How do you carry your daily, quick-access cash/stuff?

I am ONLY answering your final question--no, no you are NOT paranoid! I have the very same concern--and the very same set up--money belt and pacsafe purse. And because pacsafe is SO HARD to get in to (because, well, that's the point!), I picture myself struggling with it to get my camera out--or to get change for a pay restroom (THAT won't be good!) or to access my metro/oyster card. Also, as I'm a woman and plan to bring only dresses (for ease of packing and comfort in the heat) I won't even have the pocket option! So no, you are NOT paranoid--I want to know the answer to this, too!

Let me make a radical suggestion. A little circumstantial awareness will go a long way so that you don't have to go on Fort Knox-style lockdown. Do you really think that a potential thief is interested in your folding map or loose change? And if you do loose them... so what? For the camera, you could dummy-cord it to a belt-loop, your wrist, or some other piece of clothing. Easy solution, and you don't have to buy anything.

The MetroSafe 200 also has a pocket in the back of the bag (the side that is touching your body while you wear it). It might be a good place to keep a little spare cash, though that's just my speculation.

If you are traveling during any sort of jacket-wearing weather, inside chest pocket seems like a good place, too.

I carry my stuff in my non pac safe purse.(its been safe enough last ten trips) It has a good zipper, with a flap that goes over zipper and clicks shut. I can't imagine carrying a purse/bag that weights 10 lbs in metal framework.

And yes, you are being a little paranoid,, worrying about a map, or loose change.

Careful and cautious does not mean having to lock yourself up with all this stuff. My goodness , how do you thing locals go to the grocery store.. they carry bags/purses with money in them. They are careful. They watch their stuff, but they , like you do not need metal wires to keep their purses safe, ESPECIALLY considering you already have your PP , CC and ATM card in your moneybelt, the rest of the stuff is just not that precious .

Put your map anywhere no one wants it. Put your camera in your bag,, hopefully its not too difficult to open to use your camera,, and if it is, well thats just silly.

Dylan,

Each of us use money belt for passports, spare credit cards, ATM card and cash reserve. I use a neck pouch for day money and one credit card that I wear like messenger bag under the shirt so that it sits on the right side of my waist and I tuck part of it in the trouser. Survived in Italy for 4 weeks and 3 other countries before. Hope this helps.

pat, to be fair, the bag in question only weighs a little over 1lb. Carrying a loaded day bag isn't a problem to me personally, since like a lot of women, I carry a sizeable purse full of stuff every time I leave the house.

I would recommend that you get a shirt that has zippered front pockets at chest height. I use a couple of ExOffico ones, I certainly hope no pickpocket tries to unzip my breast pocket while I am awake.

I hate to be a wet blanket, but my thought is the more you go into "lock down" mode and are a bit paranoid about theft the more obvious you might be to potential thieves. My advice is put what you need for the day in your day bag, keep a hand on it (I wear mine sideways, messenger bag style) and walk with purpose. If you are fumbling around trying to get into your locked up bag, you will be distracted if someone approaches you on the street and therefore become and easy target.

Nothing says tourist more to me, than a person walking down the street clutching their bag for dear life. Wear a non-descript messenger bag, wear your camera if you like to take spontaneous photos, otherwise you will be digging in that bag all day. I have my camera with me every day and lots of other people do too. Photography is just so popular, that wearing a camera looks ordinary.
Don't carry anything in your rear pockets, it looks a bit tacky to have a big lump of a wallet there, and is way too easy to pick-pocket.

You don't say where you are going, as some places don't really have much of a problem with pick-pockets and others do.

I don't want to overhype the possibility of being pickpocketed either. Especially when I know the precautions I take put me at considerably less risk than the next person.

Like the joke about hiking in Grizzly country: One hiker is putting on running shoes. The other asks why he's putting on running shoes. The first says, "In case we run into a Grizzly." The other says, "You can't outrun a Grizzly." The first replies, "I don't have to outrun the Grizzly, I just have to outrun you."

I'm not trying to put down people who don't take the same precautions I do. Thieves look for the easiest targets. Taking some precautions makes you less likely to be targeted. Situational awareness also makes you much less likely to be targeted (because many tourists aren't paying attention).

