Fannypacks vs. day bags
May 21st, 2010, 07:46 AM
#61
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dahling, a little class and subtlety can take you much further than bluntness ever will. I'm sure you can figure out a way to do it without sounding like a 1950s housewife.
I'm leaning toward that wine bag myself, though. . .
I'm leaning toward that wine bag myself, though. . .
May 21st, 2010, 07:49 AM
#63
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As long as we're all having a fun with this, I must confess that I'm contemplating this little number for my next trip:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/44267892...purse-in-black
http://www.etsy.com/listing/44267892...purse-in-black
May 21st, 2010, 08:00 AM
#66
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
lala - I wouldn't buy either personally, but my taste does not have to dictate yours. 
I don't think they're at all practical for day, but if you want to carry something like that to clubs or bars, for goodness' sake you should do what you like in terms of fashion.
StCirq does make a good point, though - how much alcohol you drink is your business (as long as you're not driving or otherwise hurting anyone), but being drunk will make you an much easier target for theft and other things, since that's something you seem concerned about. Just something to keep in mind.
I don't think they're at all practical for day, but if you want to carry something like that to clubs or bars, for goodness' sake you should do what you like in terms of fashion.StCirq does make a good point, though - how much alcohol you drink is your business (as long as you're not driving or otherwise hurting anyone), but being drunk will make you an much easier target for theft and other things, since that's something you seem concerned about. Just something to keep in mind.
May 22nd, 2010, 07:26 AM
#68
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"I was looking into hip bags ... for my trip to Europe to hold my camera and cash that isn't in my moneybelt."
I'm in the hate hip bags whatever they're called category. When I'm traveling and don't want to spend a day toting my purse I use a small camera bag that has a pocket for cash for the day. It has a shoulder strap and I wear it across my chest. You could do the same with a small messenger bag.
I'm in the hate hip bags whatever they're called category. When I'm traveling and don't want to spend a day toting my purse I use a small camera bag that has a pocket for cash for the day. It has a shoulder strap and I wear it across my chest. You could do the same with a small messenger bag.
May 22nd, 2010, 07:35 AM
#69
I travel with the same bag I use at home all the time. As long as it is roomy and with a strap long enough to be worn across your torso (bandelero style) you'll be fine. A messenger bag is another good option. My theory is you are better off using something you are familiar with.
Personally I have never actually met a person who had their purse "cut" off of them.
Personally I have never actually met a person who had their purse "cut" off of them.
May 24th, 2010, 06:13 AM
#71
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Over a period of several years and many trips I've never been pickpocketed but came close once. I was standing alone in light rain in the square in front of the flower market. I took my camera out of my purse to take a picture and didn't zip my purse up since no one was around. I was taking the photo and felt (or sensed) something and spun around quickly -- a man was behind me and jumped back. He was really startled and said in English "Where is the flower market?"
He had thick rubber soled shoes and I hadn't heard him coming. If he'd really needed directions he would have approached me where I could see him, not sneaked up behind me. If he had gotten into my purse he wouldn't have gotten much. I don't carry a wallet when I travel and had only a few bills in a zippered pocket.
I also saw the police march a guy away in handcuffs at one of the metro stops. But no, I don't think it's common but you do have to take some precautions. Don't walk around with your purse hanging open and don't take a wallet stuffed with all your credit cards, driver's license, and anything else that you won't need on vacation and that will a pain to replace.
He had thick rubber soled shoes and I hadn't heard him coming. If he'd really needed directions he would have approached me where I could see him, not sneaked up behind me. If he had gotten into my purse he wouldn't have gotten much. I don't carry a wallet when I travel and had only a few bills in a zippered pocket.
I also saw the police march a guy away in handcuffs at one of the metro stops. But no, I don't think it's common but you do have to take some precautions. Don't walk around with your purse hanging open and don't take a wallet stuffed with all your credit cards, driver's license, and anything else that you won't need on vacation and that will a pain to replace.
May 24th, 2010, 07:34 AM
#72
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 32,129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wear jeans and a fanny pack in Europe. People are always asking me if I am an American. I haven't been robbed yet:
http://tinyurl.com/377msfm
http://tinyurl.com/377msfm
May 24th, 2010, 07:47 AM
#73
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i>How common are pickpockets in Europe?</i>
They're more common in some places than others. London is relatively safe, in my experience, while you hear of more problems in Rome or Barcelona. <b>However</b>, this does not mean that you will certainly be pickpocketed in Barcelona, nor does it mean that you should let down your guard in London. The point is to use common sense and be aware of what's going on regardless of what city you're in. Don't leave your bag unzipped while you're walking, and don't leave it sitting unattended on a restaurant floor or on the back of your chair. Be aware on public transportation and in crowds. Don't make yourself a target by walking alone in deserted areas or being drunk* or standing in the street looking at maps and not paying attention to your surroundings.
(* And in order to head off another debate, the "being drunk" comment was not a judgment on whatever your plans are in that regard. It's just another example of a way to make yourself more vulnerable. I have a friend who was not plastered, but was just drunk enough in London to not be paying attention as she normally would. Her bag was stolen, with her wallet, passport, camera, etc.)
They're more common in some places than others. London is relatively safe, in my experience, while you hear of more problems in Rome or Barcelona. <b>However</b>, this does not mean that you will certainly be pickpocketed in Barcelona, nor does it mean that you should let down your guard in London. The point is to use common sense and be aware of what's going on regardless of what city you're in. Don't leave your bag unzipped while you're walking, and don't leave it sitting unattended on a restaurant floor or on the back of your chair. Be aware on public transportation and in crowds. Don't make yourself a target by walking alone in deserted areas or being drunk* or standing in the street looking at maps and not paying attention to your surroundings.
(* And in order to head off another debate, the "being drunk" comment was not a judgment on whatever your plans are in that regard. It's just another example of a way to make yourself more vulnerable. I have a friend who was not plastered, but was just drunk enough in London to not be paying attention as she normally would. Her bag was stolen, with her wallet, passport, camera, etc.)
May 24th, 2010, 09:29 AM
#76
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know someone who was pick-pocketed twice, once in Madrid (inside a store!) and once in Rome (in the Forum). Both times she did the same silly thing: she put her tote bag on the ground a her feet to (1) glance at a map and (2) take a photo. Seconds later she glanced down and her bag was tipped and wallet was gone.
May 24th, 2010, 09:59 AM
#77
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was almost pickpocketed in Paris about 20 years ago, at a Metro station. Had a normal zip-top purse on, slung across my body, and it was hanging at my side. I was peering at the Metro map and probably looked quite the teenage tourist that I was. Saw a man's hand in my purse and SMACKED that bad boy and yelled; he ran away (without wallet) and I learned to always keep a hand on my purse.
May 24th, 2010, 11:11 AM
#78
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where a body bag (preferably waist fastening) under your clothes. Split valuables / credit cards etc and email copies of important documents to yourself (to an account that has webmail access) so you can provide copies if necessary. Never carry more cash than you need - use credit card and draw small amounts of cash from ATMs as required (being careful not to do this in view, with input of pin number visible etc). Never let anyone see you access your wallet / count your cash in public. Stand with your back to the wall on subway trains / metros etc with you hand firmly on any valuables. Never put valuables in backpacks, fanny packs and pockets (including trouser / leg pockets).
