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Looking to buy travel wallets in New Zealand? With tickets, passports, cards, and currency – travelling can become quite a confusing affair! That is where our range of travel wallets come in handy. You’ll be able to keep everything in one easy to access a place that protects your most important documents whilst looking sleek and stylish. With travel wallets from brands such as Pacsafe , Fjallraven, Samsonite, and Bellroy , there is a style perfect for everyone. We offer free shipping with all of our travel wallets NZ wide so don’t delay!

What is a travel wallet?

A travel wallet is a type of wallet that is designed to keep all your travel documentation together in one place. Travel wallets generally contain different pockets and compartments so you can keep all your documents well-organised. It is usually larger than a traditional wallet as it needs to fit in documents such as your passport. Travel wallets are useful to take on your trip with you, and can also be a good central place to store your travel documentation while you are at home. There are many different types of travel wallets available, all with features so you are sure to find one to suit your needs.

What to keep in your travel wallet?

When you are travelling overseas you usually need to take more documentation than if you are just travelling within your county, and the more countries you are visiting, the more documentation you will need. Things that you might keep in your travel wallet if you are travelling abroad include your passport, plane tickets and boarding passes, credit cards, driver’s licence, and your foreign currency. You might also include visas, travel insurance information, emergency contact numbers, and any other tickets or booking confirmations that you will need while you are away.

Where can I buy a travel wallet?

If you are looking for a high-quality travel wallet, then you’ve come to the right place. At luggage.co.nz, we sell travel wallets in a range of styles, sizes, and prices that will help you to stay organised when you are on the move. From the Go Travel Glo travel wallet that comes in bright, fun colours including pink, blue, orange, or yellow to the black Herschel search passport holder made from high-quality leather, we sell a variety of travel wallets to suit everyone’s tastes.

Security is a big issue, especially when you are travelling a long way from home. If you are concerned about skimming and identity fraud, many of our travel wallets and pouches are built with RFID blocking material to protect you from electronic skimmers while you are on the go. For example, Pacsafe’s RFIDsafe V100 anti-theft RFID blocking wallet is built with slash-proof material and is secured with an elastic strap closure with a loop so you can keep the wallet securely around your wrist. Samsonite also has RFID Passport Covers in a range of colours. The built-in layer of metallic material which is placed in between the outer layer and internal lining protects your passport and cards from payment and identity fraud from unwanted skimming. If you’re wanting to add some colour to your life, Fjallraven Kanken has a range of travel wallets available in some colourful shades including peach pink and ox red. It can fit multiple cards and unfolded banknotes, comes with a fleeced lined pocket for your phone, has an exterior flat pocket for your passport, and includes a zippered coin pocket to keep your coins safe. And if you want to be fashionable, you can get a Fjallraven Kanken backpack to match!

If you are a serious traveller setting out on an outdoor adventure, the Lowe Alpine DryZone passport wallet keeps your passport and other important documents safe and dry. It comes with an adjustable neck strap so you can wear it under your clothes and belt buckle loops so you can attach it to a thin belt. As well as travel wallets, we also stock coin purses, and more traditional women’s and men’s wallets .

Luggage.co.nz is an online luggage retailer specialising in suitcases , travel backpacks , travel bags, and other travel accessories. With our office and warehouse in Tauranga, New Zealand, we are 100% New Zealand owned and operated. We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service, so we’ll do our absolute best to keep our customers happy. Although we think you’ll love our travel wallets as much as we do if you do need to return any of your purchases we allow you to return your order within 100 days of the date of purchase for a refund unless stated otherwise in the product description. We also offer free delivery for our travel wallets New Zealand wide. If your order is placed by 2 pm NZST it will typically be dispatched on the same day. Depending on where you live in NZ, your order should arrive between 1 to 3 days from when you order it, although you’ll need to allow a bit extra for rural deliveries. Shop online today, and you could have a new travel wallet on your doorstep before you know it! 

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14 Travel Wallets for Your Next Trip | Best Travel Wallet

Whether you’re new to the travel wallet game or are a seasoned vet looking for your next passport partner, this list has you covered.

If you’re traveling abroad, passport security has probably crossed your mind more than once. Exploring a new place is exhilarating, but being unsure if your passport is secure causes unneeded anxiety. Never fear; Pack Hacker is here!

We’ve compiled a detail-oriented list of our favorite travel wallets to help you decide which should accompany you on your next trip. Some are basic passport wallets without frills; others are as detailed as your itinerary. There’s a best travel wallet for everyone on this list, so sit tight, and enjoy the ride!

Before we dive in, we tested all of these passport wallets with American identification. If you your passport is a different size, your mileage may vary. For reference, an American model is 4 15/16 x 3 7/16 inches (12.54 x 8.73 centimeters). Most passports match this size, but if unsure, measure yours first. Now, let's get into it!

• Bellroy Travel Wallet
• Fjallraven Passport Wallet
• Pioneer Passport Wallet
• Zero Grid Passport Wallet
• Pacsafe RFIDsafe Compact Travel Organizer
• Away Passport Holder
• Amazon Basics RFID Travel Passport Wallet
• Zoppen Passport Holder
• Herschel Supply Co. Raynor Passport Holder
• Trayvax Explorer Passport Wallet
• Red Wing Shoes Passport Wallet
• Fjallraven Kanken Travel Wallet
• CODEOFBELL ANNEX CASE
• Moment Crossbody Wallet

Best for: Full-time Travelers

Why We Like It: A professional-looking option that includes a pen.

What You Should Know: The hidden pocket flap is flimsy.

Bellroy’s Travel Wallet is a popular and competent offering that looks professional and has thoughtful internal organization. You can slide more than one passport inside, and there’s a divider in the money pocket to separate different currencies. Or, slide a boarding pass in one and your cash in the other.

Although the wallet looks similar in size to a standard wallet, it has a much larger footprint. This keeps it from fitting inside your front pocket and away from most back pockets. However, It should fit inside your sling , coat pocket, or daypack .

Though the exterior scratches and scuffs easily, it offers a unique, rugged, professional look that we dig. Plus, it comes with a micro-pen! That’s great for filling out your customs form on the plane before landing. What else could you ask for from a travel wallet?

Why We Like It: Internal organization feels more like a wallet with space for extras.

What You Should Know: It is a tad too big for a pocket but too small to require a sling.

The Fjallraven Passport Wallet utilizes G-1000 fabric, which we’re used to seeing on other products from the brand. It’s durable, looks professional, and makes the color pop. Paired with YKK zippers, this is a passport wallet that you can rely on for years to come.

The internal organization can handle your travel documents, credit cards, and more than one passport if you pack it wisely. Given how much you can fit inside, this wallet is larger than your daily carry, but it feels soft in your hand and looks professional and fun at the same time.

If you own other Fjallraven gear, their Passport Wallet will fit right into your kit.

Best for: Professional Travelers

Why We Like It: The use of premium, sturdy materials goes a long way.

What You Should Know: There’s only one place to put your passport.

If durable materials are your thing, look no further than the Pioneer Passport Wallet. In addition to having space for your important travel documents, the nylon shell is extraordinarily tough and can handle whatever journey you have planned next. It also has a DWR coating to shield your sensitive information from the elements.

The interior design is simple, which ensures you can access everything quickly. Both the interior and exterior are minimalistic, which is great for looks, but may leave something to be desired for those who like to bring a ton of gear.

Whereas this is an excellent option for those looking for a passport wallet for just the essentials, if you want the best travel wallet for the whole nine yards, this might not be the right choice for you.

Best for: Relaxed Travelers

Why We Like It: It can fit a lot of gear for its small footprint.

What You Should Know: The materials aren’t very sturdy for rugged adventures.

At first glance, the Zero Grid Passport Wallet looks a bit cheap. However, what it lacks stylistically, it makes up for in gear storage. On the interior, you can stow your passport on either side, leaving the other for your cards and cash. There’s even an exterior pocket that’s handy for waiting in line at the coffee shop or food truck.

This travel wallet closes with a YKK zipper and utilizes ripstop nylon, which is lightweight and fairly durable. It isn’t the best choice for a rugged adventure, but it’ll hold up well for most use cases.

If the small size doesn’t suit your needs, Zero Grid makes a larger Passport Holder with enough space for an entire family. Plus, the included pen is nearly twice as large; what a deal! This comes in handy for filling out customs forms and writing down directions.

Why We Like It: The dedicated change purse is ideal for places where cash rules.

What You Should Know: Although plentiful, the internal organization can be daunting.

Pacsafe is known for its products that deter theft while traveling. Although their Compact Travel Organizer doesn’t have any of the unique locking features as some of their slings we’ve tested, it has RFID-blocking technology and is a capable travel wallet.

The exterior is crafted from recycled polyester and is PFC-free, which is an excellent shout from an environmental standpoint. A small zippered pocket on the exterior works well for change or if you’re waiting in line at a cash-only joint and don’t want to wave bills around beforehand.

This passport wallet is large, but not so large that you’ll feel awkward holding onto it for a few minutes at a restaurant or shop. The interior organization is thoughtful and easy to organize, so you’ll be able to quickly access your gear no matter where you end up.

Why We Like It: Unique design doesn’t fold, ensuring no wasted space.

What You Should Know: It can be hard to see the cards inside the wallet.

Most of the travel wallets on this list share one feature—a fold. We’re used to seeing non-folding models in the everyday carry world, but for a passport wallet, it feels wasteful. Enter the Away Passport Holder!

The design ensures easy access to your passport and gear because you don’t need to open a fold before grabbing it. This does heighten the chance that dirt and debris will slide inside and makes it a little harder to see cards in poor light, but once you get used to it, this isn’t an issue.

Best of all, this travel wallet from Away looks professional and feels durable. Plus, if you have larger pockets on your clothing, you may be able to carry it without needing a sling or daypack!

Best for: Frugal Travelers

Why We Like It: There’s enough room for everything in your wallet and then some.

What You Should Know: You’ll need to stow it in a daypack or other large gear.

We know what you’re thinking—an AmazonBasics travel wallet? Stick with us. It might look like the little folder that the check comes in at a restaurant, but the AmazonBasics RFID Travel Passport Wallet can fit you, your partner, and your family’s travel documents in one easy-to-access location.

In addition to holding everyone’s passports, you will be able to stow cards, cash, and other gear inside. The exterior has a loop to secure it inside your pack for extra peace of mind. The design is thoughtfully crafted, so you know where all your important documents are at all times.

Best of all, it comes at a budget-friendly price so you can spend more on wontons, not a travel wallet.

Why We Like It: Clutch-style design looks as comfortable at a restaurant as at the airport.

What You Should Know: Button closure can be finicky.

Most travel wallets we’ve come across have a more masculine style. There are options for those who prefer something different, but they’re not as common. The ZOPPEN Mulit-purpose Rfid Blocking Passport Holder Travel Wallet utilizes a clutch-style design that fits in no matter where you end up.

The exterior is crafted from faux leather that looks professional and holds up well over time. The snap closure can be tricky, especially when not fully packed. There are a ton of fun colorways to choose from, and this travel wallet won’t break the bank, either.

The interior has a soft accent material to ensure your gear stays safe and scratch-free. It unfolds like a pamphlet, so you’ll have enough room for everything you need, from Detroit to Delhi.

Why We Like It: It has a casual design that feels at home no matter where you end up.

What You Should Know: Sliding your passport in and out isn’t always the quickest.

The Herschel Supply Co. Raynor may be described as a passport holder, but it operates like a travel wallet. It’s crafted from leatherette, or synthetic leather, which is durable but shows cracks over time. These haven’t compromise the material in our experience, though they are noticeable.

The interior has a simple design that can hold a few cards, cash, and a passport. The organization doesn’t try to do or carry too much and ensures you don’t overpack in the process.

However, it’s pretty large for what you can stow inside. It feels more like a standard model than a travel wallet. That might not work for some, but if you want to use something that reminds you of what you’re used to, it will do that perfectly. The model we have on hand has a black-and-white colorway that’s sharp-looking and unique.

