The perfect travel bag

Okay ladies --

With my upcoming travel, I'm looking for the perfect travel bag. I've got the standard roller cases, carry-on size, mid-size & huge, but I'd really like to be able to pack ... lighter for this trip. That said, it IS a 9 day trip, and I can't imagine spending any of my time in Europe doing my laundry.

I'd also like a good, all purpose but not dowdy looking carry-on / sightseeing travel purse. It needs to be able to hold my camera (not a tiny ELF) and other important stuff, and needs to either be a backpack or easy to wear shoulder bag.

I do not want to spend a fortune, but can swallow $100 to $200 for a truly functional, cool bag. I'd prefer ebags or amazon ...

[alison]

Jenn, I just got this bag and took it along on a weekend trip: http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/travel/doctor

Without kids, I'd easily be able to fit everything into it for 9 days. I pack light though.

It's a doctor bag, which makes it super easy to hold dd in one arm and not have to fuss with the zipper too much. I love it; it's truly awesome.

This one was also an option when I was looking for a carry-on: http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/...taway-carry-on
I was a little worried about the zipper, but the way it expands looks pretty neat.

Good luck!

[peggyfromwastate]

You know you can buy all sorts of disposable stuff... My mom bought disposable underwear even for her last European adventure. That allowed her to have room left over at the end for souvenirs.

No real help here, obviously!!! I'm just so thrilled that you are going on a trip!

Ugh! What's with Julie having a baby and Lily being off in Turks & Caicos in my moment of need? Alison - thanks for the suggestions, but those look a little ... German? for my liking.

Peggy - LOL -- the disposable underwear make me think of one season of Amazing Race where a woman did that.

[medpedspouse]

I saw these at a store and almost bought one - I love the colors.
http://www.luglife.com/category/shop/

HOWEVER, I ended buying this instead for my trip in March. I have a smaller one (the Metrosafe 200) but wanted something larger for my next trip. I just bought the travel tote which is 50% off BUT does not come in fun colors like the Lug. It is safe though.
http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php...=detail&id=127

which lug were you suggesting? the link only takes me to the lug shop - not a specific bag. i'll have to look at the one you bought, too. thanks for the suggestions.

[Meenah]

When I went for a month long trip to CHina/Japan/Korea/Thailand/Malaysia I took all old clothes and threw them away as I went along. I bought anything I needed along the way.

[alison]

Oh my, I guess it's rubbing off on me.

[medpedspouse]

which lug were you suggesting? the link only takes me to the lug shop - not a specific bag. i'll have to look at the one you bought, too. thanks for the suggestions.

Oops - sorry. It was the Puddle Jumper Overnight/Gym Bag

http://www.luglife.com/Puddle-Jumper...&category=1726

I liked the Grass Green but the other colors look great too.

ETA - they are cheaper to get through Ebags.

http://www.ebags.com/lug_life/puddle...LAID=420483628

[DCJenn]

I have a Coach tote that has done me well for the last ten years or so. It's nice enough that it can 'do' as a purse and it holds a LOT. It can get heavy because it hold absolutely everything but I just blame myself for loading too much stuff. I usually carry my wallet in it's zipped pocket. I'll see if I can find a similar one. It has been on hundreds of trips and it's still going strong.

Jenn

ETA- If you go to the coach website and look at the Peyton line- it's very similar to the Peyton large tote. It's a little but more than you want to spend but seriously, I have carried mine for at least 10 years now.

Thoughts on these?

http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/only...estimonialJump

http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/vale...04861728057666

http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/hamp...26790333412024

I like the Lug's but am a little leary of their texture ... I can't decide if it looks cool or silly. I just bought a new spring coat today to wear around Paris -- I wanted to feel just a little put together -- so I want a bag to go with that feeling.

This is the coat I bought:

http://www.target.com/Mossmo-Black-S...&searchSize=30

[DCJenn]

Of the three you posted, I like the second one the best.

J.

[medpedspouse]

I just bought a new spring coat today to wear around Paris -- I wanted to feel just a little put together -- so I want a bag to go with that feeling.

What dates are you going to be in Paris? Isn't it this month? Just asking because I'll be there in a couple of weeks - would be funny if we met up in Paris! You could add to your list abroad too!

We'll be in Paris from 4/4 to 4/8, Bruges 4/8 to 4/10, and Amsterdam 4/10 to 4/12.

that would be hilarious -- but it sounds like we'll miss each other.