TOP FIVE: KEEPING MONEY SAFE WHILE TRAVELING ABROAD

While most people wish no harm to travelers, “Unfortunately, [some] people are mean and love to take advantage of people who ‘look’ like tourists,” writes Suzi M., USA, who toured Europe as a teenager. “Again, common sense precautions will ensure an enjoyable trip.”

Precautions include how you dress, talk, traveling in small group, etc.  Beyond taking obvious safety measures is the strategy to “wear your money”.  How?  Here are our Top Five picks.

5 - Money pouch – safely keeps your passport, identification, important papers, and cash.  I would suggest only keeping a small portion of your cash in the money pouch, and other amounts stashed in some of the below places.  This link categorizes their items as “money belts”, but I call them “pouches” because they are larger and more cumbersome than traditional money belts.  These particular items are designed to be worn under clothing.

4 – Traditional money belts are often convenient and are available in many styles.  Most are simply belts with either one long zipper inside compartment, or several.

3 – Roll bills into a pen.  Obviously, this would be for cash you are not planning to spend that day.  Keep the pen in an interior pocket.  When inserted carefully, the money will not hinder pen usage.  You may save this option for larger denominations.

2 – Slit your waistband wide enough to push rolled cash into your waistband.  You may want to sew a vertical barrier seam to prevent the cash from going too far into your waistband.  Again, make an enclosure either by sewing Velcro, snaps or a button to seal the slit.

1 – Hidden underwear pouch.  Sew a pocket or pouch to suspend from the waistband of your underwear; or sew an interior pocket just beneath the waistband, large enough for whatever you’re comfortable stashing there: atm/credit cards, id, cash.  Be sure to make a fastener for the pouch/pocket to secure the cash inside the pocket.  You can either permanently affix the pocket by sewing it to the waistband; or you can make it mobile with buttons, Velcro, snaps, zipper, etc.   Decide based on your activity level and what you feel will stay secure when using the restroom, walking, etc.

For the ladies, I suggest a hidden bra pocket.  An easy option is to purchase padded bras with removable “cup enhancements”.  Instead of using the cup enhancement pads, stuff money, even debit cards, in the pocket.  Make sure you select a bra with a double enclosure seam that you have to actually open to access contents.  Do not select a bra which only offers a “slit” with no fold-over.  Padded bras conceal the edges of your plastic cards.  Or try the cleavage caddy.  It is "An insert for your bra which allows you to carry all of your personal items discretely tucked in your bra. Tuck away your keys, credit cards, lipstick and more!"

If you plan to swim, put your money in a small plastic snack bag with double zips, and then tuck into the undergarment.

Have fun accessorizing. ;)