Tag Archives: safety

The amount of travelers is up and so are the wait times to get through the TSA security lines at the airport. If you don’t leave enough time to get through security checkpoints you stand a good chance of missing flights and in some cases sleeping overnight in the airport.

Get through TSA security faster

Recent news headlines are full of record numbers of passengers in the U.S., coupled with a reduction of TSA screening personnel has led to passengers standing in hours-long lines at a growing number of U.S. airports. The TSA says it’s taking measures to solve the problem, but has nonetheless warned a difficult summer may lie ahead before a significant improvement in wait times is seen.

Speed through TSA with these 10 tips:

1. Sign up for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. These services allow you to go through security much faster by using a line exclusively for TSA prechecked travelers. The cost is $85 for five years. Many credit cards with travel benefits cover the cost. Using TSA precheck means you hardly wait to go through security and you do not have to remove shoes, belts, or take laptops out of your bag. Joining TSA PreCheck is the single most effective action you can take to reduce the time you spend going through security. If you travel internationally sign up for Global Entry it includes TSA PreCheck and is also good for five-years.

Related Article: Deciding Which Trusted Traveler Progam ( TSA PreCheck or Global Entry) Should You Choose

2. Wear the right shoes: Skip shoes with buckles and laces, slip-ons are the fastest.
2. Don’t forget your socks to avoid having your feet touch the dirty airport floor. If you wish to avoid removing your shoes, join TSA’s Pre Check Program.
4. Pick the right line: Pick the TSA checkpoint farthest to the left. Research shows that the majority of people are right-handed and, therefore, head right. Do the opposite and go left. You’ll be breezing through security faster than most of your fellow travelers.
5. Don’t forget the 3-1-1 rule. You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
6. Remove jewelry and belt that might set off a metal detector and put it in your carry-on bag before you get to the bag conveyor belt. You can put them on again after going through screening.
7. Travel light. Don’t be that person who needs 17 bins for their belongings. Laptop in 1 bin. Keys, boarding pass, and wallet can be stuffed into your carry-on Shoes go into one bin so that they don’t get stuck on the rollers of the conveyor belt.
8. Empty pockets. Keep your pockets empty so they don’t set off the metal detector.
9. Gifts Gifts must be unwrapped, the TSA has the right to ask you to unwrap anything in your carry-on.
10. Keep your ID and boarding pass ( either paper or digital on your phone) and your hands free by using an antitheft neck pouch to hold your documents and/or phone.
Wear the pouch over your clothing in the airport and under your clothing when sightseeing at your destination.

Getting through the TSA faster helps you stay calm and not hurried in the airport. Lastly, the security bins are dirty. Don’t forget to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after going through the TSA security checkpoint.

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Portable Safes That Secure Handguns and Small Valuables Such as Wallets and Phones

Firearm or gun security is the responsibility of you the firearm owner. Many law enforcement officers or those with CCW’s rely on vehicle safes to help ensure that pistols or guns if left in vehicles, don’t end up in the wrong hands. Make sure you’re in compliance with your most recent State laws regarding firearm security.

 

Being a victim of car burglary and theft of property is an unpleasant experience at the very least. Burglars know that people leave items of value inside vehicles out of necessity – and with cars and trucks being so easy to break into, every once in a while a burglar is bound to find a gun, hopefully not yours. Car alarms may provide some protection, but it just takes a few seconds to find a handgun and flee.

A Guide to Vehicle Safes and Portable Car Gun Safes

To act responsibly, gun owners who leave firearms in vehicles should strongly consider utilizing a vehicle gun safe or a portable car gun safe as a measure or layer of security. If you can’t wear your gun on your person or carry your gun with you, always store it securely whether at home, at work, or in your car or truck. Look for solutions intended for securing valuables out of sight. If your center console has a large enough capacity you may be able to find a quality car gun safe or vehicle gun safe that will keep your gun enclosed in a steel case, secured with a lock, and hidden from view. Some designs of car gun safes come with a heavy-duty steel cable so that you can secure the safe to part of the vehicle, like a car seat frame or to the trunk. The benefit of this style of car gun safe is that it is portable. You can take the safe with you to another vehicle, home, or office to keep your valuables secure there as well. Here’s just one of various designs available that tethers to the car and is sized to slide underneath a car seat.Under seat Gun bunker

