When I was younger, I distinctly remember the triumphant return of the fanny pack.
Unlike its predecessors this new style of fanny pack had been re-designed to look “cool” as it rested snuggly on the side of every teenage girl’s hip.
The reason I remember this fashion fad is because I still have that Coach knock-off fannypack I bought to look “hip” still hanging in my closet. However, it doesn't help me a lot with my personal travel safety.
Personal safety products for travel
Interested in Personal Safety Products? Read more at 9 Anti Theft Devices for Safe and Secure Travel
Personal Safety Products for Travel
The truth is that even after the fad died (about two months after it started), I frequently used my knock-off fanny pack as a travel accessory.
My trusty fanny pack
Before leaving for the airport, I would pack it full with money, my passport and my boarding pass – it was a great place to store all my valuables. In fact, I used it more than my first anti-theft travel accessory, a neck wallet/pouch.
My father bought the pouch when I went on a school trip to Egypt at the age of 17.
I wore it for the first couple of days but the weight of the pouch around my neck quickly became bothersome. I ended up putting it in my backpack instead of wearing it around my neck.
Here are some Personal travel safety products that will help you Travel Safer and keep you from having to wear a fanny pack in public.
Money Belts:
Money belts and neck pouches are just one of the many different types of personal safety products that travelers can research and invest in before they hit the open road.
These products are arguably the most unexciting things that you can pack, yet they will certainly provide you with some peace of mind when you're abroad.
Nevertheless, travelers should always remember that no gadget can take the place of an attentive and ever-vigilant backpacker.
Money than Money Belts for Personal Travel Safety
There are various versions of the money belt but their essential function is to conceal and protect valuables.
It is recommended that individuals place enough money for their daily needs in their backpack and/or purse and should only access their money belt in a private setting, preferably away from prying eyes.
Other than the traditional waist and neck money belts/pouches, other variations include: the bra pouch (a pocket that attaches either to the plunge, side or wing of a woman's bra), anti-theft travel belts with a secret zippered compartment, leg/arm/cross-body wallets and/or the simple hide-away pocket that slips onto your belt and conveniently tucks into the waistband of your pants.
These type of money belts are often pressed up against your skin so if travelers are visiting hotter climates, it would be wise to invest in an item that is moisture-proof with anti-microbial fabric.
Hidden Compartments:
Pick pocket proof pants by Clothing Arts
I personally am not a fan of any type of money belt and usually opt for clothing that already comes with zippered and/or hidden pockets.
Nowadays there are a various companies that have started to sell pants, underwear, t-shirts and even scarves that have hidden compartments specifically for storing your valuables when traveling abroad.
Adventure gear companies (like Arc'tryx, Patagonia, Colombia, MEC, etc) are another great option; their jackets and sweaters often have more than one large zippered pocket that would be perfect for your wallet and smart-phone.
Women will love these travel scarves
Travel Locks
The travel lock is certainly not the most exciting topic to discuss when talking about your next travel adventure; however it is an incredibly important subject that needs to be properly considered.
The right type of lock can make or break your vacation, simply because it is an item that dissuades sticky fingers from exploring the contents of your luggage.
In short, one lock is not enough; I recommend at least three regular locks, one cable lock and maybe a backpack & bag protector if you are traveling with a heavy duty backpack.
PacSafe is a good alternative to cable locks
I personally believe that a cable lock should be brought along for added security.
For example, sometimes travelers who arrive early at their hostel must leave their luggage in a shared storage room.
It is so easy to get into these rooms and people are constantly walking in and out, so I always felt uneasy leaving my stuff in hostel storage rooms.
Nowadays, I use my cable lock to securely fasten my baggage to an unmovable object in the room. I also use it once I’m inside the room by fastening my luggage to the bed post.
Another great use for the cable lock is if you are sleeping at an airport or on train / bus – just attach your luggage to something that cannot budge, greatly decreasing the chances of someone pulling a “grab and dash” con while you are asleep or distracted.
Going backpacking? Staying in Hostels? Try the pacsafe for extra security
Backpacking requires extra safety
Other cool travel safe gadgets include the portable safe (incredibly handy for securing your smaller valuables – Iphone, cash, passport – in your hotel room, suitcase etc.)
