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The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Brit mum arrested with son, 6, for ‘smuggling £1.6m of drugs in Mauritius' launches fundraiser & claims ‘I was coerced'
A BRIT mum-of-two accused of trying to smuggle £1.6million of drugs into Mauritius inside her son's suitcase has claimed she was coerced. Natashia Artug, 35, allegedly stuffed 24 packages of cannabis weighing 14kg Advertisement 9 Natashia Artug has been arrested in Mauritius Credit: Facebook 9 She has been held along with her partner Florian Lisman Credit: Facebook 9 Shannon Holness is pictured at court last month after allegedly being involved in the plot Credit: 9 Shona Campbell arrives at court arrested as part of the alleged plot Credit: The mum from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, was held along with seven other people accused of trying to smuggle a total of 161kg into the tropical island in the Indian Ocean. The lad was picked up by customs officials when the group landed at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport last month. The boy was initially held by Mauritian cops but has since been released and is now back in the UK with his father. Natashia is said to be 'vulnerable' and claims she was coerced into travelling to Mauritius by drug traffickers who threatened her family. Advertisement Read more on Brit 'drug mules' Nonprofit group Justice Abroad said she did not know the bags contained cannabis. She has launched a crowdfunder appealing for £5,000 to fight the serious charges. Drug convictions in Mauritius can result in a mammoth 45-year jail sentence. Natashia's partner Florian Lisman, 38 from Romania, was also arrested and was said to be carrying 32 bags of drugs, an iPhone and £260 in his luggage. Advertisement Most read in The Sun The other Brits arrested included Laura Kappen, 28, a bar worker from Orton Goldhay, Cambs, Shannon Holness, 29, a caterer, from Bretton, Cambs, Shona Campbell, 33, a cleaner from Standground, Cambs, Lily Watson, a caterer from Peterborough, Cambs, and window fitter Patrick Wilsdon, 21, also from Peterborough. Each suspect was travelling on the British Airways flight from Gatwick with an Apple AirTag which is used to track an item's location. Justice Abroad claim these were used by a trafficking gang to keep tabs on the group's movements with the drugs shipment. Authorities on Mauritius branded the Advertisement They added: "This is one of the most revolting cases we have encountered in recent years." The drugs cache was found during a joint operation by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) and the Anti-Drug & Smuggling Unit (ADSU) at the airport. 9 Natashia is said to be 'vulnerable' and claims she was coerced Credit: Facebook 9 Shannon Holness, a caterer, was arrested at the airport Credit: Facebook Advertisement 9 Drug convictions in Mauritius can result in a mammoth 45-year jail sentence Credit: Alamy Justice Abroad said Natashia suffers from fibromyalgia and is currently attending university. They added: "This case raises serious concerns about the exploitation of a young mother by a criminal gang. "She now faces criminal trial in Mauritius separated from her children and without the resources to mount an adequate defence and to put together the evidence of the duress and exploitation." Advertisement Accused Patrick's mother Carly Wilsdon previously said her son had just started work as a window fitter in Peterborough and had gone to Mauritius after being offered a 'free holiday'. It was only the second time he had been abroad in his life. She said: 'He was told it was a free holiday. He wouldn't have known what he was doing because he wouldn't get involved in drugs. 'The person who told them about this free holiday is one of his circle of friends but now he has disappeared. Advertisement 'He told them that he had been before and that they would meet someone there. There was no mention of drugs. 'It is so hard. He could be looking at 30 years. He has never been in trouble and only been abroad once before. 'I missed a call from him on the day they arrived. I thought it was to show me the apartment. I can't believe what's happened.' 