d2roberts

Please forgive these ignorant questions. We've been to New Zealand and Australia before, but I don't remember having these questions/problems.

Also - I'm sure this has been asked before, but I wasn't sure how to begin my search for the right answer.

#1 - I have a very small traveling hair dryer with the ability to switch voltage. We're going to Switzerland and Italy, where I've read 240 is typical. My hair dryer is 250, is that OK?

#2 - So what do you really carry in your hidden money belt. (Besides the obvious cash) Passports fit fine, but plane tickets are tight, and my Eurorail pass just doesn't fit, at least in the card board envelope it's in. Where do you experienced travelers carry your passport, tickets and Eurorail pass? (Yes, I was issued real tickets for our flight, what a pain.)


Thanks again - the time is coming - 2 more days!!!

zootsi

1. yes
2. I generally carry money, credit cards, and drivers licence in my money belt. Tickets, passports, etc go in my inside pocket of my blazer, which doesn't come off my body until I am at my hotel, or on the plane.

d2roberts

Perfect - thanks so much.

clevelandbrown

Your hairdryer should work, but you will need an adapter plug to fit the recepticles in Switzerland and Italy. Travel stores usually have a chart showing which configuration is needed for each country, and if you don't have time, I'm sure they are sold over there, also.

Intrepid1

The adaptor plug you'll need for both countries is the two round pin so- called "Continental plug."

suze

I would include *passport* and cash in the money belt, and at least one cc or ATM card. Then paper plane tickets and rail pass in your day bag (pack, pocketbook, tote). I usually have a plastic envelope, folder, or bag or some sort where I organize all paperwork. Don't be afraid to fold the plane ticket, there's nothing magic about the envelope they come in.

d2roberts

Thanks again - I guess that was my concern - could I fold things.

I already have the plug adapter too.

Mary_Fran

I recently purchased a "Travelon ID & Boarding Pass Holder w/Snap Closure" from www.ebags.com
http://secure.ebags.com/travelon/id_...m?modelid=9547

Cost is $14.99 US, currently with 10% off and free shipping for orders over $35.00.

I haven't used it yet but bought it because I get tired of pawing through my purse for my passport and boarding pass in navigating the airport and live in fear of setting my boarding pass and/or passport down some place. It has a string so you can wear it around your nect. I use a money belt once I reach my destination, but the boarding pass holder looks like it will be handy on the way to my destination.

d2roberts

Yeah - we have several things. One that folds and is worn around your neck. A bigger document holder thing, our money belts, plus my purse which is made for traveling and has a document holder also - I just don't like the way it's so open. My one bag that I'm carrying has lots of options too.

I'm just trying to decide exactly what to bring. So far, of course my one bag, my purse - which will probably only be used for carrying a small water bottle, tissues, etc... and the hidden money belt. My husband also bought a nice courier bag that can go from a fanny pack, to courier bag to a small carry-on. Again, we won't be carrying too many valuables in that, but it will be good for long day trips.

I think I may bring that bigger document holder if I can find room in my bag - which I should. I'll then carry money, passport and credit cards in my money belt.

All I know - is I'm psyched! This is my first time to Europe, and I can't wait!

jazzyred

I wore an around the waist money belt last spring. I carried my passport, 1 ATM card, my Visa, plane tickets (paper) insurance cards and my photocopied ID page. I also carried a good chunk of whatever money we had.

In my purse I only had enough Euros for planned on necessities and 1 other ATM card.
I didn't have a Eurail pass but my middle was pretty full! I tried to let the belt be one of those low rise types LOL. My tops always covered it.

I did feel a little thick (ha) when I had it on but I felt safe.

mercy

Re: Money Belt. Since there is usually very little reason to access the money belt during the day, I have found that the most comfortable way to wear it is to have the "compartment" worn against my back--not my front. The small of the back is usually flatter and accomodates the carrier without making that "bulge" in the front, when worn the other way. If you need something from the belt, it is not usually a problem to access it in a rest room, or even to have spouse or friend get in to it.

The "badge carriers" work quite well and can hold ticket, passport, and even a bit of $$. However, it must be removed when going through Security--or at least I have had to do so. So, I usually loop the strap through the strap on my carryon bag, or around a jacket sleever, so it is not inadvertantly left at the Security point. Cheers. mhm

StCirq

I've never worn a money belt and never plan to. I have a leather pouch with a zipper that my bank gives out to small businesses for deposits, and I use that for my tickets, my passport, my train tickets if I have them, and copies of vouchers and reservations. That goes in my messenger-style purse, along with my wallet, just as those things I would normally carry around with me go in there when I'm at home.

suze

My own method is similar to St Cirq above. I have never used a money belt myself, but understand their value to some (but please don't have your friends going into yours in public as mentioned above, that kinda defeats the purpose of "hidden&quot.

A friend I was staying with in Europe mentioned about folding train and plane tickets... (as an OK thing to do).

mercy

OPPS! I should have explained that if you need to have someone else access your money belt, it is best done in the corner of a shop, etc. I did not expect anyone to assume that you would be doing it in the middle of the street, etc. It can be done very discretely and no one is the wiser. In at least 15 years of foreign travel, I have never had a problem, and only have resorted to it once or twice. mhm

d2roberts

I know - everytime I think about thieves, I remind myself that I lived in the worst part of Boston for 4 years, and survived. I do agree, if you're aware and smart about things, you should be fine.

sandyesandye

Two kinds of document holders are best -- one for wearing at airports and train stations that hang around your neck and allow easy access to the things you need to get through security and one for wearing all of the time to keep your most valuable things safe and nearby.

The first is an ID holder and is available at

http://thesavvytraveller.com/tools/2.../id_holder.htm

The second is a security pouch and a number of different kinds can be found at http://thesavvytraveller.com/tools/2...ches/1home.htm

janisj

sandyesandye: Welcome to Fodors. I am a bit curious, you took the time to register and top a 15 month old thread just to post links to a shop in Chicago. By any chance are you and the Savvy traveler one and the same? (advertising isn't allowed on Fodors).

If I'm mistaken - sorry. Like I said, I just find it curious.