Under Seat Gun Bunker  – Cable Attaches to the Seat Bar
Securing the Safe to the Vehicle

Vehicle Safes That Turn Your Console into a Locking Safe

If you have a truck or SUV, consider a style of safe which is designed to fit inside your console. These safes are installed by bolting them to the console cavity. So they are more permanent. Once you lower the lid of the console, the safe is out of sight. No one but you knows it is there. You can use this style of car gun safe to hold other items you carry in your console and still have access to USB ports. Known as a Console Safe this style of car gun safe is not portable. The safes are vehicle make and model-specific so be sure to select a car safe that is designed specifically for your vehicle year and model. Here’s an example of a car safe installed in a console cavity.

Console Safe for Trucks and SUVsConsole Vault for SUV’s and Trucks Bolts to the Inside of Your Console and is
Hidden from View When the Console Cover is Closed

 

A Car Gun Safe is a Portable Safe for Valuables Besides Firearms

A car gun safe may also be used to secure other valuables. If you need to travel using any form of public transportation and are authorized to carry a gun with you, then carrying your gun in a portable gun safe may be the only way that you are allowed to carry it with you. Whether your gun is stored within baggage or if it is carried in a briefcase, a portable gun safe is a perfect way for you to travel with your gun safely and in a manner that is generally approved. Check with the transportation management for rules and regulations. The TSA offers specific guidelines for traveling with a gun.

We’re sure that as you begin to think about a car gun safe for your vehicle, you will begin to realize the potential other security uses for it as well. Secure your wallet, phone, etc when away from your vehicle. Keep valuables out of the reach of valets or others driving your car. Strongly consider buying a portable safe or console safe even if you don’t intend to travel with your gun. A vehicle gun safe is an investment in your peace of mind.

The below gun security safes are for vehicles but they are portable security solutions for other environments too. Many of these safes work well in RVs, boats, homes, garages, offices, hotels, apartments, or dorms. Gun Bunker Under Seat Gun Safe Tether Safe

      Gun Bunker Under Seat Tether Safe

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Should you choose the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program? If you dread going through the TSA checkpoint then joining a trusted traveler program may be your solution.

What are the Trusted Traveler Programs?

Decide which trusted traveler program is best to get you through the security line faster. Is it the TSA PreCheck or the Global Entry program operated by the Department of Homeland Services (DHS)? Both are designed to get pre-approved travelers faster and more efficiently through airport security. Each program has a different travel security focus depending on where you tend to travel to the most. TSA PreCheck is ideal for domestic travel and Global Entry is ideal for international and domestic travel.

How long does membership in any of the Trusted Traveler Programs last?

The two most commonly joined trusted traveler programs are  TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are good for five (5) years. Assuming you fly two round-trip flights per year. That equals 20 times you’re going to stand in line, 20 times remove your shoes, jacket, and certain carry-on bag contents, and 20 times you’ll queue in long security lines. Is your time, and the inconvenience factor worth it?

Do the Trusted Traveler Programs have fees associated with them?

All of the programs managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have fees. We think the fees associated with the programs are reasonable. They really offer value if you travel even a moderate amount or are impatient with standing in long lines which results in partial disrobing and emptying your carry-on luggage. The one-time fee covers 5 years of hassle-reduced flying. The chart below shows the program costs with a cost of as little as $50 for 5 years.

Overall the best program is Global Entry

Global Entry is the best-trusted traveler program if you have a passport. Global Entry includes all the advantages of the TSA PreCheck plan plus it allows you access to an express line through customs and immigration on your way back home from international airports and destinations. Global Entry costs just $15 more than TSA PreCheck for 5 years, that’s $3 more per year.

See if you qualify for any of these time-saving programs to make your trip through airport security easier and stress-free.

