In return, Id loaned him my pen. It was, you might say, just like any other day. But minutes later, life as I knew it was over. Shrimping boats in Biloxi.Credit:Ken Kochey Everything was in orbit: the charger, the pen, my coffee and laptop. The sun burned my eyes and suddenly even the blue light of my computer was unbearably bright. I tried to turn away but my neck was locked in place....

If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation. It weighs just 2 ounces and could save a life. He made his way to the front of the plane with a flight attendant and disappeared for a while. Credit:Amazon North American Rescue CAT Tourniquet This caught my attention. When its fully tightened, the bleeding stops, and the windlass locks into place. Watch thishelpful tutorial videofrom North American Rescue so youll be better prepared on how to use it....

If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. These devices will provide peace of mind on your next trip. Travel + Leisure Unfortunately, I fell victim to pickpocketing while studying abroad. Credit:Travel + Leisure The one silver lining from the experience was my determination to never let it happen again. From abelt bagto anRFID-blocking wallet, I handpicked the best deals, which are hard to beat. Pander Zipper Belt Bag Amazon...

If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. It’s spacious and secure. Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten Packing light is key for seamless traveling. Credit:Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten After all, no one wants to be weighed down by things they don’t need. That’s why theLululemon Everywhere Belt Baghas been one of myultimate travel essentialsfor years. From airports to city streets, I bring this bag everywhere....

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. Now, my phone, credit cards, and ID never leave my sight. (Hey, pickpocketing happens to the best of us, evenRick Steves). Credit:Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez But it was too late the doors closed and my phone was gone. Thats where theLameeku RFID Crossbody Phone Wallet Casecame in. ThisLameeku phone casetakes the guesswork out of trying to figure out where your phone is at all times....

If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation. Keep your belongings safe while looking fabulous with these anti-theft crossbody purses. A hands-free, anti-theftcrossbody bagis a smart choice, especially in places where pickpocketing is a common concern. Credit:Travel + Leisure / Francesca Fasciglione Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way when I was pickpocketed while studying abroad in Europe. Since then, a crossbody bag has become one of my top travel essentials....

If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation. These anti-theft gifts will change the way you travel. Im always the first to warn friends and family before they head off on a trip. Credit:Travel + Leisure While pickpocketing is sometimes unavoidable, there are plenty of ways to minimize the risk. After my incident in Europe, I dove head-first into research on the best preventative gear before heading back....

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. From portable chargers to personal alarms, these devices will help keep you safe. And the best part? Credit:Travel + Leisure / Kevin Liang Whether youre staying in a hotel or rented home, you never know how secure the locks are. Its an easy, affordable way to add an extra layer of protection wherever you stay. Apple AirTag It isnt just convenient tokeep tabs on your belongings its a smart precaution to take....

If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Dont have a sun allergy? These recommendations still apply to you. Credit:Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure If youve never heard of a sun allergy, youre not alone. My diagnosis?Solar urticaria. Solar urticaria is a skin condition characterized by the presence of hives or welts during sun exposure. Amazon Essentially, its an allergy to the sun. In the past, I havent taken sun protection too seriously....

If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. They are durable, machine-washable, and can fit almost any size luggage. Right off the bat, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and durability of the straps. Credit:Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez They are made of thickened polypropylene and are two inches wide. And the brightly colored tags really stood out on my non-discriminate black and silver suitcases....

It was something that kept repeating in my head: I need to get to Bermuda … And she did fall for it. Of course she did. It became one of her favorite places. Credit: Courtesy of Matthew Monagan The islands sparkling waters surrounding me on both sides seemed to wrap me up and take me in. I could stay for hours thinking about things or not really thinking about anything at all....

If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. It’s on rare sale right now. The contents of the bag were easily worth over $5,000. Credit:Travel + Leisure I whipped out my phone and headed to theFind My app. Meanwhile, a Thule snowboard bag in the same blue slate hue as mine had seemingly been abandoned. Luckily for me and the wayward snowboarder, theyd affixed aluggage tagto their Thule bag....

It was 2 a.m. in France. Just two weeks earlier Id been with her in Aix. On February 29 Leap Year Day we went to Paris. A view from the top of Montpellier’s Arc de Triomphe.Credit:Anaïs Boileau Ste.-Chapelle, the Musee dOrsay, cafes, the Metro: all packed. Jespere vous revoir bientot. (c’mon donate or recycle whatever you’re able to. From left: The 11-acre botanical garden in the city of Montpellier holds more than 2,600 species; the studio of painter Paul Cézanneâ€now a museumâ€in Aix-en-Provence, France....