TOMI

I've been reading posts and gather it's not a good idea to carry backpacks in Europe. What does one recommend to carry when sightseeing in London and Paris?

m_kingdom2

Why do you need to carry more than a handbag sized bag? I'm assuming you're talking about daily use here. Backpacks are far too big and ungainly, they're not necessary. Take roller cases for your luggage.

TOMI

Hi m kingdom2,
I like to carry travel books & maps and have a sweater or hat handy, etc. Should I leave the backpack at home? I was planning to pack a carry-one suitcase and travel light. I thought I'd use a backpack to carry all my little stuff,including a fold up raincoat. I gather I should invest in a money belt, too?

cigalechanta

I carry a lightweight backpack along with my luggage and handbag. I keep an extra change of clothes and toiletries in case luggage is lost(twice!) and small sized gifts I might bring. On return, gifts and bought items go in.

isabel

Since backpacks come in all sizes from as small as a wallet to larger than a big suitcase you probably need to be more specific. But it sounds like you are talking about something instead of a pocketbook/handbag to use when you are out sightseeing. I carry a bag that is backpack syle - smaller than a "regular" (whatever that is) backpack but large enough to hold camera, travel guide, map, extra sweater, small purchases, water bottle, etc. There are tons of fairly sylish ones. I find I can carry far more weight that way than with a shoulder style bag. But yes, definitly get a money belt for the valuables.

Travelnut

Have a look at the 'sling' bags that are easy on your back; they hang more to the side so you can keep an eye on your bag better.

Looks like this: http://www.ameribag.com/

CRAIGdotWHITE

TOMI,
carry a backpack where you like. Have fun, be comfortable and enjoy your holiday.
I think it might be unwise to carry a big rucksack with all of your belongings everywhere you hike, but it looks like you could get on well with something in the range of 5kg in weight.

-Craig

strass

I just use a large handbag that I sling across my chest. It can fit one guidebook, a small water bottle, and small items like makeup and a wallet. My husband will sometimes bring his backpack along, but of course we wouldn't keep any valuables in it--too easy for pickpockets.

nancy

Check out Jansport - they make a very small backpack -$15 (have used to carry my camera stuff). My sister used it as her only purse for a week in Paris - held everything included a tiny umbrellas, small camera, purse stuff, large scarf, etc (I was amazed how much stuff she got in it). The only warning is bring it around the front of you when using the metro/tube or on crowded pedestrian streets. Someone tried to get into my sister's backpack on the Paris metro (I foiled them and I had told her not to carry it on her back!). She didn't listen until after this

I also found a "sling" bag that I've only used once so far but plan on trying it out again (you can also bring this forward for crowded areas). You can purchase this bag on the Breast Cancer site and the Hunger site on the web (only $16). And, part of your purchase goes to a good cause I'm always looking for the "perfect" travel bag.

cigalechanta

I think some of you are confusing what some of us are saying. A backpack for carring on board, not for sightseeing or riding the metro where you hit someone on the head everytime you turn.
It's that extra luggage, For maps , camera, film, a sort of messenger bag is great for most sexes. But for me, the backbag that I bring on board has my emergency things and clothing should luggage get waylayed.

Marilyn

I always use a small daypack rather than a purse when traveling. It is a lot more comfortable for carrying a camera, guidebook, sweater or raincoat, and other necessities. I swing it around under my arm in crowded situations so that it is not vulnerable to theft. I like the one Eagle Creek makes, but there are lots of choices.

janis

A small day pack-type bag like most of the folks have described is fine. But they are at risk if you are not vigilant about carrying them in front of you on all metros, buses, trains, in queues, and crowded places. Day packs and belt bags (fanny packs) are very easy targets for pickpockets. But if you are careful and aware of your surroundings a day pack is certainly practical.

Now full sized backpacks are a different matter entirely. They are heavy, bulky and many places (museums/galleries/castles/theatres) will not allow you inside carrying one.

So take your daypack - but a back bag (one of the teardrop shaped bags that sits on your back) or a good handbag will also work well.

skatterfly

I was just wondering the same thing myself as I looked at my "gi-normous" diaper bag backpack that I was planning to use when we go to Paris and London in a few weeks.

I'm thinking one of those new "sling" style bags...

