Fanny packs?
Nov 24th, 2004, 01:34 PM
#1
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Fanny packs?
I must admit, I'm not a big fan (pardon the pun) of the fanny pack. However, I want to travel smart on my upcoming trip to Italy. Any alternative suggestions for what I could safely carry that would accomodate my wallet/camera/etc? Thanks!
Nov 24th, 2004, 01:52 PM
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There are lots of posts on this topic, so you should be able to find lots of suggestions. But IMO, I think that a fanny pack is the equivalent of a flashing light that says "rob me". In most places and circumstances in Italy, you don't have to worry as much as you think (unless you're wearing one of those "rob me" signs). Yes, be careful in train stations, at the Vatican, on the bus to the Vatican, when you use bank machines, etc. Don't ever put your purse on the floor or a chair or ledge beside you (hold it in your lap and, except in a restaurant when your legs are tucked under a table, hold onto it in your lap). Lock up your passport, tickets and most (if not all, whenever possible) bank cards and credit cards (and give copies of these to someone at home, in case something is stolen). Carry cash for the day. Be careful where and how you use bank machines: try to go with someone else, and have the other person serve as "look-out" while you retrieve your cash. Try not to open a map or guidebook on the street (again - advertising that you're lost and/or distracted). Nip into a quiet shop, or do your research before you leave or while sitting in a restaurant.
Don't take the fancy expensive camera or videorecorder with you. (You'll probably see more if you don't obsess about taking pictures or filming everything.) Take something you can afford to have stolen (and have insurance).
Feel free to carry a daypack or purse to store the less valuable stuff - sweater, umbrella, water, guidebook, your purchases, etc. Go ahead and carry the day's cash in it (preferably not on the top or an easily accessible compartment). If you have to carry credit cards, passport or tickets with you in a high risk area (eg when you're on the move from one city to another, or going out for a shopping spree), carry them in a money belt under the waistband of your clothes or in a well-concealed neck pouch (no straps showing).
Don't take the fancy expensive camera or videorecorder with you. (You'll probably see more if you don't obsess about taking pictures or filming everything.) Take something you can afford to have stolen (and have insurance).
Feel free to carry a daypack or purse to store the less valuable stuff - sweater, umbrella, water, guidebook, your purchases, etc. Go ahead and carry the day's cash in it (preferably not on the top or an easily accessible compartment). If you have to carry credit cards, passport or tickets with you in a high risk area (eg when you're on the move from one city to another, or going out for a shopping spree), carry them in a money belt under the waistband of your clothes or in a well-concealed neck pouch (no straps showing).
Nov 24th, 2004, 02:11 PM
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It's not clear to me, dana g, whether you are male or female. Obviously Kate assumed you are female (or at least the advice seems to reflect that). But whether you are either sex, the advice about always being vigilant is good. No need to be overly paranoid, but just take normal precautions.
Now as for where to put your wallet, camera, and other stuff---it just depends on how much total stuff you have. An over-the shoulder purse (for male or female) that is worn with the strap across the chest is normally a good bet when you have lots of such stuff. I've heard of straps being cut in rare cases, but if you are worried about such an event, here's what to do: Wear the purse in front rather than on the side, and also loop something like a shoestring through the purse strap or the purse at a handy point (where the strap attaches, or through a hole if there is a buckle, for instance) and then run the shoestring through a buttonhole or some similar opening in your clothing. I suggest a shoestring because it is strong, can be bought in several colors, and can be easily manipulated. Then just enjoy yourself. Good luck.
Now as for where to put your wallet, camera, and other stuff---it just depends on how much total stuff you have. An over-the shoulder purse (for male or female) that is worn with the strap across the chest is normally a good bet when you have lots of such stuff. I've heard of straps being cut in rare cases, but if you are worried about such an event, here's what to do: Wear the purse in front rather than on the side, and also loop something like a shoestring through the purse strap or the purse at a handy point (where the strap attaches, or through a hole if there is a buckle, for instance) and then run the shoestring through a buttonhole or some similar opening in your clothing. I suggest a shoestring because it is strong, can be bought in several colors, and can be easily manipulated. Then just enjoy yourself. Good luck.
