Alternative to the bright pink purse?
 

So after reading the bright pink purse post and anti,cipating my trip to Paris next week and how I hate to carry a purse that get's inevitably heavy and that I want some way to stow the layers it looks like I will have to wear to keep warm whilst walking and cool whilst being in the hot interiors of stores and museums, I happened upon a bright pink rolling back pack. Ah-ha..i decided this was the answer to my dilema.......my husband, however, says he will not be seen with me looking like such a tourist toting a rolling backpack (PINK!).......that it will scream "tourist". I argue that it "might" look sophisticated and so what. Althoguh I have read all fashion threads here and obviously do care about "fitting in".
Thoughts? Alternative solutions?........I get tired walking and want to conserve as much energy as possible while still havivng a way of carrying guide books, papers, scarves, etc. thanks for any creative ideas.

Having wheels does not make a bag more comfortable. In fact, it allows you to fill it up with stuff and then when you hit the subway stairs, you have to deal with it, which is a pain. Cobblestone sidewalks also make it very uncomfortable to pull.

Personally, I don't understand what everyone is carrying around while they are on vacation that they don't carry around at home. . . maybe a camera and a map or guidebook, but you should not be outfitted for a war. Also, taking a huge guidebook for one city is silly. Tear out the chapter you need and staple it, or write what you want to see from it onto a map and just carry that.

Maybe you could invest in a nice, discreet, black backpack. That keeps your hands free and distributes the weight in a healthy way. Also, you can always hing it in front of you on the subway so that you can keep an eye on it.

Claire

I'm with your husband on this but for different reasons.

The concept of rolling backpack has one big problem (besides the color -lol). The mechanism of the frame, handle, wheels etc. adds quite a bit of weight to the bag. I might use that for transport and airports, but would definitely not want to have that as my everyday bag. Either with it on your back (heavy) or wheeling it all over Paris behind you (awkward).

When I travel I just use a large sized normal pocketbook or lightweight tote. If you want a backpack, get one, but one without any frame and the lightest weight possible.

None of this addresses "fitting in" it's about what would be more comfortable to manage.

Agreeing with Claire, I don't carry anything more than I do at home. Read the guidebook in your hotel room, jot down a few notes. No need to haul it around the city with you everyday!

You mean your husband won't be carrying all your stuff?

To keep your guidebook light while touring for the day, have it spiral bound in that plastic stuff at Staples (or Kinkos). For the day, take only the pages for the areas you are planning on visiting. When you return, slip them back in where you got them. Museums have coat rooms to check your coats and scarves.

I travel in the winter annually and I use a small bag to accomodate my needs: palm, glasses, lip gloss, small pack of kleenex, pen, pencil, map and guidebook.

I'm not a Paris native, but I think I would find your pink rolling back pack will draw more attention than you want.

Years ago I bought a small purse that has handles like a backpack. This was the best find ever and have bought numerous ones to replace the one that has worn out. I keep it small so that I'm limited as far as what will fit, that way it doesn't get too heavy. I can wear it as a backpack and be more comfortable or I can carry it on my shoulder as a purse. The main thing is that you find one that wouldn't be easy for someone to get into if it's on your back and you can't see it.
As far as the rolling backback, I can't see the museums letting you roll that around with you.
I am with the other posters, no need to carry so much around. Jot down notes and take those. Check your coat and scarf at the museums.

The fact that your husband WON'T be carrying something akin to a purse might do more to make him look like a tourist than anything else!

Try a search for previous debates on this subject with respect to the "healthy back pack." It is an irregular shape that is quite comfortable, and the medium size holds as much as anyone would need in a day. Depending upon the color and material, it is suitable for men as well. I have seen several men out west with the bag in leather. New spring styles at several different companies show the bag in new colors that you might want to check out.

