Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. In fact, you should probably be even more aware of your surroundings and prepared when you’re away from home, especially in unfamiliar places. You can get so distracted by all the exciting things going on, inadvertently leaving you vulnerable. The good news is that it’s not hard to stay prepared when you have the right equipment. To help you stay safe while you’re away, here are some essential personal protection gadgets to consider:
Stun guns are extremely effective at deterring would-be attackers or thieves without being lethal. They’re easy to use, meaning your instinct will be able to take over for you in a dangerous situation. If you’re worried about the idea of carrying around a stun gun, there’s no need to fret – there are less conspicuous options like lipstick stun guns or cell phone stun guns. Plus, they’re perfect for close-range use.
Made from spicy peppers, pepper spray is a classic self-defense item favored by civilians and law enforcement officials alike. Since it causes burning and watering in the eyes, pepper spray can effectively prevent an attacker from focusing on you, giving you time to escape. It can be used if your attacker is close, or even from up of 10 feet away.
If you’re traveling, pepper spray for self-defense is an especially smart option because it’s very compact yet powerful. Although, certain police-grade pepper sprays are more powerful than others, so do your research.
A little more intense than a stun gun, tasers are designed to be more effective at a longer range than stun guns. Some of the top tasers will have an attacker down on the ground in pain for several minutes, preventing them from doing anything. If you can, practice using your taser a little bit before going on your trip. Be sure to check with local laws about tasers: prison is one of the few things that are worse than being attacked!
According to the BBC, pickpockets are getting smarter and smarter. This is less about protecting yourself and more about protecting your belongings. Some areas are particularly popular for pickpockets and thieves who are looking to make a quick buck, resulting in your vacation being ruined. A splashproof necklace keeps all of your most important items safe, like credit cards and passports.
No, we don’t recommend protecting yourself with an air horn. The purpose of carrying a small air horn around is to raise awareness to yourself. If everyone’s eyes are on you, your attacker is likely to leave you alone. An air horn may also get the attention of any local law enforcement in the immediate area.
Going on vacation shouldn’t have to be stressful or dangerous. However, the world isn’t always safe for everyone, so it’s important to be prepared for the worst so you can enjoy the best. Personal protection items are inexpensive and effective. Stock up and enjoy your next trip!