Why We Like It: American leather looks professional and rugged simultaneously.

What You Should Know: You can’t fit a ton of gear inside for how large it is.

We’ve tested a lot of Trayvax Wallets here at Pack Hacker. Though their minimalist wallets are mostly made of metal, the Explorer Passport Wallet has a unique look all its own. It’s crafted from genuine American leather that looks professional and rugged simultaneously.

The angled corners look almost art-deco and add to this wallet’s stand-out design. It only comes in brown, but we feel that color suits it well.

On the interior, there’s a window so you can see what card you’re sliding out. There isn’t much room for gear here, but there’s enough space for your travel essentials. In addition to offering an excellent passport wallet, Trayvax has a warranty that can be relied on. The warranty spans 65 years and covers any issues with materials or their work from general wear and tear.

Why We Like It: A classic look that your grandfather and grandchild can appreciate.

What You Should Know: The fold is rounded, so it takes up a lot of space.

Red Wing has been cranking out comfortable boots since just after the turn of the century, but they make other leather goods worth looking at, too. The Red Wing Shoes Passport Wallet is crafted from durable materials and feels as sturdy as we’d expect from such a reliable brand.

On the interior, the two sides are nearly identical. There are slide pockets for your passport(s), two slots for cards, and a larger pocket perfect for cash. There isn’t a good spot for coins, so you might want to have an alternative place for that or avoid carrying it.

Given the durability of the leather, the crease isn’t very flat, which gives this travel wallet a lot of width. It feels more comfortable in a sling or daypack, but you can throw it in your jacket pocket in a pinch.

Best for: Sustainable Travelers

Why We Like It: Has enough space to fit small gear inside, so it functions similar to a clutch bag.

What You Should Know: It’s pretty bulky for the storage space you get.

We’ve tested a lot of Fjallraven gear over the years, a lot of which carries the Kanken name. The Fjallraven Kanken Travel Wallet is perfect for someone who already owns gear from the line or is looking for an ecosystem to invest in.

This passport wallet has lots of internal organization for your travel essentials and everyday gear. There’s an exterior phone pocket to keep everything in one place; however, plus-sized phones and large cases might not fit. When you’re phone is stowed inside, you can see the edges, which isn’t the most flattering look.

There are numerous fun colorways, and the styling perfectly fits into the Kanken line. However, it works well with anything colorful. When not fully packed, the top of the wallet caves in a little. This doesn’t affect usage, but it is noticeable.

Why We Like It: Enough room to stow your daily essentials and passport.

What You Should Know: It’s a bit bulky, even for a small pouch.

The CODEOFBELL ANNEX CASE isn’t a passport wallet per say, but it works exceptionally well for folks who want to go the extra mile in gear storage. The exterior has a durable shell with ample water resistance, so your gear inside will stay safe.

You can turn the case into a sling or crossbody bag, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not it will fit into your pocket. Though that makes this thing is large and hefty, you can fit more gear inside than in a traditional travel wallet. It utilizes segmentation, separate zippered compartments, and liner pockets to ensure all your gear has a home.

It has a minimalistic design, but the black colorway might not be what everyone looks for in a pouch.

Why We Like It: A simple wallet for those who prefer the option to wear your essentials.

What You Should Know: It looks more like a purse than a wallet.

The Moment Crossbody Wallet is a mini sling that can be used as a wallet. You can carry it with the included wristlet or use the strap to keep your hands free. The design is more feminine, but the colorway lends itself to most outfits and any gender.

The strap clips don’t feel the most secure, but we haven’t had any issues with them coming undone. There’s enough space to segment your gear on the interior but not enough to drown it in organizational bureaucracy. That said, it can feel a bit tight, so it’s best for storing small gear like a phone or chapstick.

Whether at the airport or on a fancy date, the Moment Crossbody Wallet is the best travel wallet that's up for any occasion and ensures all your gear makes it home safely.

So there you have it! Hopefully, by this point, you’ve chosen a few travel wallets that you can choose from for your next trip. Whether you’re heading to Texas or Tazmania, one of the passport wallets on this list will surely get your gear there safely.

If you want to see some of these wallets in action, check out this video!

January 23, 2023

Author: Eric Hergenreder

Eric has been across the globe, but his favorite place to explore is his home state of Michigan. His love for photography has taken him all around the Great Lake State, often writing about his travels so that others can enjoy them, too. Eric loves messing around with analog photography, watching soccer, and searching for the world’s best burger in his spare time.

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Home » Gear » best travel wallets

Best Travel Wallets to Match Your Style in 2024

You might well be thinking ‘do I really need a travel wallet?’ Isn’t my everyday wallet good enough? And here’s our answer: yes, and, no, in that order. How’s that then? Why should you get a dedicated travel wallet? And why isn’t what you use every day good enough when you’re traveling?

For one thing, being on the road requires supreme organization – there are different currencies, passports, insurance details, and a whole lot more than normal to keep hold of.

But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered, with the best travel wallets on offer reviewed and examined in the greatest of detail.

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Wallets

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• Overall Best Travel Wallet – Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet
• Best Minimal Travel Wallet – Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet
• Best Thin Travel Wallet – Big Skinny Slimline bifold wallet
• Best Leather Travel Wallet – Harber London RFID Travel Wallet
• Best RFID-Blocking Security Travel Wallet – Pacsafe RFIDsafe Bi-Fold Wallet
• Best Travel Wallet for Europe – Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet
• Best Travel Wallet for Women – Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet
• Best Travel Wallet with a Passport Holder – VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet
• Best Travel Wallet for Men – Visconti Leather Travel Organiser Wallet

Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet

• Price > $36.95
• > RFIDsafe blocking material
• > Not too bulky

Big Skinny Tri Fold Wallet

• Price > $35.95
• > Full-length banknote section
• > RDIF-blocking tech

Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet

• Price > $19.99
• > As minimal as they come!
• > Great price point

Harber London RFID Travel Wallet

• Price > $103
• > Several organisation pockets
• > Main zip closure for security

Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet

• > Full RFID-protection
• > Water resistant

VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet

• Price > $23.99
• > Fun designs
• > Big enough for a passport and smart phone

Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet

• Price > $14.99
• > Eco and ethical
• > RFID-blocking

Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet

• > High capacity
• > Detachable hand strap

Visconti Leather Travel Organiser Wallet

• > Good number of pockets

Security Belt

• Price > $25.37
• > Combined belt and money pouch
• > Very discreet

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When it comes to organizing the most important personal items, you need a wallet that is practical, functional and keeps your s*** safe. The Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is just the unit to do that. Along with using a portable travel safe , its a great way to keep your stuff safe.

The Pacsafe V50 is tough , and provides enough in the way of of security and organizational features to keep your money and cards easily accessible to you and away from the hands of potential thieves. A wallet is one of those things you don’t think about too much – but for backpackers a fine balance of practical and secure is what we are after – and I think Pacsafe achieved both of those things here.

Need more ideas? Check out the best travel organisers out there.

• RFIDsafe blocking material
• Well priced
• Wrist strap included
• Not too bulky
• No space for a passport
• Coin pocket is a bit small
• Doesn’t automatically refill with money after a night at the bar

Is the Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet for me?

If you’re looking for a slimlined minimalist wallet that’s going to provide a place for your cards (5), cash, and ID while traveling without being over bulky and immediately obvious to those pickpockets out there, then the Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is undoubtedly the overall best travel wallet for you, with card and cash space without the drama!

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Big Skinny Trifold Wallet

This traditionally styled slimline tri-ifold wallet by Big Skinny is equally balanced and incredibly lightweight for what it is, meaning no awkward moments with one side flapping about as you try and retrieve something from the second. There’s a full-length section for bank notes, pockets for up to 4 credit cards (do you need more when traveling? It’s unlikely!), a clear fronted pocket for an ID card or driving license, and an additional two hidden pockets. What’s more, its pockets are lined with RFID-blocking technology, so you have no need to worry about your electronic data getting scanned and stolen!

• Equally balanced sides
• Full-length banknote section
• RDIF-blocking tech
• Hidden pockets
• Just 4 credit card pockets
• Imported for UK customers
• Designed for US banknotes
• Not fully waterproof

Is the Big Skinny Tri Fold Wallet for me?

Like an everyday wallet in slimline form, the Big Skinny Slimline Bifold Wallet manages to provide a full-length banknote section and place for credit cards, so if you’re looking for a travel-friendly version of your main wallet, we say go for the Big Skinny!

Update : We no longer recommend this product. As of November 2020, many Nomatic customers have experienced problems with their orders and zero customer support – therefore we do NOT recommend you buy products with Nomatic. Instead, go with one of our other top picks above.

Has someone made a mistake here? Haven’t we already reviewed the Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet as our overall best travel wallet? Well, yes we have! But this wallet is so perfect we just had to bring it up again! There’s simply no arguing with its minimalist tendencies, its lovingly small overall size, or its weight of just a few grams. Then there’s the fact it can hold a whopping 15 cards should you be traveling like Jeff Bezos, with a tab that makes it super easy to grab the top four you use most often. And there’s still that little pocket for cash or keys too!

Looking for more info? We wrote a more detailed post on the Nomatic Wallet for your reading pleasure!

• As minimal as they come!
• Great price point
• Easy access tab for most used cards
• Small change/key pocket
• Not large enough to hold a passport
• Just four color choices
• No RFID-blocking pocket
• Too small for some users?

Is the Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet for me?

We can’t quite believe how much can be stored in such a small size with the Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet! So for anyone looking for a travel wallet that’s going to keep their valuables safe and in one place without the need for a daypack for oversized pocket, we’ll just shift the Nomatic in your direction!

Best Leather Travel Wallet

Harber london rfid travel walle t.

For those of you who want a high end, stylish, cool as f**k leather wallet then come and meet Harber London. This lush leather RFID protected wallet is exactly what James Bond would carry if he ever bothered to pay for anything. So, there are enough credit card slots for more cards then it’s likely you’ll need when traveling, sections for keeping those freshly-minted banknotes crisp, and a further zipped pocket which you can either use for coins, keys, or other small valuable items.

Minimal yet spacious, this wallet will last you for many a year.

• Several organization pockets
• Internal zip close pocket
• RFID Protected
• Leather is not an ethical choice for some people

Is the Wildman Travel Document Wallet for me?

Add a touch of class to your business trips or family vacations with the Wildman Travel Document Wallet! Not only does it have a classically styled look about it, but an unbelievable amount of space for all those items you need when traveling – including space for your passport!

Unzip the Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet and it falls open like a book, which is great for being able to rapidly spot what you’re looking for. It is fully RFID-protected, meaning data thieves are unable to scan your credit card of ID details without your knowledge, but also means you don’t have to worry about the exact placement of your most at-danger valuables. Just slip them anywhere inside the wallet! Also included are card pockets, one with a clear window for your ID, banknote sleeves, and an additional two stash pockets. To round things off, this wallet-cum-lifesaving organiser also comes with a slash-proof wrist strap.

• Full RFID-protection
• Banknote sleeves
• Change pockets
• Slash resistant
• Larger style travel wallet
• Four credit card slots
• Just one colour available

Is the Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet for me?

For anyone who wants a larger travel wallet to keep everything organised and in one place the Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is the answer. With full RFID protection, there’s space for cards, banknotes, change, and passports and documentation too!

The VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet is certainly worthy of the name, with enough space to include all the valuables and items you need when traveling. Not only are there pockets for banknotes, coins, and credit/debit cards, there is also a dedicated passport pocket, all securely enclosed within a zip-close book-style opening. On the outside surface, you’ll also find a smartphone-friendly pocket suitable for phones the size of the iPhone 7, meaning users are able to keep all their valuables together in one place! The Tuscall Travel Wallet is also lightweight when empty and weatherproof, and comes in a number of fun, attractive patterns.

• Cool designs
• built RFID-protection
• Weatherproof
• Big enough for a passport and smartphone
• Too large for most pockets
• Too small for a whole family

Is the VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet for me?

