Go Without the Day Pack

I couldn't agree more. I've never carried a day pack, never felt a reason to. Any guide book I have I read before I go out for that day or I have an e-version on my phone. All I carry with me is my wallet and phone, I don't need anything else. I don't need a constant source of water with me, I'm in a city and can purchase a drink any time I want. This leaves me free and unemcumbered (enough to punch a scammer if required ; )

My wife on the other hand feels compelled to carry around a handbag containing a purse with every card imaginable, toiletries, make up, selection of pens, 6 month old receipts and sometimes the guidebook that I ask her to put in there.

My day pack depends on my location, but for the most part I agree with you. The only time I would disagree is on a long walk where I might want my water bottle. Everything else usually resides on my person.

Wallet, smartphone, camera & wife.

First. Never carry your passport with you it is not necessary.

That's ok for some countries. In others, you will need to carry an ID card or passport with you. An example is Italy: foreigners without a passport risk a fine of € 2000. A driver's license or a credit card is not a passport, nor is a copy of the passport. So it's better to inform yourself about the rules for each country beforehand.

It is necessary to Have (possess) a passport. It is not necessary to carry it. In fact a photocopy will do for virtually anything. The issue of carrying your passport goes well beyond theft. If you are unfortunately caught up in something bad, even if it is no fault of your own and you are carrying your passport the authorities will confiscate it. It then becomes a bargaining chip, a lever for them. This is the last thing you want. I will continue to keep mine in my room.

A great excuse to use if asked for your passport is that it is at the US embassy being renewed. Or at some other embassy to get a visa for some other country...like Indonesia. Or that it has been stolen and you are waiting for your new one from the embassy.

This answer has ended every request ever made of me for my passport by officials. (Outside of entering the country of course)

aarthurperry, you make some good points, but obviously its a matter of personal comfort and choice. I think some of the problems you described are from people choosing bags that are too big or bulky for this purpose, and then having a need to fill them with unnecessary stuff.

I have examined my life while traveling, and find daypacks very useful, but worth some thought. I don't always use one every day, but more do often than not, even in domestic travel. I like to be prepared. I'll be sure to take one if I know that I will buy something during the day - postcards, fruit, wine bottle, cans of diet coke, souvenirs, etc., - and I don't want to carry them in plastic bags in hand. I might have a rain jacket, umbrella, sweater, tissues, sunscreen, depending on the weather and what we're doing, or other things that don't fit in a pocket. Unlike some, I don't expect my wife to carry them for me.

I dont think Rick has ever recommended carrying anything of value in a daypack. The security thing is a valid point, yet I note that you're not recommending that women not take purses while traveling. Same logic would seem to apply. Now, fanny packs are another story. . . . .

I agree I'd never carry any valuables in a day pack.

I don't carry the day pack anymore, only because I decided a reusable shopping bag folded up even smaller in my tiny carry on. I use it to carry groceries and/or picnic supplies regularly. I travel shoulder season, so it's not unusual to need a sweater, rain shell or umbrella for part of the day. If your travel is in a hot climate in the summer, you probably don't need it. When I'm not using it, I can fold it and put it in a jacket pocket. When I won't need it at all, it doesn't come with me.

I disagree somewhat on the availability of cheap water in tourist areas. I guess it depends on what you consider cheap? At a grocery store I pay roughly 32 euro cents for a liter of water, depending on the brand. At tourist sights, they'll charge 2 euro or more for a half liter. 2 euro may not be a lot but I'm big on saving money where you can so you can spend it where you want. For me 2 euro per bottle of water would be 12 euro a day vs. about one euro for three one-liter bottles.

In hot weather, you really need to drink water. Which brings up the necessity to pee. I'm not a woman so I don't feel the need to carry my own toilet paper. Without some type of pack, where would you carry it?

Totally agree about not carrying a travel book. You can either cut one up (I used to do that) or make it all digital and keep a Kindle version in your phone (like I do now). Michelin Green guides aren't available in Kindle, so I photograph pages I'll want and have them in my phone rather than pack extra weight.

Certainly people's opinions will vary and everyone should do what they feel best or that fits their needs. So the caveat to your post, is just because something works for you, doesn't mean it works for others. There are plenty of reasons people carry day bags or small backpacks with them. I'll list a few, including many that apply to me.

I do carry a guidebook or two because I do not have everything planned out for the day. I may have a general agenda, but the guidebook fills in the gaps throughout the day. I do not have them loaded up on my phone. Early in my travels, I once tore out pages of a guidebooks I needed to find a hotel for that night. Had them in my back pocket like you suggest. Pretty soon, they were no longer in my back pocket. That pretty much ruined the rest of my day as I spent much of it trying to figure out where to stay without any guidance. Never made that mistake again.

