Tech-Powered Travel Safety: Apps and Gadgets That Keep You Protected

Exploring the world around us is fun. Travel exposes us to new flora, culture, cuisine, and whatnot. However, it brings its own set of perils. So, ensuring utmost safety at the time of travel is non-negotiable. Safety comes in different forms — the safety of yourself, your belongings, the environment around you, etc.

Therefore, this article introduces you to some unique apps and gadgets for your travel safety. Bon voyage!

Apps For Travel Safety

1. Personal Safety (Android)

This app personifies safety in a true sense with features like emergency contact, location sharing, etc. Not only can you enter personal details like your blood group, address, etc. but you can even trigger certain functions like calling the emergency number.

This app is generally auto-downloaded on your Android device if it isn’t already — download it here.

2. NewsBreak (iOS)

It is important to be aware of the present happenings in and around the areas you’re traveling to. NewsBreak is one app that not merely aggregates news that might be important for you but even crime reports of an area.

This app provides a detailed split of the types of crimes that take place in an area. For instance, if you’re a solo woman on a vacation, the past sex crime data should help you plan better.

3. Smart Traveler (Android and iOS)

Smart Traveler is an app by the State Department of the United States especially meant for its citizens traveling abroad. The travel advisory issued by the Department is an asset. It bifurcates areas into 4 levels of risk to make you reconsider your travel plans.

This app gives you a understanding of the local laws of the area you wish to travel to, information of US embassies, visa requirements, and other information essential for abroad travel. The best part is that you can freely sign up for the STEP program to enroll with the local US Embassy or Consulate.

Gadgets to Stay Safe

1. Apple AirTag

Are you paranoid about your baggage being lost in transit, like me? Well, AirTags to the rescue. True story- my baggage ended up at the Paris airport once. Thanks to AirTags I could help the airport authorities locate my baggage at the convenience of my phone. You can even use precision finding to locate your bag when you are near the bag, accurately.

The best part about AirTags is they are small and handy. Therefore, it doesn’t take up any space in your bag. Note that you need to have an iPhone to use AirTags. If you own an Android device, check out Samsung SmartTag 2.

2. Garmin InReach Mini

Hikes can expose us to various emergencies. However, getting reception on remote hikes is challenging, if not downright impossible. Thankfully, with the Garmin InReach Mini, you can trigger SOS and send and receive messages via Bluetooth. Interestingly, the messages are sent with the latitude and longitudinal coordinates. God forbid, if there’s ever an emergency — the rescue team can reach swiftly.

Do note that just purchasing the device isn’t sufficient. You will have to subscribe to Garmin’s plans by paying a fee. Weigh the pros and cons—see if you want to prioritize safety or go the economical route.

3. Plegium Smart Pepper Spray

Solo travel is on a part of all our bucket list. While I would love to sip on some mimosas on a low-key beach, let’s address the elephant in the room — Safety. While we keep pepper sprays, let us introduce you to smart pepper spray. This smart safety device lets you spray, share your location, alert emergency contacts, trigger a 130-decibel siren noise, and use a blinding LED strobe using this one gadget. Interesting, right?

You’ll simply have to pair this smart device with your phone. Get the smart pepper spray, and be on guard always. Happy vacationing, women!

4. Redtiger Front and Rear Dash Cam

Dash cams are like an extra pair of eyes. In case of a mishap, you can always retrieve the front and rear camera videos to ascertain the cause. Again, at the same time, you will have the proof to show the authorities in case there’s any case of negligent driving made out against you. This footage can help you better claim insurance.

At the same time, the night vision feature also comes into the picture if you plan to travel mostly during the low-light hours. Of course, apart from emergencies — you can record the scenic roads throughout your journey for memories!

5. Luxtude Car Seat Belt Cutter and Window Breaker

Road trips are fun. However, there’s always a chance of road accidents. While seat belts come to our rescue most of the time, you may not be in a position to remove them, or they could get jammed due to accidents. In such cases, a belt cutter — like the one from Luxtude — comes in handy. The sharp knife tears through the belt to free you.

And that’s not the end of the story. It also has a window breaker. So, if you accidentally locked your belongings inside, lost your key, or unable to open the doors after an accident — this tool will come to your rescue. And if you ask us, this versatile tool is a must-have if you own a car (and not just for long road trips.)

6. Vipertek Mini Stun Gun

To save ourselves from dangerous situations, we often need to opt for self-defense strategies. One gadget that furthers self-defense is this stun gun by Vipertek. This compact product easily slips into your pocket or handbag, so you can quickly take it out in desperate times.

Since the product comes in colors like pink and purple — predators wouldn’t be able to pre-empt the impact that’s coming their way. If you’re a solo woman traveler, I would say just grab the product.