Keep everything from your passport to your smartphone safe and in one place with the TVULKIT Passport Holder Wallet. Pretty much the perfect size – large enough for a passport but not so large you don’t know what to do with it – this travel wallet also offers some protection from the weather, and looks great too!

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The Zoppen travel wallet has a tri-fold design for a slimmer overall design while still being large enough to hold a passport, banknotes, and even an airline boarding card – without the need to fold it up! Made from eco and ethical PU faux leather, its classic style comes in a huge range of colors. The banknote sleeve is suitably-sized to fit US dollars – longer than many other currencies, all the while protecting your data from theft due to its in-built RFID blocking materials. On top of that, there are credit and ID card slots as you might expect, and the possibility to slip your smartphone inside too!

• Can hold a passport
• Eco and ethical
• Range of colors
• RFID-blocking
• Faux leather
• Slightly heavier than other travel wallets
• Not the trendiest look
• Not for the great outdoors

Is the Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet for me?

Buy the Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet and you’re pretty much guaranteed to have space for all the valuable items you need to travel with, from passport to boarding card and credit cards. The RFID-blocking technology also means you’re safe from data theft wherever you are in the world!

The Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet is another of the higher capacity travel wallets we’re bringing to your attention in this review. This nature makes it incredibly easy to keep everything not only in one handy place but organized throughout too. The book-like form provides an almost unending series of pockets, some zipped, for passports, documentation, and money. There’s a detachable hand strap that can be slipped over the wrist to make this travel wallet even more secure when being used.

• High capacity
• Great organization
• Detachable hand strap
• Intended for women only
• 250 grams delivery weight

Is the Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet for me?

Are you the one responsible for the family’s documents? Or maybe you’re just a woman who likes to be organized and have everything in one place? If either is you, then the Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet is going to make your life a hell of a lot easier, thanks to its huge array of pockets!

This delightful travel wallet is constructed from soft leather for a luxurious feel and has a simple but stylish look. There’s a zip close pocket the size of the whole wallet on the outer rear side, which has a multitude of users. Inside, the travel wallet opens out to reveal a variety of pouches and a further zip close pocket, as well as a good number of credit card slots on the flap opening. For supreme organization, sections are labeled ‘tickets’, ‘passports’, ‘documents’, and ‘cheques’. What’s more, there’s an additional slip sleeve hidden beneath the credit card slots that’s perfect for banknotes.

• Stylish look
• Good number of pockets
• Organisational sleeves
• ‘Cheques’?, who uses cheques?
• No RFID-blocking pockets
• Wallet closes with studs rather than zip
• Large for the average male pocket

Is the Visconti Leather Travel Organiser Wallet for me?

This stylish travel wallet will leave many a person asking where you’ve got it from! Not only does it look and feel great, but its highly usable too. There are zip close pockets inside and out, as well as helpfully-labeled sleeves to keep you on the straight and narrow when it comes to organization while away from home.

If you’re worried about the need to carry high-denomination banknotes on you when you’re traveling, the a Security Belt could be the answer. Combining the belt you’ll probably be taking in any case with a wallet, the basic premise is a belt that incorporates a hidden zipped pocket on its inner side. Made from sturdy black nylon, the belt weighs just four ounces and fits men’s and women’s waists of 26 to 42 inches. The downside to a security belt is that it cannot be used as an everyday wallet since the money is nicely tucked away, and banknotes need to be folded lengthways to fit.

• Combined belt and money pouch
• Zip close pocket
• Sturdy nylon construction
• Very discreet
• Cannot be used as an everyday wallet
• Banknotes must be folded
• Cannot take credit card/passport
• Plastic buckle

Is a Security Belt for me?

A further feather in the cap for security when traveling, this Security Belt is a nice way of separating out some emergency cash from your other valuables. Alternatively, it’s a way of minimizing spending and the risk of pickpockets.

Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet

Using environmentally certified leather, the Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet is another of the slimline travel wallets in this review. However, that doesn’t mean this travel wallet doesn’t have the capacity to hold everything you need for a successful time away. In fact, the Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet has a dedicated passport pocket, as well as another two for banknotes of different currencies, documents, and up to 10 credit cards too! Flipping open like a police notebook rather than a paperback book, there’s a narrow pen has been cleverly added into the center fold. In addition, the Bellroy also includes protection from electronic snooping, with RFID-blocking incorporated!

• Environmentally certified leather
• Passport pocket

RFID-protection

• High delivery price for UK customers
• Won’t take a family’s passports
• No outer zip

Is the Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet for me?

A crisp, clean look is just the start of the benefits of owning this leather travel wallet from Bellroy. Designed with travel in mind, there’s a dedicated passport pouch, pockets for multiple currencies, and place for a good number of credit cards too! And then there’s the RFID-blocking technology we should also mention again….

Valante Travel Wallet

The Valante Travel Wallet opens out in the same way a book does, giving easy access and even easier sighting of all the items you’re storing within. The rear exterior side has a large pocket in which you could slip in your smartphone, while inside there are a further three large pockets big enough to take a passport. There are two sleeves for holding banknotes of various currencies, an identity card or driving license pouch, and slots for an additional seven credit cards. Its lightweight, but is still made from water-resistant nylon. Finally, the Valante travel wallet also includes RFID-blocking technology too!

• Book opening
• Smartphone and passport pockets
• RFID-blocking tech
• Polyester material
• Weight of 9.1 oz.
• Just one color available

Is the Valante Travel Wallet for me?

If you need a travel wallet capable of holding all of your travel documents, the Valante is a good way to go. There are pockets large enough for a smartphone and passports, as well as those for banknotes and slots for credit cards. There’s also the fact it has RFID-protection, and resistance against the rain too!

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

The best travel wallet for one person isn’t necessarily the best travel wallet for the next person in the queue. So which is the best travel wallet for you? Here are a few points to take note of when working out which of our top picks might be the best for you.

Most of the travel wallets in our review list are made from water-resistant synthetic materials, which are ideal for anyone worried about getting caught in the rain (or even ruined by a splash of spilt coffee). But we’ve also covered a few travel wallets made in faux or real leather, for that extra look of sophistication!

Do you want your travel wallet to contain RFID-protection ? Firstly, let’s explain exactly what RFID stands for: Radio-Frequency Identification Devices. Basically, the wallets that promise RFID-protection stop electronic pickpockets from stealing your data by scanning the data stored on credit cards, identity cards, and even in passports, which could then be used to spend, spend, spend, or even duplicate your identity. You have been warned!

Frequency of use

If you’re only going to use your travel wallet once or twice a year, you’re probably going to be looking for a travel wallet at the lower end of the price bracket. However, if you’re a regular traveler, you definitely do get what you pay for, so keep this in mind when working out how to choose the best travel wallet for you!

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What makes a travel wallet so different?

Travel wallets need to be more durable and offer more organisation than normal wallets. In the best case, they’re also made from cut-proof material.

Are there wallets that fit passports?

Yes, the VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet fits all of your cards, money and even your passport. It’s obviously not the size that you can put into your pocket, but to keep all of your valuables together, it’s perfect.

What is the safest travel wallet?

The Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is a great anti-theft wallet. It is fully RFID-protected, meaning data thieves are unable to scan your credit card or ID details.

What is the overall best travel wallet?

Our favorite is the Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet . It offers plenty of compartments which makes organisation a breeze.

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One of the best ways to ensure a stress-free and happy vacation period is by buying the best travel wallet you can afford. Then all your most valuable travel items will be safe and secure, leaving you to relax and have fun!

These travel wallets not quite cutting it for you? How about checking out the best travel purses instead!?

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Guide to the Best Travel Wallets for Men & Women

Published December 31, 2019

Written by:

Shawn Forno

If you want to learn about budget travel, minimalist carry on packing, or how to travel (and even live and...

Jenn Sutherland-Miller

Jenn raised 4 children while traveling full-time for more than a decade– it’s called worldschooling and it’s awesome. Jenn has...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Travel wallets are all about getting rid of clutter, keeping your valuables safe and organized, and making sure you enjoy your trip. Less is more when it comes to carry on packing. Nowhere is that more true than your bulky, unsafe, outdated wallet.

Keys, wallet, phone.  When you head out the door, besides your  travel backpack , that’s all you really need. Heck, sometimes when you travel, you don’t even have a set of keys or your phone. Truly  minimalist travel  and  carry on packing  is all about getting rid of the gear you don’t need and slimming down the stuff you can’t live without. And, like it or not, every traveler needs a wallet.

Stop lugging around a subway sandwich loyalty card-filled monstrosity. Streamline your travel wallet, and who knows‚ it might streamline the rest of your life.

Below is our guide to finding the best travel wallet for your travel style and needs — whether you want RFID blocking or a wallet that doubles as a passport holder . Then, find recommendations for 28 travel wallets for men and women .

Are Travel Wallets a Good Idea?

Yes, a travel wallet can help savvy travelers keep their cash, cards, and identity safe. With identity protecting features like RFID blocking and security features like hidden stash pockets, a good travel wallet is more functional than an everyday wallet.

The kind of travel wallet you need varies by destination. Europe and Australia use a lot of coins, so unless you want $20 rolling out of your pocket every time you sit on the train, get a travel wallet with a dedicated zipper pocket. In South America, cash is king, and  ATM fees add up , so carry a travel wallet slim enough to fit in your front pocket (aka theft proof ), yet big enough for your cash.

Besides size and zipper pockets, here’s what to look for in a travel wallet:

• RFID blocking: These wallets have metal fiber mesh that prevents people from stealing your identity with an radio frequency identity detection (RFID) device.
• Minimalist and streamlined : These wallets have just the basics, a pocket for your credit cards and a pocket for cash (if that).
• Passport holder : These are larger wallets with room for your passport.
• Zippered pockets : If you think you’ll have a lot of change or small items you want to keep close (like a SD card), a zippered pocket is a must. Some also have hidden stash pockets.
• Fabric : Travel wallets come in a number of different fabrics—leather, carbon fiber, aluminum, canvas, and even a waterproof paper called Tyvek .
• Water resistance : For outdoor adventures, a water resistant wallet can keep your cash dry and usable.

Even the best travel wallet is a compromise between size and function. Do a little research into the currency of your chosen destination before you buy something that you won’t use. Like a  money belt . 

The Best Minimalist Travel Wallets for Men

Sometimes, all you need is a credit card, ID, and a bit of cash. These wallets get that.

1. Tyvek Paper Travel Wallet ($18)

I picked one of these futuristic durable paper wallets up a few years ago, and I loved it—while it lasted. While durable, they just don’t last as long as other wallets. And that’s ok.

These wallets are incredibly thin (just 3mm!), stupid light, and they’ll last for a few months of heavy use.

The best part is that they come in a wide range of awesome colors and styles, so go nuts and get one that really highlights your travel persona. I loved mine, and I remember it all these years later. That’s saying something.

3. Casmonal Slim Minimalist Elastic Travel Wallet ($10)

If you’re looking for a great budget travel wallet, the Casmonal Elastic Travel Wallet is a steal. The design is similar to the Nomatics Basic, with slightly more give and capacity thanks to the elastic band.

Stuff up to 6 cards in the main compartment with room for your cash and other small items. These wallets are interesting, light, and a great way to flaunt your minimalism… if that’s even possible.

The wallet comes in 20 different color combinations, so that might help.

5. CHUMS Zipper Wallet ($12)

I’m a big fan of this “fanny pack” of travel wallets. As a surfer, I appreciate the zippered construction and nylon material, as well as the key ring.

This wallet/coin purse is perfect for keeping your wallet and keys together. Always. Ideal for travel in Australia, New Zealand, or Europe, especially if you’re a budget traveler trying to keep track of every one of those precious coins.

2. Nomatics BASIC Minimalist Travel Wallet ($20)

This sleek, minimalist wallet is the epitome of “less is more.” Designed around the idea that most travelers use one card everyday, Nomatic created an easy access tab for getting to your most used card. This wallet is great for every day carry, but it’s really designed for  digital nomads  and savvy travelers. You have your one loyalty card (that thing that gets you free flights), and you use it everywhere. Keep it handy with this minimalist wallet.

