When thinking about the best travel purses for women on the market today, every woman knows what makes a good travel purse for her.
With so many great features now available, the best traveling purse now is likely to be the best travel purse ever made. Many best travel pocketbooks come with anti-theft features such as RFID blocking and anti-tear fabric. Other best traveling bags are constructed with lightweight fabrics that make them easy to carry all day.
Whether you call your best travel purse is known as the best mom purse, the best travel shoulder bag or the best travel pocketbook, it comes down to finding the best bag for travel that will fit your needs precisely.
The best traveling bags come in many different styles, and all of these best purses for travel are reviewed in detail below. Women want their travel handbags to be stylish, functional and easy to carry. The best travel purse fits all of these needs and more.
Whether you prefer the best travel shoulder bag, the best crossbody purse, the best backpack purse or simply the best handbag for travel, you’ll find what you need in this comprehensive guide. Use the handy reference chart for summary information on the best purse for traveling.
If you prefer more detailed information, use the table of contents hot links to go directly to information on the best travel bag for you. Lastly, you can scan all the information on the good travel purse and travel purses reviews and feel confident that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you.
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Best Purse for Traveling – 2020
Name | Photo | Size | Safety Features | Type | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baggallini Everywhere Crossbody Bag |
| 10.5" high, 14" wide | RFID | Crossbody | CHECK |
Baggallini Melbourne Crossbody |
| 9" high, 11.5" wide | built-in wallet | Crossbody | CHECK |
Baggallini Quilted Crossbody |
| 8.5" wide, 8.5" long | RFID removable wristlet | Crossbody | CHECK |
Pacsafe Women's Stylesafe Anti-Theft Tote |
| 13" wide 19.7" long | zip closure, Carrysafe technology | Anti-theft | CHECK |
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS140 Anti-Theft Bag |
| 7.5" high 9.75" wide | anti-theft technology, RFID | Anti-theft | CHECK |
Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag |
| 11" high 10" wide | slash-resistant body construction, RFID | Anti-theft | CHECK |
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag |
| 8.5" wide 8.5" tall | Slash-resistant, locking compartments, RFID | Anti-theft | CHECK |
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Slim Double Zip |
| 9" wide 10" tall | anti-theft features, slash resistant, RFID | Anti-theft | CHECK |
Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bucket Bag |
| 14" high 10" wide | anti-theft features, slash resistant, RFID | Crossbody | CHECK |
Travelon Women's Anti-theft Heritage Small Crossbody |
| 10.5" high 7" wide | slash resistant, anti-theft features, RFID | Crossbody | CHECK |
Kate Spade New York Chester Street Crossbody |
| 11.5" high 11.3" wide | zipper closure | Crossbody | CHECK |
Kah&kee Polyester Anti-theft backpack purse |
| 15.8" high 10.6" wide | zip pockets, hidden back pockets | Backpack purse | CHECK |
Pincnel Waterproof Anti-theft Backpack Purse |
| 13" high 14" wide | anti-theft zipper design | Backpack purse | CHECK |
Mosiso Sling Backpack Purse |
| 15.3" high 7.5" wide | Top quality zipper design, durable materials | Backpack purse | CHECK |
Travistar Women's Multifunction Backpack Purse |
| 13" high 9" wide | Rugged design & Materials | Backpack purse | CHECK |
Sling Bag Unisex Backpack Bag |
| 14.6" High 8.7" wide | Safe button, rugged design | Backpack purse | CHECK |
TUMI Voyageur Canton Crossbody |
| 10.2" high 10.6" wide | TUMI Tracer, Tegris strength, ballistic fabric | Crossbody | CHECK |
TUMI Voyageur Siam Crossbody Bag |
| 13.5" high 11" wide | TUMI Tracer, Tegris strength, ballistic fabric | Crossbody | CHECK |
TUMI Voyageur Troy Leather Crossbody |
| 8.3" wide 7.1" long | TUMI Tracer, Tegris strength | Crossbody | CHECK |
Rebecca Minkoff Medium Julian Backpack Purse |
| 10" wide 10.75"long | Extra-strong zippers | Backpack purse | CHECK |
OGIO Brooklyn Travel Purse |
| 11.25" wide 11.75" high | hidden zippers, padded compartments | Anti-theft | CHECK |
Satchelli Crossbody Bag |
| 12" wide 10" high | RFID wristlet | Crossbody | CHECK |
Best Traveling Handbags – Styles & Features
Travel Shoulder Bags
Travel shoulder bags are what might be considered the traditional best travel handbag. Used by women for decades, these bags have one or more straps so the bag can be worn on either shoulder.
