I was born and raised in a tourist town. Just like the pick-pockets in Europe know, there is one way to spot a tourist. No matter where my friends and I went, whether strolling along the beach or shopping in the shops downtown, we could always pick them out of a crowd. No, they didn’t wear funny hats necessarily, nor did they incessantly ask us for directions; they were wearing fanny packs.
The high school I went to was pretty normal for normal people, but do something out of the norm like wearing a fanny pack and you were doomed. Fanny pack was spelled N-E-R-D and if there was one thing none of us wanted to be, it was a nerd.
There are some things you just can’t seem to change your attitude about. I still refuse to wear a fanny pack. I know people who wear them, like my mom who is nearly 76, and to me that is allowed. For me, though, they look ridiculous; plus they bring unnecessary attention to the tummy and hip area (something I can live without at my age).
That is why I am sharing some ideas on great fanny pack substitutions today. You are sure to look groovy if you use one of these babies instead.
Backpack
This is the way I visit the parks. Everything I need fits nicely into the backpack and it looks perfectly normal while feeling very comfortable. When I get into my favorite rides, I just step through the strap and it is as secure as if it were wrapped around my waist.
Baggalini
Some Disney visitors swear by this bag. It holds just about everything and is handy for the things you want to access quickly. It has several pockets, credit card slots, pen and lipstick holders, a mirror, detachable ID and coin holder, etc. Pretty hand in this messenger bag style.
Disney Messenger Bag
These are too cute, aren’t they; and how appropriate. They have organizer pockets, card slots and a zippered outside pocket for ease of getting to your key to the kingdom. You can even have them personalized at disneystore.com.
If you are a female who insists on wearing a fanny pack, then more power to you. But, if you are old school like me, I hope these suggestions might help you to figure out a good alternative.
Whatever you decide, happy touring!
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OK Brenda….remind me not to show you some old Disney vacation pictures, ok? 😉 Seriously, you offer some great alternatives. The only defense I will give of fanny packs is that when traveling in the summer, they are FAR more comfortable in the heat than a backpack, or messenger bag. Still, to my daughter’s relief, I now sport a fashionable, small, comfortable shoulder bag. And will adamantly deny being that tacky tourist you see in our Disney vacation pictures…… 🙂
I think Crocs are ugly, but the do real good on those water rides.
Fanny Packs Forever!
I think Crocs are ugly, but the do real good on those water rides.
Fanny Packs Forever!
I think Crocs are ugly, but the do real good on those water rides.
Fanny Packs Forever!
I like fanny packs about as much as I like Crocs on adults
I like fanny packs about as much as I like Crocs on adults
I like fanny packs about as much as I like Crocs on adults
So there, I’ve said it, and I encourage all you fanny pack wearing people to stand up, display your pack with pride, show the world, that your still cool too!
Fanny Packs Forever!
Ok – Ok
I have heard this fad of complaining about fanny packs, for ever, and I for one want to stand up in defense of this little understood tool. I have used a fanny pack every time that I have visited Disneyland, for years. You may have seen me and pointed me out with a smirk to your friends, as I waddle from one attraction to the other, I don’t care, and here is why. Inside my compact bag I carry
a compact video camera,
a digital camera,
a bag of peanuts,
a granola bar,
extra cash in case I lose my wallet,
a zip lock bag to put my wallet in on water rides,
My car keys,
Locking backs and Allen wrench for my pins,
My cell phone,
Cigarettes and lighter, (but I have quit and am wondering what I’ll do with the extra room)
Bandaids,
Anti diarrheal medicine,
Tylenol,
My list of contact numbers,
Eyeglass straps for the roller coasters,
And more, I’m sure I’ve left out. All this in a bag that’s 9 x 6 x 4, and those are inches not feet.
All neat and organized, not dumped into a catchall, that might take forever to find something.
Which is worn on my hip not in back or front, it can be carried over the shoulder. And unlike some of those ” backpacks” is easily inspected at the front gates, by simply opening the zippers, no need to dump everything out while holding up the line.