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Home » Gear » What Is The Best Portable Travel Safe? Find a Safe for Beaches, Hotels & Busses

What Is The Best Portable Travel Safe? Find a Safe for Beaches, Hotels & Busses

Good luck getting home without your passport. Your typical bank safes will qualify for more than a few oversized bag surcharges at check-in, but that doesn’t mean you should travel without protection.

Whatever is important enough for you to pack and bring with you on a trip is valuable enough to someone out there, and opportunistic criminals have learned to look for large backpacks and foreign accents as easy targets.

Hopefully, you’ve learned the basics. Never take your eyes off your luggage and don’t fall asleep on night busses. Bringing along a portable travel safe will help take your safety a step further.

Whether you’re looking for something that keeps your valuables more secure while on your person or while packed away in your hotel room, portable travel safes are a great way to go the extra mile and make sure that everything that starts your trip makes it home with you at the end.

Don’t entrust your passport and wallet to any old lock and key. We’ll show you some of the best portable safe technology on the market so you can get a better idea of what these handy tools can do.

There are safes out there for all sorts of environments, so it’s up to you to find the best way to secure your valuables. These soft and packable containers are easy to pack but hard to access and will help you out whether you’re heading to the neighborhood zoo or Zambia.

In A Hurry? These are the best portable travel safes.

#1 – best portable travel safe –  pacsafe 12 liter, #2 – best small portable travel box –  trova go, #3 – best beach lockbox –  safego  , #4 – best steel mesh travel safe –  pacsafe 55l backpack protector, #5 – best laptop travel safe –  pacsafe x15, #6 – best fireproof travel safe –  bluepower file folder, #7 – best camping safe box –  keep safe lock box, #8 – best disguised travel safe –  demeras mini book, #9 – best travel jewelry box – amazon basics portable security case lock box safe, #10 – best safe backpack –  venturesafe x12 anti-theft pack.

Pacsafe 12 Liter

• > Packs flat
• > Knife-proof

• > Fits in a pocket
• > Seals odor

• > Affordable and durable
• > Allows earphone access

Pacsafe 55L Backpack Protector

• > Highly adjustable
• > Locks up your entire backpack

Pacsafe X15

• > Can be used as a carry-on bag
• > Fits two laptops

BluePower File Folder

• > Expands to hold electronics
• > Five layers of lightweight protection

Keep Safe Lock Box

• > Simple locking mechanism
• > Lightweight

Demeras Mini Book

• > Fits phones and travel documents
• > Comes with two keys

Amazon Safe Box

• > Steel tethering cable
• > Easy to use combination lock

Venturesafe X12 Anti-Theft Pack

• > Reinforced zippers
• > Honeycomb mesh is cut-proof

What Is a Portable Travel Safe?

Why use a portable travel safe, where to use a portable travel safe, what are the different kinds of portable travel safes, what size of portable travel safe is best, what is the best portable travel safe, final thoughts.

A travel safe is exactly what it sounds like. Through different techniques and methods, these portable safes allow you to securely lock and store your valuables wherever the journey takes you.

All styles of locking mechanisms, sizes, and security levels will come with a portable travel safe, so you can be sure to find the protection that works best for your adventures.

Just because these tools are called safes doesn’t mean you have to carry a bulky, heavy lockbox with you on your next trip. The latest portable travel safe iterations have flexible steel, mesh, and plenty of packable features.

Whether you want something to stow away in a hotel room, something you can keep with you at all times, or an entire bag that doubles as a lockbox, a portable travel safe that can fit in your luggage is an easy way to feel peace of mind and protect your valuables. Many travellers simply don’t think to be invest in a portable travel safe making them a great idea for a gift for backpackers.

It’s in the name! The only way to be 100% sure none of your valuables are going to be stolen is to stay at home, but a portable travel safe is a close second. Some hotels and hostels will offer a lockbox or valuables storage, but we can’t always count on that. 

Even if your destination comes with a Döttling Narcissus luxury safe,  portable travel safes will help make sure your valuables survive your travel days. These safes go beyond theft protection to offer water, wind, and fireproof places to store your goods.

Solo travelers can use portable safes to lock their gear down when it’s time for a bathroom break or finally feel comfortable falling asleep on the bus.

The list goes on and on.

If you’re lucky enough to ask this question, you may have never experienced a worst-case scenario of theft while traveling. At home or abroad, robbery can leave you stranded on the side of the road with nothing but an overwhelming sense of dread.

It may be tough to wrap your head around the necessity of keeping your valuables safe, but we highly recommend not waiting around until you’ve felt this hopelessness to invest in protection. There is no product out there that can prevent criminals from being criminals, but there is simply no situation where a portable travel safe won’t help make your valuables more secure. 

Whether your portable safe accompanies you through a bus ride, beach trip, or extended stay, you’ll hopefully never come across a situation where it’s necessary. If the worst happens, a good lockbox will make all the difference in the world.

You can use a portable travel safe wherever the road takes you. Lightweight and portable safes come small enough to stow your car keys before a day at the beach, and super tough aluminum shells let you keep your passport and credit cards locked away in your hotel room for days at a time.

Every safe on this list is suitable for use at beaches, hostel dorms, hotels, camping, and when boarding busses, trains or Tuk-Tuks. Depending on your needs, you’ll find a travel safe that locks down your larger backpack or a smaller device that holds a few essential documents.

Often made out of stainless steel or aluminum alloy, wire mesh technology is what made portable travel safes accessible to modern travelers. This lightweight mesh can wrap around your already existing bag and connect it to any fixture in your hotel room or any solid picnic table/beach chair while out and about.

Wire Mesh is used in all sorts of portable travel safes to connect the lockbox to any immovable object. Some safes take things a step further by offering a wire mesh exterior to wrap around your valuables, thus making any bag a travel safe.

Most famously created by Pacsafe, Travel Safe Bags feature anti-theft zippers, RFID blocking pockets, and numerous security features scattered throughout the packs. Some smaller bags come with one handle and use a mix of wire mesh and nylon wrapping to create a knife-proof shell that is light enough to carry in one hand. 

Other larger bags provide enough space to be used as carry-on or day bags with extra locking features. Any portable travel safe bag will include steel wire that allows you to easily attach the bag to any immovable object and lock down your valuables. 

These are a more traditional kind of portable travel safe. They are basically larger safes cut down and crafted out of lightweight materials that allow you to carry the boxes in your bag or pocket. Lockboxes typically don’t have enough space for you to protect every single item you travel with but are reserved for important documents, like your passport, wallet, keys, and cell phone. 

These boxes can be attached to larger fixtures with a lock to make sure they don’t go anywhere and also include a combination or key lock to open up. There are loads of varieties in lockboxes. You can find lockboxes with GPS tracking, carrying handles, and disguises. 

Different styles of travel safes are being invented every day. Modern travelers can find lockboxes explicitly designed for laptops, known as laptop cases, and document holders that can withstand wildfires and hurricanes.

Decide what it is you need to protect, and allow that to guide your search. You’ll be surprised at the variety in today’s travel safe market. 

First, ask yourself what you’ll be saving. 

Some barebones backpackers won’t be traveling with much more than the clothes on their backs, and those get funky fast. If you’re not too worried about someone running off with your dirty laundry, a small lockbox may be all you need to secure important documents in your hostel or hotel room. 

Other travelers, especially digital nomads, could be traveling with thousands of dollars of electronic equipment, most of which won’t fit in a typical lockbox. In this case, you’ll need a significantly more extensive travel safe.

If you want to protect your camera, laptop, and various gear, make sure you get a portable travel safe larger than your backpack, such as a wire mesh protector that will allow you to lock everything down with one key.

For those just looking to keep their keys and wallet secure while they head off on a surf or into the woods for a few days, a small lockbox will keep everything exactly where it needs to be without adding on extra pounds. 

The larger your lockbox, the more difficult it will be to transport, so think about what’s best for your particular nomadic lifestyle. 

The best portable travel safe is whatever best protects your valuables. 

What we’re saying is, the best travel safe for a hiker won’t be the best travel safe for a traveling photographer.  

That doesn’t mean there is no such thing as a lousy travel safe. Avoiding the pretenders and investing in a proper travel safe will save you money in the long run. 

An easily crackable travel safe is basically a box that says, “hey robbers, all the good stuff is right here.”

Best-in-class travel safes that have separated themselves from the pack by making sure no casual criminal can access your belongings as well as standing out as the best options for particular niches. 

Below, you’ll find industry-leading travel safes that have redefined peace of mind for traveling.

TBB amassed this list over thousands of hours of travel time and hundreds of close calls. Broke backpackers worldwide have entrusted their precious items to these portable travel safes and credit the technology packed into these protectors for getting home with everything in one piece. 

Here are the best travel safes for quick trips, long jaunts, and everything in between,  so you can find the perfect piece for peace of mind on your next trip.

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#1 – Best Portable Travel Safe – Pacsafe 12 Liter

Pacsafe 12 Liter is our top pick for best portable travel safe

• Dimensions: 1 x 13 x 20
• Lock Type: Combination
• Weight (lbs): 1.2
• Material: Polyurethane
• Price: $228

Reinforced in all the right places yet still flexible, you can safely pack 12 liters of valuables in this badass travel safe. We love how easily you can carry this protective shell without sacrificing safety. 

The lightweight exterior isn’t easy to crack, thanks to cut-resistant canvas fabric with a stainless steel wire webbing. Polyurethane works with this steel wire to create a completely malleable bag that will dispel any would-be thieves. 

They won’t be able to slice through the steel mesh wiring, and you can easily lock the bag across furniture and lamp posts to ensure your bag isn’t going anywhere. When not in use, the safe can lay flat and fit easily into your larger luggage. 

This Pacsafe lock comes in various sizes, everything from small locks capable of protecting your passport and essential documents to larger containers that can hold a laptop and camera equipment. 

• TSA-approved
• Knife-proof
• Largest size is only 12 L
• Lock is not bolt-cutter proof

#2 – Best Small Portable Travel Box – Trova GO

Our pick for best small portable travel box is Trova GO

• Dimensions: 6 x 3 x 1
• Lock Type: Bluetooth
• Weight (lbs): 1
• Material: Aluminum

We love that this travel safe can slide right into your pocket, and there is no way anyone is getting in here without permission. Hardly larger than a typical sunglasses case, the Trova GO is a perfect place to store your ID, credit cards, and valuable accouterments secure and close. 

Where this travel box really stands out is in its technical specs. 

The box communicates with a cellphone app that utilizes biometric authentication, powered by a battery. This authentication system means the only way inside the Trova go is through your cell phone, and more importantly, it enables GPS tracking. 

If someone takes off with your Trova Go, you’ll be able to track the device’s whereabouts for up to 73 days, and they’ll have little chance of busting open the aluminum alloy without your cell phone. 

The fact that there is no way to open up the Trova without a cell phone makes us a bit wary, as your cellphone has a higher risk of being stolen than anything else in your arsenal. Never store this lockbox and your cell phone in the same place. If both devices are stolen, all the GPS tracking in the world won’t make much of a difference. We recommend hooking up the Trova GO to an iPad or any device that doesn’t often see the front lines. 

While it’s not foolproof, this technologically advanced lockbox is really difficult to break through and provides excellent safety to small items. 

• Fits in a pocket
• Great mobility
• Difficult to open but easy to steal
• Too small to store a passport

#3 – Best Beach Lockbox – SafeGo  

Meet the best beach lockbox: SafeGo

• Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 7.5
• Lock Type: Combination, key
• Material: Alloy Steel

A crowded beach is a petty thief’s wet dream. Throngs of people throw their cell phones and wallets underneath their beach towels and wander off into the sea, leaving their valuables totally unprotected.

Depending on where you’re headed, you may be able to get away with taking a carefree splash, but if you risk it enough times, someone will eventually snatch up your day bag or flip-flops. 

Unless, of course, you bring the SafeGo with you.

This lightweight lockbox isn’t much bigger than a purse and comes with a built-in three-digit combination lock. You can store the big three (phone, keys, and wallet) as well as any other small electronic devices inside and easily hook up the steel cable to any immovable object. 

Lock up your keys to your car’s exterior before a surf or keep your passport locked to your hotel room’s desk and enjoy your day, knowing you’ll come back to everything in its right place. 

• Affordable and durable
• Can be connected to anything
• Allows earphone access
• Easy to carry off if not secured
• May be easy to crack with a screwdriver

#4 – Best Steel Mesh Travel Safe – Pacsafe 55L Backpack Protector

Pacsafe 55L Backpack Protector is one of the best steel mesh travel safe

• Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 2
• Lock Type: Snap
• Material: Stainless Steel

This handy wiring can turn any backpack into a travel safe. With capabilities up to 120 Weight (lbs), any backpacker can fit their entire contents inside this backpack protector, which then locks up to any sturdy furniture nearby. 

What’s so ingenious about this travel safe is its simplicity. You’re sure to have room in your luggage for this lightweight steel mesh, and you won’t have to change up any of your packing habits to make the piece work. The protector ships with a padlock and carrying case to keep things organized when not in use, and the wiring folds down to less than 6 inches when not in use. 

The utterly adjustable wiring can fit bags of all shapes and sizes. Simply slip your backpack inside the mesh wiring, tighten the straps, and loop the steel mesh around an immovable object. 

We recommend using your backpack’s rain cover or wrapping a blanket around your bag before you cover it in mesh, as the space between the stainless steel bands could allow thieves to access pockets if not correctly secured. 

It’s a simple and effective lockbox for securing your entire backpack, perfect before long bus rides or any transport where you won’t be close to your pack. 

• Highly adjustable
• Locks up your entire backpack
• Lightweight addition to your luggage
• Gaps in steel mesh
• Not ideal for smaller bags

#5 – Best Laptop Travel Safe – Pacsafe X15

Pacsafe X15 is our top pick for best laptop travel safe

• Dimensions: 7 x 13 x 15
• Weight (lbs): 1.7

Laptop bags come in all shapes and sized but few are theft proof. As you can see, Pacsafe is the number one name in travel security. The company has dreamed up travel safe’s big and small, all effective means of protecting the important things. The X15 is one of the largest travel safes the company offers and works surprisingly well as a portable safe capable of protecting all your valuables in the same location. 

The bag is protected by Pacsafe’s signature stainless steel wire mesh woven into a polyurethane canvas bag with an easy carrying handle and shoulder strap. An external wire mesh piece allows you to secure this bag to exteriors big and small, perfect for locking the bag to a chair while you run to the bathroom or your hotel room’s desk before a day of sightseeing.

The large size does open up some holes in security, as the bag can be knifed through easier than Packsafe’s smaller models. Treat this bag more like an incredibly secure carrying case than a safety deposit box.  

Inside the safe, there’s room for two laptops, cameras, cell phones, passports, jewelry, and anything else worth protecting. The bag can be used as a stand-alone laptop case with a shoulder strap and will fold flat when not in use. 

• Can be used as a carry-on bag
• Fits two laptops
• 5-year warranty
• Difficult to find
• Susceptible to wire cutters

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#6 – Best Fireproof Travel Safe – BluePower File Folder

Meet the best fireproof travel safe: BluePower File Folder

• Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 2
• Lock Type: None
• Weight (lbs): .4
• Material: Fiberglass

If Princess Leia didn’t have R2D2, she probably would have looked towards this file folder to keep the death star plans safe. Once it’s zipped up, your documents can handle flooding, explosions, and more. All of this protection is inside a casing that weighs less than a pound and can easily be tucked under flowing white robes.

This bag can handle some serious heat, capable of protecting important documents in temperatures up to 1000 degrees celsius. It’s not just for paperwork. The lightweight folder can hold jewelry, cash, tablets, and passports through floods, fire, and brimstone. 

This bag is best for those searching for protection from the elements more than criminals. It doesn’t ship with any locking mechanisms, but the carrying handle can easily be attached to a pair of handcuffs to lock around your wrists. It does ship with complete protection from fire, water, dust, and anything mother nature may throw at you. 

• Protected from the elements
• Expands to hold electronics
• Five layers of lightweight protection
• Does not ship with a lock
• Not the most reputable brand

#7 – Best Camping Safe Box – Keep Safe Lock Box

Our top pick for best camping safe box is Keep Safe Lock Box

• Dimensions: 7.87″x 6.30″x 3.54″
• Weight (lbs): ?1.88
• Material: Zinc Alloy
• Price: $19.99

This great, affordable option fits easily into your trunk or tent to keep everything safe at the campsite. Once you reach the campgrounds, you shouldn’t be using your cellphone, wallet, and keys anytime soon, and this convenient safe will allow you to store your valuables in a secure space and forget about them for a little while. 

A simple combination lock ensures there are no tiny keys to lose on the hike in. Do keep in mind that the thin metal won’t stand up against a bear attack. The good news is, as long as you don’t put any food in there, bears won’t spend much time trying to get at your wallet, and any human assailant will be quickly turned back by the reinforced lock and strong protections provided.  Get it added to your camping packing list.

• Works in the woods, beach, or gym
• Simple locking mechanism
• Lightweight
• Not Bear-proof
• Won’t fit an Ipad

#8 – Best Disguised Travel Safe – Demeras Mini Book

Demeras Mini Book is our pick for best disguised travel safe

• Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 2
• Lock Type: Key

The days of traveling with pocket guidebooks and dictionaries may be over, but still, most would-be thieve’s won’t think much about snatching up a new English dictionary. This clever safe takes the shape of a pocketbook and features a secret latch that reveals a small carrying space perfect for emergency cash, important documents, or passports. 

The light outer shell looks and feels like a regular book, but opening up the front cover reveals a stainless steel safe that criminals can’t access without a key. It even weighs less than an actual book, making sure you can fit it into all sorts of luggage. 

You can store your valuables in this dictionary and confidently leave the book in your hostel, knowing that no one has opened up a paper dictionary in years, and even if a suspicious customer does see through the ruse, the key is in your pocket. 

• Looks just like a book
• Fits phones and travel documents
• Comes with two keys
• If someone opens the cover, the jig is up
• Not large enough for a camera

#9 – Best Travel Jewelry Box – Amazon Basics Portable Security Case Lock Box Safe

Amazon Basics Portable Security Case Lock Box Safe is one of the best travel jewelry box

• Dimensions: 9.5″D x 6.5″W x 1.8″H
• Weight (lbs): 2.86
• Price: $21.47

The Amazon Basics Portable Security Case Lock Box Safe is the closest thing on our list to a traditional safe, serving up a lightweight lockbox that allows you to bring security with you on the road. A three-number combination protects jewelry, cash, or important documents and works great in your car or hotel room. 

Unlike a traditional safe, the box is lightweight and easy to move, but to combat that, Amazon added a steel tethering cable that quickly locks to any immovable object for a secure place for gold, silver, or passports. 

Some of the portable travel safes on our list are looking to redefine what a safe looks like, but this simple safe box just wants to make sure your valuables are secure. 

• Steel tethering cable
• Easy to use combination lock
• Fits a cell phone
• Not the most high-tech travel safe on the market

#10 – Best Safe Backpack – Venturesafe X12 Anti-Theft Pack

Venturesafe X12 Anti-Theft Pack is our top pick for best safe backpack

• Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 6
• Lock Type: N/A
• Weight (lbs): 1.5
• Price: $134

Why slip a safe into your backpack when you can have your entire backpack work as a portable travel safe? This Pacsafe bag allows you to travel with 12 liters of anti-theft design, all the way down to the interlocking zippers. 

