I think my slightly more expensive fashion sense comes from my job in Investment Banking – having to wear a suit and heels every day rubs off on you (even when traveling). But honestly, practicality and style can work together, I promise. However, it does take some good research to help you find the best travel purse for you.
When I first started solo traveling as a female, my mother gave me a piece of advice: have an ugly bag so no one will steal anything from you. I have come to learn, this is simply untrue (sorry Mom) – people may steal your things either way. That being said, when traveling solo, especially as a female, I recommend leaving your overly expensive designer items at home (& I mean that dusty old Hermès Birkin sitting in the bottom of your closet) – these types will obviously attract more eyes than usual.
However, this doesn’t mean you need to leave your fashion sense at home, too – you may as well be practical and stylish on your journey. So let’s talk about why it’s time to ditch that eyesore and upgrade to a travel purse that won’t make fellow travelers cringe.
Key Criteria for the Best Travel Purse
- Size Matters
- Compartments Galore
- Solid Material
- Convertible Options
- Bonus: Safety features (!)
Why Upgrade To Get the Best Travel Purse For You?
Style Meets Functionality
Picture this: You’re strolling through the charming streets of Paris, the Eiffel Tower peeking around every corner. Your travel purse? Stylish, sophisticated, and effortlessly blending with your outfit. It’s not just a bag; it’s an accessory that complements your style while holding your essentials.
Safety First, Adventure Always
A top-notch travel purse isn’t just about aesthetics, but it’s also about security. Look for features like anti-theft zippers, RFID-blocking pockets, and slash-resistant straps. These little details can thwart pickpockets and keep your valuables safe.
What to Look for in the Best Travel Purse
- Size Matters: Consider your travel style. Are you a minimalist packer or a “but what if I need six extra underwear” kind of traveler? Opt for a size that fits your essentials—passport, wallet, phone, sunglasses, and maybe a small notebook for jotting down memories.
- Compartments Galore: Organization is key! Look for a purse with multiple compartments, such as a designated spot for your passport, a zippered pocket for loose change, and a secret compartment for emergency chocolate.
- Solid Material: Choose a durable material that can withstand the rigors of travel such as leather, faux leather, or water-resistant fabrics – all of which are excellent options.
- Convertible Options: Versatility is your best friend. Find a travel purse that can transform from a crossbody to a clutch or even a backpack. Adaptability is essential when you’re hopping on trains, climbing stairs, or dancing at a beachside fiesta.
The Best Travel Purse: Your Sidekick for Adventure
So, what makes the ultimate travel purse? It’s the one that seamlessly combines style, safety, and practicality. Below I will share with you my favourite (and actually stylish) travel handbags that are suitable for all different kinds of travel.
1. Kate Spade Women’s Jackson Crossbody Leather Travel Handbag
The Kate Spade New York Jackson Top Zip Crossbody Leather Purse in black is a cute and practical choice for travelers. My sister owns this bag, and raves to me about how this is the best handbag for travel due to its size and quality. Its features make it an excellent travel companion:
Features:
- Compact Design: The purse’s dimensions of 10″L x 2″W x 9″H strike a balance between spaciousness and portability
- Organized Interior: Inside, you’ll find 1 slip pocket and 1 zip pocket, allowing you to keep your essentials neatly arranged
- Adjustable Shoulder Strap: The adjustable strap with an approximate 21″ drop ensures comfortable wear during your adventures
- Quality Material: Crafted from pebbled leather, this crossbody purse exudes sophistication
- Versatile Style: Whether you’re exploring a new city or attending a business meeting, the Kate Spade Jackson Top Zip Crossbody combines fashion and functionality
Positives:
- Quality: Reviewers have praised the quality of this bag, with the black leather material being well-crafted and durable
- Perfect Size: Customers find the size of this crossbody bag ideal, as it’s not too large or too small – making it suitable for everyday use
- Design: The bag’s design is stylish and versatile, which can easily complement various outfits
- Functional: The Harlow Medium Crossbody has compartments that allow you to organize your essentials efficiently
- Online Purchase Satisfaction: Despite initial reservations about ordering online, customers have been pleasantly surprised by the bag’s quality and appearance
Negatives:
- Small Size: This compact size may not accommodate larger travel items such as a towel or camera, although it does fit all other medium-sized items
- Expensive: May be a little out of some people’s budget, but the quality and durability of this product is absolutely worth it
Overall Impression: The Kate Spade Crossbody Shoulder Bag is a beautifully made purse with high-quality leather. While some users may find it small, others appreciate its perfect size for daily essentials. This would probably be one of my top three picks for the best crossbody purses for traveling!
