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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
I've Solo Traveled for 15 Years—These Are the 7 Gadgets That Help Me Stay Safe and Connected Anywhere
As someone who's been solo traveling for more than 15 years, I know the importance of staying connected and safe when I'm exploring on my own. However, it takes practice to find the right balance between checking your phone and being tethered to it, because, though smartphones and tech are helpful tools for navigating new cities, they can easily put us in harm's way if we're not careful. "Anything that disrupts our awareness and keeps us distracted can affect our safety," Nicole Snell, an experienced solo traveler and self-defense expert and educator, told Travel + Leisure . "Learning to stay aware of your surroundings and carefully choose how and when to engage with your devices while traveling is a key skill. Our awareness is fluid and serves us best when we aren't glued to something." Snell, who is the CEO of Girls Fight Back, a personal safety and empowerment-based self-defense program for women, also stressed that this lack of awareness of your surroundings could send the wrong messages to the wrong people. "Focusing intently on our devices means we're not paying as much attention to our surroundings, which a criminal may see as an opportunity," she explained. "Many studies over the years have shown that insecure body language and/or being distracted are indicators that potential criminals look for in a target. Having confident body language and showing that you are aware of your surroundings are often effective deterrents." Whether I'm navigating the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam, hiking through Arizona's red rocks, or exploring Sri Lankan juggles, I want to know I can reach the outside world if I need to—while still being present where I am. Over the years, I've curated a go-to list of smart, travel-ready gadgets that help me feel grounded, secure, and in the moment. Below, these personal safety tools let me text hands-free, track my belongings, check in with loved ones, and stay charged, without constantly scrolling. "We have to be honest with ourselves that we're never going to be able to ditch our phones," Snell quipped. "We rely on them, and they are an integral part of our modern society." That said, you want to make sure that you always have a backup battery or charger handy. This lightweight, fast-charging model fits into the smallest crossbody bags. With 5000mAh of power and a built-in Lightning connector, I've recharged my phone mid-flight, mid-hike, and mid-coffee run. Plus, a digital battery readout means no more surprises from a dead battery. I don't always wear a smartwatch, but for adventure-heavy trips, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a must. The cellular and GPS features keep me connected for hands-free texting, walking navigation, and quick Apple Pay purchases. I also love the health tracking features—like heart rate, cycle tracking, and fall detection—which offer extra peace of mind when I'm traveling solo. According to Snell, a great way to practice safe phone usage during solo travel is to "look up from your device often and scan your surroundings, and avoid focusing intently on your devices when you're in a public place where being distracted is used by criminals to their advantage." The Apple Watch's always-on display makes it easy to check the time or my Maps directions without getting pulled into my phone. Android users, this one's for you. The Galaxy Watch 7 offers advanced sleep tracking, on-wrist Google Maps, and seamless syncing with your phone, making it a great companion for solo travel. It even monitors stress levels and offers guided breathing when things get overwhelming (looking at you, crowded Paris train station). Pro tip: Snell admitted that it's impossible to be aware of your surroundings 100 percent of the time, but there are ways to navigate our safety without looking over our shoulders constantly: "If you have to spend a lot of time on your device, go into a store, hotel lobby, etc. and find a safe, quiet place to handle your digital business. Look up common scams and safety bulletins for the area you're traveling to and heed the advice of locals." The Invisawear necklace is a chic, smart safety device designed so you'll "never walk alone again," according to the brand. With a double press, it sends your live GPS location to up to five trusted contacts—and can alert 911 if needed (you don't even need to take your phone out of your pocket). Stylish and discreet, it looks just like any old piece of jewelry, so no one will guess it's more than a fashion accessory. It also comes in bracelet and keychain form. Pro tip: "Your body and your intuition are the best tools you have," Snell shared. "Listen to your intuition." Courtesy of Amazon Sure, the playlist you created is a better trip soundtrack than the crying baby on the train or the loud construction taking place on your leisurely stroll, but you don't want to constantly be fiddling with your phone to adjust the volume, change the song, or pause your music to hear an important update. Smart headphones like the Apple AirPods Pro 2s allow you to handle all that by simply tapping, swiping, or holding the earbud. You can even nod your head to hear a message, answer a call, or manage a notification via Siri. These are also great for solo travelers because they offer various noise-canceling levels so you can still hear your surroundings, something Snell noted is important want you're on your own: "Put your phone away when on public transportation or walking through a city and focus on the present. What are you seeing, smelling, hearing, experiencing?" Staying in tune with what's around you and mindfully taking everything in will keep you alert and safe. Apple AirTags are an essential tool for solo travelers. I drop one in my bag and track it via the Find My app—especially when it's out of sight during shuttles or transfers. On rare checked-bag days (I'm a die-hard carry-on-only traveler), I always know exactly where my things are; no need to frantically check the airline app for updates or waste time on the phone with a representative. The tracker is so precise that you can even easily locate lost items in hotel closets, airport lounges, or Ubers. If you travel with one on your person, your family and friends can track your location when you're exploring solo, too. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Every solo traveler—especially women—needs a She's Birdie alarm. This compact device fits on my keychain and offers instant peace of mind. If I ever feel unsafe, pulling the top will trigger a 130-decibel siren and flashing strobe to grab attention. TSA-approved, discreet, and rechargeable, it's one of those tools I hope I never need but always carry. I don't have the latest version (yet), but the Oura Ring has been a game-changer for travel and everyday life. It tracks sleep, recovery, stress, heart rate, and temperature with impressive accuracy, helping me stay in sync through jet lag and time zone shifts. The daily readiness score tells me when to push through or take it slow. No screens, no buzz—just quiet, data-driven wellness on your finger. Love a great deal? 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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Suspect says shooting was in self-defense, police say
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man was critically injured in a shooting Thursday in the Cherokee area, and the man charged in the crime allegedly told police that he did it in self-defense. Jerome Settle, 22, was charged with Aggravated Assault and Theft of Property to wit: Stolen Firearm. His bond was set to $50,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Officers responded to a shooting at Kimball and Lamar at 9:35 a.m. Thursday. When they arrived, a man was receiving medical attention after being shot. The victim was unable to give a statement to police because of his condition, and he was transported to Regional One in critical condition. Officers said they received another call from Jerome Settle in the 3300 block of Parker Avenue, and he told police he was responsible for the shooting. Police said they saw Settle with his hands in the air, and he was partially covered in blood. According to reports, Settle said, 'Yeah, I did it in self-defense, the gun is in the grass.' Settle was detained. Bond set for man charged in deadly Cache 42 shooting They said when the Violent Crimes Unit was on the scene, they observed a pool of blood and a stolen handgun from an Atoka, Tennessee, pawn shop in 2023. Officers located a black 9 mm handgun in the grass in front of the residence, along with a spent shell casing. Video surveillance from a residence showed Settle walking to a group of men around a black vehicle, and he reached over towards the victim and shot him once. Memphis Murder Map 2025 Settle told police he was responsible for shooting the victim and admitted to owning the handgun found on the scene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Man Accused in Jonathan Joss Shooting Claims It Was Self-Defense!
