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How To Pick Your Travel Purse
Next to choosing shoes, purses and bags are the hardest item to select when traveling internationally.
Making a decision involves weighing up what is the right carry-on and purse combination for your flight plus...
Selecting a purse that is versatile enough to be practical and pretty. :-) for all the activities you have planned for at your destination, anything from walking tours to hiking to beaches, dining out and more.
With over 2 million frequent flyer miles under my belt, I have gone through the trials and errors to get to the right combination.
So...
Here are my top considerations for making a decision...
The weight of the bag before you put anything in it. You will be carrying your bag for extended periods of time.
How many items you need to put in your bag vs. all those extra items you would "like" to put in the bag.
Safety Choose a bag that will stay close to your body or you can cover easily with your arm i.e., backpack, cross-body or fanny pack (although I am not a fan of these) types of bags
Looking and feeling stylish. You still want to have a bag that you like and you feel good wearing.
Durability of the purse fabric. Your purse will take a lot more wear and tear when you travel vs. being used less when at home.
How many pockets/compartments on the interior and exterior of the bag along with the colour and pattern of the bag. You want to be able to easily locate items in your bag.
Your shoulder width and slope matter, especially as we age. We do not want to put any more strain on our shoulders and neck than necessary. Your purse will be on your shoulders much longer than when you are at home. So comfort is a must!
You want to be both safe and enjoy yourself so being hands-free enables you to grab that stair rail climbing up the tower of a church etc.
Your flight duration will also determine what combination of purse and carry-on bag you take with you.
Try not to look like an obvious tourist, I say this often but from a safety perspective it is soooo important. Having a purse that is discrete and that won't distract your attention when you are taking items in and out of it is a great way to stay safe.
Right out of the gate, I am going to tell you I am not a fan of leather bags…
They are just too heavy before you put anything in them.
Don't get me wrong, they look beautiful and I own a few but…
They are just not that practical or comfortable when it comes to traveling!
But by all means save them for home, going to the office, shopping out to dinner, visiting friends etc.
WHY?
They weigh a ton (well at least a couple or more pounds) before you put anything them.
That becomes really important when you have the beautiful...
But oh so heavy leather purse slung over your should while on an 8 hour tour walking cobbled streets, climbing stairs etc.
I know you're still really wanting to go with that gorgeous leather bag in your closet.
Seriously, DON'T, the difference between having it on your shoulder to run from the car to the office or through the mall for a few minutes is NOTHING...
Compared to that weight feeling heavier by the minute when you're out and about all day touring.
After decades traveling for business and leisure I have tried all sorts of combinations of purses.
My "Go To" purse is a SMALL, FABRIC, BACKPACK
So much so I've ended up with three of them and a weekend traveler bag that I use for my carry-on for long-haul international flights.
And here's why...
They are so light weight because they are made of fabric
I can throw them in the laundry if they get a little dirty.
Depending on the colour of the bag they lining is often a light colour...
That makes life especially when traveling so easy for me to see 🔎 and find things and...
You don't make yourself an easy target as a tourist because your are distracted and not aware of what is going on around you.
There is nothing worse than fossicking around in your bag trying to find your wallet or phone.
I have landed in recent years on the Vera Bradley line of backpacks because the back straps are close together.
Below is the link to the Vera Bradley backpack....
I have three ☺️ of them, you get the picture haha, and they have literally traveled the world with me and they are definitely my "Go To" purse!
*********************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Small Backpack: Tap the 👉LINK to view the backpack.
I also have this bright red Vera Bradley RFIT wallet. I love it because its so bright there is no way I won't be able to find it when I reach in my purse haha :-)
Vera Bradley RFID Wallet: Tap the 👉LINK to view the wallet.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
***********************************************************************************
This is important ladies if like me you have narrow and/or sloppy shoulders.
There are are enough but not too many internal and external pockets…
I can carry a water bottle and pop it one of the external pockets
And the other external pocket is often reserved for my sunglasses or an umbrella
The internal pockets mean I can keep my phone separate from my lip gloss...
Leaving the bulk of the interior for my wallet and any other items
Ooooh and I nearly forgot the best part, the SECRET pocket that is on the back of the backpack.
It's, ideal for storing something valuable like your passport!
Another great advantage to a fabric purse or in this case backpack is they squish down in my carry on.
And even thrown it in my checked luggage given how light weight and soft they are.
And because there are so many colour and fabric pattern combinations…
they look stylish…
And avoid the whole “Look at me I’m a TOURIST” thang!
And I discovered an extra Bonus…
I’ve even used them as a pillow on flights
As a cushion for my lower back...