And the Add-A-Lock portable door lock (great for solo travelers staying in single occupancy rooms).
Portable door lock for solo travelers
Personal Security Alarms:
As a solo female traveler it might be wise to invest in a personal security alarm.
When activated, through the removal of a metal pin, this lightweight and small gadget emits high pitched noises that compel thieves and attackers to flee.
An alternative to the personal security alarm is the door stop alarm which also emits a loud sound when an unwelcome guest tries to enter the room.
As the door opens it places pressure on a plate on the door stop, thus activating the alarm.
Hidden USB:
It is highly recommended that all travelers make copies of important documents before leaving for their trip such as; passport, travel itinerary, credit cards, divers licence etc.
Photocopies of these documents will make it easier to replace the originals faster in the event that they are lost or stolen.
If you have scanner, scan all the documents and send them to your personal email account or place them on a USB key.
For added security, travelers can invest in USB bracelets and/or necklaces; carrying a USB stick around your neck or wrist means that you'll have all your important documents safely tucked away if you are robbed or mugged.
Anti-theft Backpacks, Purses and Bag Protector – there is a whole range of products out there designed for any type of traveler, but most of these anti-theft items are slash-proof and cut-proof with hidden compartments and locking zippers.
What kind of personal safety items do you bring along with you when you travel?
A self-proclaimed travel fanatic, Yvonne Ivanescu has embarked on a number of unforgettable adventures across the globe.
In 2012, Yvonne launched Under the Yew Tree, a website about travel, green living, food and fashion in South America.
For more South American travel tips and safety tips, visit Under the Yew Tree or follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
Read More:
9 Anti Theft Travel Accessories for Safe and Secure Packing
8 Great Organizers for Better Packing
Lessons Learned From Being Mugged Abroad
Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them
9 Pacsafe and Anti Theft Accessories for Safe and Secure Travel
By Michaeldahan October 15, 2017 - 12:46 am
Personal safety must be important because your family’s safety is a concern. Nice blog and nice products as well.
By Travel Tips for A Safe Trip, Transportation from from Point A to B - Travel December 12, 2013 - 10:33 am
[…] Mugged Abroad created quite the discussion here at ThePlanetD. Read more safety tips by Yvonne at Travel Safer with Personal Safety Items, Lessons Learned from being Mugged Abroad, Common Travel Theft Scams and How to Avoid Them, How […]
By Travel Tips for A Safe Trip, Transportation from from Point A to B December 12, 2013 - 5:01 am
[…] Mugged Abroad created quite the discussion here at ThePlanetD. Read more safety tips by Yvonne at Travel Safer with Personal Safety Items, Lessons Learned from being Mugged Abroad, Common Travel Theft Scams and How to Avoid Them, How […]
By Dave December 3, 2013 - 11:17 pm
While I threw my money belt out a few weeks into my first trip and wouldn’t wear a bum bag/fanny pack if you paid me, I have to agree about the benefits of pickpocket-proof clothing, hidden pockets and, especially, having (multiple) digital copies of your documents. By all means carry them on a hidden USB stick if you wish, but make sure they’re in the cloud as well – email, Dropbox, somewhere.
Of course, the same goes for all the rest of your digital data (photos, etc) as well … but that’s a different conversation. 😉
By Finding A Balance: Tips for Staying Safe and Partying Abroad | I Luv Travelling December 3, 2013 - 10:37 pm
[…] Mugged Abroad created quite the discussion here at ThePlanetD. Read more safety tips by Yvonne at Travel Safer with Personal Safety Items, Lessons Learned from being Mugged Abroad, Common Travel Theft Scams and How to Avoid Them, How […]
By Packing Tips: Our Ultimate List of Travel Gear to help you Pack Smart December 3, 2013 - 9:42 am
[…] USB – We got this piece of advice from Under The Yew at her amazing post Travel Safer with Personal Safety Items. Recently a friend of ours had her passport stolen in Grenada and had to get to Panama. […]
By Finding A Balance: Tips for Staying Safe and Partying Abroad November 29, 2013 - 5:00 am
[…] and we look forward to more discussions in the coming months. Read more safety tips by Yvonne at Travel Safer with Personal Safety Items, Lessons Learned from being Mugged Abroad, Common Travel Theft Scams and How to Avoid Them, How […]
By How to Blend in Abroad: Tips To Avoid Looking and Acting Like A Tourist November 14, 2013 - 5:00 am
[…] and we look forward to more discussions in the coming months. Read more safety tips by Yvonne at Travel Safer with Personal Safety Items, Lessons Learned from being Mugged Abroad, Common Travel Theft Scams and How to Avoid […]
By Beth November 12, 2013 - 7:41 pm
I have some Pacsafe bags that I love, but I never would have thought of the hidden USB drive. What a great idea!
