How to Choose the Perfect Handbag for Vacation

In choosing the perfect handbag for vacation, one must think practically.  Wait What?  As a lover of style and all things beautiful, it should come as no surprise that I have sometimes struggled between style and practicality. I used to choose looking good, hands down, but as a wiser woman who has shlepped everything from backpacks, to briefcases to diaper bags, I like to travel light, especially when I am spending the day sightseeing and enjoying my surroundings.

Whether I’m planning a Dacation to a nearby town or popping over to Disney to visit friends, the right bag is an important element of my plans, not only for the look (which is, of course, paramount) but for the practicality as well. Here is how it works for me:

Hands Free: Crossbody and Wristlets

I Love, Love, Love a good cross-body. Currently I have five, two older Coach cloth bags which I use for amusement parks and locations where I want something light and plan to carry just essentials. Although they may no longer be on trend, I like those old bags because they aren’t bulky and don’t make too much of a statement.

I have two more fashionable cross-body bags for times where styling seems more important. The two leather bags are a touch heavier and bulkier but super cute.

My daughter gave me a Vera Bradley messenger bag, but I haven’t worn it yet–it’s light weight and much bigger than my other cross body bags, but it is quite a statement, and I haven’t found the right outfit to wear it with as yet. I mainly love that it was a gift from her.

What I look for: Size and weight matters when it comes to cross body bags, I think. No matter how convenient an option they are, if they hurt your shoulders, you aren’t going to have a good day, so I look for bags that are light weight, small, with a slim profile and they must fit all my essentials. I also like an outside pocket for my phone, so I can easily grab it to take photos.

Sometimes a wristlet is just the ticket–though I am more likely to leave it somewhere, and don’t like having something dangling from my arm at an amusement park, but they are great for evenings, and I love having one in my purse so I can just pop my phone in and go, leaving a bigger purse behind for errands and such. Again, having my phone, a mirror, a comb and lip color–and of course my money is essential.

Shop Great Cross Body Bags and Wristlets Here:

Satchels and totes: When I know that the day is going to include sitting and walking, or maybe lounging around some, I may chose a tote or satchel–especially if I think I may need to carry more, like a sweater or change of clothes, or more makeup than usual. I generally carry one of these styles on a daily basis anyway so it requires less planning if I can just take the bag I usually carry.

What I look for: I like simple open totes or bags with one divider. I also like a side pocket for my phone–again, I like it handy so I can take pictures. Everyone has their preference when it comes to the inside of their handbags, certainly totes are convenient, but can quickly become a hot mess if they aren’t kept organized. My larger bags have a way of filling up and getting heavy, and we all know carrying a heavy bag around all day is no fun. Some women like lots of compartments, and there are various inserts one can purchase to keep things organized and are great for women who change bags all the time. I use a few cosmetic bags to keep my stuff organized, making it easy to switch purses back and forth.

Shop my favorite styles here:

Backpacks: I’m not much of a backpack girl, but some of them are super cute and of course, mostly practical. I always worry that someone could reach right in and take my things and I don’t like the feeling of the weight and heat on my back, but I live in Florida where the heat and humidity six months out of the year is something that requires consideration when it comes to putting a look together–but many of my sporty friends swear by them and they can be a great hands free solution for the perfect DayCation.

For more on perfect Daycations click here: Ideal DayCation