suze

I still need someone to explain to my why you need something different for travel, than what you use every-day at home.

ellenem

The one I've shown IS the one I use everyday.

On the other hand, I could see that one's every-day-at-home bag might be too small for the addition of a guidebook, map, and camera.

monorailgold

Hello,
Magellans has some good bags that have wire mesh built inside to deter slash and grab thieves. These are nicely styled bags and go for 40-65 dollars depending on size. I use one for city sightseeing and don't have to worry when I'm in a crowd. Make sure you wear your bag across your body and not just over your shoulder.

edgecorp

My 17-yr-old daughter and I both carried the Healthy Back Bag from LL Bean to Paris-London-Munich and were both quite satisfied:
http://tinyurl.com/hatvc

edhodge

Has anyone else noticed that the stylish bags currently in the stores do not have long straps? They are all the type with short straps that hang off your forearm or tuck under your arm. Bummer when you are looking for a good travel purse. I do want something that is not quite so industrial in appearance as most travel handbags. *sigh*

bat

I second (or 3rd) the healthy back bag. I use it at home and as a carryon/day bag on trips. Here is the website for the company that makes them.
http://www.ameribag.com/catalog/home

goingtoitalia

suze, the bag I use everyday is big and unwieldy. While it has lots of compartments, which is good, I am constantly losing things in it and having to dig everything out to find something. I don't want to do this while in Italy. The only other bags I have are small evening bags, so they wouldn't work either. That's why I'm looking for a different bag for travel.

Oh, I also have a fanny pack hat I usually use here in the States, but don't want to use that in Italy either.

itsv

I absolutely love my travel purse from Eagle Creek. It can be strapped across by body, it has lots of little zipper compartments, an area for a water bottle, camera and tour bag. I buy a coin like wallet which has a key ring on it because the bag has one section where the ring can lock into the bag and thus is a further obstacle to thieves. It cost about $35. I've take it to Europe for 2 trips of about 6 weeks and have had no pickpocketing. The bag has actually traveled to Europe more than myself because everyone wants to borrow it and loves it. You can go on the Eagle Creek website to see their selection. In San Diego we have this store called "Le Travel" so you can see their entire eagle creek selection. (The store may have a website). I know Swiss Army also makes a great travel purse.

Denver

I have used a Better Back Bag (aka Healthy Back Bag) for several trips to Europe and I love it. Black microfiber works great for day or evening and you can get medium or large - many on-line stores have it so you can browse to see pictures. I bought for a trip but now use them all the time at home also. So I would definitely second that suggestion.