Backpack on Family Europe Trip

[Anonymous]

We’re going to Paris and London later this month w/an 11 and 16yr old and my DH is insisting on carrying a backpack around mainly to hold refillable water bottles. Is this a dumb idea? I was just going to wear my crossbody/fanny pack and want to be as minimal as possible given pickpocketers and also I find backpacks annoying in crowded spaces. But he is insistent…if you traveled to these cities recently did you cart around water bottles and if so in a backpack? And was this a slim, travel style backpack? Help settle this ongoing dispute.

[Anonymous]

Definitely get the European kind with no external pockets or zippers if you must do it. But I agree with you.

[Anonymous]

No I would not carry around a water bottle. I also wouldn't carry around a fanny pack.

[Anonymous]

I think a backpack is a good idea. We use them all the time on our vacations, Europe included.

1 vote for your husband…and stop bossing him around.

[Anonymous]

If he’s going to carry the backpack, what do you care??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he’s going to carry the backpack, what do you care??

I’ll probably end up carrying it too but more importantly I’m worried it could invite theft or pickpocketers but yes we’ll get the kind that is meant for international travel if we get one.

[Anonymous]

Its super hot in Europe, you should be thanking him for carrying the water bottles.

[Anonymous]

I’m in Team DH.

I almost always carry a small backpack with things like water bottles, umbrellas, cardigan, etc. It is absolutely crucial to stay hydrated in this hot weather.

What is your specific concern? Security? Do not carry valuables in the backpack.

[Anonymous]

DH is the backpack guy and I wear small crossbody and a water bottle with a strap. It works really well. It hasn’t been a problem in crowds.

[Anonymous]

We almost always have a backpack.

[Anonymous]

When you are in a really crowded situation- like a packed subway car, put the backpack on the front.

[Anonymous]

Rick Steves always carries around a simple backpack. Just don’t put anything valuable in it.

[Anonymous]

Team dh. It’s a good idea.

[Anonymous]

We always bring a couple of packable backpacks when traveling to Europe, and elsewhere. We use them for items of little financial value, but which might be convenient to have with us when out and about, e.g., sun hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, a packable fleece and/or rain jacket if the forecast looks like those might be useful, and water bottles. If stolen, we'd be annoyed, but not much more. Wallets, passports, and anything else of more practical or financial value stays on our persons.

[Anonymous]

You hold passports and wallets in the small crossbody, he holds water and sunscreen in the backpack.