Maybe something like...

http://tinyurl.com/yykhcl (Saks 5th Ave)

http://www.basicreplica.com/Handbag_...rown--379.html

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/5303_5205.html

...although these aren't actually a 'secure' means of stowing valuables.

Yes Travelnut, that is the type of bag they use.

I have tried a variety of these things and the one I used all the time is an underarm pouch. You put it on under all your clothes. I have used it in Russia and it just did yeoman service for me during a 2 week trip to Chile. It does lead to gyrations when you want to get a credit card, passport or cash, but it is the safest way I know of carrying money. I got it from either Magellan or Travelsmith (can't recall which one). When you have a heavy sweater on it is not noticeable. With a t-shirt it is noticeable, but it would be a lot harder to steal than a fanny pack.

By the way, my camera is looped around the camera case and also around one of those photographer's vests. If they are going to steal the camera, they would have to take me with it.

Works for me.

They slit the bottom of a fanny pack? (I've not heard of that, but that isn't something that really goes on in the states - not that I've heard of, which is part of the reason I prefer a fanny pack). I also like that it isn't heavy on my shoulder.

If they did in Europe, they'd just get my hair pick, some feminine protection and not much else. I keep the money in the money belt.

I read through most of the comments with interest. I have been travelling in France and Italy for over 40 years and never had any problems. I have met people who have had bags, wallets or purses snatched, but then I know people who have had this happen in the UK and the USA too. For me the only reason for a money belt of some type is to keep my hands free from hanging onto a handbag. My husband likes a neck one so that he doesn't have things fall out of his pockets! One word about hidden ones - if you are flying in Europe you will almost certainly have to remove them when going through security checks.

Moneybelt?? How unfashionable. I keep my money in my Goyard tote when traveling.

You can bet Carine Roitfeld does not wear a moneybelt.

Do you answer your own door, too?

I've never had to remove a moneybelt while passing through airport security. there is no metal in them - plastic zippers.

We favor the 'leg stash' version these days, quite comfortable and easier to deal with.

Hi,

Comparing security measures taken in one's US home town to measures taken while traveling in Europe is comparing apples to oranges - the type of crime is completely different. In the US, we may worry about being murdered or mugged. In Europe, we SHOULD worry about being robbed. Failing to take proper precautions while in Europe will not have the same long term impact as being murdered or physically attacked, but it may cause huge short term hassles and grief and quite possibly ruin the trip of a lifetime.

Another factor in this false comparison - going about our daily lives in the US, most of us are not usually in major tourist areas (many of us don't even have tourist areas.) While traveling in Europe, many of us spend the majority of our time in said tourist areas, not in residential neighborhoods where we likely would be as safe or safer than we are at home. I lived in Barcelona for two years - while in my own neighborhood, I did not spend a moment worrying about losing my cash or my life. While downtown, I still did not worry about my life, but I was VERY cautious about my money, and I had close calls at least half a dozen times, probably more. Acquaintances who were actually personally robbed were either European themselves (Germans visiting Spain) or were professionals who had lived many years in Europe. Their level of experience was not, in itself, a protection.

Some very experienced travelers have been fortunate enough to never be on the losing end of petty crime, but it would be highly misleading for anyone to suggest that it is not necessary to take very careful measures to secure one's money and important documents while traveling in Europe, and giving such advice to an inexperienced traveler is irresponsible and uncaring. Implying that those who do take thorough precautions are paranoid, ignorant, or xenophobes, is as inaccurate as it is insulting.

Pick pockets in Europe are not casual thieves, they are skilled professionals - they are experts at psychology, they are creative, and they are technically highly proficient. Unless a tourist is also, on his home turf, a full time pick pocket, he/she is unlikely to be better at holding on to his/her valuables than a pick pocket is at taking them.

Do not mistake repeated good fortune for invulnerability. No matter how impressed we are by our own "experienced world traveler" sophistication, thieves will not be similarly impressed, and they will be as interested in our valuables as they are in Betty Bumpkin's.