I carry a camera. Usually it's slung over my shoulders, but when I'm not using it, it can go in my bag.

I usually carry my iPad now. That fits nicely in my bag.

I carry maps and brochures and other papers in my bag. I carry some essentials, like medicines, mints, pens and extra coins.

I would NEVER carry a wallet in my front pocket. That's just asking for it to disappear. I have my own secure wallet system, but in a pinch things can go in an inner pocket in my bag that would be secure.

I carry water in my bag. Why buy overpriced water all the time? I'm not one to chug it all down, and I don't want to carry a sweating, dripping bottle of water for an hour as I drink it.

I've never had a problem or delay getting through museum security.

Never carry your passport with you it is not necessary.

While the negative consequences of leaving your passport at the hotel are slim, it is not technically true that a passport does not need to be carried. Most countries require official identification and the passport is the only ID for a foreign national. Definitely never ever drive without your passport.

I've never had any security concerns with my bag. It stays over my shoulders all day, and if I do take it off, I keep the strap looped around my leg. Some people are the type to forget things or be careless with a bag, but I'd guess most people are very careful.

Can I just note that this simply isn’t an option for women? Our pants don’t have pockets big enough for a wallet, let alone a phone or personal necessities. Jeans have pockets but they are small. Many trousers and dresses have no pockets.

So - the ladies corrolary is to bring the smallest crossbody purse available. Holds a phone and money.

Of course I don’t take my own advice, I’m a hobby photographer so bring a camera. If I didn’t have that everything would fit in a clutch size purse. Ebooks are annoying but better than lugging around part of a guidebook. And you won’t loose it easily because it’s your phone.

I have my guide books on my phone in Kindle format. I like stopping to have a drink at a pub or restaurant so carrying water is not something I do. If it is rainy or cold I do carry an tiny travel umbrella or my regular jacket but have no need to stuff them in a pack. I find no need to cary any valuables with me that won't fit either in a money belt or a pocket. So I have eliminated the day bag as well.

But, I have to disagree about not carrying the passport. I always carry mine with me in my money belt when I am outside the US. In my experience, pictures, paper copies, none of that works when you are asked by authorities to see your passport. They only want the real thing.

While there are many countries I have never been to that have a reputation for not exactly honest law enforcement, I think your idea that if you have your passport on you and you get stopped by the police that they will confiscate your passport as some form of leverage is humorous to me. I think you have read way too many spy novels. If the police want your actual passport and it is back at your hotel, what's to stop them from taking you to your hotel to get it, as many here claim European police are happy to do. They then still have confiscated it if they want. Oh, and I would never lie to any police about where my passport is or that it was stolen and I am waiting for the replacement. It is too easy for them to check. Last thing I want is the police thinking I have something to hide because I lied to them.

It is just a rant. Some valid points and many not so valid. Every item has discussed to death before so it is mostly personal opinion and practice. Some people actually believe that there is a world of difference between a good camera, even P&S, and iphone. And so it goes........

A don't automatically carry a daypack. It depends on what I need to carry. What I need to carry depends on: the weather for which I might need liquids, a raincoat, umbrella, a jacket for only part of the day, sunscreen, etc; whether I am in transit between two apartments or hotels and need to carry valuables rather than leave them in the car; whether I'm going to to do a written guided walk; if I need a map; how big my keys are; whether I have paper tickets for transportation or sight entry; whether I'm likely to buy a souvenir or groceries; whether toilet paper is relably found in public bathrooms; if I need entertainment on a bus or train ride; if I need to pack a lunch; how many pockets I have and how secure and or waterproof they might be. The more things I need to carry and the fewer safe pockets I have, the more likely I am to carry a pack.

Like a lot of things travel related, it comes down for as, "it depends." Do I expect to return to the hotel mid-day? Portable phone chargers are a pain, but often necessary since mapping applications suck battery power like there's no tomorrow. Do I need my kindle? I often use it for portable guidebooks for museums. Iffy weather might mean I need to stick an umbrella in my backpack.

I commute by train in Chicago and adults with backpacks or other daypacks are extremely common. So, I'm very well aware of how to have a backpack and yet not be a nuisance to others.

I never carry my passport with me unless I'm changing cities or it is arrival or departure day. In the extremely rare instance that a police officer demands ID and won't accept a USA driver's license or the scanned copy I have, then s/he can accompany me to my hotel. I don't spend my time hanging out in restaurant kitchens known to hire illegal workers.

Well this has centered too much on the passport issue rather than carrying a bag. If you really want to take your passport take it and put it in your front pocket. But losing it is a much bigger hassle than the very small chance some authority will want to see it unless it is a travel day for you.