9 The boy was initially held by Mauritian cops but has since been released Credit: Facebook Advertisement 9 Each suspect was travelling on the British Airways flight from Gatwick with an Apple AirTag Credit: Facebook Speaking outside her home last month, a relative of Laura Kappen said: 'She is not a bad kid. She's never done anything wrong in her life but I guess she has done something foolish. Someone must have enticed them with money.' A relative of Shona Campbell said: 'It is really difficult. She's got two little kids and they don't know. It's horrible.' The shocking arrests come amid a spate of Brits accused of drug smuggling around the world. Advertisement The 19-year-old from Billingham, County Durham, She says she was coerced by a brutal trafficking gang who allegedly burned her with an iron and Bella claims she was duped into transporting the drugs by the Thailand-based gang – but prosecutors argue Advertisement In Sri Lanka, The 21-year-old former air stewardess from South London, denies the allegations but was reportedly caught with 46kg of the substance packed into her suitcases. If convicted, she could be handed a 25-year prison sentence in a country known for its tough anti-drug stance. And a Advertisement Police said they were flagged for their 'nervous and evasive attitude' and are now in jail facing serious trafficking charges. Lee Adams, who went missing on Mauritius, was arrested on May 24 on suspicion of smuggling £110,000 worth of cannabis into the East African nation. Lee, 40, from Yardley, Birmingham, was intercepted as he arrived at the airport and customs officers found 5.75 kilos of cannabis concealed in his suitcase. According to local news reports Adams, who was confronted with the evidence during an interrogation, admitted his role and was arrested on the spot. Advertisement Investigators immediately launched a "controlled delivery" operation on the holiday island and two suspected accomplices, both believed to be British, were also arrested. An investigation has been launched and the trio remain in custody. Spate of Brit drug arrests worldwide A SLEW of drug mule cases invovling Brits have emerged in the last few weeks In April-May, The 18-year-old was sent to the brutal Women's Penitentiary No. 5 in the town of Rustavi - She had originally jetted to the Philippines to meet an old friend, but reportedly A sentence ranging from 20 years to life could be a possibility for teen Bella from County Durham, according to prosecutors. Meanwhile, former air stewardess Her two suitcases were said to have been stuffed with 46kg of a synthetic cannabis strain known as kush — which is 25 times more potent than opioid fentanyl. If found guilty, South Londoner Charlotte could face a 25-year sentence. Meanwhile, a young mum is being detained in Germany for allegedly smuggling cannabis in her bags on a flight from Thailand - in yet another shocking case. Glamorous Cameron Bradford, 21, from Knebworth, Herts, was detained at Munich Airport on April 21 as she tried to collect her luggage. It comes as a Brit couple claiming to be tourists from Thailand have been busted with more than 33kg of cannabis in their suitcases at a Spanish airport. The pair were picked out by suspicious cops at Valencia Airport after displaying a 'nervous and evasive attitude' and are now behind bars on drug trafficking charges. Experts told The Sun how wannabe Brit Insta stars are being lured by cruel gangs into carting drugs across the world.
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Brit mum arrested with son, 6, for ‘smuggling £1.6m of drugs in Mauritius' launches fundraiser & claims ‘I was coerced'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BRIT mum-of-two accused of trying to smuggle £1.6million of drugs into Mauritius inside her son's suitcase has claimed she was coerced. Natashia Artug, 35, allegedly stuffed 24 packages of cannabis weighing 14kg inside her six-year-old son's wheelie case. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Natashia Artug has been arrested in Mauritius Credit: Facebook 9 She has been held along with her partner Florian Lisman Credit: Facebook 9 Shannon Holness is pictured at court last month after allegedly being involved in the plot Credit: 9 Shona Campbell arrives at court arrested as part of the alleged plot Credit: The mum from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, was held along with seven other people accused of trying to smuggle a total of 161kg into the tropical island in the Indian Ocean. The lad was picked up by customs officials when the group landed at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport last month. The boy was initially held by Mauritian cops but has since been released and is now back in the UK with his father. Natashia is said to be 'vulnerable' and claims she was coerced into travelling to Mauritius by drug traffickers who threatened her family. Nonprofit group Justice Abroad said she did not know the bags contained cannabis. She has launched a crowdfunder appealing for £5,000 to fight the serious charges. Drug convictions in Mauritius can result in a mammoth 45-year jail sentence. Natashia's partner Florian Lisman, 38 from Romania, was also arrested and was said to be carrying 32 bags of drugs, an iPhone and £260 in his luggage. The other Brits arrested included Laura Kappen, 28, a bar worker from Orton Goldhay, Cambs, Shannon Holness, 29, a caterer, from Bretton, Cambs, Shona Campbell, 33, a cleaner from Standground, Cambs, Lily Watson, a caterer from Peterborough, Cambs, and window fitter Patrick Wilsdon, 21, also from Peterborough. Each suspect was travelling on the British Airways flight from Gatwick with an Apple AirTag which is used to track an item's location. Justice Abroad claim these were used by a trafficking gang to keep tabs on the group's movements with the drugs shipment. Authorities on Mauritius branded the use of a child in the audacious drug smuggling plot as 'outrageous and inhumane". They added: "This is one of the most revolting cases we have encountered in recent years." The drugs cache was found during a joint operation by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) and the Anti-Drug & Smuggling Unit (ADSU) at the airport. 