skings Posted June 22 #1 Share Posted June 22 Hi need some advice on which tote to carry on this trip. Not a problem on Adventure of the Seas transatlantic but will be visiting Christmas markets in both listed cities before debarking on Adventure. My go to tote is too summery for this time of year, other choices are Coach Red leather or Vera Bradley print. I am 80 and use a walker which will label me an American tourist but dont want my bag to scream it also. Live in Florida dont want to invest in dull colors LOL!😁 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neeuqdrazil Posted June 24 #2 Share Posted June 24 I can't speak to Barcelona, but you could get quite a bit of rain in London in November. (Or you could have gorgeous sunny days - when I was there in November '22, I arrived in the middle of a monsoon-style storm (flooding in the streets, and chilly) and 3 days later was eating lunch in a park in my shirtsleeves.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoloAlaska Posted June 24 #3 Share Posted June 24 One of the Christmas markets I went to in Barcelona was so insanely crowded. It was an incredible market and I bought some beautiful souvenirs but honestly I would not be carrying an expensive tote with me. I had my cute crossbody bag tucked under my arm and a packable shopping bag for my shopping. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neeuqdrazil Posted June 24 #4 Share Posted June 24 Just realised I forgot to finish my thought - I wouldn't carry the leather unless it's waterproof/you're not worried about it getting wet and bleeding colour, and the Vera Bradley may also be non-waterproof (the last VB bag that I had was almost 20 years ago, and they may have changed, but at the time, they were just quilted cotton, and not waterproof at all.) You definitely want something with a closed top/something that you can carry close to your body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrgabriel Posted June 24 #5 Share Posted June 24 I wouldn't carry a fabric bag at any time of year and especially not to big cities - not because it says 'American' - but because they're so easy to snatch. Fabric straps and pockets can be slashed open in a split second. I do love my fabric bags and sew my own all the time but for travel to big European cities, I carry a travel bag with anti-theft features. They're not cute but would rather have a slightly ugly bag and not be concerned with losing my cash or passport.. For shopping at markets, pick up one of the packable shopping totes. I've got a bunch that roll up and snap so they don't take any space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awhfy Posted June 24 #6 Share Posted June 24 Personally, I’d get a Travelon or similar bag with rfid & rip proof straps. We just got back from Honolulu & pickpockets (homeless & young thugs) were everywhere. We weren’t bothered a bit. They saw my Travelon & kept on moving 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gorda Posted June 27 #7 Share Posted June 27 Thanks for all the replies, reading about thefts I will checkout the Travelon or similar 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 2BACRUISER Posted July 1 #8 Share Posted July 1 On 6/24/2024 at 9:07 PM, awhfy said: Personally, I’d get a Travelon or similar bag with rfid & rip proof straps. We just got back from Honolulu & pickpockets (homeless & young thugs) were everywhere. We weren’t bothered a bit. They saw my Travelon & kept on moving Have to agree I got bag snatched in Barcelona and have invested in a travelon feel much safer now. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awhfy Posted July 1 #9 Share Posted July 1 2 hours ago, 2BACRUISER said: Have to agree I got bag snatched in Barcelona and have invested in a travelon feel much safer now. Still be careful 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gorda Posted July 2 #10 Share Posted July 2 Will be using a walker (rollator) and have decided to only carry picture of Passport and US id 1 credit card that has low balance and a few Euros in neck wallet under my jacket or shirt. It has a removable chain. No purse or handbag,😊 dont even need a tote because my walker has a front pocket. If anyone wants my stuff I certainly will let them have it. Will be 81 and traveling solo on this trip but will be careful of my surroundings, as much as an elderly person can) Have visited London and Barcelona before but not this late in the Season. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gorda Posted July 2 #11 Share Posted July 2 Will be taking taxis in Barcelona but will use Public around London. Elizabeth line looks to be easy for mobility. Wont be wearing my Florida outfits LOL!😁 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marci22 Posted July 17 #12 Share Posted July 17 Travelon bag is 50% off now for Prime Day on Amazon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airbear232 Posted August 15 #13 Share Posted August 15 @skings like others have recommended, I’d agree to use a theft proof bag. My parents were in London a few years ago, and my mom always carried a lot of cash with her. She had her wallet lifted and lost over $20k and credit cards. These days we use pacsafe. They are durable and loaded with antitheft tech. We went with our aunt who was 86 to Barcelona last year for a few days before our Med cruise. She too uses a walker but I rented a wheelchair from a local pharmacy as it was easier for her to go about with me pushing her. She loved Las Ramblas. I hope you have a fantastic trip. Have fun and stay safe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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