Review by ChicagoMom:

I used this money belt when I went to Costa Rica for a week in May. It rained everyday, but my money, passport, and other papers stayed dry and secure in the plastic pocket. I was afraid it might be uncomfortable or sweaty with the heat, but I wore it under my waist band on my lower back and it dried out very quickly each night. It held everything I needed and was so light and comfortable I had to often check to make sure it was there!

The only (small) problem I had was that the elastic for the adjustable waistband was far too long for me. I cut off a length and used a safety pin to keep the loose end up so it wouldn’t end up hanging down my leg.

Review by Shopaholic:

I bought this a few months ago, and since then, I’ve used it on two vacations. It is very comfortable, and I really couldn’t tell I had it on. On a few occasions, I patted my tummy to make sure it was still there.

I especially like that it has two separate zipper pockets. I looked at several different brands on these before I bought, and Amazon definitely had the best price for the silk belt. Most places wanted just as much, or more, for a polyester best…can you say sweaty? Ick.

For those who might be wondering, this has a really long belt. Great for plus size people. But for those skinny folks out there, just grab a pair of scissors and trim it off, since the elastic belt isn’t hemmed anyway.

Review by Professor Donald Mitchell:

If you take one trip a year and never go to the same place twice, even the most fortunate person will probably visit no more than 50 different places in a lifetime. What a great idea it is to be more aware of what your choices are before taking one of those 50 trips.

The book is organized around nine themes as described thusly on the contents page:

1. Across Water (Unforgettable voyages, from luxury cruises to dugout canoes)

2. By Road (Chasing the horizon: legendary drives and secret detours)

3. By Rail (Watching the world pass by your window)

4. On Foot (The pleasures of the oldest and greenest mode of travel)

5. In Search of Culture (Life-enhancing odysseys for lovers of all the arts)

6. In Gourmet Heaven (Seeking out the world of flavors)

7. Into the Action (Hands-on adventures for those who’d rather do it for themselves)

8. Up and Away (Flights, skyways, and bird’s-eye views)

9. In Their Footsteps (Pilgrimages for readers, dreamers, and history fans)

Typical trip choices are usually described in one or two pages with color photographs and maps taking up at least half of the space. An entry contains brief advice on when to go, how long the trips last, how far ahead to plan, special packing advice, and Web sites for more information. Highlights of such a trip are also briefly described so you can get a sense of what you’ll see and do. Some trips are, however, listed in as little as a paragraph.

Naturally, you have to judge a book like this very carefully. By definition, you haven’t taken most of the trips!

I looked at trips I’ve taken that were terrific and noticed some weaknesses in the advice. Here are a few examples:

1. Each entry is treated as though there’s nothing else nearby that might be of interest. As a result, you need to check the geographies to see how you might combine several trips listed in the book into one. For example, many of the New England trips are located not too far from one another and you should consider doing more than one on a visit.

2. The timing of how to enjoy other events isn’t always considered in enough detail. For instance, Boston’s Freedom Trail is listed in the book. But you aren’t told that if you come around Patriot’s Day (a Monday in April) you can also see re-enactments of the battles of Lexington and Concord and the running of the Boston Marathon on the same trip.

3. Some of the advice seemed just plain wrong from my point of view. When I went to the Galapagos, I was there for 10 days in the dry season and 4 days in the wet season. The wet season was awful! People there said to be sure to always come in the dry season (which ends around the beginning of winter in North America). The book made no mention of this issue in discussing when to go. Also, many of the most interesting things to do in the Galapagos aren’t mentioned.

As a result, use this book to start dreaming a little about what you might go see. I was fascinated by some of the choices for Australia and New Zealand that I had never heard of but which looked very beautiful. But do plenty of homework beyond the book to find out what you really need to know before choosing and organizing a trip.

Bon voyage!

Review by Melissa Kaye:

I love to travel and I think this book is fantastic! Browsing through this beautiful book, I had to add several travel destinations to my list of places I someday want to visit. If you want some great vacation ideas, from US to exotic oversees destinations, this book will provide many. Paging through the book is also an educational opportunity to discover a bit more about places around the world.

The book is not organized by location (although there is an index for finding specific destinations), but rather the itineraries are listed under the following categories:

Across Water

By Road

By Rail

On Foot

In Search Of Culture

In Gourmet Heaven

Into the Action

Up and Away

In Their Footsteps

Each destination or journey entry includes a page of photos and information. A small map showing the location and route (if applicable) is included as well as a list of highlights. There is also a paragraph or two about the trip and each destination includes sections labeled: When to Go, How Long, Planning, Insider Information, and Websites. These provide some good information and tips for travelers and the website listings give the readers a way to find more details if they want to plan a trip.

The book contains a wealth of ideas and there is certainly something for everyone. Just a sampling of the trips in the book:

Sampling Food along the Mediterranean

Following Che’s trip in Argentina (as depicted in the movie “The Motorcycle Diaries”)

Cycling Across Transylvania

Riding the Moroccan Camel Train

Driving from Utah’s Bryce Canyon to Capital Reef

India’s Golden Triangle (Dehli, Jaipur, Agra)

This is a beautiful book that is very well done. National Geographic does not disappoint here!

