bbtx, so true. We must be vigilant at all times. We go to Costa Rica regularly. But that said, petty theft is "not" a crime there.

We never rent a car and usually walk to restaurants or take a cab. This past January, we had dinner and became friendly with a waitress a few hotels away from us.

She told us those bad things happen and to not walk the beach (we didn't) at night.

But, this put me on super alert. Being comfortable and familiar with the country, I think we have let our guard down and really need to pay more attention.

While I like the bag JPT posted, I just realized I don’t carry leather for everyday at home. I have small leather purses that I use for dress and for business when I’m also carrying a briefcase, but on a day to day basis, I carry this

Oh, the things you can find on Amazon. How about instead of a purse, I buy panties with zipper pockets! Just kidding, but no joke, they make such!!

I think Writersblock has the right idea with the Macabi skirt. I just texted my son to ask if he wanted one. They are pretty handy with the way they can be changed into four different looks/purposes.

What interesting travels your son has had! I think he is definitely a candidate for a macabi skirt!

I've traveled (and lived) in Europe, specifically Rome, quite a bit. My go-to purse is a small black leather backpack. It is big enough to hold a small travel umbrella as well as everything needed for a day pack. I like the feeling of carrying that weight on my back versus arm, but when in the crowded city (ie Termini!) I can sling it to the front of my body or wear it over just one arm. It is also dressy enough as black leather to take to fancier events. I bought it from a leather shop about 10 years ago; it has gone through everything, and still looks and works great.

I was in Rome many years ago with my bff. A group of street urchins, all little girls, approached us carrying a large cardboard sign, horizontally on their outstretched arms. I read about how they distract you to look at the sign, which hides their hands that are reaching into your purse. I said watch your purse, they’re pickpockets. When my friend tucked her purse closer to her body, the girls veered off and walked away from us.

It’s not only backpacks and pockets they go after, even crossbody bags can be targets.

When traveling out of the U.S., I like to use a kidney shape nylon bag - don't recall where it was purchased. It is lightweight and has several interior pockets (some with zippers) and a few exterior ones. Good if it rains. I also like that I could turn it around and wear it with the main compartment zipper in the front - for safety or to access my camera easily. Either was is comfortable.

I carry my cheapie nylon crossbody as I mentioned earlier. I would think that an expensive leather bag would attract some unwanted hands? We were in Florence and Pisa last summer and while we were not pick pocketed , we were approached. A young woman came up to me a couple of times to " give me directions". She later grabbed my friend's suitcase and " helped her onto the train "......and would not give the bag back until she got money.

Are you into the vintage look? I have a couple of the purses from this gal who designs, makes and sells them in England. The leather and quality are amazing, shipping is fast (like 2-3 days and it’s at your door). Prices range is 135-155ish, 20.00 shipping to the US. The all come with a bag to store them in and a balm to use on the leather.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLeatherStore?ref=condensed_trust_header_title_reviews

She’s sold out of this one right now, but if it interests you, you can ask when they’ll be in stock again.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/564512187/leather-shoulder-bag-cross-body-bag?show_sold_out_detail=1

And in addition to several other styles, she has this one in vintage tan brown and red.

I forgot to add that my daughter and her husband travel a lot and her go to maker for travel oriented bags is Baggalini which are designed by a couple of women from the airline industry. They have a zip/fold that I think is what you are describing they just aren’t leather.

https://www.baggallini.com/crossbody/flip-zip-crossbody/FZC272-BG.html

I got my cheap (see above) small backpack or convertible shoulder purse replacement today. This purse/pack has served me well over the years. I'm a little disappointed that the camel color is lighter than my old one. However, the new one has a grain imbedded in the faux waterproof leather look that really looks like real leather. It's a lot lot softer than my old one. All in all I'm pretty happy and might get a few more colors. For $ 29 bucks it's good enough for me.

I do wish it was a tic richer camel though as when I travel I wear a lot of black, white ,camel and navy. The bag is lighter than my camel sandals and camel low heels. Should work though.

