In this post I share three travel safety tools to keep you and your loved ones safe away from home.
If you’re a regular reader, you know I’m a fan of Gettysburg. During a recent trip there, a friend spotted the wedge in my backpack. After a quick demonstration, he wanted one, too, and suggested I share the gadget with my readers. So here you go…
Upgrade Your Room Security
There’s always a sense of anticipation when I check into a hotel. Will I get the upgrade with a great view? Or at least a quiet room, far from the elevator and ice machine?
But nothing deflates my balloon faster than walking into a temporary abode and seeing… a connecting door to the adjacent room. For one thing, it’s horrible at blocking sound. And I never quite trust that tiny deadbolt. If you ask me, that’s the door that should have extra locks on it.
If a thief does target my room— via any door— I want to make things difficult for him.
Stop and Deter Intruders with a Sabre Wedge
So I was glad to discover the Sabre portable wedge with an alarm that slips under most doors. (Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases.)
It stops the door from being opened and sounds a high-pitched, 120-decibel siren if someone tries to pass through. When the door is pushed against the wedge, it depresses a faceplate that triggers the alarm. Trust me, it’s loud and certain to wake you— it’s also likely to draw attention and drive the intruder away. You can buy one here.
The Sabre wedge uses one 9V battery. Note that the battery compartment has one of those very small screws that requires a #1 Phillips head screwdriver. If you need the screwdriver, I like this one because the larger handle is easier to manage than the typical tiny one. The screwdriver won’t make it past airport security, though, so be sure to place it in your checked bag if you need to bring it with you.
The wedge also is suitable for use in short-term rentals, dorms, or anyplace else you want an extra measure of protection. And for those rare occasions when there’s not enough space under the door for a wedge, try a…
Portable Door Lock
Every now and then I encounter a door that is perfectly flush with the carpet or floor— there’s no room for the tip of a wedge. That’s when the Addalock comes in handy. You insert the Addalock between the door and the door frame, where the latch is. It prevents the door from opening even when unlocked with a key from the outside. (Ever wonder if someone else kept a key to your short-term rental?)
It’s suitable for most hinged doors that swing inwards and have standard-sized latches. It needs less than a quarter inch of space between the door and the door frame. And it feels solid without adding much weight to my bag.
Read the instructions or watch the online tutorial the first time you use the lock. (Trust me, it will flatten the learning curve.) Once you understand how it works, it’s a breeze to install and remove. You can learn more about it and buy one here.
Portable Door Lock – Alternative Design
There is a similarly designed, but less highly rated, alternative to the Addalock that fits both standard-sized and commercial latches (that you might encounter in some hotels). I do not personally own this device, but I recognize the appeal of a dual-sized lock. You can learn more about it and buy one here.
Although you can usually go through airport security with these locks in your carry-on bag, they may be flagged for inspection by hand. (Their metal base and odd shape draw notice.) Consider keeping them in your checked bag, if you have one.
The Sabre wedge and Addalock are just two of the many tools available to help make travel safer. Always check reputable online sources for the latest updates about crime and safety at your destination and choose accommodations in safe areas with good security measures. Among those reputable sources is the U.S. Department of State…
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
When traveling internationally, I always submit my itinerary to the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that allows American citizens traveling out-of-country to register their plans with the embassy or consulate at each of their destinations.
Registrants provide their dates and modes of travel, destinations, accommodations, and methods of contact. In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency (including family emergencies back home), embassy staff will use the information to locate travelers and provide necessary assistance.
Once enrolled, travelers receive current health and safety reports for their destinations and any subsequent updates. In the past, I was able to steer clear of demonstrations, labor strikes, and similar disruptions because of the embassy’s up-to-the-minute alerts.
For more information about STEP and to register your plans, click here. The website also provides a wide range of health, safety, and other useful information to help you prepare for international travel.
More Safety Tools
For more safety tips, read my blog post on how to protect yourself from pickpockets.
And to help ensure your trips remain hassle-free, check out my biggest travel mistakes.
