Crossbody bag

I bought the Keen Emerson bag and am very happy with it. You can find it on Zappos. The main compartment of the bag has two inner zipper compartments and a third inner pocket. The outer flap has a very large zipper compartmen. The bag of the purse has a zipper compartment that I would usually use to store maps. There is also a separate outer pocket for a smartphone on the backside of the purse (although I always kept my phone on the inside). The main compartment velcroes shut, not zippers, so I put my valuables in the inner zipper compartments. It is big enough to hold small wallet/passport, smart phone, ipad or guide book and other smaller things (pens, gums, etc) comfortably. For the plane ride, when you wouldn't mind extra bulk, you could easily shove a small water bottle and bigger snacks in there. The strap and bottom of the bag also feel extra durable/reinforced. I think the bags are very cute but not dressy looking if that is more your style.

The same company also makes a "Brooklyn II" bag that is a little bigger.

I like the LeSportsac Deluxe Everyday bag which I got from www.ebags.com. Not sure how the new forum is for posting links, but here is the search page.

http://www.ebags.com/search?term=LeSportsac+Deluxe+Everyday&pl=hdr_srch_sf_l1

It has 2 large main zipper pockets, 2 smaller zip outer pockets and one zip outer pocket on the other side from the 2 zip side. The main pockets are big enough to hold a rolled up Marmot precip jacket, a small umbrella and if those aren't wet, my Kindle. If I don't have the Kindle in there, it will hold a water bottle, but it doesn't have a dedicated water bottle holder. It also holds a plastic document envelope I use for my paperwork. In the larger side zip pocket I have a coffee can lid, fork and spoon in a ziplock for picnics.

I liked the LeSportsac (one word if you are doing a search) because it is fabric and light, but sturdy. It is water repellent. I have seen them a time or two in my local TJMaxx, but I wanted a specific design so I ordered one from ebags. It can be worn cross body or with the strap shortened over your shoulder. The last trip I took, for the plane flight, I put the Everyday bag in to a LeSportSac Medium Travel Tote and had room for water, snacks, my jacket and other assorted stuff which still fit under the seat.

Happy hunting!

I bought this Derek Alexander bag that was recommended by Pat here on this website and I loved it. It's light weight and held everything we needed: guidebook, snacks, camera, etc. It's secure in that it has a zippered pocket inside a zippered pouch all closed in by a flap with a clasp. It also has an outside pocket that you can easily slip the guidebook in and out of.

http://www.ebags.com/product/derek-alexander/organizer-nylon-travel-shoulder-bag/17432?productid=64699&rlid=DETAIL_AI

I hope this link works!

ha ha was just going to suggest the bag I use .. but Dawn beat me to it ( glad you like it ) . I love my bag and will be using it again overseas this year.. !

I also have the Keen Emerson bag. I've used it for a few trips and like it. I do wish that it had an outside water bottle pocket. I don't think I'll buy another bag without that spot for water.

Another vote for the Derek Alexander. I have used one on my Europe trips for years. A few years ago decided to try a different bag and gave my DA to a charity shop.....as soon as I got home from that trip bought another DA for our next trip. It has been to Europe with me ever since and won't be going to a charity shop anytime soon!