I’m naturally anxious. I would say it’s genetically wired in me because it’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Flashback to my first Communion. My entire family had to leave the pre-paid fancy restaurant because I felt overwhelmed. We wound up eating at a Burger King, and I was delighted.
I lead with that story because it may be closely associated with why I don’t travel with my nicest bags or jewelry. And it’s not because I think I will be robbed, though I consider that and stay aware of my surroundings and where we go. However, it’s more about the mental weight of being in charge of these items—the packing, the caring for, and the additional pressure they add.
marc jacobs the arrow bag strap item?
When I see people share their bag lineup that looks like a mini version of an already dream closet, with 8+ designer bags in a hotel room packed for a trip, I get this heavy feeling in my chest.
I wonder how they packed these bags – because they don’t all fit in the carry-on. I wonder just how many pieces of luggage they travel with, as we like to keep it as light as possible (on this three-week trip to Europe, we have 2 suitcases and two small carryons plus my tote I took on the plane with me).
I think the lightness of my travel helps bring lightness to my mental state. It allows me to feel less uncertainty in my mind that I sometimes can’t shut off. I suppose I envy those who never feel this way—and they pack what they want and how they want without worry. Actually, our bags are supposed to be carried and worn, and on a trip, it seems like an ideal time.
If you saw the pouches inside my bag (I will share more on how I pack my carry-on!), you’d quickly realize I’m a great person to travel with.
Each pouch has a specific purpose, and I know which to reach for if I need something. With each of these pouches, I’m ready for pretty much anything that may arise, and they also provide me with a ton of safety and comfort.
Which Bags I Brought on This Trip
I am sure you are wondering what I pack in terms of bags. Based on this three-week trip to Germany, I can break it down for you. I always have a large carry-on bag. This time, I brought erl slogan logo print tote item.
I received a summer gift from Gucci right before we left for our trip, and immediately upon unboxing it, I knew this was the perfect travel companion.
It’s large enough to fit everything I need and take with me on the plane, and it’s super light and folds up easily when not in use. It comes with a tonal leather pouch that is removable but also attaches to the bag’s interior. This bag deserved its own post, so you can check out more of my thoughts on it here.
handbag lacoste s bugatti bag nf2776dc black, Roberto Cavalli tiger tooth shoulder bag Red, which held my wallet and some lip glosses. It was easy for me to reach but also secure. I then added three pouches of different sizes, each serving a different purpose.
One pouch is solely for Millie’s allergy medications and other medications for medical issues. I have to travel with two Epi-Pens at all times, along with Benadryl and a couple of other meds for her. This emergency medical pouch is seared in my memory, so if I need to grab it, I know it has everything.
My other two pouches serve purposes as well – one for wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, lotion, Aquaphor (I never leave without it; it works for so many scenarios), and the like, while the other is for my headphones, charger, two small emergency snacks (you never know), travel size adult Tylenol, and a unique rock Millie picked out for me that is shaped like a heart.
The Additional Bags
the two photos above are of the same bag Tommy Jeans Women's Crossbody Bag, which I have used most on this trip. A few undeniable but essential things to note here: This bag is crocheted with holes everywhere, so it’s not the most secure.
So I go back to my pouches! The bag expands nicely, and I can throw in two pouches, a sunglasses case, my phone, and a water bottle.
When I say it’s not secure, I mean it. The cotton crochet pattern allows the bag to move, but if you stick keys in the bag, they can easily slide right out of one of the holes as it expands. I know this because I assn it happen, and Vlad looked at me like I was nuts to think it could even work. I clearly had a momentary lapse of judgment; he wasn’t wrong.
The bag is compact but expands, incredibly light, and the double straps fit over my shoulder really nicely. The version I bought is no longer available, but there is a fun new lime green colorway and other classics.
Lastly, I brought this perfect summer version of the Gris Ciment Lambskin Leather Motorcycle City Bag from Ralph Lauren. You’ve seen me cover this a few times now, and yes, we worked on a collaboration with the brand, but I also really like this bag. The Polo ID Collection offers different sizes of this bag, but I opted for this summer mini version (it’s a few seasons old, here is similar).