The bag is made of lightweight steel mesh and polyurethane that promises to be relatively cut-proof without weighing half a ton. A detachable buckle runs along the mid-section and lets you lock your bag to any fixture. Whether you’re leaving for a few hours or a few minutes, you can secure this bag with ease. 

Inside the anti-theft backpack, you’ll find a laptop sleeve and mesh pocket. Exterior pockets are RFID blocking but still provide quick access to make security checkpoints a fast process. You’ll also find many features you can expect from a typical backpack, like water bottle pockets and padded shoulder straps. 

All of this is wrapped up in a water-repellent exterior shell to create a complete protection piece that lets you quickly lock up the entire contents of your bag. 

• Entire bag doubles as a safe
• Reinforced zippers
• Honeycomb mesh is cut-proof
• No lock included
• No external steel wiring

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

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That about wraps it up. 

Whether you’re looking for a safe space for your passport or want to lock down your entire arsenal , you’ll find the protection you’re looking for in one of these travel safes. 

Don’t forget that no matter which travel safe you choose, they will only go as far as you take them. Your travel safe doesn’t do you any good tucked into the bottom of your backpack, and all it takes is one day of feeling like locking everything up is not worth the trouble for all your hard work to go to waste. 

There is no substitute for vigilance while on the road, but these travel safes, like the SafeGo , will help you keep your belongings secure and keep your head on the path ahead instead of stressing about what you left behind. 

If you’re one of the lucky few who have wandered the ends of the earth without wandering down the wrong alley or one of the lucky hostel-goers who hasn’t yet put too much faith in their roommates, don’t wait until you’ve been had to secure your valuables. Something as simple as the Trova GO will keep everything you need to get home safely within reach of your GPS.  

If you have felt the dread of coming back from a day out to find your bag turned inside out, don’t let that experience keep you from wandering. With the protection offered by the Pacsafe 12 Liter , you can head out for your day knowing that potential criminals will walk away only with a few pairs of dirty underwear. 

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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The 16 Best Travel Safety Products of 2024

From door alarms to fake wedding bands, here are your travel safety essentials.

In This Article

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Travel & Leisure / Kevin Liang

Ensuring your personal safety and well-being is just as important as making memories and enjoying la dolce vita while traveling (if not more so). Luckily, staying safe while abroad or on a trip across the country doesn’t take much to get right. Simply come prepared with a few travel-focused safety products to give you peace of mind while you’re on the move. 

We’ve rounded up some of the best safety products available, including those which we personally use. We especially love the Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, Monsin Door Stop Alarm, and Raytix RFID Money Belt, which can all help you stay safe in any situation you might encounter while traveling.

Best Door Wedge

Monsin door stop alarm.

This door stop doesn’t just block unwanted visitors — it actually includes a built-in alarm that will sound if someone tries to tamper with your hotel room door.

This alarm is very sensitive and could go off if room service or housekeeping staff attempt to enter your room.

It can be hard to fall asleep in a strange hotel room — even if it’s a plush five-star property. Whether you’re traveling solo or have a travel buddy sharing your room, the Monsin Door Stop Alarm is a great option for giving you peace of mind while you’re sleeping. Just wedge it into the closed hotel room door and it’ll keep unwanted visitors out by acting as a powerful doorstop. This option also comes with a built-in alarm that will ring if anyone tries to tamper with or open your door.

Best Secondary Door Lock

Winonly travel door lock for hotel rooms.

This budget-friendly door-locking system adds another layer of security to your hotel room and is pretty simple to set up.

This option might not fit very well on doors that have weatherproofing or other large seams along the doorframe.

The Winonly Travel Door Lock for Hotel Rooms is a great safety alternative for travelers who don’t want an alarm triggered when hotel staff enter the room for cleaning or turn-down services. Use this portable door lock by attaching it to the hole on the door jam, then inserting the red handle into the lock-in-place. It’s quick and efficient to use and install, and can also be easily removed in the dark for emergencies that require quick evacuation.

Best Personal Alarm

Birdie personal safety alarm.

This personal safety alarm is small, subtle, and can easily be slipped into your pocket or handbag.

Some reviewers note that this alarm should be louder and more offensive, especially for those traveling in big cities.

You never know when a personal safety alarm will come in handy — even in your own hometown or city. This alarm will immediately draw attention to you if your personal safety is threatened, if you encounter a pickpocket, or find yourself in any other unsavory situation.

This small device looks more like a USB drive than a personal safety alarm, and it fits conveniently into your pocket or handbag so you can keep it on you at all times. The compact alarm system sounds when you remove the top pin. To turn it off, just slide the pin back into place. 

Best Motion Detector

Crevant portable mini motion detector alarm.

This compact motion detector is ultra-lightweight and small, so it’s easy to slip into a suitcase or carry-on bag.

The instructions aren’t very clear which makes the initial setup a bit difficult.

This small but mighty portable miniature motion detector alarm is a great alternative (or add-on) to a door wedge or door alarm. The compact safety product is extremely quick to trigger the alarm if it senses movement in the direction it's pointed — making it a great option for larger hotel rooms or suites where you don’t have your eye on the entrance at all times. Make sure to keep the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door so you don’t set off a false alarm when housekeeping or other hotel staff attempt to enter your room.

Best Retractable Cable Lock

Lewis n clark triple security lock.

This cable lock offers extra strong, triple-security material that ensures it can’t be cut through or tampered with.

The lock itself can sometimes be finicky and may take a few minutes to get open.

Travel safety products range beyond personal safety items — to ensure a safe trip, you’ll also need to think about keeping your belongings secure while en route, and when you’re out and about. That’s where the Lewis N Clark Triple Security Lock comes in. This extra-strength lock can prevent thieves from getting into your handbag or backpack. It’s also TSA-approved, which means you can use it on your checked luggage without worrying about having it cut off or confiscated while in transit.

Best Luggage Tracker

Eufy smarttrack link.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Accuracy 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

This subtle and compact tracker can easily be thrown in your handbag, backpack, or suitcase.

It is only compatible with Apple devices.

Most frequent flyers will tell you to buy a luggage tracker immediately if you plan on checking your luggage or taking a large carry-on on the plane with you. Adding the Eufy SmartTrack Link to your suitcase will allow you to easily track your belongings at all times. So if you do end up losing your luggage while in transit, you can pinpoint where it is — which can actually help the airline crew to expedite the process of getting your luggage back to you. We found the Eufy SmartTrack Link to be easy to use with Apple's Find My app, so you don't waste time learning a new system or downloading additional apps.

Best Portable Safe

Pacsafe travelsafe portable safe.

This portable safe isn’t imposing or heavy like a traditional metal safe — but it’ll keep your valuables just as secure while on the move.

The slim shape and flat bottom make it difficult to fit items like laptops or cameras.

Keeping your gear secure while at the beach can be a challenge — especially for solo travelers who don’t have someone with them to watch their stuff while they take a dip in the water or grab a drink at the pool bar. That’s where the Pacsafe Travelsafe Gii 5 Liter Portable Safe comes in. This unique portable safe isn’t a traditional metal security box — instead it’s lightweight and easily portable for travel. Another key feature is that it can easily be locked to a tree or a pool chair, making it extremely difficult for potential thieves to make a stealthy getaway with your belongings.

Best Money Belt

Raytix rfid money belt.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Capacity 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

This money belt fits beneath your clothing without looking bulky or obvious.

The small inside pocket is in the corner of the bag, so it's difficult to actually fit items inside.

If you’re more comfortable keeping your valuables hidden away in a discreet money belt than in a backpack or handbag, then you should absolutely consider the Raytix RFID Money Belt. When tested, we found it especially useful for carrying large amounts of cash or for storing passports on you for long periods of time.

This budget-friendly money belt is ultra-slim, discreet, and features RFID-blocking technology to ensure your cards stay safe from potential thieves. Plus, the two front pockets help keep you organized to access all items easily and quickly.

Best Anti-theft Backpack

Sherpani esprit at.

• Capacity 3 /5

This backpack features a slash-resistant bottom, zippers that clasp together, and can be worn on your back or front.

The small front pocket is a bit too small for most smart phones.

This anti-theft crossbody backpack is a stylish yet functional option for any adventure. It can easily be worn on your front or back and the shoulder strap is secured with a clip, so you don't need to lift it over your head to put on or take off. It is made from recycled materials and features a slash-resistant bottom, plus other safety features like RFID protection, locking zippers, and a wire-loop chair lock.

This bag is also the perfect size for day trips and features plenty of pockets, including an exterior water bottle pocket and shoulder strap pocket to keep small essentials easily accessible. With seven fun colors and patterns to choose from, the Sherpani Espirit offers something for everyone trying to stay safe on the go.

Best Hidden Stash Spot

Lokistashed 3-pack velvet hair tie scrunchies.

This hidden stash spot doubles as a functional (and stylish) hair scrunchie.

The zipper isn’t easy to hide and is noticeable on the lighter colorways.

Looking for a spot to safely stash a handful of cash without having to bring along your wallet or handbag? LokiStashed 3-pack Velvet Hair Tie Scrunchies are among our personal favorite options when it comes to discreet storage on the go. These velvet scrunchies function the exact same way a regular scrunchie does — but you can easily store at least a few folded-up bills inside without drawing any attention. It’s great for traveling in busy cities, and is a convenient choice if you’re heading out the door at home and don’t want to be weighed down with a handbag.

Best Fake Wedding Band

Thunderfit women breathable air grooves silicone wedding ring.

This affordable and comfortable silicone wedding band will send the desired message without attracting thieves or appearing overly flashy.

These wedding bands run large so you might want to size down at least a full ring size in order to ensure a proper fit.

Depending on where in the world you’re traveling , you may experience unwanted attention — especially if you’re a solo female traveler. If you’re worried about finding yourself in a situation where you feel harassed or unsafe, then wearing a fake wedding band might be a smart idea.

The ThunderFit Women Breathable Air Grooves Silicone Wedding Ring is a great option for this purpose. It isn’t flashy like a diamond engagement ring, so it won’t attract attention from potential thieves, but it’ll still send the right message to those who might otherwise be difficult to shrug off. These rings are waterproof and breathable, so you won’t have to worry about developing an unsightly green line across your finger, either.

Best First Aid Kit

First aid only all-purpose essentials first aid kit.

• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Organization 3 /5
• Quality 4 /5

This kit includes everything you need in a pinch.

At over nine inches long, it's not the most compact first aid kit out there.

This handy first aid kit comes with all the essentials from ibuprofen tablets to tweezers. Whether you're exploring a major city or hiking a new trail, this kit can help in the case of blisters, burns, headaches, cuts, and more. The 298-piece kit is organized with like-items together, so you can quickly access exactly what you need. Plus, it comes in a lightweight and waterproof carrying case so you can leave it in your vehicle or pack in a day bag to ensure that you're fully prepared for health issues on the go.

Best Passport Wallet

Melsbrinna waterproof rfid-blocking travel wallet.

Your passport fits snugly on one side of the wallet, so it's easy to slide out at customs.

There is no space to store coins.

We love a wallet that's large enough to safely store your passport and this Melsbrinna case is the perfect, safe-yet-stylish option that even includes RFID-blocking technology. Your passport sits on one side of this wallet and the other side features four slots for your credit cards, ID, transit cards, and more. There is also a pocket designed to hold your ticket or other important small documents and two pockets made to keep SIM cards safe. Throughout our travels, we loved that this passport wallet kept all of our items secure, but never felt cumbersome and, in fact, easily fits inside any purse or travel backpack.

Best Reflective Layer

Rei co-op active pursuits cycling jacket.

It's light, wind-resistant, and water-repellent, so it will keep you comfortable in any weather.

The hood may not fit over all bike helmets.

For a reflective layer that will guarantee you're seen whether hiking, walking, cycling, or running, this REI jacket in men's and women's sizes is the perfect choice. The neon yellow fabric features 360-degree reflective details to keep you visible even at night and is so light you can wear it year-round. If you're running or cycling in the heat, the underarm vents area breathable addition that also improves mobility. In winter months, this lightweight layer won't add too much weight to your standard set-up, but will keep you safe as the sun sets earlier.

Best Safety Bracelet

Flare smart safety bracelet.

Without touching your phone, the Flare Bracelet can alert your friends and/or emergency services of possible danger.

It is not yet compatible with Androids.

When traveling solo or to a new location, this bracelet helps keep you connected and safe. The discreet bracelet looks like an average stylish accessory, but uses Bluetooth technology to pair with an iOS app, so you can tap the bracelet in different ways depending on your needs. Hold the hidden button down to text your location to your friends, press the button once to get a pre-recorded phone call to offer you an excuse to leave a situation, or press and hold the button for three seconds to send your location to emergency services.

The bracelet works even when you're up to ten feet away from your phone and the battery lasts a full year, so you don't have to worry about charging the device. It can also be used internationally as long as you have Wi-fi or cell services in your location.

Best Drink Tester

Philmedi gcheck date rape drug test sticker.

It's designed so you can stick it on the back of your phone for discreet and handy use wherever you go.

Each sticker can only be used once.

While we hope you would never feel the need to test your drink, it's always important to be prepared, especially if you're traveling alone or notice someone hovering near your beverage. These discreet stickers test for GHB in less than one minute, so you can protect yourself quickly and effectively. They're conveniently designed to be attached to your phone, wallet, or other item you always carry with a micro-film on the outside to be removed if and when you want to test your drink. Then, you simply tap a bit of the beverage on the sticker and wait to see if it changes color.

Tips for Buying Travel Safety Products

Consider every step of your journey.

You’ll want to think about the potential risks you’ll be taking throughout your trip, from getting there to exploring your destination, and while staying at your hotel or Airbnb. Travel safety products range significantly from items focusing on solo female travelers’ personal safety to items that protect against theft. Think about where you’re going and what makes the most sense for the destination or type of travel you have in mind, and go from there.

Pick the best way and place to secure valuables

This is something to think about before embarking on your adventure — not just to avoid potential theft, but also to make sure you don’t accidentally misplace anything. You’ll want to know where your valuables are at all times, whether they be jewelry, cash and credit cards, or your passport. Keeping your belongings in a personal safe or money belt while traveling can help give you peace of mind while also keeping you organized. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and solo female traveler to curate the best options to suit most needs.

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The 11 Best Travel Safety Devices, Tested By A Frequent Solo Traveler

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Even amidst the thrill of adventure, travel exposes you to certain risks, from minor inconveniences like a flight delay to more serious threats, like a stranger breaking into your hotel room. Fortunately, the best travel safety devices, ranging from personal safety alarms to door stoppers and anti-theft bags , are built to keep you out of harm’s way.

The best travel safety devices are built to keep you out of harm’s way, helping you avoid both minor ... [+] inconveniences and serious threats.

Over the last decade, I’ve visited roughly 100 countries—many of them solo. My experiences traveling alone helped me learn the importance of being mindful of one’s safety while on the go. After testing many gadgets and tools all over the world, I’ve narrowed down 15 of the best travel safety devices that all travelers should know about.

The 8 Best Scalp Treatments To Soothe, Hydrate And Balance

The best kids glasses online, according to parents and experts, best travel safety devices, at a glance:.

• Best Personal Safety Alarm: She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
• Best Door Stopper With Built-In Alarm : AceMining Door Stopper Alarm
• Best Portable Door Lock : AceMining Portable Door Lock
• Best Luggage Tracker : Apple AirTag
• Best RFID-Blocking Travel Wallet : Zoppen Multi-Purpose RFID Blocking Passport Holder Travel Wallet
• Best Anti-Theft Bag: Pacsafe Women's Citysafe Cx Anti Theft Convertible Backpack
• Best TSA-Approved Luggage Lock: Master Lock Combination Luggage Lock
• Best Portable Lock Box : SafeGo Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lock Box
• Best Travel First-Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
• Best Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector: Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector

Best Personal Safety Alarm

Alerts others that you need help.

She's Birdie

She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Weight: 2.08 ounces | Dimensions: 3 x 1.5 x 1 inches | Special features: TSA-friendly, fits on your keychain or luggage

Roughly the size of a key fob, She's Birdie is a discreet yet powerful wearable panic button that offers peace of mind whether you're out for a run or strolling through a new city. Pulling the pin activates a piercing alarm and flashing strobe, instantly alerting those nearby. Reinsert the pin to deactivate the alarm when you feel safe. It's a swift and effective means of summoning help and drawing attention to any situation. 

Best Door Stopper With A Built-In Alarm

Deters criminals from breaking in, acemining door stopper alarm.

Weight: 3.68 ounces | Dimensions: 5.45 x 1.8 x 1.52 inches | Special features: Made of stainless steel but lightweight and easy to pack

This simple but effective door stopper prevents unauthorized visitors from entering your room by reinforcing the door. If someone attempts to tamper with your hotel room door (even by putting pressure on it), the stopper emits a 120-decibel alarm (for context, that's about as loud as a jet plane taking off ). Set-up is easy—just shove it in the gap between the ground and the bottom of your door, like you would any other door stopper—and it’s powered by a 9-volt battery. 

Best Portable Door Lock

No breaking and entering here, acemining portable door lock.

Weight: 4.2 ounces | Dimensions: 6 x 1.65 x 0.3 inches | Special features: Easy to install or remove, without any tools

Not all door locks in hotel or Airbnbs are break-in-proof. As a portable and lightweight solution, this handy door lock reinforces a door’s existing locking mechanisms on the handle so the door can’t be opened from the outside, whether with a key card or a traditional key. It’s easily installed in seconds and doesn't require any tools—just slide the metal piece into the slot of the door lock, close the door and clip the red portion into one of the holes (there are two, ensuring it'll fit any size door). Keep in mind that this gadget only works on inward-opening doors—so it’s not the best fit for double doors or doors that slide or swing outward.

Best Luggage Tracker

Keeping tabs on your valuables, apple airtag 4 pack.

Weight: 0.39 ounces | Dimensions: 1.26 x 1.26 x 0.31 inches | Special features: Built-in speaker plays a sound to help you locate lost items

A tiny bit larger than a quarter, Apple’s AirTag devices use Bluetooth tracking to help you quickly locate your baggage, no matter where it is, or keep tabs on anything that’s valuable or important to you, from your purse or wallet to your camera bag or even a pet (put it on the collar). The AirTag uses Apple’s Find My network to share its location securely and has a speaker function to set out a signal, making it easier to find. For Samsung loyalists, I recommend the SmartTag2 , and for even more options, check out our guide to the Best Luggage Trackers .

Best RFID-Blocking Travel Wallet

Keeping your cards secure, zoppen multi-purpose rfid blocking passport holder travel wallet.

Weight: 6 ounces | Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.7 x 1 inches | Special features:

Thieves don’t need your physical credit card to make charges on it—they can nab your personal information by scanning devices that emit Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) signals, essentially pickpocketing you electronically. Similarly, they can skim the data from your passport (because, like credit cards, they have microchips in them), which they could use to steal your identity. A RFID-blocking wallet is made from a material that blocks the signals, effectively creating a shield from digital theft around your cards and IDs. This pick from Zoppen comes in more than 30 colors and features pockets for your passport, boarding pass, eight credit cards, one SIM card, cash, coins and a pen. 

Best Anti-Theft Bag

Stylish and discreet with excellent safety features, pacsafe women's citysafe cx anti theft convertible backpack.

