Do you need to show the passport or would a copy be OK?
I haven’t read through the whole thread but wanted to note that fanny packs are back in style, especially with the college aged crowd! The concept is actually quite useful. 
@oregon101 It depends on the country. In Italy, they require all non-Italians to carry their original passport with them. Still, there are those who refuse to do so, and keep it at their hotels. I always bring mine, but have it in my money belt. It is recommended that you bring a color copy of the passport with you and also keep one back at home where someone can access it.
Scan your passport and email it to yourself. That way you’ll always have it handy.
I’ve never carried an actual passport around with me while in Italy and never had a problem. I guess I like to live on the edge.
Yay for the return of fanny packs!
As for bags, agree that baggalinis can be easy to use and lightweight. Buy them at TJMaxx.
Regarding Baggallinis at TJMaxx, I found this at another website. Since I can’t link to another forum, here is an excerpt
Thats disappointing. So far, I’ve had no problem with any of my baggalinis. But I had a coach bag and the handles fell apart. It was from the outlet store and they told me I’d have to pay $20 shipping to have them “look at it” and see if it was something they considered normal wear and tear". Forget it.
Yes, as I mentioned I have two Baggalini’s bought at TJ and have used them for 2 years spring till fall - even put one through the washing machine - and both still are like new!
I really like Baggalini’s and while I do not remember where I bought them I have had trouble with the line catching in the zipper on one and a zipper not working on another.
That said, they are very light weight and I love all of the various pockets. I picked one up from TJ’s yesterday for $39 for my upcoming 3.5 week trip. If that is all I get out of it I am OK with that.
I had already purchased two Tumi nylon bags on sale. I had planned on using one for this trip. I really have not enjoyed the one I am using. There is a middle pocket so things are either here or there. The strap twist and is not comfortable unless it is put on exactly.
Just ordered a Travelon 3 compartment cross body bag (light weight, steel mesh, RFD pockets, locking zippers). People said it worked as a camera bag for them. We’ll see. I’ll report back.
Love the Baggalini line. I think I heard about it here on CC !
I absolutely don’t let my passport leave my body when I travel internationally but I’m kind of paranoid about my passport.
“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 don’t have cell phone coverage when I’m overseas - just when at hotel (as I am now -writing this from the JW Marriott Julu Beach in Mumbai). I personally prefer a travel book hard copy. I keep all my Fodors. I also try to keep a travel journal, though it’s somewhat migrated to FB.
O.P. here. Have decided to use a couple year old Baggalini (purchased at TJ Maxx, of course) that is pretty good sized, has some outside pockets and a nice wide strap. Neutral brownish color. This will travel with me to Ireland next week and I may look for something else for the River Cruise- I like some of the Travelon styles. Now off to whittle down the pile of possible clothes by at least half! Lots of great suggestions here, thanks!
Well this thread seems to be winding down. I’m constantly on the search for the perfect travel bag. The closest I’ve gotten is the Ameribag classic (small). It’s just really comfortable to carry while leaving your hangs free and is big enough to stuff a jacket into. Has a lot of good pockets.
The Travelon 3 compartment cross body purse is perfect! Light weight. Padded a bit inside for carrying iPad and fits my larger camera great with no bulk at all. Can’t even tell it’s in there. RFD credit card slots, cell phone pocket, inside zipper pocket, slash proof, locking zipper compartment on outside. Some open outside pockets that are good for stuffing a map in or book. Tad larger than I’d normally use for everyday use but great for travel. They do make smaller sizes though. 45 bucks from Amazon. I tried the iPad in it also and fit perfectly (though probably not with my camera too–gets too heavy).
Another vote for Pacsafe!! Love the way you can clip the zipper securely AND attach your bag to a fixture to deter bag snatchers!
Thought of this thread when caught in some rain today, walking around D’s new campus for grad school. My Bagallini was not at all waterproof and had to tuck it under my arm and make sure my phone was in my pocket. A real contrast to my usual leather purses, which are not a concern in rain. With an umbrella, perhaps less of a concern, but I remember some real downpours in France.
^^Gotta love my Tumi and Longchamp totes. They do just fine here in my wet neck of the woods. A long-handled tote that can be worn under the arm is much better for the spine than a crossbody, because the owner can easily switch shoulders and alternate carrying it in the crook of the arm or on the shoulder, spreading the load. A cross-body is usually worn on the same shoulder… My back is so much happier now!
I love my Baggalini that I found at TJMaxx for cheap. Great quality. Love it. But it’s not big enough to carry all you have listed but I’m sure you could find one that size. Cross body style.