travel safety apps

13 Must-Download Personal Safety Apps For Travelers

By Jessie Festa. This travel safety post contains affiliate links to trusted partners I think you’ll love!

Looking for the top travel safety apps ?

Then you’re in the right place!

It’s common for travelers to face a sudden change in plans; however, sometimes they may face situations far beyond their control.

In these cases, a smartphone can be the best asset, as various travel safety apps have been designed to assist even the most experienced nomads in getting out of a jam. 

To help you protect yourself on the road, here are 13 personal safety apps that travelers shouldn’t leave home without. As a frequent traveler myself, these are the apps that help me feel safer and more prepared on the road.

Quick tip: When traveling, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves .

Table of Contents

Free Resources For Safe & Fun Travel

But first, before we go over our list of safety apps for travelers , I invite you to grab my free  Ultimate Travel Planning Kit  — which includes 40+ travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook!

Some highlights of the kit include:

• Free “Where Should You Travel Next?” personality quiz
• Budget travel calculators for vacations, road trips, backpacking & more
• Pre-plotted Google Maps for 45+ destinations
• Printable travel journal with writing prompts
• Packing lists for different types of trips

Once you’ve grabbed your copy , keep reading for my favorite personal safety apps.

Best Travel Safety Apps For iPhone & Android

1. Smart Traveler (iOS & Android)

Created by the U.S. Department of State, this app provides specific government information about a foreign destination such as current travel warnings and alerts.

It also gives contact information for U.S. embassies and consulates.

Travelers that have signed up with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) can also access their account through the app.

This app is a must-download for American citizens traveling abroad!

2.  Emergency App (iOS & Android)

Looking for travel safety tips?

Don’t leave home without installing this app!

Developed by the American Red Cross, this all-inclusive app serves as a “go-to” resource for what travelers can do in the case of 14 different types of emergencies and disasters within the U.S.

Users can customize more than 35 emergency alerts based on their location and where their contacts live.

The app also contains a kit of emergency first aid information advising on everything from heart attacks to heatstroke.

3.  Sitata (iOS & Android)

Focused on health and safety, the company behind this app monitors media sites worldwide for news on real-time events happening around the globe that can disrupt travel.

Their alerts are displayed on a map alongside additional information and “what to do” advice currently in over 200 countries.

Neat feature alert: 

Sitata has a community board where travelers are permitted to write — and read — posts about their experiences on anything from a transportation tip to warnings about pickpockets.

4. NordVPN (Windows, iOS & Android)

Accessible — even free — Wi-Fi is great, but an open network can put travelers at risk for online identity theft or even having information from their credit cards and other important documents stolen. 

This app turns into a VPN (Virtual Private Network), enabling users to connect to a remote server and direct traffic through a secure network, surfing the web with a bank-level encrypted connection.

They also can change their IP address to match their preferred location. 

A VPN is absolutely necessary for full-time travel bloggers , digital nomads, and those working abroad, and SaferVPN makes it easy to stay safe while you stay connected. 

5. bSafe (iOS & Android)

Instead of sharing your location on social media in real-time, which isn’t very safe, opt for this location-sharing app. 

This version lets users set up a network of friends, family members, and coworkers to share your location, but takes their level of contact much further to really help people travel safely. 

Its Follow Me feature operates by using the phone’s GPS to trace the steps of a person walking home so that their contacts can “follow” them in real-time.

A Timer Mode can be set to trigger an alert if the user hasn’t checked in, and a Guardian Alert button can be pressed to notify loved ones if you’re in trouble.

And if you’re home, the “I’m Here” option lets who you want to know where you are.

6. Trip Lingo (iOS & Android)

Featuring a whole host of tools to help people explore new countries, Trip Lingo is a must-download for any traveler.

Voice translation, phrasebooks, and culture notes help you communicate with locals while travel tools and a tip calculator keep you in the know wherever you go.

To keep you safe, Trip Lingo features tools like local emergency information and medical phrases in a host of different languages and a WiFi dialer that will keep you connected without racking up roaming fees.

7. Red Panic Button (iOS & Android)

Whether it is your first time traveling or your 100th, installing travel safety apps is smart, especially ones like Red Panic Button that are simple yet effective for keeping you safe on the go.

Set an emergency contact phone number or email in the app and as soon as you press the red button, the app will use your GPS location to send an alert to your contact with your exact location.

You can also send a voice recording to your contact list to share more details on your emergency.

8. GeoSure (iOS & Android)

Whether you’re planning your itinerary weeks in advance or exploring a new city on a whim, be sure to check in with GeoSure before you go.

This app assesses cities and neighborhoods based on their safety conditions including violence, theft, human rights issues, and more.

GeoSure even factors in the safety of those in marginalized communities and scores areas based on LGBTQ+ and women’s safety.

This one is definitely worth downloading when researching new travel destinations.

9. TripWhistle (iOS)

Three-digit emergency numbers vary around the world and few of us have time to memorize every single one.

That’s where TripWhistle comes in.

This app lists emergency numbers for 196 different countries and allows you to call for help right in the app.

TripWhistle will also provide emergency services with your coordinates, making it an essential download for international travelers.

10. Haven (Android)

Looking for a way to travel safe without compromising your privacy?

Haven has you covered.

This Android app uses your device’s sensors to detect motion, sound, vibration, and light and alert you to any disturbances or potentially dangerous situations in your surroundings.

Think of it as your own personal home security system on the go, as Haven will watch over you wherever you’re traveling.

11. CDC TravWell (iOS & Android)

Staying safe on the road also means staying healthy and it’s important to be aware of any potential health risks on your travels.

Download the free CDC TravWell app to get up-to-date health warnings for locations around the world.

The app lets you log your destinations ahead of time, get information on necessary vaccines and medications for different locations, and store your travel documents and medical records all in one place.

For the planners out there, the app’s to-do list and packing list features are a major asset!

12. RunGo (iOS & Android)

RunGo is an essential app for the traveling runner.

This app features popular running trails in cities around the world, voice-guided tours and navigation, and tools to track your stats.

From a personal safety standpoint, the app features verified and vetted routes, helping you stay safe when running in an unfamiliar location.

13. Tourlina (iOS & Android)

Looking to meet up with your fellow solo travelers?

Download Tourlina, a women-only network of travelers from around the world.

While traveling solo can be life-changing , there are likely times where you’d rather be with someone else than alone.

With Tourlina, you can meet other women to buddy up within a safe and reliable online environment.

All users are verified by the Tourlina app so you can stay safe while making new friends.

Travel Safety Beyond Apps

For safety beyond apps, I recommend the following travel tips: 

• Wondering what things you really need to pack? While a money belt can be a smart option, for something more stylish and functional I suggest grabbing some Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments , which feature hidden interior pockets for valuables. This means thieves never even know you’re carrying valuables in the first place. 
• Get a She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which you can wear like a bracelet. Simply pull the pin to have it blare like a fire truck when danger comes near. Seriously, you need this simple yet powerful piece of travel safety equipment ! 
• Opt for travel medical insurance . My go-to travel insurance carrier when traveling abroad or within the United States is SafetyWing , which has comprehensive straightforward plans at a budget-friendly price.

What are your favorite travel safety apps and gadgets? 

Related posts:.

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My favourite personal safety app is SmartWatcher, not only it has a cool and user-friendly interface but it is also free to download and it works on my Apple Watch, which I think is the best personal safety device, since it is always available on your wrist. Check it out!

Oh those apps are really useful! Thanks for sharing them with me! I will make sure to download them for my next trip abroad!

I haven’t heard of any of these apps before but they look really great to travel with – definitely going to look into them on my next trip.

These are all such good ideas to have, especially for women traveling alone! Thanks for the great round-up. Definitely going to check a few out before my next trip 🙂

Thanks for your great information. It helps me to travel safely with a good travel experience. If Anyone Plans To travel United states and don’t know where to travel and stay. Here are the complete details you can check before traveling. Find the Best Hotels, Travel Places, Beaches, Clubs, Visit- usatravelhub.com

Sitata is terrible. I had gotten it for my regular residency in Europe, was not happy with having to pay but figured my safety was worth it. Traveling often, I have learned that especially with tech stuff, always good to have some redundancies. So, i also had downloaded two free apps. The entire time, sitata didn’t work. The two free apps constantly kept me updated including mention of a growing protest near where I was. Once back in the states i uninstalled sitata got in touch with them and received the equivalent of a shrug of the shoulders.

These apps are really good. I used one of those apps and that app proved helpful to me.

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13 Best Travel Safety Apps for Secure and Worry-Free travel 2024

Are you searching for the best travel safety apps to secure your next trip? You’ve landed in the right spot. This is a curated list of the best safety apps. As a solo female traveler , you are staying safe while traveling is essential. After years of traveling, these are some of the best travel safety apps. These digital tools will keep you informed, prepared, and connected, no matter where your travels take you.

From real-time alerts to emergency services and health advisories to secure document storage. We aim to help you travel with the peace of mind you need. So, let’s go through the essential travel apps that will enhance your travel safety. For our complete list of apps, read the best apps for travel.  

Key Takeaways

Travel safety apps provide a range of services. These include real-time updates, emergency info sharing, rankings, and offline currency conversion. They cater to personal safety, health advisories, and secure exploration.

There are specific apps for different needs. BSAFE is excellent for personal emergencies. Savvy Traveler keeps you updated with government news. TripLingo is there for language assistance. CDC TravWell is your go-to for health information. These apps ensure travelers are equipped for various situations, providing peace of mind during trips.

Tourlina connects solo female travelers. ICE stores medical records. RedZone Map offers real-time crime alerts. These apps show a specialized app for almost every aspect of travel safety and preparedness.

Overview of Top Travel Safety Apps

Travel safety apps have revolutionized the way we explore the world. Whether on a solo adventure or a family vacation, these apps act as a safety net. They keep travelers informed about potential dangers and assist in navigating unfamiliar places. They also ensure safety from foreign hazards. Additionally, they offer essential travel safety tips. Here are a few of their myriad features:

• Global news updates on travel-related events
• Community boards for emergency info-sharing
• Safety rankings
• Offline currency conversion

Choosing from the numerous travel safety apps available might seem overwhelming. But worry not; we have done the work for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best travel safety apps every traveler should have. These apps cover a range of functionalities, including:

• Location-based services
• Health advisories
• Emergency assistance
• Language Translation
• Currency conversion

With these free apps, including solo travel apps, you can travel safely and confidently in different countries.

1. BSAFE: The Best Personal Safety App

We kick off with BSAFE. This personal safety app stands out due to its focus on solo travelers. Imagine having a bodyguard in your pocket. This bodyguard is ready to alert your loved ones immediately if you’re in trouble. That’s precisely what BSAFE does. This app is designed to provide instant help during emergencies. This makes it a great companion for solo adventurers. It is also one of the best apps for solo travelers .

BSAFE is user-friendly. It requires a smartphone with a SIM card and a data plan. It’s also free. This makes it easily accessible for most travelers. In case of an emergency, BSAFE offers several features:

• When the voice-activated alarm is triggered, it sends a live video and audio feed to your chosen contacts.
• Your contacts can see and hear what’s happening through your phone’s camera and microphone.
• Your contacts can track your location on a map.
• The app emits a loud siren to deter any potential threats.

2. Smart Traveler: The Best Government-Provided Safety App

Following BSAFE is Smart Traveler, a government-provided safety app designed primarily for US citizens. Created by the US Department of State, it offers real-time updates on situations in other countries. It is a valuable tool for travelers who want to stay informed about their destination.

The Smart Traveler app, in addition to providing directions to U.S. embassies and consulates, offers an enrollment program to keep you updated on safety situations. And make it easier for your friends and family to reach you during an emergency. You can use Google Translate to communicate with locals for additional language support. To further enhance your safety, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your online activities abroad.

3. TripLingo: The Best Multifunctional Travel Safety App

TripLingo is a versatile tool among travel apps. It offers many features for exploring, communication, and emergency information, making it an all-in-one solution for travelers. From discovering new places to communicating in a foreign language, TripLingo has got you covered.

This app offers:

• Free text translations in over 100 languages
• Instant photo translation
• Real-time voice translation
• A crash course in the local language
• Essential phrases and local slang to help you blend in and communicate effectively with the locals.

TripLingo has safety guides, emergency contact numbers, medical terms in the local language, and embassy locations to keep you safe and ready.

4. TripWhistle: The Best Emergency Services Locator for iPhone Users

TripWhistle Global is an ideal emergency services locator app for iPhone users. This app can be a lifesaver if you’re in a foreign country and require immediate help. It provides quick access to local emergency services, ensuring you get the help you need when you need it.

With TripWhistle, you can:

• Dial local police, fire, or ambulance services in any country with just a tap
• It covers 196 countries and shares your location with first responders, providing all the necessary details for a quick response.
• This app makes it super easy to connect with local emergency services, making it an essential app for solo travelers.

