In the summer of 2007 I wore my money belt (with train tickets, "extra" credit cards, and all but about 50 Euros of our cash) with the pouch in back. My tummy bulge didn't get in the way, and it didn't make it uncomfortable to sit down. Usually I had my shirts untucked which covered up any evidence of the money belt under my pants. Also, I found that the knit wicking fabric side had the advantage of soaking up any droplets of sweat that ran down my back in the heat of southern France and Portugal!

In winter, I have a "wallet on a string" that can also hold my passport, and I usually wear that under whatever jacket or coat I am wearing. I don't take it off at restaurants.

Thank you everyone for the great comments and ideas. I think we will go without one. My husband always carries his wallet in his front pants pocket, so he can carry the large amounts of money.

Thanks for all of the tips about the backpack. We certainly will only carry water, chapstick, local maps etc... in it. I will always carry my purse with our passports, plane tickets etc...

Can't wait for our trip and I appreciate all of your help!

I always have my wallet in my front pockets usually jeans. Like one prev poster said, I have a time getting my own wallet out. I will have a bag but only maps, drink, etc.. if anyone wants to pickpocket a banana go for it!

Is a copy of passport okay to carry around? If so I can just leave the orig one at the hotel in a safe place.

On one trip I did carry a wallet in my purse, but it didn't contain money or credit cards. I have no idea why I carried the thing, but my driver's license was in it, and the wallet was either stolen or I simply lost it.

Good thing I wasn't planning on renting a car on that trip. I would have been out of luck.