i have the milano messenger bag.

Has anyone seen/bought the Magellan Leather Vertical Security Purse, size small ($59.00)? It looks nice and I like the steel cable. I wear my purse diagonally across my body and the photo on-line just shows a gal wearing it on her shoulder.

I've been checking out discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Filenes for a travel purse myself as I'm kind of tired carrying around my backpack. Plus, while in Rome last year, even though I had one of those locks on my backpack connecting all the zippers together, the lock fell off in my hands (dang Made in China lock!). I will reconsider carrying a backpack for the time being.

Anyway, almost scored a win today. Unfortunately, for a second to tie my shoes, I put down this great Kipling bag with multiple zippers w/the monkey still attached, and someone ran over and took it, then RAN. If it's one of you, I'll forgive you. Otherwise, curses!!! :P

When I do find my success, I will let everyone here know all the details so we can share. Maybe it can even become a "secret handshake" kind of thing among the ladies ;)

topping for Monica!

I use the classic hobo from Le Sportsac a lot http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7520_5205.html The strap can be shortened so it's a shoulder bag or lengthened so it can be worn across the body. It holds the guidebook, camera and my cash/credit cards easily.

However my last trip to Paris I just used my regular handbag. Took out all regular day to day junk and just kept the essentials. On long days, and especially at the flea markets (darn purse kept getting in the way!) I was wishing for that sportsac to sling across my body though! Le Sportsac bags are very lightweight and crushable for packing so, note to self, I'll just bring both next time.

I can definitely recommend one NOT to get. I purchased this one from a Samsonite store about a month ago.

The strap was so bad - it literally ate three of my shirts.

Size-wise it was fine. Held my camera, small wallet, change purse, Eyewitness Guide, pen, paper, etc - even a bottle of water for the DH.

Thank goodness it was just the two of us, though and I could just rinse a shirt out if necessary and re-wear it - if I had to go anywhere - I would have had to buy new shirts.
http://www.samsonitecompanystores.co...avelon&pc=

Just throwing out another option ...

http://www.sherpanipacks.com/

I have two (one sportier backpack-type and one "urban bag" in black). They're very lightweight and durable.

this has been very interesting, as I have been trying to streamline my purse selection for my upcoming trip. In the past I have always used the Overland "donner" bag. newest version at rei.com
http://tinyurl.com/5rw92
However, it is probably too casual for most people. I like it because I have been able to convince my partner that it's masculine enough for him to carry too so that we can take turns. We never carry anything of value in it, mostly just guide book, metro maps, sun lotion, spare change, etc. Also it has two side pockets for an umbrella (that has come in really handy on almost all of our trips) and we put a water bottle in the other.
as for my upcoming trip I may take my gucci bag that has a long strap (something like this http://tinyurl.com/rxukf ) is this smart? It fits the criteria for being something I can sling across me, and hold on to in the front, however, it's expensive, would it attract the attention of theives?

I was just going to take a small backpack. Do you think that is smart or will it scream, rob me?

Usually my husband keeps all the cash in his front pocket so the pack will be for water, books, umbrella etc

The REI Donner bag looks like a good travel bag. If you want something a bit dressier for evening you could pack a small leather or fabric bag. I have a small, black quilted Vera Bradley that is almost weightless. I put socks and small stuff in it for packing and then use it to carry my eye glasses, room key, tissues, etc. at night. I use a nylon bag with several pockets during the day and it works very well. I like the nylon (or other durable fabric) for travel for two reasons: it is lighter than leather and you can spot clean it. My bags seem to take a lot of abuse when I travel and I don't want to damage my good leather bags.

Yes, I do think a backpack is inviting to pickpockets, but if you have no money or anything of value in it, it might work for you. I've heard of thieves cutting into them though so there's a possibility of damage.

I recently purchased the CitySafe 100 on E-Bay after searching different websites. I haven't travelled with it yet, but I really like it. I've always just use my regular handbag, but will be using this one in Europe next month. This website has a good description of a few anti-theft choices that are attractive and lightweight.

http://tinyurl.com/p4wfg

nadoosh, a small daypack is perfect and convenient for maps, water, etc.. just don't put valuables in it, especially not in outer pockets.

hipvirgochick... It looks like a great carry-on for the plane, but it's awful big for an every-day-use pocketbook to haul around with you.

suze--the bag pictured on the page linked to by hipvirgochick is not the one she mentioned--here is the correct link:
http://www.pac-safe.com/skins/en/doc...safe%20100.pdf

Dear Hipvirgochick, what did you put on the 'search' on E-Bay for the CitySafe 100 bag?I tried several different searches, but they all came out a zero. Thanks!!

Ooops! Sorry suze. (Thanks for the correction g33krl). I would not want to be carrying that around all day!

g33krl is correct with the link to the purse I purchased. The link I posted has the one I bought, but some other choices as well.

Anyway, mine is 10" x 10" x 4" which I think is just about deep enough and not too wide or tall to seem obtrusive while day tripping :) It doesn't overwhelm with compartments, but has a couple zippered areas as well as a place for camera. I think a small water bottle will fit too.

seeksocean - I could not find another purse on E-Bay. However, it was only a couple of dollars less than the website I found it on (see below).

http://tinyurl.com/fdrqr

Also, here's another link that has the same brand, but the "200" instead of "100". It's a little bigger with a detatchable water bottle holder if that suits you better.

http://tinyurl.com/fv5h8

Ah, that does make more sense
;-)

This is a wonderful thread! I love Le Sportsac for travel because they are lightweight and don't hurt my shoulder but the Hobo one suggested here looks wonderful, too.

A few years ago I had a Le Sportsac that the fabric pattern looked like a brown straw purse - unfortunately I lost it. I never see one like it on E-bay. I would love to have another - anyone seen one?

What do you think of the Vertical bag that Magellan's has, either in leather or Microfiber vs. the City safe 100? Thanks!!