Safety Experts Share Top 6 Travel Safety Items

Travel safety is something I had to learn the hard way. While studying abroad in Barcelona, my phone was snatched from my hands by a cyclist. Like most people, I never thought this would happen to me. Now, with more travel experience under my belt, I want to share what I've learned along the way – and bring advice from seasoned experts – to help you stay prepared for any safety challenges that may arise during your trip.

I had the opportunity to speak with a travel security expert Kevin Coffeya retired Los Angeles police detective with extensive experience investigating crimes against travelers, and he pointed out, “People don't think these things will happen to them, but they always do it to someone A. »

In the same way, Lloyd Figginswho has over 20 years of experience in international security and has traveled to over 80 countries, including some of the most dangerous regions in the world, shared that one of the biggest mistakes travelers make is not not research their destination and understand the risks. “Your safety and security is your responsibility,” he advised. “Get in the habit of owning it.”

With advice from these experts, I've compiled the top do's and don'ts to help you avoid dangerous situations like pickpocketing and travel theft, as well as the best security products to take with you to stay one step ahead of potential thieves.

Don’t: Travel without an Apple AirTag

Do: Pack one in every travel bag (even your carry-on)

Pack of 4 Apple Airtags

Reyke smart beacon

Using an Apple AirTag or similar tracking device can be a game changer when it comes to locating your belongings. While this is an obvious precaution in case your bag is stolen or your checked luggage is lost, it is actually a crucial gadget to place in your device. all of your bags (suitcases, backpacks, purses, totes — anything you might take on a trip), according to Coffey. He points out that you should especially pack one in your carry-on bag, as it “usually contains your most essential items: laptop, medications, chargers and toiletries” and, if you board last and it doesn't There's no room in the overhead compartments. , you will still need to check it.

“Travelers with tracking devices in their luggage were able to tell airlines exactly where to find their property,” he explained. “I always tell people that you can't afford to travel without a tracking device in every piece of luggage, or without anything that could be lost or stolen.” He adds: “Where possible, try to hide them so they are not easy to find. If it gets lost in an airport or placed on the wrong carousel, at least you'll have a way to find it.

Pro tip: “When I check my bag, I do it with the idea that I may never see it again. It sounds harsh, but I only pack items in my checked bags that I can afford to lose or replace. — Kevin Coffey

Don’t: Use a paper luggage tag

Do: Use a metal anti-theft luggage tag

Gostwo Silicone Luggage Tags, Pack of 7

Ovener Aluminum Luggage Tags

In addition to using tracking devices, invest in a durable, anti-theft luggage tag for your hand luggage is essential. Coffey explains that a common mistake he sees travelers make is just putting baggage tags on their checked bags and neglecting their carry-on bags (and the possibility that they'll have to check them at the gate). boarding): “People don't expect to lose their carry-on bag, assuming it will still be waiting for them after they are checked.”

However, if your hand luggage do At the end of the gate check, the flight crew attaches a small tag with a rubber band. “If this fragile strip is not properly secured or gets caught between other bags, it can easily stretch, break or fall,” Coffey warned. “Once this little tag is lost, the chances of finding your luggage decrease significantly.”

Coffey recommends opting for a sturdier tag with a more secure attachment mechanism. “I really like tags with a braided steel cable because they are much less likely to break or be removed,” he added. At Amazon, you can stock up on Gotswo Silicone Luggage Tag Set, 7 Pack or the Ovener Aluminum Luggage Tagsdelivered in a practical set of two.

Don’t: Expect to have access to a point of sale

Do: Pack a portable charger

Loveledi portable charger

Iniu portable charger

Portable chargers are essential for staying connected while traveling. Whether you're navigating unfamiliar streets or using GPS, a portable charger ensures your phone won't die when you need it most. Often when exploring a new city, access to outlets is limited, and in emergency situations, a fully charged phone can be a lifesaver. Figgins shares, “I always carry an external battery with me, so I'm never without a way to communicate, even if the power goes out. »

Portable chargers also save you the hassle of searching for outlets, which can be crowded or unreliable in public places. And on a plane, if you're unlucky enough to find yourself without an outlet, a portable charger will keep your devices powered for entertainment or important tasks. With reliable external batteries like the Loveledi portable charger And Iniu portable charger in your bag, you will always have electricity at hand.

Pro tip: “Most travelers have never gone through or practiced the process of recovering a lost or stolen phone. Sometimes, most people don't have their recovery passwords, Apple IDs and passwords when they travel to try to recover them. — Kevin Coffey

Don’t: Rely on your phone’s flashlight

Do: Bring a portable flashlight

GearLight LED Flashlights

Lighting Ever LED Flashlights

As our travel experts have noted, it's essential to prepare for the unexpected when traveling. Whether you're facing a power outage at a hotel, a remote Airbnb, or a campsite, a dedicated flashlight ensures you won't be left in the dark. If you plan to explore at night – whether it's a walk, a hike, or just returning from dinner – as Figgins advises, “a flashlight or headlamp is always useful.”

Relying solely on your phone's flashlight isn't ideal; it drains the battery, which you need for navigation and communication, and its light isn't as bright as a standard flashlight. Worried about space? Compact flashlights, like the GearLight laptops And Lighting Always on topare easy to pack, providing a much better solution without taking up a lot of space.

Don’t: Completely trust the hotel or Airbnb door lock

Do: Bring your own lock and door wedge