How should I carry my money when I travel?

by Cassie Correga
(California, USA)

Those money belts are too bulky and make me look like a camel with a hump - there must be something more comfortable out there for us girls!!

My answer:

You must be thinking of those 'banana belts' that you wear outside your clothes! Of course they're lumpy, whether you wear them on the back or on the front. In fact, in my opinion they're a bit too conspicuous - they signal to the world that everything you own of value is sitting in that nice little pouch...

I've traveled for years with a slim, flat travel money belt, which I wear under my clothes and close to my body. It took a few days of getting used to but once I was, I never really felt it again.

The advantage is that no one can really see you've got one on, so your money is relatively safe.

Certain manufacturers of women's travel clothing, like Tilley's in Canada, for example, have wonderful trousers with hidden pockets. These work well too, but only to carry the necessary cash for your daily needs. This saves you from having to dip into your money belt during the day.

If the belt option just doesn't work for you, you could also try a leg or neck wallet. I'm not sold on the leg wallet but I do find the neck wallet a good alternative. It hangs around your neck but is worn inside your clothes - there's little point in wearing it outside, since it's easy to grab and run.

There are other alternatives, like the ankle stash or bra pouch, but I haven't yet found any that are comfortable enough.