Hi,

I am looking at two purse/bags. The strap on both goes across your body..one is a bit larger than the other and can hold my camera, water,etc. How safe is it to carry something like that In Rome and Florence and does size matter?

Luci

A lot safer than having a bag / camera / whatever hanging off one shoulder.

As to size - whatever you are comfortable with

I prefer the smallest bag possible for the valuables (gets heavier and heavier as the day goes on without adding anything) and a nylon or other lightweight tote for the water, etc.

I put everything in a small, but expandable, Sportsac. It's parachute nylon, weighs nothing and is practically indestructible. It will hold all the usual purse stuff, a small umbrella, guide book, camera, sweater etc. - and the strap is long enough to go across the chest - but I wear on my shoulder.

(For going out in the evening when I don;t need all that I have a small flat black leather envelope on a thin strap that holds just the basics.)

NYtraveler and I probably carry the same bag..It holds all I need for a day out and is light weight to start with,

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7507_5205.html

Another sportsac user here. I love mine.

No - mine is more like this model:

www.lesportsac.com/store/7519_5205.html

But not exactly - since I've been using mine for like 10 years.