Someone recently asked what I carry around with me daily when traveling. On a standard trip when out and about all day, I usually have two bags on me. The first is a small cross body purse that never leaves my body. Let me say that again – never leaves my body! The second is a light backpack or tote back that is expendable in an emergency.
Cross Body Purse:
In a safe interior compartment that I don’t have to access often I keep my passport, credit card, and any large bills.
In the main compartment I keep a small change purse with local money, small notebook, pen, my travel notes / research, and my phone. If I used a small camera it would also go here.
Separate from both of the above I will keep a debit card (or a second credit card) and a little more money.
Tissues (or toilet paper) and hand sanitizer. This could go in the backpack, but because the way my current cross body purse is designed, I just keep it on me.
Light Backpack (sometimes a tote bag):
This is where I keep a light jacket, my umbrella, and a bottle of water. If for any reason I need extra clothes (hat, scarf, gloves, change of shoes etc…) they also go here. If spending time on a bus / plane I will also carry a book. Essentially this is where I put things I may need, but never anything I can’t live without. This bag also gives me room for any purchases I may make during the day.
As you can see, both bags are small and pretty light. Nothing cosmic. The right number of essentials and “just in case.”
Life Kinetic Travel Research 