9 Natashia is said to be 'vulnerable' and claims she was coerced Credit: Facebook 9 Shannon Holness, a caterer, was arrested at the airport Credit: Facebook 9 Drug convictions in Mauritius can result in a mammoth 45-year jail sentence Credit: Alamy Justice Abroad said Natashia suffers from fibromyalgia and is currently attending university. They added: "This case raises serious concerns about the exploitation of a young mother by a criminal gang. "She now faces criminal trial in Mauritius separated from her children and without the resources to mount an adequate defence and to put together the evidence of the duress and exploitation." Accused Patrick's mother Carly Wilsdon previously said her son had just started work as a window fitter in Peterborough and had gone to Mauritius after being offered a 'free holiday'. It was only the second time he had been abroad in his life. She said: 'He was told it was a free holiday. He wouldn't have known what he was doing because he wouldn't get involved in drugs. 'The person who told them about this free holiday is one of his circle of friends but now he has disappeared. 'He told them that he had been before and that they would meet someone there. There was no mention of drugs. 'It is so hard. He could be looking at 30 years. He has never been in trouble and only been abroad once before. 'I missed a call from him on the day they arrived. I thought it was to show me the apartment. I can't believe what's happened.' 9 The boy was initially held by Mauritian cops but has since been released Credit: Facebook 9 Each suspect was travelling on the British Airways flight from Gatwick with an Apple AirTag Credit: Facebook Speaking outside her home last month, a relative of Laura Kappen said: 'She is not a bad kid. She's never done anything wrong in her life but I guess she has done something foolish. Someone must have enticed them with money.' A relative of Shona Campbell said: 'It is really difficult. She's got two little kids and they don't know. It's horrible.' The shocking arrests come amid a spate of Brits accused of drug smuggling around the world. Bella May Culley, 19, is battling to avoid a 20-year jail sentence while pregnant after being arrested in Georgia. The 19-year-old from Billingham, County Durham, denies knowingly smuggling cannabis and hashish from Thailand. She says she was coerced by a brutal trafficking gang who allegedly burned her with an iron and threatened her family with beheading. Bella claims she was duped into transporting the drugs by the Thailand-based gang – but prosecutors argue CCTV footage shows her calmly passing through Bangkok airport's gates without raising the alarm. In Sri Lanka, Charlotte May Lee is behind bars after allegedly attempting to smuggle £1.2million worth of synthetic kush, a highly potent cannabis variant. The 21-year-old former air stewardess from South London, denies the allegations but was reportedly caught with 46kg of the substance packed into her suitcases. If convicted, she could be handed a 25-year prison sentence in a country known for its tough anti-drug stance. And a British couple claiming to be holidaymakers were busted in Valencia, Spain, after allegedly arriving with 33kg of cannabis hidden in their bags. Police said they were flagged for their 'nervous and evasive attitude' and are now in jail facing serious trafficking charges. Lee Adams, who went missing on Mauritius, was arrested on May 24 on suspicion of smuggling £110,000 worth of cannabis into the East African nation. Lee, 40, from Yardley, Birmingham, was intercepted as he arrived at the airport and customs officers found 5.75 kilos of cannabis concealed in his suitcase. According to local news reports Adams, who was confronted with the evidence during an interrogation, admitted his role and was arrested on the spot. Investigators immediately launched a "controlled delivery" operation on the holiday island and two suspected accomplices, both believed to be British, were also arrested. An investigation has been launched and the trio remain in custody. Spate of Brit drug arrests worldwide A SLEW of drug mule cases invovling Brits have emerged in the last few weeks In