Touring in Ireland: Fanny Packs, Purses, what's best to use?
Aug 13th, 2003, 08:09 AM
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Touring in Ireland: Fanny Packs, Purses, what's best to use?
My husband and I will be touring in Ireland at the end of this month. We've decided to take our digital camera with us so there's one thing to carry around. Traveler's Help Please? Ladies, what's the best device for brush, wallet, lipsticks, etc. that you've found to be the easiest carry around. Men, also what about carrying wallets in your back pockets. May sound trivial but need help now. Thanks!
Aug 13th, 2003, 08:15 AM
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First of all - you need to post this over on the Europe board.
As for fanny packs - please use whatever you would at home. I am sure (at least I hope) you don't run around to the theater, museums, shopping wearing a fanny pack. Ireland is very safe so don't use a fanny pack (and PLEASE don't call it that over there) for security reasons.
BTW - A fanny pack is one of the easiest things for a pro pickpocket to steal. they just cut the strap off before you know what has happened.
As for fanny packs - please use whatever you would at home. I am sure (at least I hope) you don't run around to the theater, museums, shopping wearing a fanny pack. Ireland is very safe so don't use a fanny pack (and PLEASE don't call it that over there) for security reasons.
BTW - A fanny pack is one of the easiest things for a pro pickpocket to steal. they just cut the strap off before you know what has happened.
Aug 13th, 2003, 08:29 AM
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Kat6688
When we travel to Europe, my husband leaves his wallet at home and wears a money belt for our passports, license,credit cards, ATM card and money. You can buy the silk ones that do not stick to your skin and are comfortable. You can buy ones that go around the waist or crosswise over the shoulder. I leave my purse at home whenever I travel to Europe, in the US or anyplace. I take a back pack for my makeup and small first aid kit. This way I never have a purse hanging off me but the backpack that carries even some purchases. This way our arms are free to enjoy our day.
When we travel to Europe, my husband leaves his wallet at home and wears a money belt for our passports, license,credit cards, ATM card and money. You can buy the silk ones that do not stick to your skin and are comfortable. You can buy ones that go around the waist or crosswise over the shoulder. I leave my purse at home whenever I travel to Europe, in the US or anyplace. I take a back pack for my makeup and small first aid kit. This way I never have a purse hanging off me but the backpack that carries even some purchases. This way our arms are free to enjoy our day.
Aug 13th, 2003, 09:05 AM
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Wear whatever you are used to wearing. I usually carry a small, leather backpack as a purse, but took a messenger bag to Europe for 5 weeks and found that it wasn't very comfortable for me. So stick with what you know is comfy.
Fanny packs, while practical, are one of the most hideous accessories ever invented and should be all be burned. Surely there's something a little more stylish that you'd be comfortable with? And do you have to schlep a hairbrush and lipstick with you? The lighter your load the more comfortable you'll be...
A sturdy but stylish backpack for hands-free touring is the way to go for many and my preference.
Fanny packs, while practical, are one of the most hideous accessories ever invented and should be all be burned. Surely there's something a little more stylish that you'd be comfortable with? And do you have to schlep a hairbrush and lipstick with you? The lighter your load the more comfortable you'll be...
A sturdy but stylish backpack for hands-free touring is the way to go for many and my preference.
Aug 13th, 2003, 09:22 AM
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A small or medium tote bag which tucks securely under your arm is the safest way to go (if you're concerned about being robbed) and your things are more accessible than they would be in a backpack. I know in NYC it's the only way to go.
Fanny packs are just plain ugly...I mean, we spend our lives watching our figures, trying to get rid of (or not develop) a roll of fat around our stomachs. A fanny pack just looks to me like a belly. And it screams "American tourist" which automatically makes you more susceptible to pickpockets.
Fanny packs are just plain ugly...I mean, we spend our lives watching our figures, trying to get rid of (or not develop) a roll of fat around our stomachs. A fanny pack just looks to me like a belly. And it screams "American tourist" which automatically makes you more susceptible to pickpockets.
