Please help me find an attractive travel purse
Apr 4th, 2006, 05:55 AM
#21
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Surfmom, I didn't realize until I checked back on this post that we have the same bag, different colors. You might have suggested this bag to me a while ago. Haven't used it yet, but will soon. It looks perfect for my needs.
Apr 4th, 2006, 06:30 AM
#23
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mariamack, I can't answer for anyone else, but I do use a purse in the city. However, I never keep valuables in it. I basically use it to hold a guidebook, maps, sunglasses, a small journal, maybe a compact umbrella, and things of that sort. My credit cards and most of my cash are always carried in a money belt that is concealed under my clothes if I'm in a larger city.
I use a basic black woven bag that is non-structured so I can throw it into my suitcase if I don't want to carry it home on the plane. This allows me to stuff it with the guidebooks and other things that may not always fit in a structured bag.
Tracy
I use a basic black woven bag that is non-structured so I can throw it into my suitcase if I don't want to carry it home on the plane. This allows me to stuff it with the guidebooks and other things that may not always fit in a structured bag.
Tracy
Apr 4th, 2006, 06:32 AM
#24
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I've used a Fossil handbag for every trip, and have been satisfied. However, we have an outlet store near us where we can pick them up at a very discounted rate.
If you go to www.fossil.com, select Women's Accessories, then Handbags (Medium), it looks like there are hundreds of styles on their web site. The handbags are sold under the name Relic.
If you go to www.fossil.com, select Women's Accessories, then Handbags (Medium), it looks like there are hundreds of styles on their web site. The handbags are sold under the name Relic.
Apr 4th, 2006, 06:46 AM
#25
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I got a Daymaker 7-pocket organizer. You can find them at Bag-n-Baggage stores sometimes, or order directly from the guy who makes them at http://tinyurl.com/qmrhg
They aren't huge, but are big enough for a small guide book, and I love the two side pockets--one for an unbrella and one for cell phone or a bottle of water. PLus they have a steel able in the strap so it can't be cut and snatched.
They aren't huge, but are big enough for a small guide book, and I love the two side pockets--one for an unbrella and one for cell phone or a bottle of water. PLus they have a steel able in the strap so it can't be cut and snatched.
Apr 4th, 2006, 04:23 PM
#29
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Upon recommendation of another Fodorite last fall, I bought this purse for my trip and was extremely happy with it - just the right size for a small wallet, map, travel guide, & digital camera, but it laid flat to the body and the cross-body strap was very comfortable.
http://www.fossil.com/shopping/produ...ctedcolor=1836
http://www.fossil.com/shopping/produ...ctedcolor=1836
Apr 4th, 2006, 04:53 PM
#31
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My wife says to tell you to look at the Ameribag... Metro... Rio.
She just ordered online and got one in black.
http://tinyurl.com/lpp8t
She just ordered online and got one in black.
http://tinyurl.com/lpp8t
Apr 4th, 2006, 05:09 PM
#32
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What a GREAT topic. I have been on a quest for the right travel purse for years.
On last years trip to Japan for two wks., I used a thin but large Coach purse w/long strap that was big enough to fit a full 8" x 11" sheet of paper flat (without folding) in the outside pocket. This was great, as I take travel notebooks w/me where I place pages i have printed from the internet re where we are going, hours, how to get there, etc., and I could just take those out of the notebook each day and put them in the outside pcket and never have to fish around for them. And if I wanted (althoguh I never did) a guidebook would have fit inside.
This time (another 2 wk trip to Japan coming up at end of this wk) i decided to try an Ameribag, the "healthy back bag". See it here, it is the metro collection New Yorker bag, which lays flat across the body w/a wide strap in front and arocss the shoulder and back:
http://www.ameribag.com/metrocollection.html#
But I tried it out on a trip to LA last week and found it cumbersome and heavier than I like and I don't like the built in card pockets, etc.
So I now have bought a Vera Bradley fabric bag (dark fabric design, w/lots of pockets). I like it because it is very lightweight and lays against the front of my body w/long (or short) adjustable strap, and the ockets arae great and lay flat against the inside and outside. I'll have to see how it works out.
I am not worried about someone cutting off my purse in Japan. In other places, I'd want a more secure strap I think.
