Scarlett, i've read so many of your wonderful posts over the last year, it is fun to hear from you. I love taking my painting things on trips. I just sit in a cafe if I get tired and order a coffee and pastry and paint what I see. I have met wonderful people who somehow assume I'm "local" if I'm painting. My favorite memory is from Venice where I was sitting painting on a canal, under a bridge, and I looked up and saw a group of Japanese tourists motioning permission to take MY picture....what a hoot.....great fun.

I'm sorry, I didn't read all the posts so if this idea's a duplicate, sorry. I use a collasible cane when I travel and have to walk alot. I'm always afraid I'm going to lay it down and forget it, (its happened) that I finally found a solution, and it also helps for packages and jackets and water bottles, etc.. Its a drawstring backpack, mine's Adidas, they're sold at sports stores, nearly weightless. Basically a big square pillowcase with a drawstring you can pull and wear as shoulder straps.

I picked up 2 quilted/fabric backpacks for my summer trip to Italy. They are cute, weigh almost nothing, and can be scrunched into a corner of my suitcase. They both have a drawstring with a toggle to keep them closed, a magnetic clasp, and a small outside zipper pocket.

There will be room for all the things I need to carry, and I'm sure they'll be easier on my back and shoulders than a purse.

I know that Vera Bradley sells quilted backpacks. It may be worth a look.
((c))