We’ve all heard the horror stories: the wallets snatched from darkened dorms, the debilitating bugs caught from unfiltered water and the acute sunburns that leave travellers unable to sit down for weeks.
Travel is all about adventure, discovering new places and meeting new people. But spending time on the road also presents its own unique set of hazards. Fortunately, with the right kit to hand, most of these dangers can be avoided.
In our latest gear reviews, we test a range of products dedicated to keeping you and your belongings safe while you travel, from scarves with secret pockets to smartwatches that ease anxiety.
Beat scammers and scanners with Lifeventure’s bi-fold travel wallet © David Else / Lonely Planet
Lifeventure RFID Bi-fold Wallet
The slim Lifeventure RFID Bi-fold is made from a water- and abrasion-resistant material, making sure your cash and bank cards are secure while out and about. Three of the wallet’s six pockets also offer anti-RFID protection (to help evade thieves with portable card-scanners), plus an external pocket which is convenient for accessing small amounts of cash without exposing the wallet’s entire contents to prying eyes.
- Plus points: neat, compact, closed with a zip for added security
- Worth noting: an even slimmer option is Lifeventure’s Card Wallet
- Cost: GBP14.99, €18.99, US$22.49
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 9/10
- More info: lifeventure.com
Lifesystems Sport sun cream even protects against jellyfish © David Else / Lonely Planet
Lifesystems Sport Sun Protection cream
For journeys in hot climates, sun protection is essential. This cream from Lifesystems is actually designed for athletes, but its water-resistant properties make it ideal for travel as well. In tests – from skiing in the Alps to cycling in Majorca – we found it quick to absorb on the skin, non-staining on clothing, and non-irritant, even when carried into the eyes from a profusely sweating forehead.
- Plus points: includes jellyfish repellent for extra protection when swimming
- Worth noting: fragrance-free, factor 50
- Cost: GBP10.49, €12.99 (100ml)
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 8/10
- More info: lifesystems.co.uk
An analogue method in a digital age: the Vagaband safety bracelet © David Else / Lonely Planet
Vagaband safety bracelet
Imagine you’re far from home, get robbed, and need your insurance number. Or you’re in an accident, and medics need to know your blood group. With a Vagabond safety bracelet, you can carry essential information with you at all times. On the outside it looks like a colourful wristband; on the inside it contains a folded roll of toughened paper detailing important medical and insurance information. A good idea in principle, but in testing we found the Vagaband bulky and uncomfortable, while the press-stud tab snagged on clothing.
- Plus points: available in several different travel-themed designs
- Worth noting: neatly re-folding the paper is surprisingly difficult
- Cost: GBP15
- Rating: quality 7/10; practicality 6/10; value 6/10
- More info: vagaband.com
Security with a twist – the My Date padlock from Go Travel © David Else / Lonely Planet
Go Travel My Date travel padlock
When travelling, a small padlock comes in handy for easily securing things like hostel lockers, airline luggage or even backpack zips. A combination lock means no lost key, but remembering that number – especially after a few happy hour drinks – can be surprisingly tricky. Go Travel have come up with a simple solution, creating a lock that uses a memorable date (complete with ‘month’ dial) to open the device.
- Plus points: five separate dials, adding an additional layer of security; TSA approved
- Worth noting: for extra security don’t use your own birthday (attainable from various travel docs or passport)
- Cost: GBP7.99, US$12.95
- Rating: quality 8/10; practicality 8/10; value 8/10
- More info: go-travelproducts.com
Sleep easy in dodgy dives with the Lifeventure Travel Door Lock © David Else / Lonely Planet
Lifeventure Travel Door Lock
If your travels include hotel rooms with dubious security, this door lock from gadget specialist Lifeventure can help you sleep more soundly. The two-part lock is simple and effective; one part fits into the space between the door and frame where the latch would normally go, while the other slots in to secure the door in place, preventing anyone with a duplicate key from creeping in while you’re asleep.
- Plus points: light, robust, simple and surprisingly effective
- Worth noting: works only on doors opening inwards
- Cost: GBP5.99, €6.99
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 9/10
- More info: lifeventure.com
Travel style and security: the Infinity Pocket Scarf from Pierron & Co © David Else / Lonely Planet
Pierron & Co Infinity Pocket Scarf
For travelling the world or just strolling the city, the stylish infinity scarf from Pierron & Co is a great accessory. The scarf protects exposed skin from the sun’s rays and – when held over the face – delicate noses from harsh smells. It’s also a single loop of fabric, so you can wrap it round your neck without worrying about trailing ends catching in tram doors or rickshaw wheels. But the real plus for travellers is the hidden zipped pocket, easily big enough to keep a passport or other slim document to hand while remaining completely undetected.
- Plus points: available in a wide range of colours and patterns
- Worth noting: two fabric weights for cool or cold conditions
- Cost: US$45
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 7/10
- More info: pierronandco.com
Keep track of your health and activity levels while on the road with the Fitbit Versa © Jack Palfrey / Lonely Planet
Fitbit Versa watch and activity tracker
Gone are the days when a watch simply told the time. The Versa from Fitbit is the equivalent of travelling with a GP on your wrist, providing continuous feedback on your well-being by monitoring your heart rate, sleep efficiency and activity levels. The device also keeps tabs on menstrual cycles and even offers guided breathing sessions to ease anxiety – handy for when you miss that crucial connecting train. The waterproof watch is comfortable to wear and relatively inconspicuous on the wrist, though the four-day battery life could prove a drawback in destinations where access to electricity (and therefore charging) is scarce.
- Plus points: the watch can also store and play music and make contactless purchases
- Worth noting: Fitbit offers a wide selection of fitness trackers varying in price and functionality
- Cost: GBP199.99, €199.95, US$199.95,
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 8/10; value 8/10
- More info: fitbit.com
The Lifesaver Liberty: sturdy, functional, ingenious, invaluable © David Else / Lonely Planet
Lifesaver Liberty water bottle and filter
A seriously impressive tool for travellers without access to clean water sources, the Lifesaver Liberty is a combined bottle and filter pump which quickly removes cysts, viruses and bacteria from water sources without chemicals. The device can be used in two ways, either as a portable water bottle or as a filtration system to fill up larger water receptacles with purified water. While the technology (and price) may be too much for occasional wilderness hikes, for repeated use, especially in areas of high pollution, the Liberty may – literally – be a lifesaver.
- Plus points: eradicates the need for single-use plastic bottles when travelling
- Worth noting: replaceable cartridges filter up to 2000 litres
- Cost: GBP£89.99, €99.99, US$99.99
- Rating: quality 9/10; practicality 9/10; value 9/10
- More info: iconlifesaver.com
More travel gear reviews:
- Shoes for any adventure
- Bags for any itinerary
- Get ready for adventure in 2018
How we review products
Our opinions are by definition subjective. Our testers (male, female, young, old) trial products in the real world, then give their honest opinion and scores for quality, practicality and value: 5/10 = mediocre; 6/10 = fair; 7/10 = good; 8/10 = very good; 9/10 = excellent; 10/10 = perfect. We don’t include anything that scores less than 5/10.
We aim for gender balance, and over a year cover an equal number of male- and female-specific items. We state where kit is available in male and female versions, or for everyone, unless it’s obvious.
Prices are quoted in at least one major currency. Where possible we include other currencies. We take prices from manufacturers’ websites; information was correct at the time of publication, but you may find different prices online or in specialist stores, particularly after a period of time when products are discounted.
Manufacturers supply Lonely Planet with test products for review. We do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.