5. Haven: The Best Security System App for Android Users

Haven serves as an excellent security system app for Android users. This app transforms your Android phone into a personal security system that can detect:

It’s perfect for securing your belongings while exploring new destinations. Haven uses your phone’s sensors to monitor for any unexpected activities. It records detected sounds or motions and saves everything on the device itself. With Haven, you can rest assured that your belongings are safe while you’re out and about, making it a must-have app for travelers.

6. CDC TravWell: The Best Health-Focused Travel Safety App

Maintaining health during travel is vital, and that’s where CDC TravWell comes in. This health-focused travel app offers real-time health information, vaccination requirements, and travel health advice. It’s like having a personal doctor in your pocket, keeping you updated on health-related issues wherever you go.

CDC TravWell offers the following features:

• Store travel documents
• Track medications and shots
• Set reminders for vaccine boosters
• Access emergency numbers for any country

With CDC TravWell, you can stay informed about health risks and requirements in your travel destination and ensure a healthy and worry-free trip by inputting your travel dates.

7. RunGo: The Best Running Trail Safety App

For those passionate about fitness, RunGo is a fantastic app that keeps you safe while you explore new running trails. Whether on a business trip or a vacation, maintaining your fitness routine is essential, and RunGo helps you do that safely. These features make it an excellent app for runners who love to explore new landscapes. RunGo offers the following features for runners:

• Turn-by-turn navigation technology
• Ability to create and discover new routes
• Run tracking with audio cues
• Library of running routes
• Advanced voice navigation
• Route creator
• Offline mode

8. Tourlina: The Best Safety App for Female Solo Travelers

Tourlina is a unique safety app created specifically for solo female travelers . It provides a platform for women to connect with verified travel companions for safety and friendship. With Tourlina, solo travel doesn’t have to mean traveling alone.

Tourlina allows women to connect with like-minded travelers before and during their trip. It ensures safety by verifying all new user profiles within 48 hours and checking identity and social media. It’s an excellent platform for solo female travelers to make new friends and stay safe during their adventures.

9. ICE: The Best Medical Records Storage App

Having your medical records readily available during a medical emergency while traveling can be a lifesaver. ICE is a medical records storage app that ensures you have all your medical information at your fingertips.

ICE is a mobile app that helps you manage your medical records and provides instructions for medical emergencies. It offers the following features:

• Stores your medical records and doctor contacts in one place
• Syncs your data from healthcare organizations to your Health app on the iPhone through an encrypted connection
• Provides instructions for medical emergencies
• Ensures that emergency responders have all the details they need

With ICE, you can securely manage your medical records and have peace of mind in a crisis.

10. Noonlight: The Best Emergency Dispatch App

Noonlight, an emergency app, links users with emergency assistance, ensuring their protection. It uses the phone’s sensors to detect if you’re in a car crash and automatically sends help, making it a valuable tool for travelers.

In an emergency, Noonlight shares your location and information with 911 and first responders when an alarm is triggered. The app lets connected devices send live video and location updates. It’s an essential app for travelers who want to ensure their safety while on the go.

11. Geosure: The Best Safety Scores App for Travelers

When planning a trip, considering the safety of the chosen destination is crucial. Geosure is an app that provides safety scores for travel destinations based on the following:

• Crime rates
• Economic factors
• Political data feeds

Geosure uses a combination of data and its special formulas to develop safety scores for different travel spots. This app helps travelers compare places based on safety, making choosing the best destination for their next adventure easier.

12. TravelSafe Pro: Best Travel Advisory App

For those keen on staying abreast of safety alerts, TravelSafe Pro is the perfect app. It offers safety alerts, emergency numbers, and embassy information for various countries, making it a comprehensive travel advisory app.

TravelSafe Pro provides the following benefits:

• Audible warnings for dangerous traffic situations
• Travel insurance coverage for any trip, whether it’s within the country or abroad
• Trip cancellation, trip interruption, and missed trip benefits

This makes it a valuable tool for planning a safe and secure trip.

13. RedZone Map: Real-Time Crime Alerts for Smart Travelers

Finally, RedZone Map offers real-time crime alerts and safety information. This app uses GPS and geo-fencing to provide crime alerts and help travelers navigate safely, similar to how Google Maps assists with navigation.

RedZone Map offers the following features:

• Gathers real-time crime data from federal, state, and local enforcement agencies
• It uses its own mapping and navigation system
• Shows safe and risky routes
• Helps travelers make informed decisions about their travel routes and destinations

In today’s digital age, smartphones are not just communication devices but also powerful tools that can help ensure our safety while traveling. From personal safety apps like BSAFE to health-focused apps like CDC TravWell, many travel safety apps cater to every traveler’s needs.

In conclusion, staying safe while traveling doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. With the right set of apps, you can stay informed, secure, and prepared for any situation that may come your way. So, before you embark on your next adventure, ensure you have these essential travel safety apps.

FAQ Best Travel Safety Apps

What is the travel app that saves places.

The travel app that saves places is Google Maps. You can easily save and access your favorite spots offline, making it convenient for your travels—no need to worry about getting lost, even without service.

What is the smart traveler app?

SmartTraveler is the official State Department app for U.S. travelers, providing easy access to frequently updated country information, travel alerts, maps, and U.S. embassy locations. It’s a helpful tool for planning and organizing your trips.

What are some of the best travel safety apps available?

Check out BSAFE, Smart Traveler, TripLingo, TripWhistle, Haven, CDC TravWell, RunGo, Tourlina, ICE, Noonlight, Geosure, TravelSafe Pro, and RedZone Map for top travel safety apps. Try them out and see which ones work best for you!

How can travel safety apps help me during my trip?

Travel safety apps can offer real-time updates, emergency contacts, health advice, and navigation assistance, making them a valuable resource during your trip.

Are all travel safety apps compatible with both Android and iOS?

No, travel safety apps vary in compatibility. It’s best to check each app’s compatibility before downloading.

Grace Ashi is the founder and Editor of Metropolitan Girl.

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Apps , Featured

11 apps to help you stay safe when traveling.

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• August 9, 2023

Staying safe should be your top priority when traveling, whether going on a solo adventure or group getaway. With rising safety concerns, it’s essential to take precautions and utilize tools that can help keep you secure and aware. Luckily, there are a variety of innovative apps designed specifically to increase travel safety through useful features that provide protection and peace of mind. In this article, we will highlight 11 of the best apps to help you stay safe when traveling.

These apps offer advanced capabilities to keep you guarded and alert, giving you greater confidence and assurance when journeying near or far. We’ll cover apps with features like emergency assistance, travel advisories, location sharing, and more. By downloading a few of these apps before your next trip, you can travel with greater awareness and protection.

Flight View

Smart traveler, google maps, express vpn, tripwhistle global sos, hostelworld, timeshifter.

To stay safe when traveling, having access to real-time flight details is crucial. The Flight View app is an essential travel companion that offers live flight tracking, status alerts, and airport information directly to your mobile device.

What makes this app stand out is its ability to promptly notify you if your gate changes – an important feature for staying safe and avoiding getting lost in an unfamiliar airport. I have personally used Flight View multiple times and have always been impressed by its accurate performance.

The user-friendly app is easy to navigate. Simply enter your flight number and Flight View will keep you updated on pertinent changes like gate switches, delays, and more. You can also access details about airport amenities to stay aware of your surroundings.

Another reason I appreciate this app for safety is that flight updates are available not just for the traveler, but for anyone providing airport pickups. With real-time notifications of delays or schedule changes, drivers can adapt plans accordingly and stay aware of your arrival time.

Overall, the Flight View app provides the kind of real-time information that is invaluable for staying safe during airport travel.

Devices:   Android and iPhone

Alternatives :   Flightradar24 , FlightAware , FlightStats

Staying safe when traveling internationally requires access to up-to-date information. The Smart Traveler app , developed and maintained by the U.S. State Department , is an invaluable tool for U.S. citizens journeying abroad.

There are several important features that help you stay aware and protected. First, it provides country-specific details including entry/exit requirements, local laws, health conditions, transportation, and more.

You can also get safety warnings about protests, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters that could put you at risk. Knowing local customs is key to staying safe, and this app helps keep you informed.

I discovered the value of Smart Traveler firsthand when traveling in the Middle East during Ramadan. The app notified me of the religious fasting period, explaining that while tourists aren’t required to fast, avoiding public eating and drinking shows respect. This cultural insight was invaluable for staying aware and avoiding unintended offenses.

Another useful feature for safety is the app provides embassy contact information and locations. Although I hope to never need this, having it available gives peace of mind when abroad.

By providing real-time travel advisories and insights, the Smart Traveler app is an indispensable tool for staying aware of risks and respecting local customs when journeying internationally.

Devices: Android and iPhone

Alternatives :  Geosure

When traveling internationally, having access to navigation tools you can rely on is key to staying safe. Google Maps is available in over 200 countries worldwide, providing turn-by-turn GPS directions whether you’re driving, hiking, biking or using public transportation.

One important feature for safety is the ability to download maps for offline use before a trip. This allows you to navigate foreign areas smoothly even without WiFi access. The voice-guided GPS works offline as well, helping you stay oriented when disconnected.

For public transit users, Google Maps shares bus and train schedules, stations and routes in supported cities – valuable insight for planning safe journeys. And if traveling alone, real-time location sharing allows selected friends/family to monitor your whereabouts and meet up easily.

With its vast global availability, offline features and connectivity, Google Maps equips international travelers with the information and tools needed to remain aware of surroundings and maintain safety on the go. Let Google Maps be your guide to staying secure on your next international adventure.

Alternatives :  Mapquest , Waze , Apple Maps

When using public Wi-Fi, having a VPN is crucial for staying safe online. ExpressVPN is an easy-to-use app that keeps your activities private and secure on both mobile and desktop devices.

By encrypting your data, ExpressVPN helps you stay protected from hackers trying to steal passwords, credit cards, or other sensitive information on unsecured networks. It’s essential for safety to have a trusted VPN like ExpressVPN when connecting through public hotspots.

The app makes it simple to get started. Just download, install, and choose a server location from over 90 countries. Click to connect and within seconds you’ll have the green light indicating your encrypted and secure status.

With its multi-platform availability, strong encryption technology, and simple setup, ExpressVPN is an ideal tool for travelers to stay safe when using public Wi-Fi. By encrypting your network data, ExpressVPN provides an essential extra layer of protection that gives peace of mind when connecting on-the-go.

Alternatives :  NordVPN , IPVanish VPN , Surfshark VPN

Navigating foreign places independently can be daunting, but having quick access to emergency help provides peace of mind. TripWhistle is an essential app for solo travelers, offering a one-button SOS to instantly connect with local first responders worldwide.

Though currently iOS only, TripWhistle is packed with critical safety features. Don’t know the language? The app’s multilingual support provides translated scripts and phrases to effectively communicate with authorities.

Stay informed on potential hazards with real-time travel risk notifications. Location sharing lets selected friends/family monitor your whereabouts when adventuring alone. With embassy information and emergency calling capacity, TripWhistle helps you stay vigilant and get assistance off the grid.

If journeying internationally solo, don’t go without this app’s vital features at your fingertips. TripWhistle keeps you prepared with translated emergency scripts and direct access to first responders, empowering independent travelers to explore safely and confidently.

Devices: iPhone

Staying aware of potential risks is key to staying safe when traveling internationally. The GeoSure app aims to empower travelers by providing safety scores and insights for destinations worldwide.

GeoSure assigns color-coded safety ratings to neighborhoods and areas based on real-time data and risk factors. Green denotes generally safe regions, while red flags unsafe zones, with yellow and orange indicating moderate caution needed.

Users can access details on specific concerns like crime, health hazards, political stability and more that factor into an area’s score. This helps travelers make informed decisions to avoid undue harm when journeying to unfamiliar places.

With its wealth of up-to-date safety insights, GeoSure is an invaluable tool for travelers seeking to explore new destinations confidently and responsibly. By staying informed on local conditions, you can plan your travels wisely and take precautions where needed to ensure your well-being abroad.

GeoSure provides the safety awareness that is essential for staying vigilant, avoiding unnecessary risks and enjoying travels to the fullest.

Alternative : Smart Traveler

Finding secure lodging is key to staying safe when traveling on a budget. HostelWorld is an invaluable app for booking trusted hostels worldwide with thousands of affordable options and honest reviews.

Whether you prefer a private room or lively social setting, HostelWorld has a huge selection of top-notch yet inexpensive accommodations globally. Reviews from fellow travelers help identify secure and reputable places to stay within your means.

With just a few taps, you can book unique hostels off the tourist track and immerse yourself in local culture while maintaining safety. By living affordably like a local, you can stay open to rich experiences abroad while being wise with expenditures.

