Europewithkids, you commented you are a man - my husband has tried all sorts, and likes the "leg safe" the best. It fits around the calf, under jeans/slacks, and has adjustable velcro fasteners, easy to reach if need be.

Travelnut, I have seen the leg safes on various websites. Unfortunately, I will be travelling in August and wearing shorts most days, I imagine.

I've always been somewhat reluctant to use the in-room hotel safes since the hotels post a notice saying they are not responsible for anything stolen from them. To the ones who do use them for valuables: Have you ever had a bad experience?

Europewithkids,

By the proper position I meant so that it hangs on your left side, basically over your hip.

That way you can rotate the entire pouch up to the right & have quick access to the zipper to open for cash or credit cards.

I generally keep everything in there except some cash I may use that day.

wlcjr -- Thanks. Sounds like you pretty much use it as a wallet, unlike a moneybelt. Obviously, you feel like it offers good security.

E.

That is exactly how I would describe it.
I normally carry cash in a money clip & credit cards, etc. in my wallet.

No security issues using it with 10 + trips to Europe & many potential high pickpocket areas (subways, large crowds, etc).

I reread up above and see mention of the "hidden pocket" that is secured by running your regular belt thru the loop then tucking it into pants. Hubby liked that one ok, but had a near loss at the airport so moved on to the leg safe.
He had to remove his belt to make it thru the metal detector. When he removed the belt, with everything else going on at that time, he did not remember about the pouch or notice that it had fallen to the floor. Someone else picked it up for him. Since you'll be wearing shorts, this pouch will be better than the leg safe but just be aware of this incident so you can avoid same problem.

Thanks Travelnut. I travel quite a bit here in the States and have never had to remove my belt. However, should I have to, you can bet I will be paying attention! Aside from this incident, did your husband find the hidden pocket convenient, comfortable and secure?

Yes, I believe he would have continued with it but was unnerved by what happened. We don't like traveling in hot weather, so the leg safe will always work for him.

I used a travel wallet that I put in the front security pocket of pants from Travelsmith. The security pocket is inside the regular front pocket and zippered shut. I always felt secure. In one or two particularly crowded situations, I put my hand in my pocket as well. I carried a daybag with maps, camera, a little extra cash in case I was robbed, etc., but always felt safe.

Has anyone used the Pac-Safe Stashsafe fanny pack or the Pac-Safe Waist Wallet?

We bought two moneybelts and didn't use them, except to store passports. Friends told us to tuck credit card and cash in our front jeans pockets and go. That's pretty much what we did. I did carry a shoulder purse with strap across my chest as I would in NYC, but mostly to store cell phone and camera stuff. We did have an extra credit card, debit card and some cash tucked in there too. Left a credit card and debit card in the room. So, no matter what was pickpocketed or stolen, we wouldn't be completely out of luck and would just report what was stolen. No problems whatsoever.

I would never leave a credit or debit card "in the room".

This thread makes me think of the time a girlfriend and I were going to leave Sorrento and visit Napoli for the day with my local friend from Sorrento.

We were taking off our jewelry, strapping on money belts, emptying out our purses then strapping them across our chests like Pancho Villa and he watched us, amused, and said, we are not going to war, just over to Napoli.