I'm a Travel Writer Living in NYC, and These Are 10 Safety Devices I Recommend for Visiting Big Cities

Travel + Leisure

11-05-2025

I've been living in New York City for 10 years now, and while I believe that 'officially' makes me a New Yorker, it also means I've gotten pretty comfortable navigating the boroughs while staying alert and aware. I wouldn't say the city is intrinsically dangerous, but being in a more densely populated area does mean you need to keep your wits about you to avoid any potential threats—which is where some thoughtfully employed safety devices enter the picture.
If you're planning on visiting the Big Apple in the coming months or have another exciting city destination on the agenda, I've compiled a list of the 10 safety items I suggest packing to give you peace of mind during your trip. From my favorite personal alarm to a slash-proof bag that'll stop would-be pickpockets in their tracks, these items will allow you to enjoy your visit to any city while allaying concerns of theft or injury. Just remember: even with the right gear, you still need to remain aware of your surroundings, regardless of your destination. $30 $27 at Amazon $35 at Shesbirdie.com
Ever since college, I've had a personal safety device affixed to my key ring, and while I've cycled through a number of cheaper options over the years, I've come to rely most heavily on the She's Birdie Original Personal Safety Alarm. This Amazon best-seller comes with a large keychain that makes it easy to attach to my bag or keys, and it's simple to use.
In the event of an emergency, just pull the pin on the device, and it will emit a loud, blaring noise in tandem with a flashing strobe light that's sure to scare away would-be threats. It boasts an impressive battery life, which means I've only had to replace mine about once every year and a half, and it even comes in several fun, vibrant colors. $249 $99 at Invisawear.com
Of course, any iPhone user knows that the Find My app is a great safety precaution to have enabled so your loved ones know where you are (especially while you're traveling). But if you happen to lose your phone or have it stolen, this discreet necklace is a great option to have on the back burner. It may just look like a simple pendant necklace, but the charm is actually equipped with the brand's InvisaChip technology that will be a major asset in the event of an emergency.
If you double-click the hidden button at the back of the charm, it instantly sends an alert to your pre-saved contacts letting them know you're in danger. You can even enable the 911 feature, which will put out a call to responders, plus the necklace will share your exact location with both parties so you can quickly get the help you need. It's subtle, stylish, and could be a lifesaver.
You may not be able to order pepper spray in New York City, but that certainly doesn't mean I don't have one at the ready. In fact, it was one of the first things my mom gifted me after heading off to college, and I've never looked back, thanks to the peace of mind it provides. The small, compact cartridge is easy to use, and rest assured, you don't have to worry about accidentally setting it off in your bag. Just undo the safety lock, and you'll have 10 seconds of spray time to disarm would-be attackers.
Each container has enough spray for 25 uses, so you won't often have to replace it, plus it's designed with an enhanced finger grip so you can make sure your aim is accurate. Just note that you can't go through TSA with pepper spray (it can go into your checked bag), but if you're traveling to a city by car, it's a good idea to keep it on hand.
Theft is one of the most common threats when traveling in a big city, which is why you'll want to come prepared with a crossbody bag that's equipped with handy security features—much like this option from Baggallini. The bag is built with several layers of protection, including RFID-blocking pockets, a cut-resistant strap, and locking zippers, all of which function to deter thieves looking for an easy mark. This purse is lightweight and incredibly spacious, so you'll have ample space for all your travel day essentials, and it's fitted with a multitude of handy pockets to keep you organized on the go.
Whether you want to keep an eye on your luggage when flying into a large airport like JFK or Laguardia, or you're hoping for added peace of mind while sightseeing, I think it's always a good idea to stock up on Apple AirTags ahead of your travels. The coin-sized tracking devices can be slipped into anything from the interior pocket of your suitcase to your favorite purse, so even if you're met with the misfortune of losing these items or having them stolen, you'll be able to quickly learn their exact location. Just connect them to the 'Find My' app on your iPhone, and you'll have access to accurate tracking at a moment's notice. As someone who constantly misplaces her keys, they're a lifesaver in that regard, as well.
If you're looking to go the extra mile in keeping your essential travel documents and cash safe, this slim money belt is another great option that can be clipped around your waist and hidden beneath a shirt or sweatshirt. The exterior is made from RFID-blocking material to protect valuable data from your cards (it's not a necessity but may help with peace of mind), and it's roomy enough to hold your phone, passport, wallet, and more without leaving your belongings accessible to pickpockets. Seeing as it's earned more than 4,300 five-star ratings at Amazon, you'll be in good company when wearing this slim money belt that's 'roomy, yet flat against the body.'
Peace of mind is the name of the game when it comes to traveling in a big city, so this two-pack of portable door locks is a great way to get a restful night's sleep without fear of anyone gaining access to your room. Simply close the metal piece between the door and its jamb, insert the plastic piece into the metal attachment, and your door will be firmly locked until you remove the device in the morning. It's great if you're staying in an Airbnb and are unsure who exactly has keys to your lodgings, plus it's compatible with nearly any door, so long as it opens inwards.
If you don't want to invest in a theft-resistant purse, there's another workaround that will make it more difficult for anyone to gain access to your bag: zipper clips. These tiny clips work by attaching to both the zipper of your bag and the ring or loop at the end of your purse to secure the pouch shut. The best way to avoid being pickpocketed is to make the job less of a cinch, and this extra layer of protection may be just the thing you need. They're secure, easy to use, and can even double as a solution for a faulty zipper, as well.
Flying into a large airport can be daunting, especially if you've checked a bag and are met at the luggage carousel with a number of suitcases that look just like your own. While a pack of luggage straps can help set your bag apart from the rest, it's also a good idea to secure your luggage with a TSA-approved lock to keep other travelers out of your belongings.
This six-pack is now on sale for 33 percent off for a limited time, and it's the simplest way to keep your luggage secured with just a three-digit code. The cable design makes each clip flexible and easy to hook onto nearly any bag, and it can even be used on your travel purse or backpack when you're on the go, if you're especially concerned about theft.
I packed this portable door stop alarm when I embarked on my first solo trip to Portugal a few years ago, and I can attest that it helped me sleep so much easier in an unfamiliar space. This hack isn't just relegated to city travel—it's a good idea to have it on hand, no matter your destination. At night, activate the alarm and place it against the base of the door. In the instance that an intruder attempts to enter, the pressure will set off a truly jarring sound (I would know, I did it by accident), that will scare them away and alert others to the situation. At just $13 for a two-pack, this is a small price to pay for a good night's sleep while traveling.
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