ucsun

look for something with good ventilation on the back otherwise you'll get hot.
this is what i was talking about. you can also try at ebags.com

http://www.rei.com/product/14017705....SHP_TRAVEL_TOC

SharonG

I have the small Travelon bag from OVC in red leather and it is wonderful. Fits diagonally across my body and has a slim enough profile to wear it under my coat which is what I like to do when traveling.

damama

Well, after being convinced that I needed to rethink my travel bag, I went to QVC and both black (leather and nylon) shoulder bags are on back order. Guess I have to look elsewhere. Couldn't find anything similar on HSN. Before I hadn't thought about it, now I'm disappointed.

SharonG

Live dangerously, buy the red.

damama

SharonG - no one would recognize me if I wasn't in black.

MarthaT

I also have a Travelon bag from QVC. Will be using it the first time on a trip to London in 2 weeks.
Damama, you don't say when your trip is but it was on a wait list when I ordered it but I got it in about 3 weeks.

kbrennan

I just got a black leather purse on sale from Wilson's Leather on line. Most of their seasonal things are very-much on sale right now. It's large and has a zippered compartment inside as well as a flap to secure outside. Lots of other smaller zippered pockets and plently of room for a travel book, bottle of water or small umbrella. It still looks stylish and purse-like. Adjustable shoulder strap, long ehough to sling across your chest.

SharonG

Damama, I know, I'm the same way. I'll be all in black in Paris with this slashing red purse across me. Kind of like Anna Magnani when she went to Roberto Rossellini's funeral, all in black with red shoes. I love it!

damama

so much to consider - so little time - leaving in 14 days but at least the weather in Rome looks like it will be in the 60's

Kelbert

Thanks kbrennan...those leather ones are nice.

I like the "venice Vertical Organizer".

Good price too.

kswl

I'm a fan of the better back bag from Ameribag. Bought a microfiber one to use as purse-daypack in Europe in November, liked it so much that upon our return I ordered the smaller size in leather as a handbag. I would strongly recommend this smaller size. You can get a woven leather also. It is not terribly stylish, unless you adhere to Frank Lloyd Wright's principle of "form follows function." If you believe that, the bag is beautiful!

BabsB

I just purchased a Western Pack purse that seems to meet your requirements. In fact, I purchased it to take on a 25 day European trip this summer. It is padded black rip-stop with an adjustable strap long enough to wear across your body. You can also use it as a fanny pack if you are so inclined. The main compartment can hold a wallet, small digial camera and sunglasses with quite a bit of room left over. It has several outside pockets that zip closed and are large enough to hold a travel guide, compass (never leave home without one) and other misc. items such as small first aid kit. The front flat then has a buckel to keep it all together. I like the fact that stuff I want all the time can be kept separate from my wallet (though there is not much in it, just enough cash for the day). There is even a pocket for a cell phone. I paid $10.00 for it at a kiosk at the local mall. You can look at one at www.treasureswest.com. It is listed under Hip pack code HFNM Way-2-Hip. Take a look at it and see what you think. BabsB

applehi

I couldn't resist reading this thread. I am trying to figure out the purse question myself. I'm hoping to do without one entirely. I have a frozen shoulder on my right side that is healing but not completely healed and had a frozen shoulder on my left that continues to give me some twinges and problems, so I really don't want any weight hanging on the shoulders in the way of a handbag or purse.

I'm going to be wearing a moneybelt where I will keep passport and credit cards/atm etc. Of course I still need to keep sunglasses/reading glasses/ and other things somewhere. Perhaps in pocket of my LLBean jacket. Not sure I will pull this off...but I do find the idea of just walking without a handbag and hands free very liberating.

How do men do it? How do they keep all their stuff without a handbag? I know my husband's method was to put it in my handbag. I do have a traveller's bag that he can use on the trip we plan in May.

suze

applehi- I'm not sure when you are traveling (weather) but TravelSmith catelog has a nice looking "travel vest" for women which is reasonably stylish with tons of pockets.

applehi

suze, thanks. I've read about the vest...I think my jacket has enough inside pockets, but it's the question of whether the weight of the objects will weigh on the shoulders. It should be better than with a handbag slung over shoulder for sure.

12perfectdays

I too could not pass this thread by! Nevermind about the 7 mini crochet cross body in all colors, the denim "postman" bag...the baby blue, the navy, the tan...the nylon...I must have more! I checked them all out and have fallen in love with the Wilsons Venice Vertical AND the travelon from QVC!!!

KayB95--HELP PLEASE!!!!!! How long can the strap extend to?

This is always my biggest problem, I am a bigger person...okay, no men are gonna check this site I hope, plain speak...tall, busty, broad shoulder size 18 and almost every time I am not "live" to check out the purse it does not hang as long as I like (the TOP of the purse must be at my hip and hang down)...about 63".

The travelon looks perfect if it's long enough!

Kelbert...love to know which you decided on...or did you end up with them all?

Also try REI sporting goods...this page has a few good bags on it!
http://www.rei.com/category/4501698....SHP_TRAVEL_TOC

Kelbert

This is the one I decided on.

http://www.worldtraveler.com/jump.js...gabond+tourist

Love it!

Underhill

for ur trip last september i bought a Le Sportsac bag in a new size, one that has a zipper at the bottom for expansion when needed. the bag comes in various colors and was just the right size for a michelin green guidebook, a camera, even small binoculars--plus all the usual stuff. i like the sportsac bags because their light and washable.

12perfectdays

okay...my reply didn't post, will try again!

Kelbert...that one looks super nice too!
I think if the strap is right I will go with the TRAVELON from QVC.

MISTAKE...just realized that I said strap wrong inches-should be 53". If any others have a bag and you know the strap is long enough I would love to hear too!