HostelWorld enables budget-savvy jetsetters to securely experience authentic local living through vetted, inexpensive accommodations anywhere on the globe. Stay open to adventure abroad knowing you have access to safe lodging options for every need and budget.

Alternatives :  Hostelz.com , Booking.com , Airbnb.com

When traveling, finding clean, easily accessible restrooms helps you stay healthy and avoid unpleasant situations. Flush is an app that can make locating bathrooms while on the go much simpler.

Flush allows you to search for nearby restrooms based on proximity, cleanliness, accessibility, ratings and amenities like baby change tables. With listings around the world, it’s easy to find a suitable bathroom no matter where you are.

Additional features like digital door keys for train station bathrooms can be critical for staying safe when urgently needing a restroom. Though I haven’t yet used this capability, it’s reassuring to have in a bind.

By helping travelers conveniently find reviewed restrooms worldwide, Flush enables you to stay comfortable, clean and healthy while exploring new destinations. Having quick bathroom accessibility gives peace of mind that basic needs can be met respectfully while on the move.

Flush takes the stress out of bathroom breaks, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying new places. It’s an essential tool for maintaining health and hygiene when far from home.

Alternatives :  Sit or Squat , Bathroom Scout

Feeling secure while traveling solo as a woman can be challenging, but the SafeUp app provides access to a crowdsourced network for safety.

If you find yourself in an environment that seems unsafe, simply tap the SafeUp icon to instantly connect with nearby “guardians” by call or video chat. Explain your situation and location, and guardians can assess the scene, provide guidance, or even travel to your exact GPS coordinates if needed.

Whether you feel threatened walking alone at night or are in an uncomfortable social setting, SafeUp guardians can be a virtual companion or send help. Travelers can also set emergency contacts to be alerted if an alarm is triggered.

With country-specific safety tips and user-submitted hazard reports, SafeUp keeps women informed and empowered to navigate safely. For women traveling independently, SafeUp provides comfort knowing you have support at your fingertips if you feel endangered abroad.

Devices : Android and iPhone

Travel disruptions are inevitable, but staying informed helps you handle them smoothly and safely. This is where the Sitata app shines. By providing key travel guidance, Sitata empowers travelers to navigate changes and avoid hazards.

Sitata helps organize itineraries, plan trips, monitor for delays, and access vaccination info and safety advisories. By keeping travelers aware of potential disruptions and unsafe areas, Sitata enables you to steer clear of trouble spots and have contingency plans when the unexpected occurs.

I’ve used Sitata to effortlessly pivot my plans when faced with flight delays or sudden destination risks. Its real-time travel insights allowed me to quickly make alternate arrangements and avoid challenging situations.

With Sitata’s free guidance, travelers can feel confident handling whatever curveballs arise. By staying knowledgeable and prepared, Sitata users can adapt their journeys seamlessly and reach their destinations safely when disruptions emerge.

Adjusting to time changes can be tough, but the TimeShifter app helps travelers combat jet lag and stay alert. By providing a personalized sleep schedule, TimeShifter keeps you rested, avoiding safety risks from fatigue.

Based on your itinerary and sleep patterns, TimeShifter creates a customized jet lag plan with suggested times for sleep, sunlight, caffeine, etc. Alerts help you stick to the regimen and smoothly transition your body clock.

It’s invaluable not just for jet setters, but also shift workers, with a tailored feature for irregular hours. By optimizing your sleep schedule, TimeShifter helps you avoid exhaustion-induced hazards.

Arriving well-rested and adjusted to a destination’s time zone is key for awareness and quick reflexes in unfamiliar settings. For smooth transitions across time zones or shifting work schedules, TimeShifter is an essential tool for staying energized and safe.

Devices :  Android and iPhone

Stay Safe with Smartphones For Use In Traveling Safe

In today’s digital age, smartphones have become indispensable companions, revolutionizing the way we navigate the world, especially when it comes to ensuring our safety during travel. These compact devices have evolved beyond mere communication tools, now housing a plethora of applications that are designed to keep us secure in unfamiliar environments.

Pictured below are two popular smartphone models on the market today that are ideal for travel and making the most of safety apps. With the right device and apps, you can feel confident handling whatever situations may arise during your journeys.

Staying secure should be a top concern for every traveler, whether jetting overseas or journeying close to home. While exploring new destinations is exciting, it’s crucial to take precautions and use tools that can help monitor risks, access emergency help, and avoid hazards.

The 11 apps covered in this article offer invaluable features to give travelers greater awareness, preparedness and peace of mind when on the move. By equipping yourself with a few of these smartphone tools before your next excursion, you can focus more on creating memorable experiences, and less on worrying about safety.

With knowledge of local conditions and quick access to assistance, you can handle whatever situations arise smoothly and confidently. Travel should broaden horizons, not induce stress. So stay smart and stay safe on your next adventure with help from these traveler-approved safety apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are travel safety apps?

Travel safety apps are mobile applications designed to help travelers stay safe while on the road. They can provide a range of features, such as emergency assistance, safety alerts, and location tracking.

How do travel safety apps work?

Travel safety apps work by using your smartphone’s GPS and other sensors to provide real-time information about your location and surroundings. They can also connect you with emergency services and other resources in case of an emergency.

What are some common features of travel safety apps?

Common features of travel safety apps include emergency assistance, safety alerts, location tracking, and local safety information. Some apps may also offer translation services, currency conversion, and other travel-related features.

Are travel safety apps free?

Many travel safety apps are free to download, but some may require a subscription or in-app purchases to access certain features. It’s important to read the app’s description and reviews carefully to understand what features are included and whether there are any costs involved.

Do travel safety apps really work?

While no app can guarantee your safety while traveling, travel safety apps can be a useful tool for staying informed and prepared. It’s important to use them in conjunction with other safety measures, such as staying aware of your surroundings and following local laws and customs.

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7 Smartphone Apps That Help You Travel Safely

Whether you’re on a plane, in a car, or walking through the streets of a foreign country, these are the best apps to download to keep yourself secure.

If you’re traveling soon, there are a few helpful apps you should download first. Traveling can be a lot of fun but also risky if you’re not careful. These seven apps can help you stay safe while traveling, so you can focus on exploration and making memories.

1. Smart Traveler (iOS, Android)

Smart Traveler is a safety resource app designed by the U.S. Department of State specifically for American travelers. It’s free to download on iOS and Android. This is a great app to have handy because it collects a lot of important, authoritative info in one place.

The app includes safety guides for foreign destinations, travel warnings and alerts, and contact information for the U.S. embassy and consulate offices in different countries. Ideally, you will complete your trip without needing this info. But Smart Traveler could be valuable in an emergency, such as losing your passport.

Download: Smart Traveler for Android | iOS (Free)

2. NordVPN (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Web)

A VPN, short for virtual private network, is a service that gives you safety and privacy online. Using a VPN when you’re traveling can protect you from hackers, keep your data private, and give you access to your favorite websites even if other regions block them.

NordVPN is widely recognized as the best VPN on the market today. You can use it on your phone, tablet or laptop. The VPN encrypts all your data, blocks ads, and disguises your location as any region you want. It also provides antivirus software and malware protection.

Download: NordVPN (Priced by subscription)

3. bSafe (iOS, Android, Web)

Many people use location sharing to make sure friends and family know where they are in an emergency. Rather than using an app like Snapchat to share your location abroad, use a more secure app like bSafe.

This app allows you to share your location only with specific friends and family, and no one else. You can also set up alerts that will trigger if you don’t check in on time, or if you’re in trouble or feel unsafe.

bSafe is a great app to have handy when traveling since you can use it to find your companions if you get split up. It’s also excellent for staying safe and orienting yourself within foreign cities.

Download: bSafe for Android | iOS (Free)

4. TripWhistle (iOS)

Did you know some other countries don’t use 911 for emergency calls? The United States, Canada, and several other countries use 911 to contact emergency services, but other 3-digit codes are used worldwide. For example, in the UK, 999 is the emergency number.

TripWhistle removes the confusion from contacting emergency services abroad by giving you instant access to 196 different countries’ 3-digit codes. You can also use it to provide emergency responders with your coordinates, so they can find you more quickly. Just remember you might have to turn off your VPN temporarily to use location services.

Download: TripWhistle (Free on the App Store)

5. Signal (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux)

Ever worry someone could be tracking your messages and texts? If this is a concern, using an encrypted messaging app when traveling is a good idea. Signal is one great option, available for free on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. You can use it to send texts, images, videos, and files, and make audio calls.

Signal works much like other 3rd party messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp. It will keep your conversations private from hackers and other bad actors.

Download: Signal (Free on all platforms)

6. Emergency (iOS, Android)

The Emergency app is run by the American Red Cross and offers free weather alerts worldwide. Climate change is making severe weather events more frequent and unpredictable. It’s a good idea to have a source of authoritative info on hand in case you get caught in a weather emergency while traveling.

The Red Cross’s Emergency app is available on iOS and Android. You can set up your notifications for specific types of weather events. It also includes guides for what to do in different emergencies.

Download: Emergency (Free on iOS and Android)

7. GeoSure (iOS, Android)

At home, there are probably areas you know to stay away from or avoid at night. When you’re traveling, you lose the benefit of native knowledge. GeoSure gives you detailed safety information on specific neighborhoods.

For example, it can rate how safe a neighborhood is for minority groups like women or LGBTQ+ people. It can show you neighborhood-specific crime data, as well, and help you find safer areas nearby. You may need to turn off your VPN temporarily if it’s blocking the location services necessary to use GeoSure.

Download: GeoSure (Free on iOS and Android)

Staying Safe Abroad With the Help of Apps

Smartphones are incredibly useful tools when traveling. Downloading a few key apps before you leave home can help you stay safe and informed abroad. Some of these apps, like NordVPN and bSafe, are even helpful for everyday life at home.

Three Mobile Apps You Need for Safe Travels

Pack Your Smartphone with These Apps Before You Travel

With the continued improvements in mobile technology, travelers have many more ways to interact with their world from the palms of their hands. With the tap of a few buttons on a screen, international flyers can keep up with loved ones, respond to important e-mail messages, and even make dinner reservations. More importantly, a smartphone can also be a lifeline in the event of a travel emergency.

Nobody wants to think about the worst case situations during their international travels. In the event that something should happen, a smartphone can be your first touch point to gaining assistance from local authorities, the local embassy , or even  a travel insurance company . Before boarding another international flight, be sure to download these apps for safer travels.

Safer Travel by Caroline's Rainbow Foundation

Arguably one of the more important apps that helps keep travelers safe, the  Safer Travel app is a free download that offers downloadable guide books and maps for major cities around the world, with recommendations on where to avoid while traveling. What makes this app invaluable is that it does not rely on international roaming data to work. After a traveler has downloaded a city guide, it will be available to them on- and off-line on demand. 

In addition to local guidebooks and maps downloaded directly to your phone, the Safer Travel app also offers useful contact information at the touch of a button. Travelers can access emergency numbers for their location, find out where hospitals are, locate the nearest embassy, or even find the nearest tourist office. When it comes to pre-trip safety planning and advice that won't hurt your wallet, the Safer Travel smartphone app is the complete package.  

TripLingo by TripLingo, LLC

Before taking an international trip, many travelers may work to learn as much of the local language of their destination country as possible. However, understanding every nuance of a language can be a daunting task, and new language learners are apt to forget their best skills at a critical moment. This is where the  TripLingo  travel smartphone app comes to the rescue: immediate basic language skills for even the greenest of travelers.

Similar to the Safer Travel app, TripLingo allows travelers to download all the language information they may need to their smartphones before they travel. Through the application, travelers can translate words and sentences through text, and speak their question into the phone to get a live translation. In the worst case scenario, travelers can also pay a nominal fee to connect with a live translator over wi-fi to bridge the language gap. As a result, the TripLingo app helps people  communicate more effectively with the locals in their native language. Although some real-time translations and connecting to a live translator may require some data usage, the additional cost paid for this smartphone travel app can be absolutely worth it when travelers reach the end of their language barrier and desperately need help.

Smarter Travel by the U.S. Department of State

For travelers who call the United States home go abroad often, the Smarter Travel app from the U.S. State Department is an almost required download. This smartphone travel app allows modern adventurers to look up facts and customs information from nearly every country around the world while delivering valuable information every traveler needs to know before they board their next aircraft. In addition to destination facts, the app also delivers travel warnings and alerts through push notifications. If there is trouble in the world, the Smarter Travel app will let travelers know.

One of the most important functions of the Smarter Travel app is allowing travelers to enroll in STEP - the Smart Travel Enrollment Program. This free program automatically registers travelers with the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country they are visiting, allowing the consulate to connect with travelers in the event of an emergency situation. While this app offers great features, data needs to be turned on to access the full functionality.

