I recently got my hands on this portable door lock, and it's been a game-changer for my solo travels. The first thing I noticed was how sturdy it felt—the stainless steel and ABS plastic combo gives it a solid, reliable vibe without being bulky.

Installing it took literally seconds. I tested it on my apartment door first, and it slid right into the strike plate like they were made for each other. It doesn’t replace a deadbolt, but that extra *click* when I lock it at night makes me feel way more secure. As someone who’s stayed in sketchy Airbnbs, that peace of mind is priceless.

Now for the real test: my last hotel stay. The lock worked perfectly on their standard door, but fair warning—it might not fit every single door out there. I did a quick check upon arrival (before unpacking!) to make sure the strike plate wasn’t some unusual size. Pro tip: always have a backup plan if you’re staying somewhere with non-standard doors.

What I love most is how this little gadget disappears in my backpack but stands guard when needed. It’s become part of my travel ritual alongside checking the smoke detector and wiping down remote controls. For $15, it’s probably the cheapest bodyguard I’ll ever hire.