Trusted Traveler Programs Explained

TSA PreCheck –  applies only to air travel within the U.S. This is the most popular of the expedited airport security screening programs. Run by the TSA           you get access to shorter security lines and the screening process is also more pleasant as you do not need to remove your shoes, or laptop among other items.  You can use this program everywhere the TSA operates PreCheck lanes. You need to be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

According to the TSA, the national average wait time for Precheck lines is 10 minutes compared to 30 minutes for standard lanes.

TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 US airports and the cost is $85 for a five-year membership.

TSA Pre Check, Trusted Traveler

TSA PreCheck Benefits Include Not Having to Practically Unpack or Disrobe to Get Through Security, So You Go Through Easier and Faster

Global Entry – is best for frequent international travelers even if it’s just once a year or once every two years that you travel internationally. Here’s why, it includes TSA Precheck and since it only costs $15 more for the five-year membership, or $3.00 per year more, it may be the better investment between TSA Precheck and Global Entry. You must have a passport to apply for this program.

This program is run by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is the benefit of the program. You get to skip the long customs line which can have wait times of up to 45 minutes to get through, instead, you use a self-serve kiosk. The kiosk scans your passport, takes your photo, and asks a few questions. The result is a printout you hand out to an official so you can go on to collect your luggage.

Nexus – is limited to those whose international travel is mainly between the U.S. and Canada and includes TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. You can only use this trusted traveler program for travel between the US and Canada.

Sentri – is a program for travelers who regularly cross the U.S. and Mexico border by vehicle. The participant gets an RFID chipped card that brings up all your personal information quickly on the border patrol’s computer.

An interesting side note is that sometimes your boarding pass will be flagged with TSA PreCheck even if you’re not enrolled in the program and will allow you to go through the PreCheck line and not have to remove your shoes or jacket. The TSA randomly selects passengers for expedited screening based on the information they can read from the frequent flyer profile you established with the airline you’re traveling on. Bonus tip: So the tip here is always sign-up for the frequent flyer program of the airline you’re traveling with as it might get you through the TSA screening process quicker on your next trip.

TSA Pre Cheack and Global Entry Trusted Traveler programs

For more information, visit the website of the Department of Homeland Security (or click HERE).

How do I apply for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

Applying for TSA PreCheck
1. Fill out an online application form (about 5 minutes)
2. Schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. There are over 380 centers where you can go for your interview.
3. Go to the in-person interview and get fingerprinted.

Once approved you’ll get a Known Traveler Number (KTN). When you book a flight you must add your KTN to your reservation to get the Precheck symbol on your boarding pass. It’s this symbol on your boarding pass that lets you use the Pre Check lane at the airport.

Applying for Global Entry

1. Fill out an application online, the first step in this process is setting up your Trusted Traveler Program account.
2. Set up an in-person appointment for a background check and fingerprinting. You’ll have to bring a valid passport,\ and another form of  ID like a driver’s license. If you’re a lawful permanent resident you’ll have to bring your permanent resident card.

One final thought on these programs. Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are administered by government agencies. The agencies are well respected but you are providing them your personal data including fingerprints and a photo of your face. You have to weigh the trade-off of convenience at airports versus a bit of anonymity.

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You Won’t Find Me!

Where do you hide valuables at home? Have you ever given it thought about where is the best, and worst, places to hide small valuables at home? Not everything fits in a safe, and what if you don’t have one.  All things considered, a safety deposit box in a bank vault is still the best place to keep jewelry and other valuables, but there are some places around your home that make terrific hiding places for important smaller items and cash.

Worst Locations at Home to Hide Small Valuables

There are some places where experienced thieves are sure to look, such as inside top drawers, underneath any drawer, and behind wall art in the den or bedroom. We suggest you take care to avoid these obvious, or rather popular, caches.

It’s a good idea to wrap items in plastic before stashing them. Most of our suggestions are for small objects that can be held in your hand or cash. Take time to look around your place for spaces where you can hide things unobtrusively. You want places that are easily overlooked and will not be disturbed accidentally by a house guest, cleaning person or anyone else who may enter your home like a pet sitter.

