How do you keep your money and credit cards safe while travelling?

 As one who has done a lot of travelling both in foreign countries as well as my home country I have seen and heard of several different ways in which people try to theft proof themselves. Travel forums abound with advice on the type of bags available and how those intent on relieving you of your valuables can get at said bags and money belts as well as advice about taking a minimum of cash and using some sort of card of which there are now many kinds. The problem with cards is that they cannot be used easily in the places I usually visit and also that cloning is rampant so I take credit cards only for dire emergencies. Remembering that a family member once became stranded when relieved of his wallet while checking in for his homeward flight from his last port of call after a year otherwise incident free travels, I keep these totally separated from all other monies. I have my own procedures for stashing my cash . . . not going to elaborate!

Last year a friend of my own vintage who has travelled extensively in Asia, the Middle East and Europe visited me while on an Australian tour. She was lamenting the demise of her own theft proof solution, a knitted pouch just a little bigger than a credit card which she attached to her bra. Someone had knitted it for her several years earlier but it was now full of holes.

After a bit of a look at the remains of her treasured pouch, I got out my knitting needles and spare wool and knitted a couple for her. She visited again last week and, as she is off to Malaysia, Laos and Sri Lanka with another friend, I again knitted her a new one as well as one for her friend.

Knitted Money Safe Travel Pouch

Materials: small amount of cotton or acrylic 4 ply yarn and 3.25mm needles

 [ Cotton and acrylic wash better than many wools.]

Cast on 35 stitches

Work 32 rows stocking stitch

Make eyelet holes: Right Side Facing

Next Row: ** K1, wool in front, K2 together** to the end

Next Row :    Knit

Next Row:     Purl

Cast off loosely

Crochet a chain tie or obtain some narrow ribbon.

Fold piece over to form a rectangle which should big enough for your credit card and some folding money.

Sew up bottom and side seam, insert tie.

Attach to your bra strap, and . . .

Travel Safe!