Messenger Bag

Lands End mail order has a good selection. Not too expensive and sturdy.

I can't recommend a specific bag, but check out www.zappos.com. We just bought one from Zappos yesterday - the beauty of this site is that they do free overnight shipping, and there is also free shipping if you want to return anything.

I like Overland Equipment (available from their site or zappos).

Try REI or Fossil. If you sign up to get emails from REI they'll send you a 20% off coupon.

If I may, getting in on this thread. I was just thinking of taking a purse that will hold passport copy, small camera, some cash and credit cards as well as photocopies of the day's destinations. Do you all think that a messenger bag would be better? I'm just afraid that everyone will be giving me their "stuff" to hold if I get anything too big. Advice?

Tell them to carry their own stuff.

Now that I got that out of my system. . .

You should carry the bag you want. If you will be comfortable with a small bag, do so.

I travel with a purse that has a long strap so that I can wear it like a messenger bag. I like having both hands free, yet the bag is secure in front of me and I can place a hand on it in crowded, less-secure situations. My digital camera, travel notes, and usual purse items fit with room to spare for small purchases.

It depends on where you are going to be, normal. If travelling in a large city, you shouldn't put anything important in a bag. (see one of the many money belt discussions). I am not one to worry about much, but I felt I should make that caveat.
As for carrying personal items for the day, I use a small overland equipment across the shoulder bag for my camera, small amount of cash, lip balm, travel guide (papers--not a whole book). I found when I carried a larger bag I became the pack mule for water bottles, sweaters, etc.

normal1983~ i have a purse exactly as you describe. it's made by Fossil. I use it alone sometimes, or other times more like a wallet and slip it inside a larger tote. it's perfect for traveling.

normal - I received a leather ergonomic shoulder bag from LLBean, lifetime guarantee. Comfortable, right size, too small for others to give you cargo. I had one repair in the 10 years, very easy. Also comes in canvas. Many other vendors sell them. IMHO shape fits the body & different items I might carry better than a flat rectangular bag. Hope this helps.

I definitely think the smaller bag is better then. Its leather and can sling across my shoulders like a messenger bag. It measures 3 1/2"Depth x 8" tall x 10" wide so its not huge but I don't plan on taking too much in it. I looked at the LLBean bags and I liked them but since I already own this one I think I'll use it rather than spending anymore more money. Thanks for the tips!

I never travel with new purses (same with shoes). I think using one you already have is an excellent idea, for many reasons. I like to use something I already "know".

Been using the Timbuk2 for international travel for a couple of years now, very durable and good sizes.
If you order on line you can get exact features you want...build your own bag.
My daughter did and I wish I would have, but still love my bag.

Dump (carefully!) your laptop out of it's carry case and use it! I have found that there are Internet access point ALL over the world and don't carry mine. If your case is like mine, it's light, full of pockets and has some secure zippers.

I just saw one on sale at The Container Store.

I will second demitrinc's laptop bag idea. These work perfectly...actually, my husband and I each carry one as our "personal item" carry-on. Don't know what we will do when we fly in and out of Heathrow this fall, though. I'm looking for something unconstructed that I can fold up.

I just bought this one for my upcoming trip this fall. I have used other LeSportsac products before and really like them. Lightweight and this one lies pretty flat and has a zipout just like luggage!
http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7507_5205.html

I have written it before and I will write it again: the best messenger bag I ever had I made myself. I took an old Franzia wine box and looped my vintage Hermes belt through two holes in the top to make a strap. You can use the opening where the spout was as a passport portal. Voila!

The Great and Powerful Thingorjus.

I got mine (Eagle Creek) from the Sierra Trading Post website. Good prices; well below retail.
(All my luggage is Eagle Creek. Good, durable stuff.)

azzure,
When referencing the laptop case used as a carryon bag, you made reference on not knowing what to do when going through Heathrow. I'm flying through Heathrow to Brussels and then from Heathrow back to the States. Is there any "out of the ordinary" problems travellers may find at Heathrow?
SmurfOlympiaWA