Review: Travelon's Anti-Theft Metro Small Crossbody

By now you know what a bag lady I am. I have different bags for different trips, because sometimes I need a bigger or smaller one for my activities and now I've got the perfect bag for Las Vegas: The Anti-Theft Metro Small Crossbody from Travelon is both the ideal size, but it's also chic and classic looking. I can go straight from the airport to The Strip. Let's check it out!

Right off the bat, the new Metro collection spoke to me, with it's two-tone material, giving it a classy, yet sort of sporty look. The top looks like waterproof vinyl and then you have a heathered material on the front. Both are actually a water- and stain-resistant polyester, which makes it a great bag for my jaunts around rainy Portland, too.

This bag is more than just great looking. It's not going to stand out in the crowd as a traveler's bag, so you won't be pegged as a tourist when you're in a crowded area with lurking pickpockets. Even if they do decide you are one to rob, they're going to be pretty disappointed, since this bag has two locking compartments and a locking clip on the strap that allows you attach your bag to a chair, table or other immovable object when chilling or eating.

The strap is also fully adjustable, so you can fix it for your body. A man or woman can carry this. It's also slash-proof, along with the body of the bag. Anyone wanting to steal this from you will have to drag you along with it. Nobody's going to go through that much trouble for whatever you have in here.

The front compartment is a patch pocket with a zipper that only opens along the top and three quarters of one side. You might think this is going to be awkward, but it's not. The best part about this is that your compartment can't flop open and spill everything out on the ground. I've totally had that happen to me before. This compartment has RFID-blocking technology for your credit cards and your passport (in fact, two passports can fit in this slip pocket, in case you're traveling with another person and you want everything in one place. 

There's a second large slip pocket here, too. I used it for my phone, but you can use it for sunglasses or other things you need to keep secure. 

There's a large zipper pocket behind this larger compartment. It's pretty deep, and had more than enough room for my large back-up battery (and then some). I like the chunky zipper on here. It gives The bag extra personality and fits with the different material feel.

The back of the bag has a large slip pocket that can throw your maps or guidebooks in. It fit my Kindle Fire, and will fit my iPad mini for the plane. If you use a point and shoot camera on your trips, this is a perfect place to stash it, since it's right up against your body. I'd also use this for a scarf/wrap, when I need a little extra coverage.

Let's talk about the main compartment. It's deceiving, because it's much larger than you expect with the slim silhouette of this bag. I threw some snacks, my coin purse, a packet of tissues and a bottle of hand sanitizer. 

This compartment has another zipper pocket for organization, where I'd keep my kip balm and other necessities. It's pretty deep as well. 

Here are all the things I was able to get in this purse and still had room left for items I might have forgotten or things I pick up along the way. The red bag is a super small packable reusable bag, which I take along with me for groceries and other purchases. 

I'll be taking this bag with me on my week-long trip to Vegas, so you'll be seeing a log of photos of me carrying it around while sightseeing, eating and getting in my million steps along the way. You will probably see it featured in my pics of Scotland as well. It's not too big and it's not too small, which is exactly what I need in a travel bag.

It's very comfortable to carry and you're going to find it the perfect companion for your travels. it gives you peace of mind, has enough room for all your necessities without being bulky, plus the crossbody strap allows you to have your hands free for taking pictures, browsing at the farmer's market, and wrangling the kids. 

More details:

Where can I buy these totes? On the Travelon website

How much do they cost? $63 - Use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% to get my exclusive discount.

What colors do they come in? Black | Gray (shown) | Navy

Other specs: 9.75" x 10.75" x 2", Strap Length: 52.5", Strap Drop Length: 14"-19", polyester fabric 

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Where would you take this bag on your travels?

Disclosure: Travelon sent me the Anti-Theft Metro Small Crossbody for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Traveling Is Good For You

It's true! Traveling is good for you and your health. It makes us happier and more tolerant. It broadens our minds and teaches us new things. It helps us bond with others and make lasting memories. Even the process of planning a trip is good for us. Want to know more? Check out this infographic that will give you many, many reasons to start planning your next trip now.

photo credit

Where will you be going on your next trip?

Does A Cruise Vacation Float Your Boat?

