What bag would you carry on a trip to Europe? Over $1,000 or under $200?
- Thread starter TheArtofAcquisition
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I'm going to London next week and plan to bring my new Tokidoki bag. I wanted to bring one of my Balenciagas but I don't feel comfortable putting it in my checked luggage.
I understand the desire to look fashionable by carrying one of your high-end treasures. But honestly, I'd advise taking something sturdy and less expensive. I've been on European trips twice in the past four years (Italy and London), and my bags got pretty beat up--from going through airport security, getting shoved under my airplane seat, being dragged around in the rain/snow/etc., getting taken into many unpleasant public bathrooms, plopped on the floor at restaurants/cafes where there wasn't an extra chair available...you get the picture.
You want to enjoy your vacation, not spend time worrying about your bag! I'd advise something like a nylon Prada or Longchamp bag, maybe a less-expensive leather bag (Marc by MJ; Kooba?), or maybe one of your older bags that you are less concerned about damage to...
You want to enjoy your vacation, not spend time worrying about your bag! I'd advise something like a nylon Prada or Longchamp bag, maybe a less-expensive leather bag (Marc by MJ; Kooba?), or maybe one of your older bags that you are less concerned about damage to...
Not to be snarky, but did you not find any of the responses when you posed a similar question to be helpful?
I posted in the similar thread earlier, but just wanted to emphasize to not bring super sentimental things where you'd be heartbroken if they were lost/damaged (this applies mostly to jewelry for me).
I'd buy a bag (or two!) there, and bring something fashionable but lowkey while you're traveling. I like to dress well, but I'd rather blend into the crowd and not scream "look at me, I'm a tourist!"
Whichever bag(s) you choose, make sure there are no open pockets or zippers on the outer sides that are tempting for pickpockets.
I'd buy a bag (or two!) there, and bring something fashionable but lowkey while you're traveling. I like to dress well, but I'd rather blend into the crowd and not scream "look at me, I'm a tourist!"
Whichever bag(s) you choose, make sure there are no open pockets or zippers on the outer sides that are tempting for pickpockets.
I can't believe I actually loojed up "snarky" (1 : [SIZE=-1]CROTCHETY[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]SNAPPISH[/SIZE] 2 : sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner )
Well, valid question. The other thread I posted people responded a lot about shoes and clothes, a little less about bags. Also I did not get a difinative feeling as to whether to take a $1000+ bag or not, because though some people said they took high end bags they may have also said that they put them in a safe when leaving the room, and I will be staying at low lost places or bed and breakfasts (we will be gone for 23 days, we have to watch the budget, and we have no reservations). Also, some alerts went up when people mentioned smoky cafes/restaurants - would not want the bag to smell like smoke either. Also, another person, either in this thread or the other mentioned the fact that a bag does get a lot of rough treatment abroad, carrying it into public restooms with no bag hook, it ends up on the floor, at a restaurant with no chair, or where it encourages theft to leave it on a chair, it ends up on your lap or the floor... etc.
Yet, despite these discouraging issues many people would still bring designer bags. So, I feel very "in the middle" still.
One thing people seem to agree on is zipper closure, or something protecting the bags interior. Would this exclude a Fendi Spy?
Perhaps a YSL Muse would fit into this group? I was thinking about the Prada
Antic Cervo Satchel but that has a long stap that some warned against.
Well, valid question. The other thread I posted people responded a lot about shoes and clothes, a little less about bags. Also I did not get a difinative feeling as to whether to take a $1000+ bag or not, because though some people said they took high end bags they may have also said that they put them in a safe when leaving the room, and I will be staying at low lost places or bed and breakfasts (we will be gone for 23 days, we have to watch the budget, and we have no reservations). Also, some alerts went up when people mentioned smoky cafes/restaurants - would not want the bag to smell like smoke either. Also, another person, either in this thread or the other mentioned the fact that a bag does get a lot of rough treatment abroad, carrying it into public restooms with no bag hook, it ends up on the floor, at a restaurant with no chair, or where it encourages theft to leave it on a chair, it ends up on your lap or the floor... etc.