April-May, Two other Brit women were arrested abroad for alleged drug smuggling. Glam tourist Bella Culley allegedly tried to smuggle a suitcase of weed into Georgia and was locked away in a brutal ex-Soviet prison despite claiming to be pregnant. The 18-year-old was sent to the brutal Women's Penitentiary No. 5 in the town of Rustavi - a slammer notorious for its hellish conditions just outside Tbilisi. She had originally jetted to the Philippines to meet an old friend, but reportedly changed her plans last minute to go to Thailand with a gang of British lads unknown to her. A sentence ranging from 20 years to life could be a possibility for teen Bella from County Durham, according to prosecutors. Meanwhile, former air stewardess Charlotte May Lee was then caught allegedly trying to smuggle drugs worth £1.2million into Sri Lanka. Her two suitcases were said to have been stuffed with 46kg of a synthetic cannabis strain known as kush — which is 25 times more potent than opioid fentanyl. If found guilty, South Londoner Charlotte could face a 25-year sentence. Meanwhile, a young mum is being detained in Germany for allegedly smuggling cannabis in her bags on a flight from Thailand - in yet another shocking case. Glamorous Cameron Bradford, 21, from Knebworth, Herts, was detained at Munich Airport on April 21 as she tried to collect her luggage. It comes as a Brit couple claiming to be tourists from Thailand have been busted with more than 33kg of cannabis in their suitcases at a Spanish airport. The pair were picked out by suspicious cops at Valencia Airport after displaying a 'nervous and evasive attitude' and are now behind bars on drug trafficking charges. Experts told The Sun how wannabe Brit Insta stars are being lured by cruel gangs into carting drugs across the world.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Apple back to school sales are live from $22 — here are the best deals to shop this week
Believe it or not, back to school season is almost here — and if you're in need of some upgraded tech before heading back to campus, look no further than Apple. As one of the most coveted brands on the market, it's no secret that Apple devices can cost a pretty penny. While many are willing to pay full price, the good news is you don't always have to! In fact, Apple AirPods, iPads, MacBooks and more are seeing epic markdowns ahead of back to school. If you're in the market for a new laptop, you can't go wrong with the 13" MacBook Air (M4), which is sporting a $150 discount. Need some new AirPods for your commute to class? You can snag the AirPods 4 for $89 — their lowest price ever. So don't wait — shop all the best Apple deals for a successful semester ahead. Keep scrolling to check out my favorite picks. The Apple AirTag is an excellent key finder that is extremely easy to set up and does a great job of locating your valuables. What more could you ask for? Save $7 right now. The Apple AirTag is an excellent Bluetooth tracker that is extremely easy to set up and does a great job of locating your valuables. Each coin-sized tracker offers a replaceable battery lasting over a year, water resistance, and seamless integration with iPhones. This bundle includes four, so you can have one on multiple items. The 2025 iPad features a larger 11-inch (2360 x 1640) screen, A16 CPU, 12MP rear/front cameras, USB-C connectivity, and Magic Keyboard Folio ($249) support. The base model features 128GB of storage, which is double the capacity of its predecessor. It's available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities. This larger size iPad Air sports the same M3 processor as its 11-inch counterpart, but it's coupled with a 13-inch LED (2732 x 2048) display. Otherwise, it packs the same 128GB of storage, 12MP rear camera, WiFi 6E support, and 12MP front camera. The new CPU and larger display should make this iPad a favorite for gamers. The 11-inch iPad Pro packs Apple's latest M4 processor paired with a stunning 11-inch Tandem OLED (2420 x 1668) display. The new M4 processor features 9 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. In our iPad Pro 2024 review we said it could very well be the most stunning tablet ever made. The AirPods 4 are a very solid earbud option if you're an iPhone user who doesn't want to spend a lot on the AirPods Pro 2. We loved the AirPods 4 in our review, rating them 4 stars. We particularly like how they interconnect with all your Apple devices, including Macs, iPads and iPhones like magic. They sound good too — although if you're looking for ANC, you'll want the more expensive pair. The more expensive, ANC-enabled AirPods 4 are also still discounted at Amazon. This 34% saving also brings these headphones down to their lowest ever price. If you have a bit of extra cash, it's worth the extra spend to get that noise cancelling tech on board. The AirPods Pro 2 pack Apple's new