Travelers pack music and movies on their smartphones, but should not forget to download smartphone traveler apps for safer travels as well. When travelers download the right smartphone travel apps, they can help themselves travel as smoothly as possible. 

11 Useful Travel Apps That Work Just Fine Offline

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Essential Apps Every Traveler Needs to be Safe

More than ever, we’re all relying on our phones as invaluable travel necessities. When things get scary and you question your safety while traveling, the best thing to have is your smartphone.

There are a lot of travel-related apps and we’ve collected the top favorites for keeping you and your companions safe while traveling.

Make sure you have reliable access to mobile data while you’re traveling. In the past, there have been only two options for this:

• Pay for an international mobile plan (very pricey), 
• Purchase a SIM that works where you’re traveling (less pricey)

And we’ve just heard about a new option:  GigSky  – an app that lets you purchase travel data using the embedded SIM already in your phone. To be 100% clear, we’ve not tried this service, but we’re excited about the ability to buy data-as-you-go, pay less, and not have to switch out SIM cards. If you try it out, will you let us know your thoughts? And now, to our list of recommended travel safety apps.

Instead of sharing your location on social media in real-time, which isn’t safe at all, use this app for sharing your location with friends, family, and co-workers you identify as needing to know. Some unique features of the  bSafe app  include:

• Follow Me, which uses the phone’s GPS to trace your steps so contacts you identify can follow you in real-time.
• Timer, which triggers an alert if you haven’t checked in for a specified amount of time.
• Guardian alert, which sends an alert to notify contacts if you’re in trouble.

Need to know how to recognize a heat stroke from a heart attack? Want real-time alerts for natural disasters like tornadoes? Want to brush up on your first aid knowledge? The  First Aid app  offers it all, including interactive quizzes and videos with step-by-step advice for many everyday first aid scenarios.

It’s also voice enabled so you can manage the emergency situation and still get help. This app was created by the American Red Cross and it’s free.

This app assesses cities and neighborhoods for safety conditions like theft, human rights issues, and violence.  GeoSure combines statistics , data feeds, travel alerts, and real-time reports to provide information on women’s safety, health and medical safety, political freedoms, and safety for LGBTQ+ travelers.

This app is good for doing pre-trip research but it’s also useful for understanding your current safety level in real-time, so you can decide if it’s worth staying.

Like to exercise when you travel? This app is essential for traveling runners. It features safe and vetted running routes in cities around the world, including navigation and voice-guided tours.

From a personal safety standpoint, this app can help a runner stay safe when they’re exercising in an unfamiliar location.

Accessible and free Wi-Fi is great but the open network can put you at risk for online identity theft and stolen credit card numbers. The Safer VPN app turns your phone into a virtual private network (VPN). It lets you connect to a remote server and surf the web with an encrypted connection. 

Pro tip : a VPN is absolutely necessary for digital nomads, long-term travelers, and those working abroad.

The Sitata app gives you  location-based travel alerts  in case of disease outbreaks, natural disasters, protests, and terrorist activities. It includes local emergency numbers and hospital locations.

Ideal for travelers right now, this app lets you add your prescription medication and immunization history.

Sitata also crowdsources real-time info about dangers and disturbances, letting you add details about what’s going on where you are.

Smart Traveler

This one is a no-brainer because it gives travelers critical information such as travel warnings and alerts. You can also find the contact information for all US embassies and consulates when you need help abroad. 

The  app is called STEP , it’s created by the US Department of State and costs nothing.

Tripwhistle

You probably know that emergency numbers are different all around the world and remembering the one to dial can be hard in an emergency. The Tripwhistle Global app lets you  call emergency numbers  directly from the app. In addition, you can share your location so first responders can find you quickly.

In the US : try SafeTrek inside the US. If you’re  unsafe and can’t risk calling the police , open the app and hold a button to notify police of your location.

Other interesting news

Breaking tradition  – the new Southwest CEO says  assigned seats may be in their future .

Easing restrictions  – the World Health Organization is recommending the  easing of COVID travel restrictions  and bans, saying they don’t work.

Trouble at 30,000 feet  – last week, at least two international flights ( one on American  and  one on United ) turned around mid-flight due to mask-related disruptions on board. Sure hope passengers were able to make their connections.

Traveling with your dog?  See the top pet-friendly hotel chains  in the US.

DamianTysdal

Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

10 Solo Travel Safety Apps: Technology for Peace of Mind

February 24, 2023 by Tracey Nesbitt

The key to traveling solo confidently is preparation. In the unlikely event that you encounter danger you need to know how to secure your safety. Luckily, there are some very helpful solo travel safety apps–most of which are free–you can load onto your smartphone before you leave home.

We have a lot of content related to traveling safely on Solo Traveler. In fact, you'll find most of what you need to know in this comprehensive article: Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe .

But what about the digital tools available? There are hundreds of safety apps and tools on the market. How to choose which to use?

Let us help you out.

10 Top Safety Apps for Solo Travelers

As with all apps, using them involves trusting the technology with a certain amount of personal data. Only you can decide whether the value of the app contributes enough to your safety to give up that data. As with most aspects of solo travel, it's all up to you.

We have deliberately chosen apps that are available for both Android and iOS, so you can find them in the Google Play Store and the App Store. They cover a range of safety issues, from securing your documents, information, and communications to getting help in medical or personal safety emergencies, to accessing practical tools like a flashlight or GPS system to help you find your way.

Here are the solo travel safety apps we recommend.

• Secure messaging to ensure your conversations and data remain private . Whether at home or away, we tend to share some of our most private, personal information in instant messaging apps. According to Dr. Todd Nesbitt, Dean of Communications and Media at the University of New York in Prague, this is the last place you want to take chances. “WhatsApp and Signal, along with many other messaging services, have one important thing in common: end-to-end encryption. But while Meta (formerly Facebook), the owner of WhatsApp, has a disgraceful history when it comes to protecting user data, the main reason for that abuse–commerce–is absent from the very DNA of Signal as it is owned by a non-profit foundation.” Signal is free, available for both Android and iPhone, can be used for instant messaging, voice and video calls, contains no ads or tracking technology, and protects your metadata.
• A password manager so you don't risk losing access to any of your important documents. A password manager is a tool that does the work of creating, remembering, and filling in passwords. We use LastPass . Simply log into an online account for the first time and LastPass will store your username and password so every time you go back your credentials will be filled in automatically. You'll only have to remember one password to have access to an unlimited number of them. Save a password once, and it’s instantly available on a single device type for free. You can upgrade to a premium account to use it across all of your devices.
• Simple step-by-step instructions guide you through everyday first aid scenarios
• Fully integrated with 911 so you can call EMS from the app at any time
• Videos and animations to help you sharpen your first aid skills
• Safety tips for everything, from severe winter weather to hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes help you prepare for emergencies
• Preloaded content means you have instant access to all safety information at anytime, even without reception or an Internet connection
• An app to locate free Wi-Fi wherever you are . Safety is not always an emergency situation. Use Instabridge to help you find free Wi-Fi to research or call for the help you need. Instabridge is the world’s largest Wi-Fi sharing community. With Instabridge, you get access to more than a million up-to-date Wi-Fi passwords and spots on your phone. As always, we recommend using a VPN whenever you're on Wi-Fi (see #9).
• insurance information
• primary doctor's name and number, with direct calling
• medical conditions
• medications
• any special instructions or other information you wish to provide
• A translation app to minimize miscommunication. A translation app can be really handy on a regular travel day and a lifesaver in an emergency. There are times when it is essential to be able to communicate effectively. Even if you can speak the local language, under stress you may lose the necessary words. Google Translate or a similar tool is essential.
• A way to contact emergency services at the touch of a button, wherever you are in the world. With Tripwhistle you can reach local fire, police, or ambulance services with one tap. It will also provide your coordinates to first responders. This app is only available for iPhones and I haven't yet found an equivalent for Android. However, if you can remember three numbers–112–this will connect you to local emergency services in many countries without the need for an app.
• A siren, whistle, or alarm that will scare off attackers and alert people to help you. Apps such as One Scream and Panic Button are alarms which will make loud noises to deter thieves or other unwanted individuals getting too close for comfort.
• A Virtual Private Network to ensure the safety of your personal information . While the safety apps above take care of your personal safety, a VPN takes care of your identity and security of your online activities when on Wi-Fi. This is especially important when doing anything that involves money or personal information. For detailed information and a discount on the VPN we personally use, read VPN for Travel: What, Why, How, and New Recommendations .
• Flashlight/Nightlight . We knew it as kids, the dark is not our friend. Having a flashlight of sorts comes in very handy in many situations.
• Compass . I have a pretty good sense of direction but I can still get turned around. I especially like a compass in my car.
• GPS . Whether you're driving or trying to find a restaurant around the corner, a GPS app like Google Maps or Waze can get you there.
• Weather . With extreme weather conditions becoming more common, it's worth checking the five-day forecast so that you can move out of areas if it's indicated.
• Find iPhone/Google Find My Device . Given that so much information is in your phone, it makes sense to have one of these apps to help you find it should it go missing.

Some of these solo travel safety apps are useful for everyday use at home. Certainly, I use LastPass, Signal, and StrongVPN every day. But it pays to download apps that will help you on the road, while you are at home and have time to familiarize yourself with how they work. That way, if you need them in a stressful moment, you will not have to waste time figuring out how to use them.

For more on cyber safety on the road, see our interviews with experts on cybersecurity and solo travel .

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Medea Giordano

The Best Personal Safety Devices, Apps, and Wearables

From a young age, women learn to be on defense. We repeat mantras to ourselves and each other: Try not to go places alone. Don't leave drinks unattended. Check your car's back seats and lock your doors after getting in. We're told that doing such normal activities as living alone, jogging, going on dates, and leaving the house could put us in harm's way.

To protect ourselves, WIRED staffers and friends I spoke to mentioned the same few methods, like walking with keys held between their fingers, carrying pepper spray on their keychains, or talking on the phone with a friend until they felt safe. It's not always a stranger lurking in the dark who poses the biggest threat; it's often the ones we love and live with who perpetrate the most harm . We can't make people be better, but as technology writers, the Gear team wondered whether there was something better, a way for all this tech we already carry with us—our phones, our smartwatches—to provide an assist. We don't want to live our lives in fear, but we do want to be safe and prepared.

This guide is long, with options for a lot of different scenarios and budgets. The most important advice is this: download the free Noonlight app , see what safety features your phone and watch already offer , and learn to use whatever method you go with before you're in an emergency . From there, we urge you to browse the rest of this guide for other options you might not have thought of.

Updated April 2024: We've included info about Apple's new Check In feature and added the Silvertree Reach bracelet. We've also updated prices and links throughout.

Medea Giordano is the lead reviewer for this guide. Louryn Strampe and Adrienne So also tested some devices and shared advice on products they already use.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

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Table of Contents

Before you buy anything …, safety features your phone already has, our favorite safety apps.

• Our Favorite Safety Devices and Wearables

Safety Features Already in Your Smartwatch

• More Safety Accessories We Like

The built-in safety features of the Apple Watch vary from model to model. Always get to know these features before you potentially need them.

Before you take the plunge and invest in one of these personal safety products or become entirely reliant on a piece of software, here are a few general guidelines to follow:

Matt Jancer

Boone Ashworth

David Nield

Scott Gilbertson

• Test it first. A complicated new device won’t do you any good if the first time you use it is during a tense or panicked situation. As soon as you unbox the product or install the app, you should go through test runs of setting off alarms, sending your location to a friend, or activating any kind of SOS feature in the product. If the product you’re using promises to connect you to emergency services, give this a dry run. (Most companies account for test runs. Just be sure to complete the call and communicate to the service that you're OK.)
• Make a plan. If you list certain friends or family members as emergency contacts within an app, give your friends a heads-up and make sure they also know what to do when they're alerted—go through a dry run with them too.
• Have it ready. Whatever type of product you're using, it will only work if it's quickly accessible. If you find yourself on a solo jog, walking home alone at night, or navigating a dark parking lot, have your device in hand. You won't always have time to dig through your bag. If it's a phone-connected device that requires Bluetooth, make sure it's on. Just to note, the promise of technology should not lull you into letting your guard down. Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Have options. For some communities, the police might not offer the best, fastest or most reliable protection. We’ve included suggestions below for apps and devices that will contact only your predetermined friends in an emergency, as well as an app that records interactions with police.
• And remember … Even the best product isn't foolproof. Your phone’s battery can die, or the phone could be stolen. Devices that rely on data or Wi-Fi signals are useless if you’re out of range. Location-tracking services can be used against you by abusive partners. Apps might store your location and contacts on their servers, which means you might be exchanging a bit of privacy to use some of them. Only share your location with people you absolutely trust not to use it against you, or who know you and your patterns well enough that they won't overreact and send police to your location when you're simply stuck in a meeting or taking a nap.