The following suggestions are less obvious places than the ones mentioned above, but remember that a determined thief with enough time will probably find what you have in your home. What you’re doing here is buying time, hoping that any burglar will be disturbed before getting to your good stuff.

Hide it Easily – Quick Hacks to Hide Valuables at Home

Look for easily accessible places, which are also easily overlooked by the casual observer. Some good examples of these places are:

  • Bulk dry goods such as jars of rice and flour can hide small valuables and be kept out of the way on the back shelf.
  • Aspirin or brown pill bottles inside the medicine cabinet can be a good bet.
  • Packages of frozen vegetables can be thawed, and refrozen with items inside them.
  • Tennis balls with a small slit in them will return to their original shape. Squeeze the ball to open and stuff, then place back in the container.
  • Vacuum cleaner bags (clean ones) can hide an envelope of cash inside them.
  • Stuffed animals can be cut open (gently, and not around young children) and used as unlikely containers. Cut along a seam, stuff and re-sew Teddy before returning him to his friends.
  • Ceiling light fixtures can be unscrewed, and small valuables may be placed within the electrical box underneath.
  • Composite “rocks” that are hollow are common for hiding keys and can be placed outside in the garden or a planter with other rocks.
Fake rock designed hide small valuables

Fake rock designed hide small valuables

  • A portable safe that you tether down with a steel cable and lock is ideal for slightly larger items. It’s virtually cut-proof and you can tether it to a bed frame, plumbing under the sink or a similar difficult item to breach.

Last Minute Places to Hide Small Items and Money

Linen closets – inside folded towels
Place an envelope with cash between your bakeware
Inside your shower curtain rod
Inside a flashlight
Inside your Christmas decorations box
Inside plastic Easter eggs
Inside a DVD case
Inside a decorative pillow
Inside a pocket of a hiking backpack at the back of the closet
Inside your high school yearbook
Inside a board game
Inside a travel mug

Consider a low-cost diversion safe. Get a couple and one for a friend; they’re clever and make great gifts too.

 

Create a More Permanent Hiding Spot

These places require a bit more preparation to become effectively hidden containers.

Book safe: glue most of the pages of an old, uninteresting hardcover book together. Use a coping saw to cut a hollow area out of the middle. Drill starter holes for the saw. Then glue the box made with the pages to the back cover and let dry thoroughly. Stash on your bookshelf among other books or buy a “book safe” and place it among other books.
Steps and flooring have natural hollow spaces underneath. Carpentry skills are required to effectively create a seamless surface that escapes detection.
Hollow-core doors can have sections cut out of the hinge edge to give access to space within the door. Use the cutout piece as a plug.
The tops of poster beds unscrew. Hollow spaces can be drilled out in the posts themselves.  Commercial wall and floor safes should be installed by a professional, and are effective at drastically slowing down the unprepared casual thief from accessing your valuables.

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Proven Advice from Experienced Travelers

How to hide money on your body. Today’s money belts are not your father’s money belt. A money belt can be your most important accessory when you’re traveling, especially when visiting busy and popular tourist attractions. It is in these locations where pickpockets and thieves are most likely to target their marks. A money belt depending on its size and design is used to hide money, cash, passports, and other valuables that you don’t want to lose. A money belt is a personal item and is not a “one size fits all” by any means. The new models of hidden money belts have anti-theft technology plus various designs and sizes, so you’re sure to find one just right for you. Hide money on your body, or other valuables such as your passport to and enjoy the sites knowing you’re foiling thieves and scam artists.

Today you have a choice of traditional belts with a zipper to hold just bills, wallets you wear on your leg and hide under pants, and even more styles which you wear around your neck or waist and tucked under clothing. These styles are made of breathable material, are lightweight, and have built-in anti-theft features. Don’t want to wear a hidden money pouch or belt? There are a number of other ways you can hide money on your person, read on.

