Travel Accessories/Money Belt

[willow]

With my trip only two months and some odd days (17) away, I am slowly starting to shop for things I need. I am looking to get a money belt or neck pouch but I'm not sure if anyone has one that is recommended without being terribly expensive (remember, I still have student loans!) I've seen a few on Samsonite, Pac-Safe and Rick Steve's websites, and they all look the same to me. IS there any difference?

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

I can't think it's really worth the bother -- I've never used one (if for some weird reason I had more cash than I was comfortable with, I curved it into a pliable shape and stuck it into my bra, or else I wore some fairly tight jeans -- that no one could mess with without my knowing instantly -- and I put the extra bills in a front pocket). My suggestion is don't get one unless you really can't stand not to - but don't spend a fortune, because you probably won't use it after the first trip!

[Ray(aka) tripnebraska]

The one thing I bought that was really handy was the space saver bags, that you roll the air out of, saving 75% of the space needed in luggage. They worked really well.

[Happygoin]

fwiw, willow, I agree with Becky. I bought one years ago and now, every time I dig for a specific pair of socks, the darn money belt gets churned up from the bottom of the drawer and I swear that one of these days I'm going to throw it out.

[sistereurope]

Willow,
I use a small purse with a LONG strap that I wear diagonally across my body - I've never used a money belt/pouch either.
I carry copies of my passport but not my passport, and just my credit cards and some cash. Sometimes I'll put some money in my front pocket.

[willow]

Hmm..I may have to reconsider the money belt. I wasn't looking forward to having to use one anyways. I was looking at the daybags that you can sling across that have metal wires in the strap. That may be a good compromise for me.

[holger]

Willow,

I also carry a shoulder bag that I can wear across my chest and that has sturdy zippers. But I do use a neck pouch , beige with a few compartments purchased at a travel store here in Philadelphia for around $10 ( Don't like belts.) I have seen similar ones at Travel Smith and Magellans on line. I use it when actually traveling on planes, trains, etc. then it goes into my suitcase or the room safe with my passport, cash, etc. It is useful when I am jetlagged to know stuff is safe and I am on autopilot. It is also useful in very crowded places with lots of people milling around. Even at home under such circumstances, i would rather not have a big bag. Normally when I am out and about I just use my bag and have a copy of my passport cover page with me, one card and the cash for a day. Just don't leave it on the floor or over the back of a chair.

What is useful are the appropriate plugs for sockets, chargers, cell phone, etc. Again the Magellan's catalog has these and other useful items including a battery cell phone charger. I also pack extra gallon and quart baggies for wash cloths, etc. and any bottles and/or breakables. This past year given the need to trim down carry-ons I also line the bottom of my shipped suitcase with bubble wrap and have some scotch tape. This is useful if you decide to bring back some French mustard, perfume, etc. that is in glass and won't fit in the quart baggie allowed on the flight or is more than 3 oz.

You probably need no more precautions than in Chicago except for the above jet lagged state or moving through major tourist spots.

Hope this helps. You should just relax and have a wonderful first trip. Fall in love with Paris and let us know about your time.

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

I agree with all of the above. One other suggestion, which we always do -- take a very lightweight folding duffel bag in your suitcase (empty) on the way over, and on the way back use it as an additional checked bag (dirty laundry, etc.) so you have more room in a sturdier bag for things you (inevitably!) purchased and need to protect.

And finally -- look out for the airline weight limits! Two smaller bags will work much better than one larger one, because the weight adds up a lot faster than you might think.

[willow]

Thanks for sharing everyone!

I actually went ahead and order the Magellans catalog to peruse Post-Finals.

And I added a canvas bag for groceries (per Becky's suggestion) and a small duffel to my packing list. It's going to be interesting to pack everything since I've never been away that long or that far!

[Happygoin]

willow, I wonder if you'll be surprised to find you can travel with much less "stuff" than you think. I know I always pack too much, even when I've promised myself that I won't. Don't fall into that trap...it seems to be a lifelong affliction

[Shoesy]

Speaking of weight allowance, I don't know how I'm going to manage this summer when I go to the States. My husband and I always go with two pieces of luggage each because I'm a firm believer of giving the American economy a boost......... meaning I shop 'till I drop - especially when it comes to shoes. (BTW, that's how I got the name Shoesy. ) Anyway, until this year we were allowed 32 kilos per bag, and now it's been changed to 25 kilos per bag. That really stinks!

[Happygoin]

Shoesy, would it be any less expensive to ship things home in a box. Like from a Mailboxes Etc type store? I don't know what the penalties are for going over the weight restrictions...

[Shoesy]

I don't really like the idea of shipping - it would probably be expensive. I think I'll just have to manage, and if I feel that I have too much loot, I can save it for my next trip several weeks later. (My niece is getting married in Pittsburgh in September, so I'll be flying in again 3 weeks after I return to Israel.)

[Happygoin]

Oh, well then. Just don't plan any shopping in Philadelphia!

[Shoesy]

I won't be in Philly. I'll be in Pittsburgh.