I usually travel in shoulder season - which also makes me less likely to be targeted because thieves follow the crowds.

I did lose a camera once on a bus during Oktoberfest because I was carrying too much stuff to pay attention to everything. I learned from it and don't expect it to happen again.

If you are always aware of whos near you and what not, you will never be a victim of personal theft.
I don't make myself stand out as a tourist.

You can add buttons or zippers to your shirt pockets, or have a tailor do it for you. Cost will be miniumal. Two buttons would be better than one, even if it looks goofier. Don't worry about your loose coins.

I have a thin men's wallet, and I keep it in my bra whether I'm traveling or not. Always close to my heart.

My daily cash goes in my front pants pocket. I just fold it up, no wallet or rubber bands. The cards, ID and larger cash go in my money belt or neck pouch (I go back and forth between the two). I never access my important stuff on the street. If I need to, I use a private place (e.g.toilet) to get into it and check carefully before I leave that nothing inadvertently fell out.

My pocket size camera is around my neck and often tucked into a shirt pocket. I replace the wrist strap small cameras include with a neck strap from a thumb drive - works perfectly.

On non-travel days I carry a Cavita day-pack. In the front pocket are pen and paper, bandaids, hand sanitizer, tiny flashlight, swiss army knife, plastic fork, etc. - nothing worth more than $20 and nothing that would spoil my trip if lost. In the big pocket is my rain shell and possibly a sweater or towel, depending on the activity and weather for the day.

On travel days, the Civita is tucked into my convertible carry on so that I only have to carry/keep track of one item.

Whatever I'm carrying goes in front of me, usually between my legs, on bus or metro but I don't lock the zippers.

I AM NOT RECOMMENDING THAT ANYONE NOT USE A MONEY BELT. I just want to put my two cents in to try to reassure first time Europe travelers. In 1999, when I went on my first trip to Europe, I was terrified of being pickpocketed. I bought a money belt and carried it with me but never got around to actually using it. Now, 11 trips to Europe later, I know that the threat of pickpocketing is very real but it is over hyped and causes first time travelers a lot of unnecessary anxiety. At the risk of being jumped on by the other posters, I have never used a money belt or anything like that, I just carry a regular purse, just like all my girlfriends that travel do. My husband does not use a money belt either. Caveat: we never carry large amounts of cash. We have survived Naples, Madrid, Barcelona, the Metro (Paris and Rome), Bus #64 in Rome, and an attempted pickpocketing, etc. That being said, I think using a moneybelt is an excellent idea because it gives not just security but also peace of mind (we've just never done it and I am not really sure why). Just remember that the most important thing is that you be careful and aware of your surroundings at all times. If you do that you will likely be fine.

For the record, I very rarely wear a money belt either. I have never used a neck wallet or any other kind of security devise. Does this mean that everyone should follow my example? Certainly not, but it does show that with a little situational awareness, it is possible to walk around without being chained to your worldly belongings like Jacob Marley.

Just waiting for some pro-moneybelt zealot to tell Tom that going without a moneybelt in Europe is like playing Russian Roulette.

I do think you are being a bit paranoid over items that really should not ruin your vacation should they get pinched or lost. As long as you have the most valuable items in your moneybelt or locked away somewhere at your hotel, losing less than 50-60 Euro and a point & shoot camera that I would guess probably doesn't cost much more than $100-$200 might be frustrating but not the hassle that say losing a major credit card or a passport would be. You shouldn't even have a giant wad of cash stored in your moneybelt to begin with - use your credit card for large purchases, multi-day museum passes or fancy splurge dinners and tap the ATMs every 4-5 days for the cash needed for the Metro & other minor expenses.

Being aware in a crowded area or on public transit is the best prevention - those aren't the places to be distracted and looking at maps or a guidebook. Even if you have all the zippers locked, keep your Pacsafe bag in front of you (not behind you) with one hand on it when you are in a crowd. Having 5 or 6 locks dangling from every zipper on your bag would probably be a red flag to a thief that the bag is worth trying to snatch or cut open if he sees you are swinging it behind you and distracted, although everything you listed above that you'll be toting in the Pacsafe (with the exception of the cell phone) seems like a very minor loss if someone lifted it.