And even kept them on in restaurants to lean up against a back of a booth
Now I deliberately choose a small backpack….
This one only measures 12 inches high, 9 inches wide, & 5 inches deep
Now that is deliberate on my part…
I have used larger purses and backpacks in the past.
I learned the hard way…
The more space you have the more you are going to fill up that space!
By staying with a small purse it fits comfortably on my body and is more discrete…
It really makes me focus on what I really NEED to carry for the day vs. …
all the things that I COULD put in it but end up not using!
I’m often asked but what about picking up some souvenirs or other purchases?…
The bag is too small to carry those items…
Which is exactly my point!
If someone is going to grab my bag, let them grab my bag of souvenir's.
While I might be a disappointed it is way less grief than losing your valuables!
Your Flight Carry-On Items
I mentioned at the top of this blog that your selection in purse has to be able to meet your needs for...
Your flight to your travel destination and also for all the activities planned for when you get there.
I typically pair my small backpack with another carry-on item.
For international flights less than 6 hours I pair my backpack with a tote bag.
For long haul international flights I pair my backpack with a travel weekender bag.
*******************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Travel Weekender: Tap the 👉LINK to view the bag.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
******************************************************************************
Wrapping up…
If you found this blog valuable head on over to my YouTube channel, here's the link👇:
Female Travelers Over 50 By Raewyn Crist: @FemaleTravelers50Plus
And if you like what you see please consider subscribing to the channel or giving a video a like :-)
So cheers to wheels up to winging your way to your long dreamed of destination.
Flying
How To Pick Your Travel Purse
Next to choosing shoes, purses and bags are the hardest item to select when traveling internationally.
Making a decision involves weighing up what is the right carry-on and purse combination for your flight plus...
Selecting a purse that is versatile enough to be practical and pretty. :-) for all the activities you have planned for at your destination, anything from walking tours to hiking to beaches, dining out and more.
With over 2 million frequent flyer miles under my belt, I have gone through the trials and errors to get to the right combination.
So...
Here are my top considerations for making a decision...
The weight of the bag before you put anything in it. You will be carrying your bag for extended periods of time.
How many items you need to put in your bag vs. all those extra items you would "like" to put in the bag.
Safety Choose a bag that will stay close to your body or you can cover easily with your arm i.e., backpack, cross-body or fanny pack (although I am not a fan of these) types of bags
Looking and feeling stylish. You still want to have a bag that you like and you feel good wearing.
Durability of the purse fabric. Your purse will take a lot more wear and tear when you travel vs. being used less when at home.
How many pockets/compartments on the interior and exterior of the bag along with the colour and pattern of the bag. You want to be able to easily locate items in your bag.
Your shoulder width and slope matter, especially as we age. We do not want to put any more strain on our shoulders and neck than necessary. Your purse will be on your shoulders much longer than when you are at home. So comfort is a must!
You want to be both safe and enjoy yourself so being hands-free enables you to grab that stair rail climbing up the tower of a church etc.
Your flight duration will also determine what combination of purse and carry-on bag you take with you.
Try not to look like an obvious tourist, I say this often but from a safety perspective it is soooo important. Having a purse that is discrete and that won't distract your attention when you are taking items in and out of it is a great way to stay safe.
Right out of the gate, I am going to tell you I am not a fan of leather bags…
They are just too heavy before you put anything in them.
Don't get me wrong, they look beautiful and I own a few but…
They are just not that practical or comfortable when it comes to traveling!
But by all means save them for home, going to the office, shopping out to dinner, visiting friends etc.
WHY?
They weigh a ton (well at least a couple or more pounds) before you put anything them.
That becomes really important when you have the beautiful...
But oh so heavy leather purse slung over your should while on an 8 hour tour walking cobbled streets, climbing stairs etc.
I know you're still really wanting to go with that gorgeous leather bag in your closet.
Seriously, DON'T, the difference between having it on your shoulder to run from the car to the office or through the mall for a few minutes is NOTHING...
Compared to that weight feeling heavier by the minute when you're out and about all day touring.
After decades traveling for business and leisure I have tried all sorts of combinations of purses.
My "Go To" purse is a SMALL, FABRIC, BACKPACK
So much so I've ended up with three of them and a weekend traveler bag that I use for my carry-on for long-haul international flights.
And here's why...
They are so light weight because they are made of fabric
I can throw them in the laundry if they get a little dirty.
Depending on the colour of the bag they lining is often a light colour...
That makes life especially when traveling so easy for me to see 🔎 and find things and...
You don't make yourself an easy target as a tourist because your are distracted and not aware of what is going on around you.