The apps that come preinstalled on your phone can be used to keep you safe.

Your smartphone has at least two built-in safety features that work without requiring you to download or buy anything extra: location sharing and emergency calling.

The obvious downside to relying on your smartphone is that if it dies or is shut off, you can’t make any phone calls or share your location with a trusted contact. So if you notice your battery is low, and you sense you might be in danger, you should quickly send your current location so your trusted contact has a starting point. If you’d rather not use continuous tracking, you could text a trusted friend a photo of the map you’re using, like if you’re going out for a solo hike; if you don’t arrive at your destination, friends or authorities can at least try to trace your steps.

To use these built-in safety features on your phone, follow these instructions:

• If you have an iPhone, you can share your location with other iPhone users by going to their contact card and selecting Send My Current Location or Share My Location. With the latter, you can choose a time frame: indefinitely, until the end of the day, or for one hour.
• iPhones also have an emergency call feature activated by holding down the power button and one of the volume buttons. You can slide the SOS slider for an instant call to 911 or keep holding down the buttons to start that call automatically after a five-second countdown.
• Apple introduced a Check In feature on iOS 17. You choose your ending location and/or time you plan to be there, and your selected contact is notified right in your text thread. Both users need to have the latest OS for it to work. We have a post on exactly how to use it , but the basics are this: Select the contact you want to share your trip with in your messages. Hit the “+” sign to the left of the text box, select More and then Check In. Then you'll choose between When I Arrive—which will share your destination and automatically update your estimated arrival time based on driving conditions or traffic—or After a Timer—which specifies a time period to check in rather than a location.
• It's easier to lay out exactly which features iPhones offer. Androids may have slightly different features depending on the type of phone you get. But if you have an Android phone from the past few years it should have some form of an emergency call system.
• Pretty much all smartphones now offer an emergency call feature from the lock screen, so you can call 911 without having to unlock your phone. Calls to 911 should also work on most smartphones if you don't have service or a SIM card, as long as you're close enough to a cellular signal, be it your own wireless carrier or another. It’s similar to how you can use a payphone to call 911 without feeding it any quarters.
• You can use Google Maps to share your location with friends by choosing Location Sharing under your account icon in the top right (on the iPhone app, you’ll find this in the menu in the top left).
• If you have a Pixel 4 or newer, a personal safety app is built-in to your phone. There, you'll find Safety Check . You specify what you're doing and how long it should take. After that time frame is up, you'll get an alert to check in and say you're OK within 60 seconds. If you don't, your assigned contacts are notified. You can also immediately alert 911 or your contacts instead of waiting for the timer if you're able to. There is also car crash detection and emergency SOS. For the latter, you don't need to use the app, but instead, press the power button five times to trigger a call. If your phone is older, or you have another type of Android, you can download this app , but mileage may vary.
• If you have a Samsung Galaxy , use the safety page within settings to set up emergency contacts to get SOS messages as well as optional video and audio recording that starts once you've triggered the alarm. It doesn't contact local authorities , however, so you'll need to set up a contact for your local emergency services if you want your SOS to signal help immediately.

You likely always have your phone on you. If you want something more than the built-in features, an app is the most convenient way to access help without fumbling over a separate device. Most of our favorites are also free.

Noonlight is dead simple to use and has free, $5, and $10 per month options.

The best safety apps are simple to use in a panicked situation, and Noonlight is as simple as it gets. All you have to do is press your finger on the onscreen button if you feel unsafe—I often use it while walking home but you can use it for any situation, like if someone knocks on your door. Once you're safe, release your finger and enter your PIN within 10 seconds. If you don’t enter your PIN, Noonlight first attempts to contact you over the phone, and if you don’t answer the call, the company then contacts local authorities, directing them to your location. Help is on the way in the critical moments when you may not be able to dial 911 and talk to an operator. Every person should have this app downloaded; the free version is more than enough for most users.

Noonlight is available for both iOS and Android . The iOS version has two additional free features that I like: Timeline and Safety Network. Your Timeline can be filled out with details about your activities, like who you're going on a date with and where; you can even add a photo of their dating profile. You can also indicate whether you’re doing anything differrent from your usual schedule, like house-sitting, working late, or traveling to a new location. If you activate the Noonlight button, your Timeline is sent to authorities along with your location.

When you add contacts to the app’s Safety Network, these people can check in on you and send local help to your last known location. Your contacts don't have to download the Noonlight app; they can access all of the relevant information on the company’s website.

If you subscribe for $5 or $10 a month, you can connect Noonlight to apps like Uber, Lyft, and Tinder (you'd be able to automatically add your date's profile to the Timeline mentioned above), or connect a voice assistant. The $5 tier also gets you access to the Apple Watch app, though I personally think that should be a free feature. Noonlight partners with some of the other options on this list, too, and works with Wyze, one of our favorite smart-home brands .

Strava is mostly used for logging cycling and running workouts, but it has some useful safety features.

Strava is a social network for workouts, used mostly to record long bike rides or runs, and it may be an app you already use. Strava has a helpful feature called Beacon that shares your real-time location with anyone you choose, along with what time you started your activity, how long you've been active, and your phone's battery percentage. If you set up a check-in time with your chosen friend, they'll know when it's time to get worried. They can then share your GPS map with the police. Beacon is now free on the mobile app (it used to be part of the premium version of Strava ), but you'll have to pay for a subscription if you want to use it on other connected devices, like your smartwatch.

Remember that if you have a public profile, other Strava users might able to see where you live. Strava has instructions on how to tweak your privacy settings , or you can start tracking your runs a few blocks away from your house.

Rescu lets you choose exactly the type of help you need, and it saves addresses so you can get help to your house even if you aren't there.

In addition to contacting police, Rescu includes options to get the fire department or an ambulance dispatched quickly so you don't have to worry about talking through an incident with an operator before the right team is alerted. It has another nice feature: You can send help to up to four saved addresses even if you aren't there—so if you're out of town and your security camera spots someone lurking around or there's an emergency at an elderly parent's house outside your area, you don't have to figure out exactly which department to call when you're already panicked.

There's no free tier here, but the brand has condensed its options into one $8.25 per month subscription. It includes your saves addresses plus the ability to send help to wherever you are, using GPS, and an unlimited amount of emergency contacts. And you can use calling, texting, or in-app chatting to talk to help if it's needed.

The app is automatically put in test mode for the first day after you download it, so you can get used to using all the features without actually calling anyone. If you want to refresh yourself or show someone else how to use it, you can put it back into test mode at any time from the main menu.

Sabre is best known for its paper spray and other safety devices. But the brand teaches safety , too, with certified instructors and programs available. It also has an app to get you help quickly if you need it.

The app is free if you want to only alert trusted contacts, or $5 a month to add police access (Sabre works in partnership with Noonlight for this). In the app, add your contact's name and number and all they have to do is verify it via a link they're texted; they don't have to download the app. On the homepage, you should see your location on a map and a red exclamation point at the bottom. Clicking that exclamation point takes you to your panic button. Once you press it, your trusted contact gets a link to your location. If you've paid for the subscription, it also alerts authorities to that location. From there, you can mark yourself safe or state it was a false alarm—both need a pin number to confirm, and your contact will be alerted of that status as well (though they can still view your location).

Sabre's Personal Safety app can be used alone or paired with its smart pepper spray , alerting your contacts or local authorities when it's been deployed. But as we said earlier, laws are complicated, and pepper spray isn't the best choice for everyone or every situation. Pepper gel is also typically a better choice, because there's less chance of it blowing back into your eyes. (If you do get it, please utilize the practice canister.)

Mobile Justice can be used to record your interactions with law enforcement or to record any police interactions you're witness to.

Defaulting to apps that promise to “contact the authorities” when you’re in danger assumes a certain amount of privilege: It means your experience is such that you believe the authorities will protect you, not hurt you. But as we know, that is not everyone’s experience. For many Americans—particularly Black Americans—there’s a very real risk of being harmed by police, even if they're the ones who call and need help.

That’s where an app like Mobile Justice may be helpful. The app records your interaction with police, streaming the video to your chosen contacts and your local ACLU chapter. If you feel your rights have been violated during the interaction, you can then fill out an incident report for the ACLU with the location information, name of the police agency involved, and a detailed explanation of what happened. You’ll need cell service or Wi-Fi for the app to work, but you can record on your phone and send an incident report later if needed. The Mobile Justice app isn’t just for people who are being pulled over or treated with unnecessary force; others can use the app to record incidents they witness.

We know this isn't a perfect solution and that even capturing concrete video evidence doesn’t mean a citizen is protected or that justice will be served if harm is done. But you are well within your rights to record interactions with law enforcement. As is outlined in the rights section of the app, officers cannot view or delete footage or confiscate your phone without a warrant; and demanding that you stop recording violates your First Amendment rights. Third parties can legally record interactions with police and someone else, as long as they are not interfering with what’s happening or obstructing officers’ movements.

There's more helpful information within the app about your rights in different situations, whether you’re being stopped by the police or participating in a protest, as well as alerts from your local ACLU.

The InvisaWear wearables below work with ADT, but the home security company has a standalone app too. The free tier gets you an SOS button, where you can activate an alert—if ADT can't reach you by phone, it’ll send help and alert your chosen contacts. There's also an SOS chat option available. Both of these get you to help without anyone near you knowing, so if you're in a weird situation, no one would think you're doing anything but texting. Or, if you have to hide for any reason, you can tell someone what's going on silently—just remember to turn your phone volume down. Also part of the free version is location tracking with trusted contacts, like some of our other recommendations offer.

If you subscribe to the Plus plan at $4.17 per month, you'll also get SOS video (this could be used as evidence, if it comes to that), a timed tracking feature for ADT and your contacts to track your location during a situation you feel could be dicey, and the option to trigger a silent alarm with a secret code phrase. A premium plan for $8.33 a month includes roadside assistance and crash detection.

There are tons of safety apps, including two additional ones we've looked into. We recommend trying a few to see what works best for you, and like everything else on this list, play around with the app so you know exactly how it works when you need it.

• Just N' Case (available on the App Store ) uses a panic button or selected phrase to alert your chosen contacts of your location. It does not contact police. Those main features are free, or you can add an automated call to your contacts for 99 cents a month. You can open it when you need it, like I do with Noonlight, or keep it running in the background so you can yell your phrase at a moment's notice. If you enable sound, setting it off also starts an alarm. That could be good if something is happening to you in public and you want people around you to pay attention, but if you're trying to be discreet, you'll want to turn this off. It is not available for Android phones.
• We tried SafeUP which is now Soli (available on App Store or Google Play ). It was an app for connecting you to local women, called guardians, when you're in need. It has now expanded on that and has become more of a sisterhood app than just a safety one. We'll test this new app soon.

Our Favorite Safety Devices

There are times when you simply can't, or don't want to, have your phone open in your hands, and that's where a panic button comes in handy. We've tried keychains and buttons hidden in jewelry.

Arlo's Safe Buttons are small and mostly unassuming, adding little weight to your keys. You'll need to connect it to the Arlo Safe app (available on the App Store or Google Play ) but once set up you can use it without taking out your phone. If you're in an uncomfortable situation and this is already in your hand, you can press the button without anyone knowing.

It works similarly to Noonlight. Hold down the button—or the onscreen button in the app—if you feel uneasy, releasing it when you're either safe or need help. Enter your PIN within 10 seconds to deactivate or don't to prompt a text and call within a few seconds of each other. Without a subscription, your chosen contacts will be alerted of your location via GPS tracking, but with a subscription you can contact police and unlock other services too, like tracking and check-ins. You can get two buttons bundles with one year of a family plan. After that, subscriptions cost $5 per month for an individual plan, $10 for a family plan, and $25 per month for the total Safe and Secure Plan which includes camera monitoring if you also use its security cams .

There's a clip to attach it to your clothes, and it seems pretty secure for walking, but runners may want more dependability. I recommend using the key ring to attach the button to a hair tie around your wrist, then use the clip to secure it so it doesn't bounce around—I used to do this with my dorm key in college to avoid losing it or needing a bag. You'll need to have Bluetooth turned on, and the device must be close to your phone for it to work, like the other devices here.

Photograph: Plegium

Plegium's buttons are affordable and small little keychains, at just about an inch in diameter. The button part is actually two teeny blue buttons, one on each side of the circle. Hold them down for a few seconds, and once the green light flashes, a text and automated phone call are sent to your chosen contacts. If you don't pay for a subscription, they'll get the location where the button was activated. That gives them at least a place to start if something terrible happens. For live tracking and connection to authorities, you'll need to pay for the $7.45-a-month subscription.

The brand also has two sizes of pepper spray that, when sprayed, alert your contacts the same way the button does. Like I mention in the Sabre section, I prefer the option to use pepper gel, because there's less blowback on you.