The stash pouch is also great for your Airbnb key or valuable coins when you’re abroad, and the main compartment holds an additional 3-4 cards with room for cash.

I’m a big fan of front pocket, minimalist wallets, and I’ve been rocking this wallet for a while, and while it’s a bit of a squeeze, I dig it. Keep your nicknacks, photos, and souvenirs where they’re safe— in the cloud .

4. Decommissioned Firefighter Hose Money Clips ($29)

Not all money clips are created equal, especially when some are made out of actual upcycled polyester firefighter hose material.

Each wallet is unique, since they’re made from actual firefighter hoses, and they can obviously take a beating. Woven with T-90 nylon thread, and with room for 4-8 cards and cash, these wallets can take anything you can dish out.

With over 241 reviews, and a 5-star rating, what are you waiting for? Also, did I mention they’re made out of firefighter hoses? Oh, I did. Cool.

6. Infinity Minimalist Travel Wallet ($13)

This coal black, super slim nylon-elastic fabric travel wallet is only for the true minimalist.

It features one main stuff pocket that stretches to accommodate up to 10 cards (although you won’t want to fit that many), and a cash pocket, which is small. This is a great wallet for weekend travel or for the digital nomad that lives in the cloud.

The Best RFID Travel Wallets for Men

Unlike regular wallets, RFID-blocking wallets have a thin metal mesh in them to prevent people with RFID readers from reading personal identifying information, like credit card details, in your wallet.

1. Kinzd Slim Front RFID Blocking Wallet ($14)

Another great departure from bulky bi-fold wallets that just don’t fit in your front pocket, it’s got six card slots, and another dedicated “everyday” card slot. Plus, there’s a window pocket for your ID, so you don’t have to dig it out all the time.

The RFID blocking is a big plus over other slim wallets, and it adds a significant amount of capacity without a lot of bulk. The wallet weighs just under 1 ounce (depending on the material you choose). I’m a fan of the cork fabric for the ultimate lightweight, resilient travel wallet.

3. Dash Elastic Wallet ($11)

This every day carry wallet from Dash , one of the bigger names in the wallet industry, features a slim, minimalist design, but manages to tack on a third organizational pocket. One for cards and cash, another for small items, and a third for change.

The strong elastic band keeps everything in place without taking up any space. And, of course, it has RFID-blocking built in.

2. Django Dapper Wallet with RFID blocking ($65)

According to the Django Products description, this heavy duty wallet is built to “solve problems.” And it does. This minimalist powerhouse holds up to 12 cards while still looking slim and feeling light thanks to the anodized aluminum hardware and silicon band/cash strap.

Finished with premium leather and built-in RFID blocking, this wallet is stylish and will help protect your identity abroad.

4. Bellroy Hide & Seek Travel Wallet ($89)

Bellroy is the Cadillac of travel wallets. Made from premium grade leather, packed with features like internal pull tabs, four easy access card slots, a hidden coin pouch, flat bill section room for 12 cards, and RFID-protection it’s no wonder everyone wants one of these.

Everything they sell is also backed by a 3-year warranty. Bellroy makes a great travel wallet.

The Best Stylish Travel Wallets for Men

I’m not a huge fan of spending all your money to get a fancy wallet, but if you can afford weekly trips to Ibiza, you might as well look the part with these sleek, stylish travel wallets.

1. Slim 2 Travel Wallet ($32)

This stylish leather wallet is all about sleek minimalism. The microfiber lining, herringbone patterned elastic band, and leather exterior make this one of the coolest minimalist wallets you can own. Guaranteed to start a conversation, if that’s what you’re pulling your wallet out for.

2. Madera Poquito Slim Wooden Travel Wallet ($45)

It doesn’t get cooler than a minimalist wooden wallet. It just doesn’t. Perfectly designed to hold 6 cards and cash, this masterpiece even features a hidden pocket for a spare key or coins. Seriously, this wallet is beautiful. It comes in cherry or walnut.

The Best Minimalist and Slim Travel Wallets for Women

For small purses and minimalist travelers, these slim women ‘s travel wallets will fit the bill — and your bills.

1. Kate Spade Laurel Way Petty Saffiano Leather Wallet ($49)

A snazzy, small black wallet that only brings the essentials: six card slots, one zippered pocket, one exterior ID pocket. Think of this as your must-have wallet for a small purse. Or if you’re not a “wallet kinda person” but need someplace to keep your cards and ID, this wallet is for you.

2. YoToo Bifold Leather Mini Wallet ($19)

My favorite part about this wallet? The brown U-shaped leather on the top. It gives this wallet a smile. Based on the 4.3 out of 5 stars that 50+ reviewers gave this wallet, I’m not the only one who likes it.

One reviewer said,  “Very easy to get at everything, cards stay put and yet are easy to see and slide out. Slots for frequently used cards and lots of room to tuck away the ones you don’t need as often.”

3. Borgasets RFID Small Bifold ($17)

For a slim women ‘s wallet, look no further. This slim and — dare I say it — cute wallet is perfect. Hardly wider than an iPhone 6 Plus, it’s crafted with leather and scores a whopping 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 147 reviews on Amazon. Their only complaint? No change pocket.

The Best Travel Wallet Clutches for Women

1. Fossil Fiona Multifunction ($60)

A small leather wallet with a zippered top that packs more of a wallop that you’d expect from its unassuming outside. To quote one reviewer:  “The size may look small but it has lots of room/compartments for everything I need to carry.”

3. Michael Kors Jetset Wallet ($127)

This gorgeous leather wallet kept popping up in my research. Everyone raves about it from its classic, sleek look to its great size. Listen to  Sher She Goes  gush about it:

“There’s tons of room on the inside and I can even stuff my iphone 6S plus inside, which is a huge plus in favor of the Michael Kors travel continental wallet. I especially love the durable saffiano leather, which only needs a spot clean to get off dust and spills.”

2. Fossil Emma RFID Large Zip Clutch ($85)

This beautiful leather clutch doubles as your wallet and your purse for a night on the town. A wrap-around zipper keeps all your essential neatly tucked away. With 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 200+ reviews, you know this beauty is well-loved.

You can even tuck your iPhone 8 Plus safely inside. So you don’t run the risk of leaving important things in the Uber’s backseat when you reach your Airbnb.

The Best RFID Travel Wallets for Women

If RFID is what you are looking for, these are the best travel wallets for women with RFID blocking capabilities.

1. Fossil Logan Small RFID Bifold ($35)

This small, sleek one-snap and one-zipper bifold brings snazz to your game and minimalist styling to your wallet. Five credit card slots and two billfold pockets keep you organized without going overboard. Small enough to slip into a small bag for a night out on the town. Bonus: it also is RFID blocking.

2. Mundi File Master Womens RFID Blocking Wallet Clutch ($20)

A checkerboard clutch that has boasts it all: RFID tech, 13 credit card pockets, 2 hidden pockets, 2 ID sleeves, coin pocket, and an interior filing compartment. I kid you not. So if staying organized on the road is your thing — this wallet is made for you to keep receipts, tickets, souvenirs organized.

3. Fossil Logan RFID Flap Clutch ($85)

Supple leather that ages better than George Clooney. Yes — you might have found your soulmate in this wallet. It features RFID tech, 12 credit card slots, an interior zip pocket for your super MVP items, and a back exterior pocket to slip your phone inside. Consider it your office on the road. Be still my beating heart.

The Best Women ’s Travel Wallets for Passports

1. Fjällräven Passport Wallet ($60)

A rugged wallet with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of  gets the job done.  Deep pocket to stash your money and it’s big enough to carry your passport. 

“Personally, I prefer this smaller Passport Wallet — even though you have to fold your boarding passes to fit them, it’s just a nicer hand-held size,”  writes  David Slotnick at Business Insider .

2. Kate Spade Travel Wallet ($180)

Sher She Goes  says,  “This Kate Spade Travel Wallet was my first travel wallet and remains one of my favorites. The zip around also makes everything inside quite secure and you can stick in 2 passports if you’re traveling as a pair. Unzipped, it lays entirely flat so you can see everything at once. There’s also an exterior pocket outside the zipped section.”

Crafted from leather, it’s big enough to fit your passport and is guaranteed to age beautifully.

3. Cuyana Leather Travel Wallet ($185)

Luxurious leather wallet big enough to slip your passport inside. This wallet whispers “beautiful high-end Italian leather.” Use it to hold your daily travel documents or as a clutch at a fashionable, intimate dinner where you pretend you’re Blake Lively and your date is Ryan Reynolds.

Ideas for DIY Travel Wallets

Most of the wallets on this list cost less than $20, but if that’s still too much for you, there are always some sweet DIY alternatives.

Duct Tape Wallet (Free)

Yes, you can make your own duct tape wallet. Just  follow these instructions , and you’ll be on your way to hipster saintdom. Honestly, these wallets work just fine, but building them is a pain in the ass, and they don’t hold up well to weather or heavy use. Just spring for an actual travel wallet.

DIY Money Clip (Free)

A slightly better DIY travel wallet is the old binder clip wallet. This guy has a decent  YouTube tutorial  on it, but essentially, you clip your cards together in the main section of the clip, then wrap your cash around those cards, securing it all with the clip “ears.”

I’ve used one of these for a few months, and it was fine, but the clip really doesn’t handle too few cards very well, and it’s not the easiest wallet to use. You’ll probably lose a card or some cash, and if nothing else, you’ll scratch up your cards and ID. Not highly recommended, but still pretty neat if you need something in a pinch.

Travel wallets are all about getting rid of clutter, keeping your valuables safe and organized, and making sure you enjoy your trip. Less is more when it comes to carry on packing and  digital nomadism.  Nowhere is that more true than your bulky, unsafe, outdated wallet.

• Front pocket wallets are the most theft-proof
• RFID blocking technology is affordable and valuable
• Cash is still king in many countries—know before you go
• Minimalism is amazing
• The best travel wallet might just be a binder clip if you’re savvy

Ladies, the best travel wallets for you might be:

• Kate Spade Travel Wallet ($180)  – fits your passport, money, and made from supple leather.
• Fossil Logan RFID Flap Clutch ($85)  – stay organized, plus it’s big enough to slip your smartphone inside
• Michael Kors Jetset Wallet ($127)  – you can’t go wrong with this crowd favorite

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If you want to learn about budget travel, minimalist carry on packing, or how to travel (and even live and work) in dozens of countries all over the world, Shawn is your guy. Shawn is not a New York Times bestselling travel author, but he is a full-time freelance blogger, copywriter, and content manager and is also a published photographer. He likes to rock climb, trek, surf, ride his bike, and read a bunch of sci-fi books.

Read more from Shawn

Jenn raised 4 children while traveling full-time for more than a decade– it’s called worldschooling and it’s awesome. Jenn has been published in numerous travel publications, partnered with brands to promote travel and education, she writes and speaks frequently on topics related to work-life integration for travelers, solo female travel, and family travel. Jenn has traveled deeply in more than 50 countries on six continents.

Read more from Jenn

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We've pulled together a guide to the best travel wallets as we embark on peak travel season. Our editors and writers are constantly traveling all over for assignments and vacations, allowing us to test wallets suited for all kinds of environments. And while there are a number of travel wallets we highly recommend, the very best travel wallet we keep turning to is the Pioneer Passport Wallet . You'll learn more on why we believe that is below, but what it comes down to is the Pioneer Passport Wallet has great style, an excellent use of space, and a rugged build that's ready for any adventure.

Best Travel Wallet Overall

Pioneer passport wallet.

Best Bifold Travel Wallet

Bellroy travel wallet.

Best Zippered Travel Wallet

Fjallraven passport wallet.

Best AirTag Travel Wallet

Lumberjack plaid genuine leather airtag passport holder and wallet.

Most Stylish Travel Wallet

Alpha passport case.

Best Value Travel Wallet

Polare original rfid blocking leather passport holder travel wallet for men and women (dark brown).

