Safety

In one sentence: Follow Rick's advice about wearing a money belt under your clothing.

If you don't take sensible precautions your concerns can build up and spoil your vacation. A money belt is the first and best thing you should buy. It can make life a little inconvenient but that is nothing compared to the inconvenience of losing cash and cards. Jewelery is a different thing altogether. I can well understand your reluctance to take off a wedding ring but they are one of the hardest things to steal, so you can leave it on without any concerns. Thieves go for what can be grabbed easily. Chains around necks, bracelets and watches are the main targets, so leave them at home and buy a very cheap watch and wear that instead. If you make it hard for the theives by not displaying 'easy-pickings' jewelery they will not target you, they will target someone who has not taken sensible measures. Wear your purse on a strap that crosses your body diagonally, wear your money belt and you will walk through foriegn cities with confidence.

I have been to Paris three times and felt very safe there. I was nervous the first time about pickpockets and purses. I wore a money belt for two of the trips, but found with summertime heat, it'ss too hot and I sure didn't need any more bulkiness around my waist.

I bought a moneybelt wallet that attaches to a belt - I used two large safety pins to attach to my waistband when I wasn't wearing a belt. See:

http://www.magellans.com/store/Safety___Security___Security_Wallets___Money_BeltsSV627?Args=

I also bought a tote bag from La Bagagerie - many Parisian women had these and I carried all my travel items in it, my wallet was in an outer zip pocket that stayed close to my body. This bag is similar, except I had two shorter shoulder straps instead of one long strap. See:

http://www.starbagg.com/boutique/fiche_produit.cfm?type=88&ref=TG002&code_lg=lg_fr&pag=1&num=0

I wore my wedding band and engagement ring, but be aware, especially on the Metro. Paris is wonderful and fun!

Jan, It's just like any other very large city like NYC or LA. Stay out of the neighborhoods where you are not welcomed.(Your hotel should know those neighborhoods.) Otherwise just use common sense. Wear your wedding band. I'm going to Paris soon and will wear my wedding band. I'm not too sure yet about my engagement ring. Don't bring your "Hope Diamonds." You're traveling to learn and relax not to impress. Don't look like a tourist. Bring a zippered shoulder bag. My ultimate #1 rule is Bring it if you don't mind losing it. Good luck and if you need any more specifics e-mail me.

As a (slightly gross) counterpoint regarding the money belt in summer, I found I liked having my moneybelt on with the pouch in the back. I could tell the CoolMax panel was catching the sweat trickling down the small of my back and it was much more comfortable! g

I carried one credit card and (usually) some cash in a purse or wallet slung across my body. My husband carried the other credit card and our ATM card in his wallet. The things we weren't carrying, plus our passports and any "live" tickets, went in the money belts. We felt quite secure that way.