Traveling to Italy soon and checking out the Pacsafe bags. I want a cross the shoulder sling type purse/pack--enough space to hold RS's books, miscel small stuff. I'm looking at Metrosafe 250 or City safe. My main question----has anyone had any experience using one of these in Italy? What distinguishes a "purse" from a bag that needs to be checked? Are there size rules? or just "it looks like a backpack" and therefore must be checked? I'm thinking especially of St. Marks, the Vatican museum---places like that. Thanks for any input
Fredrica
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1895 posts
If you are going to any place that you have to check a "backpack" you will also have to check a purse. I believe they will not allow you in with any kind of bag.
I love my Pacsafe bag..I use the Metro 200. Large enough for my point and shoot digital camera, small wallet, and necessities for the day.
Enjoy!
Posted by
atlanta, GA, USA
9 posts
I agree. As long as you have any kind of bag/purse on you, you will need to check it in at certain places.
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
20 posts
http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=24
I bought this bag for Rome. The only place I had to check it was Borghese Gallery. I brought it into St. Peter's and the Vatican Museum without any trouble.
It was the perfect size for my guidebook, camera and small miscellaneous stuff.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
I use a MetroSafe 200 and like it alot. It's not an attractive thing to be carrying (man-purse), but it gets the job done, and I get a little peace of mind carrying it. You will need to check a bag whenever required regardless of the type.
Posted by
Lake Country, Canada
120 posts
I have to disagree about the checking of bags. I did not have to check my small shoulder bag anywhere while friends did have to with their equally small backpacks. All the bags do have to go through xray machines and you may be requested to open it for inspection.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
It depends on where you are. The guard in front of the duomo in Bologna wouldn't let us in with our daypack, but was waving in people with messenger bags and purses that were as large or larger than our daypack. When we asked the guard why they were getting in with their purses and messenger bags, he just shrugged and said "no packs". I think what distinguishes them (in the minds of the guard and maybe the policy) is that they won't let in bags that are designed to be worn on the back.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
The thing is that at St Marks you WANT to check a bag, so you don't have to wait in line.
If you haven't yet, listen to the beginning of Rick's audio guide to the basilica.
Posted by
OP
Rockwood, TN, USA
87 posts
Thank you all for your input and help
Fredrica
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
My wife loves her small and light backpack Metro Safe 350. She always checks that while I check my pocket knife.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
My wife loves her small and light backpack Metro Safe 350. She always checks that while I check my pocket knife.