N※N

After Being Pickpocketed Abroad, I Always Pack These 'Just in Case' Safety Items for Every Trip--From $12

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. in-case-safety-items-for-every-trip-from-12.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 2:10 GMT by Travel + Leisure
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Just in Case: A Quick‑Fire Guide to the Personal‑Safety Essentials Every Traveler Should Pack

Travel + Leisure’s latest “Just in Case” feature – “Personal Safety Travel Essentials” – is a one‑page treasure map for the cautious globetrotter. Written for readers who want to feel secure without sacrificing style or convenience, the piece pulls together a compact list of gadgets, apps, and practices that can make the difference between a smooth adventure and an unsettling detour. Below is a streamlined summary of the article’s key take‑aways, organized by the “must‑have” items and safety habits the magazine highlights.

1. Lockable Luggage and Portable Safes

The article opens with a reminder that theft is a common problem for both backpackers and luxury travelers alike. A high‑quality TSA‑approved lock, such as the TSA 3‑Pound Travel Lock (link provided in the article), is an inexpensive first line of defense. For those carrying cash, a tiny, battery‑powered portable safe—think the SentrySafe 1‑inch Safe—fits in a carry‑on or backpack and keeps valuables out of sight.

Travel + Leisure notes that the key to this solution is to lock all compartments and keep the combination in a separate, secure spot (like a hidden pocket). The article even links to a side bar that explains how to choose a safe that meets TSA’s “no metal” policy for carry‑on bags.

2. Personal Alarm & Whistle

An over‑the‑top “alarm” device is recommended for both night‑time wanderers and urban explorers. The article recommends the Bose QuietComfort 35 II as an example of an earbud‑style personal alarm, but the real star of the section is a compact whistle—the Bristol Sound 20‑Lumen Whistle. The whistle’s high‑frequency sound travels 2–3 miles, a feature that the article credits to the U.S. Secret Service for public safety.

The writer advises packing a whistle in a pocket that’s easily reachable from the seat belt buckle, so you can deploy it quickly if you’re ever approached by a stranger.

3. Pepper Spray & Self‑Defense Tools

The magazine’s section on non‑lethal deterrents is arguably the most controversial. It lists a TSA‑approved pepper spray (e.g., Sabre Red Pepper Spray, 10‑gram bottle) and a small, hand‑held knuckleduster. The article stresses that while pepper spray is legal in most states, you should be aware of local regulations; many European countries restrict its use entirely.

Travel + Leisure goes a step further and links to a short guide on how to use pepper spray properly—hold it in the middle of your hand, aim at an attacker’s face, and spray in a controlled, short burst. The writer also suggests carrying a small self‑defense kit that includes a silicone cane and a personal safety padlock.

4. Identity‑Theft Protection & Travel Insurance

“Identity theft” is a hidden cost of travel, and the article recommends two products to keep you out of the crosshairs. First, the LifeLock identity‑theft protection plan (link included) is a subscription service that monitors your credit reports and alerts you to suspicious activity. Second, a good travel insurance plan—like the Allianz Global Assistance policy linked in the piece—provides coverage for medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations. The article explains how to read policy fine print to avoid paying out of pocket for the worst-case scenarios.

5. Safety Apps & Digital Tools

In an age where your phone can be your most powerful ally, Travel + Leisure devotes a full paragraph to recommended apps. The “Safety Card” app is highlighted for its emergency contact feature, automatically calling local police when you trigger the panic button. The article also recommends Life360, a family‑tracking app that lets friends see your location in real time, and CocoMaps, a GPS app that works offline—useful when traveling in places with spotty cellular coverage.

A quick link in the article points to a tutorial on setting up location sharing across multiple devices, making it easy to keep family and friends posted even when you’re on a budget.

6. Secure Wallet & RFID‑Blocking Gear

To protect against credit‑card skimming, the magazine suggests an RFID‑blocking wallet (the Travelambo RFID‑Safe Wallet is listed). These wallets feature micro‑blocking technology that jams the radio frequency used by skimming devices. The article provides a side note that the best wallets also have a built‑in money clip and a separate bill compartment—essential for the frequent traveler.

Travel + Leisure also offers a link to a review of the Tumi Alpha 3 Anti‑Theft Backpack, which has a hidden compartment that can hold a passport and small electronics.

Practical Tips From the Article

Beyond the gear list, the magazine’s guide includes a handful of “behavioral” safety hacks:

1. Use the “Buddy System.” The article recommends traveling with a partner whenever possible and setting a check‑in schedule if you’re flying alone.
2. Blend In. “Don’t stand out,” the writer advises—dress like a local, carry a reusable water bottle, and avoid flashiness.
3. Know Your Emergency Numbers. A quick link to a downloadable PDF lists country‑specific emergency numbers (911, 112, 999, etc.) and the U.S. embassy contact information in every major region.
4. Keep a Backup Plan. The article encourages carrying a photocopy of your passport (not the original) in a separate part of your luggage. It also recommends having an “emergency cash” stash in a hidden pouch.

Bottom Line

The “Personal Safety Travel Essentials” article is less about a perfect, bulletproof checklist and more about giving travelers a solid set of tools and practices that increase confidence. By pairing small, inexpensive gadgets—portable safes, personal alarms, and RFID‑blocking wallets—with broader strategies—insurance, identity protection, and digital apps—Travel + Leisure offers a layered defense that works for backpackers, business travelers, and holidaymakers alike.

The article’s links are a valuable resource for readers who want to purchase or learn more about the recommended gear. Whether you’re jetting off to Tokyo or taking a weekend bike‑packing trip through the Rockies, these items and habits can turn the “just in case” into “just in case I’m safe.”