Bum Bags have made a fashion comeback in recent years. People are now choosing to wear them as a fashion accessory with their everyday outfits, but they’re much more than that and can be really useful when travelling. If you’re not familiar with the bum bag, they’re a small bag that clips around your waist, or you can wear them over one shoulder. We take a look at some of the pros and cons of wearing a bum bag when you’re travelling.
Keep things you need to hand
When you’re travelling, you often need access to valuable items such as your phone, money and passport quickly without routing through your bag. A bumbag keeps these things in close reach without needing to fill your pockets with things that don’t quite fit right. They’re ideal when passing through airports and borders and using public transport. You can keep your main bag on your back and pay for items, locate your tickets and identification very quickly without having to rummage through your pockets, a handbag or backpack.
Hands-free
Your hands are completely free when your items are stored in your bum bag strapped around your waist or over your shoulder. You can hold on to rails when travelling downstairs or use your spare hands to eat and drink. In chilly locations, your hands will quickly become cold if they’re exposed and holding onto your valuables. A bumbag keeps your hands free, so you can put them in your pockets to keep them warm and cosy.
Stylish
Bum Bags are back in fashion; they’re really stylish and come in a variety of colours and materials. Choose a style that suits your personality and compliments your outfit. When you’re travelling, especially backpacking, it can be difficult to feel comfortable and confident after very little sleep and no access to your usual facilities. Your clothing is one way you can still express yourself. The right bum bag will put across your style, and it can even be a conversation starter when you meet new people.
Not completely theft proof
If you’re worried about your valuables getting stolen whilst you’re travelling, a bumbag can help, but they’re not completely theft-proof. Thieves will know that you’re keeping your valuables inside the bag. This may encourage them to pursue you to look for an opportunity where they can take your valuables. The best solution is to leave your valuables at home or alternatively hide in your car at the long-stay car park at Stansted airport or another airport. They’ll be safer here than on your person, but it’s likely that you’ll need to keep some valuables on you to pay for things you need. When wearing a bum bag, be careful to keep it closed at all times and be vigilant in busy crowds. Thieves can take things from pockets, bum bags, or backpacks, so no method of concealing valuables is infallible.
Not suitable for all styles
Not everyone will be happy to wear a bum bag, even if they’re considered stylish and practical. Some people dislike current fashion and despise the thought of wearing a bum bag or anything similar. If this sounds like you, then don’t wear one; it’s that simple. You can keep the valuables you need close to hand in your pockets if they’re big enough. Money belts can also be useful if you want to conceal money and other precious valuables out of sight. Money belts are often less obvious, blending in with all styles, but they can’t hold as many items as a bum bag.
Bum bags are practical and useful for those travelling and looking for somewhere to store belongings close to their body but leaving their hands free. Always be careful when using a bum bag as they can be targets for thieves. If you’re wearing a jacket, you can conceal your bum bag underneath to provide more protection. When it comes to style, it’s completely down to your personal preference whether you like the look of wearing a bum bag. If you’re unsure, look at the many options available; you might find something that perfectly matches your style and personality.
Suitcase Publications 