There is nothing worse than fossicking around in your bag trying to find your wallet or phone.
I have landed in recent years on the Vera Bradley line of backpacks because the back straps are close together.
Below is the link to the Vera Bradley backpack....
I have three ☺️ of them, you get the picture haha, and they have literally traveled the world with me and they are definitely my "Go To" purse!
*********************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Small Backpack: Tap the 👉LINK to view the backpack.
I also have this bright red Vera Bradley RFIT wallet. I love it because its so bright there is no way I won't be able to find it when I reach in my purse haha :-)
Vera Bradley RFID Wallet: Tap the 👉LINK to view the wallet.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
***********************************************************************************
This is important ladies if like me you have narrow and/or sloppy shoulders.
There are are enough but not too many internal and external pockets…
I can carry a water bottle and pop it one of the external pockets
And the other external pocket is often reserved for my sunglasses or an umbrella
The internal pockets mean I can keep my phone separate from my lip gloss...
Leaving the bulk of the interior for my wallet and any other items
Ooooh and I nearly forgot the best part, the SECRET pocket that is on the back of the backpack.
It's, ideal for storing something valuable like your passport!
Another great advantage to a fabric purse or in this case backpack is they squish down in my carry on.
And even thrown it in my checked luggage given how light weight and soft they are.
And because there are so many colour and fabric pattern combinations…
they look stylish…
And avoid the whole “Look at me I’m a TOURIST” thang!
And I discovered an extra Bonus…
I’ve even used them as a pillow on flights
As a cushion for my lower back...
And even kept them on in restaurants to lean up against a back of a booth
Now I deliberately choose a small backpack….
This one only measures 12 inches high, 9 inches wide, & 5 inches deep
Now that is deliberate on my part…
I have used larger purses and backpacks in the past.
I learned the hard way…
The more space you have the more you are going to fill up that space!
By staying with a small purse it fits comfortably on my body and is more discrete…
It really makes me focus on what I really NEED to carry for the day vs. …
all the things that I COULD put in it but end up not using!
I’m often asked but what about picking up some souvenirs or other purchases?…
The bag is too small to carry those items…
Which is exactly my point!
If someone is going to grab my bag, let them grab my bag of souvenir's.
While I might be a disappointed it is way less grief than losing your valuables!
Your Flight Carry-On Items
I mentioned at the top of this blog that your selection in purse has to be able to meet your needs for...
Your flight to your travel destination and also for all the activities planned for when you get there.
I typically pair my small backpack with another carry-on item.
For international flights less than 6 hours I pair my backpack with a tote bag.
For long haul international flights I pair my backpack with a travel weekender bag.
*******************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Travel Weekender: Tap the 👉LINK to view the bag.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
******************************************************************************
Wrapping up…
If you found this blog valuable head on over to my YouTube channel, here's the link👇:
Female Travelers Over 50 By Raewyn Crist: @FemaleTravelers50Plus
And if you like what you see please consider subscribing to the channel or giving a video a like :-)
So cheers to wheels up to winging your way to your long dreamed of destination.
Packing & Travel Wardrobe
How To Pick Your Travel Purse
Next to choosing shoes, purses and bags are the hardest item to select when traveling internationally.
Making a decision involves weighing up what is the right carry-on and purse combination for your flight plus...
Selecting a purse that is versatile enough to be practical and pretty. :-) for all the activities you have planned for at your destination, anything from walking tours to hiking to beaches, dining out and more.
With over 2 million frequent flyer miles under my belt, I have gone through the trials and errors to get to the right combination.
So...
Here are my top considerations for making a decision...
The weight of the bag before you put anything in it. You will be carrying your bag for extended periods of time.
How many items you need to put in your bag vs. all those extra items you would "like" to put in the bag.
Safety Choose a bag that will stay close to your body or you can cover easily with your arm i.e., backpack, cross-body or fanny pack (although I am not a fan of these) types of bags
Looking and feeling stylish. You still want to have a bag that you like and you feel good wearing.
Durability of the purse fabric. Your purse will take a lot more wear and tear when you travel vs. being used less when at home.
How many pockets/compartments on the interior and exterior of the bag along with the colour and pattern of the bag. You want to be able to easily locate items in your bag.
Your shoulder width and slope matter, especially as we age. We do not want to put any more strain on our shoulders and neck than necessary. Your purse will be on your shoulders much longer than when you are at home. So comfort is a must!
You want to be both safe and enjoy yourself so being hands-free enables you to grab that stair rail climbing up the tower of a church etc.
Your flight duration will also determine what combination of purse and carry-on bag you take with you.
