Two Products to Keep You Safer While Traveling

I was recently sent a free sample of Repuls®, a water-based irritant self-defense spray that’s an alternative to pepper spray. It’s made up of water, ammonium propionate, propionic acid, ammonium citrate, and a surfactant, which causes painful eye irritation but doesn’t cause permanent injuries.

It’s non-flammable and doesn’t create a blowback spray. It can also be relieved with water in minutes. The company says it’s safe to use in vehicles and indoors without contamination, and it leaves a blue dye on the offender that doesn’t stain permanently.

Repuls Defense Spray comes in a compact, keychain-sized tool. My only concern would be whether using it might cause you to be arrested, especially in foreign countries, if you can’t prove self-defense. But the fact that its effects are temporary to hopefully allow you to get away offers me more confidence. The product also won a 2020 platinum award in the Homeland Security Awards.

I bought the other product, which is a Sanjie Wireless Door Open Chime. It installs by any door with adhesive and has a chime that you plug in nearby. It works, although I haven’t had anyone try to get in. It can also be helpful if you have a young child, a child with autism, or an elderly relative who might try to leave the house unsafely.

I do wish I’d had this a few years ago when I was in a hotel in Madrid without a safety chain on the door. Another guest was given my door key by mistake and entered my room late at night. It was terrifying.

I’m happy to have both of these products at my disposal for travel and otherwise, and I recommend them, especially for women traveling alone.