Mark: Spy novels I don’t read. But I have lived in places like Sierra Leone, Cambodia, worked in Egypt, China and have lived and worked in Europe. I learned a long time ago never to hand over my passport. Doing so will only lengthen and increase your difficulties and cost you more money to get it back. There is a reason they want the real thing...

The authorities are loathe to contact an embassy unless there is a REAL reason to do so and then most police departments, even in the third world have embassy relations people who do that. The cop that is trying to shake you down isn’t going there.

But by all means do what you think is best.

I watched on the Rome Metro today on my way to St Peters as an American/Canadian (?) Man nearly had his wallet lifted by a pretty young girl. His wallet was in his back pocket. He felt it go and exclaimed “My Wallet!” The young lady dropped it and fled through the open door. If his wallet had been in his front pocket, where most of the Italian men carry theirs, his wife who was facing him would have been able to see the entire thing if the young woman had attempted to lift it from there. Second your front pocket is almost always in your peripheral vision. And why did she pick him? Standing next to me? Instead of me? Mine was in my front pocket and not nearly as easy to get to. And I almost always have my hand in that pocket.

In 40+ years of traveling and working overseas I have only been robbed once and that was in Casablanca...at knife point. He didnt get anything...but I’ve learned my security the hard way.

But whatever you think works for you is what you should do. And I hope you have safe travels and a great time.

Can I just note that this simply isn’t an option for women?

Thanks, Mira. Took the words out of my mouth.

We travel off-season so having a place to put a jacket is essential. And we hike a lot, so packing along some supplies is helpful. Yes, water too.

One does have to be careful not to whip the daypack around on public trans. A messenger bag/crossbody purse also does the trick in cities or when I don't need too many accoutrement.

On water bottles: while I always carry water (partly because I often travel in the warmer months, and partly because I look to save money wherever I can and dropping several Euros daily for water is an easy place to save), I've taken to carrying a soft, collapsable water bottle that clips to my belt loop. During travel days, it folds down to practically nothing, it's easy to refill, and I don't find it to be a nuisance at all walking around.

A great excuse to use if asked for your passport is that it is at the US embassy being renewed. Or at some other embassy to get a visa for some other country...like Indonesia. Or that it has been stolen and you are waiting for your new one from the embassy.

You are suggesting one make false statements to the police or other authorities?

Joe: I am suggesting that you do what is in YOUR BEST INTEREST. Sadly in this world being truthful about such things is definitely not in your best interests. Also your statement assumes those you are dealing with are honest. And that is simply not the case in many many places.

I am suggesting you protect yourself.

I am coming from a “Real World” perspective where corruption, intimidation and impunity are the bywords of how to operate among police and government officials in many countries. Europe as a whole is one of the better places for sure. But it does happen here too.

Decades of travel experience here.. I do not carry my passport unless going out of town on a daytrip ( in case I get stuck somewhere and need to get a hotel room.. its never happened.. but just in case)

I do not carry a day pack.. I am female.. so everything I need fits easily into my purse , which is a lightweight messenger style bag I wear cross body. Phone/camera,, change purse with days spending money in it. ( I do not carry it all about with me.. just keep a days with me.. leave the rest in hotel safe.. the few times I have not had a hotel safe I do wear it in a moneybelt.. but still leaving just a days cash easy to access in purse.

I do not carry a bunch of other stuff.. if I am hot I take off sweater etc and tie it around my waist.. If I want water I buy a bottle and drink it.. if I am hungry between meals I buy a pastry or crepe etc
I find a paper map fits in my purse.. same with lipstick, comb, and even a small umbrella .

I do not carry a guide book.. but have ripped out sections to carry ..

I do not bring my tablet..

I do sometimes bring my kobo( good for reading on long train trips and in lines) but it fits in my purse easily.

I'm not going to comment of what to carry and what not to carry because everyone has different wants and needs. Guys, just remember that women seldom have pockets and we aren't going to carry your stuff.

I am going to comment on carrying water. Because I live in AZ I always carry water every where, all year around. It's habit. Carry water in your hand, in your purse, in your backpack, clipped to your belt, clipped to your horse's saddle, in a tote around your neck or around your waist. Just carry water always. If you wait to buy water when you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. You'd be surprised how many tourists get rescued from hikes, alive and dead (4 dead in 1 week a couple years ago), because they ran out of water. We have a stupid motorist law for people who drive through rain filled washes and need to be rescued. We're considering a stupid tourist/hiker law for those who don't carry enough water and need to be rescued.

But walking the streets of London, Paris, Berlin, Warsaw etc is not the same as hiking in Arizona! I'm unlikely to collapse and die from extreme dehydration after a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park.