Try not to look like an obvious tourist, I say this often but from a safety perspective it is soooo important. Having a purse that is discrete and that won't distract your attention when you are taking items in and out of it is a great way to stay safe.
Right out of the gate, I am going to tell you I am not a fan of leather bags…
They are just too heavy before you put anything in them.
Don't get me wrong, they look beautiful and I own a few but…
They are just not that practical or comfortable when it comes to traveling!
But by all means save them for home, going to the office, shopping out to dinner, visiting friends etc.
WHY?
They weigh a ton (well at least a couple or more pounds) before you put anything them.
That becomes really important when you have the beautiful...
But oh so heavy leather purse slung over your should while on an 8 hour tour walking cobbled streets, climbing stairs etc.
I know you're still really wanting to go with that gorgeous leather bag in your closet.
Seriously, DON'T, the difference between having it on your shoulder to run from the car to the office or through the mall for a few minutes is NOTHING...
Compared to that weight feeling heavier by the minute when you're out and about all day touring.
After decades traveling for business and leisure I have tried all sorts of combinations of purses.
My "Go To" purse is a SMALL, FABRIC, BACKPACK
So much so I've ended up with three of them and a weekend traveler bag that I use for my carry-on for long-haul international flights.
And here's why...
They are so light weight because they are made of fabric
I can throw them in the laundry if they get a little dirty.
Depending on the colour of the bag they lining is often a light colour...
That makes life especially when traveling so easy for me to see 🔎 and find things and...
You don't make yourself an easy target as a tourist because your are distracted and not aware of what is going on around you.
There is nothing worse than fossicking around in your bag trying to find your wallet or phone.
I have landed in recent years on the Vera Bradley line of backpacks because the back straps are close together.
Below is the link to the Vera Bradley backpack....
I have three ☺️ of them, you get the picture haha, and they have literally traveled the world with me and they are definitely my "Go To" purse!
*********************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Small Backpack: Tap the 👉LINK to view the backpack.
I also have this bright red Vera Bradley RFIT wallet. I love it because its so bright there is no way I won't be able to find it when I reach in my purse haha :-)
Vera Bradley RFID Wallet: Tap the 👉LINK to view the wallet.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
***********************************************************************************
This is important ladies if like me you have narrow and/or sloppy shoulders.
There are are enough but not too many internal and external pockets…
I can carry a water bottle and pop it one of the external pockets
And the other external pocket is often reserved for my sunglasses or an umbrella
The internal pockets mean I can keep my phone separate from my lip gloss...
Leaving the bulk of the interior for my wallet and any other items
Ooooh and I nearly forgot the best part, the SECRET pocket that is on the back of the backpack.
It's, ideal for storing something valuable like your passport!
Another great advantage to a fabric purse or in this case backpack is they squish down in my carry on.
And even thrown it in my checked luggage given how light weight and soft they are.
And because there are so many colour and fabric pattern combinations…
they look stylish…
And avoid the whole “Look at me I’m a TOURIST” thang!
And I discovered an extra Bonus…
I’ve even used them as a pillow on flights
As a cushion for my lower back...
And even kept them on in restaurants to lean up against a back of a booth
Now I deliberately choose a small backpack….
This one only measures 12 inches high, 9 inches wide, & 5 inches deep
Now that is deliberate on my part…
I have used larger purses and backpacks in the past.
I learned the hard way…
The more space you have the more you are going to fill up that space!
By staying with a small purse it fits comfortably on my body and is more discrete…
It really makes me focus on what I really NEED to carry for the day vs. …
all the things that I COULD put in it but end up not using!
I’m often asked but what about picking up some souvenirs or other purchases?…
The bag is too small to carry those items…
Which is exactly my point!
If someone is going to grab my bag, let them grab my bag of souvenir's.
While I might be a disappointed it is way less grief than losing your valuables!
Your Flight Carry-On Items
I mentioned at the top of this blog that your selection in purse has to be able to meet your needs for...
Your flight to your travel destination and also for all the activities planned for when you get there.
I typically pair my small backpack with another carry-on item.
For international flights less than 6 hours I pair my backpack with a tote bag.
For long haul international flights I pair my backpack with a travel weekender bag.
*******************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Travel Weekender: Tap the 👉LINK to view the bag.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
******************************************************************************
Wrapping up…
If you found this blog valuable head on over to my YouTube channel, here's the link👇:
Female Travelers Over 50 By Raewyn Crist: @FemaleTravelers50Plus
And if you like what you see please consider subscribing to the channel or giving a video a like :-)
So cheers to wheels up to winging your way to your long dreamed of destination.
