The 15 Best Travel Safety Devices of 2024

Made of durable chrome-plated carbon steel, the Original Portable Door Lock from Addalock works on most inward-swinging hinged doors. Senior commerce editor Lydia Price loves this lock: “I get wigged out by how easy it is to break through many hotel doors. This tiny lock adds an extra deadbolt to make sure no one gets through. I also love the handy carrying pouch it comes in, which stops the hard metal from damaging anything else in your bag.”

Although the lock does not work on every door (it requires a big enough space between the door and frame and a latch hole the prongs can fit through), it adjusts to fit doors of different widths and installs in seconds on compatible doors with no tools required. It’s also super portable, weighing in at just 4.2 ounces. Slip it into a backpack or suitcase pocket for use whenever you want an extra layer of security.

If you’re traveling in a crowded area where petty theft is a concern, the Bobino Zipper Clip could be your new best friend. Made of polypropylene and available in three stylish shades, it’s compatible with any double-zipped purse, backpack, or suitcase. It consists of two interlocking halves, each with a split ring that attaches to one of the zippers. It requires a twist to open, and a slide and snap together to shut.

Although it’s not as secure as a traditional padlock, it’s much easier to use and would make it very difficult for someone to get into your bag without detection. “It gives me extra peace of mind when I’m in crowds or wearing a backpack anywhere,” Price says. “I’m also hopeful it can deter thieves from seeing me as a target in the first place. Plus, it’s very small and light so it’s an extra layer of protection without much hassle.” 

A portable first aid kit is a safety travel essential, and this one from Curad is compact enough to keep in your suitcase, purse, or backpack pocket for use whenever you need it. Designed for everyday, minor injuries (like scrapes, scratches, and small cuts), it’s stocked with 80 first aid products including an assortment of Flex-fabric and butterfly bandages, cleansing wipes, antibiotic ointment, and pain-relief tablets. 

Associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker has a hack for solo travelers saying: “I actually keep this first aid kit at home and pull from it to make smaller kits in snack-sized plastic bags when I travel. Then I can restock the larger travel kit as needed to have all my essentials in one place at home, while also having several little first-aid ‘go bags’ to stash in my various travel bags.”

Parker also loves the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag for securing her essentials. “I like to wear it across my chest when traveling alone to keep my belongings close,” she says. “There’s even a zippered pocket on the back that fits a phone, credit cards, and cash in case I don’t want to open the main compartment on the go.” She also says that despite its compact size, it fits a deceptive amount. 

An interior mesh pocket helps keep contents organized, while the nylon body repels water should you get caught out in the rain. The lining is sustainably made from recycled nylon. We also appreciate the comfortable, adjustable crossbody strap, which features elastic loops for securing any excess length. Choose from a range of gorgeous colors, including jewel-bright shades like pow pink or cascadia green, or pastels like rose blush and ideal mint. 

A personal safety alarm can save your life — but only if you actually keep it on you. The She’s Birdie alarm is designed by women for women and boasts a cute design in colors that range from practical black to pretty lavender or statement-making leopard print. Parker calls it the most subtle and stylish personal alarm she’s ever seen. It’s small and lightweight, and comes with an elegant brass keychain. 

Parker keeps it clipped onto her bag on trips when she knows she may end up walking alone, or holds it in her hand when walking on a semi-busy street after dark. She can vouch for its effectiveness once deployed, too, saying, “I accidentally pulled the pin while unpacking once and I won’t forget the sound — and flashing strobe light — anytime soon.” Despite its effectiveness at drawing attention, the alarm is non-violent and TSA-approved for travel.

If you’ve ever experienced the panic of being unable to connect to the internet while traveling, you’ll appreciate the usefulness of a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Associate editor Anna Popp prefers the GlocalMe G4 Pro Portable Hotspot. “This mobile hotspot device is ideal for traveling to areas where a regular phone plan or SIM card won’t work,” she says. “It provides a strong connection for looking up maps or sending messages. I’ve also used it in airports and cafés in the U.S. where Wi-Fi can be spotty.”

The hotspot uses CloudSIM technology to connect to the most powerful networks across 200+ countries and, with thousands of plans to choose from, you can tailor your purchase to suit your trip precisely. Purchases are managed via the GlocalMe app, which is pre-installed on the hotspot along with map, currency converter, and translator apps. You can pair the hotspot with up to 10 devices at a time and can expect up to 12 hours of life from its rechargeable battery.

The Pacsafe Exp45 Anti-theft Carry-on Travel Pack is our best overall anti-theft backpack thanks to its hydro-pack compatibility, padded back and shoulder straps, adjustable chest and hip straps, and interconnecting zippers that hook into a zipper lock. The latter feature is just one of many designed to deter thieves. The zippers are also puncture resistant, while straps are reinforced with wire to make them harder to cut through. 

There’s an RFID-blocking pocket to protect your passport, credit, and identity cards; while a “PopNLock” anchor strap allows you to quickly and easily attach the pack to a fixed object while waiting in an airport lounge or café. The backpack also offers 45 liters of well-thought out space, with a padded laptop sleeve, a fully zippered front compartment, and interior organizer pockets. It meets the carry-on restrictions of most airlines and can be carried duffel or suitcase-style too. 

“To keep safe while traveling, I think it’s extremely important to make sure your phone and other devices are charged in case of an emergency, if you need navigation help, or to make a call,” says commerce editor Taylor Fox. “This charging kit comes with various adapters so you can keep all of your electronics charged without having to pack extra cords.” The 3-in-1 cable is compatible with any device with a USB-C, micro USB, or lightning port.