Yet, despite these discouraging issues many people would still bring designer bags. So, I feel very "in the middle" still.
One thing people seem to agree on is zipper closure, or something protecting the bags interior. Would this exclude a Fendi Spy?
Perhaps a YSL Muse would fit into this group? I was thinking about the Prada
If I take a designer bag I want it to be comforable to wear under the shoulder or on the shoulder, and I want it to be safe, and very very durable. If anyone has any comments on which bags fit into this group please assist.
I haven't answered the poll, but here are my thoughts.
1. Bring one expensive bag and maybe two not-THAT expensive bags. Use the expensive bag for special outings, fancy dinners, or when going to fancy stores!! Use your not so expensive bags for daily outings, sightseeing, etc.
2. Be sure to bring at least one bag that is rain-safe! Although the weather has seemed to clear up here in Germany, according to weather reports it's going to become cooler and rainy again. Don't wanna be stuck out in the rain with a not-rain-safe bag!!
3. Bring bags that close at the top and if it is a shoulder held bag, carry the bag toward the front of your body, not toward the back. That way, you'll be making it harder for the pickpockets to get your stuff.
Where in Germany will you be staying? I can give you some hotel recommendations from my experiences and from my boyfriends experiences. My boyfriend is much more well traveled than I am, but I've been around Germany too, lol
1. Bring one expensive bag and maybe two not-THAT expensive bags. Use the expensive bag for special outings, fancy dinners, or when going to fancy stores!! Use your not so expensive bags for daily outings, sightseeing, etc.
2. Be sure to bring at least one bag that is rain-safe! Although the weather has seemed to clear up here in Germany, according to weather reports it's going to become cooler and rainy again. Don't wanna be stuck out in the rain with a not-rain-safe bag!!
3. Bring bags that close at the top and if it is a shoulder held bag, carry the bag toward the front of your body, not toward the back. That way, you'll be making it harder for the pickpockets to get your stuff.
Where in Germany will you be staying? I can give you some hotel recommendations from my experiences and from my boyfriends experiences. My boyfriend is much more well traveled than I am, but I've been around Germany too, lol
TheArtofAcquisition said:
Yes, me!
I have a congenital problem (shallow 'grooves' that the knee cap sits in), which causes my knee-cap to dislocate (travel around to the outside of my leg
) really easily (e.g. pushing a crash mat with my foot, or running accross a busy road in the rain [close one!]).I had both knees operated on as a teenager and have less problems now. Although, one knee has arthritus, because the doctors were all out at a party when I dislocated it first and I was left in agony, with it dislocated, for hours on end, at the age of 11.
Should I sue, do you think?!
I would definitely take expensive bags (although, I'd probably pack them in my luggage for the trip), but I, personally, wouldn't use an obviously expensive bag in Croatia (i.e. no obvious logos).
You should be as safe as you would be anywhere, in Germany, Venice and Paris.
If anyone cares to be really really kind.... What sort of packing list would you have in terms of clothing?
Does anyone know great hotels in the areas I mentioned?
Sorry if I am a little panicked... preflight jitters.
Pack for North West US Summer and Autumn type weather.
TheArtofAcquisition said:
I agree, the less you look like a tourist, the safer you are.
There was a spate of British people who went on holiday to Florida, a few years ago, getting car-jacked, because they looked like tourists and were driving very obvious hire cars from the airport!
If you want to fit in, in Italy, dress as stylishly as possible! Even the builders wear designer jeans - while they're building!!!
I would...carry your favorite bag (designer or otherwise) and then...buy one over there! That way, you not only have a beautiful bag for your trip, but you have a beautiful souvenir to remind you of the great time you had in a beautiful place.
I do have to agree with some of the other ladies here though, you get treated better with a nicer bag in France and Italia! Have such a great time! (and don't worry about the flight, just sleep through it!!)
I do have to agree with some of the other ladies here though, you get treated better with a nicer bag in France and Italia! Have such a great time! (and don't worry about the flight, just sleep through it!!)