Most common places to hide money on your person

In socks and shoes  – Slide a few folded bills into your socks if they go beyond your ankle. If your socks are low profile you should place your money in the foot bed of the sock so that you are actually stepping on it. The most secure and convenient method for hiding small valuables like cash or a credit card is in a sock that has a zipper for you to close to secure your valuables.

 

Around your ankle or lower leg – If you’re wearing long pants, a leg wallet is a great solution. Some leg wallets slide on like a sock, while others have elastic or bands with velcro to secure the wallet to your leg. Almost all are designed to fit on your lower calve or just above your ankle. So to keep the leg wallet hidden from view you should be wearing long pants. Even if it is visible a pickpocket or thief couldn’t reach it and steal the contents without you noticing it. The law of least resistance says the thief will move on to another target.

In your underwear –An alternative solution is to put a bit of cash into a small plastic bag and slide it down the front of your underwear –as long as your underwear fits snug. One thing to consider is that the plastic of the baggy against your skin will most likely generate perspiration and become uncomfortable. Some travel underwear now includes a sewn-in hidden pocket.

 

Under your jacket or shirt – The Hidden Travel Shoulder Holster Money Belt Underarm Wallet for Credit Cards, Passports and Phone is a great solution as you can wear it under your jacket or shirt. This clever wallet is 100% non-metal as well, so it won’t beep when you pass through a metal detector like at an airport.

In a hidden pocket in pants – You will have to be a little creative with where you put the pocket and handy with a needle and thread. A small pocket can easily be sewn into the bottom of the inside of a pants leg and can go completely unnoticed. This would be ideal for cash or a credit card. Two other good locations for attaching a hidden pocket are next to the zipper or near the waistband. Both are highly likely to go unnoticed. This kind of pocket can be secured at the top with a little Velcro (one strip on the inside of the pants leg and one on the piece of pocket material) a safety pin, or snaps. If you’re looking to safeguard your passport, then a hidden moneybelt may be your go-to travel accessory.

 

Even without hidden pockets and anti-theft wallets, the following are tips to help to limit the loss of valuables in case of robbery

Carry only what you need – If it’s safer to stash things at your hostel or hotel than on you then do that.  Use your judgment, sometimes it will be safer other times it won’t. If not a portable travel safe that you can lock down in your lodging accommodation may be just what you need to guard valuables.

Divided up your valuables – If you do have to carry valuables on you while traveling then divide them up and store them in at least two places. It hedges your bet that if someone finds or gets some cash from one location on your body they may think they’ve got it all and move on.

Diversion wallet – Keep some of your more valuable possessions in an obscure pocket or hidden wallet like one of those mentioned above and have a ‘fake wallet’ with a few dollars in it to give to the crooks should you be approached.  You could even go as far as throwing it onto the floor in one direction and running in the opposite one.

Use pockets that you can secure the opening closed – You’re more likely to lose valuables to stealthy opportunists such as pickpockets than you are to a robber, or hold up, – so don’t make it easy for the pickpockets. If you have pockets with zippers, buttons or Velcro, get into the habit of using those instead of open pockets – and get into the habit of re-securing them afterward. The more difficult the pockets are to open the more secure they will be! Better yet, use wallets designed to thwart thieves that attach to your clothing with a chain or travel money belts specifically designed to hold a phone and passport.

Final thought on hiding money on your person

The objective is to enjoy your trip with peace of mind and not overly focus on your valuables. Before you depart on your next adventure, do some research and see all the new styles of anti-theft wallets and bags. Don’t forget protective gear for your devices to help you get that peace of mind and the most out of y our trip.

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How to Pickpocket Proof Your Purse or Shoulder Bag

Try to pickpocket proof your purse or shoulder bag if you don’t want to purchase a pickpocket-proof purse or shoulder bag. You may want to modify your own purse or handbag to make it pickpocket-proof if you absolutely love the style and/or don’t want to spend money on a new travel bag. While it may not look as sleek as those anti-theft purses and shoulder bags that were designed specifically to stop pickpockets, this simple modification should do the trick.

The two items shown here may be found at your local hardware store. It’s a DIY hack that may take some thinking on how to best lock your entire bag zipper or just a pocket inside your bag as not all bags have the same design or features to work with.