These travel shoulder bags come in a wide array of styles, sizes, colours and fabrics. This type of bag appeals to many for this reason! Leather is the traditional choice for material and is widely considered the most durable. Lighter fabrics like nylon, straw and polyester are often favoured by travelers.
With new technology available now, many of the best travel shoulder bags have straps that are constructed so that they are anti-cut and anti-tear, making them less easy to steal. These bags also come with RFID blocking cards, credit card slots and more safety features.
Travel Cross Body Purses and Travel Messenger Bags
Travel crossbody bags often the favourite of female travelers for their versatility and easy to carry features.
The best crossbody bags for travel are similar to travel shoulder bags but feature a longer and often thicker strap such that the bag can be worn across the body rather than directly on the shoulder. This usually makes the travel bag feel more secure on the body. The best travel crossbody travel bags now have great organization features so that all of your necessities are easy to find.
Travel cross body bags come in a wide variety of sizes, styles and colours.
The best messenger bags are very similar to crossbody bags, but messenger bags are often bigger and wider. They are also known as carryalls.
Purse Backpacks
The best backpack purses for travel are the perfect answer to keeping your hands free while traveling.
These fashionable travel backpacks have one or two shoulder straps and can be carried by both or by just one like a shoulder bag. The best women’s backpack purses come in many sizes from quite small to as large as you wish.
The best convertible backpack purse for travel often comes with several external pockets to store items you want to access easily.
Great Travel Purses – Detailed Reviews for 2020
Best Crossbody Bags
Baggallini Everywhere Crossbody Bag
This is definitely one of the best crossbody bags for travel out there.
From respected bag manufacturer Baggallini, this best travel crossbody purse comes in a wide variety of colours (more than 10!). It has thoughtfully designed pockets and specifically-sized compartments to hold all of your travel essentials safely.
This best crossbody travel purse is super lightweight so you’ll be comfortable carrying it all day during long days seeing the sights. The nylon fabric is water-resistant and extremely durable to last you for years. I think this is the best lightweight travel purse.
This best crossbody travel bag comes with the reliable RFID blocking technology so that you don’t have to worry about thieves skimming your personal information from credit cards or passports.
This lightweight crossbody bag has a 52″ adjustable crossbody strap, and comes with a sleeve so you can slip it onto your luggage handle. You can fit a 10″ tablet inside the main compartment. This is the best purse for tablet.
Amazon reviews on this bag are almost universally positive with buyers reporting this bag as the perfect purse and many having the bag in multiple colours.
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Best Travel Purses – Tumi Voyageur Canton Crossbody Bag
No guide to the top travel purses would be complete without at least a few genuine TUMI bags. These exceptional bags almost deserve a category of their own.
TUMI bags are obsessively engineered to be the best bags in the world and perfect for all of your traveling needs. Manufactured with FXT ballistic fabric with a unique weave and special coating to make it extra durable, TUMI bags are so durable you’re likely to leave it to your favourite daughter in your will!
This beautiful crossbody bag comes in 8 gorgeous colours, and has a zip entry to the main compartment with a locking zipper pull, and a quick-access back pocket with a magnetic snap. There’s also a detachable leather key ring, and a fully adjustable crossbody strap.
Inside this bag you’ll find 3 media pockets, a zip pocket with the famous TUMI tracer, a card pocket, a pen pocket and another ring for keys.
This bag will fit your iPad Air and almost everything else you’ll need for a day of sightseeing.
Amazon reviewers report that this bag is stylish with an excellent width-to-depth ratio. The main compartments are well-designed, and the entire bag is sturdy, much lighter than leather, and easy to wipe off. It is also water resistant.
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Baggallini Melbourne Crossbody
This is another great crossbody bag from Baggallini. Available in 7 colours, this best crossbody travel purse is smart and stylish with gold hardware adding a luxury touch. It’s easy to stay organized with this bag with the built-in wallet with a removable wristlet.
The fabric is lightweight and water resistant so this best crossbody for travel will be easy for you to carry crossbody all day and into the night too. The fabric is textured to resemble leather.
Although this bag is compact, you can fit a surprising number of items inside. Exterior pockets on the front (6″ deep) are helpful to add to the overall capacity of this beautiful bag.
