%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Fim-a-solo-traveler-and-these-are-the-13-safety-items-im-eyeing-tout-bcc92008d2bb4f53a3e0249c55bed99c.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
I'm a Solo Traveler, and I'm Eyeing These 13 Amazon Deals on Personal Safety Devices—From $9
But as a female solo traveler, I know that being alone comes with a few inherent risks. This is why I always pack some essential safety items before I hit the road–and right now, many of my favorites are discounted.
What I pack depends on where I'm going and how I'm getting there. I love digital trackers like Apple AirTags and use them for everything I want to keep an eye on while traveling. I throw one in my checked luggage to be able to locate it if it gets lost. And I place one on my Poppy's collar just to be safe. I'll even throw one in my vehicle when I park at the airport so that I can at least know where it is located if it gets stolen. If you have an iPhone, AirTags are the way to go–and a four-pack is currently $80 at Amazon. Every tagged device's location will appear in your Find My app.
Although I've worn money belts as theft security in really dodgy places before, I mostly use mine as a hands-free way to carry my phone, ID, and credit cards when going on a hike or heading to the resort pool. I like Aikelida's travel wallet for this purpose. I like that it has RFID-blocking capabilities.
It has two main zipper pockets and two stash pockets inside the larger main pockets. A concealed stretchy mesh pocket on the back makes it very easy to separate and locate items. Amazon shoppers who bought this money belt to wear under clothing also praised it, with one reviewer saying: 'This was so lightweight and comfortable to wear I forgot I had it on.'
If you've heard horror stories about shady Airbnb hosts installing hidden cameras in the intimate parts of their homes, traveling with a hidden camera detector can put your mind at ease. This anti-spy camera detector by Huynl is lightweight, portable, and can detect RF signals in frequencies of 100MHz to 8GHz. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that can work continuously for 25 hours and only takes two hours to charge fully. It is also on sale for $47 thanks to an amazing double discount deal.
An anti-theft crossbody bag is another must-pack for me, and this one by Travelon is on sale in four different colors. Lightweight but durable, this small messenger bag has RFID-blocking technology to protect thieves from accessing your credit card numbers and personal details through a quick skim (i.e., scan) of your bag on a busy street or bus. It is also slash-proof and cut-proof to help keep you safe from pickpockets. It even has locking hardware that lets you strap it to something at a restaurant or bar.
You can't fly with pepper spray or mace, but the TSA has no issues with personal safety alarms, which I find comforting as a solo female traveler. The She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm lives permanently in my travel suitcase. I like how easy it is to use. If you feel like you are in a dangerous situation, you simply pull the pin on the alarm, and a loud, flashing siren quickly draws attention to the problem. Just slide the pin back into the alarm's body to turn the alarm off.
Luckily, I have never had to pull the alarm, which I carry clipped onto my purse or pocket depending on where I'm walking. However, Amazon customers who have purchased it say it works, giving it more than 12,000 five-star ratings. 'I feel much safer in a crowd; all I have to do is pull on this alarm, which starts shrieking," one reviewer wrote. "I keep it pinned to the strap on my purse for easy access."
Staying healthy when traveling solo is paramount, and I always consider where my drinking water will come from when packing for a trip. If I'm headed somewhere like Thailand, where most tap water is unsafe to drink, I always carry a water purification device. I like LifeStraw Filter Straw for its portability, ease of use, and ability to filter out more than 99.99 percent of waterborne bacteria and parasites, including E. coli and Giardia.
Remove the caps at both ends, submerge the bottom into whatever you are drinking out of, and sip like you usually do. It is hard to believe something so simple can be such a lifesaver, but it really is. The LifeStraw has garnered over 10,000 perfect five-star ratings on Amazon.
I rely heavily on Google Maps to navigate unknown cities when traveling solo, and having my phone die en route is a scary thought. So, I always stash a portable battery charger like this one from Anker in my purse. Just knowing it is there gives me peace of mind. Slim and easy to carry, this charger still packs a powerful punch.
It can charge my Google Pixel Pro 8 about four times before I need to recharge the charger, and it can also charge two devices at once with USB-C and USB-A ports. It charges my devices quickly, taking about two hours to charge my phone fully. And right now, you can score a few dollars off thanks to an on-page coupon.
You really can't go wrong with throwing a luggage cable lock like this one from Search Alert onto your packing list. It is TSA-approved, so you can use it to lock your luggage on your flights to protect against theft during transfers. I've had friends get items stolen from their checked luggage before, so this lock helps prevent that. The lock is also great if you are taking public transport or staying in hostels, as it allows you to keep your suitcase locked whenever you're away from it.
I never leave for a road trip without an emergency roadside safety tool kit, and this one from Everlit includes most of what you need to get out of a roadside emergency, including a compact air compressor that can inflate your tire in seconds should you have a slow leak. It also comes with 12-foot-long jumper cables that are longer than standard ones, making it easier to get your vehicle started no matter where it is parked. The 108-piece first aid kit is another perk; so whether it's on sale or not, it's a smart idea to grab it.
