Have been to Europe twice, both times carried a "slash-proof"-type purse, heavy and tricky to get into. For upcoming trip (a tour) am thinking of getting the travel vest from Magellan's. Seems to have plenty of pockets, inside and out, and I love the idea of having both hands free all the time. Would appreciate comments, ideas, etc. from anyone who has an opinion. :) Thanks! (I should mention that due to having the World's Worst Back, I'm not able to deal with any kind of backpack.)
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
My wife and I have gone to Europe every summer of the last 10 years (soon to be 11) and we both use RS Civita Day Packs and of course money belts. My wife gave up on caring a purse before we ever started going to Europe so she does not face that problem. In our day packs we carry light weight rain jackets, point-and-shoot cameras, sun glasses,
very few "pills", and our guide books. We sling then over one shoulder and whenever we get into a crowd, we move them abound to the front, placing an arm thru each strap. Never had a problem with this luckily. Happy travels.
Posted by
Land of La
8747 posts
I have a sling bag that I favor but you asked about a vest.
Have no personal experience but do know that one participant in a RS tour of Florence wore a ScotteVest through out the trip. Had everything she needed and it kept her warm. It's expensive but dang it's practical.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
For valuables (passport, credit cards, etc.), wear a moneybelt. Once you have that, it doesn't really matter what kind of bag you have. I'm trying out the LeSportsac Classic Hobo in Toronto and I really like it. There's enough room for my water bottle, camera, a map, wallet with my daily spending money, etc. It's lightweight and is made well.
Posted by
Longmont, CO, USA
527 posts
I always use my Columbia travel vest... inner and outer pockets with inner and outer zipper pockets. Used to use a money belt, but the vest work just fine without the hassle. The Magellan, if it has zipper pockets, should be just fine.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
You do not need to carry a heavy pacsafe bag( I think they are riduculusly heavy , and the extra metal completely unnessary).
I carry a nice nylon lightweight bag,, sort of like a small messanger bag that I wear cross body.It has zippered inside compartments, a full zip top, with a full size flap that covers the entire top and clicks shut. If you are in Italy summer a vest is going to be hot,, no thanks,, plus if I was a pickpocket I would know that thing is filled with pockets with good stuff in them, and I would buy one of those vests and practice picking it..lol As others suggest, just wear a money belt and then you can carry a normal lightweight purse,, with your valueless stuff in it( sunscreen, water, comb, kleenex and some pocket money for the day, maybe 30-40 euros , which will cover your lunch and a ice cream) .
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32228 posts
Margaret, I've been using my venerable Tilley Travel Vest for a number of years, and it's absolutely one of my most valuable and most used travel accessories! Although it increases my girth when fully loaded and probably doesn't look too "fashionable", function rather than appearance is my primary concern. The model that I use has fairly light weight material, so it's not really too hot. If it gets really warm, I just leave it open rather than zipped up. I find a Vest much easier to use than a Daypack! Happy travels!
Posted by
Texan in CA
4408 posts
"...and it kept her warm." Great for the winter trips! NOT for MY typical trips - I'm trying to stay cool... Margaret, if you're interested, try one out - I've found that they are uncomfortably heavy, even with the absolute barest of 'necessities' in the pockets. I really wanted it to work (sniffles)...but I've finally realized it's just not for me. I'm back to using Robert (Row-Bear), my personal porter ;-)