Money Belts- The Old Standby
With the advent of the “fanny pack,” which is a rendition of the Scotsman’s “sporran,” the money belt has been forgotten as an outmoded form of protecting your valuable documents while traveling. Travel expert, Rick Steves, writes: “Money belts are your key to peace of mind. I never travel without one. ”
For those of you who don’t know a money belt is a small, nylon-zippered or velcro-attached pouch that fastens around the waist either under your pants or skirt or shirt. It is completely hidden — out of sight, out of mind – and can be shifted if one part of your midrift gets uncomfortable.
Now, they are not waterproof so keep your passport and documents in baggies to keep them dry.
Steve’s suggested procedures:
- Passport: You’re legally supposed to have it with you at all times.
- Plane ticket: Put essential pages in your money belt, nonessential pages (like the receipt) in your luggage.
- Railpass: This is as valuable as cash.
- Driver’s license: This works just about anywhere in Europe and is necessary if you want to rent a car on the spur of the moment.
- Credit card: It’s required for car rental and handy to have if your cash runs low.
- Debit card: A Visa debit card is the most versatile for ATM withdrawals. (I no longer use traveler’s checks.)
- Cash: Keep only major bills in your money belt.
- Plastic sheath: Money belts easily get slimy and sweaty. Damp plane tickets and railpasses can be disgusting and sometimes worthless. Even a plain old baggie helps keep things dry.
- Contact list: Print small, and include every phone number or email address of importance in your life.
- Trip calendar page: Include your hotel list and all necessary details from your itinerary
The best protection is not flaunting your wares. A money belt addresses part of this.
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