Hey Marsha, I remember when you were considering your last minute trip and then slowed it down. Where did you end up chosing to stay?

well, I really did know all of this............but I do tend to like to have all contingenies covered....bad habit i know. I also paint and like to carry small canvases and little pots of acrylic paint so i can do so while sitting at cafes, etc.....big sign..........appreciate all of your very valid comments and i know black would be better........the pink was just an attempt to go so far over the edge that I might land on the right side...I know you're right.

I use a messenger bag worn over across the body. Its the same style as worn by lots of people in DC where I live and I always see international youth wearing the exact same bag as well when I travel abroad. (Of course, I'm still in my 20s and it might not seem appropriate to others). I can easily carry a camera, guidebook, small umbrella, and misc. tolietries in it without it appearing bulky. Interior zippered pockets feel relatively safe.

A rolling backpack seems way too hindering.

amwosu: off to an appointment will show the apt we rented we I returntghis afternoon. on rue mouffetard

Keep your purse. Check out the Baggallini website (maybe I've misspelled? Baggalini? Bagallini?) they have zip-out totes and backpacks which can stay hidden in a purse and opened only when needed to store a sweater or a purchase.

Then, if you don't have enough time for delivery, go to a travel store and ask if they have zip-out (folding-out) bags. Print the picture off the internet, just in case they don't know what you're asking for.

Is it the www.private-paris.com studio apt? I rented it in June 04. Love the area. More quaint older feel than the refinement of the 6th or 7th. More residential than the large and wide shopping streets. rue Mouff is a tiny cobblestone street with very few cars, only a few motorbikes and mostly people. I hope you enjoy the area as much as my son and I did.

If you and your husband each carried a similar day-pack (buy two inexpensive small dark colored backpacks) you could share the load.

I know we've already covered this but I just can't imagine how inconvenient it would be to have to wheel any size bag all around Paris.

Well, the pink rolling backpack has been returned and I take all of your words to heart. Don't know yet how to carry paints, etc. but will have fun figuring it out. only 7 days left though!
Yes, amwosu, the rental is the same one you had! We're excited. Any suggestion for neighborhood places to eat, shop, etc.? Is the apt at the quiet in of the Rue mouff? we have the studio on the ground floor. i love the idea of having an apt, but realize that we are not going to have any one help us with reservations, directions, and my French is from 35 years ago! It will be an adventure. any thoughtsd appreciated on living there. Thanks

The apt is in a busy, bustling area of the rue Mouffetard but rest assured that the apartment buidling is very quiet once you enter the courtyard. Thats one thing I really loved, you step from the noise, sights and smells of the street into silence.

The Place de Contrascarpe is just a few steps away and there are always people eating at outdoor cafes there (but I didn't try any so I can't recommend them).

On either side of the big entrance door to the apt. building are crepe stands. My son lived on breakfast, lunch and dessert crepes from those stands.

There is a sandwich shop down the street and because rue Mouff is a market street you can pick up fresh produce, baked good, cheese and seafood. Lots of inexpensive Greek pubs and Asian restaurants there too.

We aren't shoppers so I didn't really do anything other than buy postcards and a mug. I think you'll have to go to another arrondisement for shopping.

Not sure if I shared my blog with you from the trip. Check out pictures at www.mrswalkergoestofrance.blogspot.com if you are interested.

Mrs. Walker, thanks so much for sharing your blog.......i'm so impressed with your pictures and your biking. It looks like you had a wonderful trip. Thanks for your advice.

So has anyone brought painting gear to Paris? How do you carry it around for spur of the moment sketches? I've also read it is OK to bring pad and pencil into the museums......anyone with experience with this?

Hi Marsha,
I have a set of watercolor pencils and I bring a small watercolor pad, it fits in my bag.
I have seen students, sitting on the floors, sketching something for class :)
Glad you took back the rolling pinkie..
My husband carries his wallet lol and I carry my purse. I carry a Longchamp shoulder bag that has a long strap that goes across the chest, it has various pockets for camera, kleenex, etc. We carry a Streetwise map, and I copy things from guidebooks if I need them, I never carry the book during the day- it stays in the hotel.
Good luck, have a fabulous time!!