I’ve only been robbed while traveling once—but that was enough to make me take my personal safety and the security of my belongings seriously. Despite that incident, I’m constantly planning my next getaway, and my TikTok feed is packed with travel hacks, clever gadgets, and safety tips from influencers and flight attendants alike. From scrunchies that secretly double as drink covers to zipper clips that stop pickpockets from opening your backpack, these viral finds prove that travel safety doesn’t have to be cumbersome or expensive.
Most of these travel essentials cost less than $30, with some starting as low as $7 at Amazon. They’re small enough to stash in a carry-on bag, smart enough to stop pickpockets, and discreet enough that they don’t scream “tourist.” Ahead, I’ve rounded up the TikTok-viral safety devices that are giving travelers—and me—peace of mind on the go, for less than the cost of checking a bag.
Best TikTok-Viral Safety Devices at Amazon
Apple Airtag
Amazon
Small, but mighty, the Apple AirTag is a best-selling tracker and an essential travel accessory. It slips discreetly into your luggage or gear and links directly to your iPhone’s “Find My” network, letting you monitor your bag’s location even when it’s out of sight. With more than 10,000 purchased in the last month, it’s a regular top seller on Amazon. Right now it’s 25 percent off, and the perfect time to snag one for your upcoming fall travel.
She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
Amazon
One of our favorite travel safety devices at T+L, this little gadget is able to emit a powerful 130-decibel siren and flashes a bright strobe light that will draw the attention of anyone nearby. It’s compact so it’s easy to travel with and can be clipped to most bags, so it’s easily accessible when you need it—let’s just hope you never do.
Master Lock Portable Lock Box
Amazon
After seeing this portable lock box on TikTok, I don’t think I’ll ever travel without one now. It’s the perfect device when you want a sense of extra security when staying in hotels or rentals. The box provides a secure place to store your smaller essentials like jewelry, cash, small electronics, and a passport. While it looks hefty, it only weighs 1.6 pounds, so it’s easy to bring along on any trip.
Fengwangli Anti-theft Zipper Clips
Amazon
These little double-sided carabiner zipper clips may look unassuming, but they’re a sneaky travel hack to stop pickpockets. Snap them onto your bag’s zippers and they prevent the pulls from being yanked apart or slid open. They’re lightweight, tool-free, and inconspicuous enough to slip onto backpacks, purses, or carry-ons without calling attention. They’re ideal for subways, hotels, or anywhere you want your belongings secure without lugging around a bulky security device.
Nightcap Drink Cover Scrunchie
Amazon
As an avid traveler, I always appreciate a multitasking accessory. This clever scrunchie conceals a silicone cover in a hidden pocket for nights out when you want to keep your drink safe. Just stretch it over your glass or cup to seal your beverage. Plus, you can even stick a straw through it. It’s compact, wearable, and makes for an effective safety tool against drink tampering—especially when you’re navigating nightlife in an unfamiliar place.
Venture 4th Slim Money Belt
Amazon
Money belts are a low-profile method for keeping your essentials, like your passport and wallet, safe from pickpockets. Designed to be worn under your shirt, keeping your items close to your body, this one uses RFID-blocking lining to guard your cards from digital deceivers. It’s an easy layer of security—lightweight and essentially invisible—while you’re waiting in airports, crowded streets, and anywhere you’d rather keep your valuables out of sight.
Hnhmt Portable Door Lock and Door Stop Alarm Set
Amazon
I spotted a flight attendant on TikTok calling this one of her favorite travel companions for extra security and protection in hotel rooms or home rentals. The door stop alarm wedges into the floor or window tracks to block unwanted entry from the outside. If someone unexpectedly opens the door to enter the room, a harsh alarm will sound to scare off the intruder—adding an extra layer beyond the hotel’s typical locks. The set also comes with a portable door lock that’s small enough to carry in your pocket or a handbag.
Forge TSA-approved Luggage Locks
Amazon
Think of these TSA-approved luggage locks as your suitcase’s tiny bodyguards. The flexible steel cable threads through zippers or loops, and the resettable three-digit combo means you won’t have to keep track of keys through travel. Plus, they’re designed with a special mechanism that allows security agents to open them with a master key for inspection without breaking anything. Toss one on your carry-on or checked bag and you’ll have peace of mind that pickpockets won’t be able to unzip your bag.
Cacoe Phone Lanyard Neck Strap 2-pack
Amazon
The Cacoe adjustable phone lanyard is one of those clever, low-key safety tools that feels tailored for travel. It attaches to your phone case to create a crossbody strap that allows you to keep your phone right in front of you without risking the safety of your device. Plus, you can explore your destination while staying hands-free, and the straps are adjustable to fit various heights and builds.
Inicat Travel Sling Bag
Amazon
One of the items that TikTok travel influencers always recommend is a dependable travel purse. Luckily, Amazon has options like this one that’s not only smart for travel, but stylish enough to go with your outfits. This sling bag comes with dual zip compartments, interior card slots, and enough room for your small travel essentials. When worn across your chest, you can keep your essentials close, in view, and out of reach of sneaky hands.
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