Look, I’m not going to pretend I’m some professional travel blogger or security expert. I’m just someone who travels a lot with my family and got really tired of worrying about our stuff getting stolen or lost. To help Keep Your Belongings Safe While Traveling, I’ve researched various products that make a difference.
Tips to Keep Your Belongings Safe While Traveling
After getting pickpocketed in Barcelona three years ago (yeah, it sucked), I went down a rabbit hole of travel security products. And tbh, most of them are either overkill or finish garbage.
But I found 31 things that actually work, and I’ve been using them ever since.
Some of this stuff might seem paranoid. But once you’ve had someone slash your backpack open on a crowded metro, you get it.
These products are designed specifically to help you Keep Your Belongings Safe While Traveling, ensuring you have peace of mind on your journey.
The goal is to travel without constantly checking your pockets or clutching your bag like it contains the nuclear codes.
The Anti-Theft Bags That Actually Work
Pacsafe Backpacks
I bought my first Pacsafe backpack right after the Barcelona incident. It has steel mesh embedded in the fabric, which sounds excessive until you remember that bag slashing is a real thing.
The zippers have little clips that lock together, and there’s a cable you can use to secure the whole bag to a chair or table. I use mine for day trips in crowded cities, and it’s held up for three years of pretty rough treatment.
The main compartment is big enough for a laptop, some snacks, water bottles, and all the random stuff my kids insist they need. It’s not the lightest bag I own, but the peace of mind is worth the extra weight.
Check current prices on Pacsafe bags; they go on sale pretty regularly, and you can usually find last season’s colors for 30-40% off.
Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody
My partner uses this one constantly. It’s smaller and lighter than my backpack, perfect for when you just need the essentials (phone, wallet, passport, snacks).
The strap has a wire running through it, so nobody can just cut it and run. The zippers are hidden under flaps, and there’s RFID blocking material in the card slots.
Honestly, it looks like a normal crossbody bag. That’s important because the whole point is to not draw attention while still being secure.
RFID Protection (Because Card Skimming Is Real)
RFID Blocking Wallets
I was skeptical about RFID theft for a long time. Then I watched someone at an airport demo how easy it is to scan cards through a bag, and I changed my tune pretty quickly.
Now we all have RFID blocking wallets. Mine is just a simple leather one from Amazon that costs about $15.
It holds 8 cards and some cash, and it doesn’t add bulk to my pocket.
My partner has a fancier one with a pull-tab that fans out the cards. The kids have little RFID sleeves for their student ID cards (which apparently can be scanned too, who knew).
RFID Blocking Passport Holders
These are non-negotiable for international travel now. I got a pack of four passport holders that block RFID signals and keep everything organized.
Each one holds a passport, some cards, boarding passes, and has a pen loop. When we’re going through security or customs, everything is right there.
No digging through bags while a line of annoyed people stares at you.
They’re also color-coded, so each family member has their own color. Sounds silly, but it makes grabbing the right passport way faster.
Luggage Locks and Security
TSA-Approved Combination Locks
I’ve gone through probably a dozen different luggage locks. The combination ones are better than key locks because you can’t lose the key (ask me how I know).
Get the ones with the little red diamond that says “TSA approved” or whatever. That way, if they need to search your bag, they can open it without destroying your lock.
I use three-digit combinations instead of four. Easier to remember, and let’s be real, if someone wants into your luggage badly enough, they’re getting in regardless.
Pro tip: Take a photo of your lock combinations and keep it in a password-protected note on your phone. I’ve definitely forgotten combinations mid-trip before.
Cable Locks for Securing Luggage
These coiled cable locks are clutch for hostels, trains, or anywhere you need to leave your bag unattended for a bit.
You can loop them through the zippers of your bag and around a solid object. I’ve used mine to secure bags to train luggage racks, hostel bed frames, and airport seating when I needed to run to the bathroom.
They’re not going to stop a determined thief with bolt cutters, but they stop opportunistic grabs. Most theft is about easy targets, and a locked bag isn’t one.
Luggage Straps with Built-in Locks
These bright colored straps serve two purposes. First, they make your black suitcase stand out from the other 500 black suitcases at baggage claim.
Second, they add another layer of security to keep the zippers closed. Some have combination locks built in.
I like the neon yellow ones because I can spot our bags from across the baggage claim. Saves so much time.
Portable Safes and Pouches
Packable Travel Safe
This is basically a soft-sided lockable bag with a steel cable. You put your valuables inside, lock them, and cable them to something in your hotel room.