This Gris Ciment Lambskin Leather Motorcycle City Bag slides over my shoulder and holds a couple necessities, again back to Millie’s Epi-Pen, lipgloss, a card case, some cash, and my phone. I carry this bag when Vlad carries a backpack with far more items, so I can still have a bag with the few items I want, and he does the heavy lugging. Seems fair enough!
These three bags—one hauler, one daily, and one small bag — can meet every goal I need for a three-week trip.
bottega veneta the chain pouch leather crossbody bag?
I traveled to Europe with a designer bag, but only once. It created anxiety because of my fear of being robbed as there were signs posted warning of thieves. Also, while in Paris, I saw 2 tourists robbed of their possessions, around the Eiffel Tower, and that was a strong lesson learned. Never again have I traveled with either designer bags or nice jewelry.
Same here! I don’t want to worry about them especially, riding the metro. I don’t need the attention!
I definitely think about it more, as well. It isn’t the first reason I don’t, but it is a reason, and it makes it feel a bit easier for me when I am walking around with my kids that I am not as much of a target. I was telling Vlad the other day I would be so upset if someone stole my bag on this trip – not because of the bag itself, but because the bag has Millie’s Epi-Pens in it, and those are a necessity.
I’m currently 1/3 in to my 6-week Italian holiday and I’ve brought 7 designer bags, ranging from Prada to Brunello Cucinelli. I’m sure I’ll be adding to my collection during this trip as well. I’ve also packed plenty of fine and costume jewellery (Marni is a firm favorite), all my nicest dresses and 8 pairs of shoes and some serioysly expensive scarfs and stoles. If there’s one place to go all-in outfit-wise it must be Italy. I wouldn’t feel whole without my out-there outfits and have actually bought some of them especially for this trip. I feel so constrained in my day to day regular life in the efficient, grey and dull horror that is my home country (The Netherlands) that I’m delighted to finally be wearing and carrying what I love way too much to worry about anything being stolen (the key is to dress like a local and behave like one too) or getting soiled/damaged (all the finer things in life inevitably show their wrinkles 😉
Use your nice things, they’re what makes every day just that more special!
I must add that we travelled here by car (allbeit a small Fiat Panda) and that I’m an excellent packer. Also, my husband also packed plenty of his nice things too so there’s no arguing about my overpacking.
I once went to a destination wedding and had to bring 2 nice designer handbags that went with 2 diff outfits. The panic I felt packing them, making sure they were secure when I wasn’t in my hotel room was unparalleled
I’m sorry for laughing, because it’s not funny, but that is me – the stress it brings me won’t leave my brain!!
Your children are so sweet Megs! I can’t get over how big they’ve grown. I travel with a single nylon crossbody bag that is small enough to be practical but that also fits all my essentials. No fancy labels. I don’t want to attract any unnecessary attention when travelling or be a target for thieves. I also take a backpack for doing day trips etc and don’t give a second thought to its looks. It’s all about functionality for me on holidays.
belt bag with logo burberry bag archive beige!
Practicality makes sense for so many reasons – and I like the mental weight being taken off so I can just go about my ways and not focus much on the bag itself.
I do travel with my “nice” whenever I travel. I’m one of those people who spend a month picking my outfit and most of time I would pick my outfits with a specific bag in mind. Typically I would bring 2-3 bags. A larger everyday bag that I used as my “personal item.” It’s usually a large tote like the LV neverfull and I’ll put my “nice” bag inside. I don’t even like putting my bag inside a carryon because airline makes you check it sometimes. Especially in Europe. Also depending on where I go, I might bring a backpack for hiking or a beach bag. But 3 bags is the limit for me. I don’t understand how people bring 5,6 or even more bags on 1 single trip.
I love that!! I do wish I planned my outfits more in advance as well for trips – that would be fun, and I think before I had kids, I probably did a bit more. But we are also pretty casual even without the kids, so that could play into it.
