Suggestions? Not quite a messenger bag but... almost

Unless you need your bag for carry-on why don't you look for a bag in France? You'll blend in like a local and have a great memento from your trip.

Hi Trotro,
I've been looking for a bag like you're describing as well. Check out www.REI.com under the "Luggage and Travel", "Luggage and Bags", "Urban Day Bags" tabs. Some of those look interesting. For years I've carried a small Kipling backpack. It folds up in your luggage and you can wear it in front or back. I only carry a guidebook, umbrella, hat, etc. in my daybag--not anything that I couldn't live without. The Kipling website has some great options too!

Are you schleping all this w/the toddler by yourself? If you are, get a large enough zippered and stylish tote bag w/an inside zipper also to put important items in. Make sure handles are large enough to place comfortably on 1 shoulder. Coach makes well made bags if you want to spend a minimum of $500. Use a fanny pack to place the kiddie stuff in. PLace the pack in the front or side to quickly get into it. Worse case scenerio, do you really care if it's stolen, ie the fanny pack? Make sure you have a free hand to hold onto that quick kid of yours. Also, when using the tote bag make sure the zipper is in front. Did this when my kids were small; never had a problem. And hubby helped to carry. If you're bringing 1 or some other person make sure he/she shares the load.

You also can tray ebags.com
Shipping is free and you can see pictures of the bag's insie , which is helpfull.

Buy.com has a large variety of messanger/urban bags.
or Amazon.com . I looked a while ago to buy something like and i was impressed to see how many they got.

I am in the same boat that you are. Being a woman, I am looking for a day bag that looks more like a handbag then a back pack. I may be wrong because I am still a newbie. I just want to have something that does not shout out... "TRAVELER" Of course, I do have my RS moneybelt and RS wallet. The only other thing I would be carrying is a travel snack, water, and perhaps an umbrella or light sweater.

Let us know what you find.

Look at lesportsac bags on line or on ebay - I have the large weekender that is very light and can hold a suprisingly large amount. It also comes with a matching small zip bag that can hold those little items that you want to keep together.

If you are going to be in France, you can also check out "La Bagagerie" bags, available in Paris at their retail store or in the Printemps department stores. I carried mine all over Paris and Provence over my shoulder and was never bothered by the common tourist scams written about on the Grafitti board.

Trotro, The Rick Steves' Veloce bag is big enough to put a laptop computer in it.

Have you taken a look at the new 2008 Pacsafe bags ?

They are available on the website http://www.pacsafe.com You should look at the MeshSafe 100 or 200, they are really stylish messenger style backs, with removable padded laptop sleeves and lots of pockets etc.

I am also looking for a bag for our trip in April. This is what I have thought of so far --

I want my husband to be able to carry the bag every once in a while, so I am looking for a messager type bag. I also do not want a backpack.

If I can't find a bag I like I am going to Target and buying a big purse. One that will hold the makings for lunch, drinks, maps, camera, etc. -- everything I need but not what would normally go in a purse.

The best shoulder bag that I know of, slightly shorter than the Messenger bags that I have seen, is in the National Geographic catalog. The name of the bag is something like "Earth Explorer bag". The price for it is not low. I recommend carrying a shoulder bag, because the strap (wide and padded) can be around the person's back and neck. And the bag is carried at the person's side or front. The bag can be turned around, with the buckle toward the person, for security. I prefer to carry a small shoulder bag (I do not bring my laptop computer to Europe.)

Susan, if a large purse is big enough for you, I recommend look at a shoulder bag that is sold by L.L. Bean. It is their "Sunwashed Canvas Shoulder Bag". (Not the Messenger bag). For men or women, various colors to choose from, it has a wide padded strap that has an adjustable length. The bag is well made, the contents are secure, it has an internal zippered pocket, and an internal clip for keys.
I like its small size : the length is less than 11 inches. To be prepared for sometimes carrying more stuff, like food, or a book or art item that is purchased in Europe, the traveler could clip a small pouch containing the Rick Steves mini tote bag onto the exterior of the bag. (The tote bag, when empty and folded, can be in the very small pouch that comes with it). When the tote bag is unfolded, it is large. That is what I do : I carry the tote bag containing food, etc. back to my hotel room or B & B. And that mini tote bag can be used for carrying clothes to a public laundry.