I’m scared to bring my Chanel bag to Spain…advice please!

[880]

I was doing some research into a potential trip to Paris (since HK/Japan is out of bounds for us Aussies for the time being) and the travel warnings make it clear that it can be dangerous for tourists now - quite a change from what it was a few years ago.

@Tenshii, I was just in Paris in February. For the purposes of this thread, I wore my chanel RTW with luxury bag around (an Hermes mini Della cavalleria) until I got a K25 (with sangles fastened under the flap). I wear both crossbody. I saw many locals and tourists mainly with chanel (oddly the jumbo is back with the locals) and some Hermes. Many of whom were more opulently dressed than me DH and I flew in from Dubai. Paris seemed just as safe as NY or any other place. But, we were mainly in the arrondissements in the center of Paris favored by tourists and well heeled locals. And, since we’ve been a number of times, we skip the most popular tourist attractions. We did walk around quite a bit (I wore combat boots or birkenstock slip on sneakers) and Parisians seemed very welcoming (they are like NYers in that they depend on tourist revenue). i will say though that I was glad to be back home right before Russia Ukraine.

@coffee2go, Like you, I also keep my card case in a zipped inner pocket and have passport and cash elsewhere. I am very fortunate not to have experienced pick pockets. For luxury purchases, I request that the shop deliver back to the hotel in an unmarked bag without boxes etc. Sometimes I wear the purchase out. I also carry a nylon collapsible bag in my purse to stow away my own belongings or smaller purchases. Agree that it’s very important to be careful and aware.

 

[A Yah Suh]

This is an excellent thread. I was in Paris this January for 10 days and I took 3 bags - Chanel mini, LV pochette accessories monogram and Damier Azur, all crossbody with metal chains (I wore the pochette a with the felicie chain strap.) I also wore my jewelry. I walked several hours a day, did all the tourist stops, shopped, ate at restaurants and took loads of photos. I was safe (thank God) and I felt safe, because I was with my husband, wore my bags cross-bodied and in front, used the hotel safe, walked fast, and stayed away from large crowds. I also found it important (for me at least) to stay at a hotel in the city center of Paris. I was very relaxed when I observed several people wearing luxury bags, like Chanel (jumbo and 19), Hermes (Birkin and Kelly), and an assortment of LVs. Also purchases are delivered to your hotel and if you opt out, you can have your store shopping bag with item inside placed in a white unmarked bag with a flap. I will say one Saturday afternoon the streets were extremely crowded, so I chose to return to my hotel, also whenever we went sight seeing, we got out early and returned to our hotel location before nightfall, I was also warned by a local to be careful, and shortly after arriving my husband told me to pull my sleeve down because a man’s eyes were fixated on my wrist - I supposed my bracelets were peeking out of my coat unbeknownst to me. I didn’t have to worry about my rings because I wore gloves outside. I am observant and make smart choices for me, all while still having the time of my life! Enjoy Spain!

 

[Littlejo00]

I like to use a purse hook when I'm out, even at a local restaurant. It seems to be an excellent way to protect your handbag or tote and keep it off the floor. I NEVER put my bag on the floor! I don't understand why purse hooks aren't more popular. I have a few and make sure I keep one in the bag I'm using currently.

 

[Swtshan7]

Me and my bestie were fine over the summer with designer bags in Spain

 

[MmeM124]

I wore my LV Felicie pochette which has very clear and obvious LV logo in Mexico City and puerto Vallarta with zero issues. Honestly I think it’s not the brand of bag that attracts theft but the difficulty level of the theft. There’s cash, credit cards and passports in a Chanel just as well as a reusable nylon tote. There are so many fakes readily available in touristy areas I don’t think thieves are evaluating that closely. An exception is if you are blinged out enough in other ways which might suggest your bags are real. Don’t be an easy mark and you will be fine.

The most I ever felt eyeballed for theft was in the marseille subway someone was staring pretty hard at my diamond wedding ring - I was carrying a hello kitty tote at the time. So just be aware, keep your bag on you and in front of you in crowds, don’t fall for schemes.

 

[GraffS]

Oh I’ve been to Spain so so so many times with my luxury items! Diamonds, Chanel, Hermes, Dior, etc.
And the only time someone tried to rob me, I was carrying a non branded cross body bag lol. I was walking in a park and a group of women tried to get my attention while one woman tried to get into my bag. I cought her hand on my bag and scratched her. Little did she know I had many cousins so i pulled that woman’s hair and screamed banshi for police, these women ran away.

But it was just a park, not la Rambla or a beach, or a night club where I was always dressed up.

