“Why would anybody need a travel money belt?”, you may ask.
Let me tell you a story.
In July 2005 I took some time off to study Spanish in Buenos Aires. One day, during lunch time near the crowded Calle Florida, I was able to feel that somebody was opening my backpack ziper. I looked behind and I couldn’t see anybody, although a gentleman warned me that someone was trying to rob me.
I don’t know what would you do. I’m not the brightest kid in town, so I proceeded to chase the crook while checking to see if anything was gone. Nothing gone, apparently, so I gave up on chasing the guy and went back to my afternoon classes.
My Spanish teacher gave me an advice. “Why don’y you wear a hidden money belt around your waist or a neck pouch around your neck?” “A what?,” I asked. “These are travel accessories like a travel wallet, only you carry hidden money and important documents under your clothes. Well, on that same day I checked some travel wallets to see what it was all about and bought a money belt! I chose a model that has two divisions. One of the zippered compartments has my documents, such as passport, and the other has currency, traveler cheques, credit card, debit card and so on.
An important feature for comfort is the material. My belt is made of cloth. I sweat a lot under warm weather, so I felt it was important to buy something that’s comfortable to wear regardless of the heat. To avoid moisture, I put my documents inside a small zip-lock bag. You can also find models that are moisture-proof, though.
The comfort has another plus. If your travel money belt is comfortable enough, you can (and should) wear it while sleeping, specially in public places such as trains, buses or hostels. This will certainly bring you peace of mind while you relax for your next sightseeing day.
Here are some DOs and DON’Ts of wearing a money belt:
* DO NOT check your money belt in public.
* DO go to the bathroom or another private place where you can access your documents, money, debit and credit cards and so on.
* DO NOT leave all your money inside the belt.
* DO separate a daily allowance to your sightseeing and errands. It’s also a great way to stay within budget when traveling as well.
* DO NOT leave the ATM without storing your money in your belt first. It also defeats the purpose, right?
* DO leave copies of important documents in a separate place. Also save an emergency stash of money as well, in case anything happens.
And let me finish with another story.
In that same Buenos Aires trip, I gained 11lbs in 9 days! I was eating like crazy: fresh, home made pasta; lots of meat; delicious wine. I was lucky enough to buy a belt that was adjustable for very different sizes.
While I did have problems with all the pants I brought from home, I had no problems adjusting my travel money belt. If you’d rather come back home happy and fatty, like I always do, then remember this very important lesson as well!