No one really wants to think about it but there's so much that can go wrong during a trip.
Here are 10 easy-to-pack travel necessities that heed the Girl Scout motto, "Be prepared." When you buy them, you get the added bonus of peace of mind – free of charge.
Addalock
Addalock — Photo courtesy of Addalock
Instead of piling furniture in front of your hotel door, use this portable door lock to ensure no one’s getting into your room even if the front desk mistakenly gives someone else your key.
Made from chrome plated carbon steel, it’s got a unique shape that makes it adjustable to almost any door thickness. It can be easily installed and removed in seconds on almost any inward-opening hinged door, and will definitely make you sleep better.
iClever BoostEngine Portable Car Jump Starter
iClever BoostEngine Portable Car Jump Starter — Photo courtesy of iClever
Road trips can take a lot out of a car, so make sure you keep this compact power bank in your glove compartment.
Not only does this baby have the ability to jump start dead car batteries, but its quick charge technology lets you charge phones and other devices up to 75% faster than other chargers. Plus, its safe and mistake-proof smart clamp offers protection from short circuiting, reverse charging, overloading and overheating. Smart indeed.
Bagnet
Bagnet — Photo courtesy of Bagnet
When bathroom stalls don’t have hooks, what do you do with your purse? You don’t want to put it on the floor where it could easily be stolen and where, well...gross.
Hook a leather bag magnet (Bagnet – get it?) on your purse and then use it to actually hang your purse out of reach of potential thieves. It’s strong enough to hold up a heavy, stuffed bag and it comes in a handful of rich colors that makes it a stylish accessory itself.
AlcoMate Revo Breathalyzer
AlcoMate Revo Breathalyzer — Photo courtesy of AlcoMate
Too many people get behind the wheel, convinced that the drink or two or three they’ve had won’t affect them.
This pocket-sized breathalyzer, approved by the Department of Transportation, is the most accurate on the market. It’s safer than the apps on your phone and, unlike most breathalyzers, it never needs to be recalibrated. Because of the lives it can save, it should be a required item at every party.
Master Lock Portable Personal Safe
Master Lock Portable Personal Safe — Photo courtesy of Master Lock
Some hotel rooms have safes, some don’t. Some work, some don’t. Why take a chance when you can rely on your own?
This portable safe from Master Lock is small enough to pack in a carry-on but roomy enough to fit your passport, cash and smaller electronic devices. Wrap the attached cable around a fixed item, set your own combination and go explore, knowing your valuables will still be there when you return.
Zus Smart Tire Safety Monitor from nonda
ZUS Smart Tire Safety Monitor from nonda — Photo courtesy of nonda
No one wants to deal with a flat tire during vacation, and this first-of-its-kind device warns you when any of your tires are starting to get dangerously low.
Just slip one of the next-generation German sensors on each tire and download the app. The proprietary Accurate Temp Algorithm will monitor tire pressure and temperature, and send you an alert if it detects any safety issue. The only device on the market that can detect slow leaks, it’s easy to use with rental cars, as well. Just remember to take off the sensors when you return the car.
Travel Door Alarm from Lewis N. Clark
Travel Door Alarm from Lewis N. Clark — Photo courtesy of Lewis N. Clark
This powerful travel alarm works just like a home security alarm (minus the police) but can be used on any door or window anywhere.
A motion sensor will trigger the alarm when someone opens the door, setting off a high-pitched 91dB sound to startle the intruder. Easy to set up and take down, it also features a built-in bright LED flashlight which makes it easy to navigate in the dark.
Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Trap
Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Trap — Photo courtesy of Ortho
Nothing can ruin a hotel stay quicker than bed bugs but they’re often undetectable until you’ve been bitten.
The new Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Trap is a game-changer. Just stick it under your hotel bed and, in less than an hour, if they’re there, it will lure them out of hiding, trap them and make them easy to see through a viewing window. Show the manager, get a refund and switch hotels before you start scratching.
Personal Alarm from Vigilant
Personal Alarm from Vigilant — Photo courtesy of Vigilant Personal Protection Systems
One of the bestselling alarms in the country, this one easily attaches to your key ring, purse or backpack for immediate access.
The push button activates a loud 130dB attack alarm, and the “off” button is concealed so it won’t be shut off by anyone but you. There’s even a built-in back-up emergency manual whistle in case of battery failure. You may actually want to keep one of these handy all the time.
Google Maps
Map without Wi-Fi — Photo courtesy of iStock/airrazab
We’ve all come to rely on Google Maps when we’re traveling so we don't get lost somewhere dangerous, but what happens when there’s no Wi-Fi available?
You can now use Google Maps offline by finding the area where you’re going to be (hint: go big. If you’re going to Paris, put in Paris, not just one arrondissement). Then, click “Offline areas” in the menu bar on the top left, followed by clicking “Custom area” and "Download." You’ll be able to use Google Maps exactly as if you were using it with Wi-Fi. You’re welcome.