Solo Travel
How To Pick Your Travel Purse
Next to choosing shoes, purses and bags are the hardest item to select when traveling internationally.
Making a decision involves weighing up what is the right carry-on and purse combination for your flight plus...
Selecting a purse that is versatile enough to be practical and pretty. :-) for all the activities you have planned for at your destination, anything from walking tours to hiking to beaches, dining out and more.
With over 2 million frequent flyer miles under my belt, I have gone through the trials and errors to get to the right combination.
So...
Here are my top considerations for making a decision...
The weight of the bag before you put anything in it. You will be carrying your bag for extended periods of time.
How many items you need to put in your bag vs. all those extra items you would "like" to put in the bag.
Safety Choose a bag that will stay close to your body or you can cover easily with your arm i.e., backpack, cross-body or fanny pack (although I am not a fan of these) types of bags
Looking and feeling stylish. You still want to have a bag that you like and you feel good wearing.
Durability of the purse fabric. Your purse will take a lot more wear and tear when you travel vs. being used less when at home.
How many pockets/compartments on the interior and exterior of the bag along with the colour and pattern of the bag. You want to be able to easily locate items in your bag.
Your shoulder width and slope matter, especially as we age. We do not want to put any more strain on our shoulders and neck than necessary. Your purse will be on your shoulders much longer than when you are at home. So comfort is a must!
You want to be both safe and enjoy yourself so being hands-free enables you to grab that stair rail climbing up the tower of a church etc.
Your flight duration will also determine what combination of purse and carry-on bag you take with you.
Try not to look like an obvious tourist, I say this often but from a safety perspective it is soooo important. Having a purse that is discrete and that won't distract your attention when you are taking items in and out of it is a great way to stay safe.
Right out of the gate, I am going to tell you I am not a fan of leather bags…
They are just too heavy before you put anything in them.
Don't get me wrong, they look beautiful and I own a few but…
They are just not that practical or comfortable when it comes to traveling!
But by all means save them for home, going to the office, shopping out to dinner, visiting friends etc.
WHY?
They weigh a ton (well at least a couple or more pounds) before you put anything them.
That becomes really important when you have the beautiful...
But oh so heavy leather purse slung over your should while on an 8 hour tour walking cobbled streets, climbing stairs etc.
I know you're still really wanting to go with that gorgeous leather bag in your closet.
Seriously, DON'T, the difference between having it on your shoulder to run from the car to the office or through the mall for a few minutes is NOTHING...
Compared to that weight feeling heavier by the minute when you're out and about all day touring.
After decades traveling for business and leisure I have tried all sorts of combinations of purses.
My "Go To" purse is a SMALL, FABRIC, BACKPACK
So much so I've ended up with three of them and a weekend traveler bag that I use for my carry-on for long-haul international flights.
And here's why...
They are so light weight because they are made of fabric
I can throw them in the laundry if they get a little dirty.
Depending on the colour of the bag they lining is often a light colour...
That makes life especially when traveling so easy for me to see 🔎 and find things and...
You don't make yourself an easy target as a tourist because your are distracted and not aware of what is going on around you.
There is nothing worse than fossicking around in your bag trying to find your wallet or phone.
I have landed in recent years on the Vera Bradley line of backpacks because the back straps are close together.
Below is the link to the Vera Bradley backpack....
I have three ☺️ of them, you get the picture haha, and they have literally traveled the world with me and they are definitely my "Go To" purse!
*********************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Small Backpack: Tap the 👉LINK to view the backpack.
I also have this bright red Vera Bradley RFIT wallet. I love it because its so bright there is no way I won't be able to find it when I reach in my purse haha :-)
Vera Bradley RFID Wallet: Tap the 👉LINK to view the wallet.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
***********************************************************************************
This is important ladies if like me you have narrow and/or sloppy shoulders.
There are are enough but not too many internal and external pockets…
I can carry a water bottle and pop it one of the external pockets
And the other external pocket is often reserved for my sunglasses or an umbrella
The internal pockets mean I can keep my phone separate from my lip gloss...
Leaving the bulk of the interior for my wallet and any other items
Ooooh and I nearly forgot the best part, the SECRET pocket that is on the back of the backpack.
It's, ideal for storing something valuable like your passport!
Another great advantage to a fabric purse or in this case backpack is they squish down in my carry on.
And even thrown it in my checked luggage given how light weight and soft they are.
And because there are so many colour and fabric pattern combinations…
they look stylish…
And avoid the whole “Look at me I’m a TOURIST” thang!
And I discovered an extra Bonus…
I’ve even used them as a pillow on flights
As a cushion for my lower back...
