What is this "secret pouch"?
 

...that everyone is refering to for storing $$ when travelling? Is that the same as a fanny pack, those things strapped around the waist w/the zipper in front??

If we told you it would no longer be a "secret" would it?

xxx, thanks for your insight..really. so very very helpful <BR> <BR>what are you...maybe 5 years old. <BR> <BR>grow up.

That's no way to ask people for help. Be nice when you want something.

I was nice. then I got the rude response. <BR> <BR>so typical. <BR> <BR>anyway, forget I asked. I'll figure it out. thanks anyway

The only rude message was the 11:26 from "curious" the humorless.

ok, ok..I'm sorry. <BR> <BR>I do have a sense of humour. This board can get snarky sometimes, and sometimes it's hard to tell which is which. <BR> <BR>my sincere apologies...

Back on the subject, no, it is NOT a fanny pack and you shouldn't put anything you care about in a fanny pack. I use a money belt made of thin leather with a stout nylon belt and a very substantial fastener that goes under my clothing for passports, credit cards, etc. It's very inconspicuous and you can find them at better travel shops/luggage stores that cater to international travelers. Others use a pouch that goes around the neck for such items and I saw a post yesterday where a "should holster" type device is used. A good device should be large enough to hold your documents and well-designed to look inconspicuous. The zippers/closure devices should be very solid. I highly recommend that you obtain and use such a device when traveling in areas of Europe frequented by tourists (and pickpockets). Should you live in fear? Of course not! It's simply a matter of being street-smart and taking preventive measures to keep your trip more worry-free. A fanny pack is NOT street-smart. Easy targets can easily end up with hassles and prudent measures will keep you from being one. Happy trails!

Jim, <BR> <BR>Thanks a lot for your helpful response...I'll check it out this weekend. The neck pouch sounds interesting... <BR> <BR>

We use a fabric rectangular zippered "pocket" on a lightweight webbed belt that is worn around your waist, under your pants or skirt. It takes a little getting used-to, but really, it is not much more than an extra pocket. It is convenient for keeping ATM/credit cards and large bills of currency. If there is no room safe in the hotel for our passports, we carry our passports there, too. We only carry around in wallet or purse what cash we think we may need for the day for lunch, fares and the odd postcard or trinket. Mine, which I got as a premium for contributing to a PBS fundraiser, happens to be autographed by Rick Steves. Lucky me.

Apologies accepted. <BR> <BR>Truthfully I'm not up on these paraphernalia issues and never used one of those bags myself. But the "secret pouch" reference just struck me funny at the moment.

secret pouch..I bought a black nylon/cloth wallet which you wear inside your jeans etc against your skin. <BR>It is fastened through your belt and loops onto your jeans. Have done a test run and it seems ok.All you can see is a small black loop over the belt. <BR>Easy to access money and card.Would be too bulky for a passport I think.

Diane: that is so cool! I wish I had one! I love Rick Steves, he is one of my faves! Target has an inexpensive money belt to be worn under clothes, FYI. Judy :-)

<BR> <BR>Do a search for Eagle Creek's web page as they carry a variety of underclothing security pouches (neck, waist, shoulder, etc.) I would also suggest that you put all your money, TC's and documents in a zip-lock bag to protect them from body moisture.

Another good place for travel accessories is "Travelsmith" They also carry guidebooks, maps etc. inaddition to wallets and the like. <BR>alan

Interesting the comment about body moisture and keeping things inside a plastic bag. I read about a guy who carried his airline ticket (amongst other things) in his money belt during his big overseas trip and at the end, his return ticket was unreadable because of being close to his body for so long. <BR>Kay

Just for the record, I don't think "curious" owed anyone an apology. <BR> <BR>"xxx" has a bad habit of being the first or second poster on a thread and sniping at the original question. Whether "xxx" is always the same person or not, or whether "xxx" also assumes other personalities like "tsk" and "IMO" to keep things rolling, it remains a major reason why people have begun to lose patience with posting on Fodors. <BR> <BR>As the redoubtable "Jeff" wrote in his column, anyone who asks a question in these forums is guaranteed that first they will suffer all kinds of attacks for some aspect of their question and only then will anyone help them. <BR> <BR>Yes, sometimes it's all meant in fun -- and some of the best threads here are the funny ones. But "xxx's" response and his friend "tsk's" reproof set an unpleasant tone here that discourages people with genuine need for information and makes the Fodors forums something of a minefield. <BR>

I'm with you Ken. I couldn't believe the 1st few responses to the question "curious" asked. Some people are so flip!

Ken and Elsa, <BR> <BR>Just for the record, I'll tell you what is seriously unfunny. That would be being born without a funnybone. You obviously have not been around here long enough to know that the mere mention of "fanny pack" brings on guffaws. You do know, don't you, that the term has a different connotation in some countries? <BR>If you "can't believe" those innocuous responses little old curious got, then try this on for size and tell me if you find any humour? <BR>----------- <BR>*Secret pouch?...secret pouch?.....Why I got your secret pouch right here, baby!* &lt;self-groping action&gt;

why it is in Uncle harry's pants........That is where he hides it from Aunt Ida...........He's a cheap geezer and at least 400lbs.........WOuld you go diggin around in those drawers? whoo hoooooo I'll pass on that.