Update: my new one does not have the interior side zip pocket. It does have a much improved built-in stretchy phone holder. So, one thing was improved but the inside zip pocket in gone. The interior fabric lining is probably fine but it is thinner and seemingly less hardy than the old. It will do me but even at this cheap price I'll have to take off a star.

Justerrilynn, how disappointing that you new bag isn’t exactly the color you want and the “new and improved style” deletes something you like, the interior zippered pocket.

I have bought a black Travelon purse. Using Shop Runner, it ought to be here in a couple of days. However, the more I read these responses and think about what I might need to have with me, the more I think I might have miscalculated the size I actually need. I will have a bit of money, sunglasses, maybe a few pages of a cut up guide book (I ordered the Rick Steves quick binders for taking a chapter at a time), perhaps my cell phone since it is my camera, and whatever DH thinks he can jettison on to me.

I’ve given thought to carrying my Longchamps small Le Pliage. It has the flap over the zipper that I want; it is relatively lightweight; it is roomy (too roomy?). The minuses are it isn’t crossbody; it is roomy (easily overloaded); it doesn’t have interior zippers to make things difficult for anyone who gets their hand in my purse.

Although many of you surpass me hands down with places you’ve traveled, this ain’t my first rodeo. I don’t know why I’m so hung up on a small detail like a purse! I think it was the “no backpack” advice that threw me. My go-to is a small, no-name black day pack. I understand why the galleries and museums do not want backpacks being flung around, but it has knocked me off balance.

One of the reasons Mtn's backpack advice appealed to me is that I find I put too much stuff in the Pliage bag, courtesy of my children, not husband though. Even if a museum has a no backpack policy, I figured I could carry the backpack by its top loop.

I have often wished that Longchamp made a compact crossbody similar to their ubiquitous tote. I think it would sell like hotcakes.

whatever DH thinks he can jettison on to me.

LOL, isn't that the truth!

How about a Longchamp backpack - it does have a zippered pocket inside.

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/longchamp-le-pliage-nylon-backpack?ID=641313

MC, that backpack would be good, except I'm trying to avoid having a backpack on this trip. Everything I've read says that backpacks are generally not allowed in the museums. The Borghese will not even allow a purse. Rather than having to check a verboten item, I'd rather not carry it.

I like Baggallini as well. I bought one for a three week trip to Africa that was part rugged and my tough nylon bag got really dirty and I was able to wash it up and it dried overnight. They have a lot of styles and are very comfortable and fit your body. They are not super cute or stylish. I save those purses for other times. Baggallini has great zippers, an outer magnetic pouch that is super strong and a lot of inner divider and zippers. I first saw it in the Travel Smith Catalogue.

I have been following along because I have a VERY hard time finding handbags. I do not change off; I only wear the one until it pretty much falls apart. The one I have been using for about 2 or more years now is in dire need of replacement and I have been looking for about the last year... I have even bought two but ended up returning them because they just didn't do it. I do like the Pliage bags but I am afraid I will just dump everything in...

At this point, I am thinking I really like Justerrilyn's backpack but to use it as a shoulder bag. I think I am going to think a bit more on it and see if I might even order it. Not sure if it will be big enough as I am a bit of a pig with carrying everything with me on a daily basis- I know that should change so I don't need the massive bag I have become accustomed to but most of the cross body ones are simply too sleek. I emphatically require a zipper closure AND an outside pocket to hold keys and phone. ( I am less good at doing that but I don't want to blame the bag for not giving me the option lol). I think that backpack is looking good...

Sheila, if you like to carry a lot of stuff this bag may be too small for you. To give a better idea as to size, these are size 8 or 8 1/2 sandals. I can get all my usual in plus water bottles though.

Also shown next to what I consider a regular sized purse of 8 1/2" h x 12" wide. So, same-ish size but in reverse.

