Packing tips?
 

We're heading to Italy and Switzerland next month and I'm trying to figure out what to pack my stuff IN. We plan to take trains and buses so we'll try to go light. We'll be doing day hikes in Cinque Terre. I'm thinking a day pack and some sort of duffel bag. Is a small wheeled bag better or would it be stupid for several city blocks?
Also, while touring during the day, do we really need to carry our passports? Wouldn't it be better to lock them in the hotel safe?
Would it be worth investing in a purse with a steel safety cable in the strap? Is "cut and run" a problem in the tourist centers (Rome, Florence, Venice)? What about those under-your-clothes money belts? They seem useful but should they be cabled to be worth it?

Thanks for all the useful info on this board.

Hi

A small wheeled bag is not stupid for several blocks. That's what they are made for. They're not too good for hiking.

I suggest that you keep your passport with you, although other folks think that a copy is sufficient.

I'm not sure about the necessity for steel cable straps. I haven't heard about cutpurses. However, do carry everything on a strap across the front of your body. It is easy to pull a purse off your shoulder.

Many people like money belts. since they are under your clothes, you don't need a cable.

Have a nice trip.

We always travel with a 22" rolling suitcase each. It's much easier to pull the luggage than to carry it. If need be, we also bring along a small duffel bag and place it on top of one of the rolling bags while walking. Additionally, we always pack an empty collapsable duffel bag for extra space to bring things home.

I always carried a copy only of my passport in Italy recently, and left the original in a safe place in our rented apartment.

During the day I used a daybag/purse and only carried maps, books, water, etc. Hubby carried money in his front pocket. We left ATM card at home after withdrawing funds for the day. We felt much safer that way with nothing in my purse that couldn't be replaced easily.

Hope this helps.

Forgot to add that we did diligently use our money belts with passport, funds, credit cards, etc. in them, when traveling city to city. At least until we were in our own apartment/hotel again.

Use a money belt and put your stuff in a small plastic baggie inside it. That will keep your money and documents dry.

Use debit cards first, then credit cards. Split them and the cash up so the husband and wife each have a seperate credit and debit card and half the cash.

Put a half days supply of cash in each person's front pocket so you don't have to keep digging into your money belt all day.

I use a 22"" rolling suitcase and either a relatively small leather backpack/purse or a relatively small tote bag. I've never used a moneybelt or under-the-clothes-type gismo and don't ever plan to. I do split up my money and credit cars so they're not all in the same place, but my thnking has always been - and it's always worked - that if I carry my belongings the way that locals do, as opposed to the way tourists do, I'll be a less likely target. Plus, I walk very fast, look business-like even when tooling around for pleasure, and in most places I visit can toss insults, or warnings, in the local language. I've never been pickpocketed in something close to 60 trips to Europe. If I'm using the backpack/purse, when I get on public transportation or in a crowd, I use only one strap and keep it under one arm to protect the part that opens.
I carry my passpsort with me, along with a copy of it in a separate place. I don't know how people who carry their money in those under-your-clothes things actually pay for things - it must be quite a sight.
I do have a purse I bought in France that has a combination lock on it. Brilliant, I thought, until I got to the métro in Paris one day and the combination wouldn't work. I had to wander around Paris looking for a luggage store that specialized in locks to get my own purse open to pay for the locksmith. Pffffftttt!!!!

Thanks for lots of practical advice. Keep it coming. I have a nice small purse with a shoulder strap. It doesn't sound like I need to invest in a new one. Probably will get a money belt just to keep some things separate.
I'm pleased that so many people recommend a wheeled bag. I love mine for general travel. Will probably bring the daypack and use for the flight but pack a purse for sightseeing.

I suggest a 22-24" rolling suitcase plus a daypack with smaller purse inside (that can be used separately once you arrive).

Don't bother about cabled straps, urban legends tell of people being knocked & dragged if someone grabs it like from a motorbike. Especially not important if you are wearing a money belt under your clothes with important documents and major money and cards.

I use a normal leather pocketbook with a thick strap long enough to wear crosswise over my body.

Personally I do just what I do at home, same wallet, purse, carry my passport on me (with travelers checks and an extra credit card left locked in my suitcase at the hotel for emergencies) ... and have never had problems. But I know this is not "foolproof" so won't pass it on as the best advice.

Instead of a money belt, I love the one that has 2 straps to go around your belt, then the envelope goes inside your slacks. It looks less bulky, plus I can flip it out easily.

Would you mind sharing where one could find that type of moneybelt? Have traveled for yrs with a moneybelt as a single but have never come across one like you described. Thx!

I have seen the moneybelt holders in the Campmor catalog, Travelsmith and the luggage store at the mall. Trouble is, I seldom wear a belt. Maybe better for men. Or, sew a button inside your clothes to loop it on.
The only drawback to the wheelbag is it is harder to carry up several flights of stairs than a duffel bag would be. I may go back to the duffel after all.

If you're hiking in Switzerland, bring along a small backpack or daypack. It's useful to carry a light wrap, snacks, lunch, etc. to keep your hands free.