Day bag

Last Updated: Aug. 26, 2010

Tags: all countries, luggage, travel and tour advice, what to pack

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1. A lot of these comments are about European tours.. what about on American Tours? I heard a suggestion about bringing a backpack with a small handbag inside, so you can take what you need in your handbag, and leave everything else on the bus.. does anyone have any advice about this? Thanks!

   Jess posted 6 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

2. I had my camera stolen out of my backpack in Singapore but had no trouble in Europe. I used a handbag in London, but that was because I was used to the city so knew what I needed and didn’t need.
   Tip to all future Contiki travellers… take a small first aid kit with you in your day bag, you aren’t always with your tour manager so you may need plasters for blisters or things like that.

   HARRIET07 posted on Jul. 09, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate

3. On my first trip to Europe I brought a backpack but soon realized I didn’t like traveling with it during the day. I felt like it was too big and screamed “I’m a tourist, come rob me!” While in Vienna I bought the most fantastic day bag. It is a small backpack with one strap that goes across the chest. It has tons of hidden little pockets inside and a nice sized pocket on the front strap, which is nice for valuables. My advice would be to buy something small enough to hold everything you need but still secure like a backpack. I take this bag whenever I travel and have even leant it out to friends when they travel. The brand of bag isn’t sold in the States but Eagle Creek has some similar ones.

   Explorer1179470 posted on Apr. 27, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate

4. I’ll be going on the European Discovery tour and I am bringing a backpack. I know it comes with its own issues, however, it does have zippers that I can lock together. There are no outside pockets therefore no temptation for anyone to go snooping around plus it also doubles as an overnight bag if I should happen to need one. You could always tuck a smaller day bag inside it for when you don’t need to bring a backpack…like say out to dinner!

   Jazzyonvacation posted on Apr. 26, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate

5. I was in Florence at the S.M.N train station, and my handbag was on my shoulder and I was wearing it so that it sat behind my arm as I was putting stuff in my wallet and I turned because I was so conscious of having it there and as I turned and brought my bag forward this gypsy lady that was all of a sudden inappropriately close to me slinked away once I looked at her, moral of the story – you have to be aware of any bag, but I think a handbag is more secure because you can hold it at the front of your body, Best to have one that goes across your body though, so that you can still have your hands free.

   Katie posted on Mar. 26, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate

6. Explorer1091784 I was concerned about that as well. If you constantly wear a backpack on your back you don’t feel what’s going on there. I’d be scared and I am also concerned what’s a more practical choice a backpack or just an over the shoulder back with zippable pockets and many compartments

   MissTraveler77 posted on Feb. 18, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate

7. Take a backpack!! I went on the European Discovery tour and needed a over night bag. I had to buy one while I was there. Save yourself the trouble and just bring a backpack it will save you alot of headaches lol trust me!!!

   Tara posted on Dec. 05, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

8. I’m the same, I’m not sure what type of bag to take. But I think in the end a backpack is more practical, especially looking at the itinerary of some of the tours that include bike rides etc. But I am travelling around the UK after i finish my Contiki so I might purchase a handbag once I’m back there :) Hehe any excuse for a shopping trip!!

   Explorer1115099 posted on Dec. 03, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

9. Hi Helen :)
   I am also doing the euro experience in sept, leaving the 12th. Is this the same trip as you? I was worried about the bag thing as well but I have decided to stick with my biiigg handbag which I can fit lots of stuff in. Basically what ever you are comfortable with.
   If you wana chat email or facebook me. There are about 20 others doing this trip on facebook so far :) lani2204@hotmail.com

   Alana posted on Jul. 15, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

10. Im going on the European Experience in September and im really confused what to take as my bag during the day. Should i take a backpack or just a hand bag with my camera and raincoat etc. Has anyone else done this tour before and have any hints?? thx =)

    helen posted on Jun. 30, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

11. Where are good places to get a daypack?

    Explorer1137352 posted on May. 28, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

12. I know that there are some great across the shoulder bags you can get now that double up as a camera bag (if you have a DSLR or a video camera) and have space for a wallet and phone, and they are incredibly handy, but a day pack is really the way to go. I used a back pack when I went to Europe a few years ago, and I was able to take a bottle of water, camera, wallet, etc and not have to worry about it. It may seem like a slight inconvenience to have to get your bag off to get yur wallet out, but you feel more secure and it’s more comfortable.

    Lenny1987 posted on Apr. 13, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

13. When I went to Greece I carried nothing except my money, camera, and ID…that was a mistake though because at one point we had to run down the street and I ended up losing all my money and my canadian citizenship card. Therefore, I don’t recommend putting anything valuable in a pocket that doesn’t close/zip-up and don’t forget to close your pockets. When I went to Italy and Turkey I had a small backpack that carried my two cameras, some of my money (the rest was in a chest pack under my clothes and in some zip up pockets…it’s good to spread it around), and my ID…then anything else small I thought I needed. It was really helpful and not too heavy.

    Malaniya posted on Dec. 17, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

14. I had a small backback for the Ultimate European. I put any non-valuables in the small front section and left that unlocked. Anything valuable went in the main section and I locked the zips together with a combination padlock. If I felt uncomfortable anywhere or was worried about crowds, I put the straps the other way and carried the pack in front of me.

    Explorer1111110 posted on Aug. 28, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

15. I bought a backpack that has separate sections that zip off….one backpack for day trips and a small faney pack thing perfect for your camera, ipod and money!

    Anita posted on Mar. 30, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

16. My backpack has lockable zippers so i will be putting my i-pod, wallet, passport, etc. in one pocket and locking it up. A small luggage lock should be sufficient. I know that you can find great day bags at www.mec.ca (Mountain Equipment co-op) they have a huge assortment of active and lifestyle packs in many different sizes. Even many of their smaller packs have lockable zippers.

    MerDub posted on Mar. 17, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

17. How safe have people found it wearing backpacks? Are you likely to be targeted by pickpockets?

    Explorer1091784 posted on Mar. 03, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

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