To insist DS uses bum bag on holiday?

[iwonderwhat]

DS and friend (both 18) are going on their first holiday abroad together. They are pretty sensible but possibly a bit unworldly.

I think they should each be taking bum bag with RFID protection for their passport, phone, cards and small amount of cash but DS is resisting. They are going to a Greek island for less than a week, taking carry on bags only.

I'm a bit anxious - but trying not to show it! - and may be going overboard [getting the contact details of the local British consulate] but I don't want them to come into difficulties that could be avoided. Any suggestions much appreciated! TIA

He's going to Greece to get drunk, the best advice is to leave everything other than the cash for that night in the safe in the hotel. Then if he gets mugged (unlikely) that's all they can take

At least he's honest. The alternative is he says 'yes mum' and then ditches in the first bin he sees on the way to the airport.

You might get further suggesting a money belt you wear under your shirt but tbh he probably will still prefer not to.

It is hard to let go as our children get older.
It is a fine balancing act as we release control and step back.
Of course we want them to be safe, but part of becoming an adult is making mistakes.
Wrapping them in cotton wool only delays the process.

I would suggest taking out insurance for him, and leave the rest to him unless he asks for help.
I was living independantly at 18, many young adults do.

Of course I'm not going to "make him".

You want to 'insist' he takes it, that is 'making him'.

How were you going to enforce it, FaceTime him every hour?

Don’t be deliberately obtuse. Obviously OP can’t “insist”, she knows that. But we all know that parenting doesn’t end the day they turn 18, and we can nag and persuade to varying degrees about various issues.

A bum bag 😂 will he wear it roadman style?

Do you really not understand? Because if you don’t, then I can explain it to you. But if you’re just being deliberately provocative, rather than genuinely confused, I won’t waste my time.

You don’t insist anything to an 18! He’s technically an adult, albeit a young one so it’s really up to him. You definitely need to lay off your autocratic approach.

My eldest now 21 would’ve happily worn a bum bag and has done whilst away with friends. My younger son 18 wouldn’t be seen dead with one on. So you can’t force it, he needs to look after his valuables and you have to hope you’ve taught him well up until now so he’s safe on holiday. You do worry but you do need to let them go their own way eventually

Most people don't carry their passports for a day trip to London .If the cards get stolen, you just pop into a local bank, bit harder in a foreign country. It's not higher risk, it's just more hassle.

You can have the uniqlo It Bags personalised in Covent Garden Branch.

I'm torn between

Mommy's Little Prince

And

If Found, Return to iwonderwhat

Wow that's clever! Will do that from now on.
But did you do this when you were 18 yourself or did you mean this mum might do this? (Also a good idea)😃

I had my iPod stolen out my bag at a greek airport and wushu my mum told me to use a bum bag! Lol

Oh bless you OP. I am just the same, a total Beverley Goldberg. I can't help it.
I would have thought through every contingency, written down every number and bought him a cross body bag, along with ALL the instructions, especially about hotel balconies-thanks for that whoever brought it up!
18 is an adult, yes. Some 18 year olds are vey mature and sensible...some are total dingbats like mine
All we can do is try and instill some kind of sense and hope for the best.

Just stay out of it.

He is going to Greece not Afghanistan
😂😂😂

I do. I left mine in the room safe once, in Berlin. Got stolen. Appears I was the only one who didn't know never to trust the safe in the room. Or the cleaners. Or the receptionist.

Bumbbgs mark you out as a tourist imo! Make sure he's insured and using a revolut or monzo or other travel card of your choice, not his main debit card. Cash in small amounts only.

It’s difficult when your child goes on their first holiday, I’ve been there three times so understand how you feel. You’ve brought him up, taught him how to stay safe and now it’s up to him.

But a bum bag (or any bag) isn't particularly secure as thieves have been known to cut the strap while you're wearing it and steal the bag with all its contents. If he carries items in pockets at least there's more chance that a pickpocket will only steal one item, not all of them.

Absolutely not. After Uni, my daughter did a bus trek through Southern Africa with lots of other young people. One youngster arrived at the airport with a buldging bum bag hidden by her shirt. The experienced guide immediately pointed at it and told her not to carry her money etc in a bum bag.
I had all my valuables in a bum bag when on holiday, this winter. It was stolen and I didn’t even notice. I could cancel the cards immediately but it was really stressful replacing the phone. I now use a cross body bag.
My BIL was on holiday with my SIL and his children. One day they went to Barcelona by train. My BIL gave his kids a lecture the night before about security and explained to them about keeping their money safe. He showed them his rucksack which was fastened with a padlock. As they were waiting on the platform for their train a Spanish lady came up to my BIL and said ‘please take that padlock off, you will get robbed’. My SIL and nieces were in stitches.
I think the best thing is to spread everything out but your son has probably already worked this out.

He's 18 not a little kid. You can get those body bags that have a pocket for your phone and wallet. Or a man bag that would be more appropriate. His mates would take the piss out of him using a bum bag.

The best thing you can do for him OP is make sure he has decent travel insurance and take a copy of the details along with his passport and health insurance card ( he should apply for one if he hasn't got it).

Bless his wee cotton socks, freshly ironed and with name tags sewn in 🤣.
He's going on a mini-break to a Greek island! At 18, I was living in Cairo, long since flown the nest. Stop coddling, OP. How is he ever going to learn anything if you don't get out of the way?

Photocopy all his documents including his passport before he goes. Then if he does lose anything, it makes it slightly easier to solve.