And even kept them on in restaurants to lean up against a back of a booth
Now I deliberately choose a small backpack….
This one only measures 12 inches high, 9 inches wide, & 5 inches deep
Now that is deliberate on my part…
I have used larger purses and backpacks in the past.
I learned the hard way…
The more space you have the more you are going to fill up that space!
By staying with a small purse it fits comfortably on my body and is more discrete…
It really makes me focus on what I really NEED to carry for the day vs. …
all the things that I COULD put in it but end up not using!
I’m often asked but what about picking up some souvenirs or other purchases?…
The bag is too small to carry those items…
Which is exactly my point!
If someone is going to grab my bag, let them grab my bag of souvenir's.
While I might be a disappointed it is way less grief than losing your valuables!
Your Flight Carry-On Items
I mentioned at the top of this blog that your selection in purse has to be able to meet your needs for...
Your flight to your travel destination and also for all the activities planned for when you get there.
I typically pair my small backpack with another carry-on item.
For international flights less than 6 hours I pair my backpack with a tote bag.
For long haul international flights I pair my backpack with a travel weekender bag.
*******************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Travel Weekender: Tap the 👉LINK to view the bag.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
******************************************************************************
Wrapping up…
If you found this blog valuable head on over to my YouTube channel, here's the link👇:
Female Travelers Over 50 By Raewyn Crist: @FemaleTravelers50Plus
And if you like what you see please consider subscribing to the channel or giving a video a like :-)
So cheers to wheels up to winging your way to your long dreamed of destination.
Traveling With Friends
How To Pick Your Travel Purse
Next to choosing shoes, purses and bags are the hardest item to select when traveling internationally.
Making a decision involves weighing up what is the right carry-on and purse combination for your flight plus...
Selecting a purse that is versatile enough to be practical and pretty. :-) for all the activities you have planned for at your destination, anything from walking tours to hiking to beaches, dining out and more.
With over 2 million frequent flyer miles under my belt, I have gone through the trials and errors to get to the right combination.
So...
Here are my top considerations for making a decision...
The weight of the bag before you put anything in it. You will be carrying your bag for extended periods of time.
How many items you need to put in your bag vs. all those extra items you would "like" to put in the bag.
Safety Choose a bag that will stay close to your body or you can cover easily with your arm i.e., backpack, cross-body or fanny pack (although I am not a fan of these) types of bags
Looking and feeling stylish. You still want to have a bag that you like and you feel good wearing.
Durability of the purse fabric. Your purse will take a lot more wear and tear when you travel vs. being used less when at home.
How many pockets/compartments on the interior and exterior of the bag along with the colour and pattern of the bag. You want to be able to easily locate items in your bag.
Your shoulder width and slope matter, especially as we age. We do not want to put any more strain on our shoulders and neck than necessary. Your purse will be on your shoulders much longer than when you are at home. So comfort is a must!
You want to be both safe and enjoy yourself so being hands-free enables you to grab that stair rail climbing up the tower of a church etc.
Your flight duration will also determine what combination of purse and carry-on bag you take with you.
Try not to look like an obvious tourist, I say this often but from a safety perspective it is soooo important. Having a purse that is discrete and that won't distract your attention when you are taking items in and out of it is a great way to stay safe.
Right out of the gate, I am going to tell you I am not a fan of leather bags…
They are just too heavy before you put anything in them.
Don't get me wrong, they look beautiful and I own a few but…
They are just not that practical or comfortable when it comes to traveling!
But by all means save them for home, going to the office, shopping out to dinner, visiting friends etc.
WHY?
They weigh a ton (well at least a couple or more pounds) before you put anything them.
That becomes really important when you have the beautiful...
But oh so heavy leather purse slung over your should while on an 8 hour tour walking cobbled streets, climbing stairs etc.
I know you're still really wanting to go with that gorgeous leather bag in your closet.
Seriously, DON'T, the difference between having it on your shoulder to run from the car to the office or through the mall for a few minutes is NOTHING...
Compared to that weight feeling heavier by the minute when you're out and about all day touring.
After decades traveling for business and leisure I have tried all sorts of combinations of purses.
My "Go To" purse is a SMALL, FABRIC, BACKPACK
So much so I've ended up with three of them and a weekend traveler bag that I use for my carry-on for long-haul international flights.
And here's why...
They are so light weight because they are made of fabric
I can throw them in the laundry if they get a little dirty.
Depending on the colour of the bag they lining is often a light colour...
That makes life especially when traveling so easy for me to see 🔎 and find things and...
You don't make yourself an easy target as a tourist because your are distracted and not aware of what is going on around you.
