Swimming with a money belt

I cannot answer your question since when I travel in Europe I keep my money and credit cards in my wallet. I also don't feel that I'd need to wear a money belt when traveling in North America. But anyway. There are cheap but very good cell phone pouches that are water proof. I keep my wallet (and my phone) in that pouch which I tie around one of my arms or legs.

Yes, there are water proof, passport size wallets. Lands End used to mail them with their convertible swim trunk/shorts. Check out REI as well. Or check out outdoor stores, particularly in the canoe/kayak departments.

I've never found a good solution to this dilemma. I've tried a variety of so-called "waterproof" cases, and there are two outcomes: either the "case" is so large and bulky that it's very bothersome, or else it's only slightly bothersome AND your stuff still gets wet.

I only know of a few solutions, none of which are perfect:

1. Find someone you are willing to temporarily trust with your stuff while you're out of the water. Obviously, be VERY careful about "friends" you make on the beach!

2. Always travel with someone else, and trade off the times you're watching the valuables. This may not be an option, and even if it is, you both can't swim at the same time, which kind of sucks.

3. Put your stuff in a safe at your hotel (in-room safe -- rarely an option in Europe -- or with the desk staff). This, of course, greatly limits your choice of hotels, and involves some trust anyway, but when it's available, I think this is the best option.

If anyone has a better solution, please let me know!

Splash Caddy. It comes in two different sizes:

http://www.magellans.com/store/Safety___Security___Security_Wallets___Money_BeltsSV834?Args=

Hmmmm. Any first-hand reports on how well these work?

Thanks.

A scuba diving shop may have something that would work, too.

I would leave bulk of money and passport in the hotel safe, I would only carry a days cash with me at any time. That is how I have always travelled and its worked fine for me.
Swimming at a pool you would likely get a locker, but I wouldn't leave my PP in it, just my clothes and a few euros.
Swimming at a public place outside is alot harder. I have tried many methods ( in Greece, Hawaii, and the Caribbean). I always take at least a few euros or dollars ( depending where you are) and bury them a few inches under the sand , underneath my towel. You must be DISCREET when you do this, people do watch. That way I always have bus fair back to hotel which is all that matters to me as I have already noted my important stuff is in hotel locker anyways
I have also worn one of the "water proof" pouches around my neck. Sometimes they do leak abit. But, money doesn't melt if wet, neither do CC ,, but no way in heck would I take my passport under water , pouch or not. Hotel safe.

What about putting everything into a plastic bag inside of a "waterproof" case? That's what one of my friends does when she kayaks. That way if the case leaks there's another layer of protection. Though I would be with Pat with not taking anything like a passport into the water--what if the case fell off.

For simple waterproofing, two layers of ziplock bags work fine. One will work but it's good to use a second as a backup. Rather than packing your moneybelt, put the important stuff in a sandwich bag, push the air out and seal. Then put that bag inside another, push the air out and seal. Your stuff will stay dry.

Swimming at either a pool or beach is the only time I don't wear my moneybelt or carry my passport. A room or hotel safe is probably the best choice. Theft from your room isn't common (except in hostels) so even leaving it in your room isn't as bad as leaving it unattended on the beach.

The other good option, mentioned above, is travel with a friend and take turns watching each other's stuff. Traveling solo, I doubt I would become good enough friends with someone in a short while to trust with my passport and credit cards.