I know some people who pack 15 pairs of shoes for a trip. I simply could never. I also don’t even think I own that many pair of shoes that don’t involve mainly sneakers!
That reminds me of a vegas Bachelorette I attended last year. One of the girls had a suitcase full of shoes and the Bachelorette was only 2 days long
She was ready for anything! I meanwhile underpack and keep it so casual I’d have to ask her to borrow something haha
I think it’s a matter of personal comfort and experience. I don’t mind traveling to major cities with designer bags. I have been to all European capitals with Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, etc. Same in major cities in Canada and the United States. Never been an issue. However, going to Rio, I traveled with no bag at all… no jewelry, no watch, etc. I felt perfectly safe. Everyone should do what is most practical and what makes them feel safe while visiting an unfamiliar environment.
I absolutely agree, and I do think we should all be very aware of where we are traveling and some local information on each place. Many times, a bag or jewelry being snatched is a crime of opportunity – it, of course, shouldn’t happen, but people are looking around and not aware of their surroundings, and someone can easily snatch their bag and be off.
two-tone multi-fabric tote!
I travel with a cheapie crossbody nylon bag that I got from Amazon. It’s amazing how many compliments I get on the dark purple color. I also take a small clutch in case we go out to somewhere nice to eat. That’s it other than my suitcase. We typically go on vacations in which there’s a lot of walking (museums and historical landmarks). I would like a canvas Louis Vuitton crossbody or Prada nylon in the future (bought secondhand).
I just want a durable, easy hands-free bag that I won’t have to worry about messing up.
That is also how I feel – I don’t want to worry about the bag itself either. I don’t want to mess it up and want to be able to use it and have it be practical, so I change up what I take when I go! You can never go wrong with Prada Nylon… it’s truly the best!
I usually travel with one “newer” nice bag for dinners, which I keep in my personal item in its dust bag and stuff with things like socks and underwear, and then I cram an old but pretty silver tweed Rebecca Minkoff MAC that I’ll wear as a crossbody or convert to under the shoulder. I almost never wear it anymore except on trips, and it’s great because it’s big enough to hold a small water bottle plus small documents and tickets and things like that, and it doesn’t show wear from being smushed in my suitcase during the flight. Plus I feel like the silver tweed goes with almost any outfit I pack.
Ugh, the love I had for some of the original RM MAC bags still lives with me and my bag loving heart!! That version sounds lovely.
About four or five. I choose trip bags based on functionality and packability. In flight I carry a tote, lately my Moynat O tote, and a small crossbody to keep passport and other essentials secure and close at hand, and then to use during the day at my destination. Depending on the season/destination it’s either my workhorse black nylon Prada crossbody or a Loewe raffia crossbody bag. I pack one or two small bags for evening and a Le Pliage tote. This covers all my handbag needs when I’m traveling and I don’t worry too much about any of them.
That sounds very practical and probably more like I did before I had kids. I only like to bring two carry-on bags; one is fully kid-focused, and the other has a laptop and my bags, etc. So I don’t have as much space as I’d like to pack more bags!
It’s so much easier once they’re old enough to carry their own backpacks with all their stuff. You’ll be there before you know it 🙂
Yes! I think that will be much more helpful! I pack them both a backpack but they both get tired of carrying it fairly quickly and then I wind up carrying it ha
I don’t travel with any designer bags. I did once and my anxiety was coursing through me the whole time.
It’s really about what you’re comfortable doing. And while it doesn’t work for me, it does work for others which is cool.
I completely and totally agree! That is really what this post was meant to share. My anxious nature needs to find “peace” wherever I can, and I have found that one way is meticulously packing ahead of a trip while also not taking my nice items. It works for me, but don’t get me wrong, I also envy those who take a slew of nice bags and use them – because bags should be used!
I carry a regular backpack on the flight, but I like bringing a nice bag for daily use. I rotate between my small Celine Boston and my Lemaire Croissant bag for cities. A canvas tote or the Longchamp filet tote for beach hols. I usually stick to 2 bags.
