Wanted to add a word of thanks to all the kind people who left comments here-- all of which are immensely helpful!
What do you take travelling to Europe? Expensive bags and shoes or no?
- Thread starter TheArtofAcquisition
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I really really appreciate all the comments. I have read them once but I am undoubtedly going to be reading through them again and again. I am pretty sure that I need to go shoe shopping now that the "no heel" rule seems to be pretty standard. I would appreciate any more advice on what brands to try. Also, should I bring boots? Or would I just end up lugging them around (it being too hot to wear them). I have also been tossing around in my mind which bag to bring, or whether to buy something new. I suppose something that can fit comfortably under my arm and has zipper closure, as was mentioned, is best. Perhaps I should get that medium hobo at gucci with the half horsebits on either side of the strap - I always found that really comfy, but for home, the bag a little ordinary. I would love to carry a very chic fall bag during paris fashion week, if only to feel chic and amazing in paris. I wonder what would do that - Chanel? Or? Also, if I am planning to leave nice bags and shoes in the room, does that mean no bed and breakfasts or random, safe-less hotels? Boyfriend wants to stay at random unplanned locations...
I always wear flat shoes in Europe. I need to be comfortable because I walk everywhere. I usually take ballet flats in the summer and loafer type shoes or ankle boots in the fall/winter. As far as handbags go, I always travel with one or two Longchamp totes. They are nice looking bags and are not heavy. I almost always buy a bag when I am in Paris and will use that bag when I am there too.
I almost never stay in fancy hotels with safes (only when I travel with my mom) so I make sure that I have a lock for my suitcase and lock all of my valuables inside the suitcase when I leave for the day and shove it out of the way. So far I have not had a problem. Have fun on your trip. I love Paris and Venice but I have not been to Croatia. You will have to let me know what it is like, it is on my list of places to go.
I almost never stay in fancy hotels with safes (only when I travel with my mom) so I make sure that I have a lock for my suitcase and lock all of my valuables inside the suitcase when I leave for the day and shove it out of the way. So far I have not had a problem. Have fun on your trip. I love Paris and Venice but I have not been to Croatia. You will have to let me know what it is like, it is on my list of places to go.
I've visited Europe twice in the past four years (Florence/Rome and London). I would definitely advise against bringing an expensive, delicate, high-maintenance handbag, because it will get beat up--on the airplance (going through security and in overhead bins/under seat) and when you're travelling around in the elements. Plus there's the theft factor.
I'd recommend bringing a bag with a sturdy exterior that can stand up to rain and scratches. Maybe a Longchamp or Prada nylon tote, or an LV mongram coated-canvas bag...
I'd recommend bringing a bag with a sturdy exterior that can stand up to rain and scratches. Maybe a Longchamp or Prada nylon tote, or an LV mongram coated-canvas bag...
I've been to Europe twice and both times in the summer...
Went to Croatia, Slovenia and (aah!) Venice and LOVED IT. I had never been to any of these beautiful places but felt very comfortable.
That said, I agree with everyone's viewpoints that you want to be stylish but not stand out too much. Do not bring super sentimental jewlery or things that you would be heartbroken to lose.
As far as purses/bags go, I brought my small grey nylon Prada backpack and it worked great. It held everything but wasn't like a huge "i'm backpacking through Europe" pack which can knock over things if you are in a small shop. Some people I travelled with also brought a larger bag and then a smaller one for going out at night. Definitely bring something you can carry over your shoulder so you can have your hands free.
Make sure your bags have zippers or buckle closures. They say that "opportunity enables crime" and petty theft is quite common in Europe, IMO. Stay alert and watch out for people who try to distract you in a crowd. Closed zippers and buckled pockets are too much for pickpockets to deal with and they will go elsewhere.
You will be doing a lot of walking and if your feet are tired nothing else matters, especially on cobblestone streets like in Venice! Bring a few bandaids just in case
. I also packed a pashmina, as even though it was summer if we were visiting inside cathedrals they did not want women coming inside with tank tops or sleeveless shirts. Throwing the shawl on was easy!
Have a great time!
Went to Croatia, Slovenia and (aah!) Venice and LOVED IT. I had never been to any of these beautiful places but felt very comfortable.
That said, I agree with everyone's viewpoints that you want to be stylish but not stand out too much. Do not bring super sentimental jewlery or things that you would be heartbroken to lose.
As far as purses/bags go, I brought my small grey nylon Prada backpack and it worked great. It held everything but wasn't like a huge "i'm backpacking through Europe" pack which can knock over things if you are in a small shop. Some people I travelled with also brought a larger bag and then a smaller one for going out at night. Definitely bring something you can carry over your shoulder so you can have your hands free.
Make sure your bags have zippers or buckle closures. They say that "opportunity enables crime" and petty theft is quite common in Europe, IMO. Stay alert and watch out for people who try to distract you in a crowd. Closed zippers and buckled pockets are too much for pickpockets to deal with and they will go elsewhere.
