Do you carry luxury bag when sightseeing?

[Sparkletastic]

I agree with @Senf. It depends on the type of trip.

If I’m staying and high end resorts and hotels and going from point A to B in taxis or car service then I take whatever I like that best fits my outfit - my premier bags. That’s really all I have now. Except...

I do have no name one nylon tote that I bought last summer when it was just DD and me wandering through main streets and back streets of various European cities. Mr. Sparkle wasn’t with us, I didn’t want to look interesting, even though most spoke English (my native tongue), I only spoke the language in one of the countries (France), I wanted a bag with a zip top and it had to be lightweight for HOURS of walking. It just wasn’t practical to have a a Chanel flap or nubuck Gucci tote in those circumstances. LOL! I did, however, take a small black leather LV for the times we did go someplace “nice”.

 

[stylistbydesign]

I usually carry a Longchamp when we travel. It's literally indestructible! Since we always take the whole family, I don't have to worry about looking after a luxury bag. Plus, foldable, lightweight, and washable are big pluses when we travel. I also take a smaller lambskin Chanel that is a fairly flat style (fits easily in hotel safe), so I can carry a luxury bag if I'm doing high end shopping or a nice dinner.

 

[LaLaLea]

Hi - I am planning my first trip abroad, we are heading to London and Paris, and I was wondering about handbags for sightseeing. Do you carry your luxury bag or do you carry something more discreet to avoid attention from pic-pockets?

I noticed you mentioned it’s your first trip! How exciting!! I know I’m a bit out of topic but just wanted to share some things to consider

- avoid bags that can easily be cut i.e. nylon bags, gonna make the cutter really happy! (this happened to me when I was on a bus the time I lived in London but luckily I was a geek and carried my wallet in my pocket, and only had folders and a calculator in my bag!)
- avoid easy access bags - flaps with no secure zipper inside, carrying crossbody bag behind you, backpack. If you have to, important documents and wallet should be secured in the inside zipper, with TSA lock if needed! (ok maybe we can go easy with the TSA lock!) just glue them to your bag! My sister saw a show of a pickpocket demonstrating how he could unzip a bag and took out a wallet with just one hand within 3 seconds! It’s amazing and so artistic! They are true professionals!
- I don’t know much about RFID safe but it sounds important. Probably good idea to get that too!
- always be aware of your pockets too, if you have something there. I once caught a guy with his hand in my pocket (I had my wallet there remember) while stepping on a bus.
- theft usually happens at undergrounds/metro or on busy streets, inside shopping malls, so be wary of your stuff. I’d always have one hand on my bag. Those electrifying touch feeling we have is the best sensor in the world!
- travel pouches are the best!
- even if you do get pickpocketed, don’t worry there’s always help! It’s so much better than being mugged or getting our bags snatched! (they really take care of our wellbeing, only want our bills)

Even so, they are still my few favorite cities in the world! Hope you have a great time!

 

[elzi]

I do, but usually I'll bring my beat up Balenciaga City since there are no obvious logo. Some other precautions I take are using small carabiners to hook the bag zippers together, or/and hook my wallet to my bag with a fob. Anything that makes it harder for pickpockets!

 

[JVSXOXO]

I went to Italy and Spain in May and mostly carried inconspicuous leather cross body bags - one MK and one Marc Jacobs but they didn't have huge logos on them. I mostly carried these because they could hold a water bottle, small bottle of sun block, and all of my other essentials. I did carry my LV Eva in the evenings for dinner and an evening tour of La Sagrada Familia and felt comfortable there. No issues with pick pockets.

 

[julia.pa]

I usually travel with my LV Alma BB in Damier Ebene canvas because I feel like nothing can destroy that bag and it fits everything I need! Recently I‘ve also been using my YSL Toy LouLou!

 

[ccbaggirl89]

I tend to carry my lux bags on vacations in my own country and something nylon (ie Kipling) and nondescript when in other countries. Usually in another country I want to sightsee and excursion more and not worry over a bag being dirtied or stolen. I guess I feel safer and more in control in my own country because I know the money and language and style more? I do pack a small luxury clutch for evenings out no matter where I go.

 

[Juilletdix]

I always take a Longchamp nylon bag. Lightweight and carefree..

Ditto. For me, it's all about carrying the absolutely lightest bag because I usually have lots of purchases to carry as the day goes on. I also stash a couple of the larger Longchamp bags in my luggage in case I need an extra bag on the return trip.

 

[nygrl]

It depends, but I lean toward contemporary bags because I know how much of a beating my things can take when traveling. I'm not hard on my things, but when going through security, etc. at airports, you aren't always in control of what happens to your belongings. I prefer traveling with discreet bags and those without obvious logos, like the LV monogram. I just don't want to be a target, especially in an unfamiliar place. I also always bring the dust bag with me so I can put my bag in it when I need to put it underneath the seat on planes.

 

[eckw]

I know many ppl favour WOCs when travelling but my personal favourite is Celine small Trio as it’s light and handy but still holds a lot. Also I tend to put my wallet in the middle of the 3 compartments as it feels safer that way.

 

[cloee]

I’ve carried my chanel in London but used a black burberry crossbody in Spain, Paris and Italy.
these were on desperate trips, paris being the first so i somehow got a feel of what to expect. if you are going for luxury, probably pick something low profile and with zippers. Stay safe and enjoy your trip.,

 

[vink]

I like my Kipling messenger or a combo of my WOC and anti-theft backpack.

 

[Amazona]

No luxury for travel. I leave all my expensive items at home if I'm going abroad - and will consider thoroughly before taking them with me on domestic trips as well. Being a target for thieves or robbers isn't my idea of good times.
Having said that, I do take Longchamp bags with me on every single trip. I consider the Cuir line to be luxury and that's what always comes with me in some size (at the moment I own a Mini and a Medium), always followed by their nylon siblings. Anything higher end than that will stay at home. The backpack I use the most these days is a medium Pacsafe and the tote will most likely be either the forementioned LPC Medium or nylon LP Large.

My usual gear consist of a tote on its own or a mini crossbody+backpack, depending on the destination, things we'll be doing, time of year and weather.

 

[donutsprinkles]

Whether luxury or not, I'd go with a bag that many other posters are recommending:
1. Lightweight
2. Easy to clean and wipe off
3. Easy to open for YOU and keep close enough to your body

#3 may be controversial, but I just got done flying and the airport security is ridiculously onerous and you will need to constantly produce the same documentation again and again to multiple airport staff at different checkpoints. I was using a nylon pouch in my tote bag, but I wish I'd worn a crossbody instead. #2 is important because people and food.

Enjoy!

 

[woo13]

It really does depend on where I am going, where I am staying and what I am doing.