Locking Your Zipper Pull to Your Bag Helps Keep Thieves Out

Ideally, your purse should always be in your hand, over your arm, over your shoulder, or across your body at all times. Across your body with your bag resting in front of you and not on your rear hip is the safest way to carry it. But even carried in this manner your bag could be targeted by a pickpocket who can slip a hand into your purse and remove your wallet without you noticing it. Try this hack using a swivel clip and split ring you can buy at a home improvement store to keep their hands out. This hack works for purses with zipper pulls and in particular, zipper pulls that have a hole in them.

Follow these steps.

Pickpocket proof your bag with this DIY lock Pickpocket Proof Your Purse or Shoulder Bag

  1.  Buy Split Ring and Swivel Clip –  You may need one or two split rings depending on the design of your bag and zipper pull. Split rings are like those in key rings, and one swivel snap bolt or swivel clip is all you need.
  2.  Feed swivel end of a snap bolt into a split ring.  Inside your purse, choose a compartment that closes with a zipper where you will keep your wallet and other valuables.  Feed the slip ring through the hole in the zipper tab. Note the zipper pull must have a hole in it for this hack to work.
  3.  Strap Attachment Ring When the zipper is closed, snap the bolt onto the ring that attaches the strap to your purse.  If too short to reach, feed the second split ring onto the ring that attaches the strap, and snap the bolt onto that. If the strap does not attach with a ring but is sewn to the purse, buy a large size split ring and feed the entire strap into the ring. Either snap the bolt onto this large ring or feed another small split ring onto the larger ring and snap the bolt onto that.

Travel Bags with Built-in Anti Theft Features

We think the best anti-theft travel bags are shoulder bags you wear crossbody style in front of you. Features to look for in this type of bag are an adjustable strap for comfort and a way to lock the main compartment to keep out thieving hands.

Secondary features are RFID blocking pockets, slash-proof material, and a strap that you can detach from the bag one end so that you can loop the strap to a stationary item like a chair back and then back onto the bag so it becomes snatch proof.

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Safeguard Your Camera with an Anti-Theft Camera Strap

An anti-theft security camera strap can help you bring home your saved memories plus your valuable camera. The best anti-theft security camera strap stops “camera snatches,” or “cut and run” camera thefts, that usually occur in tourist locations. Smart thieves recognize the value of your equipment and can be quick to find a way to relieve you from it.  It’s easy to be distracted either intentionally by clever thieves or unintentionally because you’re focusing on your next shot. The most brazen of thieves will cut a camera strap and then run off with it and the camera. Here are a few tips to make sure your camera and gear stay secure on your trip.

Cut and Run Camera and Gear Bag Thefts 

Cut and Run thefts usually occur on crowded subways or train platforms, buses, or other pedestrian dense locations where people are crowded up against each other. Typically several thieves work together looking for that moment when they can cut your camera strap from behind you and run off with your gear. Often the moment of theft includes being jostled on the opposite side of your body where you’re carrying your bag or gear. Typically an apologetic stranger will bump into your left shoulder and engage you in an apology while touching your shoulder or arm. Simultaneously an accomplice cuts the strap holding your gear on your right shoulder, slides it off your body, and runs away with it amidst the confusion. The whole choreographed incident happens in under five seconds.

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Security Solution- Anti-Theft Camera Straps

The best camera security strap looks and feels like a regular camera strap. What makes security straps different from the rest is that the straps have steel cables woven into the straps to thwart “cut and run” type theft. Additionally, a good anti-theft camera strap has an anti-snatch security clip so if you set a camera down for even a moment, you can unlatch the built-in security clip to wrap the strap around a stationary item like a chair rail and then back onto the camera.  Camera security straps come in a number of styles and sizes you’re sure to find one just right for your gear and budget.

Anti-theft Features to Look for in a Camera Security Strap

The CarrySafe 100 is a security camera neck strap that combines comfort and two anti-theft security features to provide security for your camera or binoculars. It has a softly cushioned strap with a breathable neck pad and features a slash-proof strap and snatch-proof connectors.