Most Secure Travel Wallet

Alpha keeper money belt for travel passport holder.

Smartest Design

Bellroy apex passport cover.

Best All-Leather Travel Wallet

Shinola utility passport wallet.

Most Unique Travel Wallet

Tecovas alligator passport case.

Read more: How Men's Health Tests Products

We found travel wallets that are great for navigating old cities around the clock, and travel wallets that can handle all sorts of rugged adventures. We curated all our travel wallets with durability and design in mind, but we also considered features that make each wallet unique in and of its own. The one quality you'll find in each travel wallet? They all are sized to hold an American passport nice and snug. After all, it wouldn't be a travel wallet if it didn't hold your most important papers.

Best AirTag Wallets | Best Card Holder Wallets | Best Slim Wallets | Best Magsafe Wallets | Best Travel Gadgets

Pioneer's Passport Wallet is wonderfully simple in design and tough as nails thanks to its waterproof ripstop fabric construction. In fact, we found the waterproof ripstop fabric is great for handling humid environments, staying dry and and stiff, as opposed to getting all slimy and flimsy as other travel wallets can become in these climates. As far as stroage goes, it comes with a full length cash pocket, pockets to store up to 8 cards, and a 3D molded passport pocket designed to fit an American passport perfectly snug.

Due to this wallet's construction. look, and function, we found it to be our favorite pick when taking to warm weather vacation and cold weather trips. The material is simply just too good, and you never have to worry about any of the contents sliding out. Simply put, the Pioneer Passport Wallet is capable of all kinds of trips and adventures. This is a quality investment we'd recommend over and over again.

Read more: Best Travel Pillows

Bellroy makes several great travel wallets, but the wallet we found most like the wallet you probably already carry is the bifold Travel Wallet. It's got a fine all leather make and will hold a passport, cash, train tickets, and up to 10 cards. What's cool is the wallet comes with a micro pen that hangs inside the wallet's spine, which we found to be useful when wanting to write down recommendations of places to visit from friends and other travelers.

Looks can be deceiving due to the wallet's traditional bifold design. It measures 3.8-inches tall by 6-inches wide, so it is big. Overall we find it to be a great minimalist travel wallet with a classic style that blends in nicely in all environments.

Read more: Best Travel Backpacks

This reasonably priced wallet from Fjallraven is made with a durable waxed waterproof canvas and a YKK zippered closure to protect all your documents and cards from the elements. Inside are 5 card pockets, 2 cash pockets, and 1 zippered coin pouch. Looking for the passport pocket? That would be behind the coin pouch—it's a nice and discrete design note, we know.

If you're looking for a rugged wallet with waterproofing and protection but don't want to pay over $100, this is a solid option. Fjallraven fans will see this wallet has the same quality construction like the brand's other gear, which is a great sign because the maker is one of the best valued outdoor brands out there.

Read more: Best Travel Pants

The design of a good AirTag wallet is still being perfected, but that doesn't mean we don't like what's already on the market. If you're looking for a travel wallet you can store your AirTag in, this one from Lumberjack Plaid is our latest favorite.

It comes in a sleek and stylish leather (3 colors available) and features a passport pocket, a long pocket for tickets and cash, and 3 card slots. You get all this for $40, which is an excellent value for such a quality wallet. Just be aware the leather can show scratches pretty easily; most notably on the dark leather.

Read more: Best Travel Gadgets

Made to fall in line with all your other Tumi luggage, the Passport Case comes in a sleek, all-black look with more interior space than one might think. We're talking a passport pocket, a billfold compartment, an ID window, 2 slip pockets, and 8 card pockets. You get the best of both worlds with this wallet: great style and high functionality. Well done Tumi, well done.

Read more: Best Luggage Brands

We get it, many of us aren't jet-setting out of the U.S. several times in a year. Nonetheless it's important to have a passport wallet even if you're only getting out of the country once in a blue moon. For overseas trips that are few and far between, this RFID-blocking leather travel passport case for under $30 on Amazon will do the job. It will also give off style points, as the leather has a nice rich look to it that holds up well when used sparingly.

Due to the stitching and overall quality of the materials we'd say this wallet might not be suitable for high levels of use. But because it carries a high durability and functionality for the price, we recommend it as a great travel wallet for those who might need to take a passport with them only once or twice in a year.

If you want to go with a more secure wallet, this thin travel pouch can be strapped around the waist and hold your passport, cash, cards, and more. The pouch itself has RFID tech built-in so you get another level of safety. Plus the pouch is made from water-resistant ripstop, so you won't have to worry about any of your items getting soaked from rain.

One note to point out is even though the price point of this belt is incredibly good, we believe the thin fabric could wear down faster over time than some of the other wallets on this list.

Read more: Best Travel Shoes

The Apex wallet is made with fine leather that's heat bonded instead of being stitched. The result is a unique design that, when closed, fully encases the inner contents of the wallet from the outside elements. The Apex will hold a passport, cash, and 2-4 cards. And just like the Travel Wallet, you get a small micro pen that can be stored inside on the wallet's spine.

Read more: Best Over-Ear Headphones

Handcrafted from USA heritage leather, Shinola's Utility Passport Wallet is truly made to age like fine wine. When opening up the wallet, one side contains a passport pocket while the other has 5 faille-lined pockets for your cards. It's not the most feature-loaded travel wallet on this list, and it's certainly not the cheapest, but if you're looking for something simple and timeless then this is the one.

You're not going to find another travel wallet like this one, and that's the point. Texas boot-maker Tecovas went and took the same authentic American alligator leather it uses for its boots and crafted the material into a passport case. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece with a passport pocket and 4 exterior card pockets. What's cool is you can even monogram it.

Of course the price point on this wallet is almost like buying a luxury good, but really the only qualm we have with the wallet is its availability. Sometimes it's popularity gets the best of it, and so you might have to turn to the Ostrich Passport Case or the original Passport Case —two excellent alternatives, no less.

Malbon Golf Yacht Club Passport Holder

The streetwear-inspired golf brand Malbon Golf has been turning out tons of cool pieces this year. One of its products that has flown under-the-radar is this pebbled leather passport holder. We were surprised to open it up and see tons of card space to go with the passport pocket. And as far as style goes, it comes with cool embossments on the front and inner pocket and is available in three colors.

Read more: Best Golf Clothing Brands

Tanner Goods Leather Passport Travel Wallet

If you liked the full leather of the Shinola travel wallet but wished it had a different interior configuration, then this travel wallet from Tanner Goods is a great alternative. Inside is a passport pocket with a small card pocket on top of the passport flap, plus two additional card slots on the other side.

The wallet might not hold a lot, but if you want a minimalist leather wallet with great style and a thin silhouette, then you'll be happy with this choice.

Zero Grid Travel Wallet Passport Holder

Similar to the belted travel wallet we featured earlier, this passport holder can be used as a sling bag and is made with waterproof ripstop and covered with RFID blocking material. What's cool is it zips shut, closing in the passport and up to 10 cards that can fit on the inside. You also get a small stylus that you can hang on the wallet's spine.

What to Consider Before Buying a Travel Wallet

Buying a quality travel wallet is going to look a lot like buying your everyday wallet, but the two are not the same. Here's what you need to know.

• Durability: Making sure your travel wallet is tough and made of good materials is of utmost importance. After all, this is your last line of defense to your passport—the most important document you need when traveling overseas. This prior notion is why we loved reviewing travel wallets made from tear-resistant and water-resistant materials (like the Pioneer Travel Wallet). Premium leather is also a good material to protect your passport, as the leather provides a thick layer to keep moisture and dust from getting to your papers.
• Security Features: Some travel wallets comes with RFID (radio-frequency identification) lining to help prevent RFID theft. It's true this type of crime doesn't happen a lot, but it is possible, and so buying a travel wallet with RFID lining does add a level of security to your essentials. Another security feature to look for are zippered or snap closures that help keep your passport and cards sealed off. We like these closures because it helps limit the chances of any items accidentally falling out when traveling—which happens more than one might think.
• AirTag Tracking: Although we only have one AirTag travel wallet we like right now, we anticipate more of these types of wallets to hit the market in the coming year. AirTag wallets have become a huge hit thanks to their tracking abilities, and so any travel wallet that can incorporate an AirTag in a slimming and discrete way should be considered on your shortlist of what travel wallets to buy.

Can You Use a Passport Covers as A Wallet?

Travel wallets, also sometimes referred to as passport wallets, are the best possible choice for carrying your passport and your cash and cards. Travel wallets are not to be confused with passport covers, which are simply covers you can slide over your passport to add a level of protection.

Passport covers do theoretically have space where you could slide some cash plus 1-2 cards inside, but those spaces oftentimes make your valuables prone to falling out. A passport cover is not designed to hold anything more than a passport, and so whatever else you put in there is going to be like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Stick to a travel wallets for cash, card, and passport carry.

Why Trust Us

In order to keep up with new new designs and releases, the MH tech and gear team is continually testing all of the latest everyday carry accessories to make sure our recommendations reflect the top products within each space.

When it comes to travel wallets, we acquire and call in the latest releases to test, and then we take them out into the real world. At any given point, writers and editors in our office are traveling, and so we plan accordingly whenever we are going to be up in the air to take one or two travel wallets with us to see how they perform. Lastly, we take a hands-on look at the travel wallets up close. We inspect everything from the material to the build of the wallet to determine it's durability and whether or not the price point reflects the overall quality.

How We Selected

Our MH commerce team thoroughly researched and tested dozens of the best travel wallets, from budget to designer to premium, gift-worthy models. We noted everything from how snug the wallet fit an American passport to how the interior card slots were organized. We also considered fabric quality (especially when it came to leather) and price. The list above represents our honest picks for the best travel wallets of 2023.

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

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The 10 Best Passport Wallets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Stay organized while traveling with these sleek passport wallets.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Not to be dramatic, but losing a passport or other travel documents can be a huge nightmare while traveling. To safeguard passports, credit cards, and boarding passes, we recommend using a passport wallet to keep everything organized in one spot. 

We researched and tested 16 passport wallets in various sizes and materials to recommend options that fit the needs of all types of travelers. We paid close attention to traits like capacity, durability, functionality, and organizational features to ensure smooth travels. Keep reading to find out which ones surpassed our expectations during testing. 

Best Overall

Leatherology zip around travel wallet.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

The exterior zipper adds an extra layer of security to keep passports and credit cards safe while traveling. 

It might be too large to fit in a smaller purse or sling bag . 

While most passport wallets we tested have a snap-closure, this one has a zipper that wraps around the entirety of the wallet to ensure a passport and other travel essentials remain safely tucked away in transit. The versatile design is so spacious that it can easily hold multiple passports, up to eight credit cards, cash, and coins without feeling bulky or cumbersome to carry. There’s even an exterior pocket for boarding passes so you don’t have to open up the wallet for access. It might be too big to fit in small purses, but the sleek leather look and larger size makes it possible to carry it as a clutch or place into a backpack or tote bag, if needed. 

The Details: 9 x 4.75 inches | Full grain leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Bellroy RFID Travel Wallet

The wallet easily fits in a back pocket. 

The wallet will be bigger if it’s packed full and may not fit then. 

Minimalist travelers will appreciate the sleek and simple design of Bellroy’s RFID Travel Wallet. We dubbed it our favorite slim option since it can fit virtually anywhere, including in a back pocket (just be sure to take it out of your pocket before going through security). Made out of a soft and durable leather, it never scuffed or scratched while traveling and it looks premium on the outside. The wallet has pockets for a passport, cash, credit cards, and plane tickets, and we love that there aren’t so many pockets that items get disorganized or lost in the void. The best part is that it opens like a standard wallet so we could quickly grab our passports and credit cards while traveling. 

The Details: 6.02 x 3.86 inches | Leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Best for Families

Valante travel document organizer.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

It has pockets for multiple passports, plane tickets, and cash.

The large capacity might be too big for solo travelers. 