There is nothing worse than fossicking around in your bag trying to find your wallet or phone.
I have landed in recent years on the Vera Bradley line of backpacks because the back straps are close together.
Below is the link to the Vera Bradley backpack....
I have three ☺️ of them, you get the picture haha, and they have literally traveled the world with me and they are definitely my "Go To" purse!
*********************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Small Backpack: Tap the 👉LINK to view the backpack.
I also have this bright red Vera Bradley RFIT wallet. I love it because its so bright there is no way I won't be able to find it when I reach in my purse haha :-)
Vera Bradley RFID Wallet: Tap the 👉LINK to view the wallet.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
***********************************************************************************
This is important ladies if like me you have narrow and/or sloppy shoulders.
There are are enough but not too many internal and external pockets…
I can carry a water bottle and pop it one of the external pockets
And the other external pocket is often reserved for my sunglasses or an umbrella
The internal pockets mean I can keep my phone separate from my lip gloss...
Leaving the bulk of the interior for my wallet and any other items
Ooooh and I nearly forgot the best part, the SECRET pocket that is on the back of the backpack.
It's, ideal for storing something valuable like your passport!
Another great advantage to a fabric purse or in this case backpack is they squish down in my carry on.
And even thrown it in my checked luggage given how light weight and soft they are.
And because there are so many colour and fabric pattern combinations…
they look stylish…
And avoid the whole “Look at me I’m a TOURIST” thang!
And I discovered an extra Bonus…
I’ve even used them as a pillow on flights
As a cushion for my lower back...
And even kept them on in restaurants to lean up against a back of a booth
Now I deliberately choose a small backpack….
This one only measures 12 inches high, 9 inches wide, & 5 inches deep
Now that is deliberate on my part…
I have used larger purses and backpacks in the past.
I learned the hard way…
The more space you have the more you are going to fill up that space!
By staying with a small purse it fits comfortably on my body and is more discrete…
It really makes me focus on what I really NEED to carry for the day vs. …
all the things that I COULD put in it but end up not using!
I’m often asked but what about picking up some souvenirs or other purchases?…
The bag is too small to carry those items…
Which is exactly my point!
If someone is going to grab my bag, let them grab my bag of souvenir's.
While I might be a disappointed it is way less grief than losing your valuables!
Your Flight Carry-On Items
I mentioned at the top of this blog that your selection in purse has to be able to meet your needs for...
Your flight to your travel destination and also for all the activities planned for when you get there.
I typically pair my small backpack with another carry-on item.
For international flights less than 6 hours I pair my backpack with a tote bag.
For long haul international flights I pair my backpack with a travel weekender bag.
*******************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Travel Weekender: Tap the 👉LINK to view the bag.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
******************************************************************************
Wrapping up…
If you found this blog valuable head on over to my YouTube channel, here's the link👇:
Female Travelers Over 50 By Raewyn Crist: @FemaleTravelers50Plus
And if you like what you see please consider subscribing to the channel or giving a video a like :-)
So cheers to wheels up to winging your way to your long dreamed of destination.
Wellness Retreats
How To Pick Your Travel Purse
Next to choosing shoes, purses and bags are the hardest item to select when traveling internationally.
Making a decision involves weighing up what is the right carry-on and purse combination for your flight plus...
Selecting a purse that is versatile enough to be practical and pretty. :-) for all the activities you have planned for at your destination, anything from walking tours to hiking to beaches, dining out and more.
With over 2 million frequent flyer miles under my belt, I have gone through the trials and errors to get to the right combination.
So...
Here are my top considerations for making a decision...
The weight of the bag before you put anything in it. You will be carrying your bag for extended periods of time.
How many items you need to put in your bag vs. all those extra items you would "like" to put in the bag.
Safety Choose a bag that will stay close to your body or you can cover easily with your arm i.e., backpack, cross-body or fanny pack (although I am not a fan of these) types of bags
Looking and feeling stylish. You still want to have a bag that you like and you feel good wearing.
Durability of the purse fabric. Your purse will take a lot more wear and tear when you travel vs. being used less when at home.
How many pockets/compartments on the interior and exterior of the bag along with the colour and pattern of the bag. You want to be able to easily locate items in your bag.
Your shoulder width and slope matter, especially as we age. We do not want to put any more strain on our shoulders and neck than necessary. Your purse will be on your shoulders much longer than when you are at home. So comfort is a must!
You want to be both safe and enjoy yourself so being hands-free enables you to grab that stair rail climbing up the tower of a church etc.
Your flight duration will also determine what combination of purse and carry-on bag you take with you.
