Read Below The Lines
The Frugal Traveler Blog at the NYT has a post about the Top 10 Travel Gadgets Under $50. I bought Gregg and my editorial assistant the Gorillapod Flexible Tripod a few Christmases ago, and both love it. But, the best tip in the piece is in the comments just below the 10 tips:
It's not exactly a gadget, but whenever I trek-travel, I wear a low-profile sports kneepad: cut a slit at the top, remove the foam insert, and what's left is a pouch that's just the right size to hold my passport, immunization docs, a list of emergency contacts and emergency cash. Check out the Tachikara TK-2000 Volleyball Knee Pads ($17.99) or the Wilson Flex Senior ($12.99), both avail on Amazon.-- Mark G.
Me? In Paris or any big walking/public transportation-taking city, I use a very small wallet, with only my credit card, ATM card, and health insurance card in it, plus cash, and then I put it in the bottom of my rather huge purse, in a very, very crinkly plastic bag.
When traveling to other countries I've always used those money belts that sit flat on the low part of your belly under your pants, with enough smaller change and bills in my purse.
In general (when not traveling) I don't carry cash money on me anymore, aside from some ones and change in the car for tolls.
I like the knee pad idea though.
Stacy at July 24, 2009 10:15 AM
Amy Alkon
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2009/07/24/read_below_the.html#comment-1659711">comment from StacyAlso, on the train from the plane in Paris, if I take it, I never carry a purse. As soon as I get through customs, I tuck my wallet and passport deep into the plastic bag with my food, etc., which is tucked under my little pillow and my shawl, etc.
Amy Alkon at July 24, 2009 10:39 AM
Men - keep your wallet in your front pocket. If a pickpocket goes for it, twisting your hips will trap his hand, allowing you to beat the bloody hell out of him.
And scream "RAPE!" at the top of your lungs.
brian at July 24, 2009 12:13 PM
Amy Alkon
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2009/07/24/read_below_the.html#comment-1659733">comment from brianBrian, on the trains in Paris, where the unbathed North Africans crowd you so you can't move, putting your wallet in your front pocket will leave you without a wallet.
Amy Alkon at July 24, 2009 12:38 PM
I always carry these:
A small LED scale to weigh your bags if you fly. With the fees for overweight baggage being strictly enforced, it pays for itself.
Duct tape. Unroll from the larger roll and bring a smaller anount. Again, too many emergency uses to mention and very lightweight.
A Kerchief. Many uses and very handy if traveling where roads are dusty.
LoneStarJeffe at July 24, 2009 4:37 PM
When traveling to other countries I've always used those money belts that sit flat on the low part of your belly under your pants
I've always had good luck with those, but I don't find them to be very comfortable, so I only use them for the most critical situations. Also, if I need to wear one for a long time, I wrap the contents in plastic to keep out the sweat.
Men - keep your wallet in your front pocket
For shorter-term, non-sleeping situations I've had good luck with putting cards and cash in my front pocket. In crowded situations like the Rome subway or buses at rush hour, I put my hand in the pocket. In an uncrowded situations like walking on the street it's not very noticable and I keep both hands free.
There no substitute for situational awareness, though. Just taking a careful look at the people around you and making sure they see you doing it can make a big difference.
Shawn at July 24, 2009 8:55 PM
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