H2 chip to provide 2x more noice cancellation than their predecessors. They also offer Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive audio experience. In our AirPods Pro 2 review, we said they take everything we loved about the original AirPods Pro to the next level. This new model includes a USB-C charging case. The cheapest Apple Watch to buy ahead of back to school is the Apple Watch SE GPS, which doesn't have all the same bells and whistles found on its pricier siblings, but it's still a mighty capable smartwatch. It comes in two sizes, and this deal is on the smaller 40mm version, with the midnight sport band. If you're after GPS and Cellular, which allows you to make calls and check your apps without your phone nearby, the best deal right now on the Apple Watch SE is in the 40mm version, with the midnight sport band. It's a great watch for less than $220, so grab it while you can. The Apple Watch Series 10 is the best Apple Watch for fitness and health tracking. It boasts Apple's latest holistic tech and features, including sleep apnea detection, and a gorgeous new display that's easy to read while working out. This deal is on the smaller, 42mm version, without cellular. The new MacBook Air is powered by Apple's latest M4 chipset. The new Mac upgrades the camera from 1080p to 12MP with Center Stage support. The M4 chipset also supports dual external monitors, even when you have the laptop's lid open. It packs a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560 x 1664), Apple's M4 CPU w/ 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. In our MacBook Air M4 review, we said the Editor's Choice laptop is irresistible thanks to its speedy performance, sharper camera, and lower starting price. Prefer a bigger screen? The 15-inch model is also on sale. It packs a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display (2880 x 1864), Apple's M4 CPU w/ 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. The M4-based MacBook Pro M4 is pretty close to being the perfect laptop. You get fantastic performance from the M4 chip, useful Apple Intelligence features, a better webcam and obscenely long battery life (18:31). In our MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 review, we said it's the best laptop for power users, now with more AI features. The base model features a 14.2-inch 3024 x 1964 Retina display, Apple M4 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. If you're looking for raw horsepower, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro chip is for you. It offers blistering performance and will likely speed through most of your daily tasks without so much as a hiccup. The base model features a 14.2-inch 3024 x 1964 Retina display, Apple M4 Pro CPU, 24GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. No more running away from Apple's base model Mac mini. The M4 Mac mini packs that awesome M4 chip along with a doubling of RAM to 16GB and a 256GB SSD. Port array continues to be impressive with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Ethernet and more. In our Apple Mac mini M4 review we said the Editor's Choice machine is as close to perfect as it gets. Note: It sold for $499 over the holidays, but has rarely been on sale this month. The iMac M4 delivers all the strengths of the iMac with the added juice provided by Apple's M4 chip, delivering better performance than any iMac to date. In our iMac M4 review, we said the Editor's Choice all-in-one delivers great performance. It features a 24-inch 4480 x 2520 display, 16GB of RAM, M4 chipset, 256GB SSD, and 12MP webcam. While they aren't technically true wireless, on account of the wire that connects the buds, the Flex are a great pair of fitness earbuds. They're super comfortable thanks to their lightweight, and this $30 saving is a solid discount. This deal brings a long-awaited discount to the Beats Pill. We had a Beats Pill hands-on, and found a speaker that has (as you might expect) some massive bass and a slick look. Battery life is respectable at 24 hours, and its waterproofing makes it perfect for pool parties and outdoor use. The Powerbeats Pro are a solid pair of Apple wireless fitness earbuds. They have a seamless setup, just like AirPods, and good battery life. The earbuds themselves can play music for 9 hours, and the charging case adds an additional 18 hours. If you have an iPhone and need earbuds for your workout, these are a great pick — not that they aren't great for Android, too. The Beats Studio Pro are specifically designed to bring back that thumping bass Beats is known for. They offer improved active noise cancelation and boosted battery life (up to 40 hours with ANC turned off). There's also Spatial Audio support and Beats' signature strong brand look. However, our Beats Studio Pro review found the clamping force high, which may affect comfort levels for some wearers.