And a follow-up to horsewoofie's excellent advice to carry water -- if you are at the Louvre, there are NO water fountains, so if you realize that you are getting dehydrated the only choice is to leave whatever gallery you are in, find the restaurant and buy a €€bottle of water or other beverage.
No, I wasn't going to die, but I got feeling pretty bad in the time it took to discover there was no available water.

Companion thread: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/what-do-you-have-in-your-day-bag

I do cut up my guidebooks but the chapters for large cities can also be quite large. And I want a pen to go with that.

You say that you can keep your hand in your front pocket to defend that stuff, while I prefer my hand on my cross-body day bag. If I need to use my hand, then at least the bag is still strongly attached. (I assume both cross-body and back-pack styles are in the "day pack" category.)

I'm only up to two pairs of glasses, so far - relatively cheap but necessary sunglasses and reading glasses. Some people have one fancy pair that does everything. My dad had at least three pairs - never carried a back pack but drove my mom crazy as he managed them all in a small fanny pack (sunglass need not solved by a sun hat, which he also needed for his bald head) - and some prescription meds.

I carry a portable umbrella, diabetic medication, mini ipad, a scarf, and light sweater. My tote bag is very much needed and also quite light. I take my totebag with me everyday whether I'm home or traveling. We have no need for cars.

There is another aspect to the Day Pack that should be considered. I
cant count how many times people have smashed their day
packs into me boarding a train, Metro, in lines, in restaurants etc.

I suspect here is the crux of the plea to forgo "day packs". Unfortunately, some live in an egotistical fantasy world in which they think NOBODY exists except for themselves so no consideration ever crosses their minds that they might be bashing somebody with their bag in a crowded space like a bus or subway/metro. It's not just tourists though.

JC, when I was young and lived in the Pacific NW I didn’t often carry water either except when out in the river boating.

But winter in AZ is like spring or summer elsewhere and I now carry water. I’m on my way to physical therapy and have 2 bottles of water, 1 to drink during PT and the other to keep in the car, warm water is better than no water and I don’t want to stop at Circle K to buy an overpriced bottle of water.

They'll have to pry my daybag from my cold dead hands. When we leave our hotel in the morning, I have what I need for the day in there. Since we travel in shoulder season, I need either a light jacket or sweater. It Invariably gets shoved into the bag once the day warms. Wallet, camera, tablet, tissues, SUNSCREEN, guidebook chapter, medication, and a bottle of water. I also wear a hat outside, so I need somewhere to store it when indoors.

I don't carry valuables or passport in the bag. Those are either in the hotel safe or in my neck wallet. The bag is not heavy. It has never taken more than a few seconds to have it checked by security. I've never whacked someone with it on a crowded bus or metro because I sling it across my front when I board and I pay attention to the people around me.

Each person must judge for themselves what is essential for them to have on their person for the day. I would never tell another person to always bring a daybag with them whether they wanted to or not..

Yeah, my husband does that too, carries his wallet in his front pocket with his hand in his pocket whenever we're in a metro, bus, crowd. He thinks it's safe, too all the years he's lived in Paris, but I'm waiting for the day one goofball startles and distracts him, the hand comes out of the pocket--after all it's not glued in there--, and the goofballs' accomplice lifts the wallet. Wish he'd use the zippered inside pocket of his jacket or something else. C'est la vie. I just make sure we have copies and phone numbers so we can get replacements when it disappears.

Ladies--I use a ScotteVest to lug around all my junk and dumped the purse and day bag. It has 24 zippered pockets and actually looks decent. The only problem is remembering into which pocket I put which item.

They'll have to pry my daybag from my cold dead hands.

Yes!!! Hear, hear!!

If by day bag you mean a back pack, then I am all for not carrying one. I get hit in the head with them all the time on the trains and watch people in stores sweep things off of tables with them. Walking around with friends who wear them and also keep their camera in them is a day filled with patience as they have to take it off, get the camera out, either put it back on or find a place to put it while they take their photo, put the camera back in the pack, and put the pack back on. Repeat 100 times over the next few hours. sigh.

I wear a messenger bag cross body. It has my wallet, iphone, reading glasses, pen, tissues, emergency migraine pills and immodium. If touring in another city it may have a guidebook or map, possibly a bottle of water. If in another country, my passport stays in the hotel safe usually.

After living for 31 years in Germany and traveling in many of the countries of Europe, have never been pick-pocketed, or even had a close call.

So Many great reply’s and thoughts on the subject. Just a reflection or two.

