I live for solo trips. I think they’re one of the best ways to travel, see the world, and connect with yourself and others — even if you’re an introvert. You’re able to be on your own time, do the things that you truly want to do, and really be in the moment. I’ve been on at least 35 solo trips in my lifetime, and I imagine that there will be many more to come. But when you travel solo, especially as a female, you have to take the proper precautions. 

Whether traveling domestically or abroad, being by yourself can present some tricky, if not dangerous, situations, so you have to be ready for anything that could come up. While I can do my best due diligence before I even get to a destination by researching the area, being careful about who I tell that I’m alone, booking with a double occupancy if it doesn’t hurt my price, knowing the best routes, and taking the best transportation, there’s always going to be times where I’m walking alone, particularly in the evening. So, I’ve got to be stocked with the right safety gear.

As a seasoned solo traveler, these are the safety items that I pack in my purse for when I’m walking alone at night. In fact, all of these essential travel accessories can be found at Amazon, and some of them are even on sale ahead of Black Friday. 

Lo & Sons Bond Bag

Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about my trusty travel bag. Sling bags (or at least some kind of crossbody purse) are my go-tos as they hang close to your body and deter pickpockets. I love this one from Lo & Sons because of how sleek and nondescript it is, and it’s stocked with secret anti-theft features. The zipper blends into the bag to make it harder for others to know where it is from further away. There’s also a back pocket close to your body, so you can put more important things there. The zippers can also be closed with a TSA-approved lock, and you can wear it as a sling bag or fanny pack thanks to the adjustable strap that lets you adjust it to be looser or closer to your body easily. 

The leather version is pricier, but there’s also a recycled polyester option that’s just as sleek. For a more budget-friendly option, there’s the Travelon Anti-Theft Belt Bag that’s on sale for $46 and is specially designed to prevent five common types of travel theft.

Poiugoya RFID-Blocking Wallet With Keychain

As for what I put in my Lo & Sons’ sling bag, I pack a small wallet that can house my travel cards and ID (that’s not my passport), and leave a credit card and my passport locked away in the safe at my hotel. What do I look for in a travel wallet? An easy-to-carry size (that’ll fit seamlessly and non-conspicuously in my bag), a see-through ID holder so I don’t have to take my ID out every time I go to a bar or somewhere that needs to see ID (sometimes this can’t be avoided, but it’s always nice to have the option), a keychain so I can attach it to the inside of my bag, and RFID-blocking technology to prevent any use or data-breaching of the chips from my credit cards. This one from Amazon-favorite brand Poiugoya is stylish and does the job; it can hold up to eight cards and even has a zippered pocket. 

Apple AirTag

An Apple AirTag (or any Bluetooth tracking device) isn’t just a great travel accessory to help you keep a close eye on your checked bags. When you arrive at your destination, you can put it in your purse or wallet, so if you’re separated from your items, you can (hopefully) find them quickly and easily. They’re a true must-have for how inexpensive they are (you can also get a set of four on sale at Amazon) and how quickly they can help you track down thieves. I also like to have one handy so I can share my location with my family and friends when I’m traveling for extra peace of mind. 

Vrurc Portable Charger With Cable 

This is honestly my biggest safety tip. If I implore you to do one thing before your solo trip, it would be to buy and charge an extra portable charger with an attached cord that fits your phone like this on-sale version from Vrurc. When you use it, charge it again and always have it in your bag. The number one thing that you can do for your safety is make sure your phone is fully charged, and to give yourself more charging juice should you find yourself stuck somewhere.

Welly First Aid Kit 

I never travel without a small first aid kit. Not only does it help when life inevitably happens and you have a small cut or scrape, but they also help when you find yourself with a blister halfway through your walking tour (ugh) or needing hand sanitizer before grabbing food from a street vendor. Having a first aid kit means you don’t have to find or buy bandages, and that’s security in and of itself. This adorable kit from Welly features 18 bandages, three triple antibiotic ointment packets, and three hand sanitizer packets for all of your first aid needs. And, it’s super compact and won’t take up too much space in your purse. 

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Say hello to your first line of defense — well, besides a fully charged phone. This small alarm blares a piercing siren when activated and also emits a strobe light, bringing attention to you and making your presence known (and sending any possible attackers or burglars running for cover). To activate, you pull and remove the top pin and put it back in to deactivate it. The alarm can be used multiple times as the batteries are replaceable and will last up to 40 continuous minutes. I’ve added it to my keychain travel wallet so it’s ready to go when I’m out and about. 

EverBrite Mini Flashlight 

A mini flashlight that you can keep in your bag is an easy way to make sure that you’re safe and secure, particularly when walking alone in the evening. Not only can you use it to better light your way and see where you’re going (without having to use your phone flashlight and drain its battery), but it can also be used as a safety tool, either as a blunt-force object or to stun or blind an attacker. That being said, don’t waste any time grabbing this convenient six-pack of mini flashlights at Amazon before your next trip. 

Pimoys Reflective Tape Pieces 

I always keep a few pieces of reflective tape on hand in my travel case, particularly for destinations where I know that I’ll be doing a lot of walking. Adding them to the back of my shoes, hat, or jacket is an easy way to make sure that I’m visible walking alongside busy traffic areas with low lighting. I don’t always make use of them, but it always gives me peace of mind to know that I have them packed if needed. With the Pimoys Reflective Tape Set, you get 40 pieces of various colored tape for just $6 — talk about a deal! 

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