Weight: 0.99 pound | Dimensions: 13.4 x 10.2 x 4.7 inches | Special features: RFID-blocking, converts from a backpack to a purse

From hidden compartments and lockable zippers to slash-proof materials and RFID-blocking pockets, Pacsafe's anti-theft backpacks is one of my favorites to travel with. To thwart determined thieves, this bag is reinforced with lightweight steel mesh you can’t cut through and the shoulder straps are reinforced with wire, which means it can be secured to tables or chairs if needed. Its ability to fold down into a handbag makes it particularly versatile—you can wear it as a backpack during the day and a purse at night. Bonus: the bag is water resistant, easy to clean and has a five-year warranty. 

Best TSA-Approved Luggage Lock

Keeps suitcases locked up tightly, master lock padlock.

Weight: 0.21 ounces | Dimensions: 0.55 x 1.57 x 4.16 inches | Special features: Can be set with 1-word combination or numbers depending on the style

I reviewed multiple locks for our Best TSA-Approved Luggage Locks guide, and the best option overall is this one from Master Lock. Made with heavy-duty steel, it's simple to operate but hard to break into, and because it features a two-inch shackle, it fits everything from suitcases to equipment boxes. It comes in two styles for travelers—one with a word combination and another with a numeric combination.

Best Portable Lock Box

A mini lock-box you can take on the go, safego portable indoor/outdoor lock box safe.

Weight: 1 pound | Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 7.5 inches | Special features: Water-resistant, suitable for indoor-outdoor use

Most hostels and Airbnbs do not have a lock-box or safe in the room. Similarly, there are scenarios where you might want a bit more protection for your belongings, such as when you're at the beach by yourself and want to keep your items secure while you take a swim. SafeGo’s portable lock box is a small, secure repository for storing passports, jewelry, cash and electronics. It has a flexible steel cable that allows you to secure it around most fixed objects and a lock that opens with a three-digit code of your choosing or a key. It's rust, water and impact-resistant, making it more tamper-proof. As an added bonus, it offers earphone or charger access, so you can listen to music or charge your phone while it's locked away.

Best Travel First-Aid Kit

For aillments and injuries on the road, adventure medical kits mountain series hiker medical kit.

Weight: 7.2 ounces | Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.5 x 3 inches | Special features: Compact, easily fits into a fanny pack

Accidents can happen anywhere, and having essential medical supplies on hand can provide immediate relief or assistance until professional help is available. This compact option from Adventure Medical Kits is small enough to toss in your bag while still covering most minor injuries and ailments. It includes trauma pads, butterfly bandages, antiseptic wipes and medical tape for bleeding; elastic bandages for sprained ankles; common medications for allergic reactions, itching, pain, fever, inflammation and diarrhea; and a first-aid guide to help you administer care. It also includes moleskin, which is great for blisters. The nylon bag is organized with injury-specific pockets, so you'll be able to find what you're looking for easily and quickly. 

Best Carbon Monoxide Detector

Keeps you safe in rentals and hotels without this tool, kidde carbon monoxide detector.

Weight: 0.635 ounces | Dimensions: 2.75 x 1.5 x 4.5 inches | Special features: Battery back-up, plugs into wall outlet, emits a 85-decibel alarm

In many places around the world, it's not a requirement for hotel rooms or short-term rentals to have a carbon monoxide detector. Having one of your own could help save your life. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless poisonous gas, which, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , is produced any time you burn fuel in stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges or furnaces. This option from Kidde simply plugs into a standard outlet (if you're traveling internationally, don't forget an adapter) but also has a battery backup. When it senses carbon monoxide, it emits a 85-decibel alarm. 

Best Home Security System

Monitor your home when you're away, ring floodlight cam and ring video doorbell.

Weight: Varies | Dimensions: Varies | Special features:

While this isn’t a product you’ll pack in your suitcase, Ring’s video doorbell and floodlight camera help you monitor your home from anywhere in the world. With the smartphone app, you can check in on your property in real-time and if Ring's motion sensors and cameras detect any suspicious movements or unexpected visitors, you'll be immediately notified. Additionally, the visible presence of security cameras and alarms can act as a powerful deterrent to potential burglars.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of articles about the very best products for travel, from the best luggage for your next trip to the best carry-on backpacks that fit into an airplane’s overhead bin. When it came time to identify the best travel safety devices, we applied the same unyielding commitment to ensure that our readers feel safe no matter where their travels take them.

We examined each contender on this list, closely examining use cases and testing them out on multiple trips. To make the cut for our travel safety device list, products were required to be versatile and compact, allowing them to be used in a variety of situations while also being lightweight enough to toss into your backpack, carry-on or personal item.

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

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

767 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3088 Edited Articles

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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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9 Ways To Travel More Safely

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Whether you're traveling within the U.S. or to a foreign country, you should take extra precautions to stay safe. Distractions born of travel — such as taking in the sights, eating delectable food and exploring new cities — can increase your risk.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

These international and domestic travel safety tips will help you reduce your risk so you can enjoy your vacation and avoid trouble as much as feasible. Here's how to travel safely — ranging from actions that can be implemented on the fly and ones that require a bit more preparation.

1. Digitize important documents

Your wallet or purse is filled with important documents that criminals can exploit. Leave unnecessary items at home (like your Social Security card) and make copies of everything else you would need in an emergency, like prescriptions, a backup credit card (so you can at least make a digital purchase in a pinch) and your passport.

Take a picture and upload them to a secure folder on the web. This way, if anything is stolen, you can easily take steps to reduce the damage that criminals can cause. You can easily call the bank to cancel debit and credit cards and request a new ID from the embassy. You can also use a secure digital vault system like 1Password or LastPass to store these documents.

2. Minimize how much cash you carry

It is important to have a little cash when traveling, but most retailers accept credit cards, even abroad. Not having cash minimizes your wallet's value to a thief, and you can dispute unknown charges from a card. Just make sure to carry a card that has no foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally.

3. Look less like a tourist

The more you dress and act like a local, the less risk there is from criminals targeting you as a tourist. Adapting your style to that of the locals, walking with confidence and keeping maps hidden can help you blend in. When using directions on your phone, only look at it briefly while walking.

Further, familiarize yourself with the city and your route before leaving the hotel. If you do need to look up directions for an extended period of time, consider stepping into a store or cafe to do so, rather than staying outside.

4. Share your itinerary with someone you trust

Whether you're traveling alone or with others, share your itinerary with someone you trust back home. Check in once a day to let them know that you've made it to your next destination or back to your hotel. These small steps increase your safety during travel.

It's also wise to create and share a safe word so that family or friends would know if you're in trouble, even if the conversation seems normal to someone else who may be listening. You can take this a step further and consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend or family member via your smartphone.

5. Research travel advisories for destinations

According to the U.S. Department of State, "conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time." Its website keeps a continuous list of travel advisories in destinations around the world. While these advisories don't always mean that you shouldn't travel, they do help make you aware of the potential conditions you'll find when you arrive, or areas to avoid.

Check the State Department website before making travel plans, and again before you depart. Somewhere that may have been safe when you booked your trip may have deteriorated since then.

6. Sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , or STEP, is a free service from the State Department that allows citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates. The information that you provide also makes it easier for the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

7. Notify credit card companies of your travel plans

Because you may be traveling to cities outside your normal spending patterns, let your bank know your dates and destinations of travel. Many banks allow you to notify them via your online banking portal.

This will minimize the potential of the bank locking your account due to perceived fraudulent transactions, which could leave you stranded.

Additionally, consider bringing a backup credit card.

8. Be careful with public Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi can open your devices and sensitive information to hackers. Using a VPN service is one of the best ways we know of to stay safe in an airport, when exploring your destination or at your hotel. VPN services create a secure connection to protect your personal information when browsing the internet or using web-connected apps on an open connection.

Security.org , a security product review site, conducted a study in June 2020 and found that just 31% of U.S. internet users use a VPN service for public Wi-Fi connections. That means almost 70% of public Wi-Fi users are at risk of being hacked.

9. Get travel insurance

To improve both your physical and financial safety, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy ahead of your trip. This safety net is helpful in avoiding out-of-pocket expenses for emergency medical treatment, trip delays, cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage or evacuations.

Most policies will reimburse travelers for unused accommodations, transit or activities that were nonrefundable but had to be canceled for a covered reason. Similarly, if your luggage is lost by an airline or train company, you’ll likely get reimbursed through the baggage protection on your policy. Plus, if your policy has emergency medical coverage, you won’t be hit with a huge bill for medical attention overseas (where your U.S.-based health insurance is likely not useful).

Some credit cards come with built-in protections, whereas others don’t — in the case of the latter, you will need to purchase a stand-alone policy .

If finding ways to travel safely is your goal …

Now that we've shared some tips on how to travel safely, you can travel with more confidence and less risk. Though implementing most of these tips has little or no cost, they may take time to set up. Investing the time to increase your travel safety will be well worth it if you can avoid dangerous situations that can interrupt or ruin your next trip.

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe

July 26, 2022 by Janice Waugh

Traveling alone requires some special attention to safety. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, everyone can benefit from some solid solo travel safety tips.

After all, you alone must:

• prevent problems from arising
• be aware when they could or do arise
• decide how to manage them if they arise

When it comes to travel safety, prevention comes first.

In all my travels, I have encountered remarkably few problems. I believe it's mostly because I think in terms of prevention. I set myself up for safety.

True, no amount of prevention is a guarantee of safety. Things happen! Still, prevention is an important start and a significant aspect of these 50 solo travel safety tips.

Table of Contents

10 Steps to Plan for Safe Solo Travel

• Safety begins before you leave . Research is important. Knowledge protects you from the danger of misinformation, unsavory individuals, and/or naively wandering into an unsafe area. Imagine how you can be taken advantage of if you don't understand the currency. Or the health problems you could face if you don't know the necessary vaccinations for your destination. Or the potential loss of money, documents, and more if you don't know the unsafe areas at your destination. Understanding your destination before you go is key to your safety when you're there.
• Know your strengths and weaknesses . If you are new to travel, you likely have a lot to learn. If you've traveled a lot but have never traveled solo, you have different issues to resolve. We have a lot on the site for solo travel newbies. Read  Travel Solo for the First Time: Complete Guide for Newbies .
• Choose your destination carefully . We all have different ideas of safety. Some would never consider certain destinations for safety reasons while others would. Make sure the safety level of your destination meets your personal travel safety needs. Read Destinations for First-Time Solo Travelers: North America & International, check our Destinations section, which features posts written by solo travelers who've been there, and use guide books and your government's travel site.
• Check your government’s travel site.  Your government likely has information on the travel documents you require for travel as well as any warnings for your destination. Here are links for travel alerts for the  United Kingdom ,  United States , and  Canada .
• Buy travel insurance before you go. I have World Nomads insurance. They are the only company I know that lets you buy insurance after you leave your country. However, it's certainly not after you need to make a claim. It keeps life simple and safe to buy insurance before you go. Read  Going Alone? A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers or Best Travel Insurance for Seniors: How to Find What’s Right for You .
• Register with your government. I certainly don't do this every time I travel but if you're going for a few weeks, registering as a citizen traveling abroad is a good idea. Use the links above.
• Schedule your arrival during daylight. The first stop for most travelers in a new destination is their hotel or hostel.   I suggest that you arrive in the mid-afternoon so that you can really see what kind of area you're staying in. A safe area will always look better in daylight. An unsafe area is more obviously so in daylight. But there are more very practical reasons to arrive during daylight. You will be able to find your accommodation more easily and if you don't like it, you will have time to make other arrangements.
• Know how you will get to your first accommodation . Your arrival in any new country, especially one where you don't know the language or the local transit system, is important. Research how you'll get from the airport to your hotel or hostel (I use Rome2Rio ) and give yourself lots of time. You will need it as you learn how their transit system works. If your flight arrives late in the day, you may want to avoid the transit system and splurge on a taxi to be on the safe side.
• Study a map before you leave.  I'm one who loves maps so this is an obvious step for me. But even those who do not love maps are advised to look at one and get the lay of the land. For example, if you were to look at a map of Toronto you'd note that the lake is south no matter where you are in the city and the CN Tower stands high near the lake. If you get turned around look for the tower. If you can't see it, ask someone which way the lake is. Not everyone knows north and south but locals know where the lake is. The same logic can be applied in New York City and many other cities based on major landmarks.
• Develop your navigation skills . Before leaving home you can wander into a different town or part of town and practice your navigation skills. Read How to Navigate a New City Solo: Stay Safe and Don’t Get Lost .

Travel Safety Gear to Pack

I'm not really a “prepare for the worst and hope for the best” kind of person, even when it comes to solo travel safety. That said, when I buy products for travel, I try to buy ones that will increase my personal safety and the security of my things. Necessary, they have rarely been. But it's great to know that they are there.

• An extra place to stash cash . This silk bra stash is a handy way of hiding a bit of extra cash. Available on Amazon . You can also consider a  money belt  or a  neck stash .
• Pickpocket-proof clothing . Pants and jackets with extra, hidden pockets offer additional places to keep cash.  Here's a link to Amazon's many pickpocket proof items .
• Anti theft day pack . The  Loctote  AntiTheft Sack is a safe and it's a backpack. Take it with you or leave it in your room locked to an immovable object with your valuables inside and everything will be safe. It's also great for the beach.
• Water purifier . Stay healthy and save plastic water bottles with the  Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier .
• hand sanitizer in travel-sized bottles
• Basic Band-Aids  or more colorful bandages, if you prefer. They're essential.
• NEOSPORIN® NEO TO GO!® First Aid Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Spray is a compact antibiotic spray. It's perfect for travel.
• For blisters, I carry  Dr. Frederick's blister plasters.
• Acetaminophen
• BENADRYL® Itch Relief Spray for insect bites. I used to use calamine lotion but it makes such a mess and stains everything. This spray is far easier to use and just as, if not more, effective.
• DEET-free Insect Repellent from Repel .
• Instant Cold Packs
• Any medications recommended by my travel clinic
• The right wallet . Identity theft is a real thing. RFID skimming is where, with the right technology, a person near you can gather data from your credit cards without your knowledge. There's little evidence that it constitutes a huge threat but there's no harm erring on the side of safety. RFID-blocking products are available in the form of  hard-shell card holders  and  leather wallets . Here's some more information about RFID-blocking from NordVPN.
• A doorstop.  Small and light, these can be very handy in smaller hotels off the beaten track where card keys and deadbolts are not common. Simply squeeze the doorstop under your door.
• Whistle . A whistle attached to your day bag can be handy if you feel the need to draw attention to yourself and scare away any unwanted attention.
• A VPN on all your devices . A VPN is mentioned below in the tech section but it can't be emphasized enough. Read:  Best VPN for Travel: What, Why and Feature-Price Comparison .

How to Keep Your Money and Documents Safe as You Travel

• Protect yourself from pickpockets . Pickpockets target travelers. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent them from pickpocketing you. Get all the details by reading Protect Yourself from Pickpockets: Keep Cards & Cash Safe .
• Use credit and debit cards wisely. How you manage your money as you travel is very important. For example, to save money, walk past those money exchange kiosks at airports and use an ATM in the city.
• Don't carry more than you need. If you have a card that does not charge you for taking funds from international ATMs, it's best to take out small amounts frequently rather than carrying large amounts of cash. The exceptions are when ATMs are hard to find or you will need more money than normal for a particular reason.
• Get a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.  The Chase credit cards are known for being good for this in the US.
• Carry a spare credit card. Not every card works everywhere. Carry a spare for such a situation or in case you lose your card.
• Keep emergency cash hidden . You can carry it on your body and have some tucked away in your suitcase or backpack.
• Don't take unnecessary documents with you . For travel, you likely need your passport, driver's license, visa (if the country you're visiting requires one), travel insurance, and possibly proof of vaccination. You don't need your social insurance card, checkbook, and the like. Leave the latter documents at home.
• Have multiple copies of your documents.  I carry my original documents with me as I travel. I like the security of knowing where they are at any given moment. I have scanned copies in my Lastpass vault. You can do the same with Nordpass . I also have photocopies of my documents in my suitcase or backpack which is, on a typical travel day, in the hotel or hostel. Finally, I leave copies of these documents with my husband at home. Read about using Lastpass and Nordpass for documents here: Best VPN for Travel: What, Why and Feature-Price Comparison .

Technology for Travel Safety

• Use a VPN. Before you use a credit card online or check your bank balance or, basically, go into any website that requires a password, make sure you turn on a VPN. It's almost impossible to travel and not use public Wi-Fi whether it's in the hotel or a café. Read:  Best VPN for Travel: What, Why and Feature-Price Comparison .
• Pre-program numbers into your phone, like your accommodation phone number, your government’s consulate office, and 911 if you are in North America.
• Make use of digital safety tools. There are hundreds of safety apps and tools on the market. From basic apps that come pre-installed on phones to a few specially designed for travel safety, we share our recommendations in 10 Solo Travel Safety Apps: Technology for Peace of Mind .

Solo Travel Safety Tips for While You're On the Road

Remember all those rules your mother taught you to ensure that you stayed safe as a child? They also make great solo travel safety tips. Apply them rigorously when you're traveling.

• Trust your intuition . If it doesn’t feel right, leave. Whether it's a bar or a park or a hostel, if you don't feel good in the situation, if your spidey senses are tingling, it's best to get out of there.
• Know the typical con games of your destination . If someone wants to give you something for free it may be a good idea to decline. A rose is often offered on the streets of Barcelona to draw travelers in for a con. A ring apparently found on the ground and offered to you as the person who possibly lost it, is another ruse to turn away from. Familiarize yourself with the common con games travelers encounter. Here's a list of 40 tourist scams .
• Stay in public.  I learned this lesson the hard way. I was caught in a con game and, fortunately, I did not leave a public place. Had I done so my life would likely have been much different.
• Where you're staying is personal information. Don’t tell strangers where you’re staying either in words or actions. Your accommodation should be your safe haven.
• Going out at night? Read this post on Night Safety for Solo Travelers: 17 Tips .
• Stay alert. Sleep well. Stay sober . While it's wonderful to sink into a destination, luxuriating in its culture, it's also important to stay safe. Being well rested and sober is key to being alert and exercising good judgment, both of which are key to your safety. If you are not one, the other, or both, recognize that fact and be extra careful.
• Walk with confidence.  In tourist areas such as around the Eiffel Tower, meandering as a tourist makes sense. However, there are other circumstances where you want to walk like a local, as if you know exactly what you're doing and where you're going. You don't want to look like a tourist. That requires that you walk with confidence. Read Solo Travel Confidence: How to Be Strong, Capable, and Safe
• Blend in as well as possible . Blending in requires more than just walking with confidence. Be aware of cultural differences and blend in if possible. Read  12 Ways to Blend In When You Travel Alone .
• Be polite. Be impolite. Being impolite can definitely get you into trouble. If people take offence at your behavior it's hard to know what can happen. So, definitely be polite under most circumstances. But if a person is bothering you, being polite can get you into trouble too. Know when and how to make a lot of noise and attract attention to yourself and the person bothering you.
• Pack right . You're more mobile and have less to lose when you pack light. Read:  Bare Minimum Packing . Use a distinctive mark on your luggage other than a name and address tag. Keep your luggage tags with your flight ticket. It's important to be able to confirm that the luggage is indeed yours. You may also want to keep your name and address inside your bag for proper identification if needed.
• Don’t flash wealth.  Leave expensive things at home. Don't wear jewelry or flashy clothes and accessories that will attract attention to yourself. Even if they don't go after your jewelry, they may target you and pick your pocket.
• Keep your belongings close . Hold your wallet, camera, and phone close to you. Never keep your wallet in your back pocket. Keep the number of things you're most concerned about to a minimum. For me, it's my wallet, phone, and passport. Having just three things makes them easy to carry and keep track of.
• Take special care of your documents . I keep my passport on me. I keep my plane ticket on my phone plus paper copies in my bag. I keep extra money in a couple of places and an extra credit card separate from the one I regularly use. Read:  Protect Yourself from Pickpockets: Keep Cards & Cash Safe .
• Carry the business card of your hotel or hostel.  Getting back to your hotel or hostel is pretty important but it can be a challenge if you're in a country where you don't speak the language. When you check in, get a business card from the establishment and carry it with you.
• Don't automatically jump in to help . If you see someone suddenly in need of help, get someone else to go to their aid with you. A local is better able to help and having someone else involved will protect you should the incident be a con game.
• Always carry a map. While walking around with a map in your hands may make you look like a vulnerable tourist, having one on you can be very helpful. If you're lost, stop into a shop to look at it and get assistance. They are especially helpful when you don't know the language. You can point to your destination, making communication easier.
• Understand the city transit system. Riding public transit is a great way to get to know a city and its culture. But, before you go, know how safe it is, how much the fares are and how they are paid, whether a pass is a good idea, and the basic routes you'll be taking.
• Take a break once in a while.  This goes along with staying aware of your surroundings. If you're experiencing travelers fatigue, join a day tour or cooking class or something that will make for a simple, interesting, and relaxing day.
• Ask for a room on an upper floor.
• If you are a woman, ask if there is a women-only floor and get a room there, if possible.
• Be aware of the alternative exits.
• Before you go out, ask about safety.
• When you return at night, ask for an escort to your room if you are nervous.
• Use the security lock.
• Lock important items in the room safe.
• When you leave your room, leave the TV and a light on, if possible. Put out the “do not disturb” sign to suggest that there is someone in the room.
• Check TripAdvisor.com for a review of your accommodation in case travel safety is highlighted as an issue.

