jilly

Where do you get these pouches that hold your money inside your clothing?

dln

I know that TravelSmith and Magellan's, both on-line travel catelogs, carry them.

Merseyheart

Any travel store should have them. Or shop on the web on Travelsmith or Magellan's. I prefer the kind that hang down from your belt.

janis

You can find them in any luggage shop, department store w/ a luggage dept., Target/Walmart type places, on-line and lots of other places.

PLMN

I purchased mine at AAA.

I tried it on for the first time the other day. It is going to be a real chore trying to figure out the best way to wear it so that I don't look disfigured. I didn't realize it would be such a problem until I read that great travel report thread from the lady that went on her European vacation with teen daughter and son. (Fantastic thread by the way.)

So far, I have found that if I position the pouch to sit at my lower back I might look okay. I am thankful that I will be going to Italy in October because the weather should be cooler and I can wear something that will hide the mishapen lumps and bulges.

The problem with wearing the pouch positioned above (or in any manner that I can see so far,)is how the heck am I supposed to get into the pouch if need be? Anywhere I go will have to have a bathroom I suppose or a dressing room?

Katharine22

K's, JCPenney, Walmart-all by the luggage.

TopMan

You can also get them at on-line luggage outlets such as eBags and 1800Luggage

CarlosSandoval

You can also get them at any sports stores like Sports Authority or EMS (Eastern Mountain Store).

m_kingdom2

Use your normal wallet/purse and just be aware. I live in London and wherever I travel I carry on just as I would at home.

Europewithkids

If you are from the U.S., you are probably not someone who thinks much about having your pocket picked. Pickpocketing is simply much more common in certain European cities than it is here. I don't think it is realistic for you to be constantly vigilant in the Paris Metro, for example, and I therefore think it is a poor idea to just take/wear your wallet or purse as you typically would if you are going into high risk areas. Here, I just keep my wallet in my front pocket. No way I am doing that in the Metro. Every place is not the same -- just because you can walk around by yourself late at night in Paris does not mean you should do so in NYC. Likewise, just because pickpocketing is not a big deal here does not mean you should just do what you do at home when you are in the Metro.

elberko

"Constant vigilance" is so much more work than just keeping the things who's loss would ruin your trip under your clothing.

EagleCreek seems to offer the most types of pouch options. Have a look at this page to see which type would suit you best. I wear long skirts or pants- I like the leg style:

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

~Liz

mdmomof7

Last July in Paris and Germany I wore the waist travel wallet on the inside of my clothing. When I needed to purchase something, I just untucked it quickly and as discreetly as possible. I had a front wearing day pack so I could just have that in front of me or have your travel mate stand in front of you. It wasn't that noticeable.

I also am loving leslie's travel report and based on what she hilariously described, now regret just purchasing the wire cable neck wallet from Travelsmith. We are going to Europe in September w/ 11 high school seniors and I wanted to try the neck wallet this time. I think I will like the waist wallet better. But I LOL when I read about the sweaty waist wallet because Paris in July will definitely give you that!

Oh, I bought my security wallet at Kohls and I've seen them at Walmart too. I only bought the Travelsmith neck wallet because I liked the idea of the cloth covered cable.

eliztrav

I always use a moneybelt on these trips to Europe, and like the relative freedom from worry it gives. I never access them during the day; use them only as a repository for the valuables I'd be in trouble over if they were lost or stolen. And, my last trip was in summer, so I, too, can relate to the sweaty heat comments!

Which brings me to the point.....not all moneybelts are alike. Not only do you need to find one with a shape you like (ie fits well & your stuff fits in it) but you should look for one in a suitable fabric.

Eagle Creek & ricksteves seem to have the very lightweight breathable ones & my stuff never got damp or wet from sweating nor did the moneybelt get smelly....I'm sure this type moneybelt is also available elsewhere, including Travelsmith & Magellans. The point is, avoid the heavy duty polyester fabric that is hot, gets wet & smelly!

WillTravel

A waist moneybelt is for holding valuables that you won't access during the day. You should hold one credit card and a day's cash elsewhere on your person (or in a travel bag or purse). If you do need to access the moneybelt find somewhere discreet to do so as you will likely need to lift your shirt.

flygirl

you know, I have never used one of these things? I carry an old Coach purse.

I wouldn't wear a money belt walking around DC, or to go visit NYC - why would I wear one in Paris or London? seems kinda silly. just do as you usually do, and conduct yourself as you would in any large city - pay attention to your surroundings but don't freak out about it.

strass

My two cents: I agree with flygirl. I live in Chicago and walk downtown every day, and I never wear a moneybelt. I used one on my first trip to Europe--never again. They're hot, sweaty, bulky, and hard to access (in my humble opinion!).

For our upcoming trip, I'll use a large purse slung across my chest. In crowded areas, my hand will rest on top of the zipper. Any valuables will be in a zippered compartment deep within the purse. I'll use common sense and stay alert. I think I'll be fine.

Kate_W

There are only a few situations where I use a money belt: (1) I'm in transit from one hotel to another and therefore am carrying passport, all credit cards and cash with me (and even then, only in a few high risk locations - eg. travelling alone on public transit; (2) situations where I don't trust the safe and staff at my lodging (again, very very rare); and (3) high risk situations where I need to carry my credit card in order to pay for something(e.g. crowded market in Seville). Otherwise, I carry the day's cash and lock up the rest in the hotel safe. I've never had a problem anywhere in Europe.

Keep in mind that thieves know that you're likely to wear a money belt, and they have adapted to this: they'll cut the cord around your neck, or grab a money pouch held against the small of your back.

You're better off investing your efforts in being vigilant about your surroundings and your possessions. Be careful about: (1) the circumstances in which you use an ATM card (do it in pairs, and have one person stand guard while the other retrieves money); (2) the people to whom you give your credit card or credit card number (the only theft I've ever experienced involved a clerk copying the details from my credit card and using it to buy airline tickets - in the UK); and (3) the places in which you open your purse (indoors, away from crowds).

And people who wear their daypacks on their chests might as well wear a flashing sign that says "Rob me, I'm a tourist with lots of credit cards".

goforfun

Just returned from 2 weeks in Europe, so memories are fresh. The only money pouch that I find comfortable enough that I can forget I am wearing it is the belt loop style in breathable fabric (mine is Eagle Creek). It can be looped over a belt or pinned inside the waist of slacks or a skirt. I find that if I position it slightly to the side it does not look lumpy under most clothing and isn't uncomfortable when sitting.

I carry enough cash and a single credit card in a more accessible place and leave most cards, cash and tickets in a reliable hotel safe whenever possible. Backup cards and cash go in the money pouch.

While I am not overly anxious about pickpockets, I can attest that they do exist. I have experienced assertive street children in the middle east, aggressive gypsies in Italy, and muggers in Chicago (my teenage daughter was the victim, with her sister and parents at her side). I have seen the Paris metro and buses so crowded with humanity that you'd be hard pressed to notice a hand in your pocket.

My philosophy is better safe than sorry--I don't want to spend my vacation cancelling credit cards or replacing a passport.

bettyk

If you have a Totes store close to you, I recommend their travel pouch that hangs from your belt. It's quite inexpensive (under $5 I believe) compared to the ones from Travelsmith, etc., but the side that touches your body is made of a very soft fabric that feels like moleskin. My husband said the one by Eagle Creek wasn't as comfortable for him.

Europewithkids

You may want to take a look at this link, especially tip #9.

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/2020/..._040730-1.html