Another question about money belts

I always carry a Baggalini crossbody bag, and it has lots of zipper compartments, so I put all my important things that I don't need to access into one zippered pocket and put a small combo lock on that particular pocket. I've done that for 15 years. And now I also carry a Bandolier type lanyard for my iPhone.

One option I've been exploring is lightweight bike shorts under a breezy dress. You can find bike shorts with pockets big enough for credit cards and passports.

I feel fairly safe with a cross body bag. I make sure to have important stuff at the bottom. I caught a woman while boarding train with her hand in my purse. Unfortunately for her, I had my lunch on top.

I sewed a cloth zipper pocket into the back of my travel pants. It's not as hot as when I use the money belt.

I cut the zipper pocket in tact from an old purse and stitched it to the waistband of the pants.

A lanyard for my phone is a great idea. Any good suggestions for one?

CW Social. That's a great idea.

Someone here suggested an Eagle Creek silk neck wallet, which I used for the first time this past April, and found it very comfortable. The strap is the width of a bra strap, and there's no large adjustment ring. It held my passport, extra cash and credit cards.
I do not carry a purse.
I also use a Bandolier phone case with neck strap. I have the style with a snap side pocket, in which I put some cash, credit card, and a portable phone battery. On my recent trips, this is all I needed, as so many businesses were credit card only, and actually wouldn't take cash. Also, so many businesses had the portable credit card machines, so almost all purchases were completed by tap pay ( from credit card in my Apple Wallet.)
I previously tried the neck scarf with the invisible zipper for my wallet, which was ok, but sometimes I couldn't find the hidden zipper. (What does that say about me?)
For me, the under- garmet silk neck wallet, paired with the Bandolier phone case, is all I need to carry. I like having my hands free.
Good luck and safe travels!

I gave up on "around the waist" money belts in the 1990's. I now use a "hidden pocket" type that hangs down inside my pant leg and is attached to my belt. If you don't wear a belt, you can use a pin to attach it inside your garment. Since you are not supposed to access this in public, this shouldn't be a problem.

I use one from Eagle Creek but Rick Steves also sells one.

As for your second question, this is confusing:

My backpack (package) is great but I find it inconvenient for those times I need to juggle luggage and a small backpack. Any recommendations?

You mention three things...a backpack (package)(?), luggage and a small backpack. What is a backpack (package) and are you also taking luggage and a small backpack?

Posted by CWsocial

I sewed a cloth zipper pocket into the back of my
travel pants. It's not as hot as when I use the money belt.

I cut the zipper pocket in tact from an old purse and stitched it to
the waistband of the pants.

Another option for this method is to sew button holes in the top corners of the pocket and then you can sew buttons in as many waistbands as you want.

Or taking off on pinning the hidden pocket that attaches to a belt idea, use large safety pins to pin it to the waistbands. Diaper pins are good because they have a piece that snaps down over the top.

I like both your ideas khansen: buttons for flexibility with several pairs of pants and a safety pin for extra security.

Another thing I've done.... because I don't often wear a belt.... is to sew a D Ring near the waistband and use that to attach a hidden pocket by its loop using either a clip or a secure S-carabiner. If I were to do that one again, I'd use a cloth belt loop (from old jeans, perhaps) sewn in instead of the D ring.

I've never had trouble going through security with the pocket sewn in the back waistband - it's like any other pocket. I did get a reprimand once from TSA with the hanging pocket, so I put it In my purse going through security.

I use this and love it. Adjustable as to how long you want it. I won’t travel without it now.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BBFK7ZFJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

I normally use the money belt and don’t plan on accessing it while out and about. It does get hot sometimes and I put my stuff in a ziploc bag so it doesn’t get sweat soaked. I normally wear pants, capris or occasionally shorts so the money belt works fine. I do find the money belt problematic with a dress, because there’s no way to access it without an embarrassing situation, haha, on the very rare occasion this would be needed, like a passport requirement, etc. So I would use a neck wallet with a dress, but hated the look of that stiff rectangle in front.

So recently at TJ Max I found a crossbody neck wallet from Travelon. The zipper pouch is coutured but fits a passport, and there’s a snap loop that attaches to your bra. Recently I used it with a dress and I found it comfortable. The only problem is that since it’s crossbody, it would also be logistically difficult to access if needed. But I think it’s a good compromise for when I want to wear a dress and have little risk of having to dig my passport out.