Some of this is just about having big city street smarts. I rode the subway in Manhattan daily for eight years and was never pickpocketed. Of course, if I came from a different part of America, I might be a little more worried about crowds in Europe.

My advice: avoid having people stand behind you on the metro, always look like you know what you're doing even if you have no clue, don't fall for distractions, learn how to emphatically say no to scammers, don't let groups of people surround you, and walk like you're trying to get somewhere. I don't wear a moneybelt gasp but I think it's fine for those who feel like they need the added security. As someone else said, Europeans have wallets, purses and cameras too, so it is possible to live without paranoia. Just be smart and cautious.

I have my way of handling our valuables and my husband has another way.

Neither one of us uses the waist money belt as it's a pain to get into. I use a neck wallet which is easier access to hold larger bills, important papers, passport, ID, iPhone & credit cards. It gets heavy sometimes, but I quickly get used to it and it's peace of mind right in front of me. Small bills & change go in my front pocket of pants or jacket. Camera is in my pocket and I'm generally holding onto it.

My husband FINALLY started using a neck wallet this last trip, but still carries a slimmed-down wallet in his back pocket much to my dismay. We go round about this, but I've given up. We've never had any issues. He and I are both vigilant about anyone getting near his butt!! He carries his camera in his jacket & holds onto it. We just try to be very aware of who is around us.

We use a Civita day bag for maps, books, water bottles, pens, etc, but keep it pretty light. We mostly do Rick's tours so we don't have to carry much during the day.

My advice is figure out what works for you (test it out at home), lighten your load as much as possible, lighten up your mindset, be aware of your surroundings and remember to have fun!

In my view getting pick-pocketed depends mostly on where you go, the high probability places are Paris, on and in the Metro stations, (some stations have that reputation), Italy, Spain, Romania, Prague, etc. I took 6 trips to France and Germany in the 1970s and 1980s, never wore a money belt...the first 3 trips in the 1970s I didn't know what a money belt was; like most backpackers I didn't it could happen, especially in West Germany and West Berlin. And nothing did happen in the 1970s and 1980s. Since the late 1990s I started to wear a money belt in Paris, most of the time, the same with Metz, Strasbourg, Amiens, Toulon. I go by the odds.

If you don't get a feel or sixth sense after all these trips--I made my 15th since 1971, a nine week trip, last summer--are you really an experienced traveler? I most definitely have gotten a feel for traveling in Germany...no money belt is needed there, even in the big cities and their train stations, such as any of them in Berlin, Leipzig, Hamburg, Hannover, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt aM. Just have your common sense operating. I wonder if the European tourists going from one place to another, sightseeing, taking public transit, doing all the touristy activities fret and stress over this pick-pocketing possibility.

I use a money belt to store important documents, credit cards and reserve cash. Peace of mind. I rarely have to access this (including the credit cards).

I use a wallet to hold my day cash. If it gets stolen, I'm out a little cash and a nice wallet, but so what?

Caution is the key, not obsession.

Another vote on the "you are being very paranoid" side. You have your passport and cc's in your moneybelt, so don't sweat the other stuff. Seriously, you don't need to keep your umbrella, guidebook and water bottle locked up. You don't need to worry about your map and change being stolen. I carry only a messenger style purse and keep my camera in that, or in a pocket (it's a very small digital). We travel to Europe every year and have had zero issues or incidents. I actually think the fact that I dress nicely and don't carry a backpack like so many tourists makes me less of a target.

Thanks for all the really helpful tips.

I'm definitely no easy target. I've traveled and backpacked internationally and lived in several big U.S. cities. If I were traveling solo, I wouldn't be so concerned.

But, I'm going to Paris with my wife and small child, so I'll need to be aware of 3 people's surroundings. I know how to act/walk "with purpose" and try NOT to act/look like a tourist. But, it will not be that easy to contain the emotions and excitement that any tourist would likely show when first seeing the Eiffel Tower, etc., with my family. Plus, traveling is about fun, right? So, try as we might, I'm sure we'll be marked as tourists either way.

