<p>Wow, and I was just going to get a Rick Steves backpack!</p>
<p>Portmanteau is a wonderful shop in Portland, Maine that designs and sews its own canvas and tapestry bags. The quality is top notch.</p>
<p>[Portmanteau</a> - Tapestry and canvas bags, tote bags, capes and cloaks](<a href=“http://www.portmanteauonline.com/index.htm]Portmanteau”>http://www.portmanteauonline.com/index.htm)</p>
<p>So many bags!
It is hard to decide. If I don’t make a decision soon I can use my old bag.
The Burberry bag looks beautiful. I don’t know if I could bit the bullet and spend that much on it. I like the size and simple looks of the Longchamp and the Burberry bags. I like the size and cross body straps on the LeSportsac and the Jane Marvel bags but I am someone who carries handbags in basic black or brown. Patterns and colors are way outside of my box.</p>
<p>Most Sportsacs are available in at least one solid color…usually a dark gray or black.</p>
<p>I agree with Gourmetmom re the look of the Longchamp bag – it can go anywhere, and it can double as just a handbag instead of a tote. Alas, a real one was not in my budget - I bought a fake one from a NYC street vendor – loved the look, but then it ripped apart after a few uses. I got my $20 worth from it!</p>
<p>When I travel I swear by my Kiplings - I keep the monkeys at home though. Looks like they are having a good sale at the moment:</p>
<p>[Kipling</a> - SALE: Messengers & Totes: Search for](<a href=“http://www.kipling-usa.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2999787&cp=3612169&view=all]Kipling”>http://www.kipling-usa.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2999787&cp=3612169&view=all)</p>
<p>^I agree with the Kipling. They come in colors and in black. </p>
<p>My favorite fancy traveling bag is a black large Prada nylon messenger. My fun traveling bag is a large Tokidoki tote. I can fit anything in it and it’s light weight. </p>
<p>My favorite traveling bag is a no name tote with numerous outside compartments (5 : easy access to water bottle, passport/tickets, lip gloss, eye drops, alcohol gel/wipes, sunglasses, cellphone) that has an additional strap and can convert into a cross body bag.</p>
<p>This is a dangerous thread. I love bags. Love them. </p>
<p>When I first read your description, I thought you wanted something for your computer + all your other things so I suggested my briefcase/travel bag. </p>
<p>Here’s what I use for traveling without my computer - although it would fit:
[Puddle</a> Jumper Overnight/Gym Bag](<a href=“http://www.luglife.com/Puddle-Jumper-Overnight-Gym-Bag?sc=2&category=1726]Puddle”>http://www.luglife.com/Puddle-Jumper-Overnight-Gym-Bag?sc=2&category=1726)</p>
<p>Another longtime Longchamp fan here. I use my large black with brown leather trim (same as in Gourmetmom’s link) for travel all the time and use it as a handbag once I am there - goes with everything. It’s very lightweight, sturdy and completely waterproof. I also leave my heavier bags at home in favor of this one whenever I’m going to be doing a lot of walking around town, so it’s very practical. Only downside - you see a lot of them around. It’s especially popular as a book bag on college campuses right now - every other girl at D’s school seems to have one. </p>
<p>In addition to the Longchamp, I usually bring along one of those oversized Vera Bradley totes on trips. They are very lightweight , wear well and are completely washable. Between those two carryon bags, I generally don’t need a huge piece of main luggage, even for a longer trip.</p>
<p>If my local Nordstroms had the Longchamp bag I would bit the bullet and splurge. I like Roskhe’s idea of using it as my handbag while I am there.
I was at the register and was going to purchase a LeSportsac tote at Macy’s yesterday and the salesperson told me that I should see if I had a coupon at home. By the time I got home I decided that it wasn’t what I wanted. I looked at some Kipling bags. They didn’t have one the size I wanted but if they had I might have bought one.
When I travel I usually use a carryon size suitcase. Depending on where I am going I check it if I have it expanded or carry it on. From my airport almost all the flights are smaller planes and you gate check your carry on bag anyway. I hate dealing with the overhead compartment. I also carry a small purse that depending on the circumstance I can stick it in my messenger type of carry on bag if they are sticklers for the only having 2 carryon items.