I’ve tested around half a dozen or so safety-specific wearables over the past few years, and the Flare bracelet stood out. For one, it actually looks like a bracelet, not a tracking device. Flares come in beaded, leather, or cuffed designs, with a few options for metal finishes. Its design hides an SOS button that you'd really have to be searching for to find—whoever you're trying to get away from won't know you've set anything off. Press the button once if you’d like to receive a fake phone call, the type of which you determine in the app (available on the App Store ), like a roommate who needs you or a partner checking in. It comes from a real number that the app prompts you to save in your contacts, adding a fake name that gets displayed when the phone rings.

That aforementioned feature is helpful if someone is simply being a nuisance, but when you’re in a dangerous situation where a fake call isn’t enough, hold down the button to send a message and your location to your selected contacts and/or police. Flare has also established a partnership with Noonlight, so you can set up the Flare device (through the app) to call 911 when you hold the button down. You'll get a text and call immediately, and if you can't answer, your location is shared with first responders in your area. If you set it off accidentally and want to cancel, the operator will ask for personal identifiers, like the spelling of your last name and phone number, so they know it's really you.

The pricing and subscription models have changed a few times, but as of this writing the $149 fee includes a membership. The battery should last one year and it isn't rechargeable, which the company says was an intentional design choice to avoid any frustration with having to constantly recharge the thing. But the bracelet is guaranteed to last one year and depending on usage could last as long as two years. You'll be notified when it's dying. After that, you'll have to purchase an entirely new bracelet for another $98. Flare is currently only available for iPhone users. Like any other tracking device, it has to be connected to a phone, so you couldn't put this on a child and send them to school, for example.

Note: The company picks five people each month who are in need to receive a free bracelet. You can nominate yourself or someone you know here .

If you like the idea of Flare but have an Android phone, or simply don’t wear bracelets, then you might want to consider InvisaWear products, which are backed by the home security company ADT. The InvisaWear lineup includes a wide range of products like keychains , bracelets , and necklaces . Like Flare, these products are mostly designed to blend in with the rest of your wardrobe. As with Flare, it uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone via its app (available on the App Store or Google Play ).

I tried the InvisaWear keychain, bracelet, and necklace, all of which are designed around a pretty circular charm. On the back of the charm is a button that sends an alert and your location to local authorities and/or preselected contacts, depending on the settings you choose.

When we first tried this, getting in touch with 911 was free, but now everything requires a $20 per month subscription. That also includes features that could be useful, like in-app chats when you can't be on the phone, access to 24/7 calls with an ADT agent for any reason if you just want to be on the phone until you're safe inside, a voice-activation phrase to set it off if you can't get to the button, and even virtual self-defense classes. As with the Flare, the battery isn't rechargeable, so after a year or two you'll need to replace the button at a discounted $99 fee—the app will alert you when it's time to replace it. Once a month, the company sends out an email reminding you to place a test call to make sure it's working properly. (To do this, open the app's menu then select “Place Test Alert.”)

★ Something to consider: A friend of mine has an InvisaWear and she's experienced problems with it not sending alerts when it needed to, and sending alerts when it didn't need to, like when she put it on. We didn't experience this in our limited testing, but it's a problem to keep in mind. Test it often, replace it when it needs to be replaced, and if you experience this issue, contact the company right away.

Note: There's a 5 percent discount for students .

Photograph: Silvertree

The Silvertree Reach is a bracelet with an easy-to-use button to activate an SOS, as well as fall detection. It's a similar idea to Life Alert, probably best reserved for an elderly family member or anyone without a smartphone. Someone needs to use the app (available on the App Store and Google Play ) to set it up, but once that is done it works without being near a phone. You have to pay a subscription of either $25 a month or $240 annually.

Pressing the button notifies your “Care Team” who have the chance to intervene before emergency services are called. Your Care Team must have a phone in order to get alerts. One press activates an SOS and another press is supposed to cancel it, but I had a few test runs that I couldn't cancel without using the app. If you're giving it to someone without a smartphone, test it out a few times with them to make sure it's working properly.

If you already own a wrist wearable like an Apple Watch or Garmin fitness tracker, you might not want to spend your money on yet another gadget. Or maybe you'd prefer something that's more multi-use than a wearable SOS button. The good news is that some popular smartwatch models have safety features built in.

• Apple Watch SOS: As on an iPhone, you can make an SOS call to local emergency services via your Apple Watch by pressing the side button until the SOS slider appears on the screen. From there, you can manually drag the slider or keep holding the button until it counts down for five seconds and then automatically activates the call. Your designated emergency contacts are also notified via text message with your location.
• Garmin Watch Assistance: Most Garmin models—sell all our favorites here —have an assistance feature that will send your location to your predetermined contacts if activated, similar to the Flare and InvisaWear jewelry. There is also “incident detection,” which automatically sends your location to those contacts when the device detects a fall or other serious accident, like a bike crash.

WIRED senior associate editor Adrienne So tried testing the incident detection feature with her Garmin Venu 2S and couldn't get it to activate after a fake fall, so we can't say for sure how well this would work during an actual incident. Still, So says she feels generally much safer on runs, thanks to her Garmin’s location tracking. Like most of these wearables (except for Apple Watch, which you can set up a separate cellular plan for), your phone will have to be with you for this to work. And of course, you'll have to make sure you activate these safety features first.

More Safety Accessories

If you’re a frequent camper or hiker, or are otherwise away from cell service often, most of the products here aren’t going to help you in an emergency. That’s where a satellite messenger comes in.

We have a guide with a few picks for different situations . The Spot X is old-school and doesn't work if you're crossing the ocean. But its two-way texting, mapping, and tracking work independently, so if your phone is dead, broken, or MIA, this thing will work. We really love the Garmin inReach Mini , but it's now discontinued and only available used.

I've talked to several self-defense teachers over the years who always recommend flashlights as personal safety devices—yes, more than mace or a pocket knife. A flashlight obviously lights your way while you walk in the dark, which might help you see someone otherwise cloaked by darkness, but there are two other reasons why these work. Putting a flashlight up to someone's eyes will disorient them, hopefully long enough to let you get away. I'm nearly blinded by an iPhone's camera flash, so imagine thousands of lumens directly to your eyeballs. If it was truly a kind stranger asking for directions and not a threat, you didn't actually harm them, and you'll be far away before you know any different. (Sorry, stranger.)

If that fails, you can use it to, frankly, hit them. A hunk of metal to the face will hurt worse than your fist, and won't hurt you in the process. Get a good swing and run. Of course, though, like any weapon, it can be taken from you and used against you, so keep that in mind.

Infinity X1 flashlights are bright. I tried the 4,000-lumen one that lit up the room brighter than my actual lights do. That one is out of stock as of this writing, but an even brighter 5,000-lumen light is also available. Both have two cores, one that holds the batteries and one that's rechargeable. It can also charge your phone, so it's not bad to keep on hand for emergencies anyway. It's heavy and long, which is good if you need to swing it, but it won't be easy to stow in your purse.

★ Cheaper options: Any flashlight with some heft will do, and there are a few others we really like. WIRED writer Matt Jancer recommends the 350-lumen Fenix E20 V2 ($45) in his Guide to Creating a Home Emergency Kit . It's compact, so it shouldn't be too annoying to throw in your bag, but it's still constructed of tough metal. For even less, writer Louryn Strampe recommends the 900-lumen Anker Rechargeable Bolder ($34) , which even has a strobe function. It's a lot smaller, but it will still pack a harder punch than a lone fist.

How We Tested

We tested built-in smartphone functions, third-party apps, internet-connected jewelry, and other personal safety devices designed to get you in contact with help when you need it. We set off panic buttons where applicable and talked to responders, or went through training exercises provided by the companies. Most of the products are capable of signaling your need for help without requiring you to speak to anyone, so you don't have to dial a number or voice your concern aloud when it would be unsafe for you to do so.

None of these products provides a comprehensive solution for every scenario, but they each offer some form of protection. In some localities, it's illegal to carry a concealed weapon like a knife or even pepper spray, and using those things can put you in further danger. So the methods we highlight here are an alternative to brandishing a weapon.

We approached our testing with inclusivity in mind, acknowledging that different groups may have different personal safety needs or feel vulnerable in situations where others don’t. While we think women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community would benefit from some of these products the most, cisgender straight men are also at risk of violence, even if they don’t hear the same warnings we do. Most of this advice focuses on one-on-one violence, but mass shootings are also a fear that Americans are constantly battling. These things might help get you in contact with help quicker, but they haven't been tested for that sort of chaos.

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• Travel Tips

10 Must-Download Personal Safety Apps For Solo Travelers

• 4 minute read

• June 12, 2023

Solo travel can be an exhilarating and empowering experience, but it’s important to prioritize personal safety while exploring new destinations. Thankfully, in this digital age, there are numerous mobile apps specifically designed to enhance the safety and security of solo travelers.

These apps offer a range of features and benefits, from emergency SOS alerts to location tracking and safety guides. In this article, we will introduce you to 10 must-download personal safety apps that can provide you with peace of mind during your solo adventures.

“If you are looking for the best hotel and flight deals for your next vacation, then we recommend booking your bundled flight and hotel through hotwire.com . “

TripWhistle Global SOS

TripWhistle Global SOS is a comprehensive personal safety app that offers a wide range of features to ensure your safety while traveling alone. This app allows you to access emergency services and contact local authorities with just a few taps.

It provides real-time safety alerts, offers a built-in SOS button, and enables you to share your location with trusted contacts. With TripWhistle Global SOS, you can navigate unfamiliar destinations with confidence, knowing that help is just a touch away.

bSafe is a popular personal safety app that utilizes cutting-edge technology to keep solo travelers safe. One of its notable features is the “Follow Me” function, which allows your trusted contacts to track your location in real time. In case of an emergency, you can activate the SOS alarm, which sends an alert to your chosen contacts along with your location details. bSafe also offers a “Fake Call” feature, providing an added layer of security in uncomfortable situations.

SafeTrek is an app specifically designed to address personal safety concerns. With SafeTrek, you can arm the app and hold your thumb on the screen’s sensor while walking alone in potentially unsafe areas.

If you release your thumb without entering your unique PIN, the app automatically contacts emergency services and shares your location. This discreet feature ensures that help is on the way without drawing attention to yourself.

TripLingo is more than just a language learning app; it also offers several personal safety features. This app provides access to safety phrasebooks, which can be useful in communicating with locals during emergencies or uncomfortable situations.

Additionally, TripLingo offers a “Culture Crash Course” that provides essential safety tips and cultural insights specific to your destination. This app is a valuable companion for solo travelers looking to bridge language and cultural barriers.

GeoSure is a reliable app that provides real-time safety scores for various locations worldwide. The app utilizes advanced algorithms and crowd-sourced data to assess the safety of a specific area.

With GeoSure, you can check the safety rating of your destination before arrival, and it also offers neighborhood-specific safety information. This app empowers solo travelers with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their safety.

   Watch Over Me

Watch Over Me is an app that offers a unique approach to personal safety. With this app, you can set a timer and select emergency contacts who will be notified if you do not check in within the specified time frame.

Watch Over Me uses your phone’s sensors to detect if you fall or experience a sudden change in movement, triggering an alert to your emergency contacts. It’s a useful app for solo travelers engaging in outdoor activities or exploring remote areas.

Circle of 6

Circle of 6 is an app designed with social safety in mind. It allows you to select six trusted contacts who can be reached instantly in case of an emergency. With just two taps on the screen, you can send a pre-programmed message to your selected contacts, informing them of your location and requesting assistance. Circle of 6 is an excellent app for solo travelers who want to maintain close connections with their trusted network while on the go.

While not specifically designed for personal safety, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft offer valuable safety features for solo travelers. These apps allow you to book a ride with a few taps on your smartphone, eliminating the need to rely on public transportation or walk alone at night. Additionally, ride-hailing services provide a digital trail of your journey, ensuring that your whereabouts are known.

RedZone Map

RedZone Map is a comprehensive safety app that provides real-time crime data and alerts for various locations. This app utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze crime statistics, giving you valuable insights into the safety of your surroundings. With RedZone Map, you can plan your routes wisely, avoiding high-crime areas and ensuring a safer solo travel experience.

Sitata is a travel safety app that offers a range of features to keep solo travelers informed and prepared. The app provides real-time travel advisories, health risks, and safety alerts specific to your destination.

Sitata also offers a “Check-In” feature that allows you to share your location with your trusted contacts, giving them peace of mind about your safety. With Sitata, you can stay informed and make informed decisions to ensure a smooth and secure solo travel experience.

As a solo traveler, your personal safety should always be a top priority. Fortunately, with the advancement of mobile technology, there are numerous personal safety apps available to assist you during your solo adventures.