The strap on this best travel purse crossbody is adjustable to fit any height and shape. While it is advertised as a crossbody bag it can also be used a shoulder bag.
The small compartment in front is suitable for a mobile phone, although reviewers have noted that phones with bulky cases don’t fit well in this compartment.
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Baggallini Quilted Pocket Crossbody with RFID
I really love this affordable and stylish best sling bag for women. This is the smallest of the 3 Baggallini crossbody bags that we’re featuring and it’s a real winner.
Made with Nylon and coming in 4 colours, this best small crossbody purse includes a removable RFID wristlet to keep your credit cards, passports and other valuable items in so you can be sure they’re protected.
The exterior of this best sling bag for travel has a quick access phone pocket, and the inside features nice organizational sections and multi-functional pockets. I love the quilted exterior – it’s a very stylish look. It even has a tethered key clip inside!
Amazon reviewers for this best cross body purse for travel note it is water resistant, and the outside pocket has enough space for a larger mobile phone. It holds a surprisingly large amount of things for its small size.
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Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag
One of the best crossbody travel bags that we’re featuring from Travelon, this best sling bag comes in more than 10 colours, great to suit all tastes. It’s the perfect bag for a first trip to Paris.
With locking compartments, a slash-resistant chain-link body construction, this best anti theft sling bag will keep all your things safe and secure while you’re out and about whether at home, work or traveling. The shoulder strap is adjustable and cable reinforced. It is cut-proof!
There are two mesh expansion pockets that are great for holding your travel accessories like a water bottle and umbrella – perfect for those long days of sightseeing in Europe. There’s also a removable LED light for when you need to shine a little light on something in this great travel purses for Europe.
The main compartment of this large cross body purse is roomy and should be easily able to carry your important belongings as you go about your day.
This anti theft cross body bag will easily hold an iPad Mini or Kindle reader.
Amazon reviewers report that the fabric of this bag is easily wiped clean, which can be great for keeping the bag looking new. The strap is easily adjustable, handy for those days when you need to move the bag into different positions around your body. Although the material is easy to clean, it can be a bit slippy and fall off your shoulder easily.
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Kate Spade Chester Street Leather Crossbody Bag
Who doesn’t love a genuine designer bag by fashion icon Kate Spade? I know I do :-)
This best leather crossbody purse comes in five beautiful colours and is a genuine Kate Spade New York shoulder bag completed with gold toned hardware. The gold toned embossed logo is featured on the front of the bag.
The top has a zippered closure and there is a front zip pocket with a tasseled zipper pull. Very nice indeed.
The interior of this cute crossbody purse features custom Kate Spade fabric lining, 1 zip pocket and 1 slip pocket. This bag is perfect for a day out and is big enough to carry your daily essentials. The bag can be worn crossbody or on the shoulder
Amazon reviewers of this Kate Spade bag confirm that it is authentic Kate Spade. It is described as an excellent value for the price. It comes with the appropriate Kate Spade tag as well as a small booklet. The bag will fit a larger mobile phone in a case in the outside zippered pocket. The bag is described by many reviewers as exactly as advertised with a classic top-notch look and feel.
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Satchelli Crossbody Bag
Last but by no means least, this crossbody bag packs a lot of punch for the price. It is one of the best travel handbags for the price.
This bag include a luggage handle sleeve so that it can be easily attached to other pieces of luggage, like wheeled backpacks. The crossbody strap is fully adjustable so the bag can be comfortably worn by women of different shapes and sizes. The RFID wristlet will keep your credit cards and passports safe.
You’ll stay organized with this bag, as it has two interior and four exterior zip pockets. Made with water resistant nylon and premium zippers, this is a bag that is built to last. There’s also a side pocket that is perfect for stashing your water bottle.
Amazon reviewers report that this is the perfect sized bag for travel. It is lightweight and easy to carry. The strap is thick and comfortable to wear. It can easily fit a tablet or e-reader. It is an extremely functional bag and one of the best handbags for travel.
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Best Sling Bags for Travel
Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-body Bucket Bag
This fashionable anti-theft bag from Travelon is a real winner. With a locking main compartment plus an organization compartment with RFID blocking technology, this bag will suit most women’s needs very well.
