I’ve Traveled Solo for 20 Years, and These Are the Wearable Personal Safety Devices I Recommend — From $7

As a seasoned solo traveler, I prioritize personal safety. My trusted companions include a discreet personal alarm, a comfortable safety whistle for attracting attention, and a reliable GPS tracker disguised as a keychain. These affordable and wearable devices offer peace of mind during my adventures, making solo exploration safer and more enjoyable. See them in referrerAdCreative!

The Importance of Wearable Safety

Why wearable devices specifically? Because in an emergency, every second counts. Fumbling in your bag for a phone or struggling to unlock it can waste precious time. Wearable devices offer instant access to help, whether it's triggering an alarm, contacting emergency services, or alerting your trusted contacts. They also provide a subtle deterrent, making potential aggressors think twice.

My Top Wearable Personal Safety Device Recommendations

Here are my tried-and-true personal safety companions, spanning different price points and functionalities:

Device	Description	Pros	Cons	Approximate Price
Personal Safety Alarm Keychain	A small, loud alarm triggered by pulling a pin. Worn on a keychain or attached to clothing.	Inexpensive, easy to use, immediately draws attention.	Can be accidentally triggered, only useful in populated areas.	$7 - $15
Emergency Whistle	A simple, loud whistle that can signal for help.	Lightweight, requires no batteries, works in remote locations.	Relies on someone hearing it, limited range.	$5 - $10
Road ID Bracelet	A wristband engraved with your name, emergency contacts, medical information, and allergies.	Provides crucial information to first responders if you're incapacitated.	Doesn't actively call for help, information limited to engraving space.	$20 - $40
GPS Tracker Pendant	A wearable pendant with GPS tracking capabilities, allowing trusted contacts to monitor your location. Some models include SOS buttons.	Provides real-time location tracking, SOS button for emergencies, peace of mind for loved ones.	Requires subscription, battery life limitations, can feel intrusive.	$50 - $200 (plus subscription fees)
Smartwatch with Fall Detection and Emergency SOS	A smartwatch that can detect falls and automatically alert emergency services and your emergency contacts. Includes a manual SOS function.	Multi-functional (tracks fitness, provides notifications), fall detection is incredibly useful, integrates seamlessly with your phone.	More expensive, requires charging, dependent on cellular service.	$200 - $500+
InReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator	A small, rugged satellite communicator that allows you to send and receive messages, track your location, and trigger an SOS in areas without cellular service.	Works globally, reliable communication in remote areas, two-way messaging.	Expensive, requires subscription, learning curve to use all features.	$400+ (plus subscription fees)

Choosing the Right Device for You

The best personal safety device is the one you'll actually use. Consider these factors when making your choice:

Your travel style: Are you exploring remote wilderness areas or sticking to urban centers? This will influence the need for satellite communication vs. a simple alarm.

Your budget: Devices range from inexpensive keychains to high-end satellite communicators.

Your comfort level with technology: If you're not tech-savvy, a simple whistle or alarm might be a better option than a complex smartwatch.

Your specific needs: Do you have any medical conditions that require a Road ID bracelet? Are you concerned about falls?

Beyond Wearable Devices: Essential Safety Tips

While wearable safety devices are valuable, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some additional tips for staying safe while traveling solo:

Share your itinerary: Let trusted friends or family members know your travel plans and check in with them regularly.

Trust your instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it immediately.

Be aware of your surroundings: Avoid distractions like your phone and pay attention to what's happening around you.

Learn basic self-defense: Taking a self-defense class can empower you to protect yourself if necessary.

Stay connected: Purchase a local SIM card or international roaming plan to ensure you can always contact help.

Avoid walking alone at night: If you must, stick to well-lit and populated areas.

Keep valuables out of sight: Don't flash expensive jewelry or electronics.

Research your destination: Learn about potential safety concerns and cultural norms.

Empowerment Through Preparedness

Traveling solo is an incredible experience, but it's important to prioritize your safety. By investing in the right personal safety devices and practicing smart safety habits, you can travel with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that you're prepared for whatever adventures come your way. This is especially important for women traveling alone. These tools are not about living in fear, but about empowering yourself to explore the world on your own terms.