~kat

SUNSHINE1223

I have used a regular backpack while touring in paris. Then I bought the "heathly backpack" and I can swear by it. It was awesome and did not hurt my back at all. We used it to carry books, umbrellas during the day. You can sling it over your shoulder like a messenger bag. I usually carried it but my sister just used it a few weeks ago when she had foot surgery and she now swears by it also.

crefloors

i have the ameribag (sling style) and i love it. use it all the time. i emptied it out before my last trip so that i was only carrying the things i would actually need for the trip. it has all kinds of pockets and zippered places for all your stuff. it really is easier on your back. i have a leather one and i've had it about 5 years now and still not worn out. i use it every day..i don't like to change purses much. i would just sling it in front of me when in a crowd. of course there is always that "special" situation like someone ripping it off your shoulder or things like that but it never happened and i was prudent when i felt it necessary and just never worried about it. the leather one i have is pretty expensive..like close to 200.00 i think but they make fabric ones that are a lot less expensive. the leather is worth it if you try it, find out you like it, and want to use it for your regular purse.

FromAtlanta

I use a daypack too...

I think the problem is (like isabel pointed out) backpacks come in many sizes. It may mean different things to different people... some people think of those HUGE montrosities that some people put on their backs while visiting other countries. Others think of a bag like Rick Steves sells on his website (a very nice one that you can zip open for more room if you add extra things along the way- I may not like HIM, but he sells NICE BAGS! ) it is the perfect size, but I wouldn't want to keep it on my back while I sightsee. - But you certainly could! (or you could use the shoulder strap)

Then there is the dayback. (Like what high school and college kids use to keep their books in) VERY PRACTICAL (My Eddie Bauer bag STILL looks great after OVER 7 years!!)

I am about to buy a new patented bag from Travelsmith. It is a teardrop shape that goes over one shoulder like a purse and distributes weight over back and hip (reducing your load by 30%) This is great for sightseeing - carrying souvenirs and picnic stuff etc.

I certainly wouldn't want to carry a suitcase or rollbag while sightseeing! ... but then again, we all have our opinions.

RufusTFirefly

If I'm in a city or town, I don't carry any kind of bag or pack. Passport, guidebook, wallet, map, and camera all fit easily in my pockets. I wear my hat. If hiking in the country, I carry a small daypack that I can easily sling over my shoulder or attach to my belt.

jarmnm

I tried out many bags prior to my trip. I tried the stealthy healthy back pack, Norm Thompson's version of the healthy back pack that you can wear as a sling or a backpack (this is what I took with me, it was great!) and a bagallini messenger bag (I now use this for day-to-day stuff.) The stealthy healthy back pack was black, heavy and "rubbery", the Norm Thompson version was of a lighter weight canvas, and was beige and extremely durable...can't hardly tel it's been all over London and Edinburgh and the Bagalinni is slung to the left, rather than the right so at that point was a little awkward for me. I ended up buying a small change purse at the Tower of Lundon where I kept my tube pass, one credit card and my ID and kept it in my pants pocket at all time and basically used the bigger pack for all the gear one carries about all day.

Check out E-bags.com...they have great prices on some of the name brands and also Sierra Trading Post often has the healthy back packs for about 1/2 price.

Have fun planning!

Julie

FromAtlanta

I just did a google search for "healthy back packs" AND "healthy back bags" - I wanted to make sure I bought the best one

I am convinced that the one I am going to buy at TravelSmith (although the Large nylon is on back order ) is great. It looks VERY ATTRACTIVE, comes in a pretty red, can be monogrammed($5), and is only $59 (and as a new customer, I get 10% off total order)

I am going to keep looking around though, just in case.

Lallie

Oh boy, just when I think I have everythng worked out, I read a post like this and start questioning what is right. We were planning on taking a backpack. Question for those of you that have taken bus tours. As we understand, they will ask that luggage be put out very early in the morning. What do you do with your shaving kit/cosmetic bag, etc.? Are you allowed to put a bag in with the other luggage later as you board the bus for the day? We were taking the backpack because of some medical items we need to have with us. Will it be a problem to have one on the bus or while sightseeing with the group? If we can put the shaving kit, etc. with the luggage, then maybe I can find a smaller bag for the day. Thanks for your help again!