The body of this best purse for travel abroad is manufactured with slash resistant fabric, and the shoulder strap is also slash-resistant. There are two mesh expansion pockets that are suitable to hold a 1 litre water bottle and an umbrella. It’s very handy to keep these items outside of the main compartments of the bag, just in case of leaks or wet weather.
This best travel purse for Europe is a great size for carrying all the items you need on a day to day basis, or on a day of sightseeing through Europe or Asia. You can easily fit an e-reader or iPad mini in this bag. At just 1.1 pounds, this bag won’t weigh you down. This is the bag I used for a recent recent trip to Europe.
The shoulder strap is long enough to wear cross body, even if you’re on the taller side like me. This bag is big enough to hold a regular camera as well.
Amazon reviewers rave about this bag and report that it fits everything you need for a long day of sightseeing. The end pockets will fit either a 16oz or 23oz water bottle with ease. This bag is also good to use as a DSLR camera bag, as it’s big enough to hold lenses as well as the camera.
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Travistar Women Multifunction shoulder bag Canvas Backpack Purse
This backpack purse has a great vintage look. Available in 4 great colours, this canvas backpack purse has a unique multi-functional design that lets you change its look and function easily and quickly.
This backpack purse can be used as a backpack, a shoulder bag, a crossbody bag or a handbag. It’s 4 bags in 1!
Made of high-quality canvas, this backpack purse is breathable and washable. This is a very convenient feature, especially for those of us who carry snacks with us.
The backpack purse has one large main compartment, 2 small inner open pockets and one exterior zippered pocket. There is also a backside zipper that is suitable for carrying your mobile phone or other small items.
This is a large capacity backpack purse in a classic design and simple style. This bag is suitable for all ages and useful for travel, work, school and daily use.
This best convertible backpack purse is large enough to hold a small laptop or large tablet. This is an all over best crossbody bag.
Amazon reviews for this backpack purse note that it may not be suitable for petite women. The canvas material is described as great quality with sturdy zippers. The straps are thick and comfortable, and the bag looks and feels well-made. Reviewers really appreciate the convertible nature of this backpack purse.
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Sling bag Shoulder Backpack
This mid-size sling bag is suitable for both men and women! With its simple yet elegant design, this durable and lightweight sling bag for travel is sure to please both men and women.
This bag is water resistant and anti-scratch. Manufactured with nylon oxford fabric and leather on the bottom of the bag, this bag is durable and will last you for years. This is sturdy bag.
The front of the bag has a safe button and 2 large storage compartments to organize all of your possessions. The compartment is large enough to store an e-reader or iPad, plus a camera and water bottle – perfect for traveling. There are also two small zippered pockets – one in the front and one in the back – that can hold your mobile, cards, cash and anything else.
This sling bag is comfortable and fashionable. The strap is adjustable and breathable, with padded, air mesh for a more comfortable carrying experience. This bag can work as a shoulder bag, a crossbody bag, a sling bag or a backpack. Perfect for walking through cities or hiking in the woods.
Amazon reviewers have noted that this is the perfect Mom bag, big enough for all the things that two young children might need. The bag is easy to carry and hold the hands of two children. Other reviewers have commented on the great quality of the bag and the sturdy construction.
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TUMI Voyageur Siam Crossbody Bag
This second fabulous TUMI bag exhibits the product quality that TUMI is famous for. With meticulous attention to every detail, TUMI stands behind their products and goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. I think this is the best purse for European travel given it’s beautiful styling and excellent capacity.
This excellent crossbody bag comes in 3 colours and features an Omega closure system, patented by TUMI, that reduces the risk of damage to the zipper, making replacing zippers entirely unnecessary. The main compartment of this bag has a locking zipper pull and there is a double zip entry to the front u-zip pocket. The back pocket has a quick-access pocket with a magnetic snap. The strap on this bag is fully adjustable.
Inside this best purse for traveling in Europe you’ll find 4 media pockets, a zip pocket with the TUMI tracer inside, card pocket, pen pocket and key leash.
Amazon reviews on this bag are 100% positive with raves about the quality and functionality. It has a perfect capacity, allowing for a convenient hands-free day. The strap is so adjustable that it is perfect for people of any size. I think this is the perfect bag to use on a quick trip to Vancouver!
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Ogio Brooklyn Traveler Purse
This travel purse is excellent value for the money, and stylish too.
This purse is specifically designed to be used as a tablet purse so if you’re a traveler who loves to travel with an iPod or other kind of tablet, this is definitely the right purse for you.
