Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Solo Safety Gadgets

What’s the biggest concern for anyone traveling on their own? Safety, of course. The good news is, there are tools out there to help protect you on the road.

The most obvious item is a whistle that attaches to your keychain. But make sure the one you choose has enough power.

Whistle for Life, which makes safety whistles for the Coast Guard, also makes a consumer one for REI that can reach a whopping 120 decibels.

And while I’m not condoning the use of pepper spray, I know plenty of travelers who feel safer with it.

What you may not know is that the TSA allows a 4-ounce container of pepper spray in your checked bag, as long as it’s got a safety mechanism to prevent it from discharging accidentally

But if you’re traveling internationally, do your research about what’s allowed in that country.

And yes, there’s even an app for personal safety. The StreetSafe app for iPhones isn’t cheap: it’s $20 a month.

But it gets you access to a personal security escort over the phone if you’re feeling unsafe while walking alone. And if there’s a real emergency, you can contact the police with one swipe of your finger.

For more information, visit the Safety & Security and Gadgets & Gear archives.

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