I carry bear spray on road trips, even if I'm not expecting to run into a bear or a mountain. It can also be used for self-defense against humans when traveling solo, especially when hiking alone or camping. However, if you are going to carry bear spray to protect yourself if attacked by a bear, you will want to know how to use it before setting out.
Before spraying a bear, you'll want to diffuse the situation less aggressively by turning your face away from the bear, staying silent or speaking in soothing tones, and slowly backing out of the problem. If this doesn't work and the bear charges, you can use the spray when the bear is within 15 feet. Don't pack your bear spray for a flight, though. It is illegal to carry in carry-on and checked luggage, and TSA will confiscate it.
I think phone straps are a brilliant idea for numerous reasons. From a safety perspective, they help keep your phone attached to you and out of your pocket, where pickpockets can nab it. But I also love them for active adventures where I want to take pictures but don't want to drop my phone while scampering up rocks to see a waterfall. The Casetify Rope Phone Strap is compatible with most phone cases and has a two-layer adjustable rope strap to make carrying it anywhere a breeze.
Charging your phone via a USB outlet in a public place seems innocent. But what many people don't know is that most USB cables can transmit data, making it easy for someone to hack into your phone and steal stored info like credit cards on file and passwords. It's called 'juice jacking.' Luckily, there is a cheap and easy fix with a data-blocking device like this one from PortaPow. Simply plug your USB cord into the device and then plug the device into the outlet the next time you are charging at an airport or train station.
I'm not a big fan of wearing money belts, but I'm all about the bra wallet when I need to stash cash or credit cards in areas where pickpockets operate–it also works great if I don't feel like carrying a purse to a concert and am not wearing clothes with pockets. This comfy, discreet undercover wallet comes in two sizes to fit multiple bra sizes. To use, you just snap the adjustable elastic straps over your bra strap and tuck the pouch inside. It is big enough to hold numerous credit cards, IDs, and even a car key. It also blocks RFID, and the lining of the wallet's interior pocket is moisture resistant.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
13 hours ago
- Forbes
Mzansi Welcomes The World: LIV Golf Set To Make African Debut In South Africa In 2026
LIV Golf is expanding its global footprint once again, this time with a historic first. In March 2026, the LIV Golf League will make its debut on African soil, with Johannesburg's Steyn City set to host the event from 20 to 22 March. This marks a significant moment not only for South Africa but for the entire African continent, as LIV continues to grow its international presence. Known for blending professional golf with entertainment, music, and lifestyle experiences, LIV Golf's arrival signals another bold step for the league's evolving identity and ambition. A Festival of Golf and Culture As with other LIV events, this tournament will be about more than just competition. Organisers have promised a high-energy experience that fuses sport and culture, what they call a 'festival of golf and life.' Fans can expect live music performances, immersive fan zones, and family-friendly access, including free entry for children under 12. Enthusiasm is already high: the first 10,000 tickets sold out within 24 hours, setting a LIV Golf record, and more than 25,000 tickets have already been claimed in advance of the event. The South Africa tournament will form part of LIV's broader 2026 calendar, which includes events in Australia, Singapore, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. A Venue Built for the Moment The 2026 edition will take place at The Club at Steyn City, a championship course designed by Nicklaus Design. Situated in Midrand between Johannesburg and Pretoria, the venue offers a scenic but demanding 7,700-yard, par-72 layout, surrounded by indigenous bushland and home to wildlife including impalas and porcupines. For LIV, the location offers a striking blend of modern luxury and natural African beauty, an ideal setting for a global tournament seeking to deliver both sporting drama and visual spectacle. LIV Golf has signed a multi-year agreement to stage events in South Africa, while Steyn City's deal is for one year, with options to extend. Spotlight on Home Talent South Africa's Stinger GC is expected to be a major drawcard for local fans. The team is captained by 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, joined by fellow countrymen Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, and Dean Burmester, all of whom have had success on both traditional and LIV circuits. For Stinger GC, the chance to perform on familiar turf could provide a competitive edge and an emotional boost as they compete against LIV's international field. Global Stars on Display The South Africa tournament will feature a lineup of 54 top players from around the world, including major champions such as Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Cameron Smith. The presence of these names reinforces LIV's goal to deliver a premium golf product while appealing to a new, broader generation of fans. Economic and Tourism Upside LIV Golf events have consistently demonstrated their ability to generate substantial economic impact in host cities. In 2025, LIV Golf Adelaide produced a total economic impact of $78.5 million USD, according to an independent study by Vision Insights. Key stats from that event included: South African tourism and hospitality sectors will be watching closely, with expectations that the 2026 event could deliver similar, if not greater, returns, particularly given Johannesburg's position as a regional hub for business and travel. Community-Focused Legacy Beyond entertainment and economic growth, the 2026 LIV Golf event also aims to leave a social legacy. The tournament will support the Steyn City Foundation's feeding schemes, providing resources for community programs long after the final putt drops. This aligns with LIV's growing emphasis on social investment, sustainability, and charitable partnerships as it continues to scale its global presence. A Strategic Step for the Continent South Africa has long been a destination for major international sporting events, from football and rugby to cricket and athletics. The inclusion of LIV Golf on this list marks a milestone not only for the sport in the region but for Africa's place on the global golf map. As the first African stop on the LIV calendar, the 2026 tournament could serve as a springboard for future events across the continent. For LIV Golf, it represents an important test case, one that may influence its future expansion strategy in emerging markets. As March 2026 approaches, the spotlight will turn to Johannesburg, Steyn City, and the players ready to make history. Whether for fans, athletes, or the host nation, LIV Golf South Africa promises to be a landmark moment in a sport that's redefining its global reach.