My original post was about LOSING or having stuff stolen as it related to the passports and that holds true. That became expanded during the thread into other good reasons to not carry your passport. Also let me clarify that I was not talking about hiking or travel days. Mainly those sightseeing days.

Douglas: You are right this is a forum about Europe, but last time I looked that included Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Bosnia. All upstanding countries I am sure with totally honest, well paid policemen on every corner. My goal was to help not to scare.

The imputous for writing this post was the security line issue and security as a whole. Last time I was in Europe to see the sights most of these security lines did not exist or were not so thorough. Also the sheer number of people just were not here either. In the future I think that you will find more and more places just not allowing them in at all at major sights. I also tried to see this from the young soldiers who guard these sights standpoint. Day Packs are a perfect hiding place...nearly everyone has one...how do you pick out the bad guy with bad intent? Now lest I again be accused of fear mongering let me just say that I never have spent even 1 minute in fear over a terrorist attack and your chances are Infinitisimal of being cought up in one. I was just thinking of how the security folks see them.

I know this is a Europe forum, but to add to the passport discussion..... in some countries, Japan for instance, you MUST carry your passport on you at all times. You will be detained by the police if you do not have it.

I find it better not to carry a daypack. It makes my back and shoulders sore. A jacket with inside pockets is much better. It takes some effort to find one for women but Marmot makes some. Warmer days are tough, but you can probably make do with a smaller bag vs. a whole daypack and be more comfortable.

When out and about during the day, including hiking and biking, a backpack is part of my travel gear and has been from day one of international trips many years ago. What works for you may not be my choice.

The one time I did actually forget my wallet was the one time I was traveling without a purse and was carrying my wallet in the pocket of my jeans - took it out of the pocket and left it on a sink in a gas station bathroom in a remote part of New Zealand (for the record, the wallet was returned to me with all the money).

I've never had any security guard in a museum do more than glance inside my purse for 2 seconds - it's not holding up anyone from getting inside. Having just returned from a week of business travel, I can tell you that my experience at 4 different airports was noticing just how long it took men to empty all the crap from their pants pockets and jacket pockets to get past the TSA agents. And all the men wore this complicated footwear with laces that needed to be untied and loosened so they could slip off their sneakers or business shoes. Yet it took me just seconds to slip off my shoes, unzip my laptop bag and pull out the laptop & 3-1-1 bag to have them scanned.

Having lived in many big cities and relying on public transit, I know how to maneuver through a crowded train or bus without knocking into people with my bag - whether it's my purse or my laptop bag.

You do what works for you when it comes to bag or no bag...

I went to Italy in July 2017. At the time, I was afraid restaurant food was bad for you. I went around with a small vinyl backpack, which I bought online - this bag came as a pouch with a zipper which, when unzipped, unfolds into a backpack, and when empty, can be folded back up and zipped back into a pouch. I needed the day pack to carry around food I bought at grocery stores - no, I don't eat randomly and I don't eat in museums or in places eating is not allowed. Maybe I will now judge certain cooked foods to be not so unhealthy now. No matter what I eat I have to carry around floss and a toothbrush; I don't know how to eat without at least flowing and rinsing my mouth immediately after. When entering a museum, I can put my camera and maps into the bag before I leave it at the coat check desk or in a locker. I used the day pack to store a reusable grocery bag, and a bottle of water if I bought one and only drank part of it just after buying it. I take the day pack off and hold it in crowed places or on public transportation or while waiting for public transportation. In case I need to take off an outer sweatshirt of jacket in the middle of the day on future trips, I imagine I will store it in the day pack. Sun glasses and/or a sun hat could be stored in the day pack while in a museum. In general, possibly for irrational reasons, I prefer to avoid the sensation of my pants pockets bulging from being over stuffed with stuff I could put in the day pack.

I don't remember whether the guard at the Synagogue in Rome needed to see my passport; I don't remember whether I had it; I may have had it; I would have showed it if I had it. The guard asked for my name and where I am from, in a gruff, serious manner. The guard did a very complete search of my bag and a pat down, and after the genocide in Europe in world war 2 and a lot of people from the middle east invading Europe, who may have been brainwashed to hate Israel and/or Jewish people, you can imagine why the site takes security very seriously.

I carry everything I need in my front pockets which is usually my
wallet, some change, a map and my phone. That is everything I need all
day long. If I am thirsty i get something off the street or at a cafe
which is a good excuse to sit down and rest.

As evidenced in the responses above, this obviously works for you but not for others. In the same vein, I don't agree with some of Rick's advice either. We check bags; don't use moneybelts or neck wallets; start almost all trips abroad in big cities... Neither of us use a daypack but we do carry crossbody bags and carry a lot more with us than you do.