Of course, be alert. Read up on theft techniques commonly used in the area. Mentally prepare for distractions and tricks. But you will still need to wear a money belt or neck pouch!

And if you become suspicious of the friendly lady in front of the cathedral who is trying to shove a flower down the front of your blouse, don't worry about being a xenophobe - yell "NO" at her several times and grab the euros that she just took from you right back. That actually worked for me once - maybe in small part because I was so mad I scared even the pro, but mostly because I was lucky.

If anyone is interested I have a picture (which I don't know how to post)of a safe pocket which is sewn into the waistband of my slacks. You don't need to disrobe, is entirely concealed and is not noticed next to your body. It was made by my Vietnamse tailor when I traveled to various countries. (AOL) Please state reason for writing.

I just thought that I should add to people's neuroses: if you use a pouch that hangs inside your trousers but is suspended from your belt, be aware that airport security often requires you to remove your belt before passing through the security gate.

yes, my h. used one of those pouches and it fell to the ground during the belt removal and typical confusion of the process. Someone picked it up and handed it back to him. We don't use that one anymore.

I like the one that hangs inside the trousers from a loop that goes around the belt. I have one made of leather that I've used for years after trying all the other variations.

This type is easy to use: you just flip it out and, when finished, slip it back. It is secure and it is extremely difficult for anybody to lift it without the wearer knowing because it hangs into a region into which strangers seldom intrude without invitation.

Happytrailstoyou, I can't resist asking how often strangers are invited to intrude? Or maybe we'd better just pass on that, and I'll ask my actual question. I've wondered about that kind of security holder - does the little loop that goes over the belt show on the outside enough that it would be a give away to sharp eyed pick pockets that the wearer is wearing what he/she is wearing? Kind of like the neck pouches where the cord shows around one's neck? Thank you.

A leather wallet of the kind I mention can be purchased in a color to match a belt and, in any event, is very inconspicuous.

That makes sense (buy one in a color to match the belt), I should have thought of that. Thank you.

I purchased the clip-on type, that can either be clipped over a waistband or looped through a belt, this week at AAA. However, a passport won't fit into it. So what good would that be, in traveling from airports to hotels on metros and trains? So back it will go. Bought a neck-type pouch that's a few steps above our old ones, with several different-sized pockets, with zippers AND velcro, and thinner straps, cord-like. Guess I'll buy one more for me. We're going to Paris and Rome next week and will be wearing warmer clothes, so it shouldn't be too noticeable. It's really a hassle trying to find something that works and is comfortable.

Don't know if you noticed my post above, but the leg stash version is quite comfortable and fairly accessible if you're wearing slacks/jeans.

Travelnut, I haven't seen the leg belts anywhere - I know AAA didn't have them, nor did Wal-mart. Where can I find them?

" If you start off with the attitude that you are going to be a victim of crime as soon as you step out of the airport then you will look nervous and unconfident and an obvious target to petty thieves."

But if your valuables are in a money belt you won't look nervous because you won't be worrying about petty thieves.

Taking simple precautions is a long way from paranoia.

Suze mentioned a post about someone who was robbed of money, credit cards etc, in Naples. There was a recent post from a woman (who didn't think it would ever happen to her) whose wallet was stolen in Paris. She lost her driver's license, money, credit cards and possibly her ATM card. These are only two of many posts reporting theft, but I've yet to see one reporting a stolen money belt.

Of course I don't wear a money belt at home. I live in a small non-touristy city and rarely carry much cash, but yes, I probably would use a money belt if I were going to a large city as a tourist.

I've never had to remove the money belt going through security although I have had to open it a couple of times when being "patted down."

Leg stash or leg safe:

http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessorie...g-Stash-40025/
$15

http://www.magellans.com/store/Walle...etsSV608?Args=
$13.95

http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com...products_id=91
$11