Purse for women?

I don't carry a purse when I travel. I either put "my" stuff in our day bag (which I carry most of the time) or I use a very small messenger bag or waist pouch.

Most ladies carry a purse. A bag with a long thick strap that they can put over their neck cross their chest messenger bag style seems to work best for most people. I carry one made of woven lightwieigh polyester type material.. strong , but lighter then leather.

Purse , should have a zip AND ideally a flap that goes over the zipper. Mine has a zipper, with a flap that snaps shut over the whole purse.

Check out some travel stores, or luggage stores. You do not need to invest in an expensive purse with metal through it etc.. my purse has been to Europe at least 1/2 dozen times and cost me less then 40 dollars..

I do not find a back pack any safer,, in fact they seem less safe to me,, and must be carried in front if in crowded area or subways anyways.

Purse need not be large,, I only carry a change purse with days cash in it, ( not a big wallet like at home),, lipstick , comb, map,camera, and sunglasses,, I also tuck in a small paperback when I am travelling alone,, something to read at lunch.

Money belt for passport and ATM/CC card if not in hotel safe, those things never go in my purse.

Purses are a very personal decision. I always carry the same type of bag I would carry at home, although it's often a slightly larger version, usually a designer tote style. I don't keep any money in the purse (credit cards and cash are in moneybelt), just girl stuff like my hairbrush (I have long hair), lipstick, my itinerary notebook, maybe snacks we've picked up, purchases I make throughout the day, etc. My husband always carries a backpack, so he gets all the heavier stuff. It's important that my bag be very comfortable, not too heavy, and most importantly to me (I'm very fashion conscious...but in places like Paris it matters to me),looks really good with my coat or clothes. I don't like having to ask my husband for everything I need, so it's important that I carry my own bag. I choose bags that help me feel pulled together and are practical.

I just went to Europe and used the "Pacsafe 100" cross strap bag. It's made of a material that cannot be cut with a knife and the zipper has a lanyard clip to lock it and keep picpockets out. This eliminated my use of the money belt (which I wore when the hotel did not have a safe.)

Visit the Travel Smith web site to purchase and for more info.

Happy Travels!

I always carry a medium sized "AmeriBag" Classic Microfiber Healthy Back Bag tote (long name but Healthy Back Tote works). Got mine from Travel Smith. On our RS tour to Greece this past Spring half the women were carrying one. I swear you could put a refridgerator in there. Bill calls it my magic bag. Great little compartments for this and that, place for a water bottle, places for maps, travel guides, lightweight shawl, small pieces of furniture etc. (Just kidding). Lightweight, durable. No I do NOT put valuables in it outside of some small spending cash. Comfortable as long as you don't overload it (I treat it as a day bag or flight bag).