It's easy for my lyb, I don't go to Europe in the summer when it's hot & humid. I only go in the fall, winter & spring. :-)

I use a pouch that velcros around the top of my calf. I find it comfortable enough and with standard flared slacks there really isn't a bulge. All I put in it is my passport, extra cash, my ATM card and an extra credit card. E-tickets mean I don't have to carry my plane tickets anymore.

Well, they make silk ones, that shouldn't be uncomfortable:

http://www.eaglecreek.com/security_necessities.html

They only cover a tiny part of your body, I don't understand why some find them so uncomfortable. I wear loose pants and long skirts when traveling, and I like the leg stash from Eaglecreek the best.

Thank you, Jody.

A pygmy is "any of several races of African and Asiatic dwarfish peoples described in ancient history and legend". But you knew that.

I've never actually had to carry one but I'm prepared. My granddaughter has been particularly fearful that they couldn't "Mind the Gap" with such short legs.

STATIA,

I only speak the truth, you're always informative, but NEVER have I read one of your message that you put down someone for doing something differently than you do. That's what this board is all about and you compliment this board well.

I believe you went to Venice at about the same time I did, so you know how hot it was in Italy. I could barely stand wearing the light clothes I had, the thought of wearing anything additional could have made me keel over. :)

INDYTRAVEL,

I agre traveling in the spring or fall is definitely ideal, these past few years, I didn't have much choise as to when to go. Of course, to be honest with you, I hate winters, and truly, I think I'd rather be too hot than too cold. However, my next European trip has been scheduled for September 2004. I think that weather might be just right...just call me Goldilock...too hot..too cold...just right!

ELBERKO,

Thanks for that link on the silk money belt, those do seem comfy. I might actually try one next time, plus I had never looked at Eagle Creek's website and they definitely have a lot of great travel accessories.

lyb,

I know how it is when you're stuck traveling in the high season "due to circumstances beyond your control."

I'm the exact opposite of you, I'd much rather be too cold than too hot. Guess we won't be touring the world together. :-)

I hope your September does turn out to be perfect!

jsmith!


too funny!!

But I can see where one might be useful...dashing under barriers to secure the first place in line for trains or museums..is there a rent a pygmy place anywhere in Paris?

Jody,

I've never seen a rental place for pygmies but I'd try near the Petit Palais in Paris and between Oxford Circus and Piccadiily Circus in London.

Elberko

I read indytravel's advice.

I live in London most of the time. I fail to see why it is more of a hastle to lose my cards whilst in New York as opposed to Edinburgh. Sure my family is closer and in the same time zone but they are not with me or anything. Why is it so much more difficult to call the credit card company from overseas as opposed to in one's own country? It makes bugger all difference, literally a copule of zeros and the international code. What is so hard about that? You don't lose your passport? What are you doing taking your passport out? Who wants to have to deal with sorting out new ctredit cards anytime. It is just as much a hastle on holiday as at home. And anyway if you are with Amex they will get a new card to you wherever you are in the world within 24 hours.

I'm mystified by money belts. I live in London, but have travelled all over Europe, from Finland to Turkey to Portugal without ever using a money belt and without ever being robbed or mugged. I keep my passport, money and cards on me, and have never had a problem. I wander around railway stations and bus stations in Italy, Estonia, Greece, Spain, or wherever, and am always safe, even late at night.

UKUKUK,

I suspect you are arguing just to argue, but I see lots of holes in your thinking:

I have very limited vacation time, I don't want to spend ANY of it calling CC companies, etc. If I don't know where I'm staying the next night, where will the new card be sent? Yes, it's a hassle at home, too, but surely it would be worse while traveling.

Even IF my hotels have safes (the ones I stay in usually don't), I still have to carry my passport from hotel to hotel. Knowing me, I'd be halfway to my next destination when I remembered I had put stuff in the hotel safe.

Worst case scenario: what if there is a fire or other emergency at a hotel, or even the whole city while I'm out, and it's impossible to go back? Chance in a million, sure, but I feel better having all my important stuff with me.

All that said, I do what's comfortable for ME.

Mell: Maybe it has been done to death above, but your husband's smuggling operation made me laugh. I was just thinking that moneybelts probably wouldn't sell very well if they were known as "groin pouches." The moneybelt idea and your husband's efforts are obviously very similar in theory.

Frankly, I don't care if anyone else uses a moneybelt. In fact, I would encourage all of you to leave your wallet and passport in your back pocket. That way, pick pockets will go after you and leave me alone AND there will be fewer lines at monuments, etc., because more travelers will be at the embassy getting new passports!

elberko

I still fail to see why it is more of a hastle on holiday. It is a hastle whenever it happens. In fact in my experience, being out of one's home country often makes things a lot easier. I have had a number of mishaps with bank/credit cards at home and on holiday. In my experience Citibank in Mendoza, Santiago, Rio, Zurich, Sydney and Tokyo are infinitely more helpful than Citibank in either the UK or USA.

BECAUSE I'M ON HOLIDAY!!!

I go for weeks at home without ever using a credit card, and even then it's always discretionary. While traveling, a credit card is a lifeline.

elberko

Well I can see that you are a real money belt fan.

Each to his/her own.

I personally think losing your wallet at 1am in the morning when you are on business in Dallas and living in NYC is more hastle than losing your wallet when you have nothing to do other than to enjoy yourself. But as I said, each to his/her own.

Incidentally does that Rick Steves manufacture money belts? He certainly goes for some hardcore sales on that URL you mention.

I love my fanny pack. Never leave home without it, and have never had a problem with it.