I've bought my Baggalini messenger bag (I'll be the one carrying everything for the kids) and am planning to wear it in the front, and over my shoulder when entering museums (advice here that some musuems make you check backpacks, so I hope this looks enough like a purse and works). The security checks at museums/sites are new since we were there, so I'm not sure about the rules. I want to save time and a few bucks on drinks and snacks (we're splurging on meals out, but with 6 of us someone is always likely to be thirsty or hungry). Can I carry a water bottle (there's a net pocket on the outside of the bag- or I can hide it inside if needed)? Should I have each of the kids carry a watter bottle, or just share? They're teens, what have you done? Can I take some snacks in my bag? I was also hoping to do at least one picnic lunch, mainly for the fun of buying the stuff on rue Cler with the kids. I have a small collapsible soft cooler, will the museums let me bring that in (rather not have to go "home" for it). Thanks!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
My day pack has outside net pockets. I don't know if I was just lucky or if it isn't an issue, but when I had to check the pack at a museum no one paid any attention to my water bottles. And you certainly should be able to put snacks inside your bag.
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
There are many museums that do bag and purse inspections now (regardless of size). While I found most had no issue with allowing patrons to carry daypacks or messenger bags, a few guards ask that these bags be removed from the shoulder and carried low by hand while indoors. The strictest museums insist you check your bags if they deem them too large. In many instances, the checkroom is free - at others, it costs maybe 1 Euro. If you are concerned about leaving your bags in a coat check, then carry a small luggage lock with you to secure your stuff.
I found I could carry a small water bottle through a lot of museums, but at a couple was asked to keep the bottle zipped inside my daypack.
You definitely cannot eat snacks in any museum and your kids are teens - unless they have some sort of severe medical problems, keep the snacks tucked away until you leave.
Posted by
Paris, France
506 posts
Nancy -
One thing you will find is that there will be signs in particular areas within the museums that indicate no drinks, no cameras etc. Watch for these. With that said, you will also find that when these rules are enforced by the staff will vary. You will be asked to put items away if it is not allowed.
Typically, food is not a problem to carry in - however I would recommend eating outside of the museum or in the cafe at the museum.
Enjoy
Posted by
OP
Mars, PA, USA
213 posts
Thanks all...not looking to eat or drink IN the museums, LOL...hey, I am an ex-art teacher...you think I'd let MY kids eat in the Louvre?! Good to know it sounds like I can take some water bottles and packaged snacks though in my pack. Thanks again!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
They're teens -- why not let/make them carry their own snacks and drinks? There's no reason that you should have to be the pack mule for the whole group. (We just had this discussion at work today.)
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
Sam's a guy, Nancy...you'll have to excuse him.
As a woman, I only would have thought you were trying to be a pretentious arse if you said you were toting the kids snacks in a Birkin, Vuitton or Kate Spade bag.
But I definitely agree with the other poster - unless your teenagers lost their arms in a tragic accident, let them carry their own junk. No reason you should be the designated caddy.
Posted by
OP
Mars, PA, USA
213 posts
Nancy- Thanks for the reminder. We're trying to work out what the kids can carry as we don't want them to carry anything of importance for safety issues, but snack/drinks might work.
Sam- OK, I'm not sure this needs an explanation but, since I used to teach, OK- six? I put the brand name of my inexpensive bag because it's a very common travel bag that people might know the size/look of. I truly was looking for confirmation that it would meet the size requirement/look that most museums have so I won't have to check it. I bought it because it looks as much like a purse as a backpack as people here suggested was needed. I did a lot of research and took suggestions before buying it so I would not have to check it, so that was my purpose as was stated when I said "I hope this looks enough like a purse". If a $32 nylon bag looks like I was trying to impress someone, let me assure you, that was not my intention. Thank you for the opportunity to explain.
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
2349 posts
We were in Musee d'Orsay this last week, and could take bags in. In fact, I wanted to check my (no name brand!) messenger bag, but wasn't allowed. Coats, packages, but not purses, bags.
Make them carry their own stuff!! Think of it as a teaching opportunity-what they need to have and how much it weighs. My girls each had their own bag with umbrella, tissues, hand sanitizer, book, extra sweater, etc. Why should mom be in charge of that?