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Yes, under the clothing. But unless you are bundled up in some serious layers, people will always know that you are wearing a money belt. Doesn't matter if you don't access it in public.
But alas, this is getting tiresome. The main point is that Americans have no reason to carry such ridiculous fear when they travel. And also, OP, hope you have fun!
I think a money belt is excessive. I leave my passport and unnecessary money in the hotel safe when travelling. And I take cabs as opposed to the metro.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. When I tell some people I'm going they act like I said I'm going to Iraq. Sigh
It probably has more to do with going to a country where the native language isn't English. I'm sure that if you said you were going to the UK you would get less blowback
Yes...they do go hand in hand. Perfect example....mentioned to a friend we should go to Cuba before there is a McDonald's on every corner. She said I was crazy and could only imagine what would happen to us there since it's so dangerous. I pointed out she had been to the Dominican Republic which is far more dangerous and that, if she looked into it, she would realize Cuba is relatively safe. She said I was being crazy. Again, someone whose done no research and is completely ignorant to reality.
Yes, it's always the people who have traveled the least who are the most fearful. Which makes sense in a way: without any experience of their own, how can they judge the actual risks involved?
I recently booked a trip to Madrid from nyc. It was last minute, so nobody can accompany me. Everyone I know is warning me not to go alone and since I am female, I will be targeted by criminals. I'm staying in a 5 star hotel in the best part of the city. I planned on doing some group day trips and evening tapas tours so I'm not alone all the time, but I'm beginning to feel discouraged by everyone's negativity.
Any solo travellers here that can offer me some encouragement? I have travelled quite a bit, but never alone.
Hi Sumtimes
I'm also traveling solo to Spain( Madrid, Seville, Barcelona) and a couple of other countries at the end of March but I'm couch surfing. I currently live in the UK and have taken advantage of this to travel around Europe. I'm not really worried because I'll be staying with locals (females) and this isn't the first time I travel solo. I never had any problems before. I mean, it's not written all over me that I'm a tourist..although, I've been to a few places where I stood out a bit more because of the demography, but people usually don't even notice you until you start asking for directions. I definitely don't wear a money belt or walk around with a camera hanging around my neck. Just try to fit in and I'm sure you'll be alright!
I've been to Madrid and I found it to be very safe (as are nearly all cities in Europe). I wouldn't worry too much, you'll be fine.
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