowcase 2-Pack

Satin Pillowcase 2-Pack

According to experts, silk pillowcase benefits include reducing wrinkles, minimizing hair frizz and keeping your skin moisturized . However, you don't have to splurge to reap the benefits; this number-one best-selling pillowcase set is under $10 on Amazon. It boasts more than 216,000 five-star ratings , and it comes in a ton of different colors to match your bedding. Named in our best silk pillowcases guide, it impressed our sleep testers who unanimously rated it as feeling smooth.

Boon Pipes Toddler Bath Toy

Pipes Toddler Bath Toy

Bath time is either their favorite time of the day or a difficult experience for all parties involved. These popular bath pipes attach to the bath wall and have a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with numerous parents saying they improve bath time fun. One five-star review says "These pipes have been a huge hit with both my one year old and almost three year old! Easy to clean and have suctioned well so far. I recommend these for bath time fun!"

Colorfulkoala High Waisted Workout Leggings

High Waisted Workout Leggings

These affordable leggings on Amazon outperformed more expensive styles in our tests, impressing GH Institute experts and consumers. The fabric maintained its shape after stretch recovery testing in our Lab, and we appreciate that you can choose from over 30 color and pattern options. Side pockets are ideal for slipping your phone and keys inside as you head out the door for a run or to walk the dog.

Bagail Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes

These popular packing cubes were rated best overall by our textiles experts, and more than 20,200 five-star reviews support this title. The eight-piece set is simple in design but still durable, and includes a nice variety of shapes and sizes so you can easily pack larger clothes like shirts as well as underwear or even a pair of shoes. We also appreciate the make-up which is a nice addition to the collection.

Conair Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover

Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover

It's always annoying when you pull on your favorite shirt only to find that it has started to pill. Enter: a fabric shaver . This handy cleaning tool will let you remove fuzz and pills from thin-, medium- and heavy-weight fabrics. Conair's fabric shaver also functions as a lint remover so you get the best of both worlds. It's backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal and we appreciate its large lint bin to collect pills. More than 84,000 five-star reviews reflect its popularity.

Revlon One-Step Volumizer Enhanced Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush

One-Step Volumizer Enhanced Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush

This viral blow-dryer and hairbrush combo makes it easy to achieve a salon-grade blowout at home. According to our Beauty Lab experts who tested the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer , the long side of the brush works as a straightening paddle brush to smooth frizz while the curved edges lift and volumize hair from the roots . As Amazon's best-selling blow dryer brush, it's a budget-friendly yet effective styling tool to add to your beauty routine.

Pavoi 14K Yellow Gold Hoops

14K Yellow Gold Hoops

These stylish gold hoop earrings look expensive, but they're just $14 on Amazon. The sleek design makes them easy to style with other jewelry, and they come in four different hoop sizes to suit your preferences. As Amazon's best-selling earrings, they have more than 46,000 ratings, and shoppers rave about how lightweight, durable and elegant they are .

RELATED: The Best Gifts on Amazon for Any and Every Occasion

essence cosmetics Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

This mascara promises a false lash-like effect with dramatic volume and length. In previous Beauty Lab tests, our experts found that it was excellent at lengthening, volumizing and curling lashes — making it one of the best mascaras on the market. Amazon reviewers especially love the fact that they're getting such results at just $5. "To my surprise, it’s just as good, if not better, than the $20 mascara I’ve been using!" one reviewer says.

Sarah Maberry is a Firstfinds Commerce Writer at Hearst Magazines, covering trending products in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and beyond. She’s obsessed with being the first to wear, try, watch and buy what’s going viral.  

Headshot of Elizabeth Berry

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

Headshot of Shanon Maglente

Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.

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Airport summer 2024 chaos with potential for items to be seized and delays over new rules

Warning that some airports will have the new scanners in place and others won't meaning people need to follow key advice

  • 09:13, 5 MAR 2024
  • Updated 09:47, 5 MAR 2024

Because some UK airports will have new baggage scanners installed and some will not by the June 1 deadline passengers won't know the rules and some will be carrying items which are not allowed, experts said

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Passengers face a confusing patchwork at airports around the country with the potential for items in their luggage to be seized. The reason is that most airports in the country are going to miss the deadline of June 1 to get new liquid scanners installed.

Currently anyone travelling on an aircraft has a restriction on any liquids above 100ml containers due to concerns over terrorist attacks. New scanners are being istalled in airports which would mean an end to those rules, but according to a new survey, many are still struggling to get them sorted by the summer.

Airport freight service 1st Move International carried out a study which showed that some will be introduced as late as next year. While London City Airport and Teeside Airport have successfully implemented the new 3D scanners, several key UK airports are unable to meet the deadline. Notably, London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester airports will still be operating under the 100ml liquid rule.

Which UK airports have implemented the 100m liquid ban?

The delays and inconsistencies across UK airports and differences between terminals are expected to create significant confusion for customers travelling this summer. Mike Harvey, Managing Director, 1st Move International, said: “When planning your travels, it’s crucial to be aware that the 100ml liquid restriction might still be in place depending on the specific airport you depart from. Ensure that you check all departing airports on your itinerary, including domestic layovers.

