This thread was trouble. I just ordered a Marc Jacobs nylon crossbody from Nordstrom that was on sale. Used some Nordstrom notes so damage wasn’t bad.
Gouf78 - one reason we don’t take our big camera on trips is that it is awkward to carry. We do take it if we are going somewhere that we would be crazy to not like on an African Safari.
Well, I’m going on a trip that it would be crazy to not…the camera is going or I’ll kick myself for years to come I know.
D2 is a photographer and lugs her camera, lenses and other assorted stuff in a bag that’s a cross between a large purse and small messenger bag that she got at Target. It’s ratty and falling apart but she hasn’t found anything else she’s willing to use yet.
This thread got me thinking about how I’m going to safeguard my passport and most of my credit cards when I am in Spain. I went to a travel store and they suggested a SPIbelt. It is a small elastic belt made for runners but the compartment for carrying things stretches to accomodate passport, credit cards, keys, etc. But it still stays flat and can be worn with the valuables in front with no bulging. So I’ll keep my ‘walking around’ money in my purse and keep the other stuff hidden. It may be too hot in Spain even in May to wear a jacket with an inside pocket so this should do the trick.
I was trying to search for the particular passport wallet I use (there’s no name on it) and came across this, which I hereby submit as the worst idea for a travel wallet ever. (See the one on the top left) https://www.pinterest.com/himynameiselv/cross-body-bags/
It is true that a summer in Italy required a stealth inside shirt and pants hidden passport holder. Still I sweat alot.
Baggalini hobo tote! I used this in grey for my England/Scotland trip. It has multiple outside pockets which were great for my guidebooks, water bottle, camera. Strap is adjustable and can be worn crossbody if desired. The strap did not bother me at all, it was very comfortable.
Ok, how critical is it to have your passport and credit cards practically glued to your body on an international trip? Asking seriously - I’ll be taking my first international trip to France this summer - I have been seeing different pouches, etc. for passports, credit cards (for identity theft) etc. - is it not a good idea to keep these things in a separate zipped area of the crossbody I WILL wear for travel and daily use???
In some areas, pickpockets and purse snatchers are a very big issue. You don’t want to have all your important items in one place. Having to replace your passport before you head home can ruin your trip. You have to go to the American embassy, re-do the paperwork, etc. It can take a full day or more. Having your credit cards stolen is a big hassle. I’m bringing extra passport photos, making a copy of my passport (which I will keep in my carry-on, copies of credit cards also.
On my last trip to Italy another couple of the group had their credit cards stolen and had to borrow money from the rest of us to continue because of the difficulty of getting the card replaced in time.
Public transportation, crowds, watch out for thieves. Rome, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona.
When I needed a new travel purse, I searched for crossbody purses on zappos (free shipping both ways), ordered about 10 of them, and then tested them at home with everything that I planned to carry in the new bag. I ended up keeping two of them - one for the international trip and the other just because I liked it.
This is the one that I kept for travel: http://www.zappos.com/pacsafe-slingsafe-200-gii-anti-theft-cross-body-bag-black
- big enough to hold my camera: Nikon Coolpix P500 - not a DSLR, but bigger than a point and shoot.
- I liked the RFID pocket for a small wallet, the slashproof strap and front/bottom panel, and the extra hook to secure the zipper closed. Lightweight.
The other that I kept is by Vera Bradley, black quilted, but no longer on Zappos: http://www.verabradley.com/product/mailbag-crossbody/classic-black/1002223_184400.uts?parentCategoryId=1087&subCategoryId=1131
- I would consider using this on a trip also. It easily holds my camera and essentials and is lightweight.
47, abasket: I think a lot of this depends where you are traveling, how you are traveling, and how experienced you are about thieves.
You are at risk in crowds and on mass transit. I had to teach my kids to be observant, try not to let anyone too close, and watch their pockets. To put their wallet in a front pocket and keep their hand over the pocket when they were in a crowd. Last year in a train station, a bunch of elementary aged kids gathered on the platform all with backpacks and dressed sort of in uniforms but not consistently. They kept getting very close to groups of tourists. Then I saw them making eye contact with adults at either end of the platform. I walked way away out of their path keeping my eyes on them and they saw I was watching them. I never know what to do in those situations about everyone else. I guess I should make a public service announcement but that would probably come with a degree of danger to me, especially if I’m not leaving that city immediately. And those kids were so good, you couldn’t actually see them take anything. Every local on the platform moved away from them.
