When I started traveling solo nearly 20 years ago, I remember frantically looking up whether or not it was okay to travel with pepper spray. The little pink canister on my keychain was like a security blanket for me while walking around by myself on campus during my college years, and I had no idea how I was going to feel safe without it while traveling alone. 

Fast forward to today: I’ve visited more than 50 countries alone, safely and sans pepper spray. I now believe that I’m safer when I’m traveling solo, because I’m more aware of my surroundings, I study my routes to and from destinations more thoroughly, and I make sure I’m making the best decisions for me.

Along the way, I’ve learned there are many methods to protect yourself while exploring a new city, including wearable personal safety items. My favorites are TSA-friendly, and I’m partial to anything that will go undetected and that I’ll forget I’m wearing (i.e., no bulky neck wallets for me!). Keep scrolling for the wearable personal safety devices I recommend for any solo traveler — all at Amazon from just $10.

Rorry Portable Charger

I didn’t realize a power bank was a safety device until my phone died while traveling solo in Uganda, leaving me with no map, no way to call for help or transportation, no stored numbers, etc. It was a giant wake-up call that, thankfully, ended with me back in my hotel room safely after retracing my steps. I now never travel without a portable charger, and I like how this one can attach to a key ring, purse, or backpack and can charge multiple devices at once. Plus, it’s currently on sale for more than 30 percent off, making it the perfect time to add to cart.

SafeTrack Hair Scrunchie

Although the main purpose of this under-$15 satin hair scrunchie is for sliding in an AirTag to keep tabs on your kids, I am more interested in the idea of stashing emergency money or photocopies of my passport, so I always have a backup in case something happens to my main wallet. However, it’s not a bad idea to conceal an AirTag inside and allow your closest friends to track your movements and location when you’re traveling alone.

Inicat Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

I can appreciate the idea of RFID-blocking bags protecting your digital and financial data, but I will be the first to admit that not all of them are … shall we say, “cute?” This bag does not fall in that category with its sleek leather exterior that goes with every outfit and strap that makes it comfortable to carry all day — all while protecting your identity and credit cards from scanners and scammers. With a plethora of pockets, you’ll be able to tote all of your essentials with you while sightseeing and beyond.

Zynsmart 5-in-1 Self Defense Alarm

I always travel with my She’s Birdie personal alarm, but any personal alarm is better than not wearing one while out alone. This Bluetooth version does a lot for such a tiny device. It can put out a piercing alarm to deter attackers, send alerts to emergency contacts, help you locate your keys, share your current location, and send a 30-second audio recording to designated contacts. Attach it to your keys, belt loop, purse, and more.

Ecbanli Emergency Self Rescue Bracelet

This unassuming piece of jewelry could save your life. The tiny bead on this rubber bracelet is made from tungsten, a material strong enough to break glass. It operates like a slingshot, where you simply pull the tungsten striker bead back and the impact will shatter glass (even car glass). I thankfully have never had to use anything like this in my travels, but it is inexpensive, easy to wear, and I like how it could be used as a self-defense and self-rescue tool for anyone who rents cars in foreign countries or uses transportation apps like Uber.

Chensprx Minimalist RFID-Blocking Wallet

I’ve always found money pouch necklaces to be bulky, uncomfortable, and obvious (yes, even when worn beneath baggy sweaters). I much prefer a real wallet with RFID capabilities and locking options. This minimalist wallet holds everything you’d need for a night out in a new town, and it can be tethered inside a purse, to a pants zipper, or even worn around your neck.

Yoder Leather Company

I still prefer a wallet to a money belt since the majority of money belts are painfully obvious and tricky to actually access in real world situations. This belt, however, is incredibly discreet and I like the idea of using this as a backup for some spare cash or photo of your passport in case something happens to your main wallet.

Invisiwear Smart Necklace

This necklace isn’t just smart, it’s potentially a lifesaver. There’s a tiny button hidden on the back of this necklace charm that, when double-tapped, sends an SMS message to anyone you’ve designated as an emergency contact (i.e., friends, family members, local police, etc.) to let them know you need help. It also sends them a link to your live location. The brand also makes this in a keychain and a bracelet if necklaces aren’t your style.

Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack

Travelon makes some of my favorite anti-theft devices, and this backpack is exactly why I respect the brand. It’s equipped with RFID-blocking card holders, of course, but each zipper is actually a mini carabiner that can lock into place to make unzipping unnoticed very, very difficult for any would-be pickpockets. The straps are slash-resistant, and the size is just about perfect, in my opinion, for a travel backpack. 

Zpsolution Zipper Clip Theft Deterrent 

I realize these little mini zinc carabiners may not be what comes to mind when you think “wearable,” but they work in so many different scenarios and can truly make a difference in keeping your belongings safe while traveling. I like them for my backpack, where I clip one end to the zipper and the other to a loop or ring so pickpockets can’t easily unzip my bag. They also work great for securing two zippers together, or for connecting a wallet to your jeans, etc. So many possibilities!  

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