“Until a universal removal of the 100ml liquid restriction is implemented across all airports, it’s best to adhere to the established protocols. Continue to pack liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 100ml or smaller and arrange them in a clear, resealable plastic bag, to mitigate the risk of disposal.

“People who fail to remove items from their bags or travel with large bottles of liquids and creams are the biggest cause of delays at airport security. This is expected to be heightened by confusion regarding the new legislation, so we recommend arriving early in order to reduce the risk of unexpected delays caused by confusion between the new rules.”

In December Transport Minister Anthony Browne told the Commons that many airports have already introduced the new technology, and urged those who had not to start bringing it in before a deadline in June next year. Consumer group Which? warned it could cause confusion during the summer holiday because passengers may expect the hand luggage security rules to have been changed at all UK airports, only to find that is not the case, which could cause delays at security as people are carrying items which cannot be taken on planes in those circumstances.

The rules requiring liquid items to be taken through security in containers of 100ml or less and put in a clear plastic bag were introduced in 2006 after a plot to bomb a transatlantic flight was foiled. Airports were originally told to bring in new scanners by 2022, before the deadline was moved to June this year.

Iain Stewart, the Conservative chair of the transport select committee told the Commons last month: “This new technology will greatly improve passenger experience at airport security. For example, it will obviate the need for those lovely little plastic bags we all just love to stick our liquids into. But there is a worry amongst airports that the passenger scanners, if they are introduced for every passenger at the one go, could lead to delays as people get used to that new technology.”

Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, previously said: “We’re now going to go into a situation where different [UK] airports have different rules, so at some places you will need to get the liquids out in advance, at others you won’t.”

He said this could cause confusion and hold-ups at security. “You only need a couple of passengers to not be prepared to end up having to wait an extra 10, 20, 30 minutes.

“It is disappointing that we’re in a situation just months ahead of the peak travel period... and major airports aren’t ready.”

Travel association Abta advised people planning holidays this summer to double check the rules at each end of their journey. “It’s important to remember that even if your departure airport in the UK has changed its rules around liquids when you travel later this year, you’ll also need to check the rules that are in place for the airport you’ll be returning from as they may be different,” Abta said.

A DfT spokesperson said: “The UK has some of the most robust aviation security measures in the world and this cutting-edge technology will enhance security and boost the passenger experience.

“We are in regular contact with airports as they move towards [the] June 2024 deadline for upgrading their screening equipment and processes. For security reasons we don’t talk in detail about aviation security measures.”

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  1. The 16 Best Travel Safety Products of 2024

    Raytix RFID Money Belt at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review. Best Anti-theft Backpack: Sherpani Esprit AT at Amazon ($83) Jump to Review. Best Hidden Stash Spot: LokiStashed 3-Pack Velvet Hair Tie ...

  2. 11 Best Travel Safety Devices of 2023

    Amazon. Buy on Amazon $29 $24. Travel safety can cover a wide range of topics, and keeping track of your bags is surely high on the list. That's why an Apple AirTag is one of the best security ...

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    2. BIAOSU Infinity Scarf. Great for stylish travelers looking for discreet compartments for their valuables, the BIAOSU Infinity Scarf is a brilliant solution for keeping your most important items within reach all the time. If you want to do away with clunky purses or backpacks, a travel security scarf is for you.

  4. 57 Brilliant Travel Accessories Every Traveller Must Have in 2024

    From the best adapters, earplugs, space-savers, travel safety to portable chargers. 1. This Ergonomic Travel Pillow. The smart design of this washable pillow prevents your head from falling forwards as you sleep. Suitable for adults and children and perfect to use on airplanes, buses, trains, cars, camping, while backpacking, wheelchairs ...

  5. 17 Must-Have Travel Safety Items for Your Travel Safety Kit

    1. Door stop alarm. One big must on my list of travel safety items is a door stop alarm . These act as both warning alarms and door stops to keep someone from entering your hotel room while you sleep, shower, whatever. Simply slip it under your hotel room door then flip the switch to ON. If someone tries to sneak in, the alarm will activate and ...

  6. 15 Best Personal Safety Devices at Amazon

    Pacsafe RFID-Blocking V100 Anti-Theft Bi-Fold Wallet. Amazon. Buy on Amazon $40. Designed for travel, this bi-fold wallet has become the go-to personal security tool for countless jet-setters with ...

  7. 17 Travel Safety Gear Essentials You Need To Pack

    Best Travel Safety Items For Health. 1. Jase Case. The Jase Case is a must-pack travel safety item. Photo via Jase Medical. The Jase Case was created by Jase Medical, a company founded by board certified physician Shawn Rowland, M.D.

  8. 25 Essential Travel Safety Products You Need Right Now

    Best Travel Safety Products For Personal Security. Personal security is obviously important, no matter where you roam. Even if you can't bring your "big" security items with you, these travel safety products will help increase your safety. From personal alarms to RFID blocking technology, the following products help protect your body and ...