The 5,000 mAh battery provides a powerful backup for when you can’t use mains power, with an LED indicator to display charging status and current battery life. We love how portable the charger is too. Measuring 3.6 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches and weighing in at just 4.3 ounces, it’s slim enough to fit comfortably into a jacket or backpack pocket. Longevity is ensured by Otterbox’s renowned drop protection tests and a limited lifetime warranty.  

If you’re worried about your luggage going missing, the Knog Scout Travel Smart Luggage Tag is a worthwhile investment. Fox praises it as “the most accurate luggage tag I’ve ever used. It showed me constant updates and I was even able to use it while in the air without cell or Wi-Fi signal, so I could see not only where my bag was, but where the plane was in real time.” 

The tag weighs just 1.2 ounces, connects to your luggage via a braided stainless steel cable, and works with an easy-to-use app. It syncs with Apple’s “Find My” app to allow you to locate your suitcase anytime, anywhere. And if someone else finds your bag, they can scan a QR code printed on the back to view your contact details. The rechargeable tag also acts as a motion-activated alarm to deter thieves and has a remote-operated chime to help you find your suitcase in a pile of others.

Made from sturdy yet lightweight aluminum alloy, the Trova Go biometric smart safe is ideal for anyone with small items they want to keep secure on their travels. “This discreet lockbox is about the size of an iPhone — but thicker — and is a great place to store extra cards and cash on a trip,” Parker says. She also likes the safe’s ability to send last-known location information to her phone via Bluetooth, saying this feature turns it into a backup tracker for any bag it’s in.

The safe also sends battery life and “left open” status notifications. It opens using your fingerprint, making it impossible for anyone else to tamper with it and eliminating the need for a key; while interior organization includes a magnetic strap and a separate box for smaller jewelry or medication. Measuring 6.1 x 3 x 1.6 inches, it’s designed for portability and fits easily in a purse, carry-on, or gym bag.

The Lewis N. Clark Cable Luggage Lock is durably made from ABS plastic with an easy-grip thermoplastic rubber housing and a TSA-approved, resettable combination lock. At 3.6 x 1.9 inches, it’s small enough to throw into your backpack or carry-on bag where you can forget about it until you want to use it. With a 30-inch, cut-resistant braided steel cable that retracts or extends to suit the situation, there are many different ways to do so. 

Parker finds hers helpful for attaching items to any solid object and says, “If you’re dining outside with a wheeled suitcase, you can lock the suitcase to your chair, or you can lock a personal item to an armrest while napping on the train or at the airport. I’ve used this to secure my personal item to my wheeled bag when leaving them with the hotel concierge as well.”

The integrated, TSA-approved combination lock on the Samsonite Tru-frame Carry-on Spinner goes a long way to deter would-be thieves; as does the suitcase’s solid polycarbonate construction, sealed gasket closure, and zipper-free design. It survived being hit with a bat during our lab testing with a single scuff mark and impressed us with its ample interior organization: think two divider panels, two sets of cross-straps, and plenty of different-sized pockets. 

Testing editor Jackie Cucco also loves the suitcase for its maneuverability, saying “The wheels rotate 360 degrees and the luggage feels equally smooth and solid on two wheels or four. The handle helps support the weight and you really don’t have to put any effort into pulling, pushing, or lifting. There is a handle on top of the bag and an extra one on the side, making it easy to lift into the overhead bin.”

The Raytix Money Belt keeps your cash, cards, passport, and more easily accessible and out of reach of thieves. Fox praises the stretchable ripstop nylon belt for its overall comfort. “The mesh fabric on the back is breathable and I don’t feel any digging in,” she says. “The straps adjust nicely and are also made of a smooth material. They expand to accommodate a wide range of body types.”

The money belt is waterproof, with high-quality YKK zippers and double-release safety buckles. There are two zippered compartments on the front (one with interior mesh organizer sections) and a hidden mesh slip pocket on the back for your valuables. Most importantly from a safety perspective, the belt protects your belongings from RFID-related identity theft. Choose yours in gray, black, or pink. 

Your passport is your most important possession when traveling internationally, so protecting it with a holder or case is always a good idea. The Paravel Cabana Passport Case is one of the most stylish choices out there, with a range of multi-tonal colorways, optional monogramming, and a beautiful canvas and vegan leather aesthetic. Made from four recycled plastic bottles, it also shields your passport from spills and stains. 

The case has space for your passport on one side and slots for eight cards on the other. Behind the card section is a larger slip pocket perfect for cash or boarding passes. Throughout our tests, we loved the look of the case and how easy it is to take the passport in and out.

This Bellroy travel wallet was created with safety in mind, incorporating an RFID-blocking lining to protect your cards and passport from identity theft and a concealed compartment for spare cash. Other features include a spacious main compartment for cash or tickets, space for up to 10 cards (with four easy-access slots for the ones you use most), dedicated spaces for your passport and a spare SIM, and a micro pen perfect for filling in airport documents. 

Fox loves that it’s “the size and shape of a traditional wallet, fitting perfectly in my back pocket.” She also appreciates that “while there’s plenty of storage space, there aren’t so many sleeves that it’s overkill, allowing the wallet to stay compact and manageable.” It’s also attractive, made from premium, environmentally certified leather in a choice of rich colors ranging from ocean to cocoa and caramel.