Check out pacsafe.com. I bought one of the black nondescript totebags with all sorts of anti-theft features (wire mesh in bottom of bag, wire in straps, lock on zipper) from REI for $20 on sale ($75 retail), and one of the neck wallets with wire in the string (I wore it under my clothes and across my right shoulder and tucked it in the top of my pants). I didn't "stand out", and now I have a really nice tote bag for work, too!

Ok... chiming in here....not 20 but
35 years old! Your longchamp is just fine. My longchamp is my favourite travel bag, tucks under my arm perfectly and fits just about anything I need. It's lightweight - I pack it in my suitcase (my carryon is a larger longchamp) for the trip over. I like it because of it's functionality and I think it is a simple classy bag.

Enjoy your trip!!

Don't you have a Goyard St. Louis tote? Sheesh. Get yourself to Barney's and buy one PDQ. And please don't get a crown applique unless you are royalty; doing so is soooooooo louche.

When I see people carrying a money belt around the streets of Philadelphia, I try to shoot them with my Holland & Holland hunting rifle.

The Artist Formerly Known as Thingorjus.

I'm 25 and lived in Hong Kong and Manchester, England. Anywhere I go, I use a shoulder bag across the body, it's safe, not too bulky but hold a decent amount of stuff, convinient (no need to look for a safe space to put down when sitting down.) I don't madly clutch it when just walking about, but be a bit conscious when walking through dodgy area. Money are usually kept in hotel's safe and only have enough money for the day spending (good for not overspending as well!). Not too keen on backpack as few cities such as HK and London are both quite popular for bags getting cut at underground or busy areas.

I bought a PacSafe purse last year for my London trip and it is great. Has steel cables in the shoulder strap (which you wear across your body) and has slashproof sides, etc. I am taking it to Paris this year and I am going to keep my camera in it. I have a under clothing flat pack for other small items like credit card and money. I also bought a metal chain neck strap for my camera.

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php...tail&id=25
http://www.thecamerahunter.com/Merch...egory_Code=CAS

..my leather shoulder bag..the exact same one I use at home. It does have a zipper closure. I never use/wear anything when I travel that I dont use at home.

Whatever else you carry, use a money belt. What's the down side? If you leave your purse on the floor under your chair in a restaurant and a sneaky thief gets it, if your purse is "picked," if someone on a motor scooter whizzes by and takes your purse with him, you'll be glad you've got your money and credit card in that purse.

thanks to all!!

trip is in less than 3 weeks and im getting very excited!

Most of the time when I'm in familiar territory (northern Italy, for ex.) I use a small messenger bag worn with strap across me, bag in front, with important items. In places where I feel less confident I would use the money belt and then one of those teardrop shaped microfiber bags (Rick Steves, LL Bean etc. have them) for guidebook, water, sunglasses, windbreaker. I think they are called save your back bags or something similar, and they are comfortable--they are worn over one shoulder.

I use the same bag that I use at home in NYC--a large leather coach satchel. It is sturdy and large enough for a book. The drop is not too long but just fits under my arm. I bucked up and spent the additional money prior to my last trip to Portugal and it was the best investment made. I don't bother with a waistpack or moneybelt as I do not use them at home, why would I use on vacation.
I find the younger you are, the less likely you are to be a target for a pickpocket--I am 33 and have had my purse snatched once and it was while eating lunch with some co-workers across the street from my work. I had left my purse on the floor next to my chair unwatched. Needless to say, I now hook my purse on my foot or around my ankle if i don't want to hold it while eating in a crowded cafe.