You will be doing a lot of walking and if your feet are tired nothing else matters, especially on cobblestone streets like in Venice! Bring a few bandaids just in case
. I also packed a pashmina, as even though it was summer if we were visiting inside cathedrals they did not want women coming inside with tank tops or sleeveless shirts. Throwing the shawl on was easy!Have a great time!
shoes:
slippers/ballerina./loafers...the most comfortable you got !
(tod's are perfekt for walking around)
just one pair of heels for going out on evening
bags:
NO BACKPACKS !!! the best decision would be some hi-tec material shoulderbag, big enough and with some kind of a perfect closure..
especially at the airports they will throw your handbag around - too pity for some expensive designer bags ! or some "nice" people will squeeze your bag at the airplane throwing their flybags on your bag.
one nice small designer-bag for evening..
that's it !
don't travel with a lot of bags or shoes. JUST BUY THEM IN EUROPE!
weather could be similer as "indian fall"....
take a good trench or some barbour lightweight jacket..+pashmina..
umbrellas in italy......
well.....there is a kind of "recycling wheel"....
you get in to nice bar.....leaving YOUR umbrella at the entrance.
going out you see somebody took YOUR umbrella......so you do the same and take some another...at the end of the day it can happen, you will find your umbrella in some restaurant again....
paris during fashion week.....it will be FUN!!!
slippers/ballerina./loafers...the most comfortable you got !
(tod's are perfekt for walking around)
just one pair of heels for going out on evening
bags:
NO BACKPACKS !!! the best decision would be some hi-tec material shoulderbag, big enough and with some kind of a perfect closure..
especially at the airports they will throw your handbag around - too pity for some expensive designer bags ! or some "nice" people will squeeze your bag at the airplane throwing their flybags on your bag.
one nice small designer-bag for evening..
that's it !
don't travel with a lot of bags or shoes. JUST BUY THEM IN EUROPE!
weather could be similer as "indian fall"....
take a good trench or some barbour lightweight jacket..+pashmina..
umbrellas in italy......
well.....there is a kind of "recycling wheel"....
you get in to nice bar.....leaving YOUR umbrella at the entrance.
going out you see somebody took YOUR umbrella......so you do the same and take some another...at the end of the day it can happen, you will find your umbrella in some restaurant again....
paris during fashion week.....it will be FUN!!!
I'm going to be in Paris the first week of September. I've got the shoes/sandals all set but I'm debating about the bags. I have several bbags but I'm debating about buying an LV horizontal batignolle for traveling and walking around the city. Any thoughts? Since it doesn't zipper shut, is it not secure enough? Should I just stick with the Balenciagas? Thanks!!!!
if you want a nice designer bag, im not sure how stupid or brilliant this idea is but what about a MJ stam with that kiss lock. i dunno to me it would seem more safe then traveling with an open bag or a zip or something. and it has the chain handle right? i dunno lol i was just randomly thinking about that.
We are taking a Mediterranean cruise this fall.... I won't be taking a bag with me, as I will purchase one in France! 
We spent 11 days in Italy two years ago. We traveled very light, I brought one pair of hiking shoes that I wore every day. We did a LOT of walking.
We spent 11 days in Italy two years ago. We traveled very light, I brought one pair of hiking shoes that I wore every day. We did a LOT of walking.
1. Foolish? No. With the shoes, you've got to be careful depending on the city that you're going to. If you're going to a city with many cobblestoned streets (every street in my town has cobblestoned streets!) I definitely wouldn't suggest wearing dainty high heels (or any type of heel!) unless you've got experience in walking in those types of conditions and good, strong ankles! Bags are a different story. In many European restaurants, it is still okay to smoke indoors. If the smoke doesn't bother you (or your bags!) then take whatever bag you want. Personally, I usually take 3 or 4 bags with me when I go on vacation. Usually a few leather & fabric ones so I have my choice when I go out at night. I think as long as you don't dress 'touristy', then I doubt that you'll be a victim of theft. Just be aware of your surroundings.
2. Hehe, it all depends on where you go! I would take a little bit of everything with you. Some short sleeve, some long sleeve, a light jacket, and a bigger jacket. The weather here in Germany can be crazy during those months. One day you're running around in your down jacket, and the next you're in short sleeves wishing that you had air conditioning. I'd also advice bringing a nice raincoat if you have one. I'm not sure of the weather in Paris during those months, since I've never been in October - but I know it can be chilly and rainy here at times.
3. Can't help ya there!
2. Hehe, it all depends on where you go! I would take a little bit of everything with you. Some short sleeve, some long sleeve, a light jacket, and a bigger jacket. The weather here in Germany can be crazy during those months. One day you're running around in your down jacket, and the next you're in short sleeves wishing that you had air conditioning. I'd also advice bringing a nice raincoat if you have one. I'm not sure of the weather in Paris during those months, since I've never been in October - but I know it can be chilly and rainy here at times.
3. Can't help ya there!
I didnt read through this whole thread, but in case it wasnt mentioned, please keep in mind that a lot of places in Europe allow smoking indoors and in restaurants. I sat next to some heavy chain smokers in Paris a few weeks ago and had my husband run my new purse back to the hotel! It would have stunk like smoke!!