Purse/Handbag recommendations

I have most recently used a nice lightweight Baggallini crossbody bag that I found at TJMaxx. You can usually find them at Marshall's, or online at ebags or Amazon, also. I have several sizes and I love them!

I always use a bag from Ameribag. It's a teardrop shape bag, and I think the name is something like the healthy back bag. It allows me to carry more weight than a normal shoulder bag, and the museums don't consider it a backpack so you don't have to check it. A medium-size one easily holds a rain shell, small umbrella, a bottle of water, camera, snacks, hat, and a guidebook... in addition to all the normal things that going in a purse. The interior has really great organizers built in, which helps me find things. And the microfiber version is incredibly light and well-made. Their website has Information on all the options.

Thanks for the suggestions I will look into them!

The Civita shoulder bag (not the back pack) advertised at "TRAVEL STORE" at this web site. The size and shape of that bag was chosen by Rick Steves after his experiences of traveling in Europe, 100+ days each year, very very many years. That bag is for sale at various retail stores in the U.S.A., including some AAA offices. Various colors to choose from. Rick Steves, at Europe, carries a small backpack. He carries more stuff than what I carry.

Okay, I am a guy so what do I know.

Slash proof? Steel cable straps? Imagine that steel cable over your shoulder and across your chest when the kid on the moped races past at 30mph and grabs it. You would be better off if the strap breaks and he gets the dang thing. If you do have one of those fancy slash proof, steel cable bags then if I were a tourist thief I would know what it is and I would know that you trust your valuable to it's care so I would be sure to target you. Sooner or later you will sit down at a sidewalk café or take if off your shoulder to get some money out of it and then it's mine.

You are half way around the world and it is prudent to take a few extra percautions. After all it could be a real pain to get replacement money if you suddenly found yourself broke. Just impossible to compare to the same thing happening to you while still in the U.S. STILL, let’s not blow it out of proportion. Big or Designer Purses in Rome, Naples, Prague Old Town, Paris, and most of Spain (i predict i get slammed for that list) probably isn’t a great idea. Most of Europe has crime rates as low as your local shopping mall; maybe lower.

Most people don’t travel alone. Split the loot and the cards between the two of you, only carry what you need to carry. You should have a zipped pocket or an around the neck pouch under your shirt, coat or sweater that you can easily access, and thereby actually use, to hold your credit card and the day’s cash. The rest should be locked up. Then sure, swing that bag and if it gets nipped you lose your lipstick and the worst that happens is your husband loses a day of his vacation going from one shop to the next trying to find just the right shade ………………….

Well I have travelled alone, and alone with kids.. and still did not need a steel cabled purse.. including in Rome, Paris, and Barcelona.. all cities thats let say have more then their fair share of pickpockets.

I bought a Derek Alexander bag at the Bay about 10 years ago.. LOVED it so much got another one online about 3 yrs ago. Its simply a black nylon canvas shoulder bag with a wide adjustable strap ( good to lengthen and wear as a messenger style bag cross body) and it has a flap that clicks shut over a top zipper and an inner zipper pocket.. love it.. it would take a thief three attempts to get inside, first get flap undone,, almost impossible with one hand the way it fastens.. but then there are two more zippers to go before then get to the goodies.. this would simply be more hassle then its worth to a pickpocket when so many ladies wander around with purses that simply have an uncovered zippered opening.. so bet they get "chosen" first!

Steel cables.. really, sounds heavy and over kill to me BUT if a person feels safer that way I suppose they will enjoy their trip more anyways .

On edit,, they still sell it , the version they show is blue and grey but you can order it in black,, its called a "Full Flap Travel Shoulder Bag", for 55 dollars.

I know leather looks nicer.. but in the heat of summer I do not want to carry any more weight then I have to.. so the nylon bag suits me fine!

My advice would be no purse. Use a neck-wallet with a couple pockets, reduce your load to only necessary things, and wear it under your blouse (over your neck and under one arm).

A purse can be a target, even when you don't put anything important in it.

We also carry a Civita daypack and put only inexpensive stuff in it (chapstick, plastic forks, umbrella, snacks, extra layers, etc.). It also comes in handy as a grocery bag. We never put anything in it we can't afford to lose - that stuff stays in a moneybelt or neck-wallet and only comes out in private.

I have carried a purse for almost 40 years now.. since I was first sent to France to stay with my grandmother for the summer.. I simply cannot imagine not carrying a purse.. where does one keep maps? Where does one put their money ( you are NOT supposed to use your moneybelt as money storage for your daily expenses ) . where does one put a pen, some mints, a comb , a lipstick,, sunglasses etc.. oh I know someone will suggest a day pack,, like thats less of a target then a purse??

Sorry not all women dress in pants and shirts with pockets.. I travel in sundresses for hot weather.. so can't be shoving stuff anywhere ! I see no need to dress like a middle aged man or a safari hiker( khaki pants and a travel vest )to tour a museum in a big city in 90 degree weather..

Purses are great .. mine fits my camera, my water bottle ( small one) my comb , lipstick and change purse ( where I keep my daily money)

PS Pockets are "targets:" too... er the term is after all.. "pick pocket" lol

I use a LeSportSac cross-body purse for my day bag (as well as a money belt for cash, passport, and cards). It's lightweight and wears like iron, and is large enough for a map, my camera, water bottle, umbrella, and any small souvenir purchases.

I'm a fan of the Longchamp Le Pliage series. They're one of the few things that are actually cheaper in Europe than the United States. They fold up easily, are lightweight, and are very common in Europe, so will blend in well. You can find them here, but can also pick them up in most European airports, too.