nocinonut

I am a reformed Beast of Burden myself and used to carry around much more than what I needed and got loaded up with what the family needed too.

Until I put my foot down that is, I doled out all of their "stuff" and after a while they saw it was too heavy for them too and we all cut back.

All in all I got more respect from the family when they realized I was a person and not a pack mule. Try it.

But anyway, buy a nice roomy bag for yourself when you are there and after you have seen what the Parisians are wearing nowdays.

Renee

I 'get' what Jon and Noc are saying....it's unfair for you to be responsible for toting everything and for you to be concerned about finding a bag that you hope your hubby won't 'mind' carrying. He shouldn't mind...he has an equal responsibility for carrying your must haves. I would assume that if they are old enough to carry a backpack, they are old enough to be responsible for their own belongings. If they happen to lose them....cie la vie! I certainly wouldn't replace it either. lol

I think if you don't explain the rules of engagement now, you will come out of this trip tired and resentful. JMO....

missypie

Gosh, I think "tiredandresentful" should be my new screen name!

Here is what I observed about 2 years into my marriage: We had gone to visit my DH's parents. We were traveling with a baby so we had a lot of stuff. It was very cold when the in-laws dropped us off at the airport, so I grabbed the baby, put him in the stoller and hurried inside. From inside I observed DH and FIL strolling into the airport empty handed and MIL carrying both of our bags!!! The acorn certainly hasn't fallen far from the tree...

nocinonut

Put your missypie foot down and say you've got to help me, my dear husband.

Have your kids start now to carry their own weight and you can stop the cycle.

Don't you love it that you can ask about purses and get child raising advice too? One stop shopping! LOL, sorry.

Renee

ROFLMAO! Missy...yep, you're right! Hubby is only modeling his dad....MIL should have nipped that in the bud long time ago!! Poor dear....I can just see her huffing and puffing while FIL is totally oblivious!

On a serious note though, you teach people how to treat you.

Renee

And...yes, Missy...we have overstepped (a little)....I'm in a frisky mood today for some reason!

Marilyn

missypie, if you have not found a small backpack (daypack) that is comfortable, you are not looking at the right brands. I agree with btilke, wearing it as a pack is the most comfortable way to carry it, swinging it around onto one shoulder and under your arm in "high security" situations like the Metro.

You can go for stylish with a leather backpack, but every one I've seen is too small for what you've described, and leather is a lot heavier than synthetics so you are adding to the weight.

Try an Eagle Creek daypack. The one I have is black synthetic, and is slightly padded along the side that fits against your back. This adds a lot to the comfort. Lots of compartments so you can be organized, plus side pockets for a water bottle, cell phone, whatever.

In addition, my bag has the option of concealing the pack straps in a zippered compartment and using a shoulder strap, so it converts to a bag that looks something like a small vertical briefcase for those occasions when you really can't bear to be seen carrying a backpack.

Marilyn

And oh yeah, I agree you need to tell your family that if it doesn't fit in that reasonably sized bag, then they can choose between carrying it themselves and leaving it at home!

Scarlett

I carry the bag that I use here that goes across my chest bandolier style. Safer than backpacks or over the shoulder bags and keeps your hands free. Black leather always works for me.
Sometimes I carry a small bag in my bag to use at night, when we got to eat somewhere nicer or the Opera. That can be carried easily in a carry on.
I always buy a bag when in Paris-usually at Longchamp, last time was a Gucci in Galleries Lafayette. I still have not seen one person carrying that Gucci bag here, which makes me happy.
All over Europe you will see young women carrying messenger bags or something similar, they are too handy to go out of style
Snacks and water can be cut down on, you will be in Paris, land of wonderful snacks on every corner!

dutyfree

I would definitely put my vote in for a Longchamp bag. The bigger one that is about 60 euros is fabulous-I use it every week as my international "grocery" bag. The over shoulder purses are wonderful as they really can expand and as a mom I know how we end up carrying everyone elses' stuff?.Go directly to the Longchamp store for the selection of color and size-take the metro to Concorde and cross the street and walk two blocks as it is right on the corner.Galleries Lafayette is always out of the right colors and sizes as every tour bus hits there.Don't tell my hubs but I just treated myself to a new red Longchamp purse in Frankfurt for my birthday...SHHHH!

wondering

carry nylon...take it from me, that leather when it gets filled can get very heavy

Judyrem

I used to be a beast of burden too! Had a very large purse and did away with it 3 weeks ago, and bought a small signature Coach bag with a long detachable strap AND handles. It is light weight and looks good with anything IMO. Do have the kids get their own, sounds like a great idea! Judy ;-)

StCirq

Being a person who both travels with two kids and travels alone, I have found that a large black leather handbag that I carry bandolier-style works for me. When I'm with kids, it has enough pockets and zippers and accoutrements to hold eyeglasses and change purses and whatnot, and when I'm on my own, it's big enough to carry my wallet, my glasses, my Paris par Arrondissement plus a Paris map plus whatever I may have cut out of newspapers, magazines, and guidebooks, my cell phone, my French day book, and a couple of reading books to boot. I bought it in Paris, so I assume it "fits in." It's also absolutely indispensable for the flight home, as I can fill it with goodies from the duty free shops, like candy bars and magazines and perfume and all the stuff friends and family ask me to bring home for them.

wlzmatilida

Well, I'm just chuckling after reading these posts! I thought it was only SHOES that women were worried about standing out as the Dreaded Tourist, now I find out it's PURSES too!

I think you should find an amazing stuffed small dog and put THAT in the purse, then you'd really look like a Parisian Madame!

I cannot even contemplate what a Mom must have to lug around on a trip...as a Wife I'm apparently responsible for carrying everything we'll ever need in any instance in my bag; and I'm not the only one....if you don't believe me, the next time you're standing in line at the check-in counter, or at Customs, check and see who's fishing out the passport and airline tickets!

For daytime, I have one of those soft-sided "briefcase" sort of bags which hold the Chapstick, pens, notebook, camcorder, camera, tissue packs, bandaids, antibacterial soap, lipstick, vouchers, maps, glasses, magnifying glass, mini-maglite flashlight, tour information, and the kitchen sink.

What is my husband carrying? His clip on to his belt digital camera and the water bottle with strap.

In addition, I've modified the "flaps" on the bag with velcro just in case someone decides to pick pock me!

Regards,

Melodie

ealing_calling

Anything Longchamp . . .

http://www.longchamp.com/home.php3

HTH! and have fun . . .
* )

grandmere

I like to buy Herve Chapelier bags when in Paris; they are nylon and come in a trillion sizes, shapes, and color combinations. Check them out at www.herve-chapelier.com

missypie

In case anybody cares, I'm the OP and I haven't foudd a bag for myself yet, but I did buy a "mono bag" for my husband for Christmas. It fits across the body like a mesenger bag, but is shaped more like a small backpack - the shape should work to carry his very heavy camera (plus a few other things) around in.

Sue_xx_yy

OP = ?

I thought about buying a chic leather backpack too, until I realized that I might 'fit in' only too well with the plans of thieves. Those packs alone are worth snatching. Also, leather tends to be heavier than synthetic fabric and will be ruined in a downpour.

I endorse the suggestions of others that your kids learn to shoulder their own burdens. One is never too young to learn to pack light. Bon voyage.

Erin

Sue- I think OP= original poster. I was just looking at the totes on longchamps.com- very cute! I think I am going to order them for friends that are getting married this year- I love how you can customize the color!

tweetexT

Do you think the French care as much on how to dress down and what jeans and sneakers and sweatshirts to wear when they come to the US? Be yourself and have a great time. You will always be a visitor and they can tell you from a mile apart