In my opinion, the best protection is just being super observant about your surroundings. If someone is following you, go into a shop or cafe and don’t come back out till they get tired and go away.
I was robbed once in my early 20s but never again. We will take taxis over mass transit whenever possible. We stay out of crowds as much as possible. I try not to look at a screen or a guidebook or talk on the phone on the street. I never ever open my bag on the street.
That Pacsafe looks perfect for me. Thanks!
Bit off topic but we are talking travel purses…It’s hard to be observant of pick pockets if you don’t know how they work and the ruses they use. They work in teams, create diversions. Very sophisticated. And they are incredibly fast. It may be too late even as you realize it’s happening. It’s worth watching videos and researching scams before you go… The more you know the easier it is to avoid them. It’s saved us more than once. And those icky, hot, under-clothes waist belts that everybody hates to wear are probably still the best protection. Empty your wallet of extraneous cards, SS card, anything that you don’t absolutely need BEFORE you go. Keep a record of card numbers/phone numbers with you (separately!) so if something does happen you can save your vacation more easily.
And urge EVERYONE in your group to follow suit. It’s a pain to be held back from fun because someone didn’t follow some easy advice (speaking from experience…) The excuse of “but it was hot and I sweat and it looked weird” doesn’t cut it if you spend hours cancelling cards and going to a police station in a different country (who care less because it’s way too routine…)
I highly recommend Hershel bags. They are affordable, fashionable, and very durable.
Specifically the Reid backpack, City backpack, messenger bags, and their totes.
Oh, the totes are to die for. http://shop.herschelsupply.com/collections/totes
alh–the kids were probably a distraction for adults working the crowd. You watch the kids and someone behind you has already relieved you of your wallet. Hopefully nothing in it but small change.
There are lots of easy marks in a crowd–keeping your hand directly on your purse or wallet or other valuables is important and easy to do since it makes you a less easy target. In that situation–keep your valuables close and put your hands directly on them!
And travel light., and not in a back pack.
If you do take a backpack (I do not) carry it in front of you.
When we were in Spain 2 years ago I noticed a woman walking behind my D looking at her purse and getting closer and closer. I took my D’s arm and glared at the woman who immediatly left. D had no idea. Actually, she might not have even believed me as she thinks I am over the top when I demand that H and D take this stuff seriously.
I insist that when we use our phones that we have our backs to the crowd and are against a wall and the others in our group surround that person as look outs. However, I have read that phones are not that valuable anymore. Do they make straps for phones???
I wear a version of a waist belt–the kind you can put on a belt–but I use two large saftey pins and hang it from my waist inside my pants. It is soft and does not bother me like the typical ones do. Been doing it for decades.
I second the taxi over mass transport. It is just safer and usually not that much $ if there are a few of you.
I like this Kipling crossbody bag:
It’s light and comfortable, but it holds everything you need. There is an inside zipper pocket that is the perfect size for passports and an inside hook that I have used to hook in my wallet. It comes in lots of colors.
I recently got a Marc Jacobs black nylon cross body bad that’s also nice for travel.
I have a cross-body Baggellini that I use and I also have a scottevest with lots of pockets.
I went to TJMaxx for the first time in years yesterday because there’s not one within 30 miles of me and the Baggellini bags there looked different from the one I buy at ebags. The zippers are different and the metal pulls are different. Wonder if they special make bags for discount stores. Has anyone noticed?
I know that I did see some “different” looking Baggellini’s at my TJ this year - but mixed in with the style I am USED to seeing. I have not purchased one anywhere other than TJ though, so I may not know what “original” looks like.
Large fabric folding longchamp bag w/ leather grip for carry-on clothes, and small leather cross-over longchamp bag for purse. Longchamp bags are ideal for travel.
Why carry travel guide book when you could be using your smart phone for any information you want? I usually sign up for international data ($15-20) when I am abroad.
I also carry passports every where I go for ID and tax free purpose.