aknards

Ve,
I, too, am about to travel alone with no one to share the responsibility of carrying money and valuables. Big concern. I don't know if this will help but for what it's worth: Everyone in my family always travels with money/passports/etc. separated. The bulk of cash and all passports, credit cards, etc. go into money belts (I prefer wearing mine around my back so it doesn't cut into my waist when I sit down. It also somehow seems less obvious.) Then we put a modest amount of cash into fanny packs. This not only makes it convenient to purchase stuff but, hopefully, will satisfy a thief on the run.

This theory was, unfortunately, put to the test a few years ago when my 23 year old nephew was traveling in Spain. Although he complained that fanny packs were "geeky" he actually listened to his parents. The muggers got his watch and fanny pack, then bolted. My nephew was left intact with the bulk of his cash and passport safely in his belt. Only his ego was bruised.

Have a wonderful, safe trip!

Ve

Thank you Aknards for that tip. I do have a fanny pack, but see you also suggest a money belt for around my waist. Already have a pouch I'll wear around my neck that has several zippered compartments. So what the heck, I'll check into wearing all 3 pieces just to be on the safe side, especially travelling alone some of the time.

Leaving next Monday, long flight, but very excited about my 1st trip to Africa, been wanting to go for years and it's my turn now to enjoy what I want to do. Thanks again.

sallysaab

Pacsafe make a lockable fanny pack, you can lock it to you as well as lock the compartments. Be aware though that all the locks are the same.
We keep all our spare keys in our shoes.

aknards

Ve, just don't forget to relax and enjoy, big time. The chances of something happening on any holiday are slim to none. The part I left out of my nephew's story (because I was talking security, not judgement or lack thereof): he and his friend chose to take a shortcut back to their hotel at 2 a.m. - through an alley. That's where they got jumped. So, with that said, stay out of dark alleys and have the time of your life!

moovet

As well as taking photocopies of your passport, documents etc, I also scan them and email them to a hotmail or gmail account. Then you have a permanent backup colour copy of them you can send to the relevant authorities or print out!

Happy travels!!