tagging my passport along....huh?

carmen, I always prefer to keep my Passport with me, as losing it (for whatever reason) would be a MAJOR annoyance in my holiday. If there's no Canadian Embassy in the city I happen to be in at the time, that means a trip to the nearest Embassy, probably a few days out of my holiday, distrupted touring plans and hotel reservations (which I'll probably have to pay for due to short notice cancellation) and of course a bunch of money (the Passport replacement fees aren't cheap). I normally carry my Passport in my Money Belt inside a zip-lok bag (protects it from perspiration). However, if I'll be checking into a hotel that day, I place it in a secure pocket so that it's quickly available to present to hotel staff, without having to dig it out of my Money Belt. Buon Viaggio!

Yes,you are SUPPOSED to have it with you. That being said, the only time I was ever asked for my passport was traffic stops. Anytime I needed to swap an ID for an audio guide etc my drivers license was sufficiant. I did however carry my passport with me whenever out and just kept it in my moneybelt.

If you just make a color photocopy of your passport's photo page you'll be fine. That's all I ever carry with me while the real passport stays in the hotel safe. I've used the color copy at every place that's ever asked for id including shopping VAT free and it was welcomed with no questions asked.

Carmen, are you wearing your neck wallet in front, or "cross body"? I found that if I wore one "cross body", i.e.; over my neck but on one side or the other, it was much more comfortable. I finally gravitated to a "inside the pants wallet"; which goes in your pants,under your front pocket, and has a strap that attaches to your belt, or can be safety pinned to he inside of your pants. No matter which method I used I had no problem carrying my ID, credit cards, etc.

I carry my driver's license around as ID in case I need it to rent audiotours or for photo ID. I leave my passport in the most secure place possible if I'm just out for the day - eg hotel safe. I have a lockable steel mesh lined "pac safe" that I use in apartment rentals. I use a moneybelt to keep my passport in when I'm travelling around.

Thanks again for all the advice. Steve ill follow your advice. ill carry my neck wallet across my body then. didnt think of that. i also bought a little bra pcoket for cash and card. i appreciate all the advice. its hard tagging along 2 passports since ill be carrying my son's while hubby carries diaper bag while sight seeing.

Carmen that string around the neck would drive me crazy... I use hotel safes myself, but when travelling I do use a moneybelt.. They are comfy if worn under ones clothes in front, and most importantly do not stuff them. I carry only passport and 1 credit card, 1 ATM card, and if I have it , large amount of cash, in them. No train tickets etc.. that makes them bulky.

Carmen, Another technique on the neck wallet. You want it to be a comfortable length. Some have a push button adjustment, others you have to tie a knot to shorten the neck strap. Putting the knot or excess strap down close to the wallet itself rather than hanging at your neck like a loose tag will also help. I personally carry my passport with me. It's my only legal ID while visiting. In addition to verifying my ID, my passport stamp also shows I'm in the country legally. Illegal immigration is a real concern in Europe. Normally, they are very lenient with Americans (and will know you by your accent) but IMO it's better to have your passport and not need it than vice versa.

Hotel safe is the place where I keep my passports (I travel with two: US and Italian). Carry your driver's license and make a photocopy of the passport to carry with you at all times.
The passport is needed only to check in hotels and to leave/enter the country. The chances that you have to show your passport to anyone else while visiting the sites is as close to zero as you can get. But if you lose your passport or if it gets stolen, it's a hassle to get it replaced, especially if you are not in the vicinity of a US Consulate. I'd rather keep it secure in a hotel safe than carry it with me. The chances of losing it (or getting it stolen) are higher than being stopped by a policeman asking for a passport. In the unlikely event it happens, just show your photocopy and explain that you left the real one in the hotel. No policeman or carabiniere will arrest you for that, especially if you are an American or Canadian. It would be different if you were a citizen of some 'problem' country.