I’m a Travel Writer in NYC—This Safety Item Is Always With Me on the Subway, Plus 7 More I’d Keep in My Bag

After living in New York City for a decade, it’s safe to say I’ve ridden the subway and the bus a thousand times over. I’ve taken public transport to work, to friends’ apartments, and home from bars in the dead of night. And while you undoubtedly need to keep your wits about you, it would be untrue to say that riding public transportation in New York is a danger in and of itself. That being said, my biggest piece of advice for travelers visiting the city and using the train or buses is to remain vigilant, stay aware of your surroundings, and be smart with your belongings.

If you’re traveling to New York (or really any major city) in the coming months and are feeling worried about riding public transportation, first, take a deep breath—it’ll more than likely be smooth sailing. But if you want to come prepared with some thoughtfully employed safety measures, keep reading to find the eight devices and hacks I recommend for traveling stress-free in the city, starting at just $8 at Amazon. 

She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm

Several years ago, my mom gifted me the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm for peace of mind during my nights out, commutes, and general travel. Since then, it’s been a mainstay on my keychain. When you pull the pin at the top, the device emits a blaring alarm along with a flashing strobe light that will immediately frighten away would-be threats while drawing attention to your situation. Fortunately, I’ve never had to use it (even after 10 years in New York), but I’m always happy to have it during late night subway rides. 

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Messenger Bag

Theft is always a possibility while traveling—and not just in New York!— so it’s smart to have a secure bag by your side during your subway journeys. This Travelon Anti-theft Messenger Bag can be worn as a crossbody, which is a great first line of defense, but it also has locking zippers, an RFID-blocking exterior, and slash-proof strap that will keep your belongings safe and secure on your body. The roomy interior offers plenty of space for everything you might want during a day of exploring the city, and the exterior is fitted with a convenient pocket that’s the perfect size to store a water bottle. 

Sabre Pepper Gel

If you’re flying to New York, it’s important to remember that pepper spray is not TSA-approved. But if you’re driving or taking the train in, you may want to keep this gel option on hand for commuting around the city at night, even just for added assurance of your safety. If you spray traditional pepper spray in an enclosed space, it’ll effectively impact everyone in the vicinity (yes, including yourself), so it’s smart to opt for the more-targeted gel formulation. This top-rated pick from Sabre comes with a hand strap for easy access, and it’s made with UV marking dye. Plus, it’s just $10 right now.   

Charmast Portable Charger with Built-in Cables

Navigating an unfamiliar form of transportation can be daunting, and while it’s important to ensure your eyes aren’t glued to your phone at all times, it’s equally essential to keep your device charged so you can make it where you’re going without losing access to your map. The Charmast Portable Charger with Built-in Cables is a T+L editor-loved pick that features a handy display at the front to let you know exactly how much battery it has left, and you can even charge up to six devices at once (handy if you’re with a group). It’ll be a game changer throughout your entire trip, but especially useful for traversing the subway system. 

Acebon 2-in-1 Emergency Car Escape Tool

While the subway and the bus are the most popular modes of transportation in New York, if you find yourself calling an Uber to dinner, it’s never a bad idea to have a car-specific safety device on your person. This compact tool doubles as both a window breaker and a seatbelt cutter to help you escape the car in the event of a crash, and since it’ll hardly take up any space in your bag, it’s a no-brainer addition to your packing list. It’s designed to shatter tempered glass in just one strike by targeting the corner of the window, and it’s generally a good idea to keep it on your keychain if you’re in vehicles often. 

Venture 4th Travel Money Belt

Keeping your important travel documents and cash out of view and not easily accessible is good practice while traveling via public transportation in any city, and the best-selling Venture 4th Travel Money Belt is an unassuming way to store your essentials while you’re on the go. The slim pouch clips around your waist and can be tucked beneath your shirt, keeping you from looking too much like a tourist, and it’s moisture-wicking and breathable for comfortable full-day wear. If you don’t feel comfortable carrying a bulky purse while you’re out and about, this subtle option is a great alternative. 

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

The best advice I can give for riding the subway is to always stay aware of your surroundings—of course, this is most easily done when you’re not wearing headphones. However, if you insist on listening to music during your commute (and who can blame you), it’s best to opt for a pair of earbuds that are subtle and can be used without noise cancellation, so you can still hear what’s going on around you and allows you to appear to be more aware than if you were wearing large headphones. 

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are T+L editor-loved and currently on sale for up to 26 percent off. They boast a snug fit, so you don’t have to worry about them popping out and slipping into the subway grate, and they’re great for listening to music while remaining alert.

Munio Self Defense Keychain

In the event you need to defend yourself from an attacker on the subway—a rare occurrence, but something worth preparing for nonetheless—the Munio Self Defense Keychain will be a worthwhile addition to your packing list since it’s TSA-friendly and incredibly portable. It’s far more durable than the old trick of holding your keys between your knuckles, and it’s non-lethal, so you don’t have to worry about doing major harm. The packable device will provide significant peace of mind, and it’s even earned thousands of five-star ratings from happy shoppers.

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