What I need in a travel handbag are the following:

• Security features- anti theft features such as an anti slash strap or  at least one that was strong

• The right size - big enough to carry what I needed for the day including a small digital camera and an umbrella or water bottle without being too bulky

• Separate inner compartments for a  small wallet, room key/card, lipstick, tissues, digital camera and cell phone etc

• Adjustable shoulder strap - to expand to be worn across the body during the day and can shorten again for evening to be worn over the shoulder.  Also the strap should be wide enough for comfort so that it doesn’t dig into your shoulder after a long day exploring

• Serviceable color - black, navy or dark brown in colour to go with everything, to look good enough to take out of an evening and wont show a mark or two

• Water repellent - in case of rain to protect the contents and everything else you have on you that you can fit in it

This method works for me and now I have the perfect travel handbag.  Next post I will talk about what my handbag is and where I bought it.