Forbes
14 hours ago
- Forbes
Why You Should Visit Botswana's Tsodilo Hills, A Timeless Outdoor Rock Art Museum
Tucked into the northwest corner of Botswana, far from the crowds of Chobe and the well-known waterways of the Okavango Delta, the Tsodilo Hills rise unexpectedly from the vast flatness of the Kalahari Desert. Four dramatic, copper-colored quartzite hills, streaked with shades of mauve, turquoise and lavender—they feel almost surreal in their setting, and it's little wonder they're called the 'Mountains of the Gods' by the local San people. As we circled overhead in a helicopter, the rest of Botswana melted away into flat, dusty browns. Then, like sentinels on the edge of time, Tsodilo appeared, tall, still and majestic, rising 1,312 feet out of the desert floor. It's not just the landscape that makes Tsodilo extraordinary, though; the hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the oldest evidence of human life in Southern Africa, with traces of occupation dating back an estimated 100,000 years. Over 4,500 Rock Paintings—Some 20,000 Years Old Tsodilo is home to some of Africa's most impressive ancient rock art, with over 4,500 paintings scattered across more than 500 sites. There are paintings on all four of the hills, though the majority, to date, have been found on the Female hill, which is also the most accessible and boasts numerous walking trails. Unlike most San artworks elsewhere in Southern Africa, which are painted by brush and known for their fine detail, here the art is predominantly finger-painted, using pigment mixtures made from haematite, charcoal and calcrete, animal fat, blood, marrow, egg white, sap and even urine. With my guide, Shakes, we walk the Rhino Trail and then the Lion Trail, both at the base of the Female hill. In the Rhino Cave, named for the large white rhino painted on one wall, we pause. Beside the rhino is a painting of a red giraffe. Surrounding the giraffe and rhino are various geometric shapes, all painted in red. Opposite the paintings, on the other side of the cave, are a number of depressions and grooves. Archaeologists believe these were ground into the rock, using hammers made of stone, during the Later Stone Age. Paintings of rhino, zebra, gemsbok, stick-figure people and more parade before our eyes—image after image, some big, some small, some clear and others just faint outlines or shadows. The wildlife featured is a curious mix, with giraffe, eland, rhino and elephant being the most common species, but also cattle, whales and even penguins. The latter two hint at a long-forgotten cultural connection that once spanned all the way to the distant coast. Some of the representations of animals embody ritualistic powers, like that of the snake, painted because of its importance in rain-making rituals. The humans portrayed are, unusually for San paintings, depicted with no weapons, clothes or adornments, and several are likely connected to fertility rites, given the prominent appendages on many of the males. Nobody knows the exact age of Tsodilo's paintings. The majority are thought to be between 10,000 and 20,000 years old, while others are perhaps only a century old. Geography And Getting There Look at a map of the Okavango Delta and you'll see it's shaped somewhat like a frying pan. The Okavango River is channeled between two steep-sided banks, along a roughly 55-mile-long "handle," before meeting underlying fault lines and flooding out to form the alluvial plains of the Delta, the 'pan' part of this analogy. This is how the Okavango Panhandle got its name. Tsodilo is located near this Panhandle, with ancient sand dunes to the east and a dry fossil lake bed to the west, around 25 miles from the small settlement of Nxamasere and only reachable by 4x4 or helicopter. The surrounding land is dusty and flat, making the sight of the hills rising from the earth all the more dramatic. Despite being a UNESCO site since 2001, a report by Botswana's Ministry of Tourism shows that Tsodilo remains one of Botswana's least visited destinations. Fewer than 3,000 tourists currently make it here each year, and when I visited, we only saw one other visitor. A Sacred Landscape With Deep Human Roots The numerous Bushmen clans, collectively known as the San (Baswara), have inhabited the Kalahari Desert for around 60,000 years and are believed to be one of the oldest, if not the oldest, ethnic groups on earth, though very few continue to live as traditional hunter-gatherers. At Tsodilo, the Ju/'hoansi San are among the few that still practice traditional customs and spiritual ceremonies: performing rituals, collecting water from sacred pools and passing down stories of the spirits said to inhabit the rocks. For them, Tsodilo is a place of power, and even to me as a visitor, it certainly feels that way. The name Tsodilo means 'damp earth' in !Kung, the language of one of the local tribes. According to !Kung legend, long ago, when the hills were still soft and the animals could talk, the rocks were a family: a man (the 'Male hill'), his wife (the 'Female hill'), and their two children, ("the Child") and a smaller fourth hill. Although while some say this fourth hill is a child, others believe it to be an earlier wife. The