Nov 24th, 2004, 02:16 PM
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a bag whose strap goes on the shoulder and across the body is typically the smartest "day-pack" for european travel IMO.
this gives easier access to the contents than a backpack and is more grown up and versital for dining out, etc.
the belt bag (f_nny pack) is not a good option for the reasons stated by kate and it is also not big enough for a whole day's needs and is awkward when weighed down with a camera and other things.
this gives easier access to the contents than a backpack and is more grown up and versital for dining out, etc.
the belt bag (f_nny pack) is not a good option for the reasons stated by kate and it is also not big enough for a whole day's needs and is awkward when weighed down with a camera and other things.
Nov 24th, 2004, 02:20 PM
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I think the money belts are a pain to use, itchy, and unnecessary. When in line at the Vatican, one woman practically had to undress herself to get to her money for the entrance fee!
Get a jacket with an interior pocket that zips or closes with velcro. Keep your cash and one credit card there, and your other card and passports in the hotel safe. Carry a photocopy of your passports with you for identification. Then enjoy yourself--without that bulky belt, or the fanny pack---which Kate W. is absolutely right in calling a flashing light. Fashionwise,for women, they are pretty difficult to wear with cute outfits and impossible to wear with dignified, classic outfits. If you are a man, I just wouldn't wear one, period. But then, I am the one who wears turtlenecks almost year 'round, so you may not want fashion advice from me--
Get a jacket with an interior pocket that zips or closes with velcro. Keep your cash and one credit card there, and your other card and passports in the hotel safe. Carry a photocopy of your passports with you for identification. Then enjoy yourself--without that bulky belt, or the fanny pack---which Kate W. is absolutely right in calling a flashing light. Fashionwise,for women, they are pretty difficult to wear with cute outfits and impossible to wear with dignified, classic outfits. If you are a man, I just wouldn't wear one, period. But then, I am the one who wears turtlenecks almost year 'round, so you may not want fashion advice from me--
Nov 24th, 2004, 02:38 PM
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a money belt plus a small shoulder bag or day pack is really the way to go.
Despite what kswl says -- if you use a money belt as it was intended, no one would ever know you were using one. They are not meant as a replacement for a handbag so that you'd have to get practically undressed in public to get your money.
In your wallet, carry your day's worth of cash, one credit card (and/or an ATM card if you need to get some cash) and maybe a copy of your pasport if you think you'll need identifictaion during the day. If you B&B/hotel/apartment doesn't have a safe, place the rest of you cash, other credit and/or atm cards, and you passport in the money belt. You should never have to get into the money belt in public, and seldom even in private.
There are many different styles: around you neck, around your waist, attached to a belt loop and hanging inside your trousers, holster styles. try some out - you'll find one that works for you.
Despite what kswl says -- if you use a money belt as it was intended, no one would ever know you were using one. They are not meant as a replacement for a handbag so that you'd have to get practically undressed in public to get your money.
In your wallet, carry your day's worth of cash, one credit card (and/or an ATM card if you need to get some cash) and maybe a copy of your pasport if you think you'll need identifictaion during the day. If you B&B/hotel/apartment doesn't have a safe, place the rest of you cash, other credit and/or atm cards, and you passport in the money belt. You should never have to get into the money belt in public, and seldom even in private.
There are many different styles: around you neck, around your waist, attached to a belt loop and hanging inside your trousers, holster styles. try some out - you'll find one that works for you.
Nov 24th, 2004, 02:51 PM
#7
kswl~ That is not a fair example of use of a money belt. I'm not questioning that your story is true, but that just shows they aren't quite grasping the concept! They are meant to be worn and stay under the clothing and NOT be accessed during the day. You keep some small cash in an easy to reach location.
Personally I take a normal large pocketbook (sturdy leather, thick strap long enough to cross the torso) with a coin purse carrying money for that day and maybe one charge card or ATM card, camera, water, maps, etc.
The rest of the valuables back in the hotel safe (or in a neck pouch, money belt, hidden pockets, etc. if that's your choosing).
Although my mother recently returned safe and sound from a Budapest, Vienna trip and swears by her "fanny pack" & neck pouch combination.
Personally I take a normal large pocketbook (sturdy leather, thick strap long enough to cross the torso) with a coin purse carrying money for that day and maybe one charge card or ATM card, camera, water, maps, etc.
The rest of the valuables back in the hotel safe (or in a neck pouch, money belt, hidden pockets, etc. if that's your choosing).
Although my mother recently returned safe and sound from a Budapest, Vienna trip and swears by her "fanny pack" & neck pouch combination.