This lines up similarly to me – I usually have one nicer bag and then the others are more practical.
You don’t say where you’re going in Germany, but if your travels take you to Dresden, makes sure you try the local Saxon wines. They’re very good and are extremely difficult to find outside the region (especially the Goldriesling).
Thanks for the tip. We mostly visited my mom who lives near Frankfurt, Hessen. We did some driving along the Rhine valley, but sadly neither Megs, nor I drink. So the good Riesling will have to be appreciated by someone else.
This topic is fun. I do travel with “nice” bags. But only packable ones, almost never framed ones. Chanel Small Flap is on top of the list. I stuff jewelries in it and pack it in a carry-on suitcase. It serves those occasions better to dress up. Then I pack a medium bag which it’s more versatile. This summer I packed an LV Graceful PM Damier Azure. This was packed in the carry-on as well. For the tote in flight, I use an LV All-In or LV Totally as they zip up nicely. Then in it, of course, pouches are the best! On that note, I found LV L3 Pouch fun and functional. Last summer, I used it in flight (to keep phone, passports and other essentials) and took one of the three to dinner.
I love your love for pouches too! I am kate a pouch girl, it is really what makes many of my bags work and makes it all easier for me! Going to check out the heron preston black crossbody bag!
It IS nerve-wracking traveling with “nice” bags. That said, I do it regularly, and I almost never check bags. Most commonly, I have a Chanel WOC in its dustbag inside my LV Neverfull GM. However, I often have at least two pairs of designer shoes in my suitcase, so that’s part of the reason I never check it.
At some point, I decided that I wouldn’t put my nicest bags in my checked luggage, and since then, I haven’t waivered from it. I am more worried about my luggage being lost, which has happened, and I don’t want to chance that. So, I totally get what you are saying and how you pack makes sense to me!
I just spent a month driving across the US and back. I debated taking my empreinte LV Neverfull but ended up carrying my least expensive bag, a zippered straw tote from Shein. No judgement please… it was perfect for the trip, comfortable, stylish, and secure.
But that is totally fine, and I get it! It also mentally is so much easier, right?!
I agree with this thinking 100%. I’m planning for a trip in August and plan on bringing my Le Pliage for the plane and two mid-priced bags for the trip itself. The trickiest part is size…I want something mid-sized, with both a top handle and a crossbody strap. So I’ll probably bring two, a small size for evenings and medium for days!
That’s pretty much what I did and worked out great!! Have a great trip this month!
Never, because it doesn’t suit my style of travel. I’m a backpacker at heart – which I recently learnt some Americans think means hiking/trekking, but to the rest of the world it’s just budget independent travel with a backpack. I don’t travel so budget these days, but I’m also rarely in nice hotels.
Travel is my passion and I go to many countries that are off the beaten track. I end up on all sorts of transport. I’m usually covered in some combination of sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sweat, sand or dust. I always smile when people say a bag is “great for travel” because nothing suits my style of travel less than a designer bag (well, maybe designer shoes).
One day I may go on a stylish city break where all I do is eat in nice places, visit the odd museum and lounge at the hotel pool. Then I might take a nice bag.
I’m going to Copenhagen for a long weekend in October and I can’t wait to just sling a backpack on my back and not have loads of luggage. Travelling without a child is so easygoing. Best believe ill have a nice crossbody in there for sightseeing and dinners though.
I too like to be minimalist and not attract attention when I travel. It’s the only time that I feel that no one recognizes or judges me so I can wear what I want and be who I want. I carry a Lululemon backpack and a small mansur gavriel crossbody for items of value. I can’t do totes they hurt my back
That’s the other aspect, you want a lightweight, easy bag as well! And, you are right, no one will know you and you can just be who you want without thinking about any sort of perception.
My last trip I took a Gucci crossbody bag and a Tory Burch tote for the beach. When I left the hotel room I would lock my Gucci bag in my suitcase and put the suitcase key in the room safe. You can’t be too careful.