Yikes, time for some new Flexx sandals as well. Edited: yippee I found a color to match my lighter bag! I'm so boring buying the same stuff. These are great for regular to slightly narrow feet. Color: Dune

https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/the-flexx-band-together-sandal/3520349

Sheila, I wrote a loooong post on how wonderful the Longchamps Le Pliage bag is. Apparently, I forgot to hit submit before I moved off the page. Let me see if I can hit the highlights:

-all the women in my family carry them

-if you buy one, get the longer length handles to go over your shoulder

- use Vera Bradley bags like these to stay organized

-Longchamps will refurbish the bag once for free

-I’ve washed mine in the washing machine once. The texture change slightly but it would only be noticeable if it were parked next to a pristine bag.

-if you order from the Longchamps website, you can have the leather flap embossed with your initials.

Bbstx, those are cute!

I like clear see-thru purse organizers so if anyone has a good recommendation please share.

I use a one piece organizer inside my Longchamps Le Pliage. In addition to organizing the bag it adds structure.

Bonnie_ann, do you have a link to the one you use?

@justerrilynn -- thanks for the FLEXX sandal link. I have two pairs that look almost identical, but with a Munro America brand that was discontinued. I still have my two pairs (snakeskin blue and beige) and love them. I may try these.

You are welcome Dyhgarden! For years I had given up on sandals because the area around and near my ankle area was always too baggy. Love that upper side stretch! I never dreamed I would give up my fitflops. Okay, haven't completely given up my metallic gemstone ones lol.

Ok, justerrylynn, the TRUTH! When I travel and want to lighten my load, I use ziplock bags as purse organizers. Yes, I look like a hick. No, I don’t care. However, when I’m close to home, I use the Vera Bradley bags to keep from embarrassing my sister. :-)

Hahaha so do I Bbstx! I use ziplocks!

Seriously though, I finally want to look more grown up in public. I will still always use ziplocks in my regular luggage. So , I'm thinking a fancy version of ziplocks for my purse/pack. I have seen some in the drug stores that are clear and zip but they were weird little sizes.

I like this one but I am having trouble reading the emblem. This was found on a pin with no info. I have no idea of the size.

Here you go, jtl https://www.neimanmarcus.com/MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-Large-Nora-Clear-Cosmetic-Bag/prod168670193/p.prod  Unfortunately, sold out.

Thank you so much Bbstx! I will do a search and see if it shows up somewhere else.

I am also going to Italy and need a purse. I am thinking about one with metal wire in the strap.

Sabb, the Travelon I purchased is supposed to have a strap that is “cut resistant.” I’ll post comments about it when it arrives.

Bbstx- thanks!!!

sabbath7 also take a look at PacSafe.

bbstx, this is the organizer I used for my large Lonchamps Pliage: purse organizer

My PacSafe bag has a non-slash strap and it is the only thing I don't like. It is kind of stiff and tends to get in the way.

Magellan's has a good selections of purses for traveling. I shop at the store in Santa Monica, but I think they also sell on line. The one I bought is purple, and I have a matching umbrella.

This is the one I have.

For any who might still be searching for the perfect bag ----Susan who authors the blog "une femme d'un certain âge" recently wrote about it." I found the reader's comments helpful too.

https://unefemme.net/2018/04/travel-bag-update.html

Maire_cate- Thanks!!

Susan B. the blogger likes The Pearl, a small crossbody bag by Lo and Sons. It comes in a nice soft Nappa leather and a stiffer Saffriano. I have the Saffriano in navy and really haven't used it very much. It is scratch and water resistant but it is stiff which makes retrieving small items like lipstick from the bottom of the bag difficult. It's a nice bag and I use it around town or if I'm going out to lunch or dinner and don't have to take a lot, but it's not quite big enough for travel (at least for what I want to take ).

Patricia Nash has several crossbody small purses with flaps and zippers.