Is Solo Travel Safe?

I believe that solo travel is as safe as traveling with a companion. Follow the advice above, use your smarts, and you should be okay.

There's more you can read about safety on Solo Traveler:

• Solo Female Travel Safety: Answering a Stranger’s Question-Or Not
• Solo Travel Over 50: Reasons, Benefits, Destinations & Safety
• A Road Trip Alone: Top 10 Tips to Prepare

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLOSURE: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this site. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own. Please read our full Privacy Policy here.

• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

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U.S. travel resources

• Check CDC recommendations for travel within the U.S.
• Review testing requirements for travel to the U.S.
• Look up restrictions at your destination .
• Review airport security measures .

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10 ways to stay safe no matter where you’re traveling

Mar 31, 2023 • 4 min read

Safety and adventure aren’t mutually exclusive. These 10 tips can help you avoid almost any setback © AnemStyle / Shutterstock

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Travel always involves a bit of uncertainty. And there will always be location-specific warnings to observe depending on where you’re going. The good news is there are several proven precautions you can take ahead of time and while traveling to stay safe and navigate any unexpected catastrophes when away from home.

Here are 10 tried-and-true methods to dodge danger and maximize your enjoyment of practically any destination. Remember, safety and adventure aren’t mutually exclusive. And feeling anxious is totally natural. Either way, you got this!

Before you leave

• Check local advisories. Traveling to Iowa comes with a different set of risks than, say, traveling to Africa. The same is true when traveling to Europe, Latin America, Asia, or to any specific country within every continent, let alone specific regions that demand their own precautions. For the latest information, if you’re traveling from the US check the State Dept website , as well as local news reports, and travel guides to your specific destination.
• Get your shots (where needed). Not every location demands special immunizations before visiting. But many of them do, especially less developed countries and continents. What’s more, the pandemic made things a lot more complicated, as certain countries drop or maintain proof of vaccination before entering. Either way, if you’re in the US check with the CDC for any destination-specific shots you might need before boarding your flight.
• Share your plans with emergency contacts. Doing so can be a simple but life-saving act, especially when traveling off-grid, on high adventure trips, or in more dangerous destinations. Tell your friends and loved ones when and where you’re going, what you’re doing, where you’re staying, how you’re traveling, and how they can get in touch with you should anything come up.

• Know common scams. In many countries, individuals might feign assistance and incessantly follow you, only to later demand payment for their unsolicited help. Others might wow you with offers that are too good to be true, work in teams to distract you and take your goods, or worse. Many travel advisories will include this information, but some extra online searches can go a long way to expose and help you avoid any harm to your wallet and/or your safety.
• Get travel insurance. If you really want to cover your bases while abroad, you’ll want travel insurance, such as that offered by Seven Corners . Doing so can help recoup your money if you need to cancel a trip (or your flight is delayed) and cover the cost of treating medical emergencies while traveling, including care at foreign hospitals and medical evacuation, lost bags, early returns home, and many other unexpected mishaps.

While traveling

• Know your limits. Feeling nervous before traveling somewhere new is normal. But if you’re feeling downright sick about your plans, you’ve probably bitten off more than you can chew. The best pre-test of an experience is whether you’re still excited about it, even if it’s something you’ve never done before. After you arrive, however, be sure to listen to your mind and body and back out of anything you’re not comfortable with.
• Eat and drink like your life depends on it. This is especially true on high adventure trips. Dehydration is easily preventable but amazingly one of the leading causes of illness while traveling abroad. So, drink more water than you think, plan for regular bathroom breaks, and stay away from street vendors unless you’re certain they’re free from food poison.

• Secure your valuables. It’s always important to protect your personal property, be it in parked rental cars, beach bags, or wallets and phones in your usually secure pockets. Again, travel advisories will often alert you to higher areas of petty theft but be on the extra lookout when traveling someplace new.
• Avoid getting too close to wildlife (or the edge of a cliff). Many years ago, an American college student was sadly (but unsurprisingly) eaten by a lion after sticking her head out of a car window while at Lion Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. Others become seriously sick after licking psychedelic toads in Sonora. And far too many tourists have fallen to their deaths while snapping selfies at the ends of a cliff. Don’t do it. No photo is worth your life or good health.
• Stay alert. Be on the lookout. If you’re not sure about something, step inside a public building, follow the crowd, and trust your gut, especially if you find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings or cultures. Although you may be tempted to “travel like a local,” don’t do it. You’re probably not as experienced as they are and that’s okay. Instead, travel like a respectful tourist and accept that you don’t know everything. Doing so will keep you safe.

Despite what the news will sometimes have you believe, the world is a safer than it has ever been. Yes, there are risks. But when traveling, these 10 tips can help you avoid almost any setback. Bon voyage!

Sponsored by Seven Corners

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

10 Travel Safety Tips to Help You Stay Safe Abroad

Staying safe on the road is a top concern for….well, everyone. No one wants to get scammed, hurt, or sick on the road. No one wants to get robbed.

And, when you are going somewhere you have never been before, it’s normal be cautious. You don’t know what to expect or how to play it safe. There’s a lot of unknowns.

While every country in the world is different, there’s some standard practices and common rules you can use to stay safe when you travel. Some of these rules are common sense, some were sadly learned from first hand experience!

Here are my 10 safety tips to ensure everything goes smoothly when you travel:

Table of Contents

1. Learn about common scams

2. buy travel insurance, 3. know what your insurance will and will not do, 4. save your emergency contacts, 5. prepare a google map, 6. download the safe traveler app, 7. follow embassies on twitter, 8. separate your cash and cards, 9. ask locals for advice, 10. don’t share too much information.

While scams are rare, they are out there, waiting for unwitting travelers to stumble into them. Most will only cost you a few bucks and a bit of embarrassment, but others can fleece you. Be sure to read up on your destination to see if there are any common scams to be aware of.

On my first trip to Thailand I was scammed multiple times on my first day. It was just a few bucks, fortunately, but it was still awkward and unpleasant. Since that trip, I’ve always made sure to be vigilant and research scams before I travel.

Common travel scams include taxis not using their meter because it’s “broken,” people trying to rope you into signing a petition (and then demanding a donation), or people selling fake (or overpriced) tickets to attractions.

Review this list of common scams before you go so that you’re ready for whatever is thrown your way.

One of the very first things I do once I book a trip is buy travel insurance . I know, it’s not a fun part of travel planning and it’s a boring thing to read (and write) about. But buying insurance early guarantees I’m covered in case I need to cancel my trip, if my flight is canceled or delayed, and much more.

For just over a dollar per day you get peace of mind, knowing that, should something go wrong, you won’t have to deal with it (or pay for it) alone.

I never leave home without travel insurance. You shouldn’t either.

If you’re on a budget, SafetyWing is my go-to company for affordable plans.

If you’re really concerned and want someone to call in an emergency, check out Medjet .

Medjet has a security response membership, MedjetHorizon, with 24/7 security teams ready to help (and extract you if necessary). It can also get you moved home if you’re hospitalized. Most travel insurance plans just move you to the nearest hospital, but Medjet will get you to your preferred facility in your home country, no questions asked.

If you want to learn more, you can read my complete review of Medjet here .

You can get a Medjet quote here (there are super affordable short-term and annual memberships).

For more information on travel insurance, here’s a list of all my recommended travel insurance companies .

Before you leave home, read over your insurance policy again. Every company is different, so it’s good to know exactly what is and is not covered.

For example, many travelers think that if they break their leg abroad, their insurance company’s medical evacuation benefits will get them home. That’s not always the case. Chances are, they will only get you to the “nearest acceptable facility” and make sure that you’re treated there. You’ll then be on your own to get home.

For security threats and natural disasters, insurance companies generally require what’s called a “hard trigger” before they can or will assist you. That means the government must declare an emergency or evacuation order. If that doesn’t happen, you will be expected to get home yourself, even if the situation is dire (and even if it costs thousands of dollars).

That’s why I always suggest Medjet to travelers who want to be sure they get home no matter what. It’s the ultimate in security and crisis response. There’s a 24/7 crisis line that can respond to a wider range of safety threats without the need for a hard trigger.

Once you have travel insurance, save the contact number in your phone. Save the emergency contact email in your inbox too. That way, you can find it quickly if you have a question or need assistance.

If you think you might not have Wi-Fi or cell phone service during your trip, write the number down in your phone on a notes app just to be safe. You might also want to keep a physical copy of both in your wallet too, just in case something happens to your phone.

Be sure to also email yourself copies of all your important documents, such as your passport and license, in case you lose your wallet. Having printed copies of them isn’t a bad idea either.

Once you’ve booked your accommodation, save it on Google Maps. That way, you can find your accommodation should you get lost and need to show the address to a driver. You might want to also take a physical business card from your accommodation once you arrive (it will have the address and contact info on it, which might come in handy).

Additionally, save other important destinations on your Google Map, such as the nearest hospital, pharmacy, grocery store, and embassy/consulate. If you feel comfortable doing so with a trusted person at home, you can also share your location through Google Maps. For many people, especially solo travelers, this provides peace of mind, knowing that someone in the world knows their whereabouts.

Once you’ve decided where to go (and if you’re from the US), sign up for the S.T.E.P. program . It alerts local embassies that you’re in the area in case a situation arises. Next, download the State Department’s Safe Traveler app . You just punch in the destinations you want to visit, and it will send push alerts to your smartphone regarding any important security concerns. That way, you’ll be forewarned should anything happen that you should be aware of.

If you use Twitter, follow your country’s embassy in the destination country. It will not only mention important local events and holidays but, should a situation arise, also publish updates and information there. Make sure you turn your notifications on so you don’t miss anything important.

Following local news companies on twitter is also a good idea, especially if there is a local english-speaking website that has a Twitter account. That way, you definitely won’t miss any important happenings.

When traveling, don’t keep all your cash and cards in one place. Keep some in your wallet, some in your day bag, and some in your accommodation. That way, if you lose your wallet or if your bag is stolen you still have cash and cards to fall back on.

It’s not uncommon for banks to cancel or put a hold on a credit card while you’re abroad either, so bring more than one just to be safe.

When you check into a hotel or Airbnb, ask if they have any safety advice to share. Are there neighborhoods worth avoiding? Are there any scams they think you might encounter? Maybe some areas are safe during the day but not at night. Ask for input from locals; they’re in the best position to help.

That said, it never hurts to get a second opinion. Some locals might consider an area unsafe, while others don’t. Be sure to shop around for advice so you can avoid any biases. Travel is subjective, after all, so the more opinions you can get, the better.

If you’re posting on social media, don’t post in real time. Wait a couple hours and then post. That way, would-be criminals can’t use that information to get your location and rob you or stalk you (this is especially important for solo female travelers).

Moreover, don’t give away too much info to random strangers. Avoid sharing your hotel name, and, if possible, avoiding telling people it’s your first time visiting the city/country as they may use that as an invitation to try and rip you off.

It may seem like the world is a dangerous place, with trouble lurking around every corner, but that’s only because fear sells. I’ve been traveling for over 15 years, and 99% of the time, things go smoothly.

But for the remaining 1% of experiences, it’s best to be prepared . By arming yourself with knowledge before you go and ensuring you have comprehensive insurance and safety coverage , you’ll be able to travel with confidence, knowing that you’re ready for whatever the road throws your way.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Home | News | How to Travel Safely

How to Travel Safely

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review . 

Beyond satellite safety and green strides, Apple's game-changer ? USB-C charging! Ditch those Lightning cables and pack just one cable for all your devices on your next adventure.

After once again getting used to going where we want when we want, COVID-19 dropped its latest variants . On September 11, 2023, the CDC approved new COVID boosters amid upticks in cases and hospitalizations across the U.S. And they encourage you to get it before your next trip.

“We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from COVID-19,” said Director Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. “CDC is now recommending updated COVID-19 vaccination for everyone six months and older to better protect you and your loved ones.”

Knowing how to travel safely is always important, but during our current viral onslaught, safety is more crucial than ever. Amid a carousel of new variants and rising flu case counts, it can be hard to know what to do when it comes to travel these days. 

To help you satisfy that wanderlust safely, we’ve updated our travel safety guidelines. We added specific tips about protecting yourself and your fellow travelers during the ongoing days of the coronavirus.

It’s important to stay updated on the latest travel guidance from the CDC to keep you and those you visit safe and healthy.

How to travel safely during COVID-19

Before you leave.

• Travel safety tips for the whole family

Safety tips for air travel

• While you're on vacation

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Travel safety begins before you even leave the house. From making sure your home is secure to brushing up on current coronavirus restrictions wherever you're going, planning ahead sets you up for travel safety success.

Secure your home before you leave on vacation

To deter potential burglars, you want to make sure your home looks lived in even while you are away. Statistics show that burglaries tend to rise in the summer months, which is peak vacation time for most of us. And thieves know the best time to strike is when your home is vacant.

Here are some steps you can take to tighten security before you hit the road.

• Tell a neighbor your travel plans. Ask them to help keep an eye on your property and alert you of any suspicious activity.
• Lock all your windows and doors. Don’t forget about doors leading to the garage or second-story windows.
• Have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. A stack of mail and newspapers or garbage cans left at the curb are signs that nobody's home. You can temporarily stop delivery by contacting your newspaper carrier and the United States Post Office. And recruit a neighbor to bring in the garbage bins.
• Hire someone to help you keep up on yard work. An overgrown lawn or unshoveled walkway is a dead giveaway that no one's at home.
• Make sure any yard tools are put away. A ladder, rakes, and even patio furniture can all be used as tools to gain entry to your home.
• Don't post your travel plans on social media —if a burglar spots your post, it can turn your home into a target.

Some security systems let you stop and start professional monitoring without any contract or penalties. Find out if your home security system lets you turn on 24/7 monitoring while you're on vacation. That way you'll have someone keeping an eye on your house the whole time you're away.

Research coronavirus trends and restrictions

Travel can increase your risk of getting infected or spreading COVID-19 to others. Don't let the coronavirus ruin your getaway.

Take these steps before you leave to minimize your risk during vacation.

• Check coronavirus trends. Find out if coronavirus infections are spreading both where you're traveling from and at your destination. This can help you decide what risk you may pose to others and the risk they may pose to you.
• Research coronavirus restrictions. See if the city, county, or state where you're going has any restrictions on visitors. In addition to smart practices like social distancing and wearing a mask or other face covering, some places require visitors from COVID-19 hotspots to self-isolate for up to 10 days.
• Get tested. If you're visiting people who are at high risk for serious illness, or if you're not fully vaccinated, the CDC recommends a COVID-19 test one to three days before you travel. 
• Stock up on essentials. Make sure you have plenty of hand sanitizer and face masks. We recommend carrying a ziplock or other reusable bag where you can easily store and retrieve face coverings, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer. This way, if you have to take off your mask, you won't lay it on a surface or throw it in a pocket or bag. It also makes it easier to sanitize your hands without touching everything in your bag.

Travel safety for the whole family

People have different travel needs, depending on things like age or ability. Make sure everyone who's traveling with you is safe and comfortable with these family safety travel tips.

Travel safety tips for kids and babies

• Bring a car seat. Whether you're driving or flying, youngsters that require a car seat need to have one during vacation. If you're flying and have a lot of stops, it might make sense to invest in a lightweight car seat that's easy to move from plane to plane. And make sure your car seat is FAA approved.
• Pack sanitizing wipes. Wipes make it easy to disinfect anything your child touches (including themselves) when you're on the go. Wipe down chairs, tables, airplane trays, and toys—especially if you have a little one that likes to stick everything in their mouth.
• Wash their hands. Whenever you have the chance, hit the sink. Wipes and hand sanitizer are great in a pinch, but nothing beats washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Make masks fun.  Children over 2 years-old should wear a cloth face covering in public. To make this feel like less of a chore, get your kiddos some special masks for the trip. You can get masks with fun patterns, bright colors, or even find some emblazoned with their favorite characters.
• Social distance. Do what you can to keep your kids at least six feet away from others who are not in your immediate family. This can be especially crucial if you're visiting someone who's at high-risk for COVID-19 complications.
• Consider a GPS tracker . It doesn't take a pandemic to make us panic if we lose sight of a child in an unfamiliar or crowded place . Make things easier on your blood pressure and safer for your little one with a kids GPS tracker that lets you keep an eye on that tiny wanderer no matter where they go.

Travel safety tips for seniors

• Assess risk. You don't want a road trip or plane ride to end in illness. Because age can make the symptoms and complications of COVID-19 more critical, assess your health and the general health of each person you're traveling with or visiting. If there are any signs of illness, it's best to reconsider your travel plans.
• Wear sturdy shoes. Falls are always a threat , so stay steady on your feet, whether you're sight-seeing or rushing to your gate at the airport. Sacrifice fashion for safety with reliable tennis shoes or other supportive footwear that gives your body the balance and bounce it needs.
• Social distance. Make sure that to stay at least six feet away from older family and friends you see during your travels. If you're reuniting with folks you haven't seen in months, it's tempting to hug or plant a kiss on a loved one's cheek. But those momentary greetings can result in infection. Get creative with air hugs, elbow bumps, and other safe ways to show your love.
• Air it out.  It's fun to huddle around the dining table or share a family puzzle, but if you're seeing some people for the first time, it's best to stick to the outdoors. Have a picnic, go for a walk, or set up some lawn chairs for fresh air social distancing.
• Keep it small. The more people you interact with (especially in higher-risk settings like in the airport, a store, or in someone's home), the higher your chances of being exposed to the coronavirus. Try to get together in small groups—10 or fewer is best—regardless of state or city guidelines that may approve larger gatherings.
• Consider a medical alert device. If you have a medical condition that puts you at risk for a fall, fainting, or any condition that could leave you unable to call for help, a medical alert pendant can be a lifesaver. It also makes it easier for someone to access your medical records if you need help when you're far from home. If you already have a medical alert device, talk to your provider before you leave to make sure it will work when you're traveling.