Available in 6 colours, this purse has a crossbody strap with button accents. The front flap is designed to hide a zippered pocket, and two large main compartments have lots of space for all your travel essentials. There is a padded tablet pocket as well as a padded base to provide extra cushion for your tablet.
There is also a fully featured organization panel and a high visibility liner. Perfect for travel! The crossbody strap has a drop of 21″ and a length of 42″.
Amazon reviewers rave about this bag and cannot say enough good things about it. The only complaint was the lack of a dedicated key fob. The interior of the bag is reportedly huge and both interior pockets are sized such that you don’t lose things inside. The liner of the bag is exceptional and a beautiful fabric.
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Best Backpack Purse
Kah & Kee Polyester Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
This best travel purse backpack really does the job! Whether you need to carry a few more things with you during your travels or if you like to carry a laptop when you travel, this backpack purse is the right one for you.
With a front external pocket, a main zippered pocket and two back zippered pocket, this backpack purse can hold all your gear safely, and then some. The design of the back zippered pocket deters theft, as the pocket will be against your body when you carry this backpack purse.
There is a padded laptop pocket inside the main compartment of this bag, and it will fit a 14.2″ laptop easily, such as a 12′ Macbook. This best purse backpack for travel has sturdy shoulder strap, and a handy side pocket hanging loop so you safely stow your keys or hang something cute from the end of your backpack purse.
Amazon reviewers are very positive on this backpack purse, stating that it was excellent to use as a carry-on, a hand bag as well as a work bag. The quality of the canvas material is noted as quite high, and it withstood rain well.
The top zippered pocket of this backpack purse opens quite wide and easily fit a 12.5″ laptop. This is a great bag for a great roadtrip from Vancouver to Banff or roadtrips through British Columbia!
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Pincnel Travel Purse Backpack
This best travel backpack purse is a real winner!
Manufactured in leather and nylon fabric and available in 7 different colours, this backpack purse is a very fashionable choice for travel. Featuring two exterior zippered pockets, side pockets and 2 interior pockets, this backpack purse will safely carry all of your valuable possessions with ease.
Complete with two adjustable shoulder straps as well as a secondary detachable carry strap suitable for use on the shoulder, this backpack purse is large enough to stow your iPad Pro, a 10″ laptop plus all of your other things as well.
This best purse backpack is waterproof as well! With its many-pocketed design, your belongings can be well organized for your travels.
Amazon reviewers are very positive on this backpack purse, stating that this backpack purse is neither too big or too small. It has a place for a water bottle and the zippered compartments are at the back of the bag to deter potential thieves.
A 22oz water bottle will not fit in the side pockets, but it can easily accommodate a 9.7″ iPad, Kindle, notebook, and more.
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Mosiso Sling Backpack
This is a very cute backpack purse, available in a enormous variety of colours and patterns – more than 30!
This best convertible backpack purse has a larger zippered compartment that is big enough to house your iPad Air, iPad Pro, e-reader or tablet. The smaller zippered compartment on the front of the backpack purse is suitable for your mobile phone, powerbank, wallet and other bits and pieces.
The sides of this pretty backpack purse have 2 mesh pockets that work great for water bottles and umbrellas. Perfect for carrying all your traveling necessities!
There is a flexible shoulder strap that can be extended to a length of 36″ to perfectly fit your body and how you want to wear this back pack purse. The shoulder strap is breathable so the bag is comfortable to wear even on hot days.
This best sling bag for travel is manufactured with a durable and water repellent polyester with great quality zippers.
Amazon reviews on this cheap backpack purse are very positive, with some glowing reviews stating that this is the best bag they’ve ever purchased. This best travel bag for women is very comfortable to carry and is large enough to fit all of your daily necessities. Most reviews comment on the large variety of colours and patterns available, and the durability of the bag.
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Rebecca Minkoff Medium Julian Backpack
This best leather backpack purse is definitely one of the best. This genuine Rebecca Minkoff best designer crossbody bag for travel comes complete with a dust bag.
Made of cowhide and convertible for use as a backpack, a purse or a sling bag this is the ultimate travel bag. The inside of this bag has pockets for credit cards, and the zipper pocket is large enough for a large mobile phone. The inside pockets are useful for small items like lip balm, hand sanitizer and cosmetics.
The leather is soft and sturdy, and the size of this bag is perfect for travel. An overall great travel purse for quality, beauty and long-lasting use.