Review by Alana Hardy:

Great product! This kit is one of the best of its kind for carrying liquids and gels I’ve found and I’ve tried several. You can fit a lot in a small space because the tubes can be staggered (one pointed up and another pointed down) when packing them in a toiletry bag. Although lightweight and easy to handle and use, the tubes and sprayer are all tough, leakproof, and can take a lot of punishment protecting both their contents and the inside of your travel bag.

Personally, I haven’t found filling the tubes at all difficult. The included `Receiver Caps’ (for the empty tube you are filling) and the variety of sizes of `Dispensing Nozzles’ (to screw onto full bottles you are filling from) make it a snap to transfer contents from one container to another. Just expel the air and hold the tube folded in half and release it as it fills with the cream or gel. Unscrew the Receiver Cap, replace it with the regular cap, and you’re good to go! I only had to use the included syringe for a couple of products: one that came in a very large bottle, and another that came with an oddly shaped closure that I had to cut off to keep open. With a little practice, it is easy to get the hang of it.

I keep two identical sets of containers: one set in quart bags ready for travel, and the others in bathroom cabinets for regular home use. When I empty a container, I refill it with fresh product and swap it with a full container in the travel kit. That way all containers are filled with fresh cream or gel and there is never a need to prepare a kit for travel. It is always ready!

Review by Robin C:

Great product. Has a ton of pieces, with terrific instructions to go along with them. The bottles take a little practice to fill, but well worth the effort. Unlike small bottles the tubes are easy to use, since you can squeeze every last drop out of them. Plus they save a ton of space in your travel bag.

My travel kit arrived in just a matter of days, and was well packed.

Review by Joseph Elwell:

Don’t be fooled by cheaper suction cup knockoffs. Suction cup clotheslines won’t hold a wet sock! You have to tie the ends down either way so why not have a strong line that is designed to be tied. The braided feature allows you to do without clothespins because you can pinch your clothing in between the braids… Although I always throw things over the top. This line is worth the extra dough and will help keep your luggage weight down. I suggest buying some Woolite packets as well.

Review by Engineer Mom:

Best clothesline I have used. Sure beat packing safety pins and/or clothespins to attach clothes to line. It was very easy to attach washed clothes, especially socks, underwear, and shirts. The velcro makes it easier to attach to most things available in a hotel room.

Review by Isis:

I spent two months wearing this belt every day, so I feel as though I can effectively comment on the usefulness of the product. I am an individual with a fine boned frame and small hips, so my comments will be directed towards that. Further, I am in the age group where female pants never come near the navel, so is also affects my review. This was a good purchase, and no matter which country I was in, with family or in a hostel, I always wore this belt.

PROS

*Great way to keep all important documents in one SAFE place

*Zippered pockets (and mesh dividers) made it easier to divide items

*Had enough room for over ,500 in cash in varying currencies in bills and coins(so, different weights, thicknesses, and sizes), in addition to my passport, security badge, and 6 cards (credit, ID, insurance), and transportation/tourist function passes

*Material is lightweight

*Item is sturdy and well-built, feels like it will last…and it made it through two months of constant use and still looks new

*I was able to wear it 24 hours/day for two months and had no allergic reactions/adverse side-effects

CONS

*Sticking your hands down your pants to grab money isn’t the most attractive or inconspicuous thing to do

*In crowded areas, it can be a hassle to actually get to the items because the money belt is under clothes. Arguably, this is why it IS safe, but I certainly had some weird looks while seemingly fishing in my pants for my money…especially noticeable when in line at busy venue

*Very difficult for women to wear, especially those of us who don’t wear pants that come to the waist or loose fitting pants…not the most convenient thing to wear

*Maybe due to my body type, but this slipped down a lot and put a lot of pressure on my abdomen, I adjusted it throughout the day to no avail

*Must be placed carefully, otherwise bending is restricted depending on where your body naturally folds

*Can be irritating to maneuver around when using the restroom…pull it up, or down with pants? No matter which I chose, it was awkward and the buckle popped off quite a few times (and one time almost swung right into the toilet) and this is especially noticeable if carrying lots of coins, as I was

Overall, I recommend this for anyone traveling anywhere (I was in a country with lower crime rates than the USA), including theme parks. I work in an airport and have seen all sorts of odd contraptions for important documents, and still believe this money belt to be the best choice. As happy as I am to no longer wear the thing, the fact that I was able to put up with it for two straight months while hiking through cities and mountains is a testament to the comfort, durability, and safety, and would purchase again/recommend to others.

Review by David Goldstein:

The Eagle Creek Deluxe Security Belt is a fine product which meets all my expectations.Wearing it in very hot weather, I have found it to be very comfortable. The belt is well constructed and the price is fair.

D.S.G.