Money belt for all in party necessary?

I usually have a cross body type small purse that I can keep in front of my body with my hand on the purse when I am riding the subway or walking through crowds, etc. Never had any trouble. There are differing views on carrying your passport but I always just have a copy of my passport in my wallet (just in case )and leave my actual passport in the safe in my hotel. I did accidently leave my wallet on a gelato stop-table once and never found it. So I am glad I did not have much in it except one credit card and some Euros. The only time I have had to show my passport other than at airport was at hotel(s).

I'm gonna say each person should have some sort of money belt. Stuffing five passports into one belt isn't going to be comfortable for the wearer:) All the different varieties work well, just a matter of personal preference. When I'm just out sightseeing for the day I use the hidden pocket: http://tinyurl.com/ybvrr63 If I'm in transit between places and may have to access tickets, passport, or credit cards I use the neck wallet: http://tinyurl.com/48jvy The cross body type small bag mentioned above isn't a good deterrent to pickpockets. Last May my 72 year-old mother was outside the train station in Antwerp, as she was removing her sunglasses from it a gentleman "bumped" into her and was able to steal a small change purse thingy that had about 50 euros in it.

Thanks - great information!

I think it is both good practice and training. They are adults and need to understand their own personal security. We had some "discussions" when our sons were that age. Of course, they thought Dad was overly concerned. Now as they approach thirty, they are dedicated money belt users. Of course. seeing friends having problems during study abroad programs and one lost billfold probably had more influence than Dad did.

As long as they are only carrying a day's worth of cash on them, they don't need a moneybelt. But they should carry at least a copy of their passport and some contact information in case something happens. Real passports can be carried by the parents or kept in the hotel safe. Moneybelt is a generic term and can be accomplished in many ways. The waist belt that tucks under clothes is very common but might not be comfy, fashionable or easy to access. Neck wallets are great and easy to access but don't work for all types of clothing or may not be comfy to some people. A pacsafe type purse with the strap crossed over the chest is pretty reasonable (but NEVER leave it slung over a chair or over your shoulder with the purse behind you). I use a wallet that loops onto my belt and folds over on itself and has zippers (more of a guy thing). There are a few other options too.

I am less concerned about a money belt (although I am planning on wearing one) and more concerned about how to carry around my camera. I am considering something like this: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/40309?feat=40308-ppodxs&dds=y I can't decide if I think that looks "safe", but is there really anything that is safe? I feel like being aware of what's going on around me is probably more important than the kind of bag I buy.

I think it is a good looking bag. It is as safe as anything else.

Everyone should use money belt. Get the type that goes under your clothes. I wear mine bandoleer style and I forget it is there. Rick Steves money belt on amazon.com. around 12.00 plus shipping. Best money you will spend. Keep some cash in shirt pocket or pants pocket, but keep cc and most cash under wraps.

I would have them each wear and use a money belt while they are in Europe. I have been using one since the first time I went to Europe and I return every summer and faithfully still use one. I do carry my passport, debit card, credit card, tickets, schedule, emergency notification information, business card from wherever I am staying and money (except for my daily spending money that I carry in a zippered shirt pocket). I use to use a waist belt type but lately have gone to one that hangs around my neck and drapes down onto my undershirt. I am a lot more concerned about safeguarding my stuff than I am worrying about how it looks or how comfortable it is. In my eleven years in Europe, I have never lost anything I did not loose on my own but I have sure read about lots of folks who have lost things to bad people. Happy travels.

Yvonda, I would advise your kids to be extremely careful with their Passports, whether they have to wear a Money Belt or not. The consequences of a lost or stolen Passport will NOT be a pleasant vacation experience. I encountered a number of travellers from the U.S. in the Cinque Terre a number of years ago. They "let their guard down" on the local trains, and were quickly educated on the proficiency of the professional thieves from Genova. One of the young ladies had her Passport "nicked", so of course they had to alter their holiday plans and attend the nearest U.S. Embassy (probably Rome) to arrange for a replacement. I also encountered a group of teenagers from the U.S. (judging by their accents) in Stresa a few years ago who were ALL wearing their Money Belts outside their clothes. I was going to have a word with them, but figured that my efforts would be futile so didn't bother. I'd suggest having a look in local travel stores in your area, Magellans or the Travel Store on this website, as you may be able to find a product that's practical without being "unsightly". Which type to choose will probably depend to some extent on their travel clothing choices. If they normally wear "low rise" Jeans, a waist-style may not be the best choice. In that case, a Money Belt worn on the ankle or a neck style may work better. Happy travels!

Ken - MANY THANKS!!! You have been most helpful on this and other questions. I'm sure the weight of someone else's opinion will add value to my words. My oldest has spent the last year traveling the world (literally circumnavigating the globe on board Semester at Sea) and currently lives in Paris so I'm hopeful she has seen enough to realize the true dangers (and delights, of course!) of travel abroad. Hope you have a great day!:)