I've seen various document holders as I've shopped for my trip online. I assume this is not the same as a neck-type security pocket. Do I need one? Do I use it (I'm a first time traveler to Europe) just when I'm entering and leaving Europe (then switch to a money/neck belt for touring)?

Yes - The document holders worn around your neck are different than money belts/neck safes/security pouches.

The concensus on here is that most folks don't like them. But I use one on every trip. I only wear it for about 30-60 minutes from Landside through security. Once I get to the departure lounge I stash in my carry on and don't use it again until the next flight.

Having my ticket/boarding/passport/ID all in one place easy to reach and leaving my hands free for my handbag and carry on, and when taking shoes off in security - I find it just a lot easier than alway having to dig into my handbag for things 2 or 3 times.

I use one every time I travel, and the best thing is it's built right into my shirt or jacket, aka a pocket.

Hi A,

We take the around the neck wallet. It is large enough to hold all the papers we need as well as passports, and folds in half.

I'm beginning to think that keeping everything in pockets or purse and using safety pins as closures is just as safe and more convenient.

My problem is I have almost no clothing w/ pockets either large enough or secure enough to hold all the stuff one needs to have available multuple times in an airport.

I'm not a "cargo pants-type" person and none of my jackets/blazers have more than slash pockets or small patch pockets. And jeans/pants pockets aren't good because the passport/etc gets bent when you sit down.

So for me - a neck wallet works much better. Maybe it is a size thing - I'm short/petite and just don't have anything w/ oversized pockets.

I'd never put the documents in a coat pocket

Just make sure it closes securely, the one time I used one my passport fell out and someone pointed to it on the floor behind me. I think they may offer false security and should only be used while actually in the airports changing planes if at all, I would rather have my documents in a zippered purse.

I did see one young man with a zippered bum (fanny) pack across his chest and over one shoulder, it seemed to be a good idea.

I travel about once a month or so, and for me, at my forgetful age, keeping essentially the same routine every time seems to help a lot. Instead of having to search I more or less instinctively know to pat my pocket to confirm passport/bp is there, never have to dig for car keys up on return, know what I've taken out of my bags during a flight or at the hotel, etc.

- I always park my car in the same area of long term parking, lest I forget where I parked my car. Been there done that, and it's no fun in a cold rain.
- I always put my docs & other important stuff in the same place. PP and boarding pass in shirt pocket. Once on the plane cell phone, keys, in the same pocket of my laptop case. Nothing like a panic attack on the way to the airport not remembering where the stuff is and not being able to find it right away.
- iPod, heaphones go in same carrying case.

I find that if I invent a new routine for a specific trip, i.e. wear a doc. holder, I'd be more apt to be confused, and likely less secure than sticking to my old routine.

Yes, that is a good point.

One thing I did on the last trip was to separate things in my purse by using plastic ziplocks. Not very elegant but I could grab whatever I wanted easily and nothing was rolling around ready to fall out. Travel docs in one bag, travel info in another bag, etc.

Annie, You are correct in that they are two different things. The document holder is only for using as you pass thru airports (as janisj describes so well) and is worn on top of clothes.

The waist money belt, or neck money pouch is for later to be worn under your clothing to hold valuables out-of-sight.

Myself I use neither, but rather a small leather pocketbook with an outer pocket where I tuck my documents as I go thru the airport, then put them away inside once I'm on the plane. For me I feel it is better to do something similar to what I do every day at home (carry a pocketbook) rather than do exceptional things traveling. My theory is that will likely lead to confusion or something being lost.

That said, I am not against using those clear around-the-neck document holders for convenient at the airports, if you think it would be better for you.

Thanks, everyone. I value your experience. Your answers do help me. Thanks again.

I've gone both ways. If I use the neck document holder I put the items in my handbag (a black messenger bag which I use for the duration of the trip). I do find it handy going through the airport and security.

If you decide to get one, the AAA store (if there's one near you, or maybe on line) has less expensive ones than the Travelsmith type shops.

Found the AAA site and the Travel Store. Great idea. BTW, where did you find your messenger bag? And, really, thanks. Everyone is great!

Annie, I went on eBay and got a black prada messenger bag for a very reasonable price -- I usually don't go for labels, but I found that this one "dresses up" the bag as needed in the cities (Paris, Venice) and is subtle and really very handy everywhere else with the label in. The shoulder strap is wide webbing and very comfortable, and it's able to be worn across the body diagonally (controversial, see other threads talking about thieves grabbing the bag and dragging the wearer). However-- I have found that the messenger bag is easy to hold close to the body in questionable or risky areas. also -- the microfiber is fabulous because it is lighter than leather (which otherwise I would prefer). Also it wears and cleans up well.

Here's an example (I can't vouch for this particular seller but this is the type of bag I mean):

http://cgi.ebay.com/Auth-New-PRADA-B...QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks, annw, I see what you mean.