We will be traveling on a cruise to Italy, and several of the shore excursions to archeological sites like Pompeii restrict backpacks, purses, etc.
My question is, will these allow a "fanny pack" with a front pouch and water bottle carrier?
Thanks,
Dan
Hi Dan:
You might want to look at the websites for the places you want to go. I looked at the one for Pompeii and they did not list any restrictions. Google the site you want to go to and see if any thing is listed.
Barbara
Barbara,
Thank you for the prompt response.
Here is what the shore excursion "Important Notes" says, for example, about Pompeii:
"For security reasons, it is forbidden to enter Pompeii excavations with big bags, backpacks or trolleys. Please be aware that lockers are not available at the entrance of excavations."
I am assuming a fanny pack/ small day bag wouls be ok that holds a water bottle, wind breaker, etc., but just want to be sure.
I'm pretty sure that I had a RS Civita daypack in Pompeii last spring -- snacks, water bottle, jacket, hat, guidebook. Probably "backpack" referred to the frame-type pack used to carry a sleeping bag.
The Collosseum has a similar note and when I went in November day bags were common. Things like purses, messenger bags, and backpacks (book bag types, not luggage/backpacker size). The note you posted specifies large bags, so it seems you will be fine with a small day bag. If yours is a backpack, maybe carry it instead of wearing on back.
I also carried a Rick Steves daypack (with "backpack" straps) and they didn't care at all at Pompeii. I would add that water is extremely important at Pompeii. If the cruise puts out water bottles, take two and put the second inside the bag.
You will see when you get there that not only is the site rather busy, but there are many interiors you are allowed to visit where a real backpack (even the ones carried rudely on city subways by residents, smashing into people all the time) would be a hazard - both to the other visitors and to the ancient architecture. That's why museums in New York City often make you carry such backpacks on your "Front" while in the museum - or you check it. (If you're on a guided tour, you don't have time to use the excellent checking facilities at Pompeii.)
There are restrictions on bag sizes, and you can find those here:
http://www.coopculture.it/en/heritage.cfm?id=1
"STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to introduce inside the excavations of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, Stabia and the Museum of Boscoreale, handbags, backpacks, luggage, cases, larger than 30x30x15 cm." (approx. 12"x12"x6").
A word of warning about fannypacks? They aren't pickpocket-proof, even worn facing front. Keep that in mind when doing any sightseeing on your own that may involve public transport or other potentially crowded areas. Stow valuables (credit cards, passports, large amount of cash) beneath your clothing in a moneybelt or other type of security device.
Fanny packs really look ridiculous and mark you as tourists and thus easy touch for pickpockets. They are easy for pros to pick in crowds whether worn front or back (obviously VERY easy in back) Front pockets are also easily picked by pros FWIW. You can carry a purse or fanny pack at Pompeii; they do have luggage storage at the entrance -- at least when we were last there. They have lots of problems with people stealing artifacts (and every rock counts) and so don't allow backpacks or large bags.
You will definitely want to carry water.
Thank you all for your input and suggestions!
