8 essential gadgets for safe travel

8 essential gadgets for safe travel

Having five sisters like me is wonderful. As you travel, you will receive many messages checking on your whereabouts and well-being. And then you get a few more messages. And then you get even more.

Soon this will become real-time updates of potential threats within a 6,000 mile radius. "You're camping on a beach in Fiji? Did you hear about the couple who got hurt on a beach in Thailand?" "Didn't you just leave Vanuatu? There's an earthquake there now." "You're in Chile? What about that huge volcano?"

Of course, it's natural to worry about loved ones when they're gone. Occasionally this concern is justified. To help put your mind at ease, we've rounded up eight essentials for safe travel, from emergency SOS systems to staying healthy on the go.

1. Detect Gen3 satellite messengers

Essential for: long-distance travel, sailing, hiking and extreme sports. Price: $160 (£103) plus a data plan on top

alt="SPOT Gen3 for safe travel">

I'm not worried, but every now and then I've wished that Peter had more prosaic hobbies than mountaineering - like when he sets off for Galdhøpiggen in Norway and I haven't heard from him for three days.

If you, like him, have ambitions of climbing the Seven Peaks (or actually know someone who does), consider getting a SPOT Gen3. This pocket-sized gizmo tracks you in real time and allows you to send messages at the touch of a button.

You can send an SOS with your GPS location to the IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Center) or simply check in with family and friends in areas without cell service. This can be a one-button "OK" that sends a pre-programmed text or email with your location to up to 10 preset contacts or a custom message.

You can also configure your tracking to send your location at specific intervals (5, 10, 30 or 60 minutes, or if you're doing something really extreme, every 2.5 minutes).

SPOT's technology has been credited with over 3,500 rescues worldwide - approximately one per day since its launch in 2007. With a base price of $160 and a range of affordable data plans, it is an essential device for all adventurers.

Where to buy: findmespot.com / Amazon

2. LUPO Bluetooth tracker

Essential for: Finding lost items Price: $47 (£30) for one; Discounts available on multipacks

alt="LUPO Bluetooth tracker for safe travel">

I've long been wary of Bluetooth tracking services after being disappointed in the past, but LUPO seems to be changing that. This small tracking gadget can be attached to keys, wallets, backpacks, jackets or other valuables and will alert you if the item moves beyond the 45m (150ft) range. Items are tied to the LUPO app, which sends the alert along with the item's last known location.

It has a decent battery life (one year), unlike similar gadgets on the market that last around six months or, like Tile, require complete replacement.

The LUPO can also be connected to a computer. This mechanism automatically locks your computer when it is out of range. So if someone walks away with it, they won't be able to access your account, assuming you still have your LUPO.

A potentially big benefit is that the broader user community can help individuals locate lost items near them. Of course, this requires a critical mass of users. In the meantime, the creators of LUPO are looking for a unified system that would enable community tracking across all the different Bluetooth tracking services currently on the market.

Where to buy: mylupo.com

3. Travelsafe portable safe

Essential for: Securing your gearPrice: $80 (£50)

alt="Portable safe for safe travel">

I admit that we often felt complacent in hostels and chose to put our passports in the back of our large backpacks instead of leaving them at reception. Luckily we've never been robbed, but as we learned in Colombia, there's always a first time for everything.

A better alternative is the Travelsafe portable safe, a lockable bag in which you can secure your passports, a (smaller) camera, extra cash, credit cards, phone and/or tablet. It comes with a “high-strength stainless exomesh” between the inner and outer fabric, meaning it can’t be easily cut open.

An integrated locking device ensures a strong and durable closure, while you can lock the safe to a stationary object using the drawstring. The only downside is that it is quite bulky and can weigh down the ultralight traveler. We'll probably leave it at home for short trips in Europe, but take it with us on longer trips through countries we know less well (and Colombia).

Where to buy: pacsafe.com / Amazon

4. SteriPEN water purifier

Essential for: Staying healthy Price: $99.95 (£65)

alt="SteriPEN water purifier for safe travel">

Okay, I know we've talked about this product over and over again (hey, SteriPEN, do you need a brand ambassador?), but it's seriously one of our favorite devices.