Amazon reviewers of this bag report that this travel bag is made of lovely soft leather that feels good in the hand. The bag is the perfect size for all your necessities, and the security of the clasp makes you feel that your things are securely inside. It’s very comfortable to wear on the shoulders or to carry by hand. Large mobile phones fit well in this bag. This may be the best backpack purse for Mom’s.
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Best Small Purse for Travel
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
This best lightweight purse comes in more than 15 colours so there’s sure to be one that’s just right for you!
This classic small shoulder bag has a main compartment with an organizer and RFID blocking to protect your credit cards and passports (don’t forget to make sure they aren’t expiring soon!). There are also two wall pockets, a zip mesh pocket and a couple of pen loops. Lots of great details.
There’s a front front zip compartment with mesh zip pocket inside as well as a rear zip pocket. Keep those zippers shut tight and no one will be able to get inside and get your valuables.
The anti-theft features of this lightweight travel purse are impressive. The bag is made with slash-resistant fabric and together with the locking compartments and the RFID blocking, this bag will stand up to any other security bag out there on the market. A carabiner strap is great for looping around a chair while you’re in a restaurant.
This best women’s travel purse will comfortable fit an iPad min or Kindle e-reader. The front pocket will fit an average mobile phone, but a larger mobile phone may have to be stashed inside the main compartment of the bag. This bag works best when worn crossbody.
Amazon reviews of this best travel purse for women are almost universally positive. Reviewers say that it has all the features of larger bags without the bulk, expense and hassle. It’s one of the best lightweight purses.
The strap is adjustable to a drop of almost 30″, so if you’re extra-tall, this is the bag for you. Another reviewer has noted that while this bag is slash-resistant, it is not slash proof.
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Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Slim Double Zip Crossbody
This is among the smallest Travelon bag that we’re featuring, but it sure packs a punch. It comes in 5 different colours, and features full anti-theft features including locking compartments, slash-resistant construction and a fully adjustable strap.
The main compartment of this best small purse for travel is quite roomy, and has RFID blocking for protection of your credit cards and passports. There is a zippered wall pocket and a tethered key clip as well as an LED light to brighten up those dark places.
This best purse for traveling abroad has a slim profile and it hugs your body comfortably on those long travel days. There are two zip pockets on the front of the best small travel purse that are perfect for keys, cosmetics or sunglasses. At a weight of just 9.6 ounces, you’ll hardly notice you’re carrying this best purse for air travel!
The sling strap for this best cross body purse is a total of 52″ long, with a drop of 27-30 inches. The bag can be worn crossbody or on the shoulder.
Amazon reviewers love this bag. The interior is roomy enough for up to 8 credit cards, a cell phone, a Kindle, cosmetics, a tissue packet and a guide book. Sadly, there’s not enough room for an umbrella. The compartments are well thought out and imminently practical. Many reviewers call this smart bag their go-to travel purse.
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Travelon Women’s Anti-theft Heritage Small Cross body Bag
This is the last Travelon purse we’re featuring and it’s the smallest one too. This is a classic looking small crossbody purse, perfect for when you need just a small bag and don’t want to feel the weight of anything larger. It comes in 4 lovely colours.
The main compartment of this best lightweight purse locks and has an RFID blocking pocket so that your credit cards and passports are safe. There are two open top wall pockets and a tethered key clip to with a handy LED light inside as well
The fabric of this small bag is slash resistant, as is the long adjustable shoulder strap. The shoulder strap has a drop of 26″, which is plenty long enough for the taller women amongst us.
This best purse for international travel weighs just 13.4 ounces – so light you almost won’t feel it! You can wear this bag as a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag.
The Amazon reviews for this best purse for travel in Europe are quite positive, with reviewers using it as a great bag for walking the dog and for travel. It is described as large enough to hold everything you might need for the day. The outside zippered pocket is large enough to hold a phone. The strap on this bag is described as rigid, which would reflect the stainless steel reinforcement in the strap.
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TUMI Voyageur Troy Leather Crossbody
This excellent TUMI leather crossbody purse for travel has a fabric lining. Externally, this bag has a double-zipper main compartment as well as a double-zippered front U-shaped pocket. There’s also a quick-access phone pocket with a magnetic snap.
This beautiful bag has a top handle as well as a removable and adjustable crossbody strap so you can carry this bag in many ways. For travel this bag is easiest to carry with the crossbody strap, and if you’re home and just going about your day the top handle might be the easiest way to use this bag.