I bought this bag in sepia last summer when I got tired of carrying a heavy leather bag. I like the size for everyday because it’s not too big or too small, and will hold my iPad when needed. I paid full price on another site last year, so when I saw this, I ordered another one in black. I really like the sepia color.

https://www.sierratradingpost.com/hedgren-prairie-crossbody-bag-for-women~p~388uv/?filterString=s~crossbody-bag%2F&colorFamily=02

chickadee - I've been using fabric bags for everyday errands too because of the weight of leather. I just learned that Sierra Trading Post is opening a store in a closed Macy's not too far from here. It should be interesting to see what they carry.

I just remembered that I said I would post comments about the Travelon Classic Mini Shoulder bag. I purchased it in black, but this photo in beige shows details better.

I have not used it yet, but I think I'll switch over today. Vacay starts very soon. If it isn't going to work, now is the time to discover that.

My observations so far are that it is heavier than the Longchamps Le Pliage (medium) that I carry everyday. I think most of the weight for the Travelon bag is in the cut resistant strap. The strap is rather stiff, but I suppose that is to be expected if it is cut resistant. I can't remember if this purse has a steel cable in the strap or if it were one of the others I was looking at. It is a very deep purse but doesn't have a side or bottom gusset. So, it is more like a knife edge pillow than a box edge pillow (hope that analogy makes sense).

I read une femme d'un certain age, too. I love the Longchamp bag with the crossbody strap, but it is not something I'd carry often enough to justify the cost.

Lars, love your bag. Wish I could get DH to carry one like it instead of loading all of his stuff into my purse!

When we travel Hub and I each wear a waist belt under our clothes. Each belt contains our own passport, half of our cash, and a reserve credit card in case the worst happens.

In my thin, multi zippered crossbody bag I carry a small amount of cash for the day, the main credit card we use to buy almost everything, Dr lic for ID, tissues, sunglasses, roomkey, etc.

Hub wears black or gray cargo-type but dressy slacks that have almost-hidden zipper pockets near his knees. That's where he keeps his billfold with his day's cash, main credit card, Dr lic for ID. He keeps his comb, hankie, coins, ephemera in the regular hip and rear pockets in his slacks.

We always "travel" like this, no matter where we go. Your pocket can be picked anywhere! Hub almost always wears regular cargo pants these days, rather than sit on his wallet! I use the crossbody whenever and wherever I shop because it's so convenient to be handsfree. I still love my purses, though, but mostly for show.

I have been searching and searching- I really like the idea of the backpack (but I would use it as a shoulder bag mostly--- and I honestly can't figure this out. Is every backpack capable of using like a shoulder bag or only some? because when I browsed in the stores,it just wasn't working for me. .

I have been looking so long for a replacement everyday bag that it is kind of bordering on the absurd.

Yesterday I was at Ross and TJM and saw this LARGE but attractive nylon shopper bag that is very light weight and other than being so LARGE (but not crazy large) ticks all the boxes for me--- zipper outside compartment for cell phone which I don't really use but need to have, additional inside zippered pockets, and roomy and comfy on the shoulders.......and looks reasonably happenin'.

AND it was 29.99 and black so I bought it and will use it happily to replace the sorry looking bag I have been using for about 3 years--------------and if I happen to see the perfect bag I will be ok buying it.

Here is the bag Aimee Kestenberg Sicily Shopper

Thankurnmo, I don’t know if every backpack can also be a shoulder bag, but i use a smallish leather backpack every day as my purse. I frequently wear one of the straps over my shoulder, especially when I’m just running a quick errand or getting to and from my car. I love the hands free convenience of a backpack when I’m grocery shopping or using a public restroom. I’ve never gotten the hang of a regular old shoulder bag and I hate tying up a hand holding a purse or constantly pushing straps back up onto my shoulder.

This is the one I am currently using. I have it in the tan and also in black, and I’ve been using the two of them for at least three years. https://www.amazon.com/Donne-Leather-U-Zip-Womans-Sling/dp/B002Q0PJZI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525043264&sr=8-1&keywords=Ledonne+backpack