I personally know a very well-traveled gentleman who had his wallet lifted from his front pocket in Paris and never felt a thing. Rick had his OWN wallet unknowingly lifted from his pocket in Paris. Just sayin'. Water? Depends but it's not readily available on the nether reaches of the Appia Antica. Phone? We don't take them abroad, and we both use conventional cameras. Anyway, there are usually many ways to skin a cat, and any of them may be right. As far as daypacks, I see lots of traveling Europeans - especially the younger set - sightseeing with such packs. LOL, just about anything beats the heck out fannypacks, which I'd have difficulty defending in ANY urban situation.

Horsewoofie, while I know we're talking Europe here, I am with you 100% on the necessity of carrying water in your part of the world. We've done a lot of hiking in the Southwest, and nothing makes me crazier than seeing people take merrily off on a hot, shadeless trail at midday with either NO WATER or not nearly enough of it. It's even worse when they're dragging small children. Regardless of the NPS flogging the dangers to death, tourists die of heatstroke and dehydration on the trails every year. And yep, they die in slot canyons or washes too because they didn't check the weather report or with ranger stations before setting off.

So, it's a couple of those cases where the use of "never" can apply?

Hi everyone,

I edited and deleted a number of posts on both sides of the coin here. This forum only works when we assume best intentions, and not assume that you're being personally judged. We need to be able to write and read imperatives in our forum like "dump the daypack" without responding defensively (or responding defensively to defensive comments, etc) when that advice happens to not be right for you personally. Our forum works best when we can share a variety of opinions so that you and other readers (there are many thousands reading along every day!) can make the best decisions for themselves.

Thank you!

I have a small crossbody flat purse that I wear under my clothes and it tucks into my pants. I also carry in my jacket pocket a thin nylon string backpack that I only wear it to put my jacket in if I get too hot or when visiting a large indoor space. Hubby wears our passports and cash and cards in his hidden pocket he bought on this site and his phone in a pouch around his neck.

Works for us as I wear my camera around my neck at all time. It works so well for us. I am so thankful I ditched the larger purse. I only carry some pills, extra camera battery and memory cards, lipgloss and hand sanitizer and one small powder compact.

I don't carry a day pack , never did. My passport is in my zipped up inside right breast pocket put in there by a tailor. If it is too hot to wear this light summer jacket and I am doing a day trip to another town, I carry the jacket with me, just in cast I am asked for the passport. That has happened once...2017 when the Bavarian police boarded the train while still in Salzburg. Since I got tourist written all over, waist belt too, I was surprised this guy asked me in German when I've seen them in the past ask obvious foreigners in English, if that is to any avail. I was so surprised I asked why...duh, I'm supposed to know why.

He said, "Haben Sie einen Reisepaß dabei?".... caught off guard and startled, I asked, "Warum, denn?" as i was trying to get it out of the zipped inside jacket pocket. He and his partner looked at it trying to find where I had entered the Schengen zone on that trip. It's either going to be Paris CDG or Frankfurt FRA. On this trip I've left it in the hotel room when I am out and about in the city, ie not on a day trIP:

True, water is cheap, if you know where to get it outside of a train station food store, which is always more expensive., some places are much cheaper than others, eg, Lidl. in Austria. But even within the train stations, stores that sell everything else, Rossmann's, DM, Rewe, and others have various prices for water...one needs only to check them out.

One of the first things I look for in a major train station in Austrian and Germany, aside from the location of the WC and lockers, is which dept stores or food chain stores are part of the station complex, such Rewe, Edeka or Merkur.

I haven't used a daypack since 2009. I dumped mine in favor of a very small cross-body purse plus a typical European mesh shopping bag. My husband pointed out that people could see what was in that bag. Yeah, they could see a water bottle, some snacks, maybe a map, in other words nothing worth bothering with. I always wear my money belt with the important stuff I need in it.

This coming trip, I'll be using a little daypack again because, at my orthopedist's recommendation, I'll likely be using walking sticks. I'll need to be hands-free. I may be wearing a jacket for warmth or rain or both. I may need to put any of those things in the bag or pull them out of it.

Nothing really important will be in the pack. I'll still wear the money belt for deep storage and I'll still wear the small cross-body purse for the in-between stuff.

I'm bringing this little Sea to Summit Daypack, which I learned about on this forum. It weighs about 2.5 oz and stuffs down to about the size of my fist. It easily fits into my very small cross-body purse until I need it.

