Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Safeguard Your Valuables With These Anti-Theft Travel Accessories

anti theft travel
Ridge Wallet/Instagram
Unless you’re planning to vacation in a war zone, chances are you won’t be the victim of violent crime while traveling. What savvy adventurers need to be on the lookout for, however, is thieves and pickpockets. Petty theft is, by far, the biggest concern for tourists. Given that hotel safes are no longer the bastions of personal security we once thought, here are our favorite anti-theft travel essentials to keep your valuables safe on the go.

Pickpocket-Proof Pants

Adventure Traveler Features

Would-be thieves know many travelers feel safer keeping their cash and credit cards on their person. This, of course, makes tourists an easy mark. Clothing Arts’ Pick-Pocket Proof Adventure Travel Pants thwart thieves by making it virtually impossible to slip a hand in your pocket without you knowing. The simple, streamlined look of the pants belies the 11 secure pockets underneath. Every pocket boasts multiple security features, including some combination of Velcro, slash-resistance, and snap closure. The pants are also lightweight, quick-drying, and made from a soft, extra comfortable fabric that provides the feel of cotton with all the advantages of nylon.

Portable Travel Safe

SAFEGO Portable Indoor Outdoor Lockbox
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Of course, there’s a degree of freedom and safety that comes with not carrying all your most prized possessions in your pockets while traveling. But, for that type of security, you’ll need a portable travel safe. SAFEGO’s Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lockbox is constructed from high-impact ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, ensuring an almost indestructible design. The size is compact and lightweight enough to toss in your luggage without taking up too much space, but large enough for a few cell phones, a point-and-shoot camera, passports, and a couple of wallets — and it weighs less than a pound. Additionally, Pacsafe’s Travelsafe series offers the same protection, but in a clever, soft-sided format that folds nearly flat when not in use. Both products secure via a steel cable to any sturdy structure in your hotel room (a solid headboard, bathroom plumbing, etc.).

Money Belt

All Terrain Money Belt | Eagle Creek

Old-school money belts —small, inconspicuous pouches designed to be worn under clothing — have been an essential accessory for decades. Unfortunately, pickpockets are hip to this concept. While even the best thieves would have a difficult time stealing yours without your knowledge, it’s easy pickings for an armed mugger. Enter the hidden travel security belt. We like Eagle Creek’s All Terrain Money Belt — it’s simple, comfortable, and it just works. Worn around the waist like a standard belt, it’s designed to be a bailout plan in the unlikely event that all your other gear has been stolen. In that case, at least you’ll have a stash of cash to help get you safely out of dodge.

RFID-Blocking Wallet

Ridge Wallet Carbon Fiber
Image courtesy of Ridge Wallet/Instagram. Ridge Wallet/Instagram

Thanks to the ubiquitous chips in so many modern devices, even pickpocketing has gone high tech. The same credit card chips that provide “tap to pay” convenience at Starbucks make them vulnerable to thieves who use RFID (radio frequency identification) to snatch the card’s details without ever touching the card itself. Ridge Wallet’s Carbon Fiber Wallet features built-in RFID-blocking technology to safeguard your card. The lightweight design holds up to 12 cards, can be disassembled for easy cleaning, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. It also looks very, very cool.

Image courtesy of Ridge Wallet/Instagram.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
There’s a reason this travel spot is known as the Maldives of Mexico
An affordable alternative to the Maldives
Color graded picture of a pier with clouds and blue water at the Laguna Bacalar, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Picture pristine turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye can see, surrounded by lush greenery and white sandy beaches. This luxurious scene isn’t just a dream reserved for far-off destinations like the Maldives. Situated in the southeastern corner of Mexico lies a hidden gem that rivals the beauty of its distant Asian counterpart: Bacalar. 

Bacalar, often referred to as the “Maldives of Mexico,” is a gorgeous destination renowned for the Bacalar Lagoon, otherwise known as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors.” Bacalar, Mexico’s crystal clear waters, resemble the famous hues of the Indian Ocean surrounding the Maldives. But what sets Bacalar apart isn’t just its striking resemblance to the Maldives—it’s the accessibility, affordability, and unique experiences it offers travelers without the lengthy journey. So pack your bags and head to Mexico.
Where is Bacalar, Mexico?

Read more
The most popular Grand Canyon trail reopens this week
Your favorite Grand Canyon trail is back in action
grand canyon national park bright angel trail view bright angel lodge

The Grand Canyon National Park has announced the much-anticipated reopening of Havasupai Gardens Campground, Bright Angel Trail, and Tonto Trail, set for April 15, 2024. This marks a celebratory moment for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers, as one of the most renowned trails in the park becomes accessible once again after a temporary closure.

These closures began way back in December 2023 due to the Transcanyon Waterline project at the Grand Canyon National Park. This project involved extensive construction activities aimed at upgrading and replacing the water distribution lines in the park. The work included the replacement of water distribution lines throughout the Havasupai Gardens area and at the 1.5 and 3-mile rest houses, located along the Bright Angel Trail.

Read more
The best hotels in NYC for a spring or summer stay
Off to NYC? Here's where to stay
Waldorf Astoria NYC.

Travel season is upon us, but with a metropolis like New York City, the logistics can be daunting. The Big Apple is home to some 700 hotels alone. So, where does one stay in NYC for the ultimate stay?

The best NYC hotels excel in a few important departments. They are ideally situated and offer unmatched amenities. They tend to involve cool architecture and aesthetics, ranging from iconic and bold to chic and new. And they often have great in-house bonuses, like stellar bars and restaurants.

Read more