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I've Solo Traveled for 15 Years—These Are the 7 Gadgets That Help Me Stay Safe and Connected Anywhere
As someone who's been solo traveling for more than 15 years, I know the importance of staying connected and safe when I'm exploring on my own. However, it takes practice to find the right balance between checking your phone and being tethered to it, because, though smartphones and tech are helpful tools for navigating new cities, they can easily put us in harm's way if we're not careful.
"Anything that disrupts our awareness and keeps us distracted can affect our safety," Nicole Snell, an experienced solo traveler and self-defense expert and educator, told Travel + Leisure . "Learning to stay aware of your surroundings and carefully choose how and when to engage with your devices while traveling is a key skill. Our awareness is fluid and serves us best when we aren't glued to something."
Snell, who is the CEO of Girls Fight Back, a personal safety and empowerment-based self-defense program for women, also stressed that this lack of awareness of your surroundings could send the wrong messages to the wrong people. "Focusing intently on our devices means we're not paying as much attention to our surroundings, which a criminal may see as an opportunity," she explained. "Many studies over the years have shown that insecure body language and/or being distracted are indicators that potential criminals look for in a target. Having confident body language and showing that you are aware of your surroundings are often effective deterrents."
Whether I'm navigating the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam, hiking through Arizona's red rocks, or exploring Sri Lankan juggles, I want to know I can reach the outside world if I need to—while still being present where I am. Over the years, I've curated a go-to list of smart, travel-ready gadgets that help me feel grounded, secure, and in the moment. Below, these personal safety tools let me text hands-free, track my belongings, check in with loved ones, and stay charged, without constantly scrolling.
"We have to be honest with ourselves that we're never going to be able to ditch our phones," Snell quipped. "We rely on them, and they are an integral part of our modern society." That said, you want to make sure that you always have a backup battery or charger handy. This lightweight, fast-charging model fits into the smallest crossbody bags. With 5000mAh of power and a built-in Lightning connector, I've recharged my phone mid-flight, mid-hike, and mid-coffee run. Plus, a digital battery readout means no more surprises from a dead battery.
I don't always wear a smartwatch, but for adventure-heavy trips, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a must. The cellular and GPS features keep me connected for hands-free texting, walking navigation, and quick Apple Pay purchases. I also love the health tracking features—like heart rate, cycle tracking, and fall detection—which offer extra peace of mind when I'm traveling solo.
According to Snell, a great way to practice safe phone usage during solo travel is to "look up from your device often and scan your surroundings, and avoid focusing intently on your devices when you're in a public place where being distracted is used by criminals to their advantage." The Apple Watch's always-on display makes it easy to check the time or my Maps directions without getting pulled into my phone.
Android users, this one's for you. The Galaxy Watch 7 offers advanced sleep tracking, on-wrist Google Maps, and seamless syncing with your phone, making it a great companion for solo travel. It even monitors stress levels and offers guided breathing when things get overwhelming (looking at you, crowded Paris train station).
Pro tip: Snell admitted that it's impossible to be aware of your surroundings 100 percent of the time, but there are ways to navigate our safety without looking over our shoulders constantly: "If you have to spend a lot of time on your device, go into a store, hotel lobby, etc. and find a safe, quiet place to handle your digital business. Look up common scams and safety bulletins for the area you're traveling to and heed the advice of locals."
The Invisawear necklace is a chic, smart safety device designed so you'll "never walk alone again," according to the brand. With a double press, it sends your live GPS location to up to five trusted contacts—and can alert 911 if needed (you don't even need to take your phone out of your pocket). Stylish and discreet, it looks just like any old piece of jewelry, so no one will guess it's more than a fashion accessory. It also comes in bracelet and keychain form.
Pro tip: "Your body and your intuition are the best tools you have," Snell shared. "Listen to your intuition." Courtesy of Amazon
Sure, the playlist you created is a better trip soundtrack than the crying baby on the train or the loud construction taking place on your leisurely stroll, but you don't want to constantly be fiddling with your phone to adjust the volume, change the song, or pause your music to hear an important update. Smart headphones like the Apple AirPods Pro 2s allow you to handle all that by simply tapping, swiping, or holding the earbud. You can even nod your head to hear a message, answer a call, or manage a notification via Siri.
These are also great for solo travelers because they offer various noise-canceling levels so you can still hear your surroundings, something Snell noted is important want you're on your own: "Put your phone away when on public transportation or walking through a city and focus on the present. What are you seeing, smelling, hearing, experiencing?" Staying in tune with what's around you and mindfully taking everything in will keep you alert and safe.
Apple AirTags are an essential tool for solo travelers. I drop one in my bag and track it via the Find My app—especially when it's out of sight during shuttles or transfers. On rare checked-bag days (I'm a die-hard carry-on-only traveler), I always know exactly where my things are; no need to frantically check the airline app for updates or waste time on the phone with a representative. The tracker is so precise that you can even easily locate lost items in hotel closets, airport lounges, or Ubers. If you travel with one on your person, your family and friends can track your location when you're exploring solo, too.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Every solo traveler—especially women—needs a She's Birdie alarm. This compact device fits on my keychain and offers instant peace of mind. If I ever feel unsafe, pulling the top will trigger a 130-decibel siren and flashing strobe to grab attention. TSA-approved, discreet, and rechargeable, it's one of those tools I hope I never need but always carry.
I don't have the latest version (yet), but the Oura Ring has been a game-changer for travel and everyday life. It tracks sleep, recovery, stress, heart rate, and temperature with impressive accuracy, helping me stay in sync through jet lag and time zone shifts. The daily readiness score tells me when to push through or take it slow. No screens, no buzz—just quiet, data-driven wellness on your finger.
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