  9. 15 Best Travel Essentials to Protect Against COVID-19 in 2021

    Always pack one with at least 60% alcohol in your carry-on, and rub it all over your hands, even the nooks and crannies, until it evaporates. Antibacterial hand wipes are less ideal since they ...

  10. Best gear to keep you safe while traveling

    SipChip. Female travelers are mindful of the possibility that their drink could be spiked, and SipChip can help give peace of mind. This coin-sized chip fits in the tiniest of pockets and can detect the safety of a drink in 30 seconds with one drop of liquid. SipChip has a 99.3% accuracy rating and has been tested on over 100 drinks.

  11. The Best Gear for Travel in 2024

    The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men's underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we've tested ...

  12. 6 Essential Travel Safety Gadgets to Pack

    These are the best safety gadgets for travel, from portable door locks to carbon monoxide detectors. The world is huge. ... The 6 Best Travel Safety Products. flights. vacations. hotels.

  13. The Best Travel Safety Products Every Solo Traveler Should Have

    Besides comfy pants, having a t-shirt, or a tank top with additional pockets to keep pickpocketers hands out is another one to add to the essential travel safety items list! Again, the Clever Travel Companion offers shirts for men and women, as well as tank tops. Anti-theft shirts. Photo courtesy of Clever Travel Companion.

  14. 16 safety and security products every traveller needs

    16 safety and security products every traveller needs. By Jessica Jones. Jun 26, 2023. 5 min read. SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links. When you're travelling it's a good idea to take extra precautions for your ...

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    Unsplash/Amazon. Thinkwork Car Safety Hammer. $14. $27. Being in a car with a stranger puts solo travelers in a very vulnerable place. If you're ever in an uncomfortable situation (or get in a ...

  16. 7 best anti-theft travel products, per experts and editors

    Samsonite Outline Pro Medium Spinner. This spinner won a Shop TODAY Travel Gear Award for best splurge suitcase. Well-loved by Shop TODAY editors during our Travel Awards in 2023, this medium ...

  17. The 10 Best Portable Safes for Travel [Hotel Room, Pool, Beach]

    This is a larger travel safe with dimensions of 12 by 9.4 inches, with plenty of room for a handgun along with other personal items. The customizable master code can be from 3 to 8 digits long, which is a great security addition in the world of travel safes. What We Like. Adjustable code up to 8 digits; What We Don't Like. Dimensions favor ...

  18. The Best Travel Accessories to Pack on Every Trip

    2. A travel toiletry bag. A Dopp kit is key to staying organized—and avoiding spills in your luggage. We like these options from Calpak and Dagne Dover for their water-resistant materials and ...

  19. 8 Items a TSA Agent Never Packs in a Carry-on

    Shop them starting at just $4 at Amazon and Dagne Dover to get through airport security faster. ... With more than 5,000 five-star ratings, it's one of Amazon's best-selling travel products.

  20. Make Hotel Rooms Secure With Portable Safety Devices

    You simply place the thin end under the door jam; then gently kick the wedge into place to secure it. Door wedges work best on hard surfaces like wood or tile, although some do come with a Velcro strip to stop them from sliding on carpet. For extra security, you can also buy models that come with an alarm that will sound when the wedge is ...

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    Best travel products to make your next trip worry and stress-free. By Nishka Dhawan. Monday, March 4, 2024 3:56PM. ... GM recalls nearly 1 million pickup trucks due to safety concerns.

  22. 16 Best Travel Items to Buy on Amazon 2024

    Contigo Snapseal Byron Mug. $31 at Amazon $44 at Walmart. Credit: contigo. One reviewer calls this mug the "best travel thermos cup ever," and advises shoppers to read the instructions to properly ...

  23. 13 essential travel products for plus-sized women

    Discover essential travel products curated for plus-sized women. From seat cushions to pajamas, find items to enhance comfort and confidence during your travels. ... The 35 best travel backpacks ...

  24. Best Practices for Traveler Safety

    Research Your Destination. Customs and norms in other countries can be very different from those in the United States. Check out our Country Information pages to find specific information for every country in the world. You'll get info on visa requirements, safety and security conditions, crime, health and medical considerations, local laws, areas to avoid, and more.

  25. Can you spot the TSA contraband? Test your airport security skills

    Test your airport security skills, and find the contraband in these real X-ray images. ... Items left behind at checkpoints that are not contraband end up at TSA's lost and found for at least 30 ...

  26. How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more. Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage ...

  27. These Anti-Theft Items Kept My Valuables Secure Abroad

    The 16 Best Travel Safety Products of 2024. How to Work From Anywhere — All the Products You Need for Working Remotely. 14 Spring Must-haves That Will Make Your Next Trip Easier, According to a ...

  28. 55 Best-Selling Amazon Products in 2024

    The best-selling products on Amazon in home, beauty, travel and electronics. These affordable, top-selling, reviewer favorite picks are perfect for gifting.

  29. Airport summer 2024 chaos with potential for items to be seized

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