South America has a rich and vibrant culture that attracts travelers from all over the world. But like many popular tourist centers, it is not immune to the challenges of crime. I witnessed this firsthand while visiting Lima, Peru recently. As our group of 20 people stopped to take photos, a local on a motorcycle rode by and in one effortless movement he took the iPhone off the lady next to me. It happened in the blink of an eye, and the thief was gone before he even had a chance to react.

The experience definitely shook me up and was a much-needed wake-up call, reminding me how quickly things can happen when you’re distracted and navigating new environments – even when you’re in a group. While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks, being prepared and proactive can make a world of difference. Below you will find 11 of my favorites safety devices and anti-theft essentials.

Guanzhi Apple AirTag mounting bracket for phone case

Traveling with Apple AirTags is an easy way to add peace of mind to where your belongings are. I put AirTags in everything when I travel – from my checked and carry-on bags to my laptop cases. With this gadget, you can securely stick an Apple AirTag on your phone so you can track its location after it’s been stolen; while it’s not safe, it’s nice to have as a backup. Make sure a travel partner or loved one in the back has access to the AirTag on the “Find My” network so they can help you find your missing phone. Being able to track my items, especially when I’m not around, helps reduce stress when you’re abroad.

Fabletics The Belt Bag

No matter where I travel, I always bring this belt bag. As a dual passport holder, keeping multiple documents and IDs safe and close at hand (not to mention keeping my phone in sight) is crucial, which is why I always turn to this Fabletics bag. I prefer to carry it as a bag and use the hidden zip pocket on the back to store my most important items. That way, I know my stuff is safer and I can focus on my surroundings. The material is water resistant and the strap is adjustable so you can wear the bag over your shoulder or around your waist, and the main compartment is great for things like chargers and snacks.

Cacoe Phone Lanyard Neck Strap 2 Pack

This is an item I did not bring to South America, but wish I had. Between my phone, camera and other documents, I was constantly moving things in and out of my bag – a thief’s dream. After that pickpocketing event, I noticed that other people in the group had their phones connected to a cord like this one from Cacoe. Only one buyer shared, “I used them on a busy European vacation to provide security for (my) expensive iPhone. … These strings provided some comfort that they were a more difficult target.”

Yoyi Yoyi Covered Bra Wallet

Sometimes the best place to store your valuables is out of sight. A hidden bra wallet offers a discreet and secure way to carry cash and credit cards. Plus, if your phone gets stolen and you rely on Apple Pay, this is a surefire way to make sure you always have some emergency cash with you. It is also useful for carrying small valuables. I put some sentimental jewelry from my grandmother in this bra wallet and flew with it comfortably on an 18 hour flight from Australia. It was a simple, unobtrusive way to carry items and provided a ton of peace of mind.

The rest of the items on this list aren’t necessarily related to phone security or my pickpocketing experience in South America, but they’re still important anti-theft and safety devices that I never travel without. I’ve used a few of them when I travel and each one provides more peace of mind.

12 Piece Ouligay Zipper Lock Clips

An anti-theft zipper lock may seem like overkill, until it’s not—it can be easy for someone to discreetly open a bag or backpack without you knowing. A zipper lock clip adds that extra level of security and comfort, knowing that no one can causally open your bag and swipe your money or phone. This 12-pack has a very durable double carabiner design, so they’re also useful for attaching things like keys, water bottles and umbrellas to your purse or bag.

Jonyee novelty wallet

Before leaving for South America, I learned about the idea of ​​a “distraction wallet.” The concept is simple: in the dire event of a robbery where you’re asked to hand over your wallet, pass along this cheap one that’s stocked with expired credit cards, a small amount of cash, and other non-essentials as bait. The bait may be enough to satisfy the thief and buy you precious time to retreat to safety. When traveling through busy areas where petty crime is more common, keep your bait at the top of your bag, while your wallet, phone and other important belongings are stored at the bottom.

Small Charmast Portable Charger

There are few things more insecure and inconvenient than losing your phone, especially when traveling alone in unfamiliar places. I used the Charmast portable charger on my trip to South America and loved its small but powerful design. I usually bring a small crossbody bag with me when I’m exploring a city, and I really liked that this little charger didn’t add any bulk or require extra cables. I used this charger several times throughout the trip and loved how it connected directly to my lifeline (aka, my phone), quickly charging it on the go.

Munio Self Defense Keychain

Created by a self-defense expert, this discreet and stylish key fob isn’t just an accessory for your bag, it’s a handy tool that provides a greater sense of security when exploring unknown areas – especially alone. The compact keyring fits in the hand and has a non-threatening appearance (the designs feature flowers and butterflies). Plus, you can take it on a plane with no questions asked. “I travel a lot and this was a very convenient alternative to my other self-defense items because it doesn’t cause a need to panic and I don’t have to remember to take this off my keychain before I get to TSA. “, he noted a single traveler.

She is Birdie, the original personal safety alarm

You can be so cautious and do everything right, but there may be a time when you still run into trouble on your journey. The She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm can provide added peace of mind in an instant. While the device is small enough to slip into your pocket or clip onto your bag, once activated it flashes a bright strobe light and sounds a loud alarm at 130 decibels – the same decibel level as a jet taking off. The alarm is TSA approved, making travel easier and reusable.

Scrunchie The Original Drink Cover

Traveling means experiencing new places and social scenes, but balancing that with safety can be a challenge. Once the drink was put on me; Luckily, I had friends with me and my mom was only a phone call away. We don’t necessarily have that kind of immediate support when we travel, which is why I always carry my Nightcap drink case abroad. Functioning like a scrunchie, the ingenious tool is discreet and helps prevent unwanted drink changes. The cover discreetly rolls up to look like a scrunchie, but can easily be removed and placed over a drink when needed. You can never be too safe, so having this extra layer of protection will allow you to enjoy the local nightlife without constant worry.

Resqme Emergency Keychain Car Evacuation Tool

Whether you are at home or abroad, traveling in taxis or rideshares is sometimes unavoidable and requires a lot of trust in an unknown driver. I will never forget the uneasy feeling I had in a taxi in Greece. I wanted to get out of the car, but I couldn’t. This is where Resqme comes in handy. Equipped with a seat belt cutter and window breaker, it can be a lifesaver when you need to get out of a vehicle quickly. One Travel + leisure travel writer won’t get into a car without one. Although the device is compact, the blade is not TSA approved, so it’s best to keep it in your checked bag to avoid potential confiscation.

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