On last years trip to Japan for two wks., I used a thin but large Coach purse w/long strap that was big enough to fit a full 8" x 11" sheet of paper flat (without folding) in the outside pocket. This was great, as I take travel notebooks w/me where I place pages i have printed from the internet re where we are going, hours, how to get there, etc., and I could just take those out of the notebook each day and put them in the outside pcket and never have to fish around for them. And if I wanted (althoguh I never did) a guidebook would have fit inside.
This time (another 2 wk trip to Japan coming up at end of this wk) i decided to try an Ameribag, the "healthy back bag". See it here, it is the metro collection New Yorker bag, which lays flat across the body w/a wide strap in front and arocss the shoulder and back:
http://www.ameribag.com/metrocollection.html#
But I tried it out on a trip to LA last week and found it cumbersome and heavier than I like and I don't like the built in card pockets, etc.
So I now have bought a Vera Bradley fabric bag (dark fabric design, w/lots of pockets). I like it because it is very lightweight and lays against the front of my body w/long (or short) adjustable strap, and the ockets arae great and lay flat against the inside and outside. I'll have to see how it works out.
I am not worried about someone cutting off my purse in Japan. In other places, I'd want a more secure strap I think.
Apr 4th, 2006, 05:09 PM
#33
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Heavens, great minds think alike! Unfortunately, my non-belly baring clothes give it all away... I used my Kipling bag again today to chaperone a field trip for little ones... held my camera, tissues, emergency forms, etc.
Annieland, when buying on ebay, wait until less than 2 minutes left, put in your 'highest' bid, pick an odd amount (if it must go up by increments of $5, add $6.50 or something - sometimes that extra little makes you win), and hope
Annieland, when buying on ebay, wait until less than 2 minutes left, put in your 'highest' bid, pick an odd amount (if it must go up by increments of $5, add $6.50 or something - sometimes that extra little makes you win), and hope
Apr 4th, 2006, 05:10 PM
#34
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Heavens, great minds think alike Unfortunately, the non-belly baring clothes give it away...
Annieladd, when buying on ebay, wait until the last few minutes and have a fast computer. Put in an 'odd' amount (ie. $6.50 if minimum increments are $5) - it might be enough to make you the high bidder.
Unfortunately, the non-belly baring clothes give it away...Annieladd, when buying on ebay, wait until the last few minutes and have a fast computer. Put in an 'odd' amount (ie. $6.50 if minimum increments are $5) - it might be enough to make you the high bidder.
Apr 5th, 2006, 11:00 AM
#35
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I like the idea of bags with the steel reinforcement in the shoulder straps, but unfortunately even that wouldn't have helped me in Thailand. I had the perfect travel purse that I borrowed from my mom. It had 3 pockets inside with the center pocket zippered. It also had a small zippered pocket and one open pocket in each of the other two sections (on the inner walls) as well as a pocket on the outside where I could slip my notes of the sights for the day.
As I said, the steel reinforced straps wouldn't have helped me. I had my wallet in the center zippered section with just enough money for the day and kept more money in the small zippered pocket mentioned above. I thought my wallet would be pretty secured, but someone slashed the side of my purse with a razor blade in the Pratunam area. Either I was completely oblivious being jostled around in the crowd or they were very good and very lucky. They were able to slash through my purse, the lining and get to the middle section to take my wallet without my ever knowing.
Luckily, it was our last day, so it didn't ruin the rest of our trip. Also luckily, I had cleaned out my wallet beforehand so there wasn't very much of value except for a couple of credit cards, pictures, the wallet itself (which I still miss as it was a gift from my BF) and the money I had just put into the wallet for the day. Unfortunately, I had forgotten that I always keep $200 "emergency" money hidden in my wallet and didn't take that out, so they got a bit more money.
As I said, the steel reinforced straps wouldn't have helped me. I had my wallet in the center zippered section with just enough money for the day and kept more money in the small zippered pocket mentioned above. I thought my wallet would be pretty secured, but someone slashed the side of my purse with a razor blade in the Pratunam area. Either I was completely oblivious being jostled around in the crowd or they were very good and very lucky. They were able to slash through my purse, the lining and get to the middle section to take my wallet without my ever knowing.
Luckily, it was our last day, so it didn't ruin the rest of our trip. Also luckily, I had cleaned out my wallet beforehand so there wasn't very much of value except for a couple of credit cards, pictures, the wallet itself (which I still miss as it was a gift from my BF) and the money I had just put into the wallet for the day. Unfortunately, I had forgotten that I always keep $200 "emergency" money hidden in my wallet and didn't take that out, so they got a bit more money.