Internal features of this bag include a zip pocket with the ever-present TUMI tracer, a media pocket, card pocket and key leash.
This best travel purse for Italy will fit an iPad mini without a case. It will easily carry a smallish camera, glasses, wallet and mobile hone.
Amazon reviewers of this bag report that there is more space in this bag than first imagined. You won’t be able to fit your full-size wallet in this bag but it will hold your Kindle e-reader. A reviewer remarked that this was the perfect size bag to use as a crossbody bag.
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Best Anti-Theft Purse
Pacsafe Stylesafe Anti-theft Tote
This is the best safe travel purse for the security conscious traveler. I really recommend anti-theft purses for visits to Paris and other crowded cities.
This is a lightweight, easy-carry anti-theft travel bag constructed with durable polyester embossed taffeta. The strap is durable and made with Carrysafe technology, which a built-in stainless steel wire. This creates a very strong fibre that resists cutting. Pickpockets don’t stand a chance with this anti theft travel purse.
This anti theft purse for travel also comes with a crossbody strap so it’s a very versatile bag.
This RFID crossbody bag also comes with a turn & lock hook system for extra security. The front exterior has a lockable zip pocket as well as hidden extra pockets. RFID technology is also included.
This bag is excellent and secure bag for traveling that is also useful for everyday. If security is your concern, this could be the best anti-theft travel purse for you.
Amazon reviewers have reported that this bag is light, durable and secure. The zippers held up well. The bag is a bit large for everyday walking around, unless you need to carry more items than average with you.
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Pacsafe Metrosafe LS140 Anti-Theft Compact Shoulder Bag
This is a best purse to travel with for women concerned about security, and who don’t want to carry a large bag.
Made of lightweight, anti-theft fabric, this best women’s purse has multiple pockets for organization. Constructed with hidden Exomesh slash guard technology with stainless steel wire mesh embedded into the fabric, pickpockets don’t stand a chance against this bag.
Additional security features include a security clip for your keys and smart zipper security for multiple lock-down points. RFID blocking is also present in the main compartment of this stylish travel purse.
The straps on this best shoulder bag for travel are adjustable and also padded. This RFID bag is also appropriate for a man to use! This bag is large enough to hold an iPad mini.
Amazon reviews of this bag report that this best lightweight handbag is better looking in person than in the photos. It has a lot of room inside. The strap is a bit stiff due to the presence of stainless-steel wire, but the reviewers report that this soon becomes softer. This bag really has glowing reviews – buyers are almost universally happy with it.
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Tips to Keep Your Backpack Purses for Women Safe
(also applies to Cross body bag for travel, target purses, Kenneth Cole purses, shoulder purse, purses with built in wallets and lots more)
The worst-case scenario is that a thief manages to empty one of your best crossbody bags or outright steal it when you’re traveling.
Hopefully, you’ve already taken some preliminary steps to mitigate this worst-case scenario, such as:
- Never carry your Passport in your best purse ever. Leave it in the hotel room safe and if you must, keep a photocopy or photo of your passport with you.
- Always split up your cash. Don’t carry it all with you in your traveler leather purse. Only have what you need for the day in your travelers purse and leave the rest secured in your hotel room.
- Split the cash you must carry in your best designer travel purse between you and your travel partner. It’s unlikely that you’ll both be the victims of theft so at least some of your cash will be intact.
- keep photos and paper copies of all of your credit and cash cards in your hotel room so that if your cards are stolen, you have the numbers for easy reference when you call the bank and credit card company
- Travel with 2 credit cards, one of which you leave safe in your hotel room
To help prevent the theft of your backpack or purse for travel or of the removal of items within the bag, here are some handy tips:
- try not to linger in areas that don’t feel safe or are well known as areas of crime.
- Never hang your purse for travelling on the back of a chair in a public place. Keep it on your lap and/or attached to your body
- don’t leave your waterproof travel purse in a shopping cart or stroller.
- Don’t leave one of your best travel purses for Europe at a restaurant table while you use the toilet or while perusing the buffet
- don’t hang your bag on the hook on a restroom door. Or, if you do, loop your stylish travel purses around so it can’t be easily grabbed from the outside
- always be alert, particularly in crowded tourist areas. Tourist scams are a common way to relieve you of your best leather travel purse.
