large purse/bag

I bought the Paksafe Metro 200....it will carry my camera/guide book, water. My daughter bought the Paksafe City Safe 200 - it looks like a handbag, but has all the safety features, plus has room for lunch and things she will buy! Both are about $60.

I don't wear fanny packs in Europe..only my under clothes money belt

I really like a bag that slings over my shoulder/back that I can carry in front of me...and the Packsafe line is perfect for safe travels in high pickpocket areas...as long as you use the safety features, and secure the zippers!!

Happy travels!

I bought pacsafe's Tote bag which worked very well. Room enough for lots of things although it does not sling across the body.

My wife would be lost without her backpak.(and neck purse for her valuables.) I don't think that i have ever seen a fanny pak in Italy.

Just returned from Italy. I, like you, wore my Paksafe money belt (not a fanny pack). Cash, credit cards, passports and tickets are in the belt. Then, I always have an Eagle Creek satchel worn across my body for guidebooks, maps, sunglasses, sun lotion, etc.--nothing of value. We were in Rome, Venice & Florence. I didn't have any problems. My husband, on the other hand, had felt his zipper on his backpack pulled when we were in crowds in Venice. When going through crowds, I would wear the backpack on the front. You could also put locks on the zipper pulls. Just be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine.

the Paksafe is for inside your clothes and valuable. I have never had problems with a day pack where we carry maps, guidebooks and water bottles. just don't put anything in there that you would suffer if it got stolen. dumb things get stolen from pickpockets too, my brother in law had two pairs of prescription sunglasses stolen from him on two different trips; once in Spain and once in Venice on a vaparetto.

Susie,

Valuables under clothes in a money belt or neck purse. I had a daypack and took a small purse that I could wear "bandolero" style for my lipstick, etc. I, too, had a guy tug at the zipper on my daypack in Venice. All he would have gotten was some baby wipes and a few postcards! Pay attention to your belongings in crowds and you will be fine.

Kay

I used a PacSafe purse for the first two days of an Italy trip in July, then went back to a small hobo purse that fits under my arm. The reinforcement in that PacSafe bag was killing my collarbone!

I also used either the RS money belt or the one that goes around the neck for the really important stuff. No problems.

My first question is why would you carry a lunch in a country with such delectible food on every corner? :) Seriously, I have traveled, via public transportation, in Italy, London, Spain, France using a black Coach handbag, about 10x10 with the shoulder strap across my chest (so it couldn't be pulled off without ripping off my neck) with the bag in front - in crowds leaving my hand on it. I also make a Xerox of my passport to carry w/me and leave real thing in the hotel (concurrently Xeroxes of credit/ATM in hotel, just in case. My cousin who lives in Tuscany tells me that the thieves are just that -thieves - but nonviolent so they'll only go after people who look like "easy marks" and Americans, unfortunately, are at the top of their list. Her advice to me many, many years ago? Wear black and leave the Nikes at home! Have fun!!! MPD

while I agree that we must all be aware and alert - I do think this is over blown. We are regular travelers and have never had an issue with theft. I don't mean to say it isn't there - it is. Just be smart.

I carry my valuables in a money belt when I'm in an area of crowds such as airports/train staions/busses. BUT most of the time I wear a fanny pack with the strap under my untucked blouse. I also wear my sweater tied around my waist - it is for my shoulders when entering churches.This year I purchased the 10 pocket pacsafe shoulder bag. I love it. It has plenty of room for my small camera and purchases. My husband carries a backpack - with zippers twisty tied together.

We too carry a picnic for lunch. It is great to find a quiet spot and just enjoy being there.