Nov 24th, 2004, 02:57 PM
#8
Your hand on your bandolier handbag is enough. But for a change of clothes to change on the road or in flight, I also carry a backpack but once where we are staying, I never use it except to pack purchases at the end of a trip
Nov 24th, 2004, 03:08 PM
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I'm not "dissing" moneybelts, but I guess I don't see the wisdom of carrying around amounts of cash large enough to need securing that close to your person. If you have an inside pocket that can be closed, I just don't see the point of a money belt, and I would not take the wallet if I were a man. They're just too easy to steal--unless you have them in that same inside, closed pocket.
Of course, that doesn't mean moneybelts aren't practical in some cases, especially if you don't have a hotel safe, but I found them uncomfortable. I bought one before our trip, tried it on and left it at home.
However, I did make Skip wear a neck pouch and put in it about 30 Euros, an ATT international phone card, and a small card I typed up with his name, passport number, the names of our hotels and the dates we would be there; "traveling with mother, ______," our U.S. address, citizenship, my husband's name and office number as emergency contact; and the words in block letters: TAXI FARE GUARANTEED TO HOTEL. This card fit exactly into the bigger pocket, so that if we were separated or in some accident and he couldn't speak, his information was on his person. (At his age he doesn't have any I.D. except his passport, which I didn't want him carrying around.)
The lady who wore the money belt at the Vatican thought the discount for children was bigger, so she had to retrieve more money than she already had out in hand. It was raining and she had to have the kids hold her daypack, and it really WAS a production.
Of course, that doesn't mean moneybelts aren't practical in some cases, especially if you don't have a hotel safe, but I found them uncomfortable. I bought one before our trip, tried it on and left it at home.
However, I did make Skip wear a neck pouch and put in it about 30 Euros, an ATT international phone card, and a small card I typed up with his name, passport number, the names of our hotels and the dates we would be there; "traveling with mother, ______," our U.S. address, citizenship, my husband's name and office number as emergency contact; and the words in block letters: TAXI FARE GUARANTEED TO HOTEL. This card fit exactly into the bigger pocket, so that if we were separated or in some accident and he couldn't speak, his information was on his person. (At his age he doesn't have any I.D. except his passport, which I didn't want him carrying around.)
The lady who wore the money belt at the Vatican thought the discount for children was bigger, so she had to retrieve more money than she already had out in hand. It was raining and she had to have the kids hold her daypack, and it really WAS a production.
Nov 24th, 2004, 03:11 PM
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.......besides all the other valid
reasons NOT to use a waist pack is
the absolute dorkyness of them - I
think they make you look like a willing
victim-to-be. I dunno, but when I
go to Europe I go to countries very
much like the one I left and I wear
the appropriate form of purse/bag/
backpack. I've only come close to
being pickpocketed and that was in
Centraal Station in the 70's and I
was carrying an open straw bag!
reasons NOT to use a waist pack is
the absolute dorkyness of them - I
think they make you look like a willing
victim-to-be. I dunno, but when I
go to Europe I go to countries very
much like the one I left and I wear
the appropriate form of purse/bag/
backpack. I've only come close to
being pickpocketed and that was in
Centraal Station in the 70's and I
was carrying an open straw bag!
Nov 24th, 2004, 04:30 PM
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After all these years I still do not understand. What do travelers think Europeans do? I am not trying to be sarcastic, really I am not. But sometimes reading these threads make me want to smack my forehead and say "mama mia!"
First of all, why does one need to carry bottles of water everywhere? If one is thirsty than stop and get something refreshing to drink which can be a bottle of water with or without gas.
If one does need directions, look at your map in your room, right down the directions in a small notebook.
Leave passport, extra credit cards, atm cards in the hotel safe. Sure, carry a photocopy of passport with you.
Money for the day, tissues, a comb, perhaps lipstick (not you guys please, LOL) go with you along with a credit card and atm card if you need to get some cash.
Women, carry a handbag just as European do. Or, put items in an inside zippered pocket if weather is such that you will need to wear a jacket or coat.
Men, the same. Well not the lipstick, again please!
Do what the Europeans do.
You are not going to some third world country.
What do you do when you are say in NY or SF?
Actually the reason tourist stick out like a sore thumb is because of the fanny packs, the back packs, the bulge around the waist, the pouch around their neck.
Pickpocketers are everywhere. Really, everywhere. In Europe at least they don't normally have guns thank goodness.
Dress for comfort (weather conditions etc.) but with dignity. Go about your business just as the Europeans do.