From emergency SOS alerts and location tracking to safety guides and real-time crime data, these apps offer valuable features to enhance your safety and provide peace of mind. Downloading and utilizing the recommended apps can significantly contribute to a safer and more enjoyable solo travel experience.

How much did you like Our detailed  15 Tips for Solo Camping and Hiking for Women ?  Review Also, please share these  Blogs  with your friends on social media.

Related Article –

• Best & Safest Places for Solo Female
• 20 Must Need to know Safety Tips for solo female
• Best Adventure Activities for Solo Female Travelers
• 20 Reasons Why Women Travel Solo
• Solo Camping and Hiking for Women

Safety Apps For Solo Travelers FAQs

 are these personal safety apps available for both android and ios devices.

Yes, most of these apps are available for both Android and iOS devices. Make sure to check the app stores for compatibility with your specific device.

 Do these apps require an internet connection to function?

While some features may require an internet connection, many personal safety apps offer offline functionality for basic features like emergency alerts and location sharing.

 Are these apps free to download and use?

Some of the apps mentioned in this article are free to download and offer basic features at no cost. However, they may also provide premium subscriptions or in-app purchases for advanced features.

Can I use multiple personal safety apps simultaneously?

Yes, you can use multiple personal safety apps simultaneously to leverage their respective features and enhance your overall safety.

Do these apps replace the need for travel insurance?

No, personal safety apps are complementary tools that enhance your safety while traveling. It’s still crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.

Meet David Hoper, a passionate travel Blog writer with 7+ years of experience in travel content. Through his exemplary storytelling and engaging narratives, he shares his experiences and brings destinations to life. With a keen eye for detail and a love for exploration, he has cultivated a diverse portfolio of travel blogs that inspire and inform readers worldwide.

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Travel-Safe makes it easy to avoid danger zones in bad neighborhoods while driving. Integrated GPS Maps displays the safest navigation routes and keep drivers out of shady areas and harms way. Download Travel-Safe now and travel safe.

Version 1.1

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Improve Performance

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Amazing app.

Travel Safe is perfect for finding the safest route to your destination.

App Privacy

The developer, Mobile App Fund , has not provided details about its privacy practices and handling of data to Apple. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

No Details Provided

The developer will be required to provide privacy details when they submit their next app update.

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English, Catalan, Simplified Chinese, Swedish, Vietnamese

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Watch the video below to see TravelSafely™ in action.

With TravelSafely you can get where you’re going faster, and safer. Join us and together we’ll save lives and improve traffic.

The Traffic Revolution is Here.

TravelSafely is a new smartphone application that uses cutting edge technology to make the promise of connected vehicles a reality. Get connected and harness the power of smart cities and the TravelSafely community.

Get Ready for Green.

With TravelSafely you’ll be connected to city infrastructure, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The app provides audible warnings so you are aware of dangerous traffic situations while keeping your eyes on the road.

A Community Committed to Safety.

Glance TravelSafely is more than an app. It’s a community of likeminded citizens who are committed to making the roads safer. We’re looking for early adopters who would be willing to provide constructive feedback during beta testing. Your help plays a crucial part in our goal to save lives and improve traffic.

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Want to learn more about how the TravelSafely system works? We’ve got you covered. Click to see how we bring smart cities and citizens together and view videos of the application in action.

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OZZI Global Safety

Safety should be easy …so should insurance

Our advanced AI helps you avoid risks in real-time and our insurance plans protect you worldwide.

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Travel insurance, more time & peace of mind, avoiding life's detours takes time and a lot of work..

Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can be dangerous. If you need help in an emergency, it can be expensive and first responder shortages can lead to unacceptable delays.

We make it easier to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Ai powered safety app, real-time safety alerts, global panic button, global travel insurance, trip protection, medical & evacuation, multi-trip annual plans.

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Exploring new places or just going about your day-to-day activities gets a whole lot safer with the OZZI Global Safety App . This smart app, powered by artificial intelligence, is designed for everyone – whether you’re traveling for business, enjoying family vacations, or making your way around your hometown. OZZI steps in to enhance public safety operations and help tackle staffing shortages, making it an essential companion for staying informed and safe. With its treasure trove of features like real-time safety updates, personalized tips, and exclusive safety maps, staying on top of your safety game becomes second nature. Plus, it’s free on both Android and iOS , making it easily accessible for your adventures or daily routines.

Pairing OZZI with our comprehensive travel insurance brings you a step closer to worry-free travels. While OZZI keeps you informed and alert with its cutting-edge features, our travel insurance covers you from those unexpected moments, from trip cancellations to medical emergencies. This combo means you’re not just planning trips but also weaving in a safety net that lets you navigate new experiences with confidence. Whether it’s a quick city getaway or a long-haul journey, having OZZI and our travel insurance by your side is like having a knowledgeable friend who’s always got your back, ensuring you have all the info and protection you need to enjoy your travels fully.

Ready to elevate your travel safety? Download the OZZI app today and explore our travel insurance options to find the perfect fit for your next adventure. Together, let’s make every journey safer and more enjoyable.

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Claire's Tips

Travel safety apps.

Travel safety is definitely on the forefront of many people’s minds, and unfortunately, no matter how carefully you prepare, emergencies can happen abroad and at home. These 6 apps, can help you prepare for the worst case scenarios and could possibly even wind up saving your life abroad.

First is Real Alert. This app is ideal for emergency situations or anytime you feel your safety is threatened. It provides quick access to emergency services and directs you to the closest hospital. You can also ward off an attacker with a quick tap alarm built into the app.

Next, In Case of Emergency or “ICE” is an app that stores important information for first responders and hospital staff to use in case of emergency. It stores a list of people to call like Insurance information, doctor information, allergies, medical conditions, medications and any special instructions or other information you wish to provide. The app even works when the phone is locked and translates the information into 7 different languages.

Download Smart Traveler and you’ll be kept in the loop about travel alerts and warnings. There’s also a great “Know Before You Go” section that will tell you what the entry and exit requirements are, local laws, and even where the nearest Canadian embassy is located. Very handy.

Next is Help Call. Sure, we know to call 911 in case of an emergency at home, but what number do you dial abroad? The Help Call app will automatically detect your location, and then you can simply press one button to be connected to the local police, fire, or ambulance.

Have you ever found yourself in a pharmacy on vacation, trying to act out the symptoms of a sore throat or upset stomach because you don’t speak the language? Well you can avoid this embarrassing mime game by downloading mPassport. This app that will find the local brand equivalent of a medicine that you’re looking for, translate medical terms and phrases, and help you find a doctor, dentist, hospital, or pharmacy nearby. You can even use the app to schedule a doctor’s appointment! Finally, how about ensuring the security of your home or office while you’re traveling? Well with the app Alarm.com, you can arm or disarm your home or business security system with just a touch on your phone, from practically anywhere in the world.

So there you have it, some very cool apps that will help keep you and your loved ones stay safe when traveling.

Happy Travels!

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Green Globetrotting – 12 Must-Have Sustainable Travel Apps for Conscious Adventurers

Posted: February 28, 2024 | Last updated: February 28, 2024

In a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, sustainable travel is not just a trend but a necessity. As eco-conscious travelers, you have the power to make a positive impact on the planet while exploring it. This guide delves into a selection of innovative, sustainable travel apps essential for the modern, environmentally-minded wanderer. From carbon footprint trackers to eco-friendly accommodation finders, these apps are your digital companions in making travel choices that align with your green ethos.

1. Good on You

Good on You is an indispensable tool for fashion-conscious travelers prioritizing sustainability. This app offers comprehensive ethical ratings for over 2,000 fashion brands, focusing on their impact on the environment, labor rights, and animal welfare.

Whether you need a new backpack for hiking or a comfortable pair of shoes for city walks, Good on You helps you make informed choices that align with your eco-friendly ethos.

The app also features tips on sustainable fashion. It highlights ethical brands, making it easier for you to find stylish and responsible attire. It’s a great way to ensure your travel wardrobe doesn’t come at the cost of the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Use the app to discover local, sustainable brands in your travel destination, supporting local businesses and reducing your carbon footprint.

2. Eco Companion

Eco Companion transforms how you plan your trips, focusing on eco-tourism and sustainable accommodations. This app curates a selection of the world’s most environmentally responsible eco-tours and lodgings, emphasizing wildlife and conservation experiences. It offers an in-depth look into each option’s sustainability efforts, from energy efficiency to community engagement.

This ensures that your travel choices minimize negative environmental impact and actively contribute to conservation and local well-being. With Eco Companion, you’re not just traveling but making a difference.

Insider’s Tip: Look for experiences that include interaction with local conservation experts to better understand the area’s ecological initiatives.

3. Green Globe

Green Globe is your digital guide for finding sustainable travel options worldwide. This app lists hotels, attractions, and even conference centers that adhere to rigorous sustainability criteria. Each listing includes detailed sustainability profiles and reports, making choosing accommodations and activities that meet your green standards easy.

Whether you’re looking for a sustainable city hotel or an eco-friendly beach resort, Green Globe helps you make travel choices that are responsible, ethical, and environmentally sound.

Insider’s Tip: Use the app’s map feature to find certified sustainable stays near your destination, ensuring convenience without compromising your green standards.

Almond is an app for the environmentally conscious traveler looking to understand and mitigate their carbon footprint. This innovative app lets you scan product barcodes to reveal their carbon footprint, suggesting more sustainable alternatives.

It also rewards your eco-friendly choices with “conscious coins,” which can be used for future sustainable purchases or donated to environmental causes. Almond is a tool that empowers you to make travel choices that are better for the planet, from the food you eat to the products you use.

Insider’s Tip: Use Almond to scan food and drink products while traveling, helping you make more eco-friendly choices.

5. HappyCow

HappyCow is a lifesaver for vegan and vegetarian travelers, offering a worldwide comprehensive directory of plant-based dining options. Adopting a plant-based diet significantly reduces your environmental impact, and HappyCow makes it convenient, even in unfamiliar places.

With its extensive database of vegan, vegetarian, and veg-friendly restaurants, complete with user reviews and ratings, finding sustainable and delicious dining options has never been easier.

Insider’s Tip: Use HappyCow’s trip planning feature to create a list of must-visit eateries in your destination.

OLIO connects you with local communities to share surplus food, reducing waste and fostering a sense of connection. This app is perfect for travelers who want to minimize food waste while traveling.

Whether staying in self-catering accommodations or simply having excess food, OLIO allows you to share it with others rather than letting it go to waste. It’s a great way to experience local cuisine, meet locals, and contribute positively to the community you’re visiting.

Insider’s Tip: If staying in a self-catering accommodation, use OLIO to source local ingredients and reduce food waste during your stay.

7. Litterati

Litterati is an app that tackles global littering in a creative and community-driven way. As a traveler, you can contribute to keeping the destinations you visit clean and pristine by using the app to photograph, tag, and dispose of litter.

It turns environmental responsibility into a fun and engaging activity, allowing you to be part of a global effort to clean up our planet. This app helps improve the places you visit and fosters a sense of global community and shared responsibility for our environment.

Insider’s Tip: Join or organize a litter clean-up in your travel destination through the app, making a tangible difference in the local environment.

8. Ecosia Travel

Ecosia Travel extends the tree-planting mission of the Ecosia search engine to your hotel bookings. Most of the commission is directed towards global reforestation projects when you use this platform to book your stay. It’s an effortless yet impactful way to ensure that your travel accommodations contribute to crucial environmental efforts.

By choosing Ecosia Travel, your journey supports the planting of trees around the world, aiding in carbon absorption and ecosystem restoration.

Insider’s Tip: Use Ecosia as your primary search engine while planning your trip to maximize your contribution to their tree-planting initiative.

9. MyClimate

MyClimate is a comprehensive app for calculating and offsetting your carbon footprint. This tool allows you to measure the environmental impact of your flights, car travel, and daily activities. MyClimate offers a transparent and effective way to mitigate your travel impact by providing options to contribute to climate protection projects.

It’s an essential app for those committed to responsible travel, ensuring that your adventures don’t come at the planet’s expense.

Insider’s Tip: Regularly track your carbon footprint during your trip to stay conscious of your environmental impact and offset accordingly.

10. Water-Refill Stations

The Water-Refill Stations app is a game-changer for reducing single-use plastic during your travels. It helps you locate nearby water refill stations, allowing you to refill your reusable bottle easily.

This is particularly useful in destinations where tap water isn’t potable. By using this app, you contribute to lessening plastic pollution and promoting a culture of sustainability in the places you visit.

Insider’s Tip: Carry a collapsible water bottle to save space in your luggage and refill it at these stations.

11. REI Co-op National Parks Guide

The REI Co-op National Parks Guide is an indispensable tool for the eco-conscious explorer venturing into the U.S. national parks. This comprehensive app offers detailed maps, trail information, and sustainability tips for visiting these natural wonders.