I get that too! I think we have also all heard/read a lot of stories about nice items being taken so being cautious makes sense.
I’m about to go on a trip and have decided to take my LV speedy. As it can be worn by the top handle or strap, it is versatile for nicer and more casual situations — that way I only meed the one bag. I’m also bringing a lululemon belt bag, but only because we are going to an event at a stadium with a smaller bag policy.
Safety is definitely a concern, and something I have considered. I will be carrying it through the airport and on the plane inside a cotton tote, for security and to protect it. It will be locked in my luggage and not left out in the hotel room when not in use and never placed on the back of a chair in public. These are basic precautions we should be taking anyway. Situational awareness is key.
The speedy is zippered, which is step 1 in deterring pickpockets. I will not travel with an open bag like I often use for work. Also, the speedy has a lock to prevent theft, making it a pretty good choice for this trip. I never travel with my diamonds or fancy jewelry. Just a plain wedding band and some basic, silver jewelry. Since I’m keeping it low key with jewelry and clothes, people will probably assume the LV is fake anyways.
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bottega veneta cassette leather shoulder bag.
We all need to be highly aware of our surroundings and where we are going—especially because when we go places as tourists, we are out of our comfort zone and navigating and looking around. It’s pretty obvious we are touring when we are!
metallic Meristem mini bag!
I do travel with my nicest bags (of course, I think they’re all nice!) mostly because we live in Europe already and usually travel by train (first class in the quiet car). Most trains we take have easy access — we roll our luggage on and off, no heaving it up steep steps. I usually pack three medium-sized bags: LV Alma PM Malletage for going out to dinner or shopping on the Ave Montaigne in Paris or Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse, LV Trevi PM (12 years old, in excellent condition, and completely waterproof — plus it has a sneaky anti-pickpocket feature), and Gucci Tian Boston bag (mostly in summer). I also take my Gucci Blondie cross-body bag. As a small hands-free bag, it’s perfect for the hotel breakfast buffet or for museums that tend to make people check larger bags.
I just got back from Scotland and I traveled with my Hermes Evelyne and Gucci nylon crossbody. They are both black and easy to use, plus the Gucci is light weight. I feel that crossbody bags are most secure style when traveling.
I’m always afraid to bring my Evelyne because it doesn’t close properly on top. I miss it when I’m gone, do you feel nervous that someone can reach their hand in and grab your wallet or phone?
No, I’m not concerned since I have the small strap snapped. There is little chance someone can get my big wallet out. Also I carry my bag in front.
It’s depends on when (season), where (locations), and why (family visiting, destination wedding? Tourist walk about?).
Carry-on only for me. Small suitcase that fits in the overhead bin. A WOC that I can keep on me crossbody throughout the flight – holds my passport, an Epi pen, basics like a mini hand sanitizer, it’s secure under a coat when out in public. Also a medium Le Pilage as my personal item if I need more items on the flight or to use as a carry around bag at my destination. This is my favourite mixture.
Sometimes I may need a bigger bag and then I can bring a very old Bottega but realize even if it’s very old, I’m still too worried about it. I don’t want to stress over my nice bags when I am away from home. And then I tell myself, if I really NEED one on the trip, then maybe I can buy it and use that as a souvenir! 🙂
I tend to baby my bags and don’t want the stress and anxiety worrying about them when I am away from home. Then the safety or being a tourist and that stress – to me, just leave them at home.
Safe travels everyone!
I still bring designer bags with me but now everything has to be easy to wear. I currently am away and i brought a LV belt bag for travel days that fits just our passports, my phone and small card holder. And in my carryon I had a YSL large flap bag and small LV speedy that I am very comfortable wearing cross body so I can hold onto both of my kids hands as we roam the streets of Italy 🙂
We travel with a carry on and personal item each usually so I just try to bring the most functional bags but also ones that can take a little abuse.
I’m a big fan of Coach glove tanned leather bags for travel. I like a crossbody or backpack like a vintage City bag, turn lock crossbody, turn lock mini backpack. I also like the LV Favourite MM. I take one or two of these, depends on where I am going/what Im packing.