Ah, a cruise. Is there anything as polarizing as a vacation on a giant cruise liner? When it comes to travel, the answer is almost definitely not. You’ll go on a solo trip, head to dangerous and exotic places, but you’ll stop short at bordering a glorified shed on water. 

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Sadly, the perception of a cruise vacation is enough to put most people off booking one, and you might find it enjoyable. You never know whether you will like something until you try it and scratch it from the list. With that in mind, the logical option is to weigh up the pros and cons and come to an informed decision, something most of us don’t do when it comes to travel!

To help, here is a selection of the pros and cons. After that, it’s up to you to make a decision.

Pros of Cruise Holiday

1. City Sampling 

Although you might be cooped up on a ship for a while, there are ample opportunities to get off the boat and explore. A typical cruise stops off at a variety of towns, cities and countries on the route and organizes transport to and from the port. Once in the hub of the action, you can discover what the place has to offer before heading back for dinner and drinks. For those that love to sample different cultures and places, this is the perfect type of vacation. Just be sure to book a package that includes sights which you find interesting.

2. Destination Choice

And, it’s not as if you’ll find it tough to book a cruise that isn’t in line with your needs and wants. As a general rule, there are hundreds if not thousands of itineraries regarding ships and their operators. Some might look the same, but delve into the route and you’ll find small and significant changes which could make or break your getaway. Start by choosing the vicinity, such as the Caribbean or Scandinavia, and tailor it until it’s a fine-tuned schedule that covers all the bases. It takes some thorough research yet it’s worth it when you experience the holiday of a lifetime.

3. Affordable Upgrade 

We all want to seat in a first-class seat 35,000ft in the air or stay in a suite at the Four Seasons, but it isn’t feasible. The sheer cost is too much to spend on a single flight or hotel and so most of us opt for the middle option. If you’re sick and tired or mediocre opulence, a cruise liner is the ultimate choice. Why? It’s because the difference between the middle of the road and first-class isn’t much money-wise. A business-class cabin is a couple of extra bucks but it comes with all the amenities you would expect from a sea view to premium dining. There might even be a free bar to subsidize the costs even more. 

4. Unpacking

Packing and unpacking is the bane of every traveler’s life. You’ve just taken everything out of your case only to find it has to go back in again and it’s annoying. A cruise is different because you’ll stay in the same bed every night for at least a week. So, there is less packing and that makes it feel more like home; it certainly removes the stress. What’s the difference between this and a hotel? In a hotel, you’re in the same place for seven days and don’t get to explore as many places.

Cons of Cruise Holiday

Of course, it’s not all picnics and rainbows as the following will show.

1. Safety 

It’s worth pointing out that cruises aren’t inherently dangerous. Around 20 million people board these ships every year according to The Travel, and only 16 have died up to 2011. Still, there is cause for concern when you’re out in the middle of the ocean, as the Titanic proved. Not only that, but the Hofmann Law Firm points out it’s one of the most dangerous professions, and, if it’s risky for the workers, it’s the same for the passengers. It is always worth checking out the safety features and considering your well being.

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2. Port Time

No, this isn’t a reference to the alcoholic beverage! As pointed out previously, cruise ships dock in lots of ports around the world for their guests; however, it still might not be enough. Travelers who like to spend time exploring a place will hate the fact that they are on a timer. Miss it and you will have to watch as your ride sails off into the sunset. If you’re the opposite of a city sampler, you will prefer organizing an adventure and setting your deadlines to avoid leaving frustrated.

3. Prices

The major problem is the price of amenities onboard the boat. The company in charge of the liner understands one thing: you’ve got nowhere to go. As a result, they can increase their prices for the likes of food and drink – the staples – and charge a small fortune. And, if you try to bypass it by bringing your own, they take it off you because it’s banned. Even if you get it through, you’ll have to spend the night running back and forth to the room to fill up your cup which is tiresome.

4. Amenities

Some of the things you’re accustomed to aren’t available onboard or are sub par. An internet connection is a perfect example. While it encourages you to socialize or unwind with a book, you might need wifi to keep in contact with the family. Plus, what if there’s an emergency – how will they get in touch? You can use mobile data but there’s an extra charge when you leave land so it could break the bank. Everybody wants to enjoy their vacation by switching off, but being off the grid isn’t always healthy.

It’s time to decide if the ship sails. So, do you say yay or nay to the idea of a cruise vacation?