To those of you who have mentioned Le SportSac and their cost, you can find them at TJMaxx very inexpensively priced and almost always in stock. Granted, they don't have every make and model, but over the years I've amassed a selection that covers my every travel need.

It's true about TJMaxx - I have a very large black Le SportSac tote (about 22x15) which retails for about $100. I picked it up for about $20 (at least 10 years ago, probably longer) at TJMaxx and have been using it for business travel ever since. Those bags are made of iron. I will say it was a total coup to find it in solid black - at TJs they are mostly in a lively print.

It's not only the ones at TJ Maxx. Current Le SportSac styles are almost all those bright & busy prints (unfortunately). They do last forever, I still have my very first duffle bag style I use for beach travel from 30 years ago!

I agree about TJ Maxx for finding all kinds of great name-brand luggage and totes at big discounts.

I wear a money belt for money and passport, then a small-ish crossbody purse with just enough room for my camera, a map, kleenex, and for coins and bills for the day. I also use the Rick Steves Civita Daypack which is super-lightweight microfiber. I use it for a sweater/jacket, water bottle, and any items I buy along the way. It scrunches up into nothing to fit inside my purse if I don't need it.

I go for sling bags - organizer purses. This might help:
http://hubpages.com/hub/travel-purses-choosing-good-one

Have a great trip!

That was an interesting articele Swantraveller but a couple of things gave me pause.

"Why not consider one that you could carry around the waist, or that has an extra security strap across the chest?"

Why would I want to look that paranoid? IMO, fanny packs are hideous and while I'm not a fashionista, I have some pride in my appearance.

"How about setting it on the ground, or the floor of a train, where it could get dirty? Will it be washable?"

There are places I never put my purse; on public floors and on grocery cart seats. Yuck.

Shianne,

I take a lightweight backpack and a purse.

I find the backpack perfect for the big traveling days (flights, longer train rides etc...) and for long days (when you may want to carry water, travel books etc...).

As for a purse, I always take one of my baggallini's. You should check out their website http://www.baggallini.com/ (although you can buy them at other places). I use my purse on most of my days, it is big enough for a camera, snacks, maps etc... It's also nice to have a purse for the times you may want to go shopping, take a nice stoll or just hang out.

The way I look at is: would I take a backpack with me at home shopping? for a short walk? for a nice lunch and a trip to the museum? If you have the room, take both.

<<<Why would I want to look that paranoid? IMO, fanny packs are hideous and while I'm not a fashionista, I have some pride in my appearance.

"How about setting it on the ground, or the floor of a train, where it could get dirty? Will it be washable?"

There are places I never put my purse; on public floors and on grocery cart seats. Yuck>>>

I agree with LSky on all of that. For the plane, I carry a tote (I have several - Le Sportsac, Kipling, others) or a backpack (I just got a very lightweight Rick Steves backpack for a trip where the weight of a carryon would matter -- ugly but effective). For about town, I have two small cross-body purses, one is a Baggalini, the other a slightly larger leather purse that I don't know the brand of). These are perfect size for just small fabric wallet (I leave most stuff at home), point and shoot camera, reading, distance and sunglasses, passport, pens.

This is my Baggalini: http://store.franklinplanner.com/sto...ip&newpc=18575

I also have a tiny Dooney & Burke that love the colors of, but it's really too small for anything.

I did decide on our most recent trip that I would like to get another small fabric cross-body in a plain (probably black) color to wear out to dinner. I didn't really like taking my green Baggalini everywhere!

sf7307, I just picked up a new Baggalini Zipper Bag also. I have had different ones over the years, depending on my needs. The store clerks were encouraging me to get the Big Zipper Bag but I like the smaller version - just enough room for my Canon G11, pen, notebook, map. There are pockets for my day money and slots for a credit card, a hook for keys. I wear a money belt for passport, etc. Then the Rick Steves very lightweight Civita backpack for jacket, water, etc.

oops. just realized I posted on this last week. sorry.

Thank you all for all of your input. I think I am still leaning towards a backpack and then a cross body purse/bag of some type, just need to find what I want. Again, thanks for all the input.

Definitely get a crossbody handbag. I got one with a flap and a zip, and so far my purse has been ok. Read my other posts to see why I chose this type of handbag.

Never Never Never put a purse in a long strap shoulderbag over one shoulder; unless you like peeking into your handbag wondering if you left your purse at another shop / place.

Backpacks are even worse because the bag is not in your view, and you cat feel it if someone unzips the bag and slips your wallet out.

My last post goes into more detail about keeping your purse safe.

TALL_LEANNE: It seems you are searching the forums for old threads about handbags/backpacks. Before topping them you might want to double check the dates (one I saw was from <u>2004</u>. At least this one was started in the same decade)

Just purchased the most lightweight backpack which converts to a tote and can be contained within itself to pull out when necessary. We are going to Switzerland and want something lightweight hands-free for hikes, so want something in which to stuff lip balm, sunglasses, water & fleece or sweater for the mountains. It's by Travelon and about $30 on Amazon. I will use a larger tote for plane access for Kindle, Headphones, magazines, etc., and pack this for day trips only. I find many backpacks inconvenient to access quickly and also like the Double-zip backpack by Vera Bradley which is also light but $100.