I also pack a few foldable nylon bags.
I also have a large black quilted Dior Clutch wallet I’ve had forever that I use for travel documents and as my evening bag. I even used it as a crossbody when we hiked Diamond Head.
tory burch ella clear quadrant mini tote bag item.
1) Stress factors – I get anxious easily and the thought of scratching my bags while jostling through a tourist crowd is enough to say no. Also, I don’t want to be an easy target for thieves or to lose my bag in my checked baggage – as others have alluded to.
2) Style of travel – I travel solo and on trips lasting about slightly longer than a month. I also like to cover a lot of ground so I never stay at one place for more than 3-4 days. Just having to move regularly between different hotels puts me off carrying my nice bags. By the way, I always check in baggage for these trips. It’s completely impractical to fly from Asia to Europe or the Americas with only carry-on (and if you’re able to do it, I salute you).
3) Style of clothes – I don’t think I particularly dress up on holiday, especially not when compared to the Instagrammers and cosplayers out there. Light dresses for warm weather and layers (think sweaters, shirts, and light coats) for cooler ones. Hence, there isn’t much of a necessity for me to bring my finest stuff that will coordinate with my bags and all.
With all these caveats out of the way, I typically carry a rattan/wicker bag to go with my summery dresses and sandals and a stylish nylon shoulder bag/crossbody from COS and/or similar brands for everything else.
Over the years, I’ve found that these are the most practical options for my needs while also coordinating well with my outfits.
…this post is very apropos – a Qatari princess traveling to Paris to support her country’s athletes got robbed of 11 Hermès bags, some of which had jewelry in them.
Ugh. That is terrible. I do think we live in a time when what we share on social media easily puts a target on us when we travel as well – and if someone knows that a person will be at a location with copious amounts of bags/jewelry, it makes them a target.
But this is also why I don’t want to have these items with me – I simply don’t want to feel like I need to hold them on top of my lap and not fall asleep for fear of them being taken. Hers were taken on a train right?
Lol. You can purchase truckload of Hermes but you can’t purchase common sense. C’est la vie!!!
If it’s strictly a site seeing trip I will bring one bag. The last trip was a Prada nylon backpack…durable and easy to carry. A beach vacation my LV Neverfull. I think it depends on the circumstances and the place you are traveling. If there is a particular event that requires it I will take a Chanel flap or WOC.
Yes, totally agree! I always think of where we are going, why we are going, and where we are staying. Then I pack a bag according to all of that!
I use a Prada nylon tote bag when I travel. When I wear it on my shoulders, my arm will lay over the logo so it’s not very obvious. Or you can just switch the bag around so that the logo is on the inside. I love it since it’s lightweight, waterproof, has a zipper and comes with a detachable strap so you can wear it cross body when you need to be hands free.
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I used to travel with leather bags and I realized that it contributes to the aches and tiredness I feel so I switched to nylon bags.
Not only do I not travel with my nice jewelry, I don’t even travel with nice fake jewelry because a thief is a thief and they can’t tell the difference from a distance. I do like to bring one nice designer Crossbody, and it’s usually my beige with gold trim Chanel trendy WOC, that I can turn in and hide the insignia when I am walking around the city, (usually when I’m traveling to Paris), and I flip it around when I go into boutiques. I love wearing it to dinner. And if the weather is cooler, I tend to wear it inside of a coat or blazer. I have to say it does command attention in stores because those people think if you bought it once, you’ll likely buy it again. And it’s who I am. I carry nice handbags, and I like to carry them on vacation as well in a responsible way.
Plus Chanel is from Paris so not exactly a rare sight on the streets. I see a lot of designer bags in Paris carried by tourists and locals alike. If you can’t use Chanel, Hermes, YSL in Paris, where can you…
I bring one- my LV 30 Speedy, “Owl” specialty design from a few seasons ago, maybe many seasons! Basically it’s Monogram with purple, pink, and blue epilettes.
