Keeping everything safe

It is not that complicated. Apply some common sense. Carry a small, zippered note that I put most of the loose paper items in and lock it in the suitcase when out. For all of our reservations, printed out tickets, etc., We use a 1' , 3 ring note book, which has everything arranged by day. At the end of the day, that day's info is discarded. The notebook easily packs in the bottom of the suitcase. There is nothing there that cannot be replaced by going to a computer and printer if the notebook disappears. Color copy of a passport is in the suitcase. It has no value to anyone. Since copies of the credit card numbers could be a problem, I encode the numbers so they mean nothing if found by someone else. As for the kids, they are responsible and generally kids are not targets -- they seldom have anything to steal.

The copies of everything in each moneybelt goes into someone else's moneybelt (ex: you and your husband exchange your copies); the chances of BOTH of these people forgetting their moneybelts or having been viciously attacked and 'relieved' of their moneybelts is pretty slim. Copy front and back, then shrink down as small as possible (one single sheet). Likely, most of your other paperwork (hotel res, train tickets, etc.) are in your email inbox if you really need a back-up copy. Otherwise, as Frank said, just put them all together ($.25 paper report folder, 9x12 manila envelope, whatever - each country/destination separated with paperclips/binderclips) and carry only what's necessary for that particular day's sight-seeing (maybe bring an extra folder for carrying around this day's worth of info). Everything else stays IN THE SAME PLACE in your large bag at the hotel. In transit, I usually keep this info in my daybag; I'm likely to need it for train itinerary/schedule info or restaurant addresses, etc. This info needs to be carried by the most dependable person in the group; I've traveled with an adult that often just walked off without his bag - main bag or daybag - and after awhile I just got used to having to check around for it constantly, pick it up, and go take it to him...again LOL. HE would NEVER be responsible for anything important! He was doing well to keep up with his underwear...This folder/envelope is Control Central - nothing is ever removed from the folder/envelope unless you are using it! It ALWAYS goes in the same place in your bag! (cont.)

(cont.) As far as your children - some have a rule that iPods and the like are never out and used while in transit, meaning actually walking down the street, in the train stations, etc.; it's too easy with everything else going on (managing luggage, running for trains, pickpockets that work those places) to have these things fall out of pockets, either accidentally or 'with some help' from some sticky fingers...and they tend to get left behind on benches, etc. Plus, if you've got earbuds stuck in your ear canal, it's hard to hear that motorized luggage cart barreling down on you :-( You know your own kids; make whatever rules are necessary. IF you'll be carrying their passports, be sure they have a copy of their passport on them in case they get separated from you, AND that everyone has the name, address, and phone number of the current hotel! Yet another reason to be packing lightly...there's already enough to keep up with!

Christine What Eileen said ! I grab business cards from the hotels so I can hand to a taxi driver if my feet give out. Or I plan to eat at a faraway restaurant for dinner and don't want to walk back. I always figure my pronunciation of the hotel name won't work with the taxi driver or there may a zillion hotels with a similar name. Bobbie

You're right, the most obvious targets for theives are those trying to keep track of multiple things while also trying to get acclimated to a new environment. I use a neck wallet or moneybelt (I go back and forth), copies of important papers/contact numbers in my bag AND reduce everything I'm carrying to "one handle". I have one convertible carry-on bag only. I bring a civita day pack. If I have my carry-on, the civita goes inside - not a second handle. My camera is a Nikon S-8000 (about the size of a deck of playing cards). I traded the wrist strap it came with for a neck strap from a thumb-drive. I keep it around my neck and tucked in a shirt or coat pocket; it's only in my hand when I'm taking a picture. If I'm shopping, I reduce everything to one bag after each purchase. Our kids also travel with one bag, either a convertible carry-on or roll-on - their choice. They all prefer neck pouches (around neck under armpit, size by tieing knot near the wallet, then cut off extra strap). They know their cash and ipods are their responsibility; if they lose them, they are lost - not my fault or problem. I also make them carry their own passports but that may too much for you.

Each person, no matter the age, should have a money belt, and everyone should have a small card with emergency numbers on it. Also put a hotel business card in with it. Then if the absolute worst happens and only one kid survives a horrible traffic accident, everyone will have that info on their person. Above age 10-12, they can also keep their extra cash in it, and only have 10 or 20 euros in their pocket. We used waist money belts, and my 12 and 15 yr olds had no problem with them. On flight days, we also used a neck pouch where we could easily access passports, tickets, and boarding passes. Don't just be the mom in charge of everything. Take this opportunity to TEACH them how to travel, so you'll be less worried about them on future solo trips. Each one should have a day pack with their own hand sanitizer, tissues, needed meds, etc. Mom can't see the sights if her head is stuck in her purse looking for bandaids.