My daughter taught me this idea to help keep my skin soaking wet from the combo of pants and money belt. I take a paper towel and fold it the size of the money belt. Then I put it inside the money belt between the plastic insert & the money belt. It helps because it soaks up the sweat. I use the "rip to size" type of paper towel for this. An added perk is a few paper towels are easy to pack and come in useful for many things while traveling.

Posted by CWsocial

I've never had trouble going through security with the pocket sewn in
the back waistband - it's like any other pocket. I did get a reprimand
once from TSA with the hanging pocket, so I put it In my purse going
through security.

I have a pair of stretch, wide-leg jeans I usually wear to fly. The front pockets are patch pockets of the same fabric, but sewn on the inside instead of outside. TSA always wants to check them out. "We're detecting some fullness here." Um, they're called pockets. Either that or the "fullness" you're detecting is my excess adipose tissue. :P

I've been using a silk neck wallet (like this) but instead of wearing around my neck, I wear it cross body over one shoulder (but still under my clothes). By adjusting the strap length I can tuck it inside my waistband near my hip. This suits my body shape better than a traditional money belt around the waist and works with both pants and skirts in my travel wardrobe.

there's been recent conversation about phone lanyards, see this example: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tours/cell-phone-carry-for-women

For the double backpack situation, I bought a Sherpani tote that has handles and backpack straps (discontinued but you can see it here).

I use a phone lanyard from Bandolier brand. I have the one that holds a driver license and credit card in a snap pocket on the back. I use it every day out and about. It has lasted for years. https://www.bandolierstyle.com/products/emma-pebble-leather-crossbody-bandolier-black-silver

For travel I like a smaller one that lets me hold on to phone with wrist strap when out but otherwise fits in my small cross body bag that can hold a few more things. https://a.co/d/5Qn6hrr

I also use a Bandolier phone case with neck strap. I have the style with a snap side pocket, in which I put some cash, credit card, and a portable phone battery. On my recent trips, this is all I needed, as so many businesses were credit card only, and actually wouldn't take cash. Also, so many businesses had the portable credit card machines, so almost all purchases were completed by tap pay ( from credit card in my Apple Wallet.)

Pat:

A couple of questions:

1) do you wear this phone case on the outside of your shirt, or under your shirt/blouse?

2) to use Apple Pay, can you do it without removing the phone from the case?

I wear my Bandolier case on the outside. In a crowded train, I might tuck it inside my jacket.
To use Apple tap feature to pay, you simply place the face of the phone against the portable pay machine. You can practice at home buying groceries, gas, at restaurants, etc. The credit card itself never physically comes out. The phone stays in the phone case. It's just so easy!
Hope all this helps, safe travels!

My really old money belt is made of cloth with a stretchy waist strap, so it is washable.
I went back to it after nearly losing one with a closure down a loo on one trip as it came undone.
I put the passport, cards, etc in a ziploc bag to keep them from getting damp, but now I’m going to add the paper towel layer….good tip Laurie Beth!
I wear it in the small of my back, as it’s more comfortable than out front.
If I’m wearing a dress and need my passport, I would hope whoever wants to see it would let me step into another room to get it out.
Otherwise, prepare to be blinded by the sight….. ;)
I never access it in public, and have a crossbody bag for everything else.

I think the OP could mean “PacSafe” instead of “package” ??

Laurie Beth, of course, a paper towel! Like my blueberries and spinach at home, hah! The thought never occurred to me.

This morning I noticed that my L.L.Bean fitness skort has a zipper in the back at the waist big enough for a passport/credit cards. I then realized that my "fitness" pants have a similar zipper at the waist. I often use those pants for travel.

A lanyard for my phone is a great idea. Any good suggestions for one?

I make my own. I cut the hook off the end of a breakaway lanyard and sew it to a sturdy square of fabric (I use cork) that fits the width of my phone case. I thread the lanyard through the charger opening in my phone case. The weight of the phone keeps it all in place in the case.

I’ve been in Europe for 2-1/2 weeks. Finally got pickpocketed last night.

Up until then I’d carried my stuff in a fanny pack held cross-body. Very nice little Maxpedition bag that’s super comfortable worn that way.

Last night I was a little tipsy and went across the street from our Brussels hotel to a convenience store. A “helpful” middle aged Indian man warned me about pickpockets and I probably (remember, tipsy) patted my front pocket, where my debit card was.

Halfway back to hotel got knocked into from behind and the card was gone in an instant.