I use it for passports, extra cash, backup credit cards, and electronics when we’re out for the day. Most hotel room safes are either broken or too small, so this solves that problem.
It’s made of slash-resistant material, and the cable is thick enough that you’d need serious tools to cut it. You can also use it to secure bags in your car if you’re doing a road trip.
The one I have folds flat when not in use, so it doesn’t take up much space in the suitcase.
Hidden Travel Pouches
Look, I used to think money belts were dorky. And they are.
But getting pickpocketed will humble you real fast.
I don’t use the traditional money belt anymore, though. I use these flat pouches that go under your clothes.
Some attach to your belt, some hang around your neck under your shirt.
They’re thin enough to hide under a t-shirt and hold cash, cards, and a folded passport. I don’t keep everything in there; I just back up stuff in case my regular wallet gets stolen.
My partner prefers the leg version that straps to the thigh under pants. Different people find different spots comfortable.
Grab a hidden pouch before your next trip, seriously, they’re like $10 and will save you so much stress.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
These aren’t just for keeping your phone dry at the beach. They also protect you from pickpockets in crowded places.
I wear mine on a lanyard around my neck at music festivals, theme parks, and busy markets. It’s transparent, so you can still use your phone through the plastic, and it’s sealed tight.
Plus, it actually is waterproof. I’ve used it kayaking, at water parks, and in some pretty intense rainstorms.
The phone stayed dry every time.
Hotel Room Security Add-Ons
Portable Door Lock
This little gadget was a game-changer for hotel stays. It’s a small piece of metal that wedges under the door and prevents it from opening, even if someone has a key.
Hotel door locks aren’t always trustworthy. Staff have keys, and sometimes other guests are mistakenly given the wrong room (it has happened to us twice).
The portable lock I use takes like 5 seconds to install and remove. It can’t be opened from the outside at all when it’s in place.
Makes me feel way better about actually sleeping at night in hotels.
Door Stop Alarm
These are cheap and effective. You wedge them under the door, and if anyone tries to open the door, it makes a loud alarm sound.
I bring two when we travel, one for the main door and one for any connecting room doors. Hotels love to put families in connecting rooms, but those doors don’t always lock properly from both sides.
The alarm is loud enough to wake you up and probably scare off whoever is trying to get in. Runs on batteries that last forever because it’s only active when pressed.
Window and Door Alarms
These little battery-powered alarms stick to windows and doors. If the magnetic connection is broken (by opening the window or door), they beep loudly.
Great for ground-floor hotel rooms or Airbnbs. Also good for keeping track of kids who like to wander, stick one on the room door, and you’ll know if they try to leave.
They’re small and reusable. I keep four in my travel bag and stick them up wherever we stay.
Anti-Theft Accessories That Don’t Look Dorky
Theft-Proof Purse Hooks
These fold-up hooks let you hang your purse or bag on a table instead of putting it on the floor or back of a chair.
Bags on the floor get forgotten or grabbed. Bags on chair backs get stolen all the time. A bag hanging on a hook in front of you is way harder to steal.
The ones I have fold flat and fit in a pocket. They’re weighted so they don’t slide off the table.
One side has a grippy rubber coating.
Sounds simple, but it works. I use mine at restaurants, cafes, airports, basically anywhere I’m sitting down with my bag.
Carabiner Clips
Regular carabiners from the hardware store work great for securing zippers together or clipping bags to things.
I keep a handful in various sizes in my day bag. They’re useful for so many things beyond security, hanging wet towels, attaching water bottles, and keeping keys together.
For security, I clip them through zipper pulls to keep compartments closed. Makes it way harder for someone to unzip your bag without you noticing.
Zipper Locks
These are tiny combination locks specifically designed for zippers. You thread them through the zipper pulls and lock them together.
I use them on the main compartments of backpacks and suitcases. They’re small and lightweight, and you can get a pack of like 10 for under $15.
Color-code them as I do with the passport holders. Different colors for different bags make life easier.
GPS Trackers for Luggage and Valuables
Apple AirTags
I put AirTags in every checked bag now. The number of times I’ve watched my bag take a different route than me is too high.
With AirTags, I can see exactly where the bag is. Sometimes it’s reassuring (the bag is on the plane), sometimes it’s infuriating (the bag is still at the first airport while I’m at my destination).
But at least I know. And I can show the airline exactly where my bag is instead of just waiting and hoping.
I also have one in my backpack and one in my camera bag. If something gets left behind or stolen, I can track it.
Helped me find my backpack after I left it at a restaurant once.