Airports are full of people, all rushing to catch a plane or make a connection. On top of normal airport safety, if you decide to fly right now, you should take precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Here are some travel tips to help you safely navigate the airport both during the pandemic and any time you fly:

• Watch your bags. You need to keep a close eye on your luggage at all times, even once you board the plane.
• Team up.  If you’re traveling alone, try to find someone in line to befriend. This is someone who could watch your luggage while at the counter or going through security.
• Protect your laptop.  When going through security, put your laptop on the x-ray belt last. This way, your laptop will come out after your carryon luggage and hopefully about the time you are cleared. You don’t want your laptop in the open for too long.
• Sanitize. Carry hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes to wipe down your hands, bags, laptop, and phone after going through security. If you're cleaning your hands with hand sanitizer, be sure to use a generous amount and rub it into your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Wash your hands. If you have time, stop at the nearest bathroom to wash up in soap and water—that's the best way to stop the coronavirus from spreading.
• Wear a comfortable mask. Both in the airport and during your flight, you need to wear a face covering. This will likely be the longest stretch you've had to wear a mask (unless you're an essential worker), so pack one that fits well and is comfortable. Fidgeting or adjusting it constantly defeats the purpose of wearing the mask.
• Store your carry-on nearby. On the airplane, if you don’t put your luggage under the seat in front of you, put it in the overhead bin across the aisle from you. You’ll be able keep an eye on your bag during the flight to ensure nobody is opening your luggage.
• Wipe things down. When you get to your seat, wipe down the seat, the safety belt buckle, the tray, and anything else that gets touched (especially if you're traveling with little ones).
• Try to limit contact. Airlines are no longer booking flights for social distancing, so chances are you'll be seated next to, behind, or in front of someone else. If possible, request a window or middle seat. We think the window is best because you won't have someone climbing over you or rubbing elbows when they head down the aisle to the bathroom.
• Don't be shy. If you see an empty row or end up next to someone who's sneezing or coughing a lot, ask if you can move to a different seat. This is no time to hesitate. It's perfectly acceptable for you to look out for your own health.

If you decide to skip the airplane and hit the open road instead, read our tips for a safe road trip during the pandemic.

While on vacation

You’ve successfully navigated the airport and now you’ve landed safety at your destination. Don’t relax on safety just yet. Whether at a theme park or at a fancy resort, there are a few safety precautions (on top of washing your hands and social distancing) that you can take to make sure you're as safe as possible.

• Stay off social media. Don’t tip criminals off by sharing too much information on your social networks. Refrain from posting photos, status updates, or “checking in” while on vacation. Even if you have the highest security settings on Facebook and Twitter, your personal information could still be seen by unwanted eyes.
• Tell friends and family at home your itinerary. It’s a good idea to tell family and friends about your plans. Always let someone know when you’re expected to be back and what route you’re planning to take.
• Go contactless. Whenever possible, choose contactless options to check into your room, get meals delivered, or purchase tickets if you're going to any events or venues.
• Keep cash and credit cards in separate places. Never carry your credit cards, cash, and passport at the same time. You’ll want to keep some cash in your wallet, and then stash the rest in a pocket or money pouch. If you have a safe in your hotel room, leave the majority of your cash there and only bring what you’ll need for the day.
• Make a copy of your passport. You’ll want to make two copies of your passport. Leave one copy at home with a trusted friend or family member and take another copy with you. When you go out sightseeing, take the copy with you and leave the original in a hotel safe until you are ready to travel again.
• Do a security sweep of your hotel room. Always keep your hotel door locked and never answer it for someone you don’t know. If you can, try to get a room near the front desk or the elevator.
• Do a sanitizing sweep of your hotel room. Even though hotels are stepping up their cleaning routines during the pandemic, you may want to roll up your sleeves and do some extra disinfecting. 
• Keep your mask on. During your vacation activities, it's important to keep up the habit of donning a face covering in crowded or indoor settings—even if it's just down the hall to the ice machine. On second thought, don't even use the communal ice machine.

You can never be too careful, especially when it comes to traveling. Make sure things are safe at home and while you are traveling by taking the necessary precautions.

Related Pages on SafeWise

• The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Home before Vacation
• Holiday Travel Tips
• How to Travel Safely With Your Kids on Vacation
• How to Find Pet Care While You’re On Vacation
• Tips for Traveling Safely With Your Pet
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33 Underrated Travel Safety Tips for First Timers (To Keep You Safe Abroad)

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In the world of trip planning, there are many fun things we look forward to – plotting where to feast, strategizing what to wear, sketching the optimal route for frolicking…

But learning about how to stay safe abroad? Ugh. Boringggg.

I get it – it’s not the most exciting part of travel, but it is arguably the most important. So I’m here today to make it as painless as possible.

In today’s post, you’ll find a list of essential travel safety tips to remember no matter where you’re going, from tried and true classics to more modern additions, like innocent social media habits that could inadvertently put you in danger.

Save this list of Travel Safety Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Avoid posting on social media in real time while you travel 

We need to tackle this travel safety tip first, because I feel like almost nobody ever discusses it. So, let me shout it at you from a tall rooftop and tattoo it on your thigh: please be careful with your social media usage when you travel.

From checking in at the airport on Facebook to posting stories from every restaurant you visit, a good travel safety rule to abide by is to not ever post in real time.

There’s a few reasons for this: first, when you do post in real time, you’re basically announcing your exact whereabouts to the world which can 1) be used to locate you mid-spaghetti slurp in Italy and 2) alert people to the fact that you’re not at home, which can make your house a vulnerable target for break ins.

Granted, a lot of this risk can be mitigated with strict privacy settings, but when it comes to safety I always think better safe than sorry, hence this long video with some admittedly pretty paranoid tips.

Plus, there are some loopholes in the social media world that mean any posts meant just for friends/followers end up being seen by strangers.

For example:

• When you geotag a location in your Instagram posts/story, it can often get added to a public story for that location/city/region which means anyone can flick through it and see your dance moves at that club you went to
• When you post in a group on Facebook, depending on the privacy settings of that group, your post might get shown in strangers’ feeds… even if they aren’t in that group
• When your friend comments on a vacation post on Facebook, that activity might then show up on THEIR friends’ feeds even if you’re not personally friends with them

So, from this lens, you can see how even common things like posting a photo of the view from your hotel can be used to find your exact whereabouts abroad, which is why you should avoid sharing this stuff in real time. These days, I personally wait until after I’m gone to share anything.

2. Time your arrivals for during the day 

Next up is a basic but highly underrated tip which is to ensure your flights/trains/buses arrive in your new destination during the day.

This may be a personal preference, something about arriving in a new destination while it’s light out just makes me feel SO much safer, especially when you’re using public transport rather than a taxi to reach your accommodation. So, be sure to factor that into your planning when you’re booking transport!

3. Familiarize yourself with local scams 

Unfortunately wherever there are tourists, there are scams to watch out for.

There’s good news though! There are tons of resources online from your fellow travellers that summarize many of these scams. So it may seem simple but don’t forget to search “destination + tourist scams” before you go so you know what to look out for.

4. Look up safety in terms of neighbourhoods before you book accommodation

Many travellers often assume that central is best when it comes to booking accommodation for a trip, but depending on where you’re going, often there are undesirable areas even in the city center, close to tourist spots.

A common trap for instance is assuming that hotels near the train station are good for their location, when in reality they can often be the roughest parts of town.

SO, be sure to research specific neighbourhoods in your destination before booking. There are many great resources for that these days. I like searching Reddit (you can just Google “neighbourhoods to avoid in [destination] reddit” or you could also ask on Facebook groups for local insight. 

In any case though, look for recent posts only because neighbourhoods can change a great deal over a few years, meaning many older travel guides may be outdated.

5. Research local laws and regulations

Just because things are done in a certain way back home, doesn’t mean that’s how things are done in your destination.

There’s a surprising number of things that can get you fined (or worse) when you travel. This of course depends on where you’re going, but even simple things like feeding pigeons, playing music on a beach or using swear words are things that have gotten tourists in trouble… so don’t forget to look into local regulations before you go!

6. Research restrictions and rules on medication

A similar travel safety tip if you travel with medication is to look into whether you can actually bring your medication into your destination, because different countries can have different rules about these things… and the last thing you want is to get caught with illicit ‘substances’ in a new place, even if they’re just standard medication you would take back home.

7. Be sure to get travel insurance

Now this one is a given, but remember: having travel insurance is usually a good idea, or better yet, investing a travel credit card that includes insurance is a good idea. This means not having to pay extra for it, and having great coverage worry-free.

I usually get insurance through my credit card which makes life SO much easier, but for longer trips I typically book with WorldNomads and can highly recommend them.

8. Do not make yourself an appealing target for robbery 

Now, I’ve previously written about how to avoid pickpockets in Europe , but honestly the #1 tip I can offer for any destination is to simply not look robbable.

The logic is fairly easy to follow: if you’re out wearing flashy jewelry or really expensive clothes, you’re naturally more of a target for petty theft… so my rule of thumb is to not go out with anything that I wouldn’t mind losing. I know you want to look nice on your trip, but if you can’t stomach losing your heirloom necklace or fancy watch, then do not bring it abroad with you.

9. Don’t carry too much cash on you

On a similar note, another travel safety tip I always advise is to never carry more than you’d be comfortable losing, and be sure to split up your cash and cards in different bags so if one goes, you still have backups.

10. Pay attention to your surroundings

This again sounds like common sense, but it’s worth repeating: it can be VERY easy to get distracted when you’re travelling, so remember to stay sharp and vigilant even as you’re oohing and ahhing your way through the sights.

Most of the time, pickpocketing or petty theft occurs by them getting close to you while you’re distracted, so keeping distance from people and staying alert can really save you in most cases.

11. Keep your valuables in a safe and close spot for ease of mind

As much as we can discuss avoiding theft, at the end of the day, what you need to protect most are your cards, your phone and your passport. The rest can be easily replaced. So make sure you prioritize keeping these in safe place all throughout your travels.

A lot of people swear by money belts that you wear under your clothes, like this one…

Made of breathable & washable natural silk, this money belt is a comfortable way to keep cash, cards and important documents stashed safely when you travel.

But to be honest, those have never really worked for me just because I don’t find them very comfortable. I prefer wearing jackets or vests that have an inside pocket – that way I always have my stuff accessible, but also tucked away so that it’s impossible for people to get to. 

But if you’re a money belt person, go for it – I’m not here to judge.

12. (Maybe) Get an RFID blocking wallet

This is a common piece of travel safety advice I’ve heard a lot, that getting an RFID blocking wallet supposedly prevents your details from getting skimmed by scanners.

But I wouldn’t say that this is an absolute must because based on my research, this kind of crime is pretty rare. That said, it’s not impossible, so if it’s in your budget or if you have one already, if couldn’t hurt to bring one on your trip.

Looking for an RFID blocking wallet that doesn't break the bank? This slim unisex design is perfect for travel, and comes in over 30 different colours.

13. Know where the embassy or consulate is

In a worst case scenario, you may need to get help from your country’s embassy (if you’re in your destination’s capital city) or from the local consulate (if you’re in a place outside your destination’s capital).

So, it might be worth taking note of where the closest one is, just so you know where to go if you absolutely need to.

Truth be told, these days with our phones, it’s pretty easy to find locations and directions quickly, but in a case where even your phone gets stolen and there’s no other way for you to seek help, then knowing how to quickly get to the embassy/consulate can be a huge lifesaver.

14. Use location trackers to keep track of your valuables

It might sound paranoid, but honestly if you’re worried about theft abroad, putting location trackers on your most valuable belongings can bring SO much peace of mind to a trip, so I’d recommend investing in a few. I now have one for each of my suitcases, and one I throw in my backpack/purse and wallet.

As an Apple user, I use AirTags, but Tile makes location trackers as well that are compatible with any device.

If you're checking a bag, the best accessory you'll ever spend money on is an Apple AirTag. With it, you can monitor where your bag is at all times, which provides priceless ease of mind.

15. Back things up frequently

Another travel safety tip that I feel like nobody mentions is the importance of backing things up.

Most of the time when things get stolen, they can eventually be replaced, but what can’t be replaced are things like memories and photos, so I would recommend backing up photos and videos every evening when you get back to the hotel, just in case.

… I say this as someone who had a terrible hard drive crash years ago and ended up losing almost 9 months worth of amazing video footage… so don’t be like me!

16. Ensure there’s no way your phone can be put on airplane mode without your passcode 

Okay, this is an important one, and it’s one that not many people know about, so listen up.

If there is a way for your phone to be put on Airplane Mode when it’s locked, then be sure to disable this feature when you’re out and about.

With iPhones for instance, a lot of us have a shortcut enabled that allows us to swipe down on an unlocked phone screen to show our Control Center, where we can quickly then put the phone on airplane mode. This sounds harmless enough until you realize that a common trick that phone thieves use when they take your phone is they put it on airplane mode immediately so it can’t be tracked as easily.

SO, remember to disable any convenient features that might allow a phone thief to put your phone on airplane mode.

With iPhones, this is the process for turning off Control Center access on a locked phone:

• Go to Settings
• Go to the Face ID and Passcode section
• Scroll down to “Allow Access When Locked” and toggle off Control Center

17. Keep loved ones updated on your whereabouts

Another important travel safety tip is to just keep people from home in the loop about your trip and where you’re headed, especially if you’re on your own.

(Again, do not do this through public social media because you don’t want everyone to know your whereabouts all the time!)

For a more discrete solution, there are lots of apps you can use these days like the Find My app for iPhone users that allow you to effortlessly share your location, so consider enabling something like this during your trip. 

18. Have a game plan in case your phone gets stolen

Now, another underrated travel safety tip in the era of smartphones is simply having a plan in place in the worst case scenario that your phone is stolen.

If you’re anything like me, you have your whole life on your phone, so if it goes, you’re left pretty helpless. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place if your phone does get taken from you.

So, think to yourself: if my phone gets stolen, how can I make the aftermath as painless as possible?

Some things I would do are…

• Get a business card from your hotel as soon as you check in so you have a copy of the address
• Memorize how to get to your hotel based on landmarks
• Have a copy of important phone numbers you might need and leave it at the hotel
• Make frequent backups of all my phone info (like on iCloud) so that I can easily load all my info into a new phone when I get it
• Sync my phone with other devices (e.g. my MacBook) so I have a link to it if it gets taken
• Have at least $20 backup cash in case all my cards are synced to my phone

19. Buy a special privacy screen protector

As I mentioned above, these days we live out our whole lives on our phones, conducting everything from private conversations to banking on our little devices.

But of course, we get so absorbed by our phones that sometimes we forget a very simple thing: strangers can read your screen too!

So, if you’re paranoid about this, do know that they make special privacy screen protectors now that make it impossible to see what’s on your screen unless you’re right in front of it. This can be handy for avoiding situations like people seeing your passcode/passwords, your precise route and where you’re headed, etc.

A handy and affordable screen protector for your phone that prevents others from seeing what's on your screen. NOTE: Be sure to get the right size for your phone!

20. Minimize the personal details on your luggage tag

Speaking of obscuring private information, another important travel safety tip is this: when you’re packing your bags, make sure you don’t write any personal information on luggage tags that you’d feel weird about a stranger seeing.

A lot of people write things like their full name and address (in fact, most luggage tags have these lines built in!) but honestly these days, just an email or phone number would be sufficient. You could also get a luggage tag with a cover for additional privacy.

These luggage tags are built with privacy covers to keep your details safe, and (best of all), they come in over 20 colours! PS: They're the #1 most purchased luggage tags on Amazon.

21. Pack a basic first aid kit

If you’re travelling somewhere more remote (or honestly, so long as you have the space), I’d advise packing a little travel first aid kit so that you are covered in case anything goes wrong.

This would of course be more important for trips where you’re planning to do a lot of physical activities (e.g. hiking), but even for city breaks I would pack essentials like bandaids, blister pads and pain medication.

This flat first aid kit contains 298 items including bandages, antibiotic ointments, pain medication & more.

22. Make copies of important documents

Another safety precaution I would take is making sure I have copies of important documents like my passport, visas, and IDs. As I mention in my iPhone travel hacks post, I like to have copies accessible on my phone, but I’d also print some physical copies too in case my phone got stolen.

BONUS TIP: I would also put together a “doomsday doc” with emergency numbers and info, e.g. what number to call if your credit card gets stolen.

23. Buy or print out some cards about your allergies in the local language

Now let’s move onto some food-related safety tips for travel!

The first one is simple – if you have any food allergies, be sure to get some printed cards that explain your allergies in the local language. Do not try to rely on your own language skills to get you through this – having a printed version helps make things crystal clear.

24. Be more cautious re: food hygiene

Depending on your destination, you should also pay attention to food hygiene a bit more than you regularly would at home.

If you’re going somewhere without a ready supply of clean drinking water for instance, I would be sure to take some extra steps like…

• Avoiding ice in your drink
• Going for fully cooked food (rather than sneaky surprise foods like salad, raw fruit or veggies that can carry illness if the water isn’t clean)
• Aiming to eat at busy places to minimize the likelihood that food has been sitting out 
• Sticking with fruits that contain built in protection like bananas and oranges (rather than ones where you eat the skin, like apples)
• Carrying a portable water filter straw like a LifeStraw if you’re going somewhere with questionable water quality

This amazing handy (and affordable) tool allows you to drink clean, filtered water on the go. Perfect for those who spend a lot of time outdoors!

25. Sanitize your hands before eating

In a post-2020 world, I think we’re all pros at sanitizing our hands by now… but it’s easy to get complacent and forget. So, remember: if you’re eating, sanitize those grabbers.

26. Pick options where there’a a paper trail

Now this is a vague-sounding travel safety tip, but allow me to explain: there are many instances in travel when you might have the opportunity to pay in cash in-person vs. booking things online and paying in advance.

My preference is to always book the option that has a paper trail (e.g. receipts, confirmations, etc.)

So if you’re getting a taxi for instance, order through an app instead of flagging one down on the street. This gives you an additional bit of security because the more of a paper trail there is, the less likely it will be a scam.

This isn’t a foolproof technique of course, but ordering a taxi through an app for me will always feel safer than getting in a random car I’ve waved down.

27. Wherever possible, pay with credit cards and not debit cards

With credit cards, you tend to have more recourse if things go wrong and also from my experience they’re more universally accepted than debit cards.

I can highly recommend getting a travel-friendly card like Wise.

28. Never say your hotel room number out loud

Now when you get to your accommodation abroad, there are a few extra tips to keep in mind.

The first is to never say your room number or floor out loud. You never know who might be listening close by. Most hotel staff are now trained to never say the room number out loud to you and there’s a reason for that, so don’t forget!

29. Do a quick check of your hotel room before settling in

When you arrive in your room, it might also be wise to do a quick check before you settle in as well.

I admit I’m not the most diligent with this, but a lot of travellers swear by doing a full sweep of the room just in case, looking inside the closet, behind curtains in the bathroom, even under the bed to double check nobody else is in the room.