Anyway,
its fancy enough to go to dinner in, is light, has shoulder strap, fits everything makeup case, long wallet, glasses, keys, even a water bottle. Easy to keep clean too.
I take my sturdy indestructible Longchamp Le Pliage for the flight – it’s got a top zip (no one is getting their hands into it….gotta admit your Gucci with no top zip wound give me anxiety!) plus it’s nylon so can withstand spills. I’ve got a very old nylon crossbody (I brought it from some non-designer store deliberately, as I wanted a nondescript bag lol ) which I stick into my Le Pilage. My crossbody is used daily whilst I’m on holiday, and it’s hard for any potential pickpocket to put their hands into as it’s got two zips on the top.
The only issue is I probably couldn’t causally walk into a Chanel or Hermes store whilst I’m vacation……
Thanks for this article! I travel mostly with my workhorse Longchamp leather bag – it zips, it has a snap tab, inside zip pocket – what’s not to love? I sometimes travel with my Goyard St. Louis – it’s durable and light, great for beach vibes. I’ve traveled with LV coated canvas Liv Pochette – small with two zip pockets and looks late 90’s/early 2000s. My only other designer bag for travel is my Phoebe Philo era mini luggage – it holds a ton and is oh so durable. I once traveled with H Evelyne in PM size and I regretted it; it’s incredibly heavy for walking around all day. I’ll never travel w Chanel or Hermes B or K, never ever ever.
Ok so maybe I’m crazy but on my recent trip to Vegas I brought my Birkin 30 which I carried on the plane, a small YSl and polo ID mini which I packed and a new Neils Peeraer which I took in my carryon. I acquired a mini speedy on the trip. I must say that from now on I will leaves the birkins at home as my stress level of leaving it in my locked suitcase and keeping the do not disturb sign on the door while it was in the room was just too much for me. Lesson learned!
When we went to Portugal in June I took my mini white puzzle and a large light beige Le pliage tote. The Le pliage tote was lightweight and perfect for hanging a hat clip on to the strap. The mini puzzle is just my most comfy, carefree bag that I wore when walking around in the hotels. When we went to Banff last month I took the same mini puzzle and a lightweight Patagonia backpack. I don’t worry about my bags on vacay, but I use common sense and lock them up in my suitcase when not using them. I also usually take the less obvious luxury bags with me unless I’m going somewhere flashy like Vegas.
I am similar to you. On a recent one month trip to Ankara (which turned into three months 😏), I travelled with three bags. My all black epi leather LV Neverfull MM, a thrifted MK backpack and a MK brown soft leather zippered tote (also thrifted a while back so don’t remember the name). I used the LV as my personal item in the flight. Put it in a cloth grocery bag for under the seat in front of me. I then stored it in my locked suitcase in my hotel room until the day I was leaving Turkey lol. I used the MK tote every single day. It held everything I needed. I also used the backpack once in a while when I needed to carry something heavy but not big or important. I would never travel with other designer bags because I won’t use them
I always travel with at least two really nice bags for evenings. Last year, in Rome I was almost mugged for purchases I had just made at Gucci. Thank my husband came back as quickly as he did because these teenaged boys weee circling me and asking what I bought!
I totally understand your feelings about packing light and managing anxiety around valuables. It’s great that you’ve found a system that works for you with pouches and practical bags. Your approach to travel sounds both thoughtful and efficient—thanks for sharing!
Wasn’t there a recent post about you taking Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior to Disney World?
Yes! That trip is a 3-hour car drive, which is far more in my comfort zone. Those bags were in our car and then in the hotel room. I carried my Gucci bag to the amusement park and Vlad carried a backpack.
Those bags are for sure nice, but not my nicest bags. Two of them (the Dior Book Tote and the LV Travel Speedy) were samples from the brand as well. We often receive samples to try out and share, which is then sent back to the brand, and they were aware of where I was taking them and were good with it!
She said she doesn’t travel with her nicest bags, not that she doesn’t travel with nice bags. While those bags are nice, they’re not on the level of people who would travel with a Chanel or Hermes bag .
