Okay so this is a dumb question, but where do you keep your money on the beach? I will be traveling to Greece in a few weeks and it just occured to me that I probably won't want to carry around my wallet, passport and credit cards with me all the time. I can't really figure out what to do with this stuff. I usually carry my valuables on me under my clothes, but obviously in a bikini that is not an option. How safe are hostel (and I will be staying in a hostel) safes? What about B&Bs? How much money should I bring with me to the beach? What do you do? Thanks for any advice!

I never bring to the beach anything I'd be hard pressed to be without, and this applies worldwide.

Small amount of cash, 1 of my 2 credit cards and camera are valuables I do bring, everything else I'd leave secured in my luggage or hotel safe. I'm more worried about losing my passport myself than having somebody lift it at a hostel or hotel. Tucked away in my suitcase works for me.

If I'm going in the water, I'll tuck them into a pocket of my day pack, or preferably a larger beach bag as it's more conspicuous to move. If I'm taking a long walk along the beach I'll often carry the money in my camera bag as I like to take my camera for those

I am very into going to go beach, and I never carry anything with me.

I have seen beach towels that have little secret pockets for money, and they look pretty reliable.

If you are going to the beach with someone else, you can just take turns watching the stuff, though.

I use a beach basket (buy something local when you arrive) with a towel, sun tan lotion, water, a coin purse with a small amount of money, a disposable camera, a paperback.

I leave my room key at the hotel front desk and everything else in my room, but haven't stayed in hostels to know that part.

I don't take anything that valuable when I go to the beach, and am always either within walking distance from my hotel, or am going back to my hotel immediately to change, anyway. So, that eliminates a lot of need to take much. I would never even take a credit card, but do take a little money, and that's about it. There's no real need for anything else, if you leave your hotel key at the desk. I only take enough for a drink or snack or something I might want to buy on the way -- maybe about US$5-10.

I think I take my camera once in a while, I know if you want some scenic photos, you need to. I just try to park near some reliable looking people (if I'm alone), and ask them to watch my stuff if I can -- and go in the water when they are not. Other than that, I guess I just hope nothing happens. Most beaches I'm at are crowded enough that it would be kind of obvious if someone started looking through your stuff, I would hope someone would notice. At some large beaches where people are farther apart and less noticeable, it might not be.

I did read about one gimmick once I though was very clever, and wanted to get one. It's actually something you could make yourself and it would be more authentic. It was a fake book, where the book was really a container where you could put a few small items (no camera would fit). I thought that was pretty clever and less obvious than some things, and you could make one yourself by hollowing out a section from the pages of an old paperbook or hardback book.

If you just have a key or something, people often have those on plastic elastics that can go around wrists or ankles or something.

How about a Splash Caddy?
http://www.magellans.com/store/Walle...etsSV834?Args=

I have one and it does keep stuff dry and safe. One drawback is that you must get all the excess air out otherwise it floats! Barb

Though this is hilarious, I will suggest it:

Any bikini I have ever bought has 2 layers in the cups, and most of the time they are open a little bit so you can insert pads. You can always slip a bill into there. The problem comes when you get change. . .

Claire, LOL! I have this image of coins falling out every which way if the woman leaned over

That would be kind of soggy after you go swimming!!

There wouldn't be any point of putting in a bikini top, because if you were only sunning and not swimming, you could just have stuff in a purse or totebag by your side.

>Where do you keep your money on the beach?<

Our driver keeps it in the Bentley along with the picnic items.

Considering it's Greece the OP is travelling to, the bikini top is likely to be staying on land anyway. Safely wrapped up in the blanket along with the spare change.

I tried to solve this problem by buying my boyfriend a pair of swim trunks that had a waterproof "pocket." I think they were quicksilver or speedo brand, it worked just fine.

It was just a little waterproof plastic sleeve (a little larger than a Credit card) that zipped shut, was attached to the inside of the pocket by a strap, and then the pocket on the shorts velcroed shut.

If I were by myself, I'd just put one of these plastic sleeves in a pair of girl surf shorts (Quicksilver, Roxy, billabong all have secure velcro pockets) and put the shorts on when I swim. The sleeve was large enough to fit money, a credit card, ID, and a loose, unattached car key.

Although I love Claire's idea -- inserting money and ID to supplement all the padding I put into my bikini top, anyway...

Also -- this is pretty much the same clear plastic sleeve I buy for a buck and put my fishing license in -- you can find them at sporting goods stores and dive shops. But you need a pair of real surf shorts to make sure the pocket doesn't open if you get hit by a wave.

First of all, wet and salty money spends just like dry, landlubbering money, so soak away.

Also, I actually do not wear a top on the beach at all, which is why I have it conceptualized as a fabulous carrying device. Sort of like having one of those hollowed out books on your bookcase. . . a James Bond like diversion.