7 Travel Wallets to Bring on Your Next Trip
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The Points Guy himself brings along two wallets while traveling: a smaller one for everyday use that can hold an ID, a little cash and some of his favorite credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or The Platinum Card® from American Express (both of which have no foreign transaction fees)(See Rates & Fees), and a larger wallet to hold extra credit cards and copies of travel documents in the event of an emergency, which he keeps secured in his hotel room safe. To help you choose your own ideal travel wallets from the many choices out there, TPG Contributor Matt Zuzolo suggests these seven options.
This is a classic leather wallet, with two dedicated sections for bills (perfect for keeping different currencies separate), as well as slots for eight cards. The basic and functional design is perfect for the average traveler's needs, without the flash that attracts pickpockets. Price: $85
2. Saddleback Pocket ID Wallet
Saddleback is known for its use of high-quality leather, and this particular model is a great choice for any traveler looking for a small, compact wallet to tote along. It has just two slots (which can hold several cards each), a cash pocket and a window to display an ID. While it might be tempting to carry an entire collection of cards to maximize points while on a trip, many travelers — including The Points Guy — suggest carrying just two or three. Price: $33
3. Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet
Made for the traveler looking to carry his or her entire life in a compact form, this wallet has dedicated space for primary- and secondary-use cards, multiple types of currency (of all sizes) and even a boarding pass and ticket slot. It also includes a micro travel pen — perfect for those moments when the entire plane is scrambling to find a pen for customs and make it to the front of the line. Price: $120
4. Royce Leather RFID Blocking Passport Wallet
Modern passports and credit cards contain RFID chips, which (while unlikely) could possibly be breached by scammers. This wallet is made with special material designed to shield against unwanted intrusions and protect travelers' personal data. In addition to the security functionality, this wallet has space for cash (with different sections to fit varying currencies properly) and an ID slot. Price: $50
5. Saddleback Leather Passport Wallet with RFID Shield
Like the Royce Passport Holder, Saddleback's passport wallet is made to shield RFID chips. This leather wallet also has space for several cards, cash, boarding passes and your passport. Price: $70
6. Tumi Alpha Zip Around Travel Wallet
Designed for those who need to carry all their cards at the same time, this wallet should provide more than enough space for just about anyone's card collection. The wallet has 16 card slots — which can presumably hold more than one card each — and additional internal and external storage for extra cards, cash, tickets and anything else you might have on your person while traveling. There's even a zipper to keep the wallet closed and contents secured. Price: $249
While many travelers recommend keeping cards, cash, IDs and other possessions separate while traveling, having a wallet/phone case hybrid isn't a bad idea as a backup. The Bellroy Phone Wallet is a great solution to the single wallet conundrum, acting as a phone case while also holding a few cards and cash in the back. (So if your wallet is lost or stolen, all is not lost.) The case also has a dedicated slot to hold a second SIM card for travelers who choose to get a local number while abroad. Price: $55-65
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