At this point it might also be smart to do a quick check for bed bugs.

30. Use the hotel room deadbolt

When it comes to staying safe at hotels, I just make sure I lock the deadbolt before going to sleep, though some travellers swear by carrying their own special locks like this one, or even putting a loud object at the door so if someone does come in, it makes a loud noise.

NOTE: I know this all sounds like a lot and it makes travel sound so dangerous but I promise I’ve felt safe during 99% of my travels. Honestly at the end of the day it comes down to your own comfort levels and it’s about feeling safe more than anything else, so many of these tactics might sound like overkill, but pick and choose the ones that would make you feel safest. 

31. Be picky with the ATMs you use

Another important tip: if you’re getting money out from a local ATM, do be a bit picky with which ATMs you choose.

I typically only go to ones that are connected to banks rather than the standalone ones which often charge more fees anyway.

Often ATM scams rely on scanners that steal your information, which is why the well lit ATMs in bank buildings with cameras tend to be harder to tamper with. Again, this isn’t a foolproof system, but ultimately the only thing you can do is just minimize potential threats… so remember to go for ATMs in bright places!

32. Never have noise cancelling headphones on at 100%

Remember: when you’re travelling, make sure you’re never wearing noise cancelling headphones at 100% volume.

It’s very important in travel to be aware of your surroundings and I think a lot of travellers these days can take their safety for granted and wear headphones everywhere because they’re used to them… but it goes without saying, you need to have access to all your senses when you travel, so make sure you can hear!

33. Don’t risk personal safety for photos

Finally, I have to be a boring grandma and remind you that your life is not worth risking for a cool photo or video.

I get it – the world is a gorgeous place and it’s in our nature to want nice mementos, but risking your life for a photo or video is never a good idea.

There have sadly been many stories over the years of tourists losing their lives at tall viewpoints or hikes getting photos… so remember stay away from cliff edges, watch out for safety signs and just err on the side of caution whenever possible.

After all, as I’ve said many times – better safe than sorry.

Have Any More Travel Safety Tips to Add?

Let me know in the comments!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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31 Travel Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

These travel safety tips will help you plan ahead, stay safe on the road, and give you peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure!

Travel, whether it’s near or far, has so many benefits. It can be an eye-opening educational experience, and it’ll make you feel united with the world around you. It might even change your life—BUT only if you’re safe!

Like any new experience, travel does not come without its risks. That’s why I’ve put together these travel safety tips: to help you plan ahead, stay aware of your surroundings, and give you peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure!

Register with Your Embassy In Case of Natural Disaster or Civil Unrest

Despite all our best planning, we can never be prepared for extreme forces outside of our control. Registering with your Embassy before you travel ensures that if something truly dangerous happens in the country you’re visiting, you know your government will be actively looking out for your safety and well-being.

This includes situations like the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, or the civil uprising in Nicaragua last year. In these cases, the US Embassies actively worked to help American citizens evacuate safely. They can also help you with issues regarding your passport.

Registration is usually simple. For Americans, go online to the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)  web page to submit your passport information, travel dates, and destinations. This will notify Embassies in your region so that if disaster strikes they can contact you quickly and begin assisting you.

Check the State Department Website for Travel Warnings

Researching all the exciting things you can do and see while on travel is a big part of the fun. But while you’re looking at paragliding in Colombia , or the best museums to visit in Paris (seriously, go see the D’Orsay), take some time to read the latest from the State Department’s travel safety warnings.

Now, most of the time these are worst-case scenarios, and the warnings generally list what could happen in that region–not necessarily what will happen. Still, it’s best to have a look and to keep checking for updates as you get closer to your arrival.

Travel warnings will usually be accompanied by useful travel safety tips. Things like pickpocketing are prevalent in most urban destinations, but warnings of things like violent crime should not be taken lightly.

Do your research, read carefully, and put yourself in a situation to avoid the most reported on areas. As travelers, we love the excitement of exploring new destinations and learning more about the world, but that doesn’t mean we need to put ourselves in unnecessary danger.

You can even sign up to get email updates for travel tips and warnings on the area you’ll be visiting.

Get Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind

This is one of the most important travel safety tips. This necessity is too often seen as a luxury, but in regards to safety, there is no question that the list of benefits for getting travel insurance far outweighs the cost. Trip cancellation or delay, lost baggage, and emergency medical coverage are must-haves.

At this point, the question of travel insurance should not be “ is travel insurance worth it? ” but rather “which travel insurance company is best for my next trip?” It’s no secret that there are travel insurance companies out there that may be trying to take advantage of you by charging high deductibles or making it nearly impossible to file a claim, but that shouldn’t deter you from seeking the travel insurance coverage you need.

Make sure you report your loss as soon as possible to expedite the claims process. And don’t forget to insure your electronics. Camera equipment, laptop, and cell phones can be covered depending on the insurance company.

If you’re unsure how to choose the best travel insurance company,  fill out the form below to instantly get a quote.

Share Your Travel Itinerary with Family and Friends So They Know Where You’re Heading

I know that some of you might prefer to go rogue for a few months. Freedom and privacy may be highly coveted, but too much of a good thing can sometimes put you in a bind.

Give close relatives or friends a general breakdown of your travel itinerary before you take off, even if your itinerary is a loose one. A list of the countries and cities that you will be visiting and your dates of travel is a good start.

This serves two purposes: they’ll feel good knowing that they’ve got some insight into your travel and that you know you plan to travel safely, and you’ll have an extra cushion of someone looking out for you while you’re off exploring.

Social media is a great way to keep people updated as you go, but oversharing can put you at risk. Make sure you’ve updated your privacy settings to keep strangers off your social media if you plan to use those platforms to share your actual travel plans.

And remember to send your close friends and family a more detailed note if your travel itinerary changes considerably. If you’ve canceled your plans to hang out in London in favor of traveling with the new friends you just met in Italy, we urge you to let someone know where you’re headed.

Seek Out Updated Location Specific Travel Safety Tips So You Know Recent Trends

When it comes to travel safety tips, scams, and trends, no two destinations are the same. Because of this, the travel safety tips you read for one country or city may not apply to the next.

Be specific with your research when it comes to the latest information on travel safety tips. Don’t just search “is Morocco safe?”  but search “2019 safety tips for Marrakech.”

This applies to talking to locals during your travels too. If you’re planning to head to a new city nearby, ask the locals if they’ve heard any news or have any tips to travel safety in that area. Chances are, they’ll have a lot of insight for you.

Hostel staff are also a great resource here. They may be local to the area, or they may be travelers like yourself with some pretty good tips on safety in the immediate area. Whether it’s bars with bad reputations, common travel scams,  panhandling, or pickpocketing sights, your hostel staff will (usually) know about it.

And then share what you’ve learned–make sure to share those travel safety tips with friends you meet along the way.

Get the Right Vaccinations to Stay Healthy

Getting sick while traveling sucks. So you take a few over the counter meds and spend a day in bed. But getting super sick? Like, Dengue fever sick? That can be the end of your travels for the foreseeable future.

Be preemptive. In some cases, you need to prove you’re vaccinated from certain diseases before some countries will even let you in.

Do your research on vaccination requirements, and carry your shot-card (often a little yellow book) with your passport so you’re always prepared to show it at immigration.

Notify Your Bank So They Don’t Freeze Your Card When You’re Traveling

This one is simple and only takes a few minutes. But not doing it, and having your credit card frozen,  can cause you hours or even days of frustration and could pose a serious problem.

If your bank doesn’t know that you’re traveling in other countries, they may see your charges or withdrawals as potentially fraudulent and freeze your credit card. Once that happens, you’re going to struggle to call them internationally during their business hours to verify your purchases and to get your credit card reactivated.

Most banks offer this feature on their mobile banking app. Simply enter your travel dates and destinations to report to the bank that you’ll be on the move.

Have Multiple Banks Accounts So You Can Transfer Money Easily

Losing your bank card or having it stolen is a traveler’s nightmare. But if you have multiple bank accounts, it could just be a hiccup instead of a show-stopper.

Give yourself the ability to transfer your funds remotely by having at least two working bank accounts. They can even be with the same bank.

If your bank card goes missing, call the authorities, freeze your bank card, and then move your money to your other account. That way, you can keep going with your travels while the bank and the authorities take care of your open case or claim.

The same goes for credit cards. Don’t be put in a bad situation where you can’t access your own money.

Write Down Emergency Information to Speed up Assistance

There are a few important aspects to emergency information: your medical information, your passport information, and local emergency points of contact.

You should always carry a card on you with your medical information like blood type, allergies, and someone to contact (usually your parents or spouse). That way, if something happens to you, it gives very crucial information to whoever is providing you aid.

And wherever you chose to keep that is where you should also have a little card where you’ve jotted down things like the country’s emergency phone number (it may not be 911).

When you check into your hostel, hang out a minute longer at the front desk and copy down the local emergency information. Put it in your phone as well, but that should not be the only place you’ve got it.

Learn Basic Self-Defense for Protection

Note that I didn’t say “learn to beat someone up” or “perfect your three-finger punch.”

Basic self-defense is an important skill to be used in a worst-case scenario. Learning to defend yourself includes learning how to diffuse a dangerous situation without personal altercation, as well as the importance of buying yourself time to get away quickly and safely.

The goal is to avoid conflict and keep yourself safe. It is not your job to teach someone else a lesson with your cool kung-fu moves.

Consider taking some krav maga or karate lessons before you travel, and emphasize to your trainer that your goal is self-defense. Find an instructor that guides you in the right direction.

Book Your Travel with Trusted Sources to Avoid Getting Scammed

When booking travel online, whether it’s buses or flights, any price that seems too good to be true usually is. Keep an eye out for common signs of scam sites, like ones that have too many pop-ups and poor formatting. Make sure any website that asks for payment has a trusted business indicator (like the ones provided by Visa and Mastercard) displayed on the website. These scammy websites count on their readers not paying attention, so don’t give them the satisfaction.

As for booking travel in person while you’re in a foreign country, stick to your hostel recommendations or highly-rated local travel companies. Odd company names or ones that aren’t located in travel hubs (like bus terminals or airports) should be scrutinized heavily.

In some cases, even legit companies could be getting paid-off by malicious groups to rope unwitting tourists in, so that they can rob their bus en route.

Cheap transit is not always your best bet. Remember, you don’t just want a good deal, you actually want to make it to your destination safely.

Stay at Decent Hostels for Security and Safety

I’m looking at you, my ultra-budget travelers out there.

It may be tempting to book the cheapest possible place to stay. Hell, extreme budget travel is practically a sport for some travelers. But there are certain things you shouldn’t skimp on, and a clean safe place to sleep is one of them.

Not to say that safe accommodation has to be expensive, but your main concern should lie with things like locks, lockers, and a 24hr front desk. The only people that should be able to access your hostel at night are staff and tenants. That way you can get a truly worry-free night’s sleep and be ready to step out on your next adventure.

Wear the Right Clothes So You Don’t Stand Out

Dressing appropriately for your surroundings has multiple benefits. Not only does it show that you are respectful of the local culture, but it helps you blend in as well. Dressing like a “tourist” makes you a target for potential theft.

Try to keep your travel wardrobe minimalist, so you can add a flare of local attire depending on where you are visiting. Pickpockets and other nefarious characters are constantly on the lookout for people who don’t look like they belong. And don’t wear your flashy, expensive-looking jewelry or fancy brands as this can also be an open invitation for trouble.

Bring a First Aid Kit for Minor Injuries

Scrapes and burns may not seem like a big deal, but staying healthy is, and health is a part of safety. Traveling is sometimes dirty business. With rocky hikes and dusty buses, you never know what might happen, and you need to be in control of your health as much as possible.

It doesn’t take much for a small cut or splinter to get infected, so do yourself a favor and keep your own first aid kit on hand and easily accessible. Be hyper-aware of any small injuries you get along the way. Foot injuries can be especially susceptible to contamination and dangerous to your health.

Band-Aids, antiseptic, and clean gauze are a good start for a basic kit. You should also consider vitamin-c and throat lozenges to stave off the pesky common cold, and Imodium in the event that the food you eat doesn’t… agree with you. Don’t be embarrassed. We’ve all been there.

Inspect Transaction Points to Avoid Fraud and Theft

Money tips and travel safety tips go hand in hand. Just like with having multiple bank accounts to protect your funds, you need to be wary of anywhere you might swipe or insert your bank card or credit cards.

Look for signs of tampering. Has anything been added to the card receiver that may be capable of recording your bank card or credit card data?

Inspect Transaction Points to Avoid Fraud and TheftRestaurants are not immune to this either. Always ask if your credit card can be swiped at the table instead of letting your server take your card away to complete the transaction.

When in doubt, you can always skip to the next ATM or pay your dinner tab with cash. You can even report potential tampering to the local police.

Use a VPN to Protect You From Hackers

Free WiFi can feel heaven-sent when you’re on the move—especially if you’re a digital nomad working and traveling. But as lovely as it is to connect for free, it can also put your device at risk for hackers.

If you come across public WiFi that is not password protected, it is possible that the data on your laptop or computer could be gathered by a third party while you’re connected. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a great way around this problem.

When you use a VPN paid service, your online activity will be sent through virtual connections and encrypted, so your IP address and data can’t be intercepted. Now you can safely embrace that sweet, sweet free WiFi without worrying about identity theft or fraud.

ExpressVPN  is one of my favorite VPNs for international travel . It provides secure, private and unrestricted internet access so you can hide your location

Study Maps to Keep Your Bearings

You don’t need to be a modern-day Magellan to get this one down. Having a decent understanding of the layout of the place you’re exploring will ensure that, even if your phone dies, you can still get yourself to your lodging, a central piazza, or a major transportation hub (quickly and safely, preferably).

Additionally, studying your map can even help you plan out your day or discover interesting places you wouldn’t have otherwise known about.

I recommend using whatever map app you like on your mobile phone, and dropping pins for a few key locations. Then keep a mental note of where those buildings or features are in relation to you as you explore. That way, if you get turned around or lost, you know what features you’re looking for as you regain your bearings.

Know Common Scams to Avoid Being Ripped-Off

Have you heard of the shoe-shine scam in Budapest? Or the tea-room scam in Hong Kong? There are some very clever scammers out there that unfortunately count on you to be a well-meaning and gullible person.

Friendliness from locals can be wonderful, but anyone that gets too chummy too quickly may be trying to take advantage of you. Do your research and be aware of scams that may be common in the country you’ll be visiting.

And don’t let your own politeness get in the way of your security. If you’re uncomfortable with a situation it is always okay to say “no, thank you” and walk away.

Be in Control When Hiring Taxis and Tuk-Tuks to Arrive Safely at Your Destination

Most taxi drivers are honest, hardworking individuals. But for those that aren’t, having you in their car puts them in an advantageous position of power.

Discuss the price or rate before you get in the vehicle. If your taxi driver mumbles or tells you they will talk about the price once they’re en route to your destination, they may be trying to rip you off. Do not let a taxi driver tell you that your lodging or the restaurant you want to go to is closed. They’re likely just trying to get you to spend money at their friend’s business instead.

And when it’s time to load your bags, make sure they’re in the back seat with you, not in the trunk. That way, if for any reason you want to get out of the vehicle quickly, you can grab your bags and go.

Carry a Decoy Wallet to Keep Muggers from Taking Your Real One

This is one of my favorite travel safety tips because it’s so easy.

Getting mugged is a terrifying experience. Someone desperate enough to stop you and demand that you give them your valuables is dangerous and should not be provoked. But it’s very likely that once they have what they want, they’ll leave you alone quickly to avoid being caught.

Carry a decoy wallet with a little bit of cash in it. It’s a helpful way to get out of that awful situation safely. If you’re unlucky enough to get mugged, hand the mugger your decoy wallet, and get out of there as quickly as possible. They’ll think they’ve taken everything you had on your person, and you are more likely to stay safe and unharmed.

And don’t ever resist a mugger. Your wallet is not more valuable than your safety and health.

Use the Right Bag for Added Security

This is another one of the travel safety tips that requires you to splurge a bit. Simply put, bags that aren’t designed for security put you at risk for theft. This applies to all of your bags: luggage, day-packs, purses, bumbags, etc.

Make sure your luggage is lockable. Carry daypacks and handbags that are slash-proof and RFID blocking. There are some cool camera bags out there that are discrete, as in they don’t look like a camera bag, and have theft-proof zipper access at the small of your back instead of the top of the bag. Bags with lots of pockets are great for separating your cash, passport, and mobile.

Bag safety and security are a necessity, so shop around and find something that works for you and keeps your valuables safe.

Always Have Positive Control of Your Bag to Deter Thieves

I cringe every time I see someone sitting at a table outside a cafe with their bag sat carelessly in the chair next to them. If you aren’t aware of your bag and touching it in some way at all times, your bag is more likely to be stolen.

One great method to keep your stuff safe  is securing your bag straps around your chair leg at your feet. For my rucksack, while I’m at bus stops or airports, I put my bag on the ground and stand with my foot through the strap.

Any physical contact with your bag is a deterrent for potential bag snatchers.

Invest in Locks to Secure Your Valuables

Sure, some hostels offer you a lock when you check-in, but that same lock has been used by dozens of people before you. That’s not exactly secure, is it?

Whether you prefer a key or combination lock, having your own lock (or two)  is the best way to keep your stuff safe and secure when you’re not with it.

Cable locks are particularly useful for locking your bags or sporting equipment together; just make sure they’re also tethered to a permanent structure if you’re going to walk away from your stuff.

Hide Extra Cash as a Backup 

It is a rare occurrence, and certainly not something we like to admit when it comes to our fellow travelers, but theft in hostels does happen.

If by some chance someone manages to get into your bag and steal from you (if your bag is locked up with your lock this shouldn’t happen!), you don’t want to make it easy for that person to find everything you’ve got.

There are lots of clever ways to stash and hide cash in different spots in your bags. Chapstick tubes, socks, and secret sewn-in pockets are great places to hide your extra cash.

Avoid Tight Crowds to Prevent Pickpocketing

Pickpockets love crowds. Crowds are loud, distracting, and well… crowded. If you’re in a tight crowd, you may not be able to tell the difference between someone brushing up against you by accident and someone reaching into your pocket or bag.

Street performances, block parties, and queues are prime target situations for pickpockets on the prowl. Do your best to avoid these crowds, or at least stay on the outer edge of a crowd where you’ve got better situational awareness.

Check-in Regularly with Someone You Trust for Added Peace of Mind

Solo-traveling is a great way to learn about yourself and the world around you and to ensure you get to do things your way. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve the same safety net as someone traveling with a group.

Whether you choose another traveler you’ve met or someone back home, having someone that knows they are your safety net and is aware and expecting to hear from you is so important. If something happens to you and you don’t check-in with that person like you said you would, they may be your best bet for getting help quickly.

A simple “Hi, I’m safe” text or call to check-in is all you need for staying safe and accountable.

Travel in Groups for a Safer Night Out

Like I said though, traveling with a group provides a safety net that solo-outings do not, and this is especially applicable at night. So don’t hesitate to join or create a group when you want to go out.

Make sure it’s obvious that you’re with other people wherever you are. Criminals target people who are alone but will steer clear of groups because they’re more likely to get caught if they try to steal from you or harm you. A united front makes you a harder target.

If you’re traveling on your own and itching for a night out, make some friends at your hostel and invite them out! It may feel awkward asking a stranger to hang out with you, but just be honest and tell them you don’t want to go out alone. Chances are they’ll understand and welcome the company.

