Kate, Some people actually sew (or have someone sew for them) secret pockets with zipper or velcro closures into the interior of their travel clothes. I think this would be better than relying on something that was only safety-pinned.

I realize we all have different thoughts about this but I never got why people would hide their passports in their rooms. You really have to make a point to remember to retrieve it before you leave. I guess that could be the same if you put it in a room safe. I prefer to carry it in a money belt so I don't accidentally forget it in the room safe.

I have no facts to prove my theory, but firmly believe more people: lose their own stuff, leave things behind, forget where they hide items, do careless things themselves when they travel... than are ever targeted by a pickpocket.

I've only ever left something behind in a safe once (although once is enough ...). I had put my passport into the safe and put my passport wallet on top of it. (I had just got my passport back from the front desk in a hotel in Rome, and hadn't put it back in its wallet yet.) When I left the hotel (luckily it was just to check into an airport hotel in the same city because I had an early flight the next day and I was engaged in a bit of a "mattress run" with Hilton to collect hotel stays for status), I grabbed the wallet and left the navy passport behind, almost invisible against the bottom of the safe. Stupid me. Lucky me again, though, when I got to the Hilton at the Rome airport, the front desk asked for my passport. Bingo. I called the hotel in the city centre, which had just retrieved my passport from the safe. I spent the rest of the very hot July afternoon taking myself back to the first hotel and then back to the airport hotel. Lesson learned. Always do an idiot check of the safe and essential belongings before leaving the hotel room.

"2) I don't carry my passport about on holiday - I put it in the hotel safe or hide it in the room, 3) I only take out with me what I need for the day"

If you leave everything that would otherwise go in a money belt in your hotel room, obviously there is no need to wear a money belt. If my hotel room has a safe, I leave my money belt & its contents in the safe. Mostly my hotel rooms don't come with safes. I suppose if you take a taxi from the airport or station to your hotel you don't need one then either, but I use public transport.

I started carrying my passport and money in a money belt this past trip to Italy....I kept reading stories about how hotel safes were broken into by the hotel staff. I would rather be safe than sorry.

I, like others, keep $1800 in $100 bills, my passport, my AMEX card, ATM card AND my MC in my money belt. I don't use no stinking travelers checks. Never liked them. I like cash. Not the safest way to go, but no hassles either. NEVER had a problem going through Europe for 3 weeks with all this on me except for a bit of discomfort if I have to bend over very far due to the bulge at my belt area.

I wouldn't change this set up for the world. Only been attempted to be pick pocketed 2-3 times in 15 years of travel. Money belt at my waist under my pants kept it all safe and sound.

Steve R

thursdaysd : we used exclusively public transport to, in & from Naples, as usual.

caroline - I guess this is a personal choice issue. If you'd rather risk being robbed than wear a money belt - your choice. Whereas I've spent nearly two of the last five years traveling, with a money belt, and have trouble understanding why it's an issue. I put my money belt on in the morning with my underwear and forget it. In fact, when I get home from a long trip, for the first few days I feel undressed without it. I look at it like insurance - you may never need it, but if you do, you'll be very glad you have it. But I carry flood insurance on my house even though I don't live in a flood plain.

stever, Ah! It scares me just to hear you say you have $1800 in $100 bills in your money belt. We all have different comfort levels. I don't carry more than $300 in cash anywhere, not even at home. We would rather use credit cards where possible as we always pay the full amount off every time the bill comes, and our credit cards actually give us some money back (in various benefits), so we are actually making some money by using them (and never paying any interest since we never carry a balance.)

Anyway I'm not picking on you, it's just interesting how we all travel differently. I get traveller's checks (with no fees) just in case we have a problem and need more cash. Usually we don't end up needing them so when I get home I spend them in grocery stores, etc.

In my home town I know which areas are dangerous, high-crime, and my guard is up, or else I avoid those areas. But on vacation I won't necessarily know which areas are high-crime, and I might be distracted by the brand-new sites I am seeing...I might also be lost and distracted. That is why a money belt is a good idea.

I still think the best idea is not to put everything in one spot. Spread it around in safe places..some in the hotel safe (put something in there you can't leave without, like your car keys...then you can't forget your passport!)...a money belt, an inside velcro pocket, a purse with a strap worn cross-wise across the body...

Don't forget to teach your older kids when they have money, don't flash it around. Better to learn early. I tell them safety knowledge makes you strong.

My husband and I when travelling also make sure we are carrying different credit cards. Otherwise, if one of us loses them or gets robbed, neither of us will have any useful credit cards!

Another reason solo travelers may choose different precautions. We have no one to fall back on, should something go wrong.

I have used all types but prefer the leg money belt. I put it under my socks and have had no trouble with it falling off.

Thanks for all the feedback! I decided to go with leg belt. Putting it under the sock is a good idea and makes me feel better that it will stay secure. Hopefully my husband will make good use of it. :)

pliant - so which kind are you wearing?

Originally I wasn't going to wear any. But now I think I'll wear a leg one too at least for my passport.

I always wear a money belt around my waist (tucked into my pants, so I don't have to worry about it coming unfastened), containing a second credit card, most of my cash, atm card, traveler's checks and passport. I have another credit card, walking around cash and other "necessities" (like maps, guidebook, comb, etc.) in a waist pack I bought from Travelsmith. It has a steel cord running through it so pickpockets can't cut it off, the clasp is covered by velcro so they can't unhook it, and all of the pockets (huge expandable ones - you really can fit all you need in them) can be secured with a single hook so no one can unzip them. When not using that, I use another Travelsmith bag that lies flat across the body (not a shoulder bag).

maidmarian, the pack itself can be slit open with a pocket knife.

Also, zippers don't have to be unzipped. When I was pickpocketed in Rome, the thief pulled part of the zipper apart.

I have used the around the neck kind and the silk, around the waist type. I used the one around the neck for the many transfers and security checks in the airports. I use the waist pouch when I am actually touring/walking the city. I have even been known to sleep with it in some areas where I wasn't completely sure about the hotel staff. Only once, I might add. As a woman, I sure don't want to add the impression of more pounds around my middle, but I can keep all my cash, my passport a lipstick and credit card in the money belt and it still lays flat. Also no trouble with it whether wearing slacks or a skirt. Hope this helps.

We just came back from our Italian honeymoon. My husband used an around the neck style and really liked it. He slipped it underneat his t-shirt, of course. there's no chance of it falling off and, aside from a wrinkle or two under the shirt, it works really well.