This is an interesting topic with lots of great responses! How can one person's experience equal another's? As the wife of a duo, and a mom of former littles, I have been responsible for carrying A LOT over the years. I no longer feel compelled to carry everyone's crap, not even my own. I do have a backpack stuff sack for bus trips, but I normally just carry a cross body purse that's slightly big enough for my wallet, a thin (or cut-up) guide book, phone, and perhaps my squashed up rain jacket. And yes, I do carry water. Skin looks best when it's hydrated, and I'm just vain enough to want to look good. Plus, I don't want to become dehydrated (which is entirely plausible with all the alcohol I consume on vacation-and yes, I am acutely aware that leads to dehydration, and the fickle circle I place myself in) so I am willing to carry the 16 oz. However, I NO LONGER carry my husband's stuff. Ladies, unite! Make them carry their own crap! My husband is a great photographer and chooses to carry his DSLR in a side carry bag (about the size of my purse), and in that he can fit his squashed up jacket and whatnot. Life is easier when there is less to take care of and carry.

"...make them carry their own...." Totally agree.

I always carry my own "stuff" and never have anyone else, the Mrs or any other family member, carry anything that belongs to me, be it pocket wipes, my prescribed meds, or the passport., nothing at all. I don' expect to carry anyone's else "stuff"/ equipment, etc nor expect them to carry my "things" If you need it, you carry it...plain and simple.

On my first trip to Europe in 1971 as a college backpacker, I was spotted out as American by another American when I walked in to this restaurant in ( West) Berlin. The guy , few years older than I , walks over to me and says in English, "You're American, right?"

I was a bit startled at having not only been caught off guard but also by this guy's audacity. I just took it then. This audacity part turned me off. He gave me a litany of things that betrayed me as American, one of them wearing the wallet in the left rear pocket. Admittedly, he was accurate. I didn't white sneakers then, now I do. Delighted.

On the next several trips I still wore the wallet like that, but in the mid-1990s I changed to putting the wallet in the front left pocket....no problems. That's what I've been doing since, putting the wallet horizontally with the lining in the left front pocket.

I don't understand why people don't generally go about their day when traveling similarly to how they'd go about a day out in a big city in a country they live in. What's the difference, really? This means I carry a purse, sometimes a larger messenger bag if the weather is variable or I'm going to have a long day and I want to carry a sweater/scarf. My smartphone is my camera, guidebook, translation device, map, etc. Wallet. Bottle of water.

I don't carry my passport. I almost never do when I'm not in transit. I know the arguments but one of the only times I did decide to carry our passports in my messenger back when in Strasbourg they ended up missing (I suspect pickpocketing, obviously). I actually carried them based on advice here! We had flights to the US in 11 days and let me tell you, getting a last-minute passport replacement is not a lot of fun, and we had the luxury of not even being on vacation.

This actually came up with a German friend the other day, we were in Spain, and she didn't bring her passport at all. She had her German identity card, and since she was traveling to another Schengen country saw no reason to bring a passport at all for the trip.

My EDC (every day carry) here at home is probably about the size of a lot of "daypacks" as it's an 11 L messenger bag. It's NOT full when I leave the house, but like MacGyver I use it for what I find along the way. I actually downsize a bit for foreign travels as I can't take my knife and I don't need all my keys/loyalty cards, or a few other things.

I travel with two options for EDC on vacation, one is a backpack and the other a messenger. I decide which to use based on what my activities are for the day. I am a big fan of heading out of the city for a day hike at least once per trip, so the backpack with water, picnic supplies, etc. is necessary. No, sir, I am not taking a hike anywhere for any amount of time without carrying water; that's a stupid thing to do. However, I carry the backpack in my hand when boarding transport, so I'm 100% not the person smacking OP in the head.

As for using pockets: LOL! The jeans I'm wearing right now, I wouldn't trust even a credit card sized item in the front pockets. Women's clothes are more or less terrible for pockets, and there's no way in heck I'd depend upon them for a phone (or a map!).

On some pants styles, Dockers, etc, there is a feature what tailors call a "watch pocket"...right in the front, wide and deep enough to conceal a credit card.

I put a credit card there when I'm out and about. If the pants style allows it, ie, no pleats, you can have the tailor install this extra pocket if it is doable or not......very handy, plus no one will expect a piece of plastic to be there.

I don't understand why people don't generally go about their day when
traveling similarly to how they'd go about a day out in a big city in
a country they live in.

I'm with you. I carry my purse and totebag with me everyday. Perhaps the reason people don't do things similarly when they travel as they do at home is because they all drive cars everywhere at home -- to work, to a supermarket, to the park, to the dentist, to the movies, to temple, to church, to a friend's home, to a restaurant, to the beach etc.

We live without a car so if we aren't walking to our errands or destinations, we are taking the subway, bus or train and carry what we need with us, in my case, my purse and tote bag. Again, this is just a guess.

Day packs are hot and heavy? People are smashing into each other with their day packs?

