Dilemna! What do I take, a handbag slung over my shoulder or a bumbag around my waist. I'm touring USA, UK, and Ireland.

Your suggestions....

thanks.
Rosie.

I'd take one that goes across my chest rather the shoulder or waist.

Handbag. And in in the US, UK, and Ireland I wouldn't worry about "across the chest", just carry it as you usually do.

The handbag slung over your shoulder or across the chest seems the best choice. It's easier to hang onto while in a crowd and a nice bag will feel better if you go out somewhere in the evening.
That said, what do you use at home?

I take a 'bum bag' but wear it slung over my shoulder with the bag under my armpit for safety - then when in a museum, theatre or whatever wear it round the waist. This works well for me.

thanks. At home I use a small backpack. But I don't want to take it OS.

I always travel with the same pocketbook I use at home.

A fanny pack is probably the least safe way to carry anything.

Why not just use a normal purse as you do at home?

(I've been to europe going on for 70 times with a shoulder bag and never had a single problem.)

Caveat: I'm a native New Yorker - so I'm on guard for problemz except inside my house - and my antennae may be more sensitive than some people's.

No lady wears something called a "Bumbag"

If you wear a bumbag (or fanny pack) in any of those places, you will automatically be branded a tourist, which will actually increase your chances of getting something stolen.

Definitely go for a handbag - with or without a shoulder strap. Just make sure it has a zipper that you can keep closed and hang on to it tightly.

RosieR, I'm curious why you don't want to take your small backpack 'overseas' same like you would around home.

I guess its the zips on it. Its very easy to open from the back! I suppose I'm not bothered about it while at home, although I dont use it when I go to the City.

I find a SportSac handbag to be very convinient for travel. The shoulder strap adjusts so I can have it short and carry the bag between my body and upper arm or very long and put the strap across my body. The size is perfect for a map, guidebook, bottle of water and a few other things. The bag is also very lightweight.

I actually take that and my daypack (daypack as a carryon) so that while I am on a trip, I can choose to take my purse or daypack depending on what I am doing that day.

I wouldn't bring a bumbag. Unlike a lot of 80s fashion, this one isn't making a comeback (at least not yet - LOL).

I've never had a problem with my shoulder bag (small size) wedged under my arm. The thieves look for someone more careless... and there are plenty of those - like women who walk along with their bag unzipped, wallet hanging out next to an engraved invitation.

Rosie, if I see you walking the streets of Philadelphia with a bumbag, I will shoot you with my Holland & Holland hunting rifle. I am not kidding.

Keep America Beautiful.

The word "bumbag" makes me think of what hobos carry in Depression-era cartoons. You know, a kerchief on a stick.

In addition to new rules regarding carry on luggage, the EU has another , lesser known, rule : no "bumbags" allowed on its shores !

I think a nylon zippered tote is perfect. Like the SportSac brand J_Correa mentions. No weight of its own and can hold a little or a lot.

Marginal, what a horrid thing to say! Maybe you were trying to make a joke, but it sounds really ugly.
>-

American tourister has lightweight bags, similar to Le Sports Sac. They are often found at KMart and Target. A good place to look for lightweight purses is a Ross, or TX Maxx.

I don't mind my "fanny pack" because I wear the bag in front and it is usually hidden by a light-weight shirt I usually wear over my blouse. I don't carry anything of value in it--lipstick, a few $$s maybe, sunscreen and hand sanitizer.

As with all advice here, this is only MY opinion and each person needs to make a decision that they feel comfortable with. I personally don't like having to shove a purse under my arm--but that's my opinion too. The crack about shotting someone was certainly uncalled for. Ciao!! mhm