I canceled it within a minute using my phone and bank app.

Stupid me.

Anyway, I have two backup cards and no charges were made on the one that was taken.

When it’s hot, I usually skip the money belt and use a lightweight, anti-theft crossbody bag. Mine has hidden zippers and RFID-blocking pockets, which keep my stuff safe without making me overheat. For carry-ons, I switched to a small rolling suitcase. It’s been a game-changer for those times when I’m juggling luggage and a backpack. Plus, it frees up my hands and makes moving through the airport so much easier.

I like pants with large zippered pockets and I secure the zipper with a safety pin. I have one prized shirt with a zipper pocket, but haven't found another like it.

Posted by cala

I like pants with large zippered pockets

Assuming you are female.

Where do you find women's pants with large/deep pockets? They seem to be getting smaller and shallower all the time, even the zippered ones.

I'd like to find some ready-made clothing manufacturer that makes women's trousers with front pockets like men's trousers. >>DEEP<<

Yes Manufacturers, you seem to be making more women's pants with zippered front pockets. Now just make them deeper, please.

Where do you find women's pants with large/deep pockets? They seem to be getting smaller and shallower all the time, even the zippered ones.

My wife has the same complaint. She can't close the zipper on her front pocket, her phone tends to slip out when she is in a seated position...

Hopefully someone has a link...

As far as cross body bags go they're rather commonly used. Personally I EDC a backpack, it'll have my rain gear, sometimes a tablet, library returns, and daily incidentals but most importantly as a pedestrian it collects the stuff I accumulate throughout the day until I deposit stuff at home.

I don't use a money belt though and do wonder about this perception of wall to wall pickpockets.

I don't use a money belt though and do wonder about this perception of wall to wall pickpockets.

Do you carry your wallet in your back pocket at home? I mostly do, unless I am in a large crowd, when I will keep it in a front pocket.

In Europe, I always carry my wallet - or actually daily cash - in my front pocket. I wear a neck wallet under my shirt to store credit cards, passport, etc. I like zippered pockets, too, and wear the same pants at home as abroad. I am not a backpack person, and I would never carry one with any valuables in it on my back in Europe. Europe is more crowded, in tourist zones, on mass transit, etc. At home I never ride public transport (not a thing where I live) - in Europe, it is how you get around, busses, the Metro, etc. And those are crowded, often shoulder to shoulder. You are much more vulnerable to pickpockets in those situations. Frankly, I am almost never in a similar environment in the US...but on those rare occasions, I move my wallet to my front pocket.

Where do you find women's pants with large/deep pockets? They seem to be getting smaller and shallower all the time, even the zippered ones.

Check Deluth Trading Company for this. Their Dry on the Fly pants and tops are great for travel. But their jeans also have generous sized pockets.

Calvados, i feel very safe in Europe, but I use a money belt while traveling. I don’t want to spend my travel time replacing a passport or credit card. Replacing documents at home is easier, and less crucial. I have other resources and friends at home that can bail me out if I run into trouble. When I’m in Europe I want too stick to my itinerary and not make an unexpected trip to the US embassy.

I don’t want to spend my travel time replacing a passport or credit card. Replacing documents at home is easier, and less crucial. I have other resources and friends at home that can bail me out if I run into trouble

Excellent point, exactly why I take added precautions in Europe beyond what I do at home.

"Do any of you use belts, cross body bags in the US or Canada or other home country? Is EUROPE perceived as that much of a threat to personal safety even beyond RS advice?"

I always use a crossbody bag (a medium sized purse) at home. In my opinion, it is very comfortable and I like having my hands free. And as a previous poster mentioned, it is much more of a hassle to have to replace important documents while traveling internationally than it would be at home.

Do you carry your wallet in your back pocket at home? I mostly do, unless I am in a large crowd, when I will keep it in a front pocket.

No I don't, I have always carried my wallet in my front pocket. I have never understood this carrying of a tri-fold filing cabinet in the back pocket. Always in the front pocket and never a store-all. I do not do anything any different when I travel that I do at home. I am a backpack person and a regular user of public transit at home. At home my bag is a commuter bag, it is not any different when I travel. It is not packed to the gills with the zippers under stress. It just has a rain jacket, a couple cables, a couple pens, ear buds and eye glasses and a place to put something for the ease of carry -- just as likely to have some groceries whether at home or Europe.

I am not carrying gobs of valuable stuff at home and I don't when I am traveling. But I am aware of what's going on around me.