Under the subject of water proof fanny packs, a discussion arose about how to protect your valuables when going to the beach. Leave them in your room? Take them to the beach? Take them in the water with you? Lock them in the trunk of your car?

Does anyone have any suggestions? Does anyone know how common theft from hotel rooms is? Theft on beaches? How do hotels protect room contents from theft by cleaning staff, other employees, fellow guests, and outsiders?

Many hotels have in-room safes. I would suggest leaving anything of value or importance there. If you leave them in the trunk, don't let anyone see you placing them there.

I agree that An in room safe is the best option. However, many condos and some hotels do not have in room safes. What do you do if no safe, especially when going to the beach ?

I wouldn't suggest leaving things in your car/trunk. I heard that theives purposely target rental cars. Of course, if you have a safe in your hotel room, use it. If not, what I used to do is hide them in places people would not check. On top of that, if you lock them along with your luggage, I doubt that they would take your whole luggage away. They mostly target small items. However, I have never had my stuff stolen in a hotel before. Maybe my strategy works, maybe I'm just lucky.

no discussion arose in the fanny pack question you decided to impose your ideas on someone else that woman just wanted a fanny pack.

xxx, you are too funny!

I still don't have a fanny pack!!!!

just looking out for you May. Did you call anywhere?

Thanks xxx.

I looked online. I actually found the makers of the Splash Caddy and they charge $10 more than CaribbeanCharlies.com on the same bag. They're crazy! Anyhow, I am most certainly considering the "caddies". Just have to see where I can purchase one from!

It is so easy to be rude when you're name is xxx !!!

why is it also easy to be a know it all male “the day I start carrying a fanny pack is the day I stop going to the beach". YOU DON”T THINK THAT IS ARROGANT!! Know wait Ken also takes up three more slots talking about his protection ideas.

I went to splashcaddy.com and the fanny packs are very masculine and sports minded looking. I agree that I would normally not wear one but you look more foolish coming back to a chair to find your hotel key and wallet gone while you were out snorkeling. I found the basic one at $14.95 on their main site.

Hey xxx. It is called an "opinion". Everyone is entitled to one !!

C'mon out from behind those x's !!

Melinda found this on the other thread go to www.magellans.com shows more feminine versions of the splash caddy (splash caddy junior).

Magellans.com has good practical stuff for travellers. Firstly, you're going on vacation so leave as much as possible at home - don't go on vac with a wallet full of plastic. Just take one, your drivers' license, proof of med insurance and ATM card if seperate. All can be put in small ziploc and carried with you, even swimming (sm waist belt if no zip/velcro/secure pockets.) Usual common sense with cameras etc. Good reason to travel light. I've been all over the world, business & pleasure, frequently "third world", and have had no problems. Common sense will take care of 99.5% of the risk most places if personal behavior matches. Have a great trip.
p.

I have worked in several hotels (at the front desk) and as a travel agent and I have heard of many theft situations. When we go on vacation, especially to another country, we put our valuables such as passports and credit cards in the safe deposit box at the front desk. I have heard of many people that put items in the in-room safe and the lock didnt work or someone (usually hotel employees) will go in and steal everything out of it. And unfortunatly you usually dont get anywhere since most hotels say they are not responsible for stolen items (even from your room). How can you prove that you actually put it in the safe in the room and it was stolen, it is hard to do that. So the best idea is to leave it in the safe deposit box and usually they sign a sheet when you put things in and take them out. And NEVER leave things on the beach! That is the easiest place to have things taken from you. My husband thinks its nuts how careful I am about watching my things but I know what can happen when you are not looking!

Sad to say but when you are out, a fanny pack is actually good to wear since it is nearly impossible to rip off like a purse or backpack would be. I personally never take one with. Just travel light, dont take everything you have in your wallet and leave the jewelry behind.

Sad to day-I always carry a purse,with straps across my chest.Have never been robbed and don't walk around with what looks like a colostomy bag on my body!