Maire

Okay, based on what I've read, I'm a believer in moneybelts (which for me would be an around-the-waist one).

However, I just received a daypack/purse with slash-proof front and bottom panels, and strap. It has zippers that “lock.” I will wear the thing bandolier style at all times, probably even when I’m eating. (I could hook the strap around a chair leg, too, if I didn’t want to wear it.)

I don't think I have to worry about losing it, because I'll never take it off.

So, my question is: should I still wear a money belt (which is going to be so uncomfortable in Italy in August), or could I get away with keeping my VIP stuff in this bag? Thanks for all your opinions.

I described this bag in another thread:
http://fodors.com/forums/pgMessages....96&start=0

L84SKY

I've wondered about these... how heavy is it?

oobylicious

I just looked at the bag from the other thread..it says the zippers are "tamper-proof". I don't quite understand that. Can you explain?

jules4je7

You don't have to carry much in your moneybelt, just your passport and plastic, so it's really not that bulky. You can wear it low under your pants either in front or back, so it's hardly uncomfortable, particularly if you wear it for a few days before you go and get used to it being there.

You'll never regret wearing a moneybelt. You can only regret spending most of your vacation obsessed about where this daypack is, or worse, losing it.

My husband forgot his Green Card at home (and managed to get TO France, but couldn't get out) so he had to stay in Paris a couple of days to go to the US Consulate office to get travel papers.

While there, he sat among people who had lost their passports because they weren't using or didn't have money belts. He said he'd never even consider leaving home without it again.

There's just nothing safer, and no gimmicky zipper is going to convince me of that anyway.

Happy travels.

Jules

Maire

Hi Ooby, I'll try: There are 2 "hooks"--

the two main compartments have zippers. When closed, the zipper

If you click on this and click on the picture of the open bag and zoom in, you can see the hook:
http://zoomcc.richfx.com/zoomcc_mage...style_id=LB322

jody

It's just what you are comfortable with. We've made over 50 trips to Europe, and I only carry a regular purse..but I leave my passport info in the safe at hotel, along with tickets, my wallet is chained to the inside zipper compartment, my credit cards are in a seperate folder inside the zippered compartment. Even I have trouble finding what I need.I don't feel any need to carry water,excess guides,or any other emergency supplies..after all the metro or bus can get you back to your hotel in minutes !

Maire

Please ignore that, lol, I posted too soon:

Anyway, Ooby, the two main compartments have zippers that can be latched by hooks. Once latched, they are not easy to open, even for me. I can't imagine a pickpocket could do it, unless I was unconscious.

You can see the hooks in this link; click on the open bag, and zoom.
http://zoomcc.richfx.com/zoomcc_mage...style_id=LB322

Maire

L84SKY --
It weighs 18 oz. Made of 600-denier nylon. 11 x 11 x 4˝”
Here's the link to Magellans to see more:
http://www.magellans.com/store/Walle...cksLB322?Args=

Thanks, Jules--
I've already bought our moneybelts and wasn't even considering NOT wearing one until I got this bag today.

Thanks, Jody--
There's a ring inside the bag where I'll hook my wallet, no matter if I use a money belt, or not.

oobylicious

Thanks for the clarification Maire, though I'm not entirely convinced.

I would agree with the other poster that whatever you're comfortable with--there are lots of people in this forum who will argue "moneybelt is the only way to go" or "no need to do things differently than you would at home".

Personally, moneybelts are not my thing. I use a slash-proof bag as well, but I actually put a combination lock on the zipper of the compartment with my valuables. I don't want to underestimate a pickpocket; you just never know, it only takes once.

Definitely you will be much safer than the traveller who takes no precautions whatsoever. A moneybelt could alleviate any concerns if it doesn't annoy the hell out of you; or you could just make sure to keep your hand holding your bag together on metros, etc. and an evil eye on the lookout for pickpockets (just in case).

suze

It all depends what you are comfortable with. There's no right or wrong answer to your question. I always use a normal purse and no money belt or security other than being aware of what I'm doing and keeping money in a couple separate places (like back at the hotel).

Personally, I definitely think a money belt AND a slash-proof, zipper-locking purse you will never take off even to eat seems a bit overkill for an italian holiday.

suze

Also I don't use a wallet when I travel. I have a couple coin purses, which come in handy especially if you are changing countries/currency...

I had 4 last trip, one with GBP, one with USD, one with CHF, one with euro. I keep the one I need at the time in my purse and the others in my suitcase.

I don't think a wallet is good because it is bulky plus puts your various bank cards and money all in the same place.

P_M

For the longest time I was a major fan of the money belt, but it is most uncomfortable in hot weather. These days I prefer to leave my passport, spare credit/ATM cards and extra cash in the hotel safe.

Maire

Thanks, Ooby. I could easily also attach my own combo lock to these zippers for added protection, if I wanted to.

Oh, that's good to hear, Suze, because I would love not to use both.

Maire

Thanks P_M.

oobylicious

That's true Maire--when going through airports, travelling from city to city, when you're at the most risk, etc...you could use a combo lock. Otherwise, you're probably fine .

Given that you're concerned about it and taking precautions means you are less likely to be a target than the unaware traveller.

Maire

Hopefully, you're right, Ooby

djkbooks

A twist tie is probably better than a combo lock. I keep a supply in the bag for when they get worn out, dropped, etc. (At our nearby grocery, they come in black, match the bag so as to be nearly invisible.)

I, personally, wouldn't use a combo lock, lest someone assume I have something really valuable in there...

oobylicious

True, but what are they going to do about it?

A.Cut through her slash-proof bag?
B.Maul her?
C.Cry about it?
D.Move on to someone else less-suspecting.

I put combo locks all over my pack zippers too. I just look like the paranoid traveller when I'm in the airport/metros/etc. And I give the evil eye

Maire

Suze - I missed what you said about wallets - the one I'm looking at is small and thin; I'd just use it for my day's spending money. I wouldn't keep big money and extra cards in it.

Thanks, djkbooks - good idea.

Ooby - I'll have combo locks on all the zippers on my luggage, too. I'll have to practice the evil eye

oobylicious

Hey Maire,
I have the same kind of thin wallet, it doesn't hold coins. It's an Eagle Creek little thing--just for my money and a couple credit cards/ID/etc.

Watch Lord of the Rings and practice the Frodo "they're here" scary eye. I find it quite scary. LOL.