Besides, making new friends is part of the fun of travel!

Practice Situational Awareness to Avoid Unnecessary Risk

This might seem like one of those obvious travel safety tips, but you have to pay attention to your surroundings when you travel. Walking with your head down looking at your phone tells the world that you’ve got no situational awareness, as does gawking at skyscrapers.

Your surroundings are going to be complex and dynamic, and you need to maintain a critical eye and a clear head so you can react quickly and appropriately to possibly dangerous situations.

Make eye contact with potential threats. No, I don’t mean get into a staring contest, but let them know you see them and they’re more likely to move on.  Keep your phone in your bag, stay (relatively) sober, and look out for your friends as well.

Body language also plays a big role in deterring theft and harassment.  When sitting in a restaurant for instance, always do your best to sit facing the door, so you can see everyone coming and going from the building. Choose bus seats closer to the door for a quick exit if you don’t feel comfortable with the people around you.

Know Important Phrases in the Local Language to Avoid Confusion

Nothing is more frustrating than taking a bad, stressful situation and adding a language barrier.

Hand gestures and charades can only get you so far in a foreign country. Besides being polite, learning a few important phrases in the local language of the countries you’re visiting can save you a lot of trouble. You can even write the words and phrases down and keep them on you if memorizing isn’t your thing.

Learn to comfortably say words like “hello/goodbye,” “please/thank you,” “clean water,” “toilet,” “bus,” and “train.” You can also work on questions like “where is the…?” or “how much for…?” And of course, people love it when you can order food or a drink in their native tongue.

“Dos cervezas, por favor!”

Trust Your Instincts to Make Good Decisions

Everyone has some level of intuition. It’s like a survival instinct; you know the feeling! When something isn’t quite right, maybe your stomach starts to feel queasy, or the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Don’t ignore your “spidey-senses” if they’re trying to tell you something. When all other travel tips fall short, and a situation feels “off,” trust yourself and your intuition to make the right choice and help you stay safe.

Wear Your Helmet to Protect your Most Important Asset!

Alright, alright, this one may seem like a no-brainer (pun intended), but I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen travelers cruise past me on a moped with no helmet on!

Concussions can disrupt a trip, and your “how’d you get that scar?” story won’t exactly sound epic when you tell them you fell off a bike without a helmet on your head. Unfortunately, common sense is not always a common virtue.

Besides, while your insurance company may cover emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, it may not cover dumb decisions like not wearing your helmet. Do you really want to test it?

And this goes for any kind of personal protective equipment, especially if you opt to participate in extreme sports. You wouldn’t skydive without a parachute, so please don’t scooter without a helmet!

I hope these travel safety tips help you feel secure while getting the most out of your travels (and if you want more, check out my 65 Best Travel Tips ). Whether you’re backpacking or traveling first class for a vacation, this universal list of advice is tried and true. Travel safe!

• Is It Safe to Travel to Germany?
• Is it Safe to Travel to China?
• 12 Smart Ways Keep Your Stuff Safe When You Travel
• World Nomads Travel Insurance Review: Is it Worth the Money?

Travel Safety FAQs

How do you ensure safety during travel.

To stay safe during travel, always tell someone where you’re going, register with the Embassy, and get travel insurance.

How do you stay healthy while traveling?

To stay healthy while traveling, make sure you have the right vaccinations and be careful about the food and water you consume.

How do you keep yourself safe while travelling alone?

If you’re traveling alone, you can stay safe by always telling someone where you’re going, doing your research, and having travel insurance.

What is the safest way to travel and why?

The safest way to travel is by airplane. Air travel is very predictable, and accidents are extremely rare.

What should I prepare before traveling?

Before traveling, make sure you prepare your documents, travel plans, vaccinations, and travel insurance.

Jeremy Scott Foster

We’re looking to go to Bali in October.

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The Ultimate Guide To Traveling Safely

There are many important factors to consider when traveling, including verifying the travel safety of whichever place you’re visiting.

Jazmin Kylene • Jan 11, 2024

There are many important factors to consider when traveling effectively and efficiently. This includes mindful packing , making sure you’re equipped with all necessary documents and of course, verifying the travel safety of whichever place you’re visiting.

Whether you’re flying across waters into foreign lands or road-tripping to an unexplored destination, it’s always important to know the economic and social climate of where you’re headed. Some cities are dubbed a safe haven for solo travelers, while others may require you to exercise more caution.

Being distracted while wandering a new city and taking in new sights can leave you vulnerable to petty theft and common scams . Here’s a go-to guide on how to stay as safe as possible while nurturing your inner explorer.

Travel Safety Tips

While staying safe varies from place to place, some universal tips can help any traveler stay safe, no matter where they are.

Be Aware of Travel Advisories

A state of unrest can happen anywhere overnight. The U.S. Department of State’s website keeps a continuous list of travel advisories in destinations worldwide, helping you be aware of any fluctuating conditions wherever you’re traveling. This will equip you with the knowledge of which conditions you’ll find when you arrive or which areas to avoid.

Digitize Your Documents

Losing important documents while you’re away from home is an unwanted headache. It can directly impact how quickly and easily you get back home, plus put you through the stress of replacing those documents. Your wallet or purse is usually filled with those crucial documents that criminals can exploit, so it’s imperative to leave unnecessary items at home, like your Social Security card. To help yourself, it’s recommended to keep copies of everything you would need in an emergency, like prescriptions, your ID or your passport. Take a picture and upload it to a secure folder online. This way, if anything is stolen, you can easily take steps to reduce the damage.  

Share Your Location

Not only should you be sharing your location with anyone you’re traveling with, but you should also share your location with someone back home, too. Alongside your itinerary,  you can engage in a regular check-in to let them know that you’ve made it to your next destination or back to your hotel. 

Get Travel Insurance

No one can anticipate an emergency, but being equipped with travel insurance sure does come in handy in the off-chance that something occurs. To protect both your physical and financial safety, purchasing a travel insurance policy ahead of your trip helps avoid out-of-pocket expenses for emergency medical treatment, trip delays, cancellations or lost luggage.

Carry Less Cash

These days, most retailers accept credit cards or digital forms of payment like Apple Pay and Venmo, even if you’re traveling abroad. Not having as much cash on you minimizes your wallet’s value to a thief, plus it’s easy to dispute unknown charges from a card.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Unless absolutely necessary, avoid logging into public wi-fi. It can leave you vulnerable, opening your devices and sensitive information to skilled hackers. Using a VPN service is one of the most efficient ways to stay safe wherever you’re surfing the web.

Be Aware of Scams

From being offered a rose or friendship bracelet, to being thrown a fake baby (yes, a fake baby) and overcharged by a taxi driver, there are plenty of ways that trained scam artists get you distracted and vulnerable. Remain skeptical and alert if anyone ever approaches you, discuss prices beforehand and don’t be afraid to ignore or walk away from someone who intuitively feels ill-intentioned.

Travel Safety For Solo Travelers

Traveling alone is an expansive and one-of-a-kind experience. When it comes to safety tips for traveling alone, one major key is to blend in as much as possible. The more you dress and act like a local, the less risk there is from criminals targeting you as a tourist. This means not making it so obvious that you’re foreign by adapting to the local style, walking with confidence, and keeping items like maps more discreet. Please familiarize yourself with whatever journey you’re about to embark on before leaving your accommodations so that you’re not overly dependent on your phone and can glance at it more quickly.

Similarly, stashing some extra cash in an inaccessible location can be lifesaving when you least expect it. Store money away in a money belt, bra, or neck stash as a discreet and recommended safety net.

Another helpful tip is to schedule your arrival during daylight. Whether a hotel or hostel, arriving in the mid-afternoon latest will give you the opportunity to really see what kind of area you’re staying in, as well as enough time to book a new stay if you’re uncomfortable with your accommodations.

Travel Safety Tools

One travel safety item that has proven to be a lifesaver for many is a portable hotel safety lock or doorstopper. Small and light, these tools will keep you safe in your hotel and prevent any intruders from entering your space.

Other helpful travel safety tools include:

• RFID-blocking wallet
• First aidkit
• Water purifier
• Pickpocket-proof clothing
• Anti-theft day pack
• VPN for all devices 
• Luggage locks

The Safest Countries To Travel

Are you wondering which places would let you roam the most worry-free? Scandinavian countries , renowned for their stability and effective governance, remain among the safest travel destinations. Iceland , Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland and Denmark rank in the top five in Europe. Also included in the list of safest countries in the world are Canada, Portugal , Japan and Australia , though comfort levels vary from city to city and should still be thoroughly researched.

8 of the Safest Countries in Africa To Visit

The 6 Safest Countries in South America To Visit

The safest country in South America is Uruguay . It is also the second-safest country in Latin America as a whole, right behind Costa Rica . Mauritius is considered to be the safest country in Africa, while Singapore and Malaysia are said to be Asia’s most inviting. If you’re exploring within the US, San Diego, CA , Virginia Beach, VA , Raleigh, NC and Honolulu, HI are ranked among the safest cities to explore. 

When it comes to areas to potentially avoid, the riskiest country in the world is South Sudan, followed by Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and Somalia. Petty crime is rife in the Virgin Islands, and one statistical study ranked Brazil even higher than the in terms of violent gun crime. Within the US, Baltimore, MA, Detroit, MI and New Orleans, LA should be visited with caution.

Is Cancun Safe? A Rundown on the Popular Mexican Destination

Is Mexico City Safe?

Is Curaçao Safe? A Guide to the Dutch-Caribbean Island

Is Harlem Safe? Tips for Visiting the Black Mecca of the 20’s

Is Guadalajara Safe? A Traveler’s Safety Guide

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MY WANDERLUSTY LIFE

#TimeBudgetTravel

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!)

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…

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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 33 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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11 Better Ways To Say “Safe Travels”

“Safe travels” is a polite way to wish somebody well on their upcoming journey. However, there are better ways to be polite and reassuring to your friends when they’re ready to go somewhere (often by plane). This article will share the best alternatives for such a case with you.

What Can I Say Instead Of “Safe Travels”?

There are plenty of ways to use “safe travels” in more exciting manners. You should check out one of the following:

• Have a good flight
• Happy landings
• See you on the other side
• Let me know when you arrive safely
• Stay safe out there
• Enjoy your trip
• Have a relaxing time away
• Happy travels

The preferred version is “be safe” because it keeps it simple. It’s a common phrase we use when we want to wish someone well, and we don’t want them to come across any complications or dangers that might occur if they’re not “careful” enough.

“Be safe” is great to show we care about someone. It lets them know that we worry about them, and we want them to stay “safe” no matter what happens. It works regardless of the method of transport for the journey as well, which makes it a good general phrase.

It’s common for family members to use the phrase “ be safe ” when seeing each other off. This shows that there is a lot of love behind the phrase and that it works well to show how much you care about someone’s wellbeing.

Here are a few ways we might be able to use this phrase:

• Be safe out there. I know you like to find trouble, but for once, I’d love it if you looked after yourself!
• Be safe on your way out! I would love to hear from you and see the pictures of all the things you get up to.
• Don’t forget to message me when you get there! Be safe, and I love you!

“Safe trip” is a simple phrase we can use to make sure someone knows we care. Using words like “safe” reminds people that we worry about them. Even if we are not physically there with them, we hope they are “safe” and do not get into trouble.

This phrase works well regardless of the trip that someone is taking. It could be a long-distance or a short-distance trip. Likewise, it could be by car, plane, boat, or something else entirely!

This phrase works in the following situations:

• Safe trip, Yuri! I’ll miss you, but I know you’ll be thinking about me while you’re away.
• Safe trip back to your hometown, then. Let me know when you get there safely.
• Safe trip, old friend. I’ll see you again whenever you’re next in town!

Have A Good Flight

“Have a good flight” is appropriate to use when someone is going to get on a plane . We use “flight” here to be specific, which helps us to show that we know what someone is getting up to and what they’re likely going to expect from their journey.

We can use this phrase in the following ways:

• Have a good flight! I’m sure you can get all the food and drink you want on there!
• Have a good flight, and don’t forget to let me know when you land safely!
• Have a good flight! There’s nothing to worry about, and you know it’ll all be okay!

Happy Landings

“Happy landings” specifically highlights the “landing” portion of a journey. It works well when someone is going on a plane, and we want them to be “happy” throughout the course of their journey.

Here are a few useful examples of how this one works:

• Happy landings, fella! Don’t forget that they really like their tips out there when you’re dining out!
• Happy landings, then! I’ll miss you every second, so I want you to send me all the photos you can!
• Happy landings! Don’t forget to explore some of the local scenery!

See You On The Other Side

“See you on the other side” is an informal idiom that works well in many cases. We can do it when we know that someone will be returning to see us again soon. “The other side” indicates the place where we will be staying while they go on a journey.

Check out some of these examples to see how it looks:

• See you on the other side, then! Have a great holiday!
• Have a great time away, Fred! See you on the other side!
• I’ll be here waiting for you as always! See you on the other side!

Let Me Know When You Arrive Safely

“Let me know when you arrive safely” is a calm way to let someone know that you are worried. When they arrive at their destination, we can ask them to “message” us to ease our minds and show us that they are thinking about us even after their journey.

We could also use a phrase like “text me when” instead of “let me know when.” If we want to be more specific about the manner of messaging, this phrase works just as well.

This phrase works well in the following ways:

• Let me know when you arrive safely, please! You know how much I worry about you while I’m not around!
• Text me when you arrive safely, please! I want to know just how much fun you’re getting up to.
• Let me know when you arrive safely! I’ll miss you every second that you’re away.

Stay Safe Out There

“Stay safe out there” is a good way to show that you care about someone. “Stay safe” helps to let them know that you’ll be looking out for them and that you want them to explore, but in a reasonable way that won’t cause them harm.

We typically use this phrase when someone is going on a long-distance journey. “Out there” is a good indicator of that.

Check out some of these examples to see how it works:

• Stay safe out there, then! I know you’ll make all the best choices while you’re away.
• Stay safe out there! I’ll miss you, but I know you’ll be having an absolutely adoring time!
• Stay safe out there. You never know what hijinx you might get into, so make sure you text me!

Enjoy Your Trip

“Enjoy your trip” is a simple way to show someone that you care. It helps to let them know that we want them to “enjoy” themselves. While trips can sometimes be boring (especially long-distance ones), we want people to feel like they can still have fun.

This simple phrase works as follows :

• Enjoy your trip, Michael! Let me know when you arrive so we can discuss the adventure more!
• Enjoy your trip! Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local culture when you get there!
• Enjoy your trip! I expect you to be fluent in German by the time you get back, okay?

Have A Relaxing Time Away

“Have a relaxing time away” works well in many cases. It’s most effective when we know that someone is inclined to worry (whether about the journey or the place they’re going). If we want to calm them down, this phrase works well.

These examples will help you make more sense of it:

• Have a relaxing time away! Remember, you don’t need to worry about a thing when you get on that plane!
• Have a relaxing time away! If anyone deserves it, it is most certainly you!
• Have a relaxing time away! I’m going to miss you, but I know you’ll be back in no time!

Happy Travels

“Happy travels” works really well when we want people to feel “happy” on their journey. “Travels” can refer to any method of transport, but the idea is that they’ll be spending a long time getting from point A to point B, and we want them to feel “happy.”

Perhaps one of these examples will help you make more sense of it:

• Happy travels, mate! I know you’ll love it over there in Australia, but you must tell me all about it.
• Happy travels, Sue! I’ll miss you, so don’t forget to write to me every day about what you do.
• Happy travels, Dan! Thank you for coming to see me again, and I’ll see you again soon, yeah?

“Bon voyage” is a great way to wish someone well before they go on an adventure. It’s French (and Italian), and it means “good journey.” It’s a commonly-used exclamation in English when we want to wish somebody well for something they’re going to do.

It’s also comforting because it shows that we do not wish any problems to come their way when they’re on their journey.

• Bon voyage, my little friend! I’ll see you again when you return!
• Bon voyage, then! I will miss you, but I hope you get a chance to text me a bunch when you get there!
• Bon voyage! I love you so much, and I’ll definitely miss you while you’re away.

You may also like: Safe Travels – Meaning & Usage (Helpful Examples)

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

• “Arrive To”, “Arrive At”, or “Arrive In”? Correct Preposition
• “Made It Home Safe” vs. “Made It Home Safely” – Correct Version
• Be Safe, Stay Safe, or Keep Safe? [Helpful Examples]
• Will Arrive or Will Be Arriving – What’s the Difference?

The one thing you'll want to do is the only thing not to do while driving during solar eclipse

The 2024 solar eclipse will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the celestial event?

We know Americans should wear certified eclipse glasses when looking directly at the eclipse. And millions of Americans are in the eclipse's path of totality , the moment that occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun's light from reaching us. During totality, the eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye.

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path. If you plan to drive during this time, you may not only have to contend with traffic , but need to take steps to stay safe.

Here's what to know about driving during the eclipse.

Where to get free solar eclipse glasses: Libraries, Warby Parker and more giving glasses away

Is it safe to drive during an eclipse?

It's safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse.

"Anyone operating a vehicle should not be attempting to look up at the sky during the eclipse – their eyes should be on the road," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," Diaz said.

Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving

It should go without saying, but authorities are also reminding people to not drive while wearing eclipse glasses .

The Missouri and Texas departments of transportation are both advising drivers to not wear eclipse glasses during the natural phenomenon and to focus on the road.

"Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving," reads a list of safety tips from the Texas department. Thousands people are expected to drive to towns along the path of totality, including Dallas, ahead of the eclipse.

Several state transportation departments  released similar warnings  ahead of the 2017 total solar eclipse. Wyoming's, for example, warned people traveling to the state about how they wouldn't be able to see the road with solar eclipse glasses on.

"When the glasses are worn, a person shouldn’t be able to see anything except the solar eclipse, which is why it is unsafe for a person to wear them when driving," the warning reads.

"Eclipse glasses are for eclipse viewing, not driving. They shouldn’t be treated like normal sunglasses," Diaz said.

Watch CBS News

Flying with pets? Here's what to know.

By Anne Marie Lee

Edited By Alain Sherter

Updated on: April 6, 2024 / 10:08 AM EDT / CBS News

Thinking of taking your dog or cat with you the next time you fly? For a growing percentage of the 90.5 million pet owners in the U.S., the answer is yes. But while the notion of boarding a plane with your pet may seem simple, the rules and restrictions around traveling with an animal can be confusing. 

Eight major U.S. airlines allow pets to fly in-cabin as carry-ons. But flying with your pet takes research and planning, as pet policies vary from airline to airline, are steeped in restrictions, and are limited to specific countries and cities. You'll also have to pay an extra fee for your pet ranging from $95 to $200, depending on the airline and where you're flying. And restrictions often change.

For example, American Airlines  recently revised its policies  so passengers flying with pets may also bring one full-size carry-on or personal item. But the carrier prohibits carry-on pets on transatlantic and transpacific flights. Here's what you need to know when considering taking your fur baby with you on a plane.

Cargo, check-in or carry-on?

Most airlines offer three options for transporting animals: cargo, check-in or carry-on. But if your pet is larger than a bread box, your options are limited to the cargo or baggage check-in options, with very few exceptions. 

Given that large canine breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dogs in the country, the size restriction for in-cabin pet travel can be a major frustration for those who would rather not fly at all if that means putting their pet in cargo. 

