I've been overseas 3 times now (Italy, Ireland, UK, France) but now that we're considering going some more "beachy" places (Croatia, Turkey) I'm wondering how do people deal with passports while swimming? I'm pretty paranoid and like to keep my passport in my money belt on my person at all times but swimming is a major draw in some places. I don't think I'd feel comfortable doing what I do here in the states when I go to the beach: hide the car keys in the cooler and leave it.
How have you all dealt with this?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9099 posts
Hotel room safe or this thingy:
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7025 posts
That waterproof wallet would work for some bills and credit cards but too small for passport. I would leave it in the hotel safe. I've left mine in hotel safes many times and never worried about it and never had any problems. If you're stopping at a beach on your way from one location to another (no hotel to leave it in), then you'll have to find someplace to hide it - just don't forget where you put it. If you're with someone you could take turns swimming and watching out for the 'goodies'.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
295 posts
I bought a water proof camera case for my recent trip to Belize. It worked great and you can find ones that will hold passports, credit cards, cash, etc. I would look into that as an option. I got one a AAA but I'm sure you can find them online. I have also used hotel safes when I know I'm doing a beach day. But in Belize I really wanted my passport with me at all times.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9099 posts
That waterproof wallet would work for some bills and credit cards but
too small for passport.
They come in different sizes. Amazon has like 100 different models to choose from. Here is another:
and another:
http://tinyurl.com/kfd6hwj
yet another:
http://tinyurl.com/ogwhkfu
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15144 posts
I generally use the hotel safe for passports in all circumstances.
Even more so if I plan to be at a beach swimming.
I can't think of any body cavities that could be a dry repository for a passport.
On the other hand occasionally you do read stories of people smuggling a lot of stuff that way.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5371 posts
Why are you so paranoid? What do you think is going to happen? There aren't people lurking around every corner waiting for you to take your eyes off your passport. Relax, leave your passport in the hotel, enjoy the beach.
Posted by
1 posts
Like you I don't like to leave my valuables on the beach while I swim or snorkle. The most popular option for surfers and other adventure travelers is using a waterproof bag. There are plenty of options on Amazon, but here's one from Patagonia: http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/stormfront-roll-top-pack-30-liter?p=49225-0&pcc=1128. I'm currently using a rolltop waterproof bag on my trip in SE Asia and it's been super-helpful for transporting wallets, passports, phones, and even towels to stay dry. Plus it floats! Happy travels.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7328 posts
A cheap option would be to use a Zip-lock baggie, but you get what you pay for, and there's no way to velcro it to, or hang it from, your body. A Zip-lock inside another Zip-lock would be more secure and waterproof, if you have some means to keep if from washing out to sea. Hope your trip is good!
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
Bigger concern than passport (which I would leave in my room) would be what to do with your wallet (credit cards/cash) and keys. That's what zip lock bags are for. Carry some cash and your hotel key in the zip lock and trust in a supreme being to keep it safe.