Day pack or handbag?

Why not place a smallish purse inside the day pack that you use as a carry on bag? You can still use the space in the purse to pack stuff. Then at your destination, depending on your plans for the day or evening, you'll have flexibility to use either one.

I prefer a cross-body purse so in a crowd I can swing it around and hold the zipper/s with my hand. I like the LeSportsac Everyday bag. Many like Baggallini which are available at TJMaxx if you've got one near you.

If you're carryon is a backpack, a large crossbody/messenger bag would work better as your personal item as it would be easier to carry and access while wearing your backpack. As far as being out for the day, if you tend to carry a lot, then a backpack might work well, but I'd use a medium size crossbody purse, which I would pack empty in my carryon or in the personal item during transit...depending on what else you want to fit into the PI. If you want a backpack for your days out, you might want to consider one that folds up small that you could just pack in your backpack carryon when in transit. But this is just me, there really is no right way, just what feels best for you.

A personal item isn’t the same as a purse. Most purses are smaller. If you get a purse as large as a personal item then it becomes a problem in museums and churches. They will force you to check it.

Others have stated that you can put a purse inside of a personal item. That’s really the way to go. Coneversly, bring a daypack. But you will have to check a day pack in churches or museums unless it is small.

I personally prefer a packable fabric cross body purse. Something along the line of 3” x 8” x 11” works well. It should have adjustable straps, a zippered outer pocket for storing metro tickets and maybe a guide book, an inner zipper pocket for storing your working wallet, and the main compartment. That will store your wallet, phone, water bottle, scarf, packable rain jacket, and a cardigan.

Hey mebpaul,

I took my Kipling purse/tote. It is about 14" or so in measurement. I took that as my personal item on BA along with a small carry on with a change or two of clothes and a few other things. I checked a 22-inch bag too.

Kipling products are durable nylon and very lightweight. It can be packed "full," but is pliable enough to maneuver under a seat or sizing bin. They have a ton of pockets you can get lost in, good zippers, strong (adjustable) straps; many styles and colors to choose from.

TJMaxx usually has a good selection of the travel bags including duffels at times. Macy's also sells Kipling and often has a sale plus a coupon to further entice the price.

The Borghese Gallery will not allow any bag of any kind. To secure your valuables, wear a money belt. If possible, don't bring a bag to that attraction on that day - if you are visiting it.

The Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica allow bags after a security check, but no big bags, backpacks, umbrellas. All need to be free checked. If you are going to Vatican first and had to check your big bag, it will impede your going directly to St. Peter's if you are with a guide/tour.

The Pantheon allows bags. I saw a few people with strollers. It could have been "the time of year" too - I went in December where the crowds are not half of what the high season can be.

The Colosseum will allow small to medium backpacks.

Most churches I visited allowed peeps with regular sized backpacks.

It is always best to directly check an attractions official website as well as an airline's website. Things can change.

A day pack if you plan on doing any shopping (stuff and/or groceries/snacks/drinks). Or get your travelling companion to do the carrying.

A day pack if you plan on doing any shopping (stuff and/or groceries/snacks/drinks)

I actually keep a keychain sling bag around for just this reason.

It also works well as a personal item on the plane that holds purses and other things.

I prefer a purse carried cross body. Mine is the Baggalini Luggage Hobo Classic. I guess called 'luggage' as one of the pockets unzips at the bottom to become a sleeve to fit over luggage handles. Supposedly 16 x 10x6, but the 16 is if you lay it flat. Once you put items in it, it is closer to 10x10x5. It has 4 external pockets (none zipped). it is lightweight and holds what I need for the day. My only complaint is like many purses, it has a 'seatbelt web' type strap that on bare skin can chafe. The shoulder drop isn't overly long. Just enough for my tall frame to carry it cross body and not too loose for someone to grab. I've had no issues carrying it into museums or galleries....as mentioned, some restrict back packs. But it allows for sweater or jacket, umbrella, 2 smaller water bottles and normal daily needs. It's very much like my going to work day bag, so doesn't require rewiring of my brain for where things are.
Given that you are travelling with a back pack, the purse is the logical solution for carrying both and having hands free to access what you need.

A backpack is a pickpocket buffet. I personally know two women who had their valuables stolen in the San Lorenzo market from day packs -- the same day -- they were not traveling together but we were all involved in an evening event where they shared their experience. A pack is okay for a water bottle guide book and sweater but not for valuables. I use hidden pockets in shirt or jacket or a cross body purse depending on the weather. Obviously in hot weather when lightly dressed a purse becomes necessary.

When I went on a RS tour I took a 22” two wheeled suitcase, a lightweight daypack/backpack (as my personal item), and a crossbody purse. I put the crossbody inside my daypack for my flights. During site seeing I only carried my cross body purse. This worked well, but I did turn the backpack toward my side or front while going through the airport. I took the daypack/ backpack on the RS bus and it came in handy while we travelled between cities. There was enough room on the bus to set it on an empty seat or in the overhead shelf.

I use Le Sport Sac crossbody purses at home but the flat style I like wasn’t big enough for the tour. Instead I got one by Tumi. It’s very nice, but pricey. I was able to find mine on sale.