As far as a camera, well Europeans carry them also when they are traveling. They just don't seem to have them dangling around their neck.
Recently sitting at the cafe in Union Sq. in SF my daughter and I got the giggles watching people cross the square. Tourist yes, resident yes, elegant business person from another country yes. Too funny.
I know I sound like I am giving a lecture but year after year it seems to me that Americans fret more about this subject than anything else. It makes me feel sad in a way that so much worry and energy is put into this when in reality it is not necessary.
First of all, why does one need to carry bottles of water everywhere? If one is thirsty than stop and get something refreshing to drink which can be a bottle of water with or without gas.
If one does need directions, look at your map in your room, right down the directions in a small notebook.
Leave passport, extra credit cards, atm cards in the hotel safe. Sure, carry a photocopy of passport with you.
Money for the day, tissues, a comb, perhaps lipstick (not you guys please, LOL) go with you along with a credit card and atm card if you need to get some cash.
Women, carry a handbag just as European do. Or, put items in an inside zippered pocket if weather is such that you will need to wear a jacket or coat.
Men, the same. Well not the lipstick, again please!
Do what the Europeans do.
You are not going to some third world country.
What do you do when you are say in NY or SF?
Actually the reason tourist stick out like a sore thumb is because of the fanny packs, the back packs, the bulge around the waist, the pouch around their neck.
Pickpocketers are everywhere. Really, everywhere. In Europe at least they don't normally have guns thank goodness.
Dress for comfort (weather conditions etc.) but with dignity. Go about your business just as the Europeans do.
As far as a camera, well Europeans carry them also when they are traveling. They just don't seem to have them dangling around their neck.
Recently sitting at the cafe in Union Sq. in SF my daughter and I got the giggles watching people cross the square. Tourist yes, resident yes, elegant business person from another country yes. Too funny.
I know I sound like I am giving a lecture but year after year it seems to me that Americans fret more about this subject than anything else. It makes me feel sad in a way that so much worry and energy is put into this when in reality it is not necessary.
Nov 24th, 2004, 04:53 PM
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Why take a bottle of water when you can go to a cafe? Money and time. In Paris I could buy a bottle of water for 17 Euro cents, but I doubt I could get a drink for less than 3 or 4 Euros. Now I don't suggest that one inelegantly slug the water back as one gallops down the street. 
Why wear a money belt when in a foreign country? I don't know anyone who is going to help me out if I'm robbed, but at home I will just call a family member. If I have a hotel safe and I'm at a walkable distance from my hotel, I don't think a money belt is necessary. Mostly I use a money belt when moving from one city to another. It's nothing against any particular country.
I hate the packhorse look, so I'm not suggesting it. But a budget traveler moving from city to city on public transit can hardly be discreet (someone is sure to notice you have a suitcase or backpack and thus deduce you have money)!
And I've noticed many Germans and English people and Japanese with so-called fanny packs too. It's not an American thing really.
Furthermore, anyone I know who has been robbed hasn't taken it lightly (whether that's in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Romania, or London or wherever). It really puts a damper on their trip. The last person I heard of this happening too was a friend's fiftyish sister in London this summer. It really ruined her time there, and she was knocked to the ground. Whether she could have done anything different I don't know (didn't seem tactful to ask), but I am sure she would have wanted to prevent it if she could.
Why wear a money belt when in a foreign country? I don't know anyone who is going to help me out if I'm robbed, but at home I will just call a family member. If I have a hotel safe and I'm at a walkable distance from my hotel, I don't think a money belt is necessary. Mostly I use a money belt when moving from one city to another. It's nothing against any particular country.
I hate the packhorse look, so I'm not suggesting it. But a budget traveler moving from city to city on public transit can hardly be discreet (someone is sure to notice you have a suitcase or backpack and thus deduce you have money)!
And I've noticed many Germans and English people and Japanese with so-called fanny packs too. It's not an American thing really.
Furthermore, anyone I know who has been robbed hasn't taken it lightly (whether that's in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Romania, or London or wherever). It really puts a damper on their trip. The last person I heard of this happening too was a friend's fiftyish sister in London this summer. It really ruined her time there, and she was knocked to the ground. Whether she could have done anything different I don't know (didn't seem tactful to ask), but I am sure she would have wanted to prevent it if she could.
