Just because you never used a money belt doesn't make that good advice.

I think your list is reasonable although I might give it a test pack, and hoist with one arm (my test). For me I would probably trim one outfit and the toiletries after the test pack.

I like to use a money belt under clothing in airports and when traveling on public transport with passport, credit cards, etc. But if I am just out for the day, I bring cash for the day, and a copy of the passport, and don't bother with the money belt. I have spare money and a credit card tucked "under the arm" in the side of the bra.

Although I travel in places that are a bit more dodgy than Europe and North America, it's always good to be vigilant in airports and on transit.

I agree with the test pack. Some people even say take the suitcase and go walk a mile or ride around on public transportation in you own home city.

Another tip, if any of the clothing pieces are things you aren't currently wearing... try *everything* on before packing it. Make sure things fit, are comfortable, go together, etc. to avoid dragging along a dud.

I have tried several different methods for carrying valuables and have settled on a small, cross-body handbag. I have a few and take different ones depending on what I am going to be doing - but they are all large enough for my wallet, phone, passport, and sunglasses, but small enough to wear all the time. I wear the bag on the plane while sitting in my seat, in the bathroom, in restaurants, on public transport, etc. I just don't really set it down. I suppose someone could yank it off my shoulder, but they'd have to really want it, and in that case, I guess they can have it. This will thwart the opportunists though.

Anyway - I do take a travel pillow for overseas flights. I just can't sleep without one.

I can't sleep on a plane regardless, so the pillow wouldn't be worth hauling along to me.

I also do exactly as nov_moon says, a small leather bag with a cross-body strap (mine's by Fossil) that I don't take off.

Sopmene said "I've never used a money belt in all my years of travel. I've never had anything stolen and that includes while travelling and staying in some pretty dodgy areas."


To quote the same guy when he was writing on the Thorntree forum, August 5, 2012:
“When I travel in an area where I consider the risk to be relatively high I carry my passport, credit cards and wallet in a moneybelt under my pants in front of my body (when I can't leave them in a secure place such as a hotel safe). It's hard enough for me to get at things never mind a pickpocket. I also carry a small amount of cash in a pants pocket that has a zipper. If they can undo that zipper and take the cash without me knowing, good luck to them. “

Excellent sleuthing, sir. But I'm still laughing about the gondola ride.

Oops, sorry to get off-topic (again), wantsgelato!

"It's hard enough for me to get at things never mind a pickpocket." What a visual that is...LOL.

Greetings, Folks

This is such an enjoyable site. You are so funny here!
Suze, no need to apologize--it's all in good fun.

Well, it looks as if I have the green light from you. Now it's time to put everything in the bag and try it out.

A few things...yes, I will be wearing the money belt at all times (though I am considering the cross body hand bag, because this might be easier to hide). Either way, my important docs will always be with me. Regarding the travel pillow, it's a soft inflatable neck pillow..takes a few seconds to blow up and it's very soft and comfy (I like the one by Samsonite). When the air is let out, it's as flat as a pancake, so it doesn't take up any space.
Suze--All of my clothes fit, and are very comfortable. I packed with colors that mix and match. It took a lot of thought, but I did it thanks to you all!
Cheers...:-)

"I will be wearing the money belt at all times (though I am considering the cross body hand bag, because this might be easier to hide)."

No, no, if you think that you must not be wearing the money belt correctly. It goes UNDER your clothes where it can't be seen. It is NOT for items you need during the day. You put it on in the morning and forget about it until you take it off at night - unless you're hitting an ATM that day, in which case you need a rest room or to go back to your hotel room to reload it in private.

thursdaysd,

You made me realize that what I have is not an actually money belt; what I have is the one with the pouch in the front and you just unzip it when you need something (I laughed after I read your post because I couldn't imagine how I would get that pouch under my belt..:-D). After reading your post, I googled 'money belt' and saw that they are actually flat, so I need to purchase one of these instead. I see that they do fit under the belt. I understand now that money belts are used to keep important docs on your person and NOT for zipping and unzipping for stuff!
Thanks a lot for once again steering me in the right direction.
Cheers...

You're an excellent student! I do think a traditional under-the-clothes money belt is important when you are moving around alot (as it seems you will be by the mention of 4 countries in 15 days).

"what I have is the one with the pouch in the front and you just unzip it when you need something "

So a fanny pack, bummbag, or whatever you want to call it then? If that is what you are talking about, don't take it. Half the pickpocketing stories I hear start off with "So I had my wallet in my bummbag and..." These seem to be a particular target for thieves. An over-the-shoulder handbag is better, I think. You don't hid it, you just carry it close to your body and hang onto it when you get on the Metro or wherever when there are a lot of people jostling around.

A money belt is this:
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/ca...ntId=124&id=32

It rides under your clothes as described by previous posters. No one sees it. Most people seem to wear it in the small of their back, under their clothes.

My husband has this one:
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/ca...tId=124&id=523

It works well for men based on the cut of their clothes, but not so well for women, I think - it attaches to the belt of your pants and rides just inside the pants, behind the front pocket.

Good thing we got that sorted out!!!

I no longer wear a RS money belt, they got too bulky. I wear a single zipper Lewis N. Clark, with the pouch at the back. http://tinyurl.com/p4x8y2x I wrap the contents in plastic.

Greetings, Folks

Yes, you have taught me well and I will always be grateful.

As november_moon noted, what I have is a fanny pack and it just screams "Hey-- there's lots of stuff in me. Come and get it!" :-)

I appreciate the info on the money belt and will be purchasing one. Next step, put items in bag, zip it up, and test it out. I think it's going to be just fine.... My alpine adventure is just around the corner--yeah!
Cheers....

You've had great advice from everyone. I'll just add two things that work for me to reduce bulk and weight. I like the long sleeved silk undershirts sold by REI. They are very comfortable for sleeping and also provide a nice thin base layer if needed. Best of all they hand wash easily and dry overnight. One of these would be minute compared to your sleep shirt. The other item I like in place of a regular sweater is the Smartwool layer. It is also thin, lightweight and warm. A black one can look dressy, especially with a scarf.

Hey elnap29 guess what! I have a couple of long sleeved silk undershirts, and yes, they are very comfortable and nice to sleep in. I'm taking two of them instead of the t-shirts for sleeping.

For the rest of you folks: Thanks again for your help. My duffle bag is VERY manageable and I now have everything I need--including a REAL money belt--not the dreaded fanny pack. On the 14th I'll be headed to the airport to board my Lufthansa flight to Germany. This trip will be a dream come true, and you all helped make it happen.
Cheers...

Have a great time!

Have a great trip. Please come back and write us a TR.