International Travel Essentials: Protecting Your Valuables

ByGinger

When planning a trip abroad, packing the right international travel security essentials can help protect your valuables and provide peace of mind while exploring a new destination.Keeping your belongings secure is just as important as packing the right clothes or travel documents. Busy airports, crowded public transportation, and popular tourist areas can create opportunities for pickpocketing or lost items if you’re not careful.

Fortunately, a few well-chosen travel accessories can significantly reduce these risks. Items like anti-theft bags, luggage with built-in locks, trackers, and simple security clips help protect your belongings and give you greater peace of mind while exploring a new destination.

Another smart safety step before traveling internationally is enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows the nearest U.S. embassy to contact you in case of emergencies while you’re abroad.

Below are the security and anti-theft items I recommend packing for international travel and why they can make a difference during your trip.

Recommended Security Essentials Gear

Below is a consolidated list of the International Travel Security Essentials Gear found in this article.

Visit the full list of Amazon products here: https://amzn.to/4cdKFXW

Luggage with Built-In Locks (First Line of Defense)

One of the easiest ways to protect your belongings is to start with luggage that includes built-in security features.

👉 Recommended luggage set
https://nysonian.sjv.io/2abPzG

Suitcases with integrated locks provide several benefits:

  • They prevent zippers from being opened easily
  • They eliminate the need to carry separate locks
  • They keep your belongings secure during flights and transfers

Locking luggage can also serve another useful purpose once you arrive at your destination. If your hotel room doesn’t have a safe or the safe is too small, a locked suitcase can provide an additional layer of protection for valuables you leave in the room.

While it’s not a replacement for a hotel safe, it can help deter casual theft.

Luggage Locks (If Your Suitcase Doesn’t Have One)

If your luggage does not have built-in locks, adding a simple luggage lock is a great alternative.

These locks help prevent someone from quickly opening your bag during transit and can also keep zippers from accidentally opening while your luggage is being handled.

They are especially useful for:

  • Checked luggage
  • Train travel
  • Bus transfers
  • Cruise embarkation and disembarkation

Anti-Theft Crossbody Travel Purse

A secure travel purse can make a big difference when exploring busy cities.

👉 Travel purse I recommend
https://amzn.to/4rAv2OX

Many travel purses designed for international travel include features like:

  • RFID-blocking pockets
  • Locking zippers
  • Slash-resistant straps
  • Organized compartments for passports and cards

Crossbody bags are particularly helpful because they stay close to your body and are harder for pickpockets to access than backpacks.

Hidden Money Belt

A money belt provides a discreet place to store your most important items.

👉 Money belt recommendation
https://amzn.to/4bHTicW

These belts are worn under clothing and can hold:

  • Passport
  • Backup credit cards
  • Cash
  • Identification

Many travelers store backup valuables in a money belt while keeping only a small amount of spending money in their purse or wallet during the day.

Osprey Waist Pack

For travelers who want something slightly larger than a money belt but still secure, a waist pack is another good option. This can be used in combination with an RFID blocking wallet and/or passport holder.

👉 Osprey Waist Pack
https://amzn.to/4bkRBAU

These bags typically offer:

  • More storage space
  • Crossbody wear for security
  • Organized compartments for travel documents

This type of bag can also be worn under a shirt or jacket, which makes it much harder for pickpockets to access.

Apple AirTags for Luggage Tracking

Luggage trackers have become one of the most popular travel security tools in recent years.

Many travelers place an AirTag inside:

  • Checked luggage
  • Carry-on bags
  • Backpacks
  • Camera bags

If your bag is delayed or misrouted, the tracker may allow you to see its location before the airline updates their system.

If you’re building your international travel gear kit, you may also want to read my guide to International Travel Electrical & Tech Essentials, which covers adapters, voltage converters, charging cables, and other helpful travel technology.

AirTag Holders for Bags

If you prefer to attach a tracker to a bag rather than place it inside, an AirTag holder can keep the tracker secure.

These holders allow you to clip the tracker to:

  • Luggage handles
  • Travel purses
  • Daypacks
  • Backpack straps

They also protect the tracker from scratches or accidental loss.

Phone Wrist Strap (Protects Against Drops and Theft)

When you’re sightseeing, your phone is often out for photos, navigation, or tickets. Unfortunately, that also increases the chances of dropping it.

A simple phone wrist strap helps prevent accidental drops by keeping the phone secured to your hand. Studies on phone damage show that many drops happen when a phone slips during one-handed use, which means preventing the drop is often more effective than simply using a stronger case. 

👉 Phone wrist strap
https://amzn.to/47NdW9d

This type of strap is especially helpful when:

  • Taking photos near water or cliffs
  • Navigating busy streets
  • Using your phone while walking

Backpack Zipper Security Clips

Backpacks can be convenient for carrying items during long sightseeing days, but they can also be vulnerable because they sit behind you where you cannot see them.

Pickpockets can sometimes unzip a backpack without the traveler noticing, especially in crowded areas. 

A simple solution is to add zipper security clips.

👉 Zipper security clips
https://amzn.to/4sJ9bFR

These clips connect the zipper pulls together so they cannot be opened quickly. Even a small delay can discourage a pickpocket and make it obvious if someone is trying to access your bag.

Are Backpacks Safe for International Travel?

Backpacks can be safe if used correctly, but they do require extra awareness.

Because they are worn behind you, they can be easier for pickpockets to access than bags worn on the front of your body. 

If you carry a backpack while traveling:

  • Avoid putting passports or large amounts of cash inside
  • Use zipper clips or small locks
  • Wear it in front of you in crowded areas
  • Keep valuables in a money belt or crossbody bag instead

Backpacks are great for carrying items like:

  • Water bottles
  • Cameras
  • Snacks
  • Jackets
  • Travel guides

Just avoid storing your most important valuables inside.

The one I carry for travel, as well as every day use can be found here.

Do You Really Need an RFID Passport Holder?

Many modern passports, including the United States Passport, contain a small RFID chip that stores the same information printed on the passport’s identification page.

Border control systems use this chip to scan passports quickly during immigration processing.

An RFID-blocking passport holder prevents the chip from being scanned unless it is removed from the holder.

👉 RFID passport holder

https://amzn.to/4bpayma

RFID protection can help protect:

  • Passports
  • Contactless credit cards
  • Hotel key cards
  • Transit cards

Protecting your identity is definitely an international travel security essential. However, if your purse or travel bag already includes RFID-blocking pockets, you may not need a separate passport holder.

Do You Need RFID Protection for Your Phone?

While protecting your phone is definitely an international travel security essential, phones do not need RFID protection.

Smartphones use technologies such as cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth rather than the short-range RFID signals used by passports and credit cards.

Placing a phone in an RFID-blocking pouch could actually interfere with:

  • Cellular signal
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth connections

Instead, focus on practical phone security:

  • Use a strong lock screen
  • Enable location tracking
  • Keep your phone in a secure bag when not in use

Final Thoughts

International travel is incredibly rewarding, but it’s always wise to take a few precautions to protect your belongings. Using secure luggage, anti-theft bags, luggage trackers, and hidden storage options can help reduce the risk of lost or stolen items.

With a little preparation and the right international travel security essentials, you can focus on enjoying your destination instead of worrying about your valuables.

Similar Posts