I leave my purse at home when we travel. My husband wears a silk (nylon is hot)money belt with our credit cards, money and passports inside. We then both use backpacks for travel books, umbellas,water,etc and small purchases. It works great for us.

I use a tiny Eagle Creek purse-type thing on a long string to carry my credit cards, money, passport and medication. I put it on over a base shirt (t-shirt or tank), then put my sweater or "real" shirt over it so the string is out of sight. The purse part hangs in front of my hips, so if I feel like an area is shady, I can tuck it into the front of my pants. (Yes, it gives me a lovely figure!)
http://www.eaglecreek.com/40231.html

I also carry a basic microfiber purse that is big enough to carry non-valuables- a guide book, small water bottle, folding umbrella, etc.- without looking like a huge tote bag. It hangs just under my arm, and I always put the zipper tab in the front and rest my hand on it if my camera is in there.

I love my Eagle Creek bag so much I give it to fellow travellers as a gift. Why, oh why do they make the logo so dorky though??

I have a black Kate Spade sam that I use specifically for travel. Since it is nylon it cleans easy, since the straps are shoulder length it is easy to carry, the size is large enough for a travel book, small bottle of water and normal purse stuff and it looks good.

http://www.katespade.com/product/ind...entPage=family

I usually take a small evening clutch for nice dinners at night also.

The cross-chest carry suggest one is going into combat. Does it really work if one is in the slighest endowed? Or would it be better for elderly women?

I never carry a purse while sightseeing. We usually travel in the spring or fall and I have a jacket with inside pockets to carry things. We share the burden, one person carrying map and money, one carrying camera, etc. so there is not much to drag around and security checks at such places as Ste. Chapelle are quicker. I have a string bag for food on days we plan a picnic.

I have a purse that I use just to travel - but only because it is microfiber (not so heavy) and I like my everyday bags to be leather.

It has multiple zipped compartments inside so I can organize my "stuff" and the outside flap zips all the way around, so the two tabs of the zipper can be secured together for security.

There's an outside compartment that lays against my body in which I keep my sunglasses, maps, and other readily accessible stuff in.

As with shoes (having learned the hard way) I never carry a brand new purse or take brand new shoes on a trip.

I usually use a normal large sturdy leather pocketbook from home, thick strap, that goes either on my shoulder or across my body.

My other method is a small leather purse that fits close and is only large enough to hold money, tissues, lipstick and passport. Then, if needed, I also carry a canvas bag purchased at the local grocery store for extras on a certain day.

You're right, BestontheBeach! I am unfortunately not well endowed, so the string from my cross-chest bag doesn't create any unsightly bulges or give me super-cleavage. I guess there are compensations for we less buxom types.

I am far from elderly, and don't feel combative at all with my cross-chest bag:)

I do travel off season, though, so I have a coat and sweater to offset the look. I remember a poster on here (JoelleinItaly?) talking about the neck pouch under summer clothes creating a very unsightly bulge between the bust and the hips. Whatever works for each person is best- as long as you feel safe.