Additional Security Options to Protect Your Camera Gear

Today you have the option to upgrade your travel gear and camera gear bags to be anti-theft in addition to all the other features you demand in a new gear bag, such as superior comfort and organization. Travel a little more relaxed and worry-free knowing your gear and memories are secure.

Look for bags styled as camera security backpacks, anti-theft duffel bags, and antitheft cross-body bags. These various forms of bags have built-in wires in the most vulnerable portions of the bags, like the bottom to prevent slashing. They also have zipper pulls that lock down so only you can open them. This is highly important whether you leave your gear bag out of view and even on smaller cross-body bags or backpacks that you wear out in crowded places. One feature that several larger bags or backpacks have is a security lockdown feature. This security feature is typically a built-in cable or strap that you can wrap around a stationary item like a bed frame, clothes rod or something in the car trunk and then back onto the bag. Finally, you lock it closed with a heavy-duty padlock. This prevents a thief from picking up your bag and running off with it. Think of these styles as portable safes you’ll use for many years. Select from these anti-theft camera bags, including camera security straps, security bags, and more.

best anti-theft security camera strap and backpack for travelCheck Prices best anti-theft security camera strapThe most secure or antitheft camera strap will help guard your gear and memories. Take photos with peace of mind knowing your gear is secured with the best anti-theft camera strap.

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Which Portable Door Lock / Alarm is Best for Your Travel Needs? 

A sense of security at home or while traveling is important. If you live in a rental property the landlord has access to your place and even former tenants might if they still have a key.  If you have roommates, being able to lock the bedroom door can provide an added feeling of security. Feeling safe when you’re at home or traveling can sometimes be difficult.

The solution to these concerns over security and privacy is a portable door lock. A portable door lock or a door stopper with an alarm can offer peace of mind for you and your family whether on vacation, for an overnight stay, or at home. Do you have a student in a dorm? Are you staying in a vacation rental or cabin? Chances are that many of these locations just reuse the keys and there is no telling who has a copy.

Portable door locks are essential upgrades for your security at home, while traveling, or anywhere you feel the need for additional personal security. Great for the traveler, renter, or homeowner, who wants to guard against unwanted entry. These secondary security door locks are perfect as they protect and don’t damage the door or the door frame.

A portable travel door lock can only be applied to your door if you are in the room, it cannot be applied to your door if you are out of the room. If you’re waiting for someone else to return to the room they will not be able to get in if you’ve applied one of these secondary door locks to the door.

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Door Jammer Portable Door Security Device

door jammer portable door lock for hotels and home

Designed to fit a wide range of inward opening doors, this portable door lock uses the principle of counterforce to help prevent the door from opening as force is being applied to the door from the other side. Attach it to your door and no one can enter, even with a key! (Stops entry even with a master key) Easy to use you just slip this under the door to install and give it a few twists to keep it in place. Removes easily and quickly by pulling up on it. The door jammer is designed to work on various types of flooring – carpet, tile, wood, laminate, or concrete. Carry it onboard your flight – TSA Friendly. Read more about the Door Jammer.

Portable Door Lock

New portable door lock

Made from heavy-gauge steel. The Portable Door Lock is effective on both lever and knob style doors. It works only on doors that swing inward toward the living space. This portable lock can be used on almost all internal doors that open towards the area to be secured. It makes the lock inaccessible from outside the room, even if someone has a key to the room. This secondary door lock works by hooking the claw on the stainless piece into the strike plate on the door frame, next you close the door, and finally, you slide the red piece tight against the door. Read more about the portable door lock.

Travel Door Alarm with LED Flashlight

Portable door alarm, Portable Door Lock for Travel

This Door Alarm is easy to use and fits most hotel doors and windows. Simply hang the door alarm on the inside handle of your hotel door. It works on lever and knob style doors. If the opening of the alarmed door is attempted the contacts wedged between the door and door frame dislodge and emits a piercing 120-decibel alarm. It doesn’t stop the door from being opened but alerts you and the intruder of the breach.  The benefit of this design is it can work on doors that do not easily accommodate other styles of secondary door locks. Click here to read more.

