I can't comment on Africa, but certainly in Europe I've always just used the same purse I would at home. If you're familiar with your bag and where everything usually is inside it, you have less chance of losing track of your things.

Of course, that Cthulhu waistpouch *is* quite striking....(thank you AngelaS for making my day- I'm still wiping my eyes- I needed that :))

I can't believe I never clicked that link from AngelaS before. Thank you so much for pointing it out to me Apres_L! I had no idea what I'd missed!!

Suze, I had missed that link too, I love it.

AngelaS, that fanny pack is a HOOT!! But could I wear that and still blend in as a local? I would hate to stand out as a silly tourist. :-d

Probably good security, as it would take a VERY brave pickpocket to try and steal THAT from you!

I just clicked that link again, and laughed as hard as I did the first 50 times. I don't know if it's the wings, the feet, or the way the open zipper looks like a mouth with tiny serrated teeth, but damn that waist pouch cracks me up every time.

"This is precisely the sort of thing that people who like this sort of thing will like"

And you're right about the security, suze- imagine if you were a pickpocket, sticking your hand in that! With those tentacles and beady red eyes? I'd be afraid of losing a finger or three.

I'd figure anyone wacky enough to wear that probably didn't have much cash!

Contrary to toedtoes assessment, I don't lack common sense. Howeever, I have been pickpocketed once in Morocco. I had taken the tip for the guide from zippered pockets in a vest and put it in my pants side pocket. Some of the street corner vendors followed us to the bus. I KNEW the guy was next to me and I was annoyed, but didn't want to be the rude American and yell or push him away. He did the 'bump' routine and took the money (all of $2.00!).

Just be sure passport and REAL money is safe.

Just came back from Ecuador last week and came close to being pick pocketed. I had a canvas many- pocketed bag - for water, sweater, etc. Money was safely tucked away.
On narrow sidewalk with crowds of people looked down to see a hand unzipping the center pocket of the large canvas bag. As I looked down, he saw me and he instantly disappeard. (would have only gotten a pen and a notepad).

Can you tell us about the Africa part of your trip?

Thank you all for the great posts! AngelaS is a hoot! Things have changed a tad since that post, but I was planning on visiting Ghana (I still may do that, but I am unsure). I have a friend who is from Ghana and I was going to go there and stay with his family. I am an American student (who is getting ready to graduate) and I am trying to plan a trip that does not require much money! Ghana would be great not only because I want to go to Africa, but it is cheap to fly there from Europe.

I'm glad everyone enjoyed my link - I lauged pretty hard when I found it! Imagine a tourist walking around with that!! lol!! =)