I am leaving on a tour on 5/22/05 and still am confused a little about luggage. The carry on bag that is acceptable is very small and I wonder should I use that as my purse and not take a purse? They say there is a limited amount of room on the motorcoach. If you can take a purse also, can or should you leave the carry on bag on the motor coach?

Thanks. I never thought about a money belt. I guess everything was ok with leaving the carry on on the motorcoach. Where did you keep your passport?

I highly recommend a soft backpack for the carry-on, as it will expand when needed and is more pliable so it fits easier in the overhead. The coach is usually safe to leave stuff on while out sightseeing as the driver generally (not always) stays with the coach. To be safer though I would carry the passport on/in my moneybelt (better safe than sorry) and have Duplicates/copies of all your paperwork in your luggage (just in case). . My Wife always brings a small purse for needed items (MONEY.. ..lol) when we are sightseeing/walking while I have a small napsack (mini backpack) that I attach to my belt. It works for us, find what is comfortable for you and ENJOY your Vacation!

I have to agree that the carry-on provided by Globus is "purse-size". . I do plan to use it as my purse and I am carrying on a soft-sided suitcase that meets their requirements of 17x14x8.. .. .. .. ..Is this going to be a problem?

When you say "money belt", do you mean like the little fannie packs? One woman said you could put under your shirt but I don't think I would like the fannie pack under my shirt. Thanks for all your help, I am feeling more at ease about this.

I [u]don't[/u] think they're talking fannie packs. The "belt" I use is pretty flat, made by Samsonite, I think. Sort of like an open wallet size, maybe 4 x 8 inches. You can find them in most luggage departments. I keep money, passport, airline tickets. etc in it.

Money belts are designed to be under the clothing to protect your contents, it is not easy to access but prevents any pickpockets. Fanny packs are much easier marks for pickpockets (like my napsack is) so we carry just what we need for that given day or stop and the rest goes in the money belt (ie; passport/extra cash/plane tickets). . I have seen money belts on Rick Steves site and Ebay and luggage places, my wife likes the ones that hang around her neck and under the clothes.

Money belts are very thin and flat compare to funny packs. They are sold nearly everywhere: in luggage stores, map stores, even in - like Walgreens and Rite Aid. I use mine for passport, emergency cash and cards and wear it tucked in into pants or skirt.

On a tour I will take a suitcase (will be stored in the bus during the day), carry-on (Globus sent me a nice one, but it's all black, I will bring mine of different color not to confuse with other's) for munchies, water, small things I may need like umbrella, and a purse for camera, Kleenex, pen and notebook.