I would get a long champ, cheap, cute, and you will fit right in with the locals. Also since you can get a bag that has shorter handles, it provides more safety, tucked under your arm, with the snap flap, with the zipper. then you could fold it up into something as big as your hand. more space for that pair of boots or that coat you were thinking of bringing.. or whatever couldnt fit lol. I would also carry some type of messenger.. like something durable like Mulberry. then if i must i would carry a clutch, and use it to store makeup or jewlery on the plane ride so you can still use it. I would buy a nice bag there, save it to the end of my trip, then go buy it. if im going somewhere where im going to be judged, and will be fazed by that, then i would use the new bag.
What bag would you carry on a trip to Europe? Over $1,000 or under $200?
- Thread starter TheArtofAcquisition
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I've travelled all over Europe - each time bringing one of my designer handbags - and this is what works best for me:
1) shoulder strap, for comfort
2) resilient sturdy leather, which will withstand rain and knocks about
3) zipper top or at least buckles to make pick-pocketing more difficult
4) light leather, so when you scurry around with your travel books, you're not weighted down.
And bring one evening/dinner/clubbing bag...
1) shoulder strap, for comfort
2) resilient sturdy leather, which will withstand rain and knocks about
3) zipper top or at least buckles to make pick-pocketing more difficult
4) light leather, so when you scurry around with your travel books, you're not weighted down.
And bring one evening/dinner/clubbing bag...
While I would be tempted to take a fabulous bag, I wouldn't. Thieves are always quite honest that they target people with designer/high-end items, and sometimes a theft can happen so quickly it will seem like it was all a blur. Someone on the Rick Steves grafitti board said that someone ripped them off just as they stopped the car, and that if it hadn't been for the seatbelt with one passenger, more would have been taken than some bags in the back. It's also pretty routine for rental cars to be broken into.
What I would do instead is buy a nice bag toward the end of the trip and then use it on the way home if was practical to do so or just keep it in the carry on.
What I would do instead is buy a nice bag toward the end of the trip and then use it on the way home if was practical to do so or just keep it in the carry on.
What does everyone think about cross the body shoulder straps like the new Prada Antic Cervo Satchel? Or Miu Miu?
TheArtofAcquisition said:
I love this one.
I do live in France so for shure I would take a really nice bag. My bags over and under $1000 are there to be used shure I am bothered when one gets ruined by rain but if it's a high end designer item you can always have it repaired. Takes just a while.
When I travel I take usually three or four (have to include a diaper bag)
bags for diffrent use.
And definitely buy one over here.
Don't get paranoid by theft etc...just be careful, don't leave things in a car don't put your bag on the floor in a café or restaurant and so on.
And enjoy your trip!
I trust no one, so I would carry a cheaper bag, preferably something close to my body (strap goes across body so purse part can be seen in front). I don't want to be a target for pitpockets or purse snatchers over there.
What´s scary about Europe
? I live in Finland and nothing has ever been stolen from me, even attempted. Neither has there been an incident in Sweden nor Estonia, Spain, Scotland (just listing the places I´ve been to ). The only place I wouldn´t take the most expensive bag to, is Russia.
? I live in Finland and nothing has ever been stolen from me, even attempted. Neither has there been an incident in Sweden nor Estonia, Spain, Scotland (just listing the places I´ve been to ). The only place I wouldn´t take the most expensive bag to, is Russia.
What´s scary about Europe
Nothing is scary about Europe, except when you are a tourist and you don't go where the locals go, but where tourists go. Like Florence, for example. The city is famous for having more tourists than locals. Or Rome. My boyfriend's wallet was stolen once in Florence (the guy talked to him like a friend, hugged him, and stole his wallet- my boyfriend chased after him, pulled out out french bread/cheese knife and threatened to kill him if he did not give it back .... he got it back.) In Rome my Uncle's wallet was taken on a bus.
When you go to really touristy areas and speak english and look lost the theives are nearby, assuming that you have a bunch of goodies, cash, credit cards etc, and that you will have a harder time than a local might contacting the police and calling off your credit cards in time.
That is my theory.
Also, unlike those who live in Europe, people travelling have to stay in strange hotels and have their bags looked at by security, and all those moments are moments when theft can occur. Also, people travelling spend all their time running around outside their homebase, using strange restrooms, eating away from home, so the bag becomes a relative "body part" and endures more wear than a local leaving home for three hours.
I definately take one or two of my expensive handbags with me when I travel. I just make sure that I have them with me on the plane.
I'm very afraid of lost luggage!
Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about my bag getting stolen on the street. I think the risk is the same
I'm very afraid of lost luggage!
Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about my bag getting stolen on the street. I think the risk is the same