money belt necessary if only touring small hillside towns?

I would recommend wearing your moneybelt. Though you are more likely to lose your wallet or purse than have it stolen.

Wear the money belt because it is better to be safe than sorry. Buon viaggio,

I agree with the other posters, use the money belt. You'll get used to it quickly and it is so much safer. After having my purse stolen in London on the underground in '85 I've never again taken a purse to Europe and I've never been sorry. BTW, I got it back, but that's another story... Lisa

We take a lot of bike tours, self guided. We are alone in a lot of smaller hilltop towns. We haven't used a money belt. Never had a problem. We keep our valuables really close to us at all times. If we sit in down to eat, I have my my backpack, or shoulder bag on my lap or between my legs, not on the ground, or on the chair. Always aware of my surroundings, stay away from crowds (harder to find in hilltop towns) We also travel off season, so fewer crowds anyway. Do take care in larger cities, especially in lines, on subways and buses. I someone approaches to offer a "bracelet" or have you sign a petition, say NO and walk away. Watch yourself when shopping, one hand on your bag at all times, keep it in front of you, one hand on the zipper at all times. I would also recommend looking to purchase a Safpac bag of your liking. The zippers all lock...

My advice is to use what you feel comfortable with. If you think you will be constantly worried about your money/credit cards, etc., use a money belt for peace of mind. I have never used a money belt and have never had a problem in small towns or big cities. I have been to Cortona six times and I don't believe you would have any problem there or in any other small hilltown with just carrying a purse. Venice is very crowded and you might feel more secure using a money belt there.

Use it or not, but be consistent. If you change the way you do things every couple of days depending on what you think the situation might be, or how you feel, or what you'll be doing - - - you're bound to screw up just because you broke the pattern.

I bought a money belt for both myself and my husband for our trip in April 2010 - neither of us used them once. Instead, I had also purchased one of those lockable backpacks from pacsafe. That was absolutely fantastic to have. It was very easy to get the wallet out, but also held our camera, information, snacks, etc. Plus, my husband carried it the whole time so I didn't have to carry anything...! :)

We did the RS tour of village Italy in oct 2010 and did not use a money belt. These small towns are really safe with mostly locals/tourists. Even the larger town like Padova seemed really safe. No one in our group reported any theft problems.

I use an inside the pants wallet (cheap, and easy to use, avail at REI, etc.), my wife carries a Pac Safe back back. We thru away our money belts, and and I stopped using my neck purse. We did not like either. Now The ITP wallet and Pac Safe are all that we use in our travels. We use them everywhere in the EU. IMO carrying a purse in the EU is just asking for trouble.

What's the downside of using one regardless of the crowd? I always use it while in a foreign country. I don't find them uncomfortable. Think of it as car or home insurance. You hope you never have to use it, but would never consider dropping your coverage.

MONEY BELT FOR SURE!

I have never used a money belt...just not my style. I do agree with Ed to be consistent. I have my system and I don't vary it. I have a small neck wallet that holds my money, credit cards and passport... it has a long cord that can be worn around my neck and under my shirt if I am feeling uncomfortable. I carry a very small Maruka purse that crosses over my shoulder. It holds my phone, the neck wallet and my sunglasses. I do tie the neck wallet to the cord on the purse so if I take it out to pay for something I don't set it down and forget it. I also carry a separate small leather camera bag... I take a larger camera as I am a professional photographer. If I want to consolidate, the Maruka purse fits inside the camera bag... but I am so used to the small purse over my shoulder (and I carry it to the front) that is where it usually stays. Many trips, no problems... but I am always aware of my purse. Just use your head and be aware the very crowded markets or parade areas is where you might be an easy target, otherwise just travel wisely.