 You're headed off on the big vacation, bubbling over with anticipation of exotic locations, enticing cuisine, and adventurous escapades. It's an exciting time indeed! Among the myriad concerns you have getting ready for a trip, it's a good idea for women to take a moment and think about travel purses. That's right -- you may want a special purse just for travel.
Seasoned travelers often have special travel purses that they pull out when they're going to hit the road. Personally, I have a healthy back bag that's covered many thousands of miles with me. If you see a picture of me in Argentina or Alaska, you're apt to see the same trusty travel purse. Why? Because it works! I know it has room for everything I need to take, I know its compartments inside and out, and I have my system down for what goes where. It's comfortable, sturdy, and holding up perfectly well after all its globetrotting.
Of course, travel purses need to fit your individual needs, which may not be the same as mine. And as with anything, there are always trade-offs, like weight vs. durability.
The biggest factor to think about is what you'll need to carry. This determines how big a purse do you need, and how you'll want it organized. Some people are minimalists, and like a small purse that can hold a passport, credit cards, eyedrops, lipstick and not a lot more. They'll want a smaller travel purse, that could possibly fit under a jacket.
When I travel, I find myself carrying a lot more than that, and a lot more than I do at home. I'll have the wallet (extra stuffed with multiple currencies and all those big Euro coins), a camera (and sometimes videocamera too), hotel and travel documents, a map, guidebook, hairbrush, makeup, small notebook & pen, iPod, and more. That's why I gravitated toward larger travel purses, and found one that's good for my back when I have to carry it for hours on end.
Now one drawback to the larger purse I should mention... Occasionally you'll find that a travel companion keeps asking "can you stick this in your purse?" Now that's fine to a point, but if you end up carrying half their gear around, you may have to draw the line somewhere! 
 Also, while you're thinking about what you want to carry -- make sure that your travel purse has compartments that will fit your needs. There's an advantage to have lots of separate compartments. It makes you more organized, and reduces the time you have to spend digging through the big bag looking for something. If you want the camera, you know just where it is so you're not going to miss the shot. If the phone rings, you can get it in time. And you don't have to stand there digging through the bottomless bag looking for your money to buy an ice cream cone. (It's never good to make yourself look like a target!) Also, this way if you were pickpocketed or your purse did get slit, it would be harder for a thief to get away with everything.
 Continuing on the security theme, a number of purses have built-in security features. No matter where you go, there are apt to be some people who would love to rob you, and some destinations are particularly known for pickpockets and thieves. I love Italy (and can't wait to go back!), but make sure you watch your purse when you're there! Security travel purses can help you beat the thieves by having stainless steel wire mesh in the bottom of the purse and in the straps. THis makes it harder for somebody to cut through the purse to get your wallet. Some let you attach the strap to something else, making it harder for someone to grab off your shoulder. And some have latches for the zipper pulls, which will make it more difficult for a potential pickpocket to sneak in unnoticed. High-probability theft areas are also where a small purse under your jacket can be a good idea. If your purse isn't even visible as you walk down the street, then it won't be a temptation.
 Next, consider what kind of material you want the purse to be made of. Leather or thick nylon fabrics are common options. Weight is important (you may be carrying this many hours in a day of sightseeing!), but so is durability and overall appeal. Sometimes your purse may get some rough treatment while you're on the road -- stuffed under an airplane seat, beneath your feet on a train, or out in the rain as you sightsee in London. Think practical, and also think which you'll like to carry. If the classic feel of supple leather is important to you, then a leather travel purse could be worth a few extra ounces. Just make sure you won't worry about carrying that supple leather around in the rain, or scratching it up in your travels. You want a purse that works FOR you, not something else to worry about!
Finally, look at style. I'm a big believer in functionality first, but you want a travel purse you'll be happy carrying, not something that will make you feel like a dork as you walk around town. If you hate the way it looks, then you won't be happy with it.
Good travel purses can make your vacation easier, safer, and more enjoyable. And once you find the ideal travel purse for you, it may show up in your vacation photos for years to come. 
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Travel bags & purses