I went so prepared for all sorts of calamities and didn't encounter any throughout Europe. My son thought I was paranoid. I probably was but better safe than sorry.

I wore a neck pouch tied to my bra under my right arm. Quite unnoticeable and very comfortable. It contained my passport, some money and extra bank and credit cards.
I noticed at the airport they are now selling and underarm money belt as well as a waist and neck one.

I kept another set of cards, money and ID in my over the shoulder purse.

My travel documents and any other items like Ipod etc. I just kept in locked suitcase.

One lady on my trip with 2 teenage daughters left her passports and document wallet in a safe in Provence and it took several days, 20 phone calls by TD and tons of worrying to finally get it shipped to her final destination and have someone in charge be responsible for sending and receiving it.

I have had a safe not open on me when I needed my stuff so am wary of them.

Just use common sense and take the advice from seasoned travellers on here and you will be fine.
Sandy

quote:

Has the clip wallet ever come unclipped. Are the clips real tight.

Lets Travel: I haven`t had a problem with the clip wallet. The clip is quite sturdy. The wallet can be worn three different ways. You could loop a belt through it, or you could pin it if you don`t want to use it clip style. The clip style offers easier access, though.

I agree. The clip wallets are fantastic. I used a pin with mine and never had a care. My husband put it through his belt loop. They are extremely comfortable, as well as handy, and not at all bulky under clothes.

I cannot decide between the waist pouch or neck pouch. Is the neck pouch annoying and uncomfortable? Anyone have experience with both? Thanks.

Maida

Maida: I don`t like either, but if I had to choose between them, I`d say the waist pouch is marginally better. The neck pouch string hurts my neck and looks obvious. The waist pack can be uncomfortable if the weather is hot and both are hard to access discreetly in public. I much prefer the clip wallet.

I have not used a waist pouch so can't comment on that. I loathe the neck pouches they are hot & uncomfortable & I find I can often see them on others.

The neck pouch is horrible- both in how it looks and feels. I wore one because I did not want to be the nuisance customer who had everything stolen and had to bug the TD for help. To tell you the truth though if you have a bag that is over your shoulders and held in front of you and throughly zipped at all times I don't see how that could be unsafe. Also the French and Italian women run around with great big open bags quite happily so I am sure it is not that big of an issue. I know tourists are more a target but I do think you can be a bit paranoid. Still having said that will probably follow the TD's advice on next trip and keep it all tucked away again.

quote:

Originally posted by tony54 and me:
To tell you the truth though if you have a bag that is over your shoulders and held in front of you and throughly zipped at all times I don't see how that could be unsafe.

Yes I have done that too, & honestly prefer it to even the clip wallet.

So far, touch wood, fingers crossed, so good.

quote:

Originally posted by tony54 and me:
The neck pouch is horrible- both in how it looks and feels. I wore one because I did not want to be the nuisance customer who had everything stolen and had to bug the TD for help. To tell you the truth though if you have a bag that is over your shoulders and held in front of you and throughly zipped at all times I don't see how that could be unsafe. Also the French and Italian women run around with great big open bags quite happily so I am sure it is not that big of an issue. I know tourists are more a target but I do think you can be a bit paranoid. Still having said that will probably follow the TD's advice on next trip and keep it all tucked away again.

What makes me happy is the money wallet around my waist. I will not consider a bag of any kind because it isn't always held to your body at all times. I know i have said this before I still remember a story Chris Marriott told re the slashing of a bag, the contents falling into a bag below & the offender off before the victim knew she was a victim.

Cheers
Spooky

quote:

Originally posted by spooky walnut:

quote:

Originally posted by tony54 and me:
The neck pouch is horrible- both in how it looks and feels. I wore one because I did not want to be the nuisance customer who had everything stolen and had to bug the TD for help. To tell you the truth though if you have a bag that is over your shoulders and held in front of you and throughly zipped at all times I don't see how that could be unsafe. Also the French and Italian women run around with great big open bags quite happily so I am sure it is not that big of an issue. I know tourists are more a target but I do think you can be a bit paranoid. Still having said that will probably follow the TD's advice on next trip and keep it all tucked away again.

What makes me happy is the money wallet around my waist. I will not consider a bag of any kind because it isn't always held to your body at all times. I know i have said this before I still remember a story Chris Marriott told re the slashing of a bag, the contents falling into a bag below & the offender off before the victim knew she was a victim.

Cheers
Spooky

Which is why many of us have purchased slash proof bags, and wear them across our chest at all times, even while eating in public. Although I did sometimes put it on my lap, but never on the floor or empty seat, but this is something I automatically do at home, too.

I might carry my shoulder bag on my shoulder at home while in the grocery, but I toss it into the front seat while loading groceries, etc in the car(I have a minivan)so no one can come up behind me and snatch it while my hands are busy, and I'm leaning over.

quote:

Originally posted by Maida:
I cannot decide between the waist pouch or neck pouch. Is the neck pouch annoying and uncomfortable? Anyone have experience with both? Thanks.

Maida

Maida, you could try what I do... Get a neck wallet, take the cord out & pin it to the inside of your waistband of your pants/skirt - a bit to the side (so it's pointing in the direction of one of your legs). This way, it's not as uncomfortable/annoying as the waist belt (& not adding bulk over your stomach) & it's not hanging around your neck being obvious either! and it can't hurt your neck when it's pinned to the inside of your clothes!

In effect, it's like the clip wallet. Just make sure you get one of the slimmer neck ones (some can be bulkier than others).

I used to use a waist moneybelt but I agree, they are annoying & get quite hot in warm weather.

cheers,
ClareS

When travelling with a bag I normally have one that I can carry across but when eating etc I normally loop the bag through the arm of a spare chair at the table.. I work on the theory that if someone grabs the bag the chair goes with it an might slow them up just a bit...

Thanks for all the useful information... We're travelling again next month, and I have to start looking for my money bag.

I chose the neck pouch as I already have enough bulk around my waist. LOL I found I did not like the string cutting into my neck so I tied it onto my bra. A suggestion from this website. That worked great.It was quite comfy, not noticed and I knew everything was safe.
I only kept info in it that I didn't need. Ex. passport extra money and extra bank cards.
Hope this helps.
Sandy

quote:

Originally posted by Maida:
I cannot decide between the waist pouch or neck pouch. Is the neck pouch annoying and uncomfortable? Anyone have experience with both? Thanks.

Maida

I have used the clip wallet thanks to Catie. I love it. The first time my son traveled on his own he used the the waist one and his passport is now wrinkled because he was sweating and had it in the pouch. When he went to Australia this year I gave him my clip pouch and he loved it.

It is very easy to use and it clips so easily to the inside of what ever pants or skirt you are wearing without anyone knowing it is there.