I won't repeat everything we've said in these articles, but in summary: The SteriPEN Ultra eliminates over 99.9% of bacteria in up to one liter of water in just 90 seconds, can be used up to 8,000 times, and is easily rechargeable via computer, power adapter, or portable solar charger.

It can process up to 50 liters of water on one charge and did exactly that for us on our travels through the South Pacific and South America. We love it.

Where to buy: steripen.com / Amazon

5. SmartSun UV Bracelets

Essential for: Staying healthy Price: $12 (£7.60) for a pack of 12; Prices decrease as volume increases

alt="SmartSun wristbands for safe travel">

Okay, I know this sounds like a product for children, but the many sunbathers with sore skin on the beaches of Brazil tell us otherwise. SmartSun wristbands are a handy way to indicate when you need to reapply your sunscreen or actually cover up and go into the shade.

The bracelet changes color with increased exposure, allowing you to monitor your UVA and UVB intake. It's designed to withstand water in both the pool and the sea, mimicking your sunscreen's reaction to it. The straps are adjustable, so they fit both children and adults and are only suitable for one day.

Personally, I'm pretty picky about reapplying (I'm in my 30s, after all), but Peter is easygoing, as is his nature. Now he is being told, like a child, what to do and when to do it.

Where to buy: smartsun.se

6. MSC Power Stick Portable Charger

Essential for: Long distance travel, camping, hiking Price: $19 (£12.95)

alt="Esetnial Gadgets for Safe Travel msc">

This little USB charger has been invaluable on our many trips into one remote wilderness or another. It can be charged with power before leaving civilization and then used to charge a variety of devices via USB.

It provides a full charge for all smartphones, e-readers and digital cameras, features an LED remaining charge indicator, and at just a little larger than a lipstick, it's lightweight and portable enough to keep in your daypack.

We also have an MSC waterproof solar charger for charging all of the above when we're camping or away from civilization, as well as an MSC Aqua Trek waterproof power bank that can hold up to five smartphone charges and includes a built-in LED flashlight.

They were all extremely useful pieces of equipment on our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu as well as during our time on Tonga's remote Mafana Island, allowing us to keep our phones charged at all times.

Where to buy: mobilesolarchargers.co.uk

7. Emergency numbers

alt="Emergency app for safe travel">

Essential for: Personal SafetyPrice: Free

I recently discovered Emergency Phone Numbers, a super-useful travel app that stores a comprehensive list of emergency numbers from around the world. It's particularly useful for long-term trips across multiple countries, where you would otherwise have to manually look up emergency numbers and store them in your phone (or, worse, get complacent and not look up anything at all).

Emergency numbers let you make calls from the app and view your location while you're on the phone so you know exactly where you are. Currently it is only available for iOS and of course depends on cellular coverage. So if you regularly find yourself in a remote location for extended periods of time, you might also want to consider a SPOT Gen3 (#1 above).

Where to buy: Emergency numbers on iTunes

8. Chieftain Personnel Alarm

Essential for: Personal safetyPrice: $16 (£10)

alt="Personal alarm for safe travel">

Here's another product you think you'll never need - until you do. The Chieftain Personal Attack Alarm can be clipped to a keychain, threaded through a jacket zipper, or clipped to your backpack. When activated via the ripcord, it emits a strobe light and a 140-decibel siren that can be heard up to 800 m (2,600 feet) away.

It is reportedly the only personal attack alert approved by the Ministry of Defense and has been delivered to military personnel in Basra and other conflict zones. It comes with a battery that provides more than two hours of continuous use - although it's of course worth testing it a few times a year.

Peter and I like to jog, but rarely on the street because I'm much slower than him and he doesn't like to lose sight of me in unfamiliar places. The chief means I have a handy way to warn him and anyone else nearby that I need help if such a situation ever arises. For a small price, the peace and quiet is worth it.

Where to buy: Chieftain personal alarm

Mission statement: dreamstime

      .