My best purchase was a SMALL, microfiber day-bag with shoulder strap that fit snug under my arm.
Dave's "girlie-man" bag
Here went the map, kleenex (see toiletries), guidebook, pen, small digital camera and bottle of water.
Also a slim money-belt "wallet" that hid under my outer clothes for passport and money/credit cards to frustrate the thieves on the Metro, at Eiffel Tower, Pigalle, and Versailles.Good professional and broken-in walking shoes (Mephisto, Ecco, Dansko, with arch supports, whatever works for you). Don't underestimate this tip. Your feet will KILL you if you do.
Also shirts/blouses made with synthetic, wrinkle-resistant fibers. One decent black outfit for the opera, upscale dinners, etc.Lots of Euro coins for public toilets. Don't leave the hotel without 'em. Put some kleenex in your day bag also for tp.