I do find Spain pretty safe in contrast to France.

 

[Weknow]

There's bigger fish to fry concerning your trip. Hopefully in your research you've seen this? State Dept says don't go, CDC labels the country at high risk.

Spain Travel Advisory

travel.state.gov

COVID-19 and Travel

CDC travel recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

wwwnc.cdc.gov

Bag wise it's never necessary to travel with an expensive bag anywhere you feel unsafe.

Everywhere is “high risk” these days

 

[minted5]

I generally don't bring high value items when traveling internationally. I have an inconspicuous black Tumi crossbody that I bought for this purpose. I do carry my LV Rosalie wallet in it, just to have a little designer but it is in my bag so only visible when I take it out of course. In my carry on bag I also usually bring my LV pouch from my Neverfull, so if we go to a quick dinner or something I have it as a wristlet. I also bring minimal jewelry. I just wear my wedding band, necklace, bracelet, and earrings and leave it at that. It's better to be under the radar!

We will be in Spain next month, can't wait!

 

[PursePrincess]

I bring my designers bags when I travel. People in Europe and other countries wear designer bags too. Matter fact these luxury brands are often European themselves… the same safety logic you’d apply to America is the same logic you should apply abroad. What type of area are you staying? What neighborhood are you walking in? What time of day? Are you alone? Pick and choose which items to bring accordingly. They aren’t any more criminal or dangerous than Americans. In general if you’re in a crowded area it’s best to wear cross body bags and google safety for whatever area you plan to be stay in or spend considerable time in.

 

[B4GBuff]

I would bring a less recognizable bag. One with no obvious logo etc. Or even better compromise by bringing a medium tier bag like Coach or Brahmin. Maybe bring a small chanel clutch or WOC for any formal type event and keep it for special occasions only while there.

 

[MiSa2019]

European here. I have not heard of an increase in crime in major European cities. Been to Paris just last summer and it was perfectly safe, I even walked around with my Chanel and Fendi purchases and carried my luxury totes openly and locals and tourists have as well. Of course, you have to be aware of pickpockets and there are constant announcements in the subway. But I felt safe all the time. I was travelling alone btw.
But, even at home (I live in a major city) I always wear a bag with a zipper just to be on the safe side, and towards the evening and when not in the city center, I am always aware of my surroundings. Maybe that's just being a woman.

 

[chocobo124]

We travelled across Spain and Portugal in 2018, I wore a Lady Dior bag and designer shoes throughout the trip, and was never concerned about saftey, maybe we were just naive.

We are going to Thailand in a few weeks and I'm having the same dilemma

 

[Rani]

We travelled across Spain and Portugal in 2018, I wore a Lady Dior bag and designer shoes throughout the trip, and was never concerned about saftey, maybe we were just naive.

We are going to Thailand in a few weeks and I'm having the same dilemma

What will you take to Thailand. I am going Thailand in August and plan to bring my Longchamp Tote, LV empreinte double zip Pochette and maybe my Mini Loewe Puzzle bag. I have a Chanel Lambskin WOC which I will probably leave it at home.

 

[showgratitude]

I wore my LV Felicie pochette which has very clear and obvious LV logo in Mexico City and puerto Vallarta with zero issues. Honestly I think it’s not the brand of bag that attracts theft but the difficulty level of the theft. There’s cash, credit cards and passports in a Chanel just as well as a reusable nylon tote. There are so many fakes readily available in touristy areas I don’t think thieves are evaluating that closely. An exception is if you are blinged out enough in other ways which might suggest your bags are real. Don’t be an easy mark and you will be fine.

The most I ever felt eyeballed for theft was in the marseille subway someone was staring pretty hard at my diamond wedding ring - I was carrying a hello kitty tote at the time. So just be aware, keep your bag on you and in front of you in crowds, don’t fall for schemes.

True. I believe that gold, watches, and diamonds attract the thieves' attention and the ease of how one can get into someone's bag/purse (especially if your valuables are exposed or it's very obvious where it is) more than a designer bag itself.
I've seen a lot of designer items worn in the streets of Barcelona and in other touristy places in Europe. I am not comfortable doing that.....as someone snatched a gold bracelet from my arm before (and scratched my arm in the process!).....and it was indeed very scary. I have learned from that occurrence. But if others want to enjoy their possessions and take a chance, that is okay and that is their choice. Just be sure to be conscious with your surroundings always.

 

[Ghettoe]

I wore my Louis Vuitton bag in Madrid and Lisbon. I was also walking around pretty late at night… If you’re worried though, just leave your bag.