Nov 24th, 2004, 06:33 PM
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No - I don't use a money belt at home. But at home I am not 8 to 10 time zones aways from my bank, or others I might need to contact in a financial emergency.
If I lose my ATM card at home -- well my branch bank is just around the corner and though it is a hassle I can get things straightened out in a matter of minutes.
From the other side of the world it can take several phone calls and 2 or 3 days -- if you are lucky.
So I do use a money belt (or inside pockets) to protect my cards, extra money and passport.
If I lose my ATM card at home -- well my branch bank is just around the corner and though it is a hassle I can get things straightened out in a matter of minutes.
From the other side of the world it can take several phone calls and 2 or 3 days -- if you are lucky.
So I do use a money belt (or inside pockets) to protect my cards, extra money and passport.
Nov 24th, 2004, 06:48 PM
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This works only if you travel in cool weather, but I wear a black nylon travel vest with inside pockets where I keep my money and credit cards. It's not one of the really bulky type of vests, and doesn't make me look like I'm setting out on a hiking trip. I have a very slim Minolta Dimage X camera that also fits easily into one of the vest pockets. Since I usually have a coat over it as well, I feel pretty well protected.
I also carry a purse which zips shut securely -- usually I don't put in it anything more valuable than guidebooks, but if I do want to go out without the vest, it's a viable option. Or, if I want to have my hands free, I can usually put all the basic stuff I need into the vest and leave the purse behind.
I also carry a purse which zips shut securely -- usually I don't put in it anything more valuable than guidebooks, but if I do want to go out without the vest, it's a viable option. Or, if I want to have my hands free, I can usually put all the basic stuff I need into the vest and leave the purse behind.
Nov 24th, 2004, 06:59 PM
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In cool weather I wear a travel vest that has many pockets. It's great for layering and leaves my hands free for my walking stick. Warm weather I wear a neck pouch and carry a very small purse. Hope this helps. Good luck in your travels.
Nov 24th, 2004, 08:47 PM
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Dana, I used a "healthy back" bag for our sunglasses, maps, scripts (to rehearse on trains and busses), ibuprofen, a piece of fruit and bottled water. LoveItaly, I carry water around for a couple of reasons: 1. cost (2 Euros versus abou 50 cents) and 2. one of the most common causes of headaches is dehydration---many people don't realize that. Also, I am on a calorie restricted diet that directs lots of water. (Makes me plan my day pretty carefully, to make sure there are ladies' wherever we're going._
Nov 24th, 2004, 09:04 PM
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kswl, it is not carrying around a bottle of water - it is the questions that keep popping up that give the impression that travelers think Europe is so "crime ridden" that that is their major concern.
I read your wonderful trip report. Obviously you did not feel this way. You and Skip went and had a wonderful time. He lost his Gameboy, true, but so did my Grandson when I took him to SF for a few days.
I don't know how to explain it so I just give up. But sure wish that newcomers to Europe would not think that their is a criminal lurking behind every crook and cranny so to speak.
I read your wonderful trip report. Obviously you did not feel this way. You and Skip went and had a wonderful time. He lost his Gameboy, true, but so did my Grandson when I took him to SF for a few days.
I don't know how to explain it so I just give up. But sure wish that newcomers to Europe would not think that their is a criminal lurking behind every crook and cranny so to speak.
Nov 24th, 2004, 09:06 PM
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Dana,
I have a recommendation for you for a great bag. It is fashionable, waterproof, sturdy and affordable. I have used it for over 2 years in many trips abroad. It is made by Longchamp Hobo bag (Le Pilage line). It looks like a messenger bag and I wear it across my body.
Features include a pocket in the back that I put things I need ready access to like my guidebook or maps. There are 2 pockets that are covered by a flap held closed by 2 magnetic buttons. Added security is provided by a zipper that protects the interior.
Because Longchamp is a European brand, you can blend in more and it is popular especially in Paris, so you can look like a local too!
I have a recommendation for you for a great bag. It is fashionable, waterproof, sturdy and affordable. I have used it for over 2 years in many trips abroad. It is made by Longchamp Hobo bag (Le Pilage line). It looks like a messenger bag and I wear it across my body.
Features include a pocket in the back that I put things I need ready access to like my guidebook or maps. There are 2 pockets that are covered by a flap held closed by 2 magnetic buttons. Added security is provided by a zipper that protects the interior.
Because Longchamp is a European brand, you can blend in more and it is popular especially in Paris, so you can look like a local too!