So I plead guilty to being a bit paranoid. I think I'll add some buttons to my shirt chest-pockets, so a couple bills of cash there won't easily be picked. Money belt for sure (we're renting an apartment, sans safe) for the PP, bankcards, etc., to be accessed only in emergencies, and only in the WC if we're sightseeing. And I'll let the PacSafe man-bag hang casually with my other gear and let its security features do their thing without me death-gripping it (unless necessary).

The camera will hang on a lanyard around my neck and/or go in the chest pocket too. Of course, a P&S camera is not that valuable. But the pics on the memory card, of course, ARE. I may bring a couple of SD memory cards to use, just to be safe.

Just waiting for some pro-moneybelt zealot to tell Tom that going without a moneybelt in Europe is like playing Russian Roulette.

Traveling without a money belt in Europe (or anywhere else in the world) is like playing Russian Roulette. IMO, being aware of ones surroundings is mostly useless. You'll never be able to outsmart a thief; if they target you, they will rob you...and you'll never see it coming. The whole money belt "system" works on the premise that you can't stop a determined pickpocket, the best you can do is sacrifice your daily spending money, and minimize your losses.

Good, I was hoping my comment would catch someone's attention! Let me ask this question. Does anyone on this forum wear a moneybelt in their hometown? Didn't think so. Likewise, if I'm in Europe, I'm probably visiting my family in small towns, far from any tourist attraction. Trust me, there are no pickpockets lying in wait for me to drop my guard in Spalbeek, Belgium. In the same regard, I don't go to the beach armed with shark repellent.

Not saying there isn't a place for moneybelts. There clearly is, and most tourists going to large cities should probably take one. But going to the corner frituur in a small town or going shopping at the local Carrefour, Lidl or Aldi doesn't carry nearly the same risk as staring with eyes skyward at the Eifel tower.

As posted above, when I made my first two trips to Europe in the early 1970s, I did notice in the DJH hostels (then in West Germany) the German kids (backpackers from 16-26), both guys and gals, almost always wore a neckpouch, which I had never seen before and which they would place their cash, personal ID, hostel membership card in. Whether it was the trend or out of practical reasons, I didn't know at that time.

Not wearing a money belt is like playing Russian roulette, I go by the odds; the pick pocketing odds are much greater in Italy, Poland, Spain, Paris. There I would use it or the hidden pocket. Not so in Germany...either you have got a feel for the place, even in the train stations, or you're just not an experienced traveler, regardless of the amount of time you've been there. A good friend of mine finally convinced me of the value of a money belt by refering to traveling in the Third World, which he has done. On the money belt issue his view is this, whether it's on or not at the moment, if the robber or pick pocket goes after him: they could come at me but heaven help them! I just wish I had that type of credability.

my ten cents: nothing screams tourist more to me than sitting in the city and seeing someone that IS NOT being careful or aware of how they carry things. Cameras and women with bags just un-clasped (too many are like that now...you need the right kind for travel); or women carrying bags incorrectly says tourist! I have sat in here in Boston and cringed at people not aware of their surroundings....it is very safe here generally, but you need to hold bags tightly...over shoulder for example.
And moreimportantly than that is when you travel I keep the passport and at least some large bills in a money belt. I make sure everything is not in one place (credit cards and $) but keep a tight watch on passports and your train tickets etc that are hard to replace. Common sense.

My biggest concern is for my 25 yr old son who refuses to wear the travel pouches......what about wallets with chains attached to belt hoops? Like bike riders use? has anyone used this?

Being careful is not being paranoid, it's being smart.

Tourists and locals are not comparable. Locals carry plastic and a few dollars, usually. Tourists carry their "lives" with them: legal documents (passports, visas, photo id), large sums of money (remember those ATM fees), camera to record the trip, etc. If a local is robbed, it is usually a small loss and a medium inconvenience. For a tourist, it can mean hours to days of lost time, spent with police, airports, etc., considerable financial loss and possible/probable difficulties for the remainder of the trip.