2. CLUCI Two-Toned Vintage Gray Travel Backpack Purse
The CLUCI Two-Toned Vintage Gray Backpack Purse is a cute choice for travelers, so let’s take a look at the key features of the product, before diving into its pros and cons:
Features:
- Durable Material: Crafted from high-quality PU leather, this backpack purse is both fashionable and practical, and is perfect for carry-on luggage or walking tours. The reinforced stitching, gun-tone hardware, and soft fabric lining ensure longevity.
- Practical Structure: The backpack features a back zipper closure for effective anti-theft design. Inside, you’ll find:
- 1 main zipper compartment with 1 interior zipper pocket and 1 interior slot pocket.
- 2 side pockets and 1 front zipper pocket for additional organization.
- Ample space to fit your A4 books, iPad, cell phone, and other daily essentials.
- Dimensions & Weight: The backpack measures 12.20″L x 5.91″W x 12.60″H and weighs approximately 1.39 pounds. The lightweight design ensures comfort during your travels
- Versatile Wear: Carry it as a single-shoulder bag or use the removable short shoulder strap to transform it into a backpack. The water-resistant material keeps your belongings safe.
- After-Sale Service: CLUCI is committed to providing top-quality goods and excellent customer service. If you’re not satisfied, feel free to contact them by email.
Positives:
- Spacious Design: We appreciate the roominess of this backpack purse. It provides ample space for essentials, making it suitable for travel or daily use.
- Convertible Style: The bag’s convertible design allows you to switch between a backpack and a shoulder bag effortlessly. It’s versatile for different occasions.
- Vintage Charm: Found the two-toned vintage gray color timeless, as it adds a touch of elegance to the overall look.
- Functional Compartments: The bag features multiple compartments, including a dedicated laptop section. It helps keep belongings organized.
- Comfortable to Wear: The backpack straps are comfortable even when carrying heavier items. The bag distributes weight evenly.
Negatives:
- Zippers: A couple of customers reported issues with the zippers – noting they had separated
- Lining Quality: The lining inside the bag was a little looser than a typical backpack, although some prefer this style as the tighter lining can sometimes lead to ripping
Overall Impression: The bag is roomy, versatile, and stylish. It’s a great option for those seeking an affordable travel bag that doesn’t compromise on style.
3. Baggallini Avenue Tote For Travel
The Baggallini Avenue Tote is more than just a bag; it’s a reliable companion for your journeys. Whether you’re exploring a new city, navigating airports, or embarking on a weekend getaway, this tote offers plenty of practical features that enhance your travel experience. Let’s break it down:
Features:
- Spacious Interior: The Avenue Tote provides ample room for your essentials, making it perfect for travel. Say goodbye to cramming items into tiny bags!
- Separate Tablet/Laptop Compartment: A dedicated side pocket ensures your tablet or small laptop stays secure and easily accessible.
- Rugged Material: Crafted from sturdy material, this tote can withstand the rigors of travel. Plus, it’s a breeze to wipe clean.
- Stands Upright: Unlike collapsible bags, the Avenue Tote maintains its shape even when empty or lightly filled. No more sagging or slouching!
Positives:
- Airport Travel Companion: We love how the Avenue Tote fits neatly under airplane seats. It holds everything needed for a comfortable flight.
- Convenient Slot for Luggage Handle: The back slot allows you to slide the tote over your suitcase handle, reducing stress during transit.
- Sturdy and Durable: Really appreciate the fabric quality and overall sturdiness. It’s built to withstand the hustle and bustle of travel.
- Functional Design: The “V” design is not only visually appealing but also practical. The unique pockets created by stitching is perfect for organizing smaller items.
Negatives:
- Handles: Handles could be more comfortable for extended use.