A man charged in the fatal shooting of actor Jonathan Joss is claiming self-defense. Kim Kardashian is taking on a villainous role in a new live-action film. Spain's high court has upheld a sexual assault conviction against ex-soccer chief Luis Rubiales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit FOX News Radio
NHK
25-06-2025
- General
- NHK
Ninja arts emerge from the shadows
Japan's secretive way of the ninja warrior is attracting visitors from far and wide. One dojo teaches the art of self-defense drawn from a number of ninja schools.
Fox News
25-06-2025
- Fox News
Austin Metcalf's accused killer needs support fighting 'white supremacy' after murder indictment: spox
The spokesman for the family of Karmelo Anthony launched into yet another racial tirade after the 18-year-old was indicted Tuesday for allegedly stabbing Frisco, Texas, track star Austin Metcalf to death. Shortly after the indictment, Dominique Alexander, founder and president of the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), took to X to announce that "the legal process will move forward toward trial." "This case involves multiple minors and sensitive details that I cannot and will not speak about publicly," he said. "That is why, from the beginning, I have refused to let this be tried in the court of public opinion." Alexander then spoke directly to those who he says have "targeted" Anthony. "To the racists, the bigots, and those filled with hate who've targeted Karmelo, his family, and even myself – you do not intimidate us. We are not backing down. "This case is yet another example of what it means to be Black in America, where even our self-defense is questioned, scrutinized and politicized. My involvement – like many others — came as a direct response to the overwhelming hate, threats and outside influence that have surrounded this case since day one." He then asked Anthony's supporters for prayers, to support due process, and to "[s]tand with us in the fight against white supremacy." NGAN reiterated Wednesday that it is "committed to ensuring that Karmelo receives a fair trial and that this case is not tried in the court of public opinion," but declined to comment further. Anthony's lawyer, Mike Howard, said the case isn't about race. "The factual and legal issues involved in this case are not about race. The case involves two kids, one white, one black, so it's understandable that some people would make it about race or discuss it in terms of race," Howard told Fox News Digital by email. "To be very clear, we don't see this as a case about race. The law applies to every person, regardless of their race, equally. We have faith in the people of Collin County to apply the law blindly." Anthony is facing a first-degree murder charge for allegedly stabbing and killing Metcalf, 17, during a dispute at a track meet on April 2. Metcalf's father, Jeff Metcalf, has spoken on behalf of the Metcalf family in the wake of the fatal stabbing. "Don't really care what he has to say," he bluntly told Fox News Digital on Wednesday when asked about Alexander's online post. After Tuesday's indictment, Metcalf said he was happy that the legal process is moving forward, but that nothing will bring Austin back. "I am pleased that we are moving forward," he told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. "With the first-degree murder indictment, it now goes into the court system. I fully believe that justice will be served for Austin Metcalf. I look forward to the forthcoming trial. But it will never bring my son back." Alexander has made racially charged comments about the case since stepping in as the Anthony family's spokesman. After Anthony's bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000 in April, a press conference hosted by Alexander and NGAN devolved into chaos when Jeff Metcalf showed up. Metcalf was quietly escorted out by Dallas police, but subsequently, Alexander used the conference to attack Metcalf and discuss race. "What he has felled [sic] into is the political operatives that want to make this thing a political thing of hate and yet bigotry and yet racism," Alexander said, accusing Metcalf of being "disrespectful to the dignity of his son." "Because these racist bigots try to prevent us from standing up for our baby, our boy, he should be afforded the same rights that Kyle Rittenhouse had, Daniel Penny and all the people who have claimed whatever their defense was – he should be afforded the same right," Alexander said later in the press conference. The arrest report from the April incident said Anthony "grabbed his bag, opened it and reached inside it" and told Metcalf, "Touch me and see what happens." In the next moment, a witness told police that Anthony "reached into his bag and the male took a knife out of the bag and stabbed Austin." One officer at the scene referred to Anthony as the alleged suspect, and Anthony made a "spontaneous statement," according to the report: "I'm not alleged, I did it."