The question is good, because different travelers have different solutions, and finding a great tip is what the helpline is all about.

I once tried closing my front pocket with a safety pin. Unfortunately it wasn't a good one and it kept opening up and sticking me in the belly. Hmmm, think I'll go look for a diaper pin.

I also use a small padlock (the useless kind that come with some suitcases) on my backpack, and it is covered by the flap. It isn't obvious, but it is an effective deterent against a pickpocket.

Chani, what a well-reasoned and apropos response. You are absolutely correct, a tourist in a foreign country is at significantly greater risk than, say, a NYer on a subway.

Last trip I used a nylon wallet to which I sewed a section of very light nylon webbing with a loop on the end. The loop goes to one of those tiny threaded carabiners, which goes around my belt or belt loop. This wallet - kept in a front pocket - holds the day's cash, and a couple of dummy ID cards for show just in case I actually get mugged.

Passport, CCs, debit card, ATM card go in a money belt or one of these leg pouches: http://www.cil.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=cil.com&Product_Code=002-40025. Not a good choice when wearing shorts, but otherwise works really well and doesn't give me the money belt "paunch" that is so becoming.

I usually carry a small daypack to hold valuables when a hotel room is not in the cards. I'm trying this one next year: http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/packs/bbee. It has an interior pocket meant for a water bladder but suitable for other items. It also has a nylon webbing loop sewed to the top inside of the pack, from which I'll suspend my netbook pouch, digicam case, binocs, etc.

I feel generally secure with this setup. The only theft incident occurred in the Koln airport when a $5 umbrella was taken from an outside mesh pocket.

I have been to Carrefour in northern France and Aldi, in north Germany, near Hamburg, and I definitely agree with Tom. You're just going to be on guard more at the Eiffel Tower than being in a Carrefour and Aidi.

And, no...when I travel around in Calif., I don't wear a money belt!!

I am all for everyone doing what they feel meets their personal comfort level in protecting (or not protecting) their valuables while they are on vacation. But seriously...the "Russian Roulette" comment (which I've seen several times on these boards in the past) just cracks me up. If you don't wear a money belt, the odds that you lose important travel documents and/or money will significantly increase if you happen to cross paths with a pickpocket, and the loss will be frustrating, costly and time-consuming. But to compare going without a money belt with placing a loaded revolver against your head and pulling the trigger just seems over the top dramatic.

Comparisons like this are why we have some poor guy who is frazzled about how to quickly access his water bottle and folding map that are now on lock down inside his steel-reinforced day bag with 17 mini padlocks hanging from every possible zipper. He's already said he plans to use a money belt for the important stuff and that's great...but there is zero reason for him to stress out that the pickpockets are lurking nearby just waiting to steal his 2010 Rick Steves' Paris Guidebook on the Metro.

And to say "being aware of one's surroundings is mostly useless"??? I heartily disagree with that, and I'm sure Lance Orton, the T-Shirt vendor who recently thwarted the Times Square bomb plot in NYC by alerting the police, would also disagree as he clearly was taking note of what was happening around him.

EDIT: Teresa, if you really want to smile, read or listen to "Me Talk Pretty" by David Sedaris - specifically, his chapter entitled "Pick-A-Pocketoni". It's absolutely hilarious.

Ceidleh,You made the best points on here yet....made me smile!

folks,I was in Russia in 1991 when all hell broke loose and the mafia had taken over everything it seemed. You could not even exhange money. All of the Russians wanted US Dollars. My husband and I were in St. Petersburg for a month. He went off to work everyday and I walked the streets and did museums,etc everyday. I carried a small bag across my chest that held my passport and credit card and cash. I was always in a crowd it seemed either on the underground or on the street. I was less afraid here than where I grew up in the 60s and 70s in Memphis,Tn. Never had any problems at all! Though the Russian scientists that my husband worked with were quite surprised at some of the places I ventured to by myself. You just have to be aware of your surroundings and not be paranoid. Oh,and always scream if little gypsy children wave their hands in your face!!!

