10 Must-Have Pieces of Safety Gear for Frequent Travelers
Kimberly Wang
Whether it's a solo trip abroad or a long-awaited girls' trip, when you're hitting the road, you want to make sure you're being smart about safety. We're rounded up some the best new innovations in travel security to keep you — and your stuff! — safe while you're satisfying your #wanderlust.
Anker Bolder LC90 Flashlight ($26): You never know when you'll need to shed some light on something, and the Anker Bolder LC90 is best-in-class as far as travel flashlights go (pun intended). It's rechargeable, waterproof, comes with a focusable beam, and gives off 900 bright AF lumens.
Athena Safety Wearable ($129): While we wish the world could be a safe place for everyone, the reality is that solo travelers sometimes need to be extra-cautious. The Athena wearable is a discreet little gadget that attaches to your bag or clothing and sends your location and, in cases of emergency, a distress signal to your chosen trusted contacts.
Roar Personal Safety App (Free on iOS and Android): This app was created by the makers of the Athena to keep people connected and safe. Before you embark, you can set your status and share your location with loved ones. You can also check in along the journey so they know you're safe and even send out an SOS in times of need.
Fossil Emma RFID Clutch ($75): Not only does the Emma wallet carry all your goods (it can even hold an iPhone 7 Plus), this money-holder is also backed with technology that protects you against a form of theoretical digital "pickpocketing" called RFID skimming, which targets the radio frequency identification chips that come embedded in a lot of passports and credit cards. The safe side never looked so good.
Allianz TravelSmart App (Free on iOS and Android): It's always a good idea to purchase travel insurance whenever you're heading out on a trip, and Allianz is one of the most trustworthy names in the game. You can find the right plan for you on their site, and when you're on the go, they've released a handy app that allows you to check your policy, file claims, and check flight status. It even provides emergency and first aid information for the country you're traveling in.
IFCASE Waterproof Floating Smartphone Case ($8): Losing or damaging your phone on vacation is a very real fear — luckily, if your trip is anywhere near water, the IFCASE is an affordable way to get some peace of mind. Not only is the case made to fit an assortment of different phones, it also comes with a secure strap to hang onto. The best part is... the case FLOATS. Kiss that nightmare of your new iPhone X sinking to the bottom of the ocean goodbye.
NordVPN ($3+/month): It's always a good idea to keep your digital information as secure as you keep your cash. You never know who might be spying on your computer activities — especially if you're connecting to an open WiFi network abroad. A virtual private networks, or VPN, is a form of secure private connection between your computer and a server. NordVPN is one of the best-rated monthly services that allows you to take that security on the go, and it's available for your laptop AND your phone (including both iOS and Android devices).
Pacsafe Vibe 25 Anti-Theft 25L Backpack ($100): Just because you want to keep your stuff safe doesn't mean you need to sacrifice style: Gone are the days of bulky, unattractive anti-theft backpacks. This pack comes in five trendy colors: cerulean, maroon, red, black, and a gray camo print.
Travelon Lockdown Bag ($50): For the goods that need some EXTRA protection (cash, passports, etc.), the Travelon Lockdown Bag provides just that. There's more to this gray baggie than meets the eyes. It's made with Travelon's proprietary SafeTex cut-proof material and straps, plus it comes with a solid brass lock. Nobody's getting into this baby without your permission.
Airbolt TSA-Approved Smart Lock ($80): The Airbolt is the answer to our travel prayers. You can unlock the bolt with a tap of the downloadable app so long as you're in range of the lock, so there's no more fiddling with any combinations or keeping track of keys. The lock is also TSA-approved, so it'll make it through security in one piece. It also comes in a range of bright colors, so you can coordinate your lock with your suitcase (you know, if you're into that kind of thing).
What travel gear would you add to this list? Tweet us @BritandCo
(Featured photo via Airbolt)
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Kimberly Wang writes about all things pop culture, tech, style, and beauty. She's a Bay Area transplant and has an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. On a sunny New York day, you can find her hanging out with her mini schnauzer Isabelle Jellybean on a blanket in Central Park.
More From Tech
50 Gadgets and Gizmos for All of Your Tech-Obsessed Loved Ones
I Quit Instagram for a Month, Here's Why You Should Too
6 Unexpected Ways UX/UI Can Take Your Career to the Next Level
My Secrets to Finding Calm in the Chaos
9 Ways Technology Can Make Your Holidays Easier
7 Time-Saving Apps That Can Make You More Productive
14 Truly Beautiful Cases for the iPhone XS, XR, and XS Max
16 Free Games to Download for a Long Flight (That Don't Require WiFi)
13 Back-to-School Tech Products to Start the Semester Right