You can grab a 4-pack of AirTags and cover all your important bags at a pretty affordable price.
Tile Trackers
Similar concept to AirTags, but it works with Android phones. I used Tiles before AirTags existed, and they work pretty well.
The range isn’t quite as good because the tracking network is smaller, but in cities it works great. I still keep a Tile in my wallet as a backup.
They’re thin enough to fit in card slots, and the app lets you make them ring if you’re trying to find your wallet in the house.
GPS Luggage Tracker with SIM Card
For international travel, I use a tracker with its own SIM card that doesn’t rely on Bluetooth.
It’s bigger and more expensive than AirTags, but it works anywhere in the world with cell service. I can see the exact location on a map in real-time.
I only use this for really valuable stuff or when I’m traveling to a remote location. For normal trips, AirTags are fine.
Keeping Electronics Safe
Laptop Sleeves with Locks
My laptop sleeve has built-in lockable zippers and padding. Keeps the laptop protected and adds another layer of security.
I can lock the sleeve, then put it inside my bag. Multiple barriers between my laptop and a thief.
The padding is important, too, because checked bags and overhead bins can be rough on electronics. I’ve seen too many cracked screens from bags getting tossed around.
Cable Locks for Laptops
These are the same concept as bike locks, but smaller. You loop the cable through your laptop’s security slot and around a solid object.
I use mine in coffee shops, airport charging stations, and hotel rooms. Let me use the bathroom or step away briefly without packing everything up.
Again, not going to stop someone with tools and time, but it stops grab-and-run theft.
Electronics Organizer with RFID Blocking
This is basically a zippered pouch that holds all your cords, chargers, batteries, and has RFID blocking pockets for cards.
Keeps everything organized and protected. I can grab the whole pouch and know I have everything I need for electronics.
The RFID pockets are good for backup credit cards and the spare key card to the hotel room.
Security for Kids’ Stuff
Child ID Wristbands
When we’re at theme parks or anywhere super crowded, the kids wear wristbands with my phone number on them.
They’re waterproof and adjustable. If we get separated, whoever finds the kid can call me immediately.
I know there are GPS watches and all that, but sometimes simple is better. A wristband works, doesn’t need charging, and can’t be forgotten.
Small Backpack Locks for Kids
The kids have little backpacks for carrying their stuff. I put simple combination locks on them.
Mostly, this is to keep them from losing things rather than preventing theft. A locked backpack means they can’t accidentally drop their tablet somewhere without noticing.
The locks are bright colored and easy for them to use. We made their combinations their birth months (like 05 for May) so they can remember.
Luggage Tags with Privacy Flaps
Regular luggage tags show your name and address to everyone. The ones with privacy flaps have a cover that hides the information until you flip it up.
Less publicly visible information means a lower chance of someone targeting your bag or, worse, seeing your address and knowing you’re not home.
I put these on all our bags, including the kids’ backpacks.
Documentation Security
Waterproof Document Holder
This folder holds passports, insurance cards, vaccination records, hotel confirmations, and anything else important.
It’s waterproof and has many compartments. Everything stays flat and organized instead of getting crumpled in a bag.
I keep it in the travel safe when we’re at the hotel and in my backpack’s innermost compartment when we’re out.
Backup Copies in Cloud Storage
This isn’t a product you buy, but it’s important. I take photos of every important document, passports, driver’s licenses, insurance cards, credit cards, and prescriptions.
All the photos go in a secure cloud folder that I can access from my phone. If everything gets stolen, I at least have copies to show embassies, police, or insurance companies.
I also email copies to myself and my partner. Multiple backups in different places.
Cash and Card Security
Dummy Wallet
I carry a cheap wallet with some small bills and a few expired cards. If someone demands my wallet or picks my pocket, they get that one instead of my real wallet.
The real wallet stays in an inside pocket or hidden pouch. The dummy wallet goes in my back pocket like an easy target.
Is this paranoid? Maybe.
But a dummy wallet costs nothing to set up and might save you from losing your actual cards and IDs.
Money Clip with RFID Blocking
For quick trips when I don’t want to carry a full wallet, I use a slim money clip that blocks RFID signals.
Holds a few cards and some cash. Fits in a front pocket, where it’s harder to pickpocket.
The one I have is just steel with a rubber band to hold bills. Simple and effective.
Coin Purse with Zipper
If you’re traveling somewhere that uses a lot of coins, get a small zippered coin purse. Keeps coins from jingling around and makes them easier to find.
