When I was preparing for my three-month solo trip through Europe, I spent a lot of time thinking about comfortable walking shoes, luggage, travel insurance, and how to keep my belongings safe.

I knew my phone would be one of the most important items I carried. It would hold my train tickets, hotel reservations, maps, restaurant recommendations, and thousands of photos from the journey. Since I planned to spend most days exploring by walking, I expected my phone would rarely be tucked away for long.

Because of that, I purchased a phone wrist strap before I left. My goal was simple: create an extra layer of security. While a wrist strap isn't a replacement for staying aware of your surroundings, it does make it more difficult for someone to grab your phone and disappear into a crowd. In busy train stations, crowded city centers, and popular tourist attractions, that extra connection provided peace of mind.

Just as importantly, it helped protect my phone from accidental drops.

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Why I Chose A Wrist Strap

One of the things I did while planning my trip was search for “travel accessories” on Amazon. A lot of products surfaced, but a phone wrist strap wasn't something I had previously considered.

I had seen phone lanyards that hang around your neck, but they didn't initially appeal to me. Backpacking through Europe was already going to put enough strain on my back, neck, and shoulders, and I didn't want another item hanging from them all day.

A wrist strap felt like a simpler solution. It added a layer of security without adding bulk and allowed me to quickly access my phone for directions, photos, and day-to-day travel logistics.

That said, one thing I appreciated about this particular wrist strap was that it also came with a detachable lanyard. While I rarely used it during everyday sightseeing, I did attach it while kayaking in Lagos, Portugal, where having my phone secured around my neck felt much more practical than having it hanging from my wrist while paddling.

Not Just Safety, But Convenience

Throughout the trip, the wrist strap proved especially useful when taking photos.

In addition to using my iPhone, I also traveled with a Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII point-and-shoot camera, which I highly recommend. I frequently switched back and forth between the two depending on what I was photographing.

The wrist strap made that process much easier. Rather than constantly reaching for a pocket or bag for my phone, I could simply let it hang securely from my wrist while using the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII, then switch back when needed.

I was taking thousands of photos every day. Sometimes that meant reaching for a different angle or quickly pulling out my phone to capture a moment before it disappeared. The wrist strap provided reassurance that if my grip slipped, my phone wouldn't immediately fall to the ground…or into a canal. Between cobblestone streets, waterfronts, ferry rides, and constant movement, travel creates plenty of opportunities for a dropped phone. The strap added a small but meaningful margin for error.

Travelers often spend a great deal of time thinking about theft prevention, but accidental drops can be just as costly. The wrist strap helped address both concerns without adding bulk or inconvenience.

A Good Fit For Walking-Focused Travel

If you've read other Fork & Footpath posts, you know that I prefer to explore cities by walking. I rarely take taxis or rideshares and often spend entire days moving through neighborhoods on foot. That means my phone is constantly being used for navigation and photography.

For the first couple of weeks of my trip, even with the wrist strap attached, I usually kept my phone secured inside my Pacsafe Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag. I was determined not to be the tourist whose phone got stolen. I even wore earbuds so I could listen to directions instead of constantly looking down at my screen.

As the trip went on, though, I became more comfortable. I noticed plenty of locals and travelers using their phones normally as they moved through cities. While I never stopped being aware of my surroundings, I started keeping my phone more accessible, knowing it was firmly attached to my wrist. The wrist strap made it easier to use my phone naturally without feeling like I needed a perfect grip every second it was in my hand.

Whether I was navigating Venice's narrow passageways, photographing Prague's architecture, or kayaking along the Lagos coastline, it provided a simple way to keep my phone secure while still readily available.

Would I Buy It Again?

Absolutely. It was inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to install, providing an additional layer of security throughout my trip. More importantly, it never got in the way. Since my phone serves as my camera, map, train ticket holder, and travel planner, having a simple way to keep it attached while walking through unfamiliar places was well worth it.

Who I'd Recommend It To

I think a wrist strap is especially useful for:

• Travelers who rely heavily on their phones for navigation

• People who take a lot of photos while traveling

• Solo travelers exploring unfamiliar destinations

• Anyone concerned about phone theft in crowded areas

• Travelers who spend most of their time exploring by walking

It may be less necessary for travelers who keep their phones tucked away most of the day or rarely use them for navigation, photography, or travel logistics.

A Small Piece of Travel Gear That Earned Its Place

Travel gear doesn't always need to be expensive or complicated to be worthwhile. Sometimes the most useful items are the ones that quietly do their job day after day.

Over the course of three months, my wrist strap traveled through 15 countries, countless train stations, busy city centers, ferry terminals, viewpoints, and walking routes. It provided a level of security that I appreciated throughout the trip.

For travelers who rely heavily on their phones for navigation, photography, and day-to-day logistics, it's a simple accessory worth considering. It won't eliminate every risk, but it can make it easier to keep one of your most important travel tools exactly where it belongs: attached to you.