Family travel can be hectic, so we recommend this spacious wallet that can keep all of your family’s important documents in one safe spot. Designed to store multiple passports, credit cards, plane tickets, and more, there are tons of pockets to place items neatly. There’s even a key leash, two zippered pockets, a pen holder, and two designated slip pockets for boarding passes in the front of the wallet. Because the wallet is on the larger side, we love that it comes with a wrist strap to hold onto it while going through customs or the TSA security line. The size might be too large for solo or minimalist travelers, but it works perfectly for staying organized while traveling in groups. 

The Details: 10.63 x 5.91 inches | Polyester | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Michael Navarro

Best Faux Leather

Melsbrinna waterproof rfid-blocking travel wallet.

The PU leather material feels just as soft and durable as regular leather.

The clear plastic window pockets could scratch over time.

Similar to our overall pick, this passport wallet isn’t made out of genuine leather, but it has the same premium look and feel. Made with layers of PU leather, there is a piece of RFID-blocking fabric sandwiched between the material for extra protection while traveling with chipped documents. This sleek wallet comes with all of the standard pockets for a passport, credit cards, and boarding passes, but there were several other features that made it stand out in testing. We are big fans of the two SIM card slots and two plastic window pockets for extra organization for international travelers. Our only concern is that the plastic might scratch or wear over time, but it depends on how often you use the wallet and care for it. 

The Details: 5.7 x 4.7 inches | PU faux leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Madison Irons

Best Color Options

Lucrin geneva passport travel wallet.

The sleek and spacious wallet comes in over 21 colors and five leather texture options.

The premium materials come with a higher price. 

One of our favorite leather passport wallets we tested, this one from Lucrin impressed us with a variety of color and texture options to please any and all travelers. There are over two dozen color options available and five different leather textures to choose from, including smooth, granulated, square granulated, vegetable tanned, and crocodile patterned. Once you narrow down your desired color and texture, we’re confident travelers will love the luxurious feel of the premium leather and generous capacity of the snap-closure wallet. It features several slip pockets, thirteen credit card slots, and a large zippered pocket for storing smaller items like coins or a pen. While the price is on the higher end, we believe you get what you pay for with this made-to-last passport wallet. 

The Details: 9.8 x 9.1 inches | Leather

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Crossbody

Pacsafe rfidsafe v150 rfid-blocking compact organizer.

It comes with a removable strap to keep the wallet attached to your body.

The strap isn’t adjustable.

A lost passport can put a huge damper on a trip, so we recommend the Pacsafe RFID-blocking wallet with a removable crossbody strap for keeping your travel documents attached at the hip (literally). You can wear the strap across your body, on your wrist, or through a belt to ensure the wallet is securely fastened on the go. Besides the ability to wear the wallet as a purse, we love all of the slip and zippered interior pockets for a passport, credit cards, cash, or coins, which will keep you plenty organized. The nylon material is water-resistant with a thick and durable feel, so we expect this wallet will stand the test of time.

The Details: 6.69 x 5.12 inches | Nylon | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Rachel Thalhuber

Best Budget

Tigari passport and vaccine card holder.

The high-quality materials and functionality of this wallet are unbeatable for the low price.

It feels a bit big to carry around.

If you’re trying to build a luggage capsule for traveling, this budget-friendly passport wallet makes a useful addition for all types of travelers. Although the wallet comes at a lower price, it doesn’t lack durability and quality of materials. The PU faux leather case comes in a variety of neutral and bright colors, and it has sleek embossed wording on the front. The case opens up to reveal tons of organizational features for one passport, four credit cards, two SIM cards, and a slip pocket for cash. All of the pockets make it easy to grab travel documents quickly and the larger case keeps everything safe from damage during transit. The wallet is on the bigger side, so it might not fit in smaller purses , but it should fit in a backpack or personal item without any issues.

The Details: 4.33 x 5.9 inches | PU faux leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Andria Park Huynh

Best Organization

Baphity genuine leather passport holder.

There are a variety of slip and zippered pockets available. 

The card slots can be tight at first. 

This genuine leather passport wallet is the best option for travelers prioritizing organization. Designed to store a passport, vaccine card, cash coins, boarding passes, and SIM cards, the wallet is bursting with pockets to efficiently organize items. After we filled it with travel documents, we were impressed with how slim and compact the wallet remained. The leather material is high-quality and durable, and we think the wallet has an excellent value for the construction and price point. We ran into slight issues with the card slots being a bit tight at first, but the material loosened up with more use, which made it easier to pull the cards in and out quickly.

The Details: 6.15 x 4.93 inches | Leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang

Best AirTag-compatible

Normest airtag travel wallet.

• Capacity 4.5 /5

The wallet has a designated pocket for storing an Apple AirTag for tracking and locating.

It has a smaller capacity.

Tracking devices can be a game-changer if your luggage gets lost, so we recommend this AirTag-compatible wallet. While the AirTag is sold separately, the wallet does come with a secure slot on the outside to discreetly store the tracking device. The genuine leather material is sleek and soft, and the wallet has a slim design that makes it easy to place it in a back pocket or small bag. It can fit a passport, three credit cards, and some cash before running out of room, so if you’re looking for a spacious wallet, this isn’t the best option. However, sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry, so this is a great option for AirTag enthusiasts . 

The Details: 5.51 x 4.13 inches | Leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Dylan Thompson

Most Stylish

Away the passport wallet.

It's compact enough to fit inside any sling bag, fanny pack, and even some pant pockets.

It's a bit small and really only fits your passport and a few cards.

This compact passport wallet has a slip pocket on the front for a passport and the side opens up to reveal several credit card slots and a bit of room for cash or a plane ticket. While the side pocket doesn't have a zipper, it is tight enough that all of our items felt secure and nothing moved when we shook the wallet vigorously. We love that the small size means you can fit this passport wallet in any bag and even some pant or coat pockets for quick access. We used this throughout six flights and it was never a hassle to get the passport in and out of the case, even while in a hurry. The black leather is very sleek and feels high-quality and hasn't scratched at all throughout our months of travels. For Away fans looking for a passport wallet to complete your matching style set, this is an absolute essential.

The Details: 5.43 x 4.25 inches | Leather

Other Passport Wallets We Liked

There were several passport wallets that almost made our list of winners, but we ran into some slight issues during testing. 

Royce Vaccine Card and Passport Wallet : The wallet has a simple and functional design, but the price is fairly high for the smaller capacity and lack of extra organizational features.

Walnew AirTag Passport Holder : It has plenty of room to fit all necessary travel documents and it comes with an AirTag leash, but we liked that the other tracking device-compatible wallet we tried holds the tracker more discreetly.

We researched and selected 16 passport wallets to test out while traveling and in everyday scenarios. From busy TSA security lines to shopping and sightseeing, we made sure the best wallets make it easy to pull out passports, credit cards, IDs, and cash when you’re in a hurry. We paid close attention to the capacity and noted how efficient the organizational features are for storing essential travel documents. Since travel can take a toll on luggage and accessories, we judged the overall quality of the materials and stitchwork to gauge the longevity of each wallet. 

Tips for Buying a Passport Wallet

Check the dimensions of the wallet.

Passports from around the world feature the same design and size, but you’ll still want to make sure a passport wallet fits your size needs. Some wallets are designed to just be slightly larger than a passport and others will be large enough to fit the length of a boarding pass. It depends on the space you’ll have in a bag, pocket, or backpack, so you’ll want to consider how to store the wallet while traveling before making the purchase.

Decide how many compartments you need

Passport wallets are typically designed to hold a passport and a few credit cards, but some are equipped with more organizational features. The bigger the wallet, the more room and storage options there will be for multiple passports, credit cards, cash, and boarding passes. Extra features to look for include interior zippered pockets for coins, SIM card holders, and plastic window sleeves for IDs or vaccine cards.

Look for additional security features

Sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry, so you may want to consider getting a passport wallet with an AirTag holder (AirTags are usually sold separately) to track the wallet in case it goes missing. Other security measures can include a wrap-around zipper to ensure passports and credit cards are secure and layers of RFID-blocking fabric to prevent cyber pick-pocketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Security and customs lines can be stressful, so it’s important to have your passport and other necessary documents out of any wallets or cases and ready to go. This will save time and make it easier to hand the documents over to an agent to speed up the process and eliminate unnecessary stress while traveling.

Radio frequency identification or RFID is technology commonly used in credit cards and passports to locate information and data quickly. It is possible to steal data from RFID documents, but there are some passport wallets with a fabric layer to block radio waves from transmitting. Although it’s uncommon for data to be stolen via RFID, the layer of fabric offers extra security and is designed to prevent criminals from taking information while traveling. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer Anna Popp writes nearly all of the team’s Travel + Leisure Tested articles and participates in product testing from luggage and shoes to outdoor gear and apparel. Anna used her own knowledge of traveling with important travel documents and combed through thorough testing notes to put together this list of the best passport wallets. 

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The best RFID-blocking wallets and bags for 2024 take the stress out of travel

By Jason R. Rich

Edited By Leslie Gornstein

Updated on: May 29, 2024 / 1:16 PM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

If you typically carry credit cards, a debit card, a driver's license or a passport, you could be vulnerable to hackers -- even if those cards never leave your wallet. Criminals can use special tech to wirelessly access the information stored in those cards and IDs. There's a way to fight back, though: Consider investing in an RFID-blocking wallet, passport case or bag. 

Most of the latest credit cards, debit cards and government IDs have an RFID chip installed. In the case of credit and debit cards, this tech comes in handy; it lets you tap to pay for all kinds of purchases at stores worldwide. But that same tech is what a criminal is looking for. Hackers can scan your credit or debit card numbers or IDs, allowing them to steal your money or identity. An RFID-blocking wallet prevents contactless scanning, which is also known as a "skimming attack."

Best RFID-blocking wallets and bags

RFID-blocking wallets, passport cases, fanny packs, purses and crossbody bags incorporate a layer of carbon fiber or aluminum that can prevent a skimming attack and keep the information stored in your cards and IDs protected. Our in-house team of  travel experts  has curated this selection of the best RFID-blocking bags, wallets, covers and more in 2024.

Best RFID blocking wallet overall : Bellroy Hide & Seek

• Best budget RFID blocking wallet : Herschel Hank 
• Best minimalist RFID-blocking wallet : The Ridge Wallet
• Best leather bi-fold RFID blocking wallet : Harber London Leather Bifold Zip Wallet
• Best women's RFID-blocking leather wallet : Royce New York Continental Wallet
• Best RFID-blocking handbag : Sherpani Metro Convertible Travel Sling
• Best RFID-blocking passport cover : Royce New York Leather Passport Wallet
• Best RFID-blocking money belt : Boxiki Travel Hidden Waist Pack
• Best RFID-blocking travel neck wallet : Zero Grid Travel Neck Wallet
• Best RFID-blocking leather travel wallet : Harber London Travel Wallet with RFID Protection

Available in seven stunning colors -- including this green that we really like -- this slim, classically designed wallet offers multiple interior pockets that hold five to 12 cards. This includes quick access slots for your most commonly used cards. The entire wallet offers RFID blocking.

This Hide & Seek wallet is crafted from eco-tanned, environmentally certified leather. It's available in two heights, to accommodate paper currencies from around the world. There's also a separate section for business cards.

If you're seeking an elegant and versatile wallet that holds a lot (without generating bulk) and that offers RFID protection for your cards and ID, we recommend Bellroy's Hide & Seek for yourself or to give as a gift.

Best budget RFID-blocking wallet : Herschel Hank 

Here's an affordable, unisex wallet that offers a classic bi-fold style. It has a currency sleeve, card slots and an ID window -- all of which offer RFID blocking. 

This is a durable, everyday wallet made from EcoSystem 600D fabric that's created from 100% recycled, post-consumer water bottles, along with synthetic leather.

Find this 4.7-star-rated wallet on Amazon for $21.

Best minimalist RFID blocking wallet : The Ridge wallet

Not into leather -- faux or otherwise?