Also prevents coins from falling out if your bag tips over. I’ve lost way too many Euro coins at the bottom of backpacks.
Car and Road Trip Security
Car Window Vent for Pets
Not directly security-related, but if you’re traveling with pets and need to leave them in the car briefly, these window vents let air in without leaving the window open enough for someone to reach in.
We sometimes travel with our dog, and these let us crack the window for airflow while keeping the car secure.
Steering Wheel Lock
If you’re leaving your car parked somewhere for a while (like at an airport), a visible steering wheel lock is a good deterrent.
They’re big and bright, and they tell potential thieves that your car isn’t an easy target. Most will move on to something else.
Bonus: helps you find your car in a huge parking lot because it’s usually bright red or yellow.
Trunk Cargo Net
These nets attach to hooks in your trunk and create a barrier over luggage and bags.
Keeps things from sliding around while driving, and hides what’s in the trunk if someone looks through the back window.
Out of sight, out of mind. If people can’t see valuables, they’re less likely to break in.
My Real-World Testing Results
| Anti-theft backpack | 3+ | Multiple pickpocket attempts | Absolutely |
| RFID wallet | 2 | Unknown (can’t prove negative) | Yes, a cheap peace of mind |
| AirTags | 1.5 | Found a lost backpack once, tracked delayed luggage 4 times | 100% yes |
| Portable door lock | 2 | Better sleep in sketchy hotels | Yes, for peace of mind |
| Hidden travel pouch | 3+ | Backup saved me when my wallet was stolen | Absolutely |
| Cable luggage locks | 4+ | Peace of mind on trains and hostels | Yes, very cheap |
I want to be clear about something. Most trips, nothing happens.
You don’t get robbed, your bags don’t get lost, and nobody breaks into your hotel room.
But when something does happen, you’ll be really glad you had these things. And the stress reduction from knowing you’re prepared is worth it by itself.
What Actually Matters for Family Travel
The products that have made the biggest difference for us are those that prevent loss rather than theft. AirTags finding our bags, locks keeping kids from dropping stuff, organizers preventing us from leaving chargers behind.
Theft prevention is important, but honestly, most theft is preventable just by being aware of your surroundings. The security products add layers of protection when you’re distracted or tired.
With kids, you’re always distracted and tired, so yeah, these layers matter.
Budget Priorities: If You Can’t Get Everything
If you’re working with a limited budget, start with these:
RFID blocking wallet or sleeves (super cheap, easy peace of mind). A couple of good luggage locks.
AirTags or similar trackers for checked bags.
One anti-theft bag for your most valuable stuff.
That basic setup will probably cover probably 90% of travel security scenarios for most people.
The fancy stuff, like portable safes and door locks, is nice to have but not essential unless you’re staying in questionable accommodations or carrying really expensive gear.
Check out starter kits that bundle basic travel security items, often cheaper than buying everything separately.
The Stuff I Don’t Bother With Anymore
I tried a bunch of products that turned out to be more hassle than they’re worth.
Luggage wrapping at airports is a waste of money; you can cut through it in seconds. Those neck wallets that tourists wear outside their clothes might as well wear a sign that says, “I have valuables here.” Super complicated locks with 6-digit codes, I just forget the combo.
Keep it simple. The best security products are the ones you’ll actually use consistently because they’re not a pain.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who Learned The Hard Way
Getting pickpocketed sucked. Having luggage delayed for three days sucked. Worrying about hotel room security while trying to sleep sucked.
But all of those experiences taught me what actually matters when you travel. You don’t need to turn into a paranoid mess.
You just need some basic preparation and the right tools.
These 31 products are what I actually use and recommend to people. Not sponsored, not affiliate links, trying to sell you garbage (well, okay, some are affiliate links, but I actually use this stuff).
The way I think about it now is like this: I spend money on nice hotels, good flights, and fun activities. Spending a little extra on security stuff protects all of that investment.
Makes sense to me.
Plus, traveling without constantly worrying is just better. The kids pick up on stress, and family trips should be fun, not anxiety-inducing.
Start with the basics, see what works for your travel style, and build from there. Every family is different, every trip is different.
But having options to keep your belongings safe while you’re out exploring or relaxing gives you freedom to actually enjoy the trip.
And that’s the whole point, right? Travel should be about making memories, not worrying about your stuff getting stolen.
Take a look at what you already have and identify the gaps you need to fill before your next trip. A little preparation goes a long way.
Safe travels, everyone. Try not to get pickpocketed in Barcelona (or anywhere else).
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