Kenzo leather tote bag!
I do take a carry on, usually a neverful or similar. I bring a smaller handbag(a crossbody) which I put in the neverful. I also will take a carryon suitcase. That can be it for a shorter trip. Otherwise I will check a bag too. I might pack a smaller handbag for evening, depending on the trip and not one of my more precious bags.
P.S. your two children are both beautiful. One would never know your Millie had any health challenges, she looks strong, vivacious and healthy.
I would like to ask where you got that nice Yankees cap? I like the color ways of white on pink, never seen something like that before. Thanks!☺️
Hi Riley, we got these hats from New Era from the UV Activated Sunlight Pop a few months ago. The kids love the hats – they are plain white until you step into the sun and the purple and pink colors pop out!
I am too hard on my main bag to take anything too precious when I travel. I have an amazing huge, dark chocolate brown hobo with silver hardware Made in Italy, that I can chuck everything in and I really bash the living daylights out of but it still looks good at the end of the day. It then can be used as an everyday bag. I take an evening clutch and a smaller Italian bag in a different colour. These three bags cover most occasions and I don’t have to stress about damaging them or being targetted for toting one of my designer bags.
Firstly I don’t have children so my packing will be very different from parents. Also, while not a popular brand as of late (at least in the various posts on Atelier-lumieresShops that I’ve read) I’m a huge fan of Hermes and have been for over 25 years. I have a handful of other brands but by and large the composition of my bag collection is Hermes and honestly don’t see that changing any time soon. For me Hermes is like my hair stylist – I have tried going to other people but end up returning to him as he just knows my hair and does an amazing job so I stopped going to other people.
I carry my bags in a hard cover carry on roller bag so I know they make it there safely. In general, I carry a tote bag (Hermes Swift Cabas 40) which includes all the things I need on the flight within close reach. In the suitcase I’ll usually bring at least one Kelly – my current favorite is a Black Kelly Sellier 25 with additional 105 cm straps for an easier crossbody fit, and a Kelly pochette for evening – my go to is a grey croc.
My packing starts with what bags I want to bring (yes I’m one of those people) and then decide on my outfits. I don’t wear a lot of color, black, beige, and white is the hallmark of my wardrobe so it’s not that hard to build my outfits. If I have events or various lunches/dinners that I have to be more put together for then I’ll bring 2 Kellys – one light colored and one dark which either could be leather or some type of exotic like croc or alligator or ostrich, and maybe a picotin but find those are harder to pack given the shape. More than that and it’s tough to play tetris with all the bags to fit properly in the roller bag and depending on where we are going I may pick up at least one if not more handbags along the way so I need to plan for that possibility.
I absolutely take nice bags on holiday with me! Why not? Life is short, enjoy your collection!
On the plane I like a medium-large bag that zips shut and can be both hand-carried or shoulder-carried. And it needs to fit under the seat for those EasyJet flights between European cities. My black Epi Speedy 30 is perfect for this!
While daytripping, I use a small crossbody (that, ideally, zips) to keep my cards and phone close to me, while the kids’ books and drink bottles go in a Longchamp Pliage Filet, much like you, Meg. On our most recent trip I took my Prada Arqué, YSL Mini Lou camera bag, and a Bottega intrecciato crossbody. The Bottega is about ten years old, and it’s not a current, trendy style, so it flies under the radar a bit more than the logoed bags.
During flights, my little crossbodies go in their dust bags, in my carry-on suitcase. I still have plenty of room in there for other stuff. Simple!
For what it’s worth, I lived in pickpocket central for years; the only time I got robbed was when I was wearing a cheap, plain leather flap bag. Being aware of your surroundings and ALWAYS keeping your bag tucked tight to you is way more important than whatever label it is, I think.
I totally agree. Bags are made to be used not to be closed in a wardrobe. I have a primary crossbody bag with zip for travelling and one or two smaller bags for evenings. For me it’s harder to choose which bags carring with me then what clothes.