Taking the STUFF to Italy

What's the question?

I thought it would be a good idea to kind of spread the stuff out: prescriptions, some in one bag, some in the other. So, really my billfold is the money belt, and why even have a purse since you can't really put anything in it?

I travel in Italy the same I do in the US...I don't use a money belt, pouch, etc. I carry a regular purse...but I don't take valuables along with me. It would be a pain to loose a passport, so I try to keep that in a hotel safe or in my front pocket...but I don't carry a lot of cash...and I take one credit card and my husband takes the other, so, worse case scenario, we would just call AmEx/Visa/whatever and cancel it. If my kid is with me, I usually keep anything important in his little kiddie "Transformers" backpack since I doubt a pick-pocket would bother with an 8yr old's school bag. When I first started travelling and backpacking (years ago), I purchased the money belt, etc....and the only time I used it was once when I took a night train all alone. I think all the stuff and gadgets can bog you down too :-) don't worry...it will be fine!

Casa del Cipresso...traveling with your passport and credit card in your front pocket? Good luck!!!

I too don't use a money belt. Just an over the shoulder bag, and I loop the strap through my belt.

I do split my money, ID's, and credit/debit cards between the bag I carry, and my luggage, just in case. This works well for me. I find Italy to hot for a money belt.

For prescriptions, I take what I need for the day with me. If you can't live without it, might keep it with you.

PS - Don't put the lock on if you check it (unless it's one of the certified ones with the TSA), otherwise, customs/TSA will just cut the zipper off to look inside. I just use a couple of string loops on each zipper.

Hello Ann, Yes, there is a bit of thought to carrying your stuff.

First bit advice, do NOT use the helpline to do this type of planning from scratch. Go the Rick Steves travel planning section, read his articles, watch the videos on packing and money belts, and BUY the book. Either ETBD or "Italy" or both. Once you have a general idea, THEN come to the helpline for more specific info. That's not because we don't want to help you, but the helpline doesn't work well that way. You need a base of knowledge first and use helpline advice to fine-tune your knowledge. Your question indicates you haven't read ETBD. Please do. You will have a better trip.

Second bit of advice I use three-tiered system: 1) First level security: Money belt is deep storage. The money belt IS NOT a wallet or billfold. You do not stuff it full. You use it to protect the valuables that could wreck your vacation if lost. You don't dig around in your pants every time you buy a bus ticket or gelato. It's best not to access it in public anyway. 2) Keep half-day's worth of walking-around money that is more accessible. And while you want it to be as secure as practical, it's not the "locked box" of money belt.

3) The backpack situation sounds miserable. Is this your luggage or daybag? Am confused??

For my third tier of "stuff" I prefer a shoulder bag like Chris uses, (smaller than messenger bag) for maps, reading glasses, water etc. Use search box and read recent thread about purses. We can't replicate that here.

4) RS money belt is silk, much, much, much nicer than all other brands, but if it's too hot for you too use google search to search these forums for alternatives. 5) I would not advise putting any money, cards, ID in your luggage. 6) There are many stories of people who had their wallet, cash, etc lifted from their front pocket. Only put what you can afford to lose in your front pocket.

First of all. Calm down You can travel safely.

Put your passport and credit card, extra money in your money belt. Keep cash for the day in your shoulder bag. If you need the credit card during the day, find an inside pocket in the shoulder bag...try to avoid a big wallet if possible. (I always just take a small change purse for my credit card and money)

You do have to be aware of people getting too close. Really watch those great looking, well dressed Italian "business men" They fool you! They are the ones with their hands in your pockets, or in your purse.

Your wording makes it sound like you will have the backpack with wheels with you while day touring....I hope not. This should be in your hotel. On trains between cities, I've never seen any issues, but you should always have a hand or eye on your luggage.

I take a bag that can be slung over my shoulder and worn across my chest. that way I have it in front of me, and I keep one hand on the bag when in close quarters. I keep my camera, water, chapstick, change purse in this. Usually my hubby wears the money belt with passports, larger bills, etc. He NEVER has anything in his pockets.

Last trip I invested in a PacSafe bag...Love that thing. I feel safe because the zippers lock. It's still large enough for my camera and day touring needs. I keep my change purse in an inside pocket, not dumped in the bag...harder for anyone to find for sure.

Listen to Ellen.

Here's the thread on purses. It should help.

http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/30113/purses.html

Have a good trip.