It ensures that your natural adventures are respectful and informed, helping you enjoy the parks responsibly while minimizing your environmental impact.

Insider’s Tip: Utilize the app’s offline feature to access park information without needing mobile data or Wi-Fi. 12.

JouleBug is an interactive app that makes sustainable living fun and engaging, even when you’re traveling. It turns eco-friendly actions into a game where you can earn badges and compete with friends for being the most environmentally conscious.

The app includes challenges for energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable habits, perfect for travelers who want to maintain their green lifestyle. JouleBug also offers tips and how-to videos, making it easier to adopt sustainable practices in your daily routine, no matter where you are in the world.

Insider’s Tip: Participate in community challenges on JouleBug to connect with other eco-conscious travelers and locals, sharing tips and experiences.

The Bottom Line

As an eco-conscious traveler, these sustainable travel apps are your allies in making responsible choices. They empower you to make a positive impact through ethical fashion choices with Good on You, eco-friendly accommodation bookings with Ecosia Travel, or contributing to local communities with OLIO.

Remember, sustainable travel is about more than just seeing the world; it’s about leaving it better than you found it. Let these apps guide you towards a more conscious and responsible way of exploring, ensuring that your adventures today contribute to a greener and more sustainable world tomorrow.

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The post Green Globetrotting – 12 Must-Have Sustainable Travel Apps for Conscious Adventurers republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / GaudiLab.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Another Boeing plane issue? Don't fall for the headlines. | Cruising Altitude

Not all issues involving Boeings are created equal. 

Boeing has been in the news a lot lately, and that’s partly because of me. As an aviation reporter, it’s my job to follow what’s going on at the company and update the public about any important developments. Where it gets a little muddier, though, is when some incident involves a Boeing airplane that is not specifically a Boeing Issue (caps intentional).

As a result of some very high-profile and serious safety incidents, Boeing is rightfully under a microscope now. But just because there’s a news appetite for it doesn’t mean that Boeing is responsible for everything that goes on with its aircraft once they leave the factory floor. 

At a time when people are thinking about the planes they fly on more than usual, it can be hard to highlight relevant information without misleading readers into thinking there’s more malfeasance than there actually is.

It’s a newsroom conversation every time we see Boeing bubbling in news trends. My job is to hold Boeing accountable without fearmongering.

Aviation professionals agree that while Boeing and its practices deserve scrutiny, you should still feel all right flying on its planes.

So, let’s try to cut through the noise.

What’s wrong with Boeing?

“There are genuine worries about Boeing in terms of its performance as a company, its safety culture, its manufacturing culture,” Jon Ostrower, editor-in-chief of The Air Current , told me. 

It’s hard to boil down the problems at Boeing because they didn’t happen overnight. They’re systemic and the result of a series of small changes and corporate decisions over decades that de-emphasized engineering excellence and safety and put extra importance on shareholder returns. But that’s not the only thing.

“During COVID we had a lot of retirements that happened both on the pilot front and the mechanic front, and there was a lot of senior expertise that left,” Laurie Garrow, a civil engineering professor specializing in aviation at Georgia Tech, told me. “The senior expertise probably provided a series of checks and balances that are being relearned and reinstitutionalized in some companies.” 

Garrow is on a consulting contract with Boeing on unrelated issues. She said her perspective applies to not just Boeing but the aviation industry as a whole.

According to Ostrower, Boeing needs to change its corporate culture to emerge from the current shadow.

“Boeing’s behavior in terms of the design of the 737 Max is an aberration in an otherwise phenomenally safe system,” he said. “They need to put themselves back together, and I mean that quite literally. There has been an internal breakup of the company over decades that has fractured their workforce, both the engineers and the machinists, spiritually and geographically.”

Boeing is, of course, under investigation by federal regulators as a result of these issues. It’s unclear what the outcome of those investigations will be, but it seems likely that some internal company changes will be required. 

What airplane issues is Boeing responsible for?

“What’s going on at Boeing is distinctly separate from the types of issues that happen in service, that by the way, would largely go unnoticed or unreported on if it wasn’t what happened on Alaska 1282,” Ostrower said.

Said another way: A Boeing plane can be involved in an incident that has nothing to do with Boeing itself.

“There is a pile-on fixation that happens in the broader media landscape,” Ostrower said. “That is a function of how people are feeling about their confidence in Boeing, but it fundamentally is not related to anything that’s been going on at Boeing.” 

Garrow pointed out that aviation is extremely safe overall and has only gotten safer over time.

“A lot of the safety features have redundancy. A lot of the kinks have been worked out,” she said. “Not every aircraft flies perfectly, there are maintenance issues that happen, but they are getting increased scrutiny right now.” 

Of course, Boeing is responsible for manufacturing defects like the missing bolts that led to the Alaska Airlines explosive decompression earlier this year. But as an airframer, Boeing doesn’t manufacture things like engines – those are supplied by other companies – or place the tires on planes that have been in service for many years. Once an aircraft is away from the factory, airlines largely take over its maintenance.

“If a flight is delayed because of a problem, it’s because someone has noticed it and it’s being addressed,” Ostrower said. 

That’s the system working.

“These are incredibly complex machines, and they run at a reliability level that is truly extraordinary,” Ostrower added. “There are levels of redundancy. You can defer maintenance items in a safe and well-understood way. … 'This component wasn’t active on my airplane, and that’s fine, you can operate safely with that, it’s approved to do that.'”

What is an emergency landing?

Another gray area when it comes to the news is emergency landings. A casual traveler understandably hears the word “emergency” and thinks of the absolute worst case. Still, the Federal Aviation Administration allows, and in fact encourages, pilots to declare an emergency in any “ distress or urgency condition .” 

According to the pilot/controller glossary , that can include “a condition of being concerned about safety and of requiring timely but not immediate assistance.”

Aviation safety is built on redundancy and overcaution, so a pilot declaring an emergency is usually another sign that the system is working as designed. It doesn’t always bear being reported on.

Are Boeing airplanes safe?

The short answer is yes.

“Trust has been broken at Boeing and the airlines are paying for that,” Ostrower said. “It makes it really hard for us to say ‘Trust the airlines and their processes,’ but you have to because there’s ample evidence and ample history and safety culture to back that up.” 

Thousands of Boeing aircraft fly without incident every day. Eventually, the company’s place at the top of the news cycle will fade, though the focus on safety throughout aviation will remain as it always has.

“People shouldn’t have to think about what kind of airplane they’re getting on, and we need to get back to that,” Ostrower said. “The way we’re going to get back to that is through getting not just Boeing but the airlines on a reliable footing.” 

In the meantime, Garrow said, travelers should consider the bigger picture.

“The few times an aircraft has gone down or there has been a major accident. I personally have found it very difficult the next day to get on a flight if I’m traveling. Aviation has one of the best safety records of all of the modes and I personally don’t want to change my life – not go on my dream vacation to Europe or not go on my professional trip that I literally could not drive to – because of a fear of flying,” she said. “I just always remind myself that aviation has had one of the best safety records, and I’m comforted by the fact that I’m not driving the plane, that I have two experienced pilots that have been trained for multiple safety scenarios, and I’m in good hands when I travel.” 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Updates for Week of April 28, 2024

Travel advisory.

Colorado Springs —­­­­  The Colorado Department of Transportation will temporarily close east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard lanes under Interstate 25 and detour northbound I-25 using on- and off-ramps at South Academy Boulevard as part of the MAMSIP bridge reconstruction project. The pouring of a new concrete bridge deck over South Academy Boulevard is planned during nighttime hours on Friday, May 3. These closures are necessary for the safety of the traveling public.

Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard

• Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard

• Friday, May 3, 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Re-route traffic on northbound I-25 using South Academy Boulevard ramps

• Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Detours will be in place:

• Eastbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will be diverted south on I-25 to Colorado Highway 16 (exit 132A), where they will turn around and re-enter I-25 north to South Academy Boulevard
• Westbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will be diverted north on I-25 to Lake Avenue/South Circle Drive (exit 138), where they will turn around and re-enter I-25 south to South Academy Boulevard
• Northbound I-25 traffic will take the exit 135 off-ramp and re-enter the on-ramp to continue north.

The speed limit in this area has been reduced to 60 MPH. Traffic delays of 10-15 minutes are expected and motorists are urged to use extra caution while traveling in the area. Fines will be doubled through the construction zone.

El Paso County – MAMSIP – South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

North- and southbound US 85/87 will be reduced to one lane each direction under the South Academy bridge from Monday, April 29 at 9 a.m. through Friday, May 3 at 4:30 a.m. to allow crews to install drainage pipe across the roadway. Motorists are urged to use caution traveling through the area.

Also, on Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m. through Friday, May 3, 4:30 a.m., there will be north- and southbound US 85/87 alternating lane closures under the South Academy Boulevard bridge to allow crews to place lane striping for a temporary new configuration which will consist of a single lane closure in both the north- and southbound directions to continue drainage work.

A shift to a temporary on-ramp for drivers entering northbound South Academy Boulevard from US 85/87 is ongoing as crews will perform work on roadway, drainage and utilities in the area. The ramp lane width will be reduced to 12 feet, and speeds will be reduced to 30 MPH. This closure will be in effect approximately 5 to 6 months.

Motorists are advised to use caution at all entrance ramps as merge lengths have been shortened. In particular, motorists should be prepared to stop on the US 85/87 on-ramp to eastbound South Academy and the Bradley Road on-ramp to eastbound South Academy since merge area is greatly reduced. Work crews are installing signage and flashing beacons to alert traffic to the reduced merge lengths.

All lanes of Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard will be shifted to the center of the roadway ongoing to allow crews to perform work on new bridge piers. A left lane closure is ongoing for northbound and southbound South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road to allow crews to perform bridge work. These closures are weather dependent and subject to change.

Traffic Impacts

I-25 between US 85/Fountain (MP 127) and South Academy Boulevard (MP 135)

• Full closures of westbound South Academy Boulevard at I-25. Use detour route.
• Full closures of eastbound South Academy Boulevard at I-25. Use detour route.
• Re-route traffic on northbound I-25 using South Academy Boulevard ramps.

South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

• North- and southbound US 85/87 reduced to one lane in each direction under South Academy Boulevard.
• North- and southbound US 85/87 alternating lane closures under South Academy Boulevard.
• Ongoing full closure of existing northbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp from US 85/87 and shift to temporary on-ramp, in place for approx. 5 to 6 months
• Ongoing northbound and southbound left lane closure at South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road
• Ongoing shift of all lanes on Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard bridge
• Ongoing closure of the Fountain Creek Regional Trail under South Academy Boulevard

Project Overview

Interstate-25 – Safety and Efficiency Improvements The improvements to I-25 addressed in this project are located along an approximately 7.5-mile segment of south I-25 beginning at South Academy Boulevard and extending to the Santa Fe Avenue (U.S. 85/87) exit at Fountain (MP 128), which exits to Gate 19 of Fort Carson. The project includes:

• Replacement of two bridges crossing over South Academy Boulevard
• Widening of both inside and outside shoulders and installing safety improvements
• Concrete surface treatment overlay to provide an improved riding surface
• Installation of median barrier
• Rehab and widening work on four bridges
• Installation of an I-25 southbound deceleration lane at the interchange with CO 16

The improvements to South Academy Boulevard in this project are located on South Academy Boulevard at the southern mile and a half of this arterial road from the I-25 interchange, crossing U.S. Highway 85/ 87, and continuing to the road’s approach to Milton Proby Parkway (which connects to Powers Boulevard/CO 21). Construction focuses on widening an approximately 1.5-mile section of South Academy Boulevard from two lanes to three in each direction to alleviate recurring congestion. The project includes improved drainage facilities, lighting, striping, and expanded shoulders, modified merge lanes, sound walls and bridgework. The project is expected to be complete by early 2026. This project is managed by El Paso County.

Safety Benefits

CDOT conducted a safety assessment for the corridor to evaluate the magnitude and nature of safety problems and analyze the causes of crashes. These transportation improvements are mitigation measures to reduce crashes, improve infrastructure, and address physical deficiencies that contribute to crashes in the corridor. Over the next 20 years, the project is estimated to result in fewer deaths, injuries and crashes on the four MAMSIP corridors.

Project Contact Information

• Website: codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements
• Email: [email protected]
• Hotline: 719-800-2162
• Register for Alerts: Text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665

About the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Build Grant

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has initiated a program to deliver more efficient and safer mobility along I-25, Colorado Highway 94, South Academy Boulevard, and Charter Oak Ranch Road, enabling economic stability and development. The Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program is partially funded through an $18 million BUILD grant award from the US Department of Transportation. The delivery of these improvements will strengthen and enhance the redundancy of strategic movement between the nationally significant El Paso County military installations of Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and Schriever Space Force Base.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!