Aug 13th, 2003, 09:40 AM
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Aieeee! FANNY PACKS!
The world's least attractive accessory.
Like I really want to go around looking like a marsupial (if worn in front) or a double-behinded-obvious-tourist (if worn perched atop my fanny as its inventor no doubt intended.
I pull my hair back so no need for hair implements, I wear long-wearing lipstick, so no need for that.
If I HAVE to haul anything around, I do so in a relatively small double-handled tote that the straps go over my shoulder and the bag fits securely under my arm against my body. I zipper any cash (or the one credit card I take)in compartments, and I keep that thing on me or in my direct line of vision (no hanging it on the back of my chair) at all times.
We travel internationally frequently, and we've never had any problem with theft.
The world's least attractive accessory.
Like I really want to go around looking like a marsupial (if worn in front) or a double-behinded-obvious-tourist (if worn perched atop my fanny as its inventor no doubt intended.
I pull my hair back so no need for hair implements, I wear long-wearing lipstick, so no need for that.
If I HAVE to haul anything around, I do so in a relatively small double-handled tote that the straps go over my shoulder and the bag fits securely under my arm against my body. I zipper any cash (or the one credit card I take)in compartments, and I keep that thing on me or in my direct line of vision (no hanging it on the back of my chair) at all times.
We travel internationally frequently, and we've never had any problem with theft.
Aug 13th, 2003, 11:28 AM
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Hi, Kat6688!
Ask and ye shall receive -at least a dozen different opinions!
Definitely get a money belt, no matter how "safe" the country. Keep your passport, money, credit cards, etc. in there. Keep only enough money in your pocket for the day's use.
Never, never carry anything in the back pants pocket. A good friend of mine had his wallet - and everything in it - lifted from his back pants pocket. In one of the "safest" countries in the world.
My wife and I prefer to each carry a "daypack" - a smaller backpack. Hers is a fancy one and mine is a plain one. You will need a lightweight jacket which also doubles as a raincoat. This and guide books, maps, cameras, creams, lotions, makeup, etc. etc. all go into our daypacks. They are also good for carrying occasional purchases.
If you feel unsafe, like on a metro, turn the daypack around and carry it on your chest.
We have travelled abroad for eyars and find this to be our best solution. Hope you find your own best solution!
Happy travels!
Ask and ye shall receive -at least a dozen different opinions!
Definitely get a money belt, no matter how "safe" the country. Keep your passport, money, credit cards, etc. in there. Keep only enough money in your pocket for the day's use.
Never, never carry anything in the back pants pocket. A good friend of mine had his wallet - and everything in it - lifted from his back pants pocket. In one of the "safest" countries in the world.
My wife and I prefer to each carry a "daypack" - a smaller backpack. Hers is a fancy one and mine is a plain one. You will need a lightweight jacket which also doubles as a raincoat. This and guide books, maps, cameras, creams, lotions, makeup, etc. etc. all go into our daypacks. They are also good for carrying occasional purchases.
If you feel unsafe, like on a metro, turn the daypack around and carry it on your chest.
We have travelled abroad for eyars and find this to be our best solution. Hope you find your own best solution!
Happy travels!
Aug 13th, 2003, 11:59 AM
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According to a friend in Belfast the term "fanny" means something different to them. umm...Female anatomy...
He had a good laugh when I asked him about people using fanny packs.
BTW...he also said nothing screams American Tourist like a "fanny"pack.
We might bump into you in a pub Kat6688!
Happy Travels...
He had a good laugh when I asked him about people using fanny packs.
BTW...he also said nothing screams American Tourist like a "fanny"pack.
We might bump into you in a pub Kat6688!
Happy Travels...
Aug 13th, 2003, 12:29 PM
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Well, we all agree on one thing: Fanny Packs (excuse the vernacular) indeed are the ugliest invention of our time - so that confirms a no-no. I do however like the idea of his and her small day packs. We both hate carrying small totes over the shoulder - ouch at day's end. Thanks to everyone, I needed your quick responses. Oh, I didn't post in Europe because we've all traveled to someplace from time to time so I figured the US site would be OK. Thanks again!