For that person looking for a wallet where less is more, take a look at the Ridge. This is a super slim, minimalist wallet that's made from carbon fiber. 

The inside of the wallet securely holds up to 12 cards in a compartment that offers RFID blocking. On the outside, you'll find a handy, easy-access aluminum money clip.

The Ridge is available in more than a dozen colors and comes with a lifetime guarantee. The RFID blocking material used is 6061-T6 aluminum. The entire wallet weighs just 4.9 ounces and is a bestseller on Amazon.

Best leather bi-fold RFID-blocking wallet : Harber London leather bi-fold zip wallet

Since 2012, this London company has been designing and creating handmade, premium leather wallets, bags and accessories crafted in Spain. They're beautiful to look at, durable and versatile. 

This popular leather bi-fold zip wallet with RFID protection is available in tan, black or deep brown. It offers a slim design and a handful of useful compartments for bills, coins, cards and an ID. There's also an integrated zippered pouch. This wallet is made from premium full-grain leather and incorporates a layer of RFID-blocking material.

The leather is designed to develop a unique patina over time. When closed, the wallet measures 3.54 x 4.09 inches. In the wallet's front pocket, you can store four to eight cards. An additional four to eight cards can be kept in the inner compartments.

Best women's RFID-blocking leather wallet : Royce New York continental wallet

For an elegant leather wallet with a continental design, head over to Neiman Marcus to purchase this Royce New York wallet in your choice of red, black, navy blue or pink. Free monogramming (with up to three initials) is included.

The wallet measures 8 x 4.25 x 0.75 inches when open and has separate compartments for bills, cards and other essentials. There's also a convenient, zippered center section.

Treat yourself to a wallet that's designed to last for years, or buy one as a gift for someone special. In addition to offering the functionality people need from a wallet, this one offers the peace of mind provided by RFID blocking.

Best RFID-blocking handbag : Sherpani Metro convertible travel sling

RFID blocking can be found in more than just traditional wallets. Here's an example of a convertible travel mini sling from Sherpani, featuring an adjustable and cut-proof strap that can be reversed to give easy access to what's stored inside. Even better, the strap is centered, so this bag is great for either right- or left-handed people.

The bag is made from recycled material and features RFID blocking and anti-theft protection. Locking zippers, a wire-loop chair lock, a return-me tag, and a slash-proof bottom are among the other impressive features. It's a great accessory to hold your important belongings while traveling.

This travel sling measures 7 x 12 x 3 inches and comes in a variety of color combinations. It's made from Ballistic nylon, vegan leather and a durable fabric made from 11 recycled plastic bottles, all diverted from landfills. The Metro is water-resistant and includes four pockets and one padded sleeve. The strap can be adjusted between 22.5 and 40.5 inches.

Best RFID-blocking passport cover: Royce New York leather passport wallet

Avoid potential identity theft via your passport, with a travel-friendly cover that offers RFID blocking. And enjoy a little luxury while you're at it.

This personalized leather passport cover from Royce New York is available in your choice of five colors. It offers a compartment for your passport, several card slots and an inside 3 x 4 inch pocket for a vaccine card or other important documents.

Three-initial monogramming is included for free, and the wallet itself is made from soft leather. It measures 5.6 x 4 x 0.25 inches and will be a wonderful travel companion for years.

Best RFID-blocking money belt : Boxiki Travel hidden waist pack

When you're touring major cities worldwide, navigating your way through busy airports or visiting crowded tourist spots, pickpockets are always a threat. To protect your valuables, consider a hidden waist pack that fits securely under a shirt.

In addition to securely holding cash, credit cards and other valuables, there's enough room to hold a smartphone, too. This pack offers RFID blocking and is designed to keep your possessions secure and away from potential pickpockets. You get three sections with two spacious pockets that are held shut with zippers.

Measuring 11.22 x 5.51 inches, this waste pack is slim, lightweight, durable and has an adjustable strap. It's made primarily from rip-stop nylon. It only comes in one color, but since it's designed to be kept under your shirt, nobody will see it.

Best RFID-blocking travel neck wallet : Zero Grid travel neck wallet

Instead of securing your cash, credit cards, passport and other essentials in a hidden waist pack , the Zero Grid travel wallet can be worn securely around your neck. 

This bag is available in your choice of six colors and is primarily made from moisture-resistant, rip-stop nylon. The bag contains seven RFID-blocking sleeves and compartments -- all of which are easily accessible. 

The Zero Grid bag comes with lost and found coverage and two recovery tags from ReturnMe. It measures 7.5 x 5.7 x 1 inches and offers a unisex design that's perfect for travelers and urban explorers.

Best RFID-blocking leather travel wallet: Harber London travel wallet 

In addition to Harber London's bi-fold zip wallet , another piece in this company's beautifully designed leather collection is this travel wallet. It comes in three color combinations and is designed to hold a passport, up to 12 cards, paper-based currency and other essentials -- each in separate, easy-to-access compartments.

The wallet is handmade in Spain from full-grain leather that will age over time and develop a unique patina. All of the internal pockets offer RFID blocking. This is a well-designed, versatile and durable travel wallet that'll serve as an heirloom if it's treated right.

Do you really need an RFID-blocking wallet?

Criminals are more apt to steal your physical wallet, cards or IDs, because not every key piece of info can be gleaned wirelessly. In many cases, the information stored in your cards or IDs is encrypted, so even if a criminal does try to wirelessly steal your info, chances are, they won't be able to do too much with it.

That said, using an RFID-blocking wallet or bag does give you an added level of protection for your identity, since they could prevent someone from illegally accessing your driver's license or passport information wirelessly and without your knowledge.

Or, instead of carrying around your physical debit or credit cards in a wallet, another option is to rely on an electronic payment service, like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or  Samsung Pay  using your smartphone or smartwatch.

Jason R. Rich ( www.JasonRich.com ) is an internationally recognized consumer technology expert with more than 30 years' writing experience. He's also an accomplished author and photographer. One of his most recently published books, The Remote Worker's Handbook: How to Effectively Work From Anywhere ($24.99, Entrepreneur Books) is now available from Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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Bay of Plenty mum with abdominal vascular compression syndromes (AVCS) headed to Germany for surgery

Megan Wilson

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Bay of Plenty mother Pam Coburn says she faces a “death sentence” – expecting to die within the next five years if she does not pay $180,000 to travel to Germany for surgery. Hamilton teenager Kai Hay cannot eat, drink or work and says she “desperately” needs the same surgery but is struggling to raise money. And Auckland teenager Freya Dibben says her life “looks very different now” after having the surgery last year. The treatment they seek to address abdominal vascular compression syndromes (AVCS) is unavailable in New Zealand. The trio want this to change. Megan Wilson reports.

Pam Coburn has not eaten anything since March 2022.

The last thing she ate was her son’s birthday cake when she ended up “on the floor in a ball in pain”.

She likens the pain of swallowing food or liquid to “swallowing a gobstopper with knives that’s hot”.

Since 2022, Coburn has been feeding and drinking through a tube that goes into her nose and intestines – something she is prepared to do “for the rest of my life”.

Coburn was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in September and a comorbidity Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes (AVCS) in March.

EDS is a group of connective tissue disorders that are generally inherited. Common characteristics include joints that move more than normal, unusually stretchy skin and fragile tissue with wounds that take longer to heal.

Vascular compression syndromes are a group of conditions occurring when blood vessels are under abnormal pressure , restricting blood flow, which can make a person feel weak and cause extreme pain.

Health NZ said New Zealand had a relatively small population and therefore small volumes of rare conditions and related treatments. There was no single surgery to treat the conditions.

While one “experimental” surgery in New Zealand could be recommended, it said creating the high-cost treatment pool – application-based funding for overseas treatments – recognised the country could not provide all options available elsewhere.

Plummeting weight: ‘I was eating less than the kids’

Coburn, 40, lives in Athenree, near Tauranga, with her husband, Jon, and their sons Benny, 8, and Ollie, 6.

She used to be able to walk, run, ride her bike and practice yoga.

Now, she doesn’t leave the house.

Speaking to the Bay of Plenty Times at her home, Coburn sat on her couch with a bag containing two pumps – one with liquid nutrients and another with water.

She recalled becoming ill in August 2021 and never recovering.

The pain started under her shoulder blade. She then noticed she couldn’t walk as far during her daily morning walks.

Fatigue, heaviness, and abdominal pain set in.

Coburn said her gastroparesis returned – a condition she was diagnosed with at age 30 where the stomach is unable to empty itself properly – and she couldn’t keep food down.

“I was eating less than the kids.”

The pain led her to the Emergency Department several times.

“[Once] I was vomiting green – there was something seriously wrong.”

She said one doctor advised her to see a psychiatrist.

Coburn said she was referred to a gastrointestinal surgeon and discharged.

“I got sent home with no plan … and I just had to wait for an appointment, and it took six months, and in that time I lost 10kg.”

Raising $180k to go to Germany

Coburn was diagnosed with EDS which she says makes her digestive tract “stretchy” and her stomach “elongated”.

In March came the diagnosis of AVCS – nut-cracker syndrome, May-Thurner syndrome and abnormalities with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome.

Coburn was told she needed surgery in Germany.

She planned to go with her mother this month and said they needed a “minimum” of $180,000 – more if something went wrong.

To pay for it, she and her husband – who worked fulltime and managed the household – planned to add to their mortgage and use retirement funds.

They were also raising money via a Givealittle page .

Coburn said she had not applied for the high-cost treatment pool for surgery in Germany because she believed it would not be approved, understanding it was seen as “experimental”.

She said AVCS meant her left renal vein was “squashed” by other arteries or organs. The surgery would wrap a sliced tube around her vein to stop it being compressed.

Coburn will ‘starve to death’ without surgery

Coburn said she had gone “downhill” since January, making the surgery more “time-sensitive”.

“I’m not gaining weight … I am in so much pain that I cannot do more than sit on the couch. When the kids go to school, I sleep.

“If I go anywhere, it’s for a doctor’s appointment.

“The unfortunate thing here is if we didn’t go and have surgery in Germany, we can’t get it in New Zealand so within the next five years I’ll die.

“And it might even be sooner. They can’t tell how fast your organs will fail but that’s what it comes down to. You essentially starve to death because you don’t absorb the nutrients.”

Future ‘snatched’ away

Coburn said the hardest thing about her illness was the possibility of dying.

“We saw the future and then that just got snatched away.”

She said it would take a year to recover from surgery.

Coburn said it had been a “fight” to get her diagnosis in the public system. She wanted “knowledgeable” doctors across New Zealand to be able to diagnose AVCS and for patients to access surgery without going overseas.

“I want for those of us who need treatment to get it because otherwise we will die … it’s a death sentence just living in New Zealand accepting ourselves as we are, which is how we’ve been left.”

Hamilton teen seeks ‘lifesaving’ surgery

Hamilton teenager Kai Hay, 17, was diagnosed with EDS in October and AVCS in December after “a lot of fighting”.

For four years: “I just dealt with dismissal after dismissal by doctors not believing me”.

Her EDS symptoms included “widespread” joint pain, dislocations and fatigue.

Since last year, she experienced “severe” abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and an inability to eat and drink due to AVCS - symptoms previously attributed to an eating disorder and anxiety.

Private specialists confirmed she had EDS and AVCS and she was told she needed surgery in Germany, costing between $160,000 and $180,000.

Hay, who was 17 and had left home, said that was “not a cost I can meet by myself”.

Hay could no longer work due to her health and could not eat or drink.

“The surgery is needed now more than ever.”

It was proving difficult for her to raise money via a Givealittle page . Having the surgery available in New Zealand would be “life-changing” for her and others in her position.

“We desperately need change.”

Post-surgery: ‘My life is a life now’

Dunedin teenager Olivia Adie was already tube-fed when she was diagnosed with AVCS in July. She had surgery in Germany in September.

“I was gonna die. I was still dropping weight when I was 39kg.

“If you aren’t fortunate enough to be able to get that money together … we have a country where they are willing to people die.”