Door Stop and Alarm

portable door stop and alarm, Portable Door Lock for Travel

This product does two things. Firsts it stops the door from being opened (other than just a small amount) and second it emits an alarm alerting the intruder and you of the attempted entry. Great for home, think back doors, doors from the garage to the house, the front door, plus of course, travel. Have peace of mind in your vacation rental, or hotel. This item requires a battery to emit the alarm, it will however still work as a door stopper if the battery is not installed or if the alarm is turned off. Read more about this clever device.

The Lock Locker 

portable door lock lock locker for dead bolts

This device secures deadbolt locks. The Lock locker stops the deadbolt from opening even if a key is used. Stops copied keys, lock bumping, and lock picks. This device helps keeps you safe at home, at hotel vacation rentals, cabins, that have a deadbolt style lock. The Lock Locker is specifically designed to lock and keep locked the common deadbolt. While criminals have many ways to enter a person’s home they most often attempt to enter through doors first. Keeping points of entry secured should be the top priority for the security-minded. The Lock Locker is specifically designed to keep your doors with deadbolts locked while you are in the home. Click here to read more.

Door Brace

door jammer security bar portable door lock

This item is designed more for homes than for packing and traveling with, although it can telescope down to 24 inches so it can fit in some larger bags. It installs easily under the doorknob to prevent it from being opened even with a key. This item uses the same principle as a chair placed under a doorknob for security. Learn more

Addalock

Addalock portable door lock

This portable door lock installs in seconds and easy to travel with due to its compact size. It can be used on most doors that are hinged and swing inwards. A cost-effective solution for security. Learn more

Door Knob Lock-Out Device

Door Knob lock

It can be used in any situation where you want to prevent others with keys from unlocking the doorknob to your space after you leave. This lock-out device is often used in evictions, rentals, home sales, on job sites, in-home, in-offices, and more. This knob lock-out device is used to prevent access to a standard doorknob. Here’s more information

Portable Motion Detector and Alarm

This portable motion detector with an alarm is designed to be set up to catch motion like a door opening or a patio sliding door moving. Once it does detect motion it emits an alarm. The alarm alerts you to the breach with its motion-detecting 100dB alarm if someone enters the protected area and hopefully will scare the perpetrator away.

portable motion detector alarmThis portable motion detector with an alarm is designed to be set up to catch motion like a door opening or a patio sliding door moving. Once it does detect motion it emits an alarm. The alarm alerts you to the breach with its motion-detecting 100dB alarm if someone enters the protected area and hopefully will scare the perpetrator away. This unit can be placed anywhere, which is ideal for travel or mounted on the wall or ceiling, for a more permanent solution. This alarm unit can protect a zone up to 15 feet out and 60 degrees vertically and horizontally. Read more about this device.

What Makes a Good Portable Door Lock?

A portable door lock should be small and lightweight so it fits in your carry-on luggage that way you will be always inclined to pack it. One personal trick I use to make sure I always travel with one or two of these devices is to keep my travel door locks with my toiletry bag, as I always pack that.

The device should also be easy to install. If it is easy to use it becomes a habit to install it every time you close and lock the door, and that’s what you want for your or your loved one’s peace of mind.

Any portable lock you select to travel with should meet your expectations for strength and effectiveness. And that might change as you apply your door lock to different doors. One design of a portable door lock may be more or less effective depending on the door and/or door frame you are using it on. Be prepared and have a couple of security on hand.

Final Thoughts

This selection of portable door locks will work in various scenarios some better given the configuration of the door. If you’re serious about security you may need to select two of these devices so you’re prepared for the different styles of doors you will encounter.

Please Note: Using any door stop, door deadbolt, chain, or similar device could delay emergency personnel from entering the room in case of emergency. Consider all scenarios prior to engaging these types of devices. The purchaser assumes any and all risks and takes full responsibility and waives any claims of personal injury, death, or damage to personal property.