By Carla Devis November 8, 2013 - 4:15 am
I have never uses these money belts ever in my travel experience. However, your article makes to re-think on it. Thanks for posting this. The concept I liked the most is of the hidden compartments.
By debndave November 8, 2013 - 6:52 am
Hidden compartments are definitely becoming popular.
By Amanda thePanda November 7, 2013 - 8:58 am
Random fact: Australian’s call the fanny pack a ‘bum bag’. Instead of USB I store my documents and scanned cards on a cloud server (like Dropbox) and leave a copy with my family at home!
By Kathryn November 6, 2013 - 12:47 pm
It’s really easy to get complacent about this stuff. I know sometimes we given get lazy about using the in-room hotel safe. I’ve gotten so used to wearing my moneybelt I wore it to the hotel gym last night. Like I just don’t go anywhere without it on!
By debndave November 7, 2013 - 7:23 am
We are guilty of being lazy with the hotel room safe. Silly because it’s so easy.
By Fran at idrejuvenation November 5, 2013 - 12:08 pm
Hi there! I travel alone most of the time and although I am safety conscious you have given me some ideas about ways to increase my security, and I will certainly look into some of the gadgets. Thanks for a really interesting article, I am looking forward to your next blog – Fran
By debndave November 7, 2013 - 4:24 pm
Glad this could help you out Fran.
By Kristy November 5, 2013 - 1:01 am
I think I should buy travel locks since it is very wise to keep your things safe while you spend outdoor whenever your travelling in a foreign land.
By Dmitry I November 3, 2013 - 11:34 pm
Those are some great tips and some of the gadgets that i also find useful on a trip. have had a money belt/pouch on just about every trip we took. Was given a USB that is a bracelet and looks nothing like a thumb drive, its great to carry around. and I recently wrote about the travel alarm on my blog. Def great topic
By debndave November 4, 2013 - 9:27 am
I hadn’t thought of the USB bracelet before this, definitely going to add it to our travel list.
By Ronda November 3, 2013 - 6:29 pm
Great article–want to include that we specifically designed “the minipocket” @kree8zoriginals to be used in pockets and money belts to keep essentials safe and protected! Included are dividers that keep credit cards and hotel keys from demagnitizing each other.
By Jeff November 2, 2013 - 8:33 am
Wow! Detailed and informative post. The bra pouch might be risky. I witnessed a lady being chopped of her breast when they tried to rob her.
By Yvonne November 2, 2013 - 11:39 am
Jeff. Are you serious? Did this actually happen! That is incredibly scary.
Where did you see this?
By Viktor @ Life in Finland November 2, 2013 - 8:20 am
Hi Dave and Deb!
I thought this post probably hasn’t got much valuable info to me, but you proved me wrong – I think the hidden USB-idea was brilliant. Might be that I don’t take safety so very seriously as I have never been robbed, but I think having a scanned copy of my passport with me would definitely be worth the little trouble – especially as it is the document that I usually worry about the most.
Thanks again and all the best to both of you. I look forward to reading more about your adventures!
By tunimaal @ Japan Blog November 2, 2013 - 4:21 am
Personnally I always use a money belt with an usual wallet. In the money belt I put all the important stuff I carry with me and in the wallet I leave only what I need on the day I am using it. So even if I get mugged or something like this, I won’t loose everything ….
By Yvonne November 1, 2013 - 5:27 pm
Thanks again for the post Dave and Deb. I always chuckle when I see that photo of me in Egypt. I can’t believe that was 10 years ago!
I am also loving my uber cool travel style. hahaha.
By Helen November 21, 2013 - 3:51 pm
Great piece, Yvonne! Will share on my FB page. I especially love the idea of the personal security alarm and hidden USB.