Money Belts

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When talking about packing and carrying your belongings and valuables and such, Nick is fond of pointing out the importance of protecting the "crown jewels of travel". These are the items which, if stolen or lost, can at the least cause some not exactly minor problems. What are these all-important crown jewels of travel?

Passport & Visas
All tickets and passes (such as your Eurail pass)
All money, credit cards, traveler's cheques, etc. (except for what you're using that day)

These items, unless you're using them, should be tucked into a money belt. Money belts, if you're not familiar, are sort of miniature, flat bumbags (what Yanks call "fanny packs", to much derisive snickering). It's a zippered pouch, usually made of nylon or a light cotton, with two buckling straps that you wrap around your waist, with the pouch resting against your tummy, tucked inside your pants/skirt, underneath all your clothes.

Why do this? Because out of sight is out of mind; even if you get robbed, these items should be safe. And you're also not leaving the crown jewels to the mercy of hotel security or your backpack or someplace where you can't keep watch and know that they're still there.

You can pick up a money belt at most travel stores, gear shops, online shops, etc., usually for just a few dollars (or whatever the local equivalent is). It's a small investment, but it keeps safe your cash, your ID, and means of transport – which really means it helps keep safe your trip. And that's worth a couple of bucks.

But what about other travel documents? Or, is there something to have with you in case something does happen to your passport? Yes, and yes. Here's more about different travel documents.

Article added on March 02, 2005

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