Ten safety devices for travellers who want to feel ready for anything
From clever luggage-trackers to pocket-sized portable safes, we’ve rounded up the essential gear to keep you – and your belongings – secure and travel-ready
Words: Elizabeth Winding
When it comes to safer, stress-free travel, little things can make a big difference – such as the comfort of knowing that your smart-tagged luggage is exactly where it ought to be. That’s why a few well-chosen gadgets can go a long way to ensuring your holidays are as exciting yet serene as possible. We’ve chosen ten standout products that deserve a place in your suitcase, from a dinky first-aid kit to a beach-ready floating phone case.
1. The lightweight door lock
If you’re the kind of hotel guest who triple-checks your door at bedtime, Generation Nomad might have the answer: a simple but effective portable door lock (£14) that’ll slip into the smallest suitcase. Made from stainless steel, it’s lightweight but surprisingly strong, and adjusts to fit any standard door, securing it from the inside. Just remember to remove it if you’ve ordered breakfast in bed…
2. The perfect hand sanitiser
The genius thing about HAAN’s sorbet-hued, pocket-sized hand sanitisers (£5.90) is that you’ll actually want to use them. The fragrances are dreamy, from soothing lavender to purifying verbena, while the water-based formulas also contain aloe vera. Banishing germs has never felt so chic and, as an added bonus, the containers are refillable.
3. The discreet money belt
There are few safer places to stash your cards and cash than a money belt: a small, zippered pouch worn underneath your clothes. The best are lightweight, moisture-wicking and hard to spot – such as this one from Lifeventure (£13.99), with two large zipped compartments and a soft elastic belt. (Insider tip: if flesh-coloured synthetics leave you cold, consider a running belt from FlipBelt.)
4. The ultimate crossbody bag
A crossbody bag keeps your valuables close, deterring opportunist thieves. Our pick? The impeccably cool Carry Me (£55), from cult Australian luggage brand July. It’s available in eight muted colours (the moss green version is pictured above), with an aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell that’s tough yet ultra-light. Pared back and sleek, it’s chic enough for city breaks but equally at home on the beach.
5. The smart luggage tracker
Nothing dampens the holiday vibe like fretting about your bags. That’s where smart trackers come in, such as the Apple AirTag (£35). It’s a tiny device that can be tethered to any important item (keys, baggage) and even kids, then located with the ‘Find My’ app. It can also be left in a rental car – perfect if you’ve parked in an unfamiliar city and can’t quite recollect where.
6. The personal safety alarm
It’s always worth carrying a personal alarm as a way to attract attention fast. Attached to a bag or belt, an Ashley Alarm 2 (£29.95) is a subtle but reassuring presence: a small but mighty device with a seriously loud alarm and a strobing, 200-lumen light. It’s easy to use (though hard to set off by mistake) as well as being USB-rechargeable, with a low-battery warning light.
7. The laptop privacy screen
If you’re working remotely, consider a privacy shield for your laptop that’s designed to block sneaky side views of your screen without affecting the display. Kensington make some of the best, with sizes for different screens, blue-light filters to reduce eye strain, and ultra-thin, magnetic versions for MacBook and MacBook Airs (from £49.95).
8. The ultra-portable safe
Small and light is the way to go. The Masterlock portable personal safe (£28.79) is a candy-pink, foam-lined case with a cable and combination lock. It’s big enough for passports, jewellery or phones, with a handy access point for ear buds or a charging cable. It’s great if you’re prone to forgetting your possessions in hotel safes, but equally good on the beach, locking valuables to your lounger while you go for a swim.
9. The just-in-case first aid kit
It’s always worth packing an IFAK (an individual first aid kit), especially if you’re travelling with accident-prone kids. Tougher, more isolated terrain may call for a specialist kit but, for most, Lifesystems’ Traveller first aid kit (£37.99) is a solid starting point, with its tweezers, thermometer, basic drugs, bandages and dressings. Personalise it with your own additions, whether it’s antihistamines or a stash of Calpol sachets.
10. The waterproof phone case
Holidays by the water can be perilous for phones. Whether you’re whitewater rafting or snapping in-pool selfies, the Peli Marine waterproof floating pouch (£25.92) is a sound investment. You can still use your touchscreen or take photos, even underwater – it’s functional up to one metre’s depth, for as long as half an hour. It’s dust, sand and snow-resistant, too, and comes with a lanyard and a one-year warranty.
Ready to go? Here’s some inspiration for where to road-test your new gear.