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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
After My Phone Was Stolen in Barcelona, I Found the 12 Best Anti-theft Accessories to Pack for Extra Security
I had the privilege of living in Barcelona for four months, and if you haven't been, I highly recommend it. The city is brimming with culture, amazing food, friendly people, and countless activities. You can visit the iconic La Sagrada Familia, the largest unfinished church in the world, explore the Mercat de la Boqueria in Las Ramblas for fresh and delicious Catalan cuisine, or relax on the beautiful Barceloneta beach with refreshing drinks at the seaside bars. However, one downside to the city is the prevalence of pickpocketing. Spain ranks third in Europe for this crime, with Barcelona's Las Ramblas 'being the worst of the five tourist spots for stolen items,' according to a study done by Unfortunately, the statistic proved true in my case, as my phone was stolen during my stay. While sometimes unavoidable, there are numerous tips and tricks to help keep your belongings safe when you're traveling, whether you're headed to Barcelona or anywhere else in the world. Of course, the best thing you can do is to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night whenever possible. But there are also anti-theft accessories that'll protect your valuables and give you peace of mind. Below, you'll find 11 of my favorite personal safety devices and essentials to add to your packing list, such as the Oxt Zipper Lock to secure your bags and the Apple AirTag to track any lost items. A passport is arguably the most important item on your international trip, so keeping it secure is crucial. The Lohaslife Passport Holder offers excellent protection and even includes a spot for an Apple AirTag, allowing you to track it wherever you go. Additionally, there's a metal pin for easily switching out your SIM card and a designated slip pocket to safely store it. Embracing the Apple AirTag trend is a smart travel tip. By purchasing a four-pack, you can place an AirTag in various belongings so you can track anything that may get lost or stolen. While it's invaluable for recovering items from pickpockets (you can track the location of the thief who stole your wallet or phone), it's also handy for ensuring your checked luggage doesn't get lost and providing loved ones back home with your own real-time whereabouts. If you ask me, you can't have an AirTag without a key ring. Whether it's for your keys and luggage, or a pet. With almost 4,000 five-star ratings, these Apple AirTag holder key rings are a must-have upgrade for your travel accessories. If you're planning on bringing a backpack on your travels, the Oxt Zipper Lock is a great idea. When you're wearing a backpack, it can be difficult to realize when someone is unzipping it. This zipper lock ensures that no one can open your backpack, keeping your belongings safe and secure. This RFID-blocking wallet is perfect for traveling, as it's incredibly slim yet can hold everything you need. The best part is its ability to effectively block RFID signals, helping you keep your identity and valuable data safe while you travel and shop. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose a fun shade like purple or pink, or keep it classic with black or white. If you'll be doing a lot of walking during your trip and want to keep your wallet secure or just prefer to be extra cautious, the Pacsafe Travel Pouch is an excellent choice. It's designed to keep your belongings safe from pickpocketers and is made from soft, breathable, and non-itchy fabric that discreetly hides under your clothes. With more than 6,800 five-star reviews, the Travelon Anti-theft Bag is a must-have for any European travel. When visiting tourist attractions like Parc Güell and Casa Batlló in Barcelona, it's essential to have a bag that can carry all your valuables securely. Many travelers, like one customer who shared, "I carried the black bag throughout France, Spain, and Portugal. I always felt secure in crowded, touristy areas. It has excellent security features. All zippers have clasps that secure them," praise the Travelon bag for its reliable security features. For those who prefer not to carry a bag but still want to keep their belongings secure and close, the Waypoint Goods scarf is a fantastic option. Made with a durable, soft fabric, this scarf features a hidden pocket that's nearly invisible from the outside, allowing you to carry your passport, credit cards, phone, and cash without worrying about pickpockets. It perfectly blends safety and style. The Shacke Hidden Travel Belt Wallet is one of your best defenses against pickpockets. You tuck the wallet inside your