Apr 5th, 2006, 11:40 AM
#36
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One thing I now always consider when looking for a travel bag/purse is the width of the strap.
I purchased and used a Hobo travel purse on my last European trip - it was absolutely perfect as far as size, number of pockets for organization, being lightweight, etc., etc. The one thing I didn't consider was the width of the strap, which was maybe about 3/4" wide.
I wore the purse across my body, and by the 4th day the area on my shoulder where the strap laid was very sore and tender.
I alternated shoulders throughout the rest of the trip, but even so the strap caused quite a bit of discomfort. I wasn't carrying a whole lot of stuff in my bag, either.
For my trip this coming June I ended up buying a small messenger style bag - the strap is a couple inches wide, plus it has a pad built into the shoulder area.
I purchased and used a Hobo travel purse on my last European trip - it was absolutely perfect as far as size, number of pockets for organization, being lightweight, etc., etc. The one thing I didn't consider was the width of the strap, which was maybe about 3/4" wide.
I wore the purse across my body, and by the 4th day the area on my shoulder where the strap laid was very sore and tender.
I alternated shoulders throughout the rest of the trip, but even so the strap caused quite a bit of discomfort. I wasn't carrying a whole lot of stuff in my bag, either.
For my trip this coming June I ended up buying a small messenger style bag - the strap is a couple inches wide, plus it has a pad built into the shoulder area.
Apr 5th, 2006, 05:51 PM
#37
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I would note that I, personally, carry my cash and cards in very deep front pockets of my slacks or skirt, never in my purse/tote.
I prefer a purse/tote just large enough for my essentials (notes, pen, maps, slim guidebook). Along with my PDA, camera and phone. A comfortable and secure strap is essential so as to be able to hang onto the bag and (hopefully) not be relieved of the entire bag anywhere. As someone mentioned above, the excess books, bottle of water, sweater, umbrella, are carried in a simple additional tote bag, if being dragged around that day.
My cash and cards, however, I always carry in a very deep front pocket of slacks or skirt (best are those with zippered security pockets, such as the fabulous microfiber slacks available at LLBean) or an inside zipper pocket of a jacket or raincoat (again, fabulous offerings at LLBean).
I never, ever, carry a "wallet" or use card slots in any bag for cards.
When venturing out for the evening, without deep pockets or a jacket, I may carry a card and some cash in the inside zipper pocket of a small purse. But, I'd be walking within blocks of the hotel or traveling by taxi rather than metro.
I prefer a purse/tote just large enough for my essentials (notes, pen, maps, slim guidebook). Along with my PDA, camera and phone. A comfortable and secure strap is essential so as to be able to hang onto the bag and (hopefully) not be relieved of the entire bag anywhere. As someone mentioned above, the excess books, bottle of water, sweater, umbrella, are carried in a simple additional tote bag, if being dragged around that day.
My cash and cards, however, I always carry in a very deep front pocket of slacks or skirt (best are those with zippered security pockets, such as the fabulous microfiber slacks available at LLBean) or an inside zipper pocket of a jacket or raincoat (again, fabulous offerings at LLBean).
I never, ever, carry a "wallet" or use card slots in any bag for cards.
When venturing out for the evening, without deep pockets or a jacket, I may carry a card and some cash in the inside zipper pocket of a small purse. But, I'd be walking within blocks of the hotel or traveling by taxi rather than metro.
Apr 7th, 2006, 04:53 AM
#39
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I have ordered a purse from Travelsmith with the steel strap, but didn't think about the adjustable, padded portion of the strap which is very obvious. I think it might be more obvious that I'm a tourist and wonder whether I should look for another bag. Any comments on the Travelsmith bags?
Apr 7th, 2006, 10:12 AM
#40
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I agree with hazel1 about the Fossil bag. I used it after a recommendation on this forum and I loved it! Very lightweight, it has one large compartment which was perfect for my camcorder. There is another zippered pocket under the flap and a small one on top.
Everything is very secure, with the exception of the small top compartment. Just keep valuables in a money belt or otherwise inaccessible. The bag is sturdy enough that it would be difficult for anyone to cut the strap - although fortunately I did not have anyone try. I was pickpocketed, though!
Everything is very secure, with the exception of the small top compartment. Just keep valuables in a money belt or otherwise inaccessible. The bag is sturdy enough that it would be difficult for anyone to cut the strap - although fortunately I did not have anyone try. I was pickpocketed, though!
