Traveling Overseas

[hellokitty]

I will be traveling to Europe for a few days in May. Last time I went to Europe was when I backpacked, and that was years ago, and I remember having a travel belt pack where I stored my passport and stuff so that it would always be nearby (stayed in hostels, etc). This time around I'll be staying in a hotel (a Sheraton), where my aunt will be staying for business.

My question is: do I need to be that careful? Not that I wouldn't be careful, but I mean when I backpacked I was very paranoid about losing passport, just because hostels were not the most secure. Would I be safe leaving the passport in the hotel safe, or am I better off getting a Travelon-like bag to carry around with me?

Which brings me to my next question about Travelon - anyone recommend? I was eyeing F10350 should I decide to go this route. I will ask my aunt, as she frequently travels, but thought it would be nice for everyone to share their travel tips if they wanted...

[Txn]

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hellokitty:
I will be traveling to Europe for a few days in May. Last time I went to Europe was when I backpacked, and that was years ago, and I remember having a travel belt pack where I stored my passport and stuff so that it would always be nearby (stayed in hostels, etc). This time around I'll be staying in a hotel (a Sheraton), where my aunt will be staying for business.

My question is: do I need to be that careful? Not that I wouldn't be careful, but I mean when I backpacked I was very paranoid about losing passport, just because hostels were not the most secure. Would I be safe leaving the passport in the hotel safe, or am I better off getting a Travelon-like bag to carry around with me?

Which brings me to my next question about Travelon - anyone recommend? I was eyeing F10350 should I decide to go this route. I will ask my aunt, as she frequently travels, but thought it would be nice for everyone to share their travel tips if they wanted...
www.tvtalkshows.com/board/showpost.php?p=1492281
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HK,

Be very, very careful w/ your passport & IDs. The daughter of a friend had hers lifted while she was in France a couple of years ago. Pickpockets are very prevalent in some parts of Europe. A belt pack would be a good idea. When I travel, I keep my passport and drivers license in separate locations on my person so that if I lose one, I still have the other to prove my identity. Same with credit cards: carry at least 2, in separate locations. Check the expiration dates before you travel.

[Novalee]

Kitty, I hope once your security issues are resolved, you have the time of your life!

[GirlyGirl]

Hi Kitty - it was also recommended to me that I put a photo copy of my passport in each of my traveling bags.

Txn gave you some great advice.

Have a great time!

[LA-CAgirl3]

hellokitty ~ Keeping your passport with you all the time is a good idea. Most hotels have a safe in the room where you can lock other valuables and cash. The professional pickpockets are very skilled & work in teams. I prefer the neck wallet as one is more likely to feel it being taken from under the shirt than from around the waist.

I also leave a copy of my passport with someone at home who I can easily reach.

Having been all over Europe and the Orient, alone and accompanied, I have never had theft or any trouble. (Well, except for leaving that nightclub in Taiwan but there were circumstances ... Lol). It just takes a bit of caution & planning to stay safe. Just like here but it's more hassle to replace things when further away.

You will have a GREAT time. Bon voyage!

[Jasmine46]

I don't really have anything to add, HK, except have an AB-FAB time!

You also might want to check out ebags.com for travel accessories.

They have great prices and free shipping on orders over $35! They have Travelon and some other attractive bags and passport wallets, etc.
Here's a link to some travel accessories under $30:

SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMwww.ebags.com/travel_accessories/29_99_under/category_search/index.cfm?Ne=110000&N=4001+10024+110001

[hellokitty]

Thanks for the tips and good wishes! :)

It will only be for a few days, but it will be nice to just get away...going to Scotland, so it's the perfect quick European getaway, since there is no language barrier!

I told my boyfriend that I may need a travel bag, and he just sighed. Always in need of a new bag, but I don't have one that would be considered safe enough, IMO...I'm going to check out that ebags site right now.

[shopalot2]

Hellokitty...
I have two of the travelon bags in microfiber, and I wouldn't travel without it. It's all I carry when I'm touring. Camera fits...along with money, a credit card, passport, etc.
I carry a COLOR copy of my passport and keep the real one locked up in the safe, but I've never had problem; a lot of it depends on where you are going. Be careful if you are alone, stay in populated areas, look confident, but HAVE FUN! Copies of your passport in each bag, and a copy given to traveling companions is a great idea as well.

[AussieMrs]

Hi hk, you're so lucky to be taking a trip ... even if it is only for a few days! No language barrier?!? Girl, have you heard a thick Scottish accent before, lol?!? It's tough to decipher! Sorry, I don't really have any travel tips for you, as I think if you're lucky enough to travel without kids you've got it made! LOL

In any case, have a wonderful time and BE SAFE! When are you going?

Oh yes, here's a tip: Don't hang out with any Scottish Soccer Hooligans, they're crazy! Just kidding, it's from an SNL skit!

[bookchick]

OMG, Missy, I remember that one
they ended up drunk, barfing, battered and bloody, as i recall

just like the real thing!

verrrrrrry funny!

bookie

[LA-CAgirl3]

hk - OMGosh. Forgot you were going to Scotland. Very safe. Unless you get bumped at Heathrow, you will be fine. No worries! Have an ABFAB trip! Gini

[irishlass]

I lost my passport in Ireland back in 2001. Lucky for me I had my driver's license on me and was able to go to the American Embassy to get another one. Don't keep your passport in your back pack...keep it separate from your other stuff like everyone else has suggested. And YES, make copies of your passport..very important!

Have a wonderful trip!! I'm sure you will! Just pack some warmer clothing, as Scotland doesn't get that warm.

I'm heading over to Ireland on May 24th to see my husband for a week (our 1st wedding anniversary)..hopefully he'll be here in a few months!! (If the US government will move things along!) :(