I will be going to Europe in the fall, but I wasn't sure what type of bag I should use. I wanted to wear a backpack(not a school one, but either a leather or microfiber one), but I heard shoulder bags are better. Which do you all prefer? Is one easier for thefts to steal? Thanks!

Ela, <BR>I prefer a small handbag with a long strap so I can wear it across my body. Makes it easy to access what's inside your bag, also safer than carrying it on one shoulder. <BR>A small daypack can be good as you have both hands free but difficult to get into in a hurry. <BR>Kay

I have a similiar problem. On the one hand, the backpack (small leather one) is useful and handy when you go sight seeing or shopping because it leaves your hands free, however, it might make it an easy target for pickpockets that we read so much abt in this forum. <BR> <BR>A shoulder bag or a medium size tote bag sounds easy not only to reach out for something you want but especially if it is zippered, it won't be pickpocketed so easily. <BR> <BR>I will be travelling soon and I'm more inclined for a leather tote bag at this moment.

Mostly, I wanted the most comfortable bag I could get, and for me, I've always liked backpacks because the weight is equally distributed on both shoulders.

My advice would be to go with the back pack unless you are planning on being in crowds such as city buses where someone could target you without you noticing them. Out in the open, even an experienced pickpocket wouldn't attempt a backpack.

If you get a small bag that goes across your chest, like Kay uses, carry your valuables in that. Then carry either a backpack or shoulder bag for everything else: umbrella, guidebook, maps, etc. This means you can drop the backpack in the hotel for a night out, no digging around, shifting stuff, etc. <BR> <BR>Pickpockets are looking for wallets, not Europe on $500 a Day. <BR> <BR>Now, somebody makes a very cool bag that goes over the shoulder but distributes the weight to the back; I think I've seen them in the Travelsmith catalogue and Norman something catalogue.

I wear a shoulder bag that goes across my body, and carry the bag in front. This has the advantage of a backpack in that it leaves both hands free, but none of the disadvantages (you keep it constantly in your sight and don't have to worry about anybody trying to get into it). It is black fabric (lightweight microfiber). I looked a long time before I bought it and I think it looks nicer than a backpack (although some backpacks do look very nice), e.g. for carrying to a restaurant at dinner.

Well, I carry both! The backpack has camera, umbrella, extra sweater if necessary, and water. The SMALL shoulder bag (worn across the shoulder) has wallet, eyeglasses, pen, and map. <BR> <BR>Liz

In my opinion, the answer is a bike messenger style bag (these can be as fashionable or unfashionable as you'd like; TimBukTu, Manhattan something and Kenneth Cole are pretty trendy around here), which is slung over the shoulder and across the body to wear it on your front/side (if you can imagine what I'm saying). Usually has a few pockets, so you can zip wallet into one, but have a velcroed pocket which makes maps easier to get out. Also has storage room for camera/gifts/raincoat if need be. <BR> <BR>I hate backpacks generally, but particularly because they are very uncomfortable in the summer and they are very easy to pick. This kind of bag also distributes the weight.

It's Timbuk2, I just ordered the dee dog bag, can't wait to see it . look' s great in pictures, will report when I get it. Cannot stand backpacks, daypacks, sorry at my age I don't want to look like a hostel dweller. My girlfriend loves those ergonomically designed shoulder bags, but I think they go to far toward your back, and I prefer my bag in the front where I can keep an eye and a hand on it

L.L. Bean sells a sort of tear-drop shaped microfiber shoulder bag that I found very useful on a recent trip. Lightweight but with plenty of room for camera, guidebooks. Also has zippered pockets on the outside.

I opted for the shoulder bag which lies flat across the front of the body but THIS bag is called the "vault". It has a steel cable running though the shoulder straps and a special "lock" which allowes you to easily close the zipper with security. <BR>I found it online at "Daymakers of Santa Barbara". No, I don't work for the company. You will have to call California though as they don't accept orders yet on the website. <BR>The owner sent me the bag to "try out" (can u believe this?) and told me if I liked it, only then should I send him the money. His name is Dave. <BR>Like I've said in some of my other posts, I have met some really nice people planning my vacation. <BR>The bag is almost half the price of the ones I've seen from the 'traveL companies and much larger.

Ellen just answered your question. The bag sold by LL Bean comes in different sizes and colors. This bag is perfect.

Ela: <BR>I have always carried a small backpack throughout my travels in Europe. If I ever felt uncomfortable in any one area (like Barcelona) then I simply carried it in front of me. Also, for my personal sense of security, I also had a lock for it for use in say the Paris metro or other areas that I felt a little insecure!