Hi, I have been reading some good posts on the Europe board about travel bags (handbags)with steel wire in the shoulder strap that can't be cut and stolen. Does anyone know if these type of bags or similar can be purchased in Australia? All the suggested stores and websites are in the USA. My daughter is travelling to Canada from Perth and I would like to get her a small bag that will go across her body to hold passport, tickets, pen, all the usual things, as she is only 17 it also needs to be tres chic! Thanks in advance.

Hi, I haven't heard of those type of bags here in Australia but you could try the travel/outdoor shops like Snowgum, Paddy Pallin, Kathmandu etc. Not sure if they are all in Perth, but they have a good range and are pretty trendy. For anything really valuable like passport and money I would suggest your daughter carry them under her clothes in a money belt. I hate the ones you wear around your waist as they're so uncomfortable but we bought ones that hang around your neck with an adjustable strap so you can easily pull it up out of your top if you need your passport or something out of it. Your daughter can then carry things more easily replaced like guide book, pen, etc in the bag. A handbag she can wear across her body is an excellent idea, not just from a safety viewpoint, but it leaves her hands free for hopping on and off buses, trains, walking etc, without her bag slipping off her shoulder. Get one with a zip, not velcro which can be easily opened by a pickpocket.
Kay

If I were a Canadian I would be insulted by this post. Geez - do you think she's going to meet a robber or raper on every corner Why should Montreal or Toronto be so much different than Perth?

You really don't need to get into the steel wire bracket unless you are going to travel by public transport somewhere remote - u know India, China, parts of Africa - I don't think Canada qualifies somehow. A money belt is a good idea - but don't just buy any old one. Most have a rigid strap - very uncomfortable - she needs one with an elastic waistband.

Not easy to find but worth seeking out.

Thank you Kay for your helpful reply, I do have the type of pouch that is worn under your clothes so maybe this is best.
Alice you got me all wrong, my daughter will be traveling on her own and my main concern was that if she fell asleep on the plane her passport and papers could be kept safe. She intends to be a travel agent and therefore will be traveling a lot in the future - the purchase of a good quality bag will be useful in many situations.

Maudie, I always travel with my passport and money in a holder which goes around my neck and is long enough then to tuck into my slacks underneath my clothes. This is more comfortable than a body belt and more easy to get at yourself when you want things out of it and it does not have to be removed to get at things.
It does not matter which country you are in if you are travelling you are always a target because theives know that you will probably be carrying all your money on you.
I have done a lot of travelling in South America in the last 5 years and though I have never had a problem there I have seen a bit of bag snatching in Italy in particular and London.
You are right to think in terms of safety for your valuables. Even if you have steel wire in the shoulder strap of a bag it can still be wrestled from you. So in having two systems one with all the valuables underneath your clothes and one that you can get at i.e. bum bag for small change and items that can be replaced seems to be the best combination.

Hi Liz, Thanks for that advice. Last time she went away she found the neck type pouch uncomfortable but I hadn't thought of lengthening it to go under her jeans.We have travelled quite a bit to Asia and seen bag snatchers at work, even seen it happen here! Cheers.

Maudie, I considered getting a handbag with the cable through the strap as well. Then someone pointed out that it could end up being dangerous if someone swooped by and tried to cut it, and you got pulled down the street by a person on a motorbike for instance. It's something to consider at any rate.

Another thought. Money belts that you wear under your clothes are uncomfortable (even with an elastic waistband). But sometimes they are necessary and I still use one if its appropriate for the sort of place. But for the moving from A to B part of any journey I'd recommend a good pair of travel pants with pockets that zip. The pockets are often semi-concealed and are excellent for carrying your passport/ticket at airports, bus stns, train stns, etc. when a lot can be going on around you. Some pants also have a small totally hidden pocket - too small for a passport - but then once you have arrived that would be best placed in the hotel/hostel safe - but perfect for carrying a cash stash in case the unthinkable happens and you lose everything else while you are out and about.

Travel gear shops as already mentioned are the place to check.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and taking the time to reply. I guess I feel a little frustrated that we do not get a lot of really good travel gear here in Aus. Kathmandu etc mainly cater for more the backpacker type of traveler, rather than stylish, smart and practical things - hey maybe there is a business waiting to happen!!!!! Thanks again everyone.