Safety should always be a priority when you’re traveling, and we have just the item to help you feel safe while abroad: portable door locks. Adding these devices to your travel gear will help relieve many safety concerns you may have had about the hotel, resort, or home rental you’ve decided on.
There are extra measures you can take to sleep better at night during your travels, whether you’re on a solo trip for business or with the whole family on vacation. No matter where you decide to stay or the type of lodging you book, a reliable travel door lock can make you feel even more protected from intruders and unwanted guests.
Ultimately, when you’re traveling, you want to avoid a door lock that requires a difficult installation. Thankfully, there are dozens of quality devices out there that add security to your temporary home without any confusing installation instructions. And don’t worry, we’ve done the research and have found some of the most versatile and secure door locks and tools on the market that will help you enjoy your next trip to the fullest!
So how do these locks work? Two types of portable door locks are the most common: strike-plate latching and door jams.
A strike-plate latching portable lock is a type of lock that uses the hole in the frame of your door which is typically covered by a strike plate. Strike-plate latching portable locks have a metal bend or hook that gets placed into the hole under the strike plate. When pressure is applied to the door, the metal blocks the door from being opened.
Portable door jams, also known as door stoppers, are devices designed to reinforce the security of a door via pressure. These portable jams typically consist of a metal or heavy-duty plastic bar that can be adjusted to fit between the door handle and the floor. The more pressure applied to the door, the more the jammer is forced into the ground to resist.
When installed correctly, portable door locks are very secure. It’s also important to choose portable locks that are high-quality so that you don’t have to worry about any breakage.
Even the presence of a visible extra lock can deter potential unauthorized individuals from attempting to enter a room or property. It never hurts to add another layer of protection, especially when traveling.
Most reliable portable door locks are already TSA-approved so you shouldn’t have to worry about your locks being confiscated. We recommend double-checking the product’s description before purchasing.
We're huge fans of this portable door lock from AceMining. And we're not alone — it's got more than 14,000 positive reviews on Amazon. It's extremely lightweight and portable for packing away in your suitcase or carry-on bag and couldn't be easier to set up. It works on most inward-swinging doors and with a price tag of less than $20, we consider it a no-brainer for travelers looking to add an extra layer of security to their accommodations.
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The Addalock travel door lock is portable and lightweight, and even comes with its own storage pouch. The lock installs in seconds without any tools required, making it perfect for stays in hotels, resorts and short-term rentals. It can be used on most doors that are hinged and swing inwards. Simply slide the door lock into your closed door at the right angle, and you'll gain an extra layer of security right away. With more than 11,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, this portable travel lock comes at an affordable price point for adding security to your next stay.
This folding door security bar is Amazon's no. 1 best seller in door stops, and it's a terrific option for travelers of all kinds. Made of heavy-duty 20-gauge steel, this security bar fits against the doorknob of your hotel room or home rental — or even consider using it at your own apartment. There are no tools required to install this security bar, and a padded foot ensures the floor below remains free of scratches during use. We like that this option is so versatile; it can be used on hinged, patio and sliding doors. Best of all, this folding design is perfect for bringing along in your checked luggage for added security on the go. A full-size, non-folding version is also available, and it's a good option for road trips.
Similar to other travel door locks, this portable home security lock is made to fit nearly any door and locking mechanism, whether you're enjoying time at a resort or cozying up in a vacation villa. The portable lock prevents all types of entry into your space, even property employees who may have their own keys. It can be installed or removed in seconds without any tools by placing the heavy-duty steel in the door frame, closing the door and securing the red handle in place. The device comes with its own carrying pouch, and it's TSA-compliant, so you can take it through airport security without additional screening.
The Sabre Door Stop Security Alarm can be used alone or in conjunction with a travel door lock that fits in the doorjamb. This portable alarm sits on the floor like a door wedge inside your hotel room or vacation rental. Any time pressure is applied when a person attempts to open the door, the wedge will sound a 120-decibel alarm, audible up to 1,000 feet away. Additionally, the battery-operated wedge comes with a non-skid pad that will work as a secondary lock to prevent the door from opening while the alarm sounds.
This travel door lock comes in two different sizes to fit nearly any type of inward-swinging door you might encounter during your travels. It can be installed in less than a minute without any tools required, and the main part of the lock is made of stainless steel for maximum durability. Note that this door lock does not work for outward-swinging doors, sliding doors or double doors, so it's best for single-entry doors into hotel rooms and vacation rentals. And, at just more than $7, this compact travel door lock that comes with a carrying pouch is a good option for travelers looking for added security without breaking the bank.
The Travelers Security Lock is a heavy-duty option made of aircraft aluminum construction. It looks different from other options on this list, as it uses Newton's third law of physics to prevent break-ins and unwanted entries by distributing any force among the lock and door frame. The security lock is made to fit nearly any door or entryway so long as there's a gap of at least 1/8 inch between the door and door frame. A handy carrying case makes it easy to bring this travel lock along with you.
If you're looking for a multi-functional kit for your next travel adventure, the Mbbest Portable Door Lock & Door Stop Alarm is worth checking out. The set includes both a travel door lock and an alarm. The travel door lock fits in the doorjamb to prevent entry into your room, even with a key. Separately, a door stopper alarm with a 120-decibel siren will go off immediately if someone manages to gain entry into your space. Both the door lock and the door stop alarm can be installed within seconds without any tools, and they're small enough to bring in a small bag or your favorite travel backpack.
The Super Grip Lock Deadbolt Strap Accessory stops intruders by holding the deadbolt on your hotel room or vacation rental closed. In other words, intruders won't have the opportunity to enter your room once you're inside with the strap securely fastened, even if they have their own deadbolt key. This deadbolt strap is lightweight and made of durable nylon, making it perfect for packing away on your next trip.
This affordable travel door lock system works like many others on our list. Once the inward-swinging door in your hotel room or vacation rental is securely closed, insert the lock into the doorjamb to prevent unwanted entry. The small size of this portable door lock makes it perfect for someone who takes frequent business trips or vacations. Although it's made of durable stainless steel, it only weighs just over 1 ounce, so it's compact enough to take along in your luggage.
This portable door lock is easy to install or remove, and it's made of high-grade metal that ensures long-term durability. Like other similar door locks, it inserts into the doorjamb of your vacation rental or hotel room after you've securely closed the door. This lock is also small and lightweight enough to carry in a pocket or handbag, so it's ideal for travel. Note, however, that this door lock is for inward-swinging doors only, and that it will not work for sliding doors, double doors or oversized doors.
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