top of the Male hill is the most sacred spot for the local San. They believe that the deep impressions in the rocks here are where the first spirit knelt to pray after creating the earth. The San also believe that spirits of the gods live and rule the world from within the Female hill. Tsodilo Hills, like the beliefs, myths and stories about them, are layered with meaning. It's not just mythology that draws people here, though. Archaeologists have uncovered ancient tools, pottery and various other relics of early human activity, making this one of the longest-known areas of continuous human habitation on Earth. And the best evidence of this long history? The rock art itself. Thousands of vivid, haunting images spread out across the stone surfaces, like an ancient gallery under an open sky. Walking Trails And What To See There are several walking trails around the hills, each with varying degrees of difficulty and rock art to explore. The most popular are: Rhino Trail—An easy loop around the base of the Female hill with access to Rhino Cave. Lion Trail—Slightly longer and more rugged, with more secluded art sites. Male Hill Ascent—A tougher climb, but it rewards hikers with sweeping views out over the desert. Local San guides, like my guide Shakes, offer not just direction but also storytelling, interpreting the symbols, sharing the legends and explaining how their ancestors lived with the land. One of the things that struck me the most, here at Tsodilo, was the sense of silence. Not an empty silence, but one filled with echoes of the past. Travel Tips For Visiting Tsodilo Hills Getting there: Access is by 4x4 from Shakawe or Nxamasere, or by helicopter. There are a handful of small lodges along the Okavango Panhandle, many of which offer excursions to the hills, some by helicopter charter. Best time to visit: May to September, during Botswana's dry season, when the temperatures are cooler and skies clearer. Guides: Be mindful of supporting community-based local tour operators and guides; they'll bring the stories to life and have a vested interest in protecting the site. Why Tsodilo Matters—And Why You Should Go Tsodilo isn't your typical tourist site. There are no restaurants, no souvenir shops and no manicured trails here. Instead, what you'll find is something much rarer, a window back in time—and yet so few people visit. For travelers to Africa looking beyond bucket-list safaris, Tsodilo offers something different. It's a place where you walk in the footsteps of people who lived 20,000 years ago and look up at the same stars they once would have seen.
Tom's Guide
20 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Which airlines can trace your lost luggage with Apple AirTags? Here's the list of all 30
One of my favorite ways to use Apple AirTags is to track my luggage whenever I do any kind of travelling. I'm not alone with that, and following the launch of iOS 18.2 last year Apple confirmed it had partnered with "15 airlines" on a system that lets travelers share the location of their AirTagged luggage. That number has since grown to 30 different airlines, now that Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, is on board. The airline announced this news on LinkedIn, confirming that travellers would be able to share the FindMy app's Item Location Link via Saudia's "dedicated digital portal." It's only really relevant if your luggage actually gets lost, though. If you don't bother with checked luggage, or your bags end up on the carousel in the arrivals hall as planned, then you won't need to worry about any of this The feature is only available on devices running iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 or macOS 15.2 and up. So if you've been holding off on updating your phone, you might want to get iOS 18 installed before your next trip. Or the iOS 26 public beta, if you're feeling up to it. Oh, and don't do what I did, and assume your AirTags are working before you leave. Make sure to check the batteries, and that you will actually be able to track your luggage in the event it does get lost. Saudia is just one of many airlines that supports AirTag tracking. So be sure to watch out for the following names next time you're looking to book airline tickets for yourself. Each airline has its own system for sharing the location of missing luggage, but it all relies on the same principle laid out with the upgrades to Apple's Find My app. That means going into the Find My app to generate a unique sharing code for your tracker. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. We have a more in-depth guide on how to share your AirTag location here, but the simple version is that you have to open the Find My app, tap the Items tab and find the AirTag in question. Once you tap Share item location, you'll be guided through a series of instructions to generate a link to share with the airline. Apple says that at least one of your Apple devices needs to be online in order to "provide updated locations." You also have the power to manage the sharing link, and stop sharing the AirTags location at any time. Which, presumably, you wouldn't want to do until your luggage has been located. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