Chani,, ( and others) ,, thank you for supporting my theory.,,, that a tourist should leave their stuff in the hotel safe instead of trucking it around with them all day. Never understood why people feel the need to carry all their stuff with them all day long.

I see someone has posted that a lady REACHED under her shirt to try and grab her neck pouch that showed through her sweater,, and other posts asking about having neck pouch strings cut.

Can someone tell me how many times they have actually heard( directy from person who had it happen to them ) about safes being robbed in hotel rooms? I have never heard about one,, only seen people saying they heard about it THIRD hand,, and /or the forgot stuff in safes( which is amazingly dumb to me so can't say more then that about that ,, LOL )

I also believe people MUST stay aware of surroundings.

Pat,
I think leaving things in a safe is fine,but my family and I will not be staying anywhere that has safes. So,that is not always an option.

I'll point out an additional reason I rarely wear a money belt- most of my visits to Europe have occurred during the colder months of the year. Unless I'm up against one of those particularly brilliant thieves that, according to the Russian roulette calculation, is surely lying in wait for me at the local Carrefour, C&A or frituur, an internal coat pocket is just as safe as a moneybelt.

Once again, I'm not saying "Don't wear a moneybelt". I'm only saying I usually don't and it causes me no loss of sleep.

If someone is able to reach up my shirt to steal my neck pouch without me noticing...I'm in big trouble!

Seriously though, I think I had begun to get a little paranoid until reading this thread. I don't want to be so anxious that I can't enjoy myself. I truly believe awareness of surroundings is #1...even at home. I've done major shopping in the garment district of LA without a money belt...I just held onto my purse a little tighter. I was in Europe in August of 04 with my 3 daughters and only felt unsafe in Rome. On the metro, we would all stand facing each other with our messenger bags in front of us.

This summer, I'm going with my husband and son. I'm just planning to carry a purse cuz hubby will have passports on him. He's a police officer and is always very observant...so I know he'll have my back. I like the idea of having a pocket sewn into the inside of his pants...I actually think that might be better than the money belt.

I agree with the PackSafe Wallet with a chain in the front pocket (my Northface pants have an extra zippered pocket.) The Moneybelt has all the ATM and Cash and Passport of course. Just a day or 2 of cash and one Credit Card and ID in the wallet.

In crowded areas I also do what Rick recommends which is have 1 few euros in a small wallet for quick access (I use an old biz-card sized swiss bank wallet from gramma!) that way you pull out a 5 or 10 note for that quick purchase of gelato!

I guess I kind of feel like I'm halfway between both extremes. I took a money belt on my last trip, but kept it inside my backpack. My money, credit card, and ATM cards I kept in a small wallet in my front pocket. I'm one of those continual "checkers" so I'd touch that front pocket every few seconds to be sure nothing had changed. I also was very aware of surroundings.

Here's my problem: I don't carry my money and cards that way at home. I put them in a wallet in my rear pocket. So every time my hand would touch my rear pocket I'd be startled, "Where's the wallet?!" And then I'd have to remind myself, "No, you're not carrying it over here." It was very distracting.

On our trip this summer, I'm carrying the wallet. I may not put more than a few bills in it and maybe not even a credit card, but I want to avoid the change in routine. This wallet may actually act as a good decoy should a pickpocket target me. (I actually carry two wallets, a practice I started on one of my first trips to New York City, but that's another story. I was mugged at knife point once in Birmingham, Alabama and I used the second wallet, which held just a few dollars as a decoy. So, believe me, I understand the idea behind a money belt.)

The thing I learned from last summer is that a change in routine that disrupts my normal sense of being may be worse than the risk I'm trying to avoid, at least for me. I'll be putting the cash and cards in a place that's a bit harder for a thief to reach, but I'm probably not going to use a money belt.

Certainly, not carrying a money belt is a form of playing russian roulette, except you are playing it with 10,000 or more chambers instead of the 6 of the conventional game. I actually don't know what the odds are of being pick-pocketed but they are extremely slim. I think you have a much better chance of being robbed in just about any US city, than any town of similar size in Europe. If you don't carry a money belt in Los Angeles, you'll be just fine in Paris without one. It doesn't hurt to be reasonably cautious. Thieves are opportunistic - don't make it easy for them. Be reasonably cautious, and then relax and enjoy.

