There’s something incredibly freeing about travelling by yourself - the spontaneity, the self-reliance, the total control over your plans. The no having to wait around for other people.
It’s an idea that appeals to two groups in particular. According to the global travel network Virtuoso, 68 per cent of solo travellers are women, with Boomers close behind at 62 per cent.
But let’s be honest: solo travel also comes with its own set of safety concerns, whether you’re navigating a new city, checking into a remote Airbnb or taking an overnight train with all your precious belongings in tow.
That’s where investing in a few smart accessories can make a world of difference.
You don’t need to go overboard or carry half a hardware store in your suitcase - just a few well-chosen bits of kit that help you feel more secure, more in control and more able to enjoy the adventure without second-guessing your surroundings.
From compact doorstop alarms that add an instant layer of protection to clever anti-theft backpacks, RFID-blocking wallets and discreet personal safety devices, consider this your solo travel toolkit, curated for practicality, portability and peace of mind.
How I Tested
As a freelance writer who travels the world, I’ve tested, researched and road-tested each one to ensure it actually earns its place in your bag. Every product in my edit below has been tried and tested across three key points: quality, value and reliability. Some are low-tech lifesavers you’ll never want to travel without again. Others are sleek little upgrades that quietly make your life easier on the road.
Whether you’re off to explore a European city for the weekend or planning a multi-destination months-long voyage across the world, these safety-focused travel essentials will help you feel more prepared (and a little more confident) wherever you go.
See my edit of the best products for travelling alone below
Vantamo Personal Alarms with Strobe LED Light
This small but powerful personal alarm from Vantamo is designed to be heard. One quick pull of the pin triggers a 130dB siren alongside a flashing LED strobe - perfect for drawing attention and scaring off unwanted attention when travelling alone.
It’s USB rechargeable (so no need to panic about finding battery replacements) and comes with a keychain loop so you can attach it to your bag, belt loop or keys. There’s also a discreet test mode so you can check it’s working without setting it off.
While it's probably not something you're overjoyed about having to buy, it's a simple but confidence-boosting companion for evenings out or late-night walks back to your accommodation.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Apple AirTag, Bluetooth Item Finder, 1 Pack
If you’ve ever left your bag on a train or panicked over a missing suitcase, an AirTag is the travel upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
This coin-sized Bluetooth tracker from Apple is designed to help you find your belongings fast, using the Find My network already built into your iPhone.
Pop it in your luggage, slide it into a hidden pouch in your backpack or even attach it to your keys. You’ll get location updates, alerts when you leave things behind and precise direction-finding if you’re nearby.
It’s small, clever and completely effortless once it’s set up - and a must for peace of mind when you’re on the move.
Buy now £34.99, Frasers
Prezlock Fingerprint Padlock with Key Backup
When faced with hostel lockers, a padlock is the first line of defence between your stuff and roving thieves. Trouble is, if you lose the key, it'll cost you a heck of a lot more to liberate your things.
This smart padlock comes with a fingerprint scanner to biometrically secure your precious items, a feature that will come in handy should you misplace the included key.
Buy now £59.95, Amazon
Samsonite ALU FIT Wallet
This isn’t just a wallet – it’s a clever bit of travel tech disguised as a design piece. Samsonite’s ALU FIT slide-up wallet offers RFID protection to block any sneaky attempts at scanning your contactless cards, all while keeping things slim, stylish and secure.
The brushed aluminium case shields your details, while the slide-up mechanism fans your cards out neatly for easy access. It’s compact enough to slip into a front pocket or small bag, and it feels reassuringly solid without adding weight.
A smart pick for city breaks or anywhere you want added protection with a polished look.
Buy now £48.75, Samsonite
ARTINABS Wireless Solar Charger with Flashlight
This is the kind of gadget that quickly becomes your solo travel MVP.
The ARTINABS solar power bank packs a whopping 26,800mAh capacity - enough to recharge your phone several times over - and also doubles as a powerful flashlight with multiple beam settings. It charges via USB or solar (which is great as an emergency top-up when you can’t find a socket), has wireless charging capability for newer phones and includes three output ports so you can charge multiple devices at once.
Whether you’re hiking, camping or just navigating power cuts abroad, this power bank gives you a solid backup with a few clever extras thrown in.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon
Pacsafe® CX anti-theft backpack
If you want a backpack that works just as well in airports and cafés as it does on overnight trains, the Pacsafe CX is worth every penny.
It’s specifically designed for anti-theft travel, with slashguard straps, lockable zips, RFID-blocking pockets and a smart internal layout that keeps your gear organised and protected.
What I love the most? Despite the security features, it doesn’t scream ‘tourist’. The polished finish and minimalist style make it ideal for city breaks, work trips or solo exploring when you want to blend in without compromising on safety.
Spacious enough for your laptop and essentials, it’s both practical and stylish.
Buy now £188.15, Amazon
Vantamo Bum Bag with RFID
If you like to keep your valuables close while travelling - without making it obvious - this ultra-thin bum bag from Vantamo is a clever choice.
It sits flat under your clothes with enough space for your phone, passport and cards, and comes with built-in RFID-blocking material to protect against contactless theft.
The zip compartments are well thought out, the waistband is comfy even on long journeys, and the breathable mesh backing means it doesn’t stick to your skin in warmer climates.
You also get a lifetime recovery service, which helps track lost items - a smart bonus for peace of mind.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
FORCLAZ Money belt
Sometimes, simple is best. This discreet money belt from FORCLAZ (Decathlon’s travel line) is light, streamlined and designed to be worn under your clothes for that extra layer of protection.
The design boasts two zipped compartments, an adjustable strap and a thin profile that makes it barely noticeable - ideal if you’re heading off for a long day of sightseeing.
While it doesn’t have added bells and whistles like RFID protection, for a durable everyday option that keeps your cash and passport safe, this does the job well without adding bulk or fuss.
Buy now £12.00, Decathlon
Fuers Door Stop Alarm
A solo travel essential that slips easily into your suitcase, this compact Fuers door stop alarm is an affordable way to boost your security in seconds.
Just wedge it under the door when you're inside, and it’ll emit a 125dB alarm if anyone tries to force their way in - giving you both time to react and enough noise to draw attention.
You can adjust the sensitivity depending on the door and floor surface, and the non-slip base keeps it firmly in place. Lightweight and battery-powered, it’s brilliant for hotel rooms, hostels or Airbnbs that don’t feel quite secure enough.
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
Defender Door Handle Alarm
This smart little gadget hooks over your hotel or Airbnb door handle and sounds a loud alarm if it detects movement - giving you an instant alert if someone tries to open your door unexpectedly.
It’s ideal for light sleepers, solo travellers or anyone staying somewhere that doesn’t have the most reassuring lock system. The device is lightweight, fuss-free to set up, and works on most standard handles.
For under a tenner, it’s a great way to add a quick layer of DIY security without packing anything bulky.
Buy now £9.95, Amazon
Verdict
If you only pack one thing, make it the Vantamo Personal Alarm. It’s small, discreet and instantly effective in an emergency.
While tech like AirTags and anti-theft bags are brilliant backups, a loud alarm gives you immediate control - and that’s invaluable when you’re travelling solo.
