“Why does it have to happen to me!” you curse while madly scrummaging through what’s left of your belongings. Even the most experienced of travellers can be caught out. How many times have you heard backpacker tales about a stolen daypack, slashed bumbag or picked pocket. True, the experience adds to the ‘must tell’ checklist, but in reality it is one of those experiences we could all do without.

Neck Pouch

Theft is a common problem when travelling and unfortunately the unwary backpacker gawking at the flying buttresses within St Paul’s Cathedral is easy prey to a greedy thief looking for a bit of extra cash. Though you must remain cautious, paranoia will serve no purpose. Wherever you are travelling, always consider the comfort factor; for the more comfortable you are in your surroundings the less unwelcome attention you will attract.  

The solution to keeping your valuables safe is to simply ensure they are hidden with limited accessibility to thieves but still convenient enough for you to be able to access them. It’s more practical to conceal key documents like passports, tickets, credit cards and travellers cheques, which you only need occasionally. But keep enough cash for that day’s sightseeing in a handy place - if you lose that it’s not the end of the world. And don’t forget to use the safe deposit system at the reception desk of most hostels to store important items whilst you sightsee.  

So how should you carry your valuables? The first golden rule is to forget a handbag - it’s too obvious and impossible to carry with a travel pack or a daypack anyway. Likewise, whilst bumbags are very convenient, they should not contain all your key possessions - rather just use them for carrying a small amount of cash. Here are some alternatives: 

Money Belt

This securely fastens around the waist or hip and can be accessed by lifting your shirt and groping underneath - not always the best thing to do in some locations! There are numerous types and brands so it’s a good idea to try some on to see which suits you best.

Things to look for include: 

Compartments:  Usually one or two zippered zones. Make sure your key documents will fit as they do vary in size!

Waist belt: Should be adjustable with either a clip or velcro. Some may have more comfortable ultra thin clip. Check ease of use as you will be taking it on and off frequently.

Material: You can get polyester, nylon, cotton and goretex belts - with cotton being the most popular, and goretex being the most expensive but arguably the most breathable. In hot climates, money belts will be hot, sweaty and uncomfortable - there’s just no getting around it, so go with what feels best next to your skin. Also check the seams and where they will rub against you. Colours are usually black or skin but, heh, who’s looking! This is not a fashion statement.  

Options:  Some can be connected to your normal waist belt for extra security, which can be an advantage to some people and a hassle to others.  

Prices: Vary from $5-30 with the Goretex ones being the most expensive.

Neck Pouches 

If you don’t like having a snug belt around your middle all day, you might want to try a neck pouch. This is a wallet hanging from your neck, usually concealed under clothing. It’s convenient to use, but more visible to thieves.  

Features include: 

Size:  Should be big enough to fit passport and tickets with usually at least two compartments. Some are adjustable.  

Fastening:  Either zip or velcro.

Materials:  Similar to money belts. Some have a cushioning material on the neck cord to make it more comfortable. Some have a water-proof compartment if you want to use it when showering. (Or get one of the plastic ‘Splashbox’ style holders, which are waterproof and also good for the beach).  

Options: Some have elastic straps to convert them from neck pouches to leg wallets.  

Price: Range from $10-20. 

Other Options

A leg stash attaches to the leg with an adjustable piece of elastic and is hidden by trousers. Whilst this makes it hard for the thieves, it’s much less convenient for you to get to and may be hard to get used to wearing. Most have absorbent material on the back to make them softer, and one or two compartments. They cost up to $25 for a good quality one. A variation on this theme is a shoulder holster style wallet. There’s also a travel belt – what looks like a normal belt, but conceals a secret zippered compartment for notes.  

In the end, it can be hard to avoid the thieves and they are wise to all the gadgets mentioned here. So in case you do get caught, don’t forget to photocopy all important documents (passport, tickets, travellers cheque numbers etc) and leave a copy at home with someone who could fax or email it to you in an emergency. And don’t forget to take out travel insurance!