What to Look for in a Best Travel Money Belt

Like with most other travel gear, there are high-quality products designed to enhance your travels and low-quality products from companies just looking to make a quick buck. In order to ensure you’re buying the best money belt for you and your travel style, here are a few things you need to consider.

1. Activities You’ll Be Doing

Some money belts have specifically been designed for people who will be running or being active while wearing it. These are more likely not to bounce or shift on your waist, but also may be tighter to stay in place better. Money belts with clips will probably be more practical if you will only be walking with it on.

2. Features

Hidden pockets and RFID protection are some of the most common features people look for in the best money belt for traveling. If you love being outdoors and are looking for the best money belt for backpacking, then it’s probably best you purchase one that’s waterproof or water-resistant.

3. How Long You’ll Be Wearing It

While the design and features are important, you’ll want to make sure it’s actually comfortable. The fit should be secure around your waist, but not restricting. Much of the comfort will have to do with the material. If you’ll only need to wear your money belt for an hour or so at a time while you live it up on your gorgeous island vacation, then the material may not be super important to you. But if you’re about to go city sightseeing in Europe and will be wearing your money belt for hours on end, then it’s important to make sure it won’t irritate your skin.

4. Items in Your Money Belt

The items you plan to store in your money belt will affect that size belt that will work best for you. Some money belts are only designed to fit money, while others are large enough to hold items like your passport and phone. While you may love a money belt because of its style or color, be sure that will actually hold what you need it to hold.

5. Preferred Style

The goal is that thieves won’t realize you’re wearing a travel belt. While that’s the primary goal, the solution comes in many shapes and forms. Some money belts resemble traditional belts with a hidden interior pocket, while others are designed to act as a discreet “fanny pack”.

6. Waterproof / Moisture-Wicking

Especially if you’ll be going places where it’s likely to rain, having a money belt that’s waterproof won’t only protect you from thieves, but it will also keep your electronics from being ruined in the event of a storm. If you know you’ll be sweating a lot, a moisture-wicking money belt will be helpful in keeping you cool and your belongings dry.

7. Weight

The lighter you travel, the more comfortable you’ll probably be. While many of us are prone to overpacking our travel bags or carry-on luggage, you’ll really want to avoid adding unnecessary things that will weigh you down. Thankfully, many money belts are designed to be lightweight and comfortable, but if you try to add too many things and walk around with it for too long, it may put a damper on your trip.

Money Belt Alternatives — The different options!

Some travellers take fewer precautions than others. Heck, some even backpack without travel insurance. If traveling with a money belt or one of these alternatives gives you the peace of mind to enjoy your adventure more, go ahead and grab one! But if you think they’re a waste of time, or don’t see the need for your next trip, save your money for a couple of beers on the road instead!