Try not to look like an obvious tourist, I say this often but from a safety perspective it is soooo important. Having a purse that is discrete and that won't distract your attention when you are taking items in and out of it is a great way to stay safe.
Right out of the gate, I am going to tell you I am not a fan of leather bags…
They are just too heavy before you put anything in them.
Don't get me wrong, they look beautiful and I own a few but…
They are just not that practical or comfortable when it comes to traveling!
But by all means save them for home, going to the office, shopping out to dinner, visiting friends etc.
WHY?
They weigh a ton (well at least a couple or more pounds) before you put anything them.
That becomes really important when you have the beautiful...
But oh so heavy leather purse slung over your should while on an 8 hour tour walking cobbled streets, climbing stairs etc.
I know you're still really wanting to go with that gorgeous leather bag in your closet.
Seriously, DON'T, the difference between having it on your shoulder to run from the car to the office or through the mall for a few minutes is NOTHING...
Compared to that weight feeling heavier by the minute when you're out and about all day touring.
After decades traveling for business and leisure I have tried all sorts of combinations of purses.
My "Go To" purse is a SMALL, FABRIC, BACKPACK
So much so I've ended up with three of them and a weekend traveler bag that I use for my carry-on for long-haul international flights.
And here's why...
They are so light weight because they are made of fabric
I can throw them in the laundry if they get a little dirty.
Depending on the colour of the bag they lining is often a light colour...
That makes life especially when traveling so easy for me to see 🔎 and find things and...
You don't make yourself an easy target as a tourist because your are distracted and not aware of what is going on around you.
There is nothing worse than fossicking around in your bag trying to find your wallet or phone.
I have landed in recent years on the Vera Bradley line of backpacks because the back straps are close together.
Below is the link to the Vera Bradley backpack....
I have three ☺️ of them, you get the picture haha, and they have literally traveled the world with me and they are definitely my "Go To" purse!
*********************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Small Backpack: Tap the 👉LINK to view the backpack.
I also have this bright red Vera Bradley RFIT wallet. I love it because its so bright there is no way I won't be able to find it when I reach in my purse haha :-)
Vera Bradley RFID Wallet: Tap the 👉LINK to view the wallet.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
***********************************************************************************
This is important ladies if like me you have narrow and/or sloppy shoulders.
There are are enough but not too many internal and external pockets…
I can carry a water bottle and pop it one of the external pockets
And the other external pocket is often reserved for my sunglasses or an umbrella
The internal pockets mean I can keep my phone separate from my lip gloss...
Leaving the bulk of the interior for my wallet and any other items
Ooooh and I nearly forgot the best part, the SECRET pocket that is on the back of the backpack.
It's, ideal for storing something valuable like your passport!
Another great advantage to a fabric purse or in this case backpack is they squish down in my carry on.
And even thrown it in my checked luggage given how light weight and soft they are.
And because there are so many colour and fabric pattern combinations…
they look stylish…
And avoid the whole “Look at me I’m a TOURIST” thang!
And I discovered an extra Bonus…
I’ve even used them as a pillow on flights
As a cushion for my lower back...
And even kept them on in restaurants to lean up against a back of a booth
Now I deliberately choose a small backpack….
This one only measures 12 inches high, 9 inches wide, & 5 inches deep
Now that is deliberate on my part…
I have used larger purses and backpacks in the past.
I learned the hard way…
The more space you have the more you are going to fill up that space!
By staying with a small purse it fits comfortably on my body and is more discrete…
It really makes me focus on what I really NEED to carry for the day vs. …
all the things that I COULD put in it but end up not using!
I’m often asked but what about picking up some souvenirs or other purchases?…
The bag is too small to carry those items…
Which is exactly my point!
If someone is going to grab my bag, let them grab my bag of souvenir's.
While I might be a disappointed it is way less grief than losing your valuables!
Your Flight Carry-On Items
I mentioned at the top of this blog that your selection in purse has to be able to meet your needs for...
Your flight to your travel destination and also for all the activities planned for when you get there.
I typically pair my small backpack with another carry-on item.
For international flights less than 6 hours I pair my backpack with a tote bag.
For long haul international flights I pair my backpack with a travel weekender bag.
*******************************************************************************
Vera Bradley Travel Weekender: Tap the 👉LINK to view the bag.
Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.
******************************************************************************
Wrapping up…
If you found this blog valuable head on over to my YouTube channel, here's the link👇:
Female Travelers Over 50 By Raewyn Crist: @FemaleTravelers50Plus
And if you like what you see please consider subscribing to the channel or giving a video a like :-)
So cheers to wheels up to winging your way to your long dreamed of destination.
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