I have traveled solo before. And though I am not the type that scares easily, or reads too much into those creepy sounds and bumps in the night, I can understand how some would-be-solo-travelers might be a bit freaked out at the thought of sleeping alone in a strange place. Especially when the desk clerk looks a bit sketchy, other guests look creepy, the neighborhood seems dicey or the hotel room door is paper-thin with flimsy locks.
Regardless of gender, not being able to get a good night sleep because you are a nervous wreck is no way to spend a vacation or perhaps a business trip. Especially if you need that good night’s sleep to be your best at that important presentation the next morning.
So, when the folks responsible for the Ila Wedge contacted me to see if I would be interested in reviewing their product, I was happy to do so. And I was immediately hopeful that I would not only like the product, but that it would offer solo travelers an extra layer of security during their travels.
When I received the Ila Wedge, I noticed right away how lightweight and portable it is, only 3.6 oz., which is especially important to me, being a carry-on traveler. Another bonus was the fact that it worked right out of the package. No batteries to buy or install. I like that. Really like that.
I tested the wedge under two different doors in my house, by slipping them under at a 90 degree angle. In both instances, when the door was opened, the high-pitched 130 decibel alarm sounded immediately and the wedge made it impossible for the door to be opened any further. The only thing I would caution against would be pushing the wedge too far under the door – as that sets off the alarm. So tread lightly.
© Ila Wedge
My home has hardwood floors throughout, so it wasn’t possible for me to test this on a carpeted surface. But given the design and rubber grips on the bottom of the wedge, I feel it would work just fine.
And though I’m sure they are trying to reach the female demographic, the wedge is a bit too girlie for a man to carry around, in my opinion. Perhaps Ila would introduce a solid color model that would be more attractive to a wider audience.
Sleep may come a bit easier and certainly more soundly for nervous solo travelers that have this helpful gadget. In fact, it would make an excellent holiday gift for a special traveller in your life! The Ila Wedge is available at the handpickedgiftstore.com or dailygrommet.com .
Disclosure : I received a complimentary Ila Wedge for the purpose of this review. I received no other compensation and as always, the opinions expressed here are completely my own.
Do you have experience using a product like this? Tell us about it. As a solo traveler, would you feel safer using a door alarm?