From Kathleen Crislip,
Your Guide to Student Travel.
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Hiding money while traveling is key -- where and how to do it?

Money Belts

Money belts are a tried and true way to hide money while traveling. I often stash cash in a buttoned or zipped cargo pants pocket, but money belts have their place, like while you're wearing a skirt; I've hidden backup bucks in a money belt that stays in my locked backpack back at the room, too. Some money belts look like belts, and some are cloth pouches worn against the skin.

• Learn about money belts and buy direct
• Read cargo pants reviews

Secret Money Pockets

One famous traveler has designed his own thief-proof pants pocket for keeping a credit card safe on the road, and some folks like socks with a secret pocket for money and credit cards, though I've not tried those. And a few handy-with-a-needle women sew money-hiding pockets inside bras, where a mugger may not wish to fish -- just tack a piece of fabric near a strap and fold a few big bills into it, or follow About's Sewing Guide's Debbie Colgrove's Bra Money pocket pattern made just for this (we collaborated a bit, and she came up with an ingenious snap arrangement you should see).

• Sew your own thief-proof pants
• Compare prices - secret pocket travel socks

Top Travel Money Tips

However you hide your money while traveling, remember these travel money tips:

• Carry little cash -- debit is better. Traveler's checks are a pain and seldom worth it.
  • Learn all about debit cards

• Get two copies of your debit card. Leave one with someone at home who can mail it to you quickly if you lose yours.
  • Learn how to get an international snail mail address

• Leave deposit slip copies with someone like Dad, whom you can dial for dollars. Call him if you need to borrow money and it'll shortly be available via debit card.
  • How to make an international phone call