pants, making it nearly invisible and impossible to reach (all while giving you peace of mind in the process). It features three separate zipper pouches designed to maximize security. One customer review on Amazon states, "This wallet was great for overseas travel. The material is very soft, and you barely notice it while concealed." As for what it can hold, the reviewer continued, "I was able to secure two passports, IDs, and cards without any printing on the outside of my pants." No matter how cautious you are, having a She's Birdie alarm on hand can provide peace of mind in case of emergencies. If you ever feel threatened, simply pull the pin to activate the siren and flashing strobe light, which will not only attract attention for help but also deter any potential attack. It's highly portable and TSA-approved, making it easy to travel with. This travel pouch is extremely versatile—you can wear it as a crossbody, around your neck, or hidden under your clothes for added protection. It offers plenty of room for all your essentials, including cash, your passport, and credit cards, and it's RFID-blocking. The strong zippers and durable Velcro closures ensure that your belongings stay secure. If you don't want to carry a full bag but need a convenient place for your phone and some cash or credit cards, the MyFriday Crossbody Cell Phone Bag is the way to go. It fits your phone perfectly and features three zippered pockets to keep other small essentials secure and organized. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
16-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
11 Genius Accessories Wheelchair Users Swear by for Easier, Safer, and Much More Comfortable Travel—From $12
Traveling always offers the possibility of problems, but for those who face the challenges as a wheelchair user, the process could be a bit more daunting. The tourism industry is making great strides to improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities, such as wheelchair-friendly beaches and major hotel chains that prioritize accessibility features. This does provide some peace of mind, but planning for the possibility of unforeseen events is key. Whether it's a gel seat cushion for a more comfortable experience or a universal adapter to ensure your wheelchair battery stays charged no matter what country you're in, there are a few key products that will make traveling smoother and more enjoyable. I spoke with three accessibility travel experts who drew upon their own experiences to share helpful products for other wheelchair users: Jordana Izzo, Director of Accessible Travel with Travelmation; content creator Chelsea Bear, who shares her personal experiences of living with cerebral palsy; and travel agent David Lyons-Black, who is a wheelchair user and specializes in accessible travel. Here are the top travel products they recommend, along with some advice for preparing for possible mishaps. For long stretches of travel time, Izzo recommends packing a gel seat cushion. 'For those longer periods of time in a chair, proper support is needed,' she shares. '[A gel cushion] is a great breathable option, especially in hot climates.' The honeycomb design of this cushion allows air to circulate throughout the thick mattress, keeping it cooler for longer, which will help with overall comfort. The detachable seat cover is easy to clean and provides a protective barrier to help the cushion last longer. 'For my own peace of mind while traveling, I like to keep an Apple AirTag in the pocket of my mobility scooter and any checked luggage I have, so I can make sure it all boards the plane,' Bear explains. 'There have been a lot of issues with airports mishandling mobility devices or even misplacing them, so being able to track my mobility scooter's location helps ease my anxiety.' If you have multiple bags that could use an AirTag, consider a four-pack of Apple AirTags at Amazon for under $75. These handy devices work by connecting with your iPhone's Find My app to show you exactly where your items are, and reviewers praise how easy they are to set up. If you're not an Apple user, there are Android-friendly Bluetooth trackers to shop as well for tracking your belongings. For convenience and organization, add a side seat bag to any outing. Izzo chose this five-pocket model that works with wheelchairs, walkers, and electric scooters. 'These side bags are super incredible for easy access to immediate necessity items, phone, tickets, sunglasses, wallet, water bottles, and more,' she notes. A best-seller at Amazon, this bag is available in a variety of patterns and is made from heavy-duty nylon with adjustable straps so you can get the perfect fit. At less than $20, this side bag will keep your essentials close by for easy convenience. Bear considers compression socks, like her go-to Bombas compression socks, a necessity when flying. 