A 2023 Forbes Adviser survey of 10,000 U.S. dog owners found that 33% of respondents fly with their pets, while 37% listed not being able to bring their dog on a plane as their biggest annoyance. (You can learn more about the differences between cargo, check-in and carry-on options  here , including warnings about the  dangers  involved when pets travel in the cargo hold.) 

Carry-on pets

Even for pet owners whose animals are small enough to fly as a carry-on, traveling is no breeze.

"When I fly with him I have to go to the desk," Margaret Rauch, 44, told CBS MoneyWatch, referring to her 15-pound poodle mix, Soda. The New York City resident has taken Soda on dozens of flights to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Soda, now 4, was being fostered by a friend after being found as a stray puppy in 2021. 

In addition to calling the airline in advance to register her dog for a flight, Rauch has to check in at the counter whenever she's traveling with Soda, so the airline agent can confirm her dog and pet carrier conform to the in-cabin pet requirements and that the flight hasn't already met its pet maximum. 

Rauch, who said she would never consider putting Soda in cargo, applauded American Airlines' new policy, while noting that in her experience the one carry-on rule was rarely enforced. 

"I feel the price is already high for what I get. Even with AA's rule change, I lose the underseat space," she said. "My dog creates no extra work for anyone."

Despite the added preparation, paperwork and hassle involved in flying with Soda — not to mention the unfriendly looks she occasionally detects from fellow passengers at the sight of her pet carrier — Rauch said, "It's absolutely worth it." 

Asked how the experience could be improved, she pointed to early boarding for pet owners as something that would help.

"If you can get in early, get a seat and settle down, that is an accommodation I don't expect to see anytime soon but I think it makes sense," Rauch said.

Safety and comfort

For the many Americans who see their pets practically as family members, one of the most challenging aspects of flying is ensuring their animal's comfort and safety. 

"The increasing humanization of pets, which involves treating them as part of the family rather than as mere animals, has increased the demand for pet travel services that are of high quality and can be customized to meet the specific needs of each pet," LinkedIn reported in December.

Among other tips, the U.S. Department of Transportation  and animal experts recommend that you not feed your pet four to six hours before a flight and limit their water intake. Others also suggest keeping bottled water on hand at all times. Additionally, most airlines require certain vaccination and vet certification that your pet is healthy enough to fly. Individual countries also have their own requirements for pets to enter.  

Not surprisingly, some airlines do better than others at handling pets. One of the best-rated carriers for pet travel is Alaska Airlines, which has repeatedly topped rankings, such as NerdWallet's Most pet-friendly airlines of 2024.  In recent years, the airline also has maintained one of the industry's lowest incident ratings, according to Veterinarians.org. United Airlines and Delta are among the airlines with the highest incident rates, according to the pet information website. 

On Rauch's first plane trip with Soda traveling home to New York, a layover in Miami led to the flight sitting on the tarmac for two hours. Calming treats are something that helps keeps her dog relaxed on flights. She also withholds Soda's food and limits his water intake up to five hours before a flight, which is also helpful given that he doesn't like using pet relief areas, which she said generally smell of urine and can be overwhelming for dogs. Flights between New York City and St. Croix are generally under six hours. 

"I'm not sure how I'd handle a flight to Singapore," Rauch said.

Here's a rundown of U.S. airlines' pet travel policies, along with fees and and restrictions:

Alaska Airlines

Pet fee: $100

Pets allowed: Dogs and cats are the only pets allowed in-cabin on international trips and flights to Hawaii. Domesticated rabbits and small household birds are allowed as carry-on on domestic flights.

Destinations: Domestic and international, with additional requirements and documentation required for  pets traveling to Hawaii  or  internationally .

See Alaska's full pet policy here .

American Airlines

Pet fee: $150

Pets allowed: Dogs, cats

Destinations: 

• Within the 48 contiguous U.S.
• The U.S. and Canada*
• Puerto Rico

*Additional special restrictions may apply. See American's full pet policy  here .

Pet fee: $75-$200, depending on destination

Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, household birds

Pet friendly destinations: 

• U.S., Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
• International destinations with the exception of Australia, U.K., Republic of Ireland and others .

Pets are not permitted on flights to Hawaii. See Delta's full pet policy here .

Frontier Airlines 

Pet fee: $99

Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and household birds

Destinations: Domestic flights and international flights to and from the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

See Frontier's full pet policy here .

Pet fee: $125

Destinations: Domestic and international. See exceptions for international flights here .

See JetBlue's full pet policy here .

Southwest Airlines

Pet fee: $125 per pet carrier on the U.S. mainland; $35 per pet carrier between Hawaiian Islands

Destinations: Domestic U.S. flights only. For travel to Puerto Rico, specific requirements may  apply . For Hawaii travel, see rules and regulations here.

See Southwest's full pet policy here .

Spirit Airlines

Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, birds (with the exception of flights to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) or rabbits (with the exception of flights to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

Destinations: Domestic flights including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

See Spirit's full pet policy here .

United Airlines

Destinations: Domestic and international flights with a list of exceptions. United does not allow pets to fly to, from or through certain states and countries. View the list here .

See United's full pet policy here .

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse here's what to know.

Geoff Brumfiel

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred. AFP Contributor/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred.

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality .

That could mean many millions of Americans will hit the road to get a better view on April 8. If you're still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here's what to consider.

Have some destinations in mind, and check the weather and cloud cover forecasts in advance

It's a good idea to scout out one or more locations within driving distance, so that you have some flexibility if traffic or weather is threatening your plans, says Jonathan Upchurch, a professor emeritus of civil engineering at Arizona State University who has studied travel around solar eclipses.

There are several interactive tools that show the path of totality, including Eclipse2024.org and the National Solar Observatory . You can use them to figure out what sites might work best for you.

In terms of weather, check not just the weather forecast, but also the cloud cover forecast. Some websites, such as Windy.com will predict cloud cover ahead of time, giving you a sense of whether you'll actually be able to see the eclipse in all its glory.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

During the total solar eclipse in 2017, Upchurch says he chose to go to Idaho "because there were some great chances of having sunny skies, and I had the opportunity to be nimble and relocate if I wanted to."

Before driving into the path of totality, make sure your gas tank is full and that you've got everything you need

During the last total solar eclipse in 2017, it's estimated some 5 million people took to the roads, and those numbers will potentially be much higher this year.

Given all that, Upchurch says it's important to make sure you're taking what you need into the path of totality. You should make sure your car is gassed or charged up, and that you have plenty of snacks and water with you in case you get stranded for a while, especially when trying to leave.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Totality stretches from Texas to Maine

Simple tips to safely photograph the eclipse with your cellphone.

Also don't forget to bring eclipse glasses, which must be worn anytime you're looking at the sun, except for the few minutes when it is completely blocked by the moon.

Some state emergency planners also recommend bringing a paper map or road atlas in case cellular networks become overloaded with visitors seeking directions from their phones.

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone! Erika Goldring/FilmMagic hide caption

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone!

Arrive early and stay late

Once you figure out where you're going to watch the eclipse, and you've got your supplies, try to get there early. Although traffic is likely to be heavier than normal on the morning of eclipse day, it still should be possible to reach many destinations without too much hassle, says Upchurch.

"Leaving is definitely going to be more of a problem," he says. As the eclipse concludes, people will take to the roads all at once to try and get home as fast as they can. In 2017, that led to traffic jams that lasted many hours in some areas. If possible, Upchurch says, people should stay put for a while to try and avoid the worst of the post-eclipse rush, which in 2017 stretched even into the following day in some parts of the country.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

And one more thing: If you do find yourself on the move near the time of the eclipse, state officials stress that you should not simply pull over to the side of the road or highway you're driving on. It's important to be parked legally and safely at the moment of totality.

If you're already in the path of totality: Relax and enjoy!

Several major metropolitan areas including Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo are already inside the path of totality, so there's no need to seek a better view, Upchurch says. You'll probably have the most fun simply staying where you are.

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Watching a solar eclipse without the right filters can cause eye damage. here's why.

If you're on the edge of the path of totality, however, you might consider making a short trip to get closer to the center of the eclipse's path.

"If you're within about 40 miles of the center line, you'll have two-and-a-half minutes or more" of complete totality, Upchurch says. It's up to you to decide whether it's worth making the trip to a more central location.

Despite studying the potential hassles of traveling extensively, Upchurch says he's still looking forward to seeing the 2024 eclipse, which he plans to watch from Texas.

"Totality is absolutely spectacular," he says. "If you have a chance to witness it, I would do it."

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Zeynep Tufekci

You Don’t Need to Freak Out About Boeing Planes (but Boeing Sure Does)

By Zeynep Tufekci

Opinion Columnist

“Ah, it’s a Boeing Max,” I exclaimed to my travel companions after we boarded our plane a few weeks ago. I looked to see if we were seated next to a hidden door plug panel like the one that blew out on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 in January. We weren’t, but joining a trend on social media , we cracked a few jokes at Boeing’s expense: “Maybe they can charge extra, saying it’s potentially an even bigger window seat.”

The F.B.I. recently informed the passengers on that ill-fated Alaska Airlines flight that they might have been crime victims . The agency hasn’t explained why, but Boeing has told the Senate that it cannot find documentation of exactly how the door plug was removed and reinstalled, even though the company acknowledged it is supposed to have kept such records. Facing all this, the company announced last week that it was replacing its chief executive . But the bad news wasn’t over: On Thursday a New York Times investigation reported a disturbing pattern of sloppy safety procedures and dangerous cost cutting. One expert who had spent more than a decade at Boeing told The Times, “The theme is shortcuts everywhere — not doing the job right.”

Is it any wonder that some travelers are trying to avoid Boeing planes? Kayak, the travel booking site, noticed an uptick in the number of people trying to weed them out ; it recently made that search filter more prominent and even added an option to specifically avoid certain models.

Boeing’s problems, great as they are, are just one reason that consumers might be wary of taking flight. United Airlines now also faces scrutiny for a series of safety incidents, although many experts say the issues there do not appear to be systemic. The biggest danger of all may be understaffing in air traffic control and overstuffed runways , which lead to far too many near misses.

Personally, I am not worried about flying, and other than cracking some ill-advised jokes, I have not changed my behavior. That’s why I hadn’t bothered to check whether I’d be flying on a Boeing Max or any type of Boeing plane until after I boarded.

The trajectory of Boeing as a corporation, however, is another matter. It’s going to take a lot more than a shuffle at the top to fix that company’s problems. But the fact that Boeing managed to cut as many corners as it did is testament to the layers and layers of checks, redundancies and training that have been built into the aviation industry. Aviation safety is so robust because we made it so.

Two seemingly contradictory things are both true: U.S. commercial passenger airlines have gone an astonishing 15 years without a single death from a crash. And there is a huge safety crisis in commercial aviation that we urgently need to fix.

Commercial aviation is a complex system involving many dynamics — technology, engineering, corporate culture, regulation, weather, human factors, politics and more.

It’s extremely hard to predict what will emerge from so many different things interacting all at once — an example of the so-called butterfly effect, in which a tiny insect flapping its wings leads to major weather events on the other side of the world. And though testing every part of the system on its own is necessary, it’s insufficient, since it’s the interaction of many moving parts that creates those hard-to-foresee problems. Solving equations won’t be enough to manage it all because such systems defy easy calculations.

We do, however, have methods to manage complex and safety-critical systems, and if done right, they can work very well.

Perhaps the most important measure is redundancy, the layering of precautions. Since even a minor failure could set off a catastrophic chain of events, it’s important to shore up everything. That’s why many plane parts have duplicates or backups and much of planes’ production and maintenance is subject to inspections by multiple people.

Redundancy, however, while great for safety, is expensive.

The first Boeing 737 Max crash occurred in Indonesia in 2018 . Everyone on board was killed. The next was in 2019 in Ethiopia. There were no survivors of that flight, either. After that, the planes — which had been flying globally for more than a year — were grounded by the F.A.A. (About 387 of them had been delivered at that time, and 400 or so more were in production.)

The public later learned Boeing had added a new software system to the planes to help keep them stable. Because the system made the planes behave more like older Boeing models that pilots were already familiar with, the company got permission from the F.A.A. to avoid retraining pilots on the new planes (a cost savings for the airlines that bought them) or even telling pilots about it.

Those two flights proved the danger of that approach. The new system relied on a single sensor, even though the planes were equipped with two. When that sensor failed, pilots lacked the information to diagnose the problem and avoid disaster. Boeing’s actions were a violation of those core tenets of aviation of building in redundancy and understanding how complicated interactions can create problems that no one predicted.

Given the impossibility of testing for every outcome, keeping complex systems safe also depends on another crucial signal: near misses. If something goes wrong but disaster is averted, the correct response should not be a “whew” and back to normal. It should be caution and investigation.

The Times investigation shows how alarmingly different Boeing’s approach was.

The Boeing plane that crashed in Indonesia experienced the exact same problem with the new stabilization system the day before. But on that flight there happened to be a third pilot, riding off duty in the back of the cockpit . When things went haywire, he was able to suggest the correct sequence of actions and saved the day. Had Boeing updated pilots about the system, would the passengers on the airplane’s next flight have landed safely? We’ll never know.

That third pilot — in that case, present purely by luck — was an example of how redundancy can save lives. So is a co-pilot. Planes fly on autopilot all the time and can even land on their own. Still, regulations require a second person in the cockpit for many types of passenger flights not just to handle things in the extremely rare event that the primary pilot gets sick or dies midflight but also to help manage emergencies and equipment failures . It’s the same reason that planes have more engines, more tires and more ways to extend the landing gear than they need for any individual flight, just in case one of those things fails, as has happened many times.

An extra layer of safety helped avert the Alaska Airlines blowout from turning into a catastrophe: Because the incident occurred so soon after takeoff, all the passengers were still required to wear their seatbelts.

Pilots even do walk-arounds of their planes just before takeoff to conduct final visual inspections. Commercial aviation works because of the principle of trust nothing and check everything.

It’s hard to escape the conclusion that those at the company who took all those shortcuts figured the system, with all its redundancies, would save them. But that’s a gamble. Eventually, two or three or four rare mishaps will align.

A Boeing representative told me that the company was taking responsibility and working to improve quality. But we need to see action, not promises.

So why should anyone still fly on Boeing’s planes? Or fly at all? Because the statistics still show that commercial aviation is miraculously safe, far more so than all the alternative ways of traveling.

While I don’t check for who manufactured the planes I fly on, I do keep my seatbelt on even when the captain says I don’t have to. Other than that, I’m as comfortable as possible while flying. I know that on balance, air travel is a well-regulated system staffed by highly trained crews with layers and layers of safety precautions and a dedication to learning from accidents. Let’s keep it that way.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

An earlier version of this article misidentified the agency that informed passengers of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 that they might have been crime victims. It is the F.B.I., not the Federal Aviation Administration.

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Zeynep Tufekci  ( @zeynep ) is a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University, the author of “Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest” and a New York Times Opinion columnist. @ zeynep • Facebook

On campus for the eclipse? Here’s what to know

On April 8, the much-hyped total solar eclipse arrives, passing across North America. These dramatic celestial spectacles — in which the moon completely blocks out the sun — have long captured attention, shaping history and the way we understand space.

“Historically, [a total solar eclipse] was one of the first ways that we could get information about the outer layers of the sun,” said Michael Smutko, director of the Dearborn Observatory and professor of instruction in physics and astronomy in Northwestern’s  Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences .

Nowadays, the rare astronomical phenomenon is still worth seeing, even if you don’t have any scientific studies to conduct. Many people plan to travel to the path of totality, but if you are unable to do so, the Chicago area will still be treated to a partial solar eclipse. Here’s what to know if you’ll be in town on April 8.

What will the eclipse look like in the Chicago area?

At its maximum, 94% of the sun will be covered by the moon as seen from Chicago. Viewers will have more than two hours of eclipse viewing time, with the maximum eclipse coming at 2:07 p.m.  Beginning at 12:51 p.m., the moon will start to overlap the sun, making the sun appear more and more like a crescent. The eclipse will end at 3:22 p.m.

“The disc of the moon will slowly creep across, and it'll look kind of like the phases of the moon,” Smutko said.

At the maximum point, just a tiny sliver of the sun will peek out from behind the moon.

Of course, you’ll only see all of this as the weather permits. “Historically, it's been cloudy on April 8 two out of three times for the last 20 years,” Smutko said. Still, even if it’s cloudy, the sky will seem darker than normal.

Northwestern will not be hosting a public viewing event, Smutko said, due to astronomers traveling elsewhere to view the eclipse in its totality.

What will it look like in the path of totality?

The eclipse will appear markedly different in the path of totality.

“That extra few percent between 90 and 100, it really does make all the difference,” Smutko said. (Smutko himself plans on being in the Indianapolis area to enjoy the full spectacle.)

During totality, the sun is blocked completely, making it feel as though “night has come early,” Smutko said. Confused by the sudden twilight , birds may stop chirping, while animals like frogs and crickets might begin croaking and chirping like they would at sunset.  

It will become dim enough to make out the sun’s corona — the outer atmosphere that is normally outshone by the bright surface of the sun.

“The only time you can observe it without special equipment is during an eclipse like this,” Smutko said.

Do you need eye protection?

Short answer: yes !

“It's very important that people realize that it is absolutely not safe to view a solar eclipse with unprotected eyes,” Smutko said.

Looking at the sun during the eclipse exposes you to the same dangers of looking at the sun on a regular day without the overwhelming brightness of the sun telling your eyes to look away. Since your retina doesn’t have pain sensors, you can burn it unknowingly , even in just a few seconds.

To avoid this danger, use the proper eye protection (no, sunglasses won’t cut it), and make sure to use an approved filter on any cameras or telescopes used to view the event.

This week, safe solar eclipse glasses and informational handouts are available at no charge during business hours in the physics and astronomy department office (F165, Technological Institute), while supplies last. 

If you’re not able to get your hands on eclipse glasses, you can take a page out of Galileo’s book and go old-school with pinhole projection.

“All you need to do is take a piece of cardboard, any thick piece of paper or a piece of aluminum foil and literally put a pinhole through it, no scientific measurements required,” Smutko said.

When light shines through the opening, it will project an image of the sun onto a flat surface, such as the sidewalk, so you can watch the moon pass over it.

Anything with a similar hole will work, even a slotted spoon or a colander, if you want to see lots of tiny eclipses at once.

Why are eclipses so rare?

The moon orbits around the Earth, going through its cycle of phases every 29.5 days. The reason we don’t get an eclipse every month is because the moon’s orbit around the Earth is tipped.

“The moon doesn't orbit exactly around the equator of the Earth,” Smutko said. “It's tipped about 5 degrees. So what that means is most of the time, the shadow of the moon just completely misses the Earth.”

Even when the celestial bodies are perfectly aligned, the moon’s shadow on the Earth is very small, making it relatively rare from any one location. Next week, on April 8, the shadow will cover just a narrow strip of the U.S. totally.

“Now, if you could fly all over the world, then you'd be able to see them much more often,” Smutko said.

For those without a jet-setting lifestyle, it’s a waiting game.

What other astronomical events are there to look forward to?

The next easily observable astronomical event for the Chicago area will be next year’s total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025.

If you have a hankering to learn more about the heavens — and their observation — you can stop by Dearborn Observatory every Friday night for free public viewings .

And, of course, you can mark your calendar for the solar eclipse on Sept. 14, 2099, when Evanston and Chicago will both land in the path of totality.

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