day bags/purses in Rome

Hi Trudy,

My experience last winter was: at the Vatican, security had everyone put their bags, heavy jackets or overcoats or any large parcels, meaning gift store purchases bought at shops within the Piazza, onto the belt to be scanned or checked. Only large, long umbrellas were left for the coat room to be picked up later if people chose.

I carried a medium-sized, cross-body tote/satchel: about 14"? - I put it on the belt along with my coat - no questions. I kept my mini Hedgren cross body purse on my body. It always stayed under my coat in the usual circumstances. The guard did not question me.

I'm not sure about backpacks. I saw medium-sized ones - not campus style - be ok'd by the guards. Mini/small umbrellas were allowed if you put them in your bag. I think if your bag is longer in length than in width, it should be good to go.

But, with a higher crowd volume in summer, things may change. If your bag is of soft material and can be scrunched a little and not filled to capacity, it should be good.

I think the pouch-style rain ponchos should be ok in your bag(s) since they are flat along with the mini or smaller umbrellas. Water bottles were okay but kept in bag.

Edit the edit- lol - If you can, perhaps to be on the safe side, have your husband carry a small satchel to carry his incidentals - if he'll only use it once or twice, no need to invest big money for one - a canvas one - found at stores like Target or Walmart might do. Or, if there is time - check out ebags.com - they are having a sale and there are many (masculine) satchels - all sizes available - muted colors like black, brown, olive green or tan.

I used a mid-sized pacsafe cross body bag and had no issue. Had a water bottle in one side pocket and an umbrella (mini) in the other. It was large enough for my personal things (including light sweater) and a nook reader. I think they really frown on a backpack which you might accidently hit an art object.

I'd like to show you an example if you're still apprehensive about your own bag.

https://www.kipling-usa.com/search?q=Bailey

The above bag is only 12" W and 12" H. - fits a lot.

Then there is 'The Angie' - smaller but packs a lot!

Kipling is known for their many pockets - outside zipper pockets on many - and their inside pockets and roominess.

Then there is Travelon - known for their tons of pockets, anti-theft zippers, slash proof on main part of bag, lightweight.

You could get a bag with the water bottle or umbrella pockets on the outside of bag to save room on the inside.

Whatever bag you decide on - your own or a new one, make sure it zips all the way across the length and does not have a "breakaway zip" leaving openings on each side of the bag top.

Thank you for your info and suggestions!!
Beantown, thanks so much for taking time to post links to possibilities! I will study all the styles.
Yes, I do have a standard original style Vera Bradley hipster (fabric) and I think with that size I could fit what I need, but now I'm worried about theft so I'm considering an anti-theft variety. I heard about Travelon but have read a few bad reviews about quality and zippers breaking, but also many, many good reviews. I will also look at the midsize Pacsafe. Sounds like a good option similar to the VB hipster!

Thanks again!

Hi Trudy.

You are quite welcome.

Happy bag shopping :)

Oh a thought....many youtubers who travel do bag reviews. Some are very good at the details. If you find a bag online you like, see if someone uploaded a live review.

Also, QVC has a lot of reviews on Travelon bags and the Rep from Travelon shows the details on the bags.

YT Peeps and QVC do reviews on Kipling bags too. So you can get a better idea. Sometimes pics alone can be deceiving.

Beantown, you are just so full of helpful suggestions! Thank you! I will take time this weekend to study everything.

Hope its ok to tag onto this post!

I'm still in the planning stages for a trip next summer, but a day bag is one of the (many) things I need to figure out. I'm wondering if certain brands say Vera Bradley will scream "AMERICAN". Part of me thinks we will look like Americans no matter what, but want to minimize being a target.

would something plain be better?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Laura,

lol, I think Trudy won't mind. Hopefully she found a bag she liked.

For me, Kipling and Travelon seem to have a bit more security zipper-wise and more pockets in and out. I think if a thief tried, they would get confused! Too many pockets! A joke...

I'm sure the Vera bag will be okay while you are traveling. Use what you like. People will naturally come to realize you're American. No worries you will be officially targeted. A couple of key points to keep in mind - make sure it has a secure zip top and a sturdy cross body strap. A quilted bag can be more vulnerable to "cutting" if you are out in a big crowd or on a busy bus or train. Another suggestion is to wear a money belt for your more valuables - extra card, extra euro, passport if you carry it, etc.

Practice common sense and diligent awareness. Keep the bag in front of you while on transits. Don't hang it on a chair anywhere - even inside a restaurant.

Have fun!

Hi!

Thanks

I’ll probably try to stick to solid colors. During travel I normally use a backpack, but realize that’s no ideal for this trip esp in Rome. Both my daughter and I have tons of bags, but our current crossbody are kinda small. We are planning on moneybelts for passports etc, but will need something for easy to access items.

I’ll look at the brands you mention and other “travel” bags.

Thanks again!

I have purchased a pacsafe anti theft bag for my upcoming trip to Rome. I ordered mine online, but afterwards I saw a variety of them in a comfort shoe store! I am from Canada, but perhaps there are stores in the USA similar to the store I was at (walking on a cloud). Perhaps clothing/shoe stores geared towards seniors will carry the security bags as they are so often targeted by pick pockets.