If my empty day pack were sitting atop my head I very well might not notice. I think I see your problem.

I don't understand why people don't generally go about their day when
traveling similarly to how they'd go about a day out in a big city in
a country they live in. What's the difference, really?

Because in daily life I'm either at home or in the office and don't need to carry things around. When I'm touring I'm pounding the pavement, hiking, or otherwise out and about for 10 hours a day.

I'm another one who carries a crossbody bag (the same one I do at home). It's roomy enough to carry my phone, portable charger, wallet, passport, pens, tissues, and other assorted personal items. I also carry one of the compressed tote bags so if I do buy something during the day, I can carry it in that. If I want water, I stop and get something to drink. And my guidebooks (and tickets) are all on my phone.

I also don't carry a money belt because the only time I carried one - back in 1996, my first trip - I lost it. The catch came loose and the belt fell off and I didn't notice. Luckily, someone found it and turned it in to the police so I eventually got it back (with all its contents), but I spent half a day getting money, a new passport, and dealing with the Embassy. Never again. Everything either stays in my room (including a spare credit card) or it goes in my crossbody bag. I've never ever had a problem with anything being stolen.

On this last trip to Iceland and the Netherlands, I did bring a packable backpack that I got from Eddie Bauer. It was helpful when I was gone for the entire day (i.e., on my Iceland day tour) and there was a possibility of rain. I was then able to use it as an extra bag to cart gifts home. But otherwise, no day pack. And I agree with the OP - many museums will confiscate the pack, or it becomes a headache trying to maneuver it.

If touring in cities, than I agree completely. My wife carries her phone and a lipstick and nothing else and it's a huge part of her vacation to feel so free.

I like wearing my Duluth Trading vest to carry what I need.

I don't carry anything that resembles a day pack, messenger bag, or cross over bag, etc...basically not needed. That also spots you too. Very true about people with day packs being oblivious to bumping into others with it and not knowing. When out and about in the city, I don't always carry the passport, depending, but always when doing a day trip. In Austria and Germany, if I am ever asked by the police, which has not happened in a city, I tell them it's in the hotel room. I don't carry a water bottle either in the city, definitely no guide book.

Bags are hot, heavy, hard to manage, easy to leave behind, and take up room in a cafe? Welcome to the life of most women! :)

And as for bags in general...I am in a coffee shop and I think 90% of the women and over half of the men have some kind of bag. Students, commuters, parents, bicyclists, most of us need to carry something on a dally basis and that doesn't change when I travel. It's just a matter of getting used to it and being spatially aware as we move through life.

Water may be readily available, but I do make some effort to limit my plastic consumption. I do buy a bottle of water when I need to, but then I refill that bottle until i break it or lose it. Plastics are a big problem, and many countries are trying to curb plastic waste, from charging for bags to banning straws. I don't need to buy a bottle a day, I would rather carry one in my bag.

I think this is an urban versus suburban divide. I've been a city dweller since 1997 and only had a car for part of that time so I'm very used to taking whatever I need for the day with me because I don't have a car to keep my stuff in.

For women, a good "hobo" purse or messenger bag and for men, a messenger bag is perfect. We throw in layers (cardi, scarf), makeup, pen, phone, water, book, we're just so used to it.

We only use a "day pack" (backpack?) when actually hiking.

When I travel I try to do things the same as I would at home. If I were going to any big city here I wouldn't pack as if I were going on safari...yet so many people I see on vacation in places like Europe do this! I have a simple, cross-body purse that holds money, cards, my passport, sunglasses, and phone. That's it. Anything else I need I can buy.

I use a day bag only when necessary.

I recently bought a packable Kikkerland backpack. When folded up it's about 4" x 4" x 2". Open it's big enough to hold what I might need (18 liters/4gallons)

When do I use it? If the weather calls for rain, I'll put my mini-umbrella in it. If I will be out and about all day, I might take a backup battery and small cable to charge my phone. If the temperature might change, I'll throw in my packable windbreaker. If I'm going to a place where buying water might be difficult, I'll throw in a bottle of water. I might also take along a pair of ear buds.

However, if I don't need any of the above, I leave it and just use my pockets.

In my "home" area, I don't use it because I'm usually in a car and put what I need in there.

This may be a problem someday but in 11 trips to Europe the only times I had to produce my passport was ocasionally in hotels and as an ID to check my signature(I dont sign my card so no one cannforge my signature). On a recent trip to UK I left my passport in the hotel and used my US drivers license(which fits in a pocket on my cellphone case) as the ID for credi card and had no problems.

I would be interested to hear experiences where people did need their passport and the country-clearly I will need to carry it with me in Italy with the threst of that fine!