Best purse/messenger bag to bring while travelling
 

Although we're originally from NY and pretty street smart, I've read so much about pickpockets in Italy that I am concerned as to what type of bag to carry, especially in Rome. We will definitely will wear money belts. What type of bag do you recommend to carry other items such as a camera lens, water bottle, guide book etc. Should I carry a purse or is a messenger bag better? It seems as if backpacks are out of the question. Please share your ideas and what has worked for you. Thanks!!

I had a backpack, you just need to use one shoulder and hold it in front of you with an arm over it. I did have a smaller messenger bag in my backpack that I sometimes used but I couldn't fit everything I needed in it. A purse would probably be worst. The shabbier the bag looks, the better.

Just beware of your surroundings and be careful, and you should be fine.

My daughter and I traveled for 6 1/2 weeks in Britain, France and Italy and we had backpacks and a carry-on bag and traveled by train. We never had any problems. We had money belts but never had a problem with our backpacks, bags or cameras. The previous advice is the best - BE AWARE! Walk and act like you are in control and watching what is going on. If you appear easily distracted you can be targeted. There are all kinds of things thieves can do to take advantage. Especially in crowded conditions on subways, buses and trains. Holding your bag in front of you is good advice. You and your travel partner can keep an eye on each other's belongings.

While on vacation I always use a smallish barrel-type Sportsac. they are very lightweight, expand to hold everything you need for the day, have a heavyweight strap you can wear bandolier style if you want (I don;t) and can just be wiped clean. They have a bunch of differnt zipper pockets (one item in each and even have twin carrying cases (that I put inside to hold passport, itinerary and other paperwork. Have several that I have been using for almost 30 years - and have never had any problems. (And I wouldn;t wear a money belt if you paid me.)

Caveat: I am a native New Yorker and seem to do automatically things that many other travelers don;t think of - and we don;t use public transit in italian cities. We stay in the center and walk most places - or may take a cab after dinner or for an esp long trip. (But have taken the tube, metro or whatever in many places all over europe when distances were longer - and never had trouble in them either.)

Sorry - I have also ridden the NYC subway many many thousands of time without having any problems with theft. (Was groped once when I was younger - but he limped quickly off the train at the next stop - after I stepped very firmly on his foot with my high heel and said very loudly that he should get his expletive hand off my butt.)

a messenger bag is good but you must keep it in front of you hands on as the strap can be cut from off your body. i have a red leather small wallet size on a lether neck lace that holds a few credit cards and folded euros when just going out for lunch or a walk.

Check out Pacsafe. I used two types, one for day to hold lots of stuff and a smaller for night and felt more secure when caught in tight crowds.

I too love my Le Sportsac Everyday bag. I've used it or one like it for 40 years of usually 2 trips to Europe a year and never had a problem. The Strap can be worn messenger style and is very heavy. It would be very hard to slice though. There is an inside zippered pocket and I keep another thin bag pinned inside of that and have a small credit card hold inside of the second bag.My wallet is attached to the zipper handle. Even I have trouble getting to it. No way I'd use a money belt, they are hard to get into and bulky and hot.

The Bag had 2 main zipper compartments, a long compartmnt across the back that is good for maps and guidebooks, 2 smaller pockets on front , good for cameras and cell phones.

Thank you all SO much. I have ordered my LeSportsac bag!! Great advice. nytraveler, loved your comments. A real NYer:)