- Challenging Zipper: The long zipper occasionally gets caught on the lining, making it less smooth to open and close.
Overall Impression: While it has minor drawbacks, its practical features, durability, and airport-friendly design make it a top handbag pick for travelers.
4. Tory Burch Thea Cellphone Crossbody Travel Bag
The Tory Burch Thea Cellphone Crossbody in Tiramisu is definitely one of the more stylish options on this list. It’s probably my favourite small-sized phone / travel purse. See why it’s a solid choice below:
Features:
- Compact Design: With dimensions of 4.75″ (W) x 7.5″ (H) x 1.5″ (D), this crossbody bag strikes the perfect balance between spaciousness and portability.
- Quality Material: Crafted from pebble leather, it exudes sophistication and durability.
- Adjustable Strap: The detachable crossbody webbing strap with a maximum drop of 23 inches can be adjusted to a shorter length.
- Chic Details: The graphic tonal double T logo on the front adds a touch of elegance. The removable black leather tassel enhances its style.
- Practical Features: It includes 2 back card slots for easy access to essentials like credit cards or IDs.
Positives:
- Quality Material: The pebble leather construction adds durability and a luxurious feel
- Adjustable Strap: The adjustable, detachable crossbody webbing strap with a maximum drop of 23 inches allows for comfortable wear
- Stylish Design: The graphic tonal double T logo on the front adds a touch of elegance
- Compact and Practical: With 2 back card slots, it’s convenient for carrying essentials like cards and a phone
Negatives:
- Limited Space: Some users find the bag a bit small for their needs. It’s designed primarily for essentials like a phone and cards.
- Not for Large Phones: While it fits an iPhone 12 Pro Max, it may not accommodate larger phones or additional items like keys.
Overall Impression: The Tory Burch Thea Cellphone Crossbody is a stylish and functional accessory for those who prefer a compact bag. It’s perfect for occasions when you want to carry just the essentials without the bulk of a larger handbag. However, if you need more space, consider other options.
5. WATERFLY Crossbody Travel Sling Bag / Backpack
The WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack is probably the most versatile and practical choice for travelers – best suited for the travel action junkie. Here’s why it’s perfect for your activities:
Features:
- Compact Design: With dimensions of 7 x 3.5 x 15 inches (18 x 9 x 38 cm), this sling backpack strikes the perfect balance between spaciousness and portability. It features:
- A front zipper bag and buckle bag for storing essentials like your iPad mini, iPhone 7 Plus, and power bank.
- Several separate small compartments inside to effectively organize items like makeup, tissue, and keys.
- A 6-inch height side mesh pocket that can hold a 2.4-inch diameter bottle.
- Hidden Earphone Hole: The front of the bag has a hidden earphone hole, allowing easy access to your earphones. Now you can enjoy music anytime and anywhere.
- Adjustable Reversible Shoulder Strap: Designed with 3 D-rings, the adjustable shoulder strap can be connected to the left or right D-ring for your preference. The shoulder strap pouch accommodates phone screens up to 7 inches and can be adjusted from 31 to 39.5 inches.
- Breathable Material: The shoulder strap and back are made of breathable material, ensuring comfort during travel, hiking, and other activities.
- After-Sales Guarantee: If you encounter any issues with broken or damaged items, contact them with your order ID and they will help solve your issues quickly
Positives:
- Compact and Lightweight: Really appreciate its compact size and lightweight design, perfect for long day trips and more adventurous activities.
- Multiple Pockets: The bag has several pockets for organizing essentials.
- Comfortable to Wear: The crossbody style is probably the most comfortable on this list – it sits perfectly over your body, and is great for all-day use
Negatives:
- Phone Pouch Placement: Some users find the phone pouch awkwardly placed on the strap.
Overall Impression: The Waterfly Crossbody Backpack is definitely the best durable and versatile bag choice for travel, outdoor activities, and everyday use. It would be a top pick for me for the best travel purse for Europe, given its sturdy material and ability to withstand all kinds of climates and activities.
6. Sak Lucia Crochet Crossbody Travel Purse
The Sak Lucia Crochet Crossbody Purse is an excellent pick for travelers who desire a blend of style and functionality, so let me break down why it’s