The travel handbag I chose has slash proof panels on the bottom and the front.  The best feature though is that it has separate compartments for the digital camera with a Velcro strap to secure it, another for my cell phone, and a separate outside side pocket for an umbrella and water bottle as well as other zippered compartments.  I also like the feature of a clip that can secure the main zipper.

The other ‘must have’ for that trip was to take one handbag that would go from day use, traveling around all day, to be smart enough to take it out with me in the evening.  This travel handbag also fulfilled that need.  I chose a dark color (dark taupe) so that it coordinated with my outfits but there are 4 colors available.  The lining on that one is blue so that I can see more easily what I am looking for in the bag.

my travel handbag

What was it?  Well it is a handbag from Pacsafe.  Have a look at it yourself at the link below from Magellan's which have a great range.

Pacsafe Citysafe 200 Shoulder Bag

This is the best travel handbag I have every traveled with and so I took it on subsequent trips to Asia and New Zealand and I am still using it since I came home as it is a good size for all the extra stuff I carry on a day to basis as well.  If you need a smaller version they have the Citysafe Handbag or the larger Totesafe so you should find one that is right for you.

This is my own experience with choosing the perfect travel handbag, but remember the points I mentioned in my last post and I am sure you will find one just perfect for your travel needs and just think of it as the best travel insurance you can have.

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.