I travel in shoulder seasons when the weather isn't hot. I almost always have a travel vest on, and often a lightweight raincoat. Both have zippered or velcro pockets. I carry my ready cash in the same wallet I use at home, but without driver's license. The wallet usually goes into a chest pocket, so it's handy. I am most careful at the ATM; the money goes directly into the chest pocket until I can get to my room and transfer it to the wallet or moneybelt or room safe. One problem with my system is that a lot of European bills are wider than USD, so they tend to stick out of the wallet. I suppose it would be a good idea to get a wider wallet for travels.

I was the girl who backpacked Europe solo last fall who brought a money belt and a PacSafe daypack... and kept the money belt in my backpack.

I tried to wear it for about 4 hours and couldn't stand it, and that was 6 weeks into my trip when I got to Venice. My suggestions echo others - you are being far too paranoid. Relax, and realize that by playing it cool and not looking like a tourist will get you a lot farther in the 'not-getting-stolen-from' club. I simply kept extra cash in my money belt (which again, was in my pack), my loose money in a small change purse also in my pack, my camera was usually tucked in my hand (its very small) and my map I always kept in my pack and only used it fleetly, hidden - so I wouldn't look too much like visitor and become a potential target. I was never stolen from. Half of not being targeted is being aware and knowing your surroundings, anyway.

I don't think you are being paranoid, but I have tried to be ultra secure as far as locks on day packs and it was a huge pain. If my hotel/BB has a safe, I'll keep extra cash in there, and a little extra in my money belt along with my passport while seeing the sights. I use a small, flat wallet with one credit or debit card, a little bit of cash, and travel/metro cards or passes that I'll need to use a lot for the day. I keep that wallet in a small pocket in my shoulder bag (like the Civita Shoulder Bag) and wear it "bandolier" so that I always have access to it and can casually drape an arm over it if I feel I'm in a situation where pickpockets might be working. Wearing a bag like that also lets me hop into buses or subways and easily sit down without removing my bag, or stand in the standing room area without accidentally bumping those around me with a backpack. The downside of those bags is that they aren't as comfortable as backpacks for long walks or hikes... which is why I pack a Civita Day Pack (it's so flat and light) for trips I know I will need to tote more stuff during the day.

For my 14 day trip to the UK this summer I plan on using a Rick Steves Money Belt, ScottEVest (SEV) Vest, and Swiss Gear Mono Sling Bag.

I like to be hands-free as I walk around.
I have a small plain black square bag about 8x7 " that holds my phrase book, tiny umbrella, lipgloss, map, the days' walking-around cash, and tissues.
This goes crosswise like a messenger bag,and is always in front of me.
In my moneybelt under my clothes is my passport, and all my cards and big cash.
My small digital camera is in a case that threads onto my belt, which I wear over my clothes as a fashion accessory, and the camera sits in front of me.
My sunglasses are on a chain/ fabric holder round my neck.
I have nothing in my hands, and everything I need is in front of me.
Easy.
that way i'm aware, safe, and anxiety-free.
It's not difficult!!!!!

I'm a real safety kind of guy!. I have the money belt, either the around the waist if the weather will be warm or around the neck if the weather will be colder and therefore is under a shirt/vest/jacket combo that is generally closed. In that, I keep the credit cards/plane ticket home/passport and critical stuff. I also have a pouch that attaches to my belt and hangs inside my pants. In that, I keep my debit card and any "extra cash" so I can get to it a bit easier but it still safe. I then carry a small travel wallet with a small bit of cash in my front pocket. Maybe it's overkill, but with 5 trips so far, no problem and not really an inconvenience.

After reading all the posts, it appears that the concensus is to do what feels comfortable. I am planning on wearing a moneybelt for my first trip and plan on keeping my credit cards, passports and most of the money in it, with a photocopy of my driver license and some daily cash in a regular wallet. However, I am confused as to what to do at and in about the train stations, where I understand pickpockets are more prevalent. Many of my tickets require me to show my credit card that I used to purchase them, so if these are tucked away in the money belt, how do I whip them out quickly. On the the hand, I don't want to have them in my regular wallet because of the risk. I also don't want to be accessing the moneybelt in public. Quite the dilemna?

