Sweet Shoppe Designs

AmberK · #1 09-28-2012, 10:36 PM

So Im trying to decide what kind of purse or whatever to carry with me while we are in Europe next month. I currently have a rather large fossil bag that I'm pretty sure I dont want to carry around. I will want to take something small for a wallet to keep money and stuff in but what would be the best to take to fit everything in? Some sort of backpack? I feel that might be inviting someone to try and steal from me.

Thoughts?

BrattyMeg · #2 09-28-2012, 10:47 PM

I'd get a crossbody..maybe a Vera in a fun fall pattern

I personally like the Hipster...Used it at Disney and loved it. I picked up a mini one on sale recently but I think it might be too small for a big trip like yours.

I love this new pattern

xboxmom · #3 09-28-2012, 10:53 PM

I did the Cross body type bag when we went to Belgium, Hungary, Romania and Ireland this summer and it worked great and kept everything close to my body so I knew were it was at all time. Even the ipad stayed safe!

This is the one i bought.

Bag

AmberK · #4 09-28-2012, 11:26 PM

Meg- I was thinking of the Vera Hipster for this trip. I did the mini hipster for Disney and it was too small.

rach3975 · #5 09-29-2012, 12:16 AM

The one big trip we took (to London and Edinburgh) I used a small backpack. I needed something big enough to hold a jacket that I was taking off and putting on all day, my guidebook, notebook, and camera. I kept my wallet in my pocket just in case. If all you want it for is small stuff, I'd go with a cross body bag.

nun69 · #6 09-29-2012, 12:28 AM

I agree with the cross body......and other than my passport, debit/visa card, a little notebook to journal things I didn't want to forget and I always got a postcard every where we went

...cause I didn't want alot of weight

what kind of camera are you taking? I think you should base your bag on the size of camera you are carrying

MamaBee · #7 09-29-2012, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rach3975

The one big trip we took (to London and Edinburgh) I used a small backpack. I needed something big enough to hold a jacket that I was taking off and putting on all day, my guidebook, notebook, and camera. I kept my wallet in my pocket just in case. If all you want it for is small stuff, I'd go with a cross body bag.

This was me, too... When I was in the UK - and most of my travels - I used a backpack... it's nice to be able to stash things in like jackets and guidebook or little purchases... and it was "manly" enough that hubby could haul it around when your shoulders got tired.

origami · #8 09-29-2012, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rach3975

I kept my wallet in my pocket just in case.

I would keep your wallet separate from the rest of your other stuff and as close to you as you can. If they get your purse, at least you still have your identification and money. In general, I think London and Paris are generally safe, except that you do have to be careful in very touristy areas. London's subway system can get extraordinarily crowded. In London, for sure, you'll see signs posted in areas known to be targeted by pickpockets. Whatever purse or backpack you choose, we generally wore ours facing the front, rather than the back, so a cross body bag would be a good choice.

I'd also minimize the amount of stuff carried and I'd limit the amount of cards carried in your wallet. If you don't need your US grocery store loyalty cards in Europe LOL, leave 'em home.

origami · #9 09-29-2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MamaBee

This was me, too... When I was in the UK - and most of my travels - I used a backpack... it's nice to be able to stash things in like jackets and guidebook or little purchases... and it was "manly" enough that hubby could haul it around when your shoulders got tired.

These days you don't even need a guidebook if you have a smartphone, which, of course, you have to watch carefully too. But at least an iPhone doesn't say tourist like a guidebook does.

Ginger_79 · #10 09-29-2012, 09:48 AM

Definitely not a normal backpack. The big tourist sites in Europe are all run over by pocket thieves. It's perfect territory for them. People standing still, in awe and in busy places, looking up at cathedrals and whatnot.

AmberK · #11 09-29-2012, 10:06 AM

Im trying to decide between these 2 prints-

farrijc · #12 09-29-2012, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmberK

Im trying to decide between these 2 prints-

I like both, but I'd probably go with the first one. The darker color may wear better, I think. I bought a Vera Bradley hipster earlier this year for our trip to Disney in November. Haven't done that yet, but I did take it for a long weekend in Seattle and it worked out well. Enough space for my camera, a small wallet, and my phone. I liked that I could wear it either on my shoulder or across the body, plus it was thin enough to go under my raincoat.

Andrea Gourley · #13 09-29-2012, 02:39 PM

Ooh they are lovely bags!! Mind you I think you have even bigger decisions to make if you're coming to the UK - like what colour wellington boots and umbrella you'll be hauling around with you - have you seen our weather recently??

AmberK · #14 09-29-2012, 04:50 PM

No I havent.

Maybe I will buy those when we are over there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrea Gourley

Ooh they are lovely bags!! Mind you I think you have even bigger decisions to make if you're coming to the UK - like what colour wellington boots and umbrella you'll be hauling around with you - have you seen our weather recently??

BrattyMeg · #15 09-29-2012, 04:55 PM

I like the top one Amber..my oldest has the bottom pattern and it's not really as cute in person IMO

AmberK · #16 09-29-2012, 05:06 PM

I went to the store today and saw the blue pattern in person- its so cute. And of course, its a brand new pattern for Fall so I can't get a good deal on it. I think I can save about $15 by getting it on ebay though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlirtatiousBrat

I like the top one Amber..my oldest has the bottom pattern and it's not really as cute in person IMO