'These are a must with air travel to help keep swelling down in my legs from the pressure and being seated for a long time,' she shares. Reviewers also swear by these Charmking compression socks at Amazon that reduce swelling by providing 15 to 20 mmHg of compression with a stretchy, flexible design for all-day comfort. In order to keep a hotel door open while adding luggage, a door stopper can be a good substitute for those solo travelers. This foldable, long-handle door stop can be a lifesaver. Lyons-Black relies on this product during his trips. 'This helps keep the room door open when traveling alone and bringing luggage into the room,' he shares. The long, adjustable handle eliminates the need to bend down and position the door stop, and the non-slip base works on a variety of floors like carpet, hardwood, and tile. There's always an uneasy feeling when a cell phone's battery is low. While some travel locations might have courtesy charging outlets, it's best to be prepared with a portable power bank. No matter where you are, these are ideal for charging phones and other electronics while on the go. Small enough to fit in a purse, backpack, or a chair's side seat bag, these little boxes provide big power. Bear never leaves home without her Anker portable charger. 'I use my phone a lot when traveling, whether it's to research whether or not a restaurant is accessible, getting directions, making phone calls to coordinate accessible transportation, or taking photos,' Bear says. 'I heavily rely on my phone, especially in the event of an emergency.' Traveling with the portable power from Anker gives her the peace of mind to know she won't ever have to worry about a dying cell phone battery. Small enough to be stowed away in a suitcase but strong enough for any needed support, these portable shower handles are ideal for entering and exiting a tub shower combo at the hotel—or any other time you need a little extra support. They simply suction onto the wall, so they can be placed next to the toilet, bed, or any other location. 'These hand bars are great for situations where you might need extra support other than what may or may not be provided in an accessible room or a standard hotel room,' Izzo stated. 'The suction cups cause no damage and can be reused.' This adaptive JanSport backpack has been a game-changer for Bear while traveling because of its smart design. 'It's very spacious, and I love the accessible zippers and dual side grab handles with additional attachment points,' Bear says. 'It allows me to easily hang the backpack in different areas of my mobility scooter without having to readjust.' With backrest loops, anchor straps, and spacious interior organization, this adaptive pack is spacious to hold essentials and then some, and it comes in a variety of colors. 'I can safely keep all of my essentials with me, whether I use it as my carry-on for a flight or for a day of sightseeing,' Bear adds. If you need electricity for charging your mobility device, Bear suggests packing a universal travel adapter, like this best-selling one from Epicka. 'This is essential when traveling internationally,' Bear states. 'I always make sure to double-check my mobility scooter's label to see if it's dual voltage or not to ensure I pack the right combo.' The Epicka adapter has four plug types that can accommodate the socket plugs of over 200 countries. However, you'll need to double-check your device's voltage and that of your adapter to ensure there aren't any issues when charging abroad. Lyons-Black also suggests being prepared for potential setbacks like a flat tire or needing to replace a tire inner tube. Basic tools, like this 25-piece folding Allen wrench set, will help if you need to conduct some maintenance. Make sure you have spares on hand, like an extra inner tube, 'as not all shops will have your specific size in stock,' Lyons-Black shares. A small portable pump will also help fill low tires or inflate a tire after an inner tube replacement. Additionally, Lyons-Black offers some travel tips to help keep travel trips running smoothly. For times of traveling over loose gravel or sand, a freewheel attached in front will help it roll through loose gravel or sand. Additionally, he recommends carrying a few spare parts, such as front casters and/or a joystick for a power chair. Finally, you'll want to conduct a quick Google search to find wheelchair repair shops in the destination that you are heading to, in case you need them. This will give you peace of mind in case something happens, and you need a repair shop service. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