One days like that, I wear a neck pouch instead of a money belt. Also if you travel with more than one credit card, IMO, it's worth the risk to put one of the cards in your wallet.

Warren,
Our tour guide on our Italy RS trip recommended a "hidden pocket" type of money belt. It is a square shaped money belt with two different colored belt loops. There is one for sale in Rick Steves travel store. The guide wore his in the front, attached to his belt. He pulled it out in front of our group at dinner one night, showed how easy it was to access the contents, and then flipped it back inside his pants. It didn't look that different than pulling a wallet out of a front pocket to an observer. I believe he also carried the days cash in his pocket. The men on our trip laughed that they thought they would notice if anyone put a hand down the front of their pants. I don't wear a belt, so personally I've never tried one of these.

I use a hidden money pocket or belt for my passport and a spare credit and ATM card, and any paper tickets, but otherwise I carry my daily spending money and credit card, small digital camera, and other small necessities in a small shoulder purse with a top zipper that fits comfortably under my upper arm.

I think the cross-the-body bags and "travel"-type bags might be signals to thieves, so I carry almost exactly what I carry at home--a small shoulder bag that fits under my upper arm (of the $12 Target vinyl or fabric variety). My favorite is a bronze vinyl one that apparently is made of indestructible material, and it is dressy enough for an evening bag (but not out of place during the day). Because I'm accustomed to this type of bag, I would notice if it were gone, and its location with the top zipper securely under my armpit would make it hard to pickpocket without me noticing (partly because at that height, it is in my peripheral vision). I realize the original poster was a man, and so probably won't carry a girly shoulder bag :-), but maybe this will make some women feel more comfortable. I've never had a problem with this configuration on at least three trips, including during a trip to Greece and Bulgaria.

If I need more equipment, I carry it in a daypack backpack, but I've never worried that anyone would steal my water bottle, fleece jacket, or guidebook. If I don't need the daypack, I carry my water bottle in my hand, if I need one.

Maybe the original poster would like some of the ExOfficio shirts with zippered hidden security pockets over the chest or in the side seam. I found some for women at Sierra Trading Post at great prices. These pockets would be ideal for a small amount of daily spending money and a credit card in lieu of a wallet.

Considering everybody and their brother is wearing messenger bags these days, wearing one of these will not mark you as a tourist.

Carrying a purse over one shoulder or under your arm is not one of the safer things to do. I have seen theives run up and just grab these off of womens arms. This isn't possible with a messenger bag.

You're right, Jo. I'm sure a generic messenger bag would be fine. They are very common. And I know shoulder bags get grabbed by thieves. I think some of the travel company brands might be researched by thieves, though, and if they see you wearing one, they might look for other goodies elsewhere on your person, or worse, mug you. I also feel that these companies sometimes play on people's fears and charge what seem to be outrageous prices to me for their products, creating a need that may not really be there and also creating a greater level of anxiety and fear than people should have.

Also, the emphasis of my comments were that my bag might deter pickpockets because of its location--but not someone willing to take my bag by force. I would probably just let it go in that case. It's also a small bag--less stuff. Maybe that makes a difference, too; it's obvious I'm not carrying a laptop, netbook, large camera, etc.

I only mentioned what has worked for me. I still think my regular very small shoulder bag is good for me, and an option for some to whom it appeals--by the way, it's about 4x10x3 inches. Obviously, I'm not carrying a lot, so it might not work for everyone. But that's what I'm comfortable wearing, and I'm careful, but I refuse to be paranoid. It has worked for me in several countries all over Europe, including Greece, Bulgaria, and Ireland, while by myself. Some of these places are safer than others, probably.

What's best? I don't know. I think if a thief is determined, you can't prevent a theft, especially if you are a small woman like I am. I just refuse to be afraid of every possibility when traveling to places that are widely regarded as safer than many US cities. I'm careful, but if I really think about the worst that could happen, losing a day's cash isn't it.