Aug 13th, 2003, 12:54 PM
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Ireland is a 1000 times safer than the US. I gave up using fanny packs decades ago. It marks you as an American and a Tourist. Anonymity has its pluses in some situations. Its unsightly in my opinion and it just is not necessary. I am someone that use to sleep with a money necklace and swim with a money belt. Both are uncomfortable I would not consider either in Ireland.
Aug 13th, 2003, 01:14 PM
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As someone living in Ireland (and working in Dublin every day) might I just give a little advice. DO NOT make yourselves stand out as tourists. I work in a part of Dublin that is of great interest to tourists, but is a VERY unsafe area. DO NOT stand on the street studying maps - DO NOT have a camera hanging over your shoulder and while I have no suggestion as to how you carry your money, passport etc., have it well hidden, preferably in a wallet that is close to your body (and under your clothing). Not proud to admit that Dublin is like that, but that's the way it is!
Aug 13th, 2003, 01:54 PM
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Instead of calling them fanny packs call them by their real name - "ass purses". Nothing screams dorky tourist more than these contraptions.
I have a couple of pair of travel slacks from LL Bean that have three zippered pockets, two in back, one large one in front - great for traveling. And for heaven sakes, don't wear a kilt while you're traveling in Ireland unless you play football.
I have a couple of pair of travel slacks from LL Bean that have three zippered pockets, two in back, one large one in front - great for traveling. And for heaven sakes, don't wear a kilt while you're traveling in Ireland unless you play football.
Aug 14th, 2003, 03:55 PM
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To: Irishk - Thank you for the information re: Dublin; however, don't feel bad as we in the US have many cities that are not considered very safe. The camera I can't avoid but will use caution just as I would in New York City, Chicago, Denver (my own hometown), Los Angeles, etc, etc. Let me ask you: I have created a fairly accurate family tree of the Hanley side of our clan from the tiny town of Ashford, Co. Limerick. The Kennedy side is not complete. John Kennedy (my great grandfather) emigrated in 1883 and we know quite a bit about his life in Chicago, but nothing (except perhaps he was from Kilmeedy) of his life growing up in Ireland. Isn't there a library or church or someplace in Dublin where I might search his records? I know date of birth and date of death, but that's about it. Looking forward to hearing from you again. Thanks.
Aug 15th, 2003, 01:24 AM
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I'll try to get the information you requested re searching records. In the meantime, you may be interested in this web site - www.limerick.local.ie/kilmeedy
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Aug 15th, 2003, 10:27 AM
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Bird, now that I've picked myself off the floor and stopped crying, thanks for the best laugh I've had in a long time!
Ass purse! Ha! That is just so funny!
Kat, I do have messinger bag and I love the thing! Mine has been all over Europe and works well.
Ass purse! Ha! That is just so funny!
Kat, I do have messinger bag and I love the thing! Mine has been all over Europe and works well.
Aug 15th, 2003, 06:34 PM
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My favorite bag for travel is the "healthy back bag" available from several travel catalogs. Don't get leather--too heavy for travel. Either medium or large is fine for travel. I currently use a large microfiber taupe bag and by putting items into small bags inside it, find that it will easily hold all daily essentials, camera, extra film, guidebooks, maps, etc. It has a very wide shoulder strap that would be hard for a thief to cut; it also fits diagonally across your chest for extra safety. I close the double zipper with a small cable lock; you could also use a large safety pin, just to slow down any thief. Very comfortable bag--I have three of them!
Aug 20th, 2003, 07:10 AM
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Thank you all for your responses. I just received my small backpack ordered through REI site. I think it will be very comfortable.....for my husband to carry. Ha! Terrific responses from everyone and I just love this site. Off to Ireland in 2 days! Will report back on a trip that I expect to be wonderful. Until then....