- try to avoid walking on the edge of a sidewalk closest to the street
These tips aren’t meant to scare you, but merely to help keep you and your valuables safe when traveling.
Is your favourite stylish crossbody bags for travel on this list? Which one is the right one for you? Let me know in the comments below!
Wow great list of travel purses. I guess it is the one important thing we should take care about before we travel. Amazing pictures too. Thanks for such a great list.
Thanks for your comment, Nishi!
OOOOO yes!! I was looking SPECIFICALLY for a new backpack purse for my travels!
Thanks for your comment, Kay – so glad I was able to help!
I do like a backpack when I travel, since I don’t end the day with one sore shoulder from carrying all of the weight on one side of my body. The Kah and Kee backpack seems to be designed with anti-theft in mind AND it’s pretty stylish to my mind!
Thanks for your comment, Katherine. I really like that backpack purse too – it sure ticks a lot of boxes!
Very thorough list and breakdown of each purses’ pros/cons!
Thanks for your comment, Katie – I really appreciate it 🙂
What a fantastic curated list of travel bags! I love how you included options for all different styles and budgets. That little TUMI black leather crossbody would be perfect for a day in the city. So cute!
Thanks for your comment, Carrie Ann. I love that TUMI bag too – soo tempting!
I have been all over the world with LeSportsac. It is either a shoulder bag or cross-body. It weighs next to nothing. I spray it with ScotchGard before I leave so it is waterproof. I recommend it highly! 🙂
Thanks for your comment, Sue. I’ll take a look at it!
Ah! I so needed this post two months ago when my mom and I were purse shopping for Alaska! Pinning for next time!
Thanks for your comment, Lindsay. Sorry I wasn’t able to write this post sooner 😉
such good advise! I need like all of these right now haha. Great article!
Thanks for your comment, Denise. There are so many great travel purses available, it’s hard to choose!
Now I think I need to go shopping! Time to pick one of these up 🙂
Thanks for your comment, Sam. Good luck with your shopping!
What a great list, with so many different bag type options. It’s great how many purses are including RFID technology now too!
Thanks for your comment, Lana. I think including RFID technology in these great travel purses is a real step forward too.
What a comprehensive list of bags and I needed a new one too! I love that you’ve thoroughly researched the reviews and compiled everything into a table. I get so overwhelmed with the choice on Amazon, you’ve really saved me a ton of time! Thanks!
Thanks for your comment, Natasha 🙂 I’m so glad I was able to help you find the best travel purse.
Travel purses are so critical, especially when it comes to safety for female solo travellers. Thanks for the great recommendations!
Thanks for your comment, Lydia. The best travel purses are so critical for me too!
You’ve made me want to go shopping! I really like the backpack style right now. Especially the Pincnel one! Awesome selection you’ve put together.
Thanks for your comment, Roxanne. I really love a lot of the travel purses I featured too 🙂
I hate shopping for this sort of thing, but it’s so important to get it right as it can make or break your trip if it’s uncomfortable or breaks on day one. Great guide that saves so much time searching!
Thanks for your comment, Lauren. I think choosing a great travel purses is critical too.
I am always confused when it comes to buying travelling stuff cause I have so many requirements haha! Thanks for the handy guide!
Thanks for your comment, Val. I think it’s important to choose the right travel purse because it’s with you every day!
Thanks for doing all this research on bags. I love bags and always travel with too many.
Thanks for your comment, Sharyn. I love bags too 🙂
Wow, that’s a really informative posts about travel purses, loving it! Definitely will come back and read again when I need a new (or more secure) one! Thanks!
Thanks for your comment, Alex. I loved doing this research on the best travel purses and I’m so glad it was helpful to you 🙂
Oh dear, this is dangerous post for me! So many great options for every trip. I think you for sharing – my wallet does not! Ha ha!
Thanks for your comment, Amy. The best travel purses are so much fun to read and research about 🙂
So many bags! What a thorough post! The anti theft bags and wallets are sadly more and more popular these days as they are much more needed! Thanks for this!
Thanks for your comment, Lauren. It’s important to stay safe when traveling and it sure doesn’t hurt if your RFID purse is also stylish and pretty 🙂
Very useful post! I have been needing to get a new travel purse, so this is perfect. I tend to like the cross body one’s when traveling. Thank you!
Thanks for your comment, Vanessa. I love the crossbody travel purses too!
wow!! so many great things and amazing pictures.
Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Mahima – it was definitely my pleasure.