The 17-year-old went from sleeping 20 to 22 hours per day, using a wheelchair, and only leaving the house for health appointments to doing the previously “impossible”: Going to school, playing hockey and socialising with friends.

“My life is a life now.”

Adie said she would not know the full effects of the surgery until eight to 12 months had passed.

She travels to Auckland and Hamilton regularly for private post-surgery treatment.

Auckland teenager Freya Dibben was diagnosed with EDS in 2019, then suspected AVCS last year. She was unable to eat, walk, or attend school.

A vascular surgeon referred her to doctors in Germany, who diagnosed her (from NZ scans) with vascular compressions, a month before she went there.

Dibben had surgery in September and was in Germany for two months. She travelled with her mother and it cost all up about $180,000.

“It was very taxing on your body and mentally ... but I am incredibly lucky because my life looks very different now.”

Dibben said she could eat normally again without pain.

“Nothing comes back up … it’s amazing what the surgery has done for me.

“I run around, I go to uni fulltime. From not going to school, not eating, not being able to really leave my bed, to living, I would say a very normal life, is just crazy.”

Dibben hoped the surgery would become available in New Zealand. She also wants more education for doctors..

“You can’t survive like this - it’s not sustainable long-term.

Surgeon has 91 AVCS patients

Vascular surgeon Dr Chris Holdaway told the Bay of Plenty Times he had seen 86 patients with AVCS in 12 months - 15 of which he had helped travel to Germany to have surgery.

His office said there were currently 91 patients on his books.

Holdaway said nut-cracker syndrome was one of the four major abdominal vascular compressions and was associated with the left renal vein. He said this was where 80 or 90 per cent of people with AVCS experienced trouble.

Holdaway, a former Waikato Hospital head of surgery, said he had been to Germany to learn about the left renal vein surgery and was investigating being able to perform it in New Zealand.

Holdaway explained the surgery involved putting a ringed piece of reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene graft cut down one side and wrapped around the left renal vein – a large structure in the abdomen.

The rings stopped the vein from being compressed.

Holdaway said he had used these grafts “all my working life” to replace arteries in legs and elsewhere.

Te Whatu Ora responds

A statement from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora said some people with weak connective tissue diseases could develop vascular compression syndromes as a complication.

The diseases were life-long, varying in severity and complexity, and problems could accumulate over time.

“A diagnosis can only be made after criteria are met, and we seek to deliver evidence-based assessment and treatment aligned with best evidence.”

Treatment options differed for each individual and a range of vascular services were available across New Zealand.

Patients were managed in a multidisciplinary manner including primary care, allied health and specialists when needed. Treatments could involve pain management, physiotherapy and splinting. Many responded well and did not need further interventions.

It said in some individual circumstances, a multidisciplinary team may recommend vascular release surgery, but this was considered experimental.

On balancing local access to specialised care, it said there was “good evidence” centralisation and higher patient volumes achieved better patient outcomes.

This included ensuring appropriate infrastructure and support services.

It said it recognised sometimes accessing all multidisciplinary components of care in the health system could be challenging, and encouraged patients to speak to their primary care team or specialist.

What is the high-cost treatment pool?

The Health NZ statement said creating the high-cost treatment pool recognised New Zealand could not provide all treatments, technology and expertise available in other countries.

“Because New Zealand has a relatively small population and hence has small volumes of rare conditions and related treatments, we also acknowledge that some patients who have problems which may arise from vascular compression complications may seek overseas treatment …”

“This means that although we could have a clinician train to perform a specialist surgical treatment, unless the specialist clinician regularly performed sufficient volumes of the treatment, they would be unable to maintain their skills and expertise.

Clinical specialists treating patients with rare and complicated cases could apply to the pool to support access to appropriate treatment options.

The money was for “one-off” treatments not otherwise publicly funded, such as those outside of New Zealand or in private hospitals, and the application process required supporting documentation and “considerable clinical discussion”.

No surgery was automatically ineligible for funding. Applications were assessed against eligibility criteria by a panel of Health NZ chief medical officers. Each case was also considered for “exceptional circumstances” beyond that criteria.

Full costs were covered for successful applications.

Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.

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ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best AirTag you can buy for your wallet isn't made by Apple (and it's rechargeable)

ZDNET's key takeaways

• The Nomad Tracking Card uses Apple's Find My network to help you keep tabs on where your wallet is. It's priced at $40 and launches today.
• It's a sleek tracker that's only the width of two credit cards, and the battery lasts for five months.
• However, be aware that it requires a wireless charger. 

If you're like me, and you still carry around a physical wallet with your cards, cash, and IDs, chances are you're pretty careful about ensuring you don't lose it. Of course, that's easier said than done, especially if you already have a habit of misplacing things like your phone and need to fire up an app to locate where you left it.

Also:  The best AirTag wallets you can buy: Expert recommended

Fortunately, if you're a forgetful person or simply someone who always wants to know where their wallet is, Nomad has the solution: a  Tracking Card . Available starting today for $40, the card is Nomad's take on an AirTag for your wallet. 

Most companies have developed what are effectively holsters for AirTags that, when attached to your wallet, let you know where your wallet is at all times through the Find My app. That approach, however, is clumsy and bulky; the tag noticeably protrudes from your wallet, and you often need to buy a new wallet anyway as the holsters are built into the wallet itself -- not as a simple attachment.

With the Tracking Card, all you need is room in your current wallet for a card that's about the width of two credit cards stacked on top of each other. I slotted mine in the back of the Card Wallet Plus  that Nomad sent me a while ago, and it fit like a charm.

When you take the card out of its packaging, you're prompted to press and hold a button. This triggers the setup process and lets you pair it with your Apple account. From there, you simply open the Find My app on your iPhone and add a new device. The card will pop up as "Nomad Card" on the lower half of your screen. Tap the Connect button, give your card a name and an emoji, and you'll be good to go.

Also: How to find out if an AirTag is tracking you

You can easily find your card through the Find My app, just like you would with any AirTag or third-party accessory that works with Find My. You can even ring the device to locate your wallet, although the ring itself isn't very loud.

One of the best features of the Tracking Card is the battery. Nomad included a rechargeable battery that lasts up to five months on a single charge. When it's time to recharge, you drop it on any Qi or MagSafe wireless charger and a green light will appear when it's full. This means you won't need to worry about replacing the battery or plugging it in with your phone charger to juice back up.

Nomad even points out that you can use a standing MagSafe charger to recharge the Tracking Card; while there are no magnets in the card itself (which… thank God, because your credit cards would be destroyed), there's enough metal that allows the card to hang onto the charger. I tried it myself, and it worked like a charm.

The card looks boring from a distance, but if you come close, you'll see its internals outlined to add a bit of character. This gives off a futuristic vibe, and I'm totally here for it. You won't be looking at the card all that often, but when you do, you'll at least have something cool to see.

Also: The best GPS trackers for kids in 2024: Expert recommended

Nomad's Tracking Card isn't the only one out there that works with the Find My network. There are options from Chipolo and Pebblebee that are often $5 to $10 cheaper. You'll need a wireless charger if you want to use the Tracking Card, which might be a dealbreaker for some who refuse to ditch the cable.

ZDNET's buying advice

Nomad's Tracking Card is a solid tracker that I'll be using regularly to keep tabs on my wallet. It's sturdy, has a cool design, works seamlessly with my iPhone, and can be juiced up with the charging station I have on my desk. What more do you need?

You can buy the  Nomad Tracking Card  directly on its website for $40.

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Aviation safety is constantly under public scrutiny. When the door flew off a Boeing 737 in January, it made headlines for months. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill giving the Federal Aviation Administration $105 billion to hire more air traffic controllers, improve runway safety and even train flight attendants in self-defense.

Yet the safety of short-term rentals, available on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo , receives far less attention.

When a fire at an illegal Airbnb rental in Montreal killed seven people last year, it was primarily local news. Social media is filled with tips for improving the safety of a rental — such as checking for hidden cameras — yet it’s difficult to know whether these address real or imagined threats. That’s partly because no regulatory agency oversees the safety of short-term rentals.

A safety Wild West

“Imagine if Delta Air Lines said you have to bring your own oxygen tank — you’d say, 'No way, I’m not getting on there,'” says Justin Ford, the director of short-term rental safety and certification programs at Breezeway, a property operations platform for short-term rental property managers. “Yet people are saying you should bring your own carbon monoxide alarm to a rental. We, as an industry, should be embarrassed by that.”

Airbnb insists the problem is minor.

“With over 1.5 billion guest arrivals to 220 countries and regions, safety issues on Airbnb are incredibly rare,” an Airbnb spokesperson said in an email. “We are committed to helping our global community travel and host safely on the platform. We continually invest in these efforts, including through dedicated policies, resources for hosts and guests, and support like our 24-hour safety line, and we partner with experts to help inform our work.”

Yet the scope of the problem is difficult to assess. These rentals remain largely unregulated, stymying efforts to track and report incidents. And, unlike aviation safety, there is no clear party responsible for maintaining the safety of short-term rentals . Is it the hosts? Or the platform? Or local governments?

As it turns out, nobody really knows.

Slips, trips and gas leaks

The heat was off when Jack Epner checked into an Airbnb in Spain, so he messaged the host about turning it on. The host said the heater had a potential safety issue and was reluctant to turn it on due to her “fear of the house exploding.”

“Her 'solution' was to give me a giant tank of butane for my bedroom — a giant tank of flammable gas that I could smell leaking,” Epner, who is nomadic, explained in an email.

The experience soured him on the short-term rental platform.

“I simply don't want to deal with them ever again,” Epner said.

Some experts say safety issues at short-term rentals are not usually this dramatic.

Ford, the safety expert, says, “83% of issues are due to slips, trips and falls. That’s where we’re seeing the injuries happening.”

According to Ford, improper lighting, missing handrails and even area rugs can cause accidents. He says that hosts can enhance safety by improving these features in their rentals, but that the real problem lies in the lack of safety standards across the industry.

“The big challenge is that there are standards for most commercial properties, but a lot of those standards don’t extend to short-term rentals,” Ford says. He adds that this is true "in about 95% of locations."

Who’s in charge here?

Some local governments have tried to require safety inspections for short-term rentals.

The city of Portland, Oregon, requires basic safety requirements for rentals, such as a working smoke detector and bedrooms that are up to code. Yet, as part of the city’s struggles to enforce its short-term rental regulations , it has inspected only 14 properties since 2019.

“Resources and permit fee costs act as inspection limitations,” Robert B. Layne II, senior communication coordinator for the city of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services, said in an email, explaining why so few properties have received these basic safety checks. The fees for registering a property would have to be drastically increased to cover inspection costs.

And while short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo offer safety guidelines for hosts, they have shied away from mandating inspections.

“Airbnb banned cameras in their properties,” Ford says. “Why can they do that but not require a deck inspection? They’re being selective in what they do.”

It’s a game of kick the can involving safety, with nobody — hosts, platforms or local governments — taking full responsibility. Ford says another group may need to step up to improve guest safety.

“The insurance companies need to stand up more and demand changes,” Ford says, suggesting that short-term rentals are getting harder to insure and that safety inspections could impact hosts’ bottom line if insurers demand them.

How to stay safe

Airbnb and Vrbo show which safety features, including carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers, are included in each property. Safety-minded guests can filter results by those that contain these features.

Guests should remain aware of the unregulated nature of these rentals and seek properties managed by professional hosts, according to Ford. Messaging potential hosts and asking about basic safety information is a good way to determine how seriously they take guest safety. Ask about:

Fire alarm batteries. 

Deck inspections. 

Pool fences. 

Bunk bed railings. 

And Ford suggests that guests with families talk to their children about potential hazards, especially with swimming pools.

“We’ve seen a lot of pool drownings lately,” Ford says. “We need to have these discussions with our children about pools.”

Note: Because of an editing error, Breezeway was originally noted as an online communication platform for short-term rental property managers. It is a property operations platform. The article has been updated to reflect this change.

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