The bag I want to replace is the messenger type. I like to keep it under the seat in front of me. I want to be able to get in and out of my bag during the flight without having to get up and open the overhead bin. I need it big enough for my stuff but not so large it can’t fit under the seat. Or is heavy.</p>
<p>Actually, the little Lug Puddle Jumper can be used for all of those things. Be sure to scroll through all of the pictures on that site. I have taken it on the plane and put it under the seat in front of me. It slips over a standard luggage handle if you happen to be taking a bag to be checked. It has an outside pocket for important docs/tickets and one for cell phone. You could easily put a small clutch in it. One cool feature is there is a pocket for an extra pair of shoes. It’s a little big for a purse, but it is very light weight. </p>
<p>I also like the tote - but this is a different look.</p>
<p>I purchased an expandable Longchamp bag in London last summer - it has a laterial zipper that opens up to add about six more inches to the height of the bag.</p>
<p>[Longchamp-</a> Expandable Duffel-Neiman Marcus](<a href=“http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod95120114&parentId=cat18960734&masterId=cat11830732&index=8&cmCat=cat000000cat000553cat000561cat11830732cat18960734]Longchamp-”>http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod95120114&parentId=cat18960734&masterId=cat11830732&index=8&cmCat=cat000000cat000553cat000561cat11830732cat18960734)</p>
<p>Pizzagirl - I know they are a bit of an investment, but the authentic bag will last for many years, so number of uses/cost ends up being pretty reasonable. And you look great all the while.</p>
<p>This is the bag my sister got for me. It’s really cute <a href=“http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3030545/0~2376779~2374605~6022946?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6022946&P=1[/url]”>http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3030545/0~2376779~2374605~6022946?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6022946&P=1</a></p>
<p>I can put a lot in it and it’s very stylish. I would have bought one in a little brighter color though she gave me the coco brown one. I used to have a Very Bradley tote and loved it because it was so light. Loved it also but it didn’t last very long.</p>
<p>My sister has a Longchamp backpack. She bought it in Paris 8 years ago and it looks as good as the day she bought it.</p>
<p>I love all of these travel bags, but they’re all so darn expensive! Has anyone seen a knock off under $100, more like $50?</p>
<p>Hey…I know. I know what you need! Voila… as Bunsen I also take this bag and put my purse inside and counts only for one item: It looks better in person than the picture. There are a lot of space…it is flexible so I put it under the seat. Watch for the store coupon and probably you can get it for even a better price. Good luck!</p>
<p>I love this bag…only use it for travelling. I can even put my computer there…and my purse…love it!</p>
<p>Liz & Co.® Signature 20" Tote</p>
<p>$69.99/Orig. $140.00 Go to JC Penneys:
[JCPenney</a> : Liz & Co.® Signature 20" Tote](<a href=“http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=70024&CatID=74037&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=15119aa&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=searchresults|57843&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=1&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=searchresults|57843|74037]JCPenney”>http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=70024&CatID=74037&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=15119aa&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=searchresults|57843&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=1&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=searchresults|57843|74037)</p>
<p>Try TJ Maxx or Marshall’s. You just might find the original bag.</p>
<p>You guys are a great resource, but have expensive taste! I too shove my purse, computer, paperwork, newspaper, sweater, umbrella etc all into the carry-on that fits under my seat. Its an old nylon, zips at the top so stuff doesnt fall out, with a small zipper compartment on one side and larger one onthe other. It similar to this [Business</a> Tote from Lands’ End](<a href=“http://www.landsend.com/pp/BusinessTote~144893_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::DLK&CM_MERCH=IDX_00005__0000001287&origin=index]Business”>http://www.landsend.com/pp/BusinessTote~144893_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::DLK&CM_MERCH=IDX_00005__0000001287&origin=index) but the straps come all the way down to the bottom and its in green. I have used it forever</p>
<p>jym, the only expensive thing I have is my taste - I still fly with my brightly colored TJ’s shopping bag 
That Land’s End bag looks great - very business-like,much better than my leSportsac bag with flowers on it!</p>
<p>(But I do need to get a better bag fro travel, I know! There is an outlet mall not too far from where I live, and it has a Burberry store and a Tumi store. Hmmm… I need to get out there).</p>
<p>The bags are expensive but $69.99/Orig. $140.00 and 20", JCPenney : Liz & Co.® Signature 20" Tote </p>
<p>Pretty bag, phone pocket, three compartments or pockets, 4 wheels to deal with the airport stress… you cannot beat that one…or maybe not! </p>
<p>It is not luxury…but it is practical.</p>
<p>I love bags too…love those links! Thanks for sharing.</p>
<p>I’m reviving this thread because I just found the perfect carry-on tote. It’s the same price as the Burberry one, but I decided I like this shape better. And it’s incredibly light weight because it’s nylon. [Tumi</a> Quintessential Totes - Quintessential Tote at Zappos.com](<a href=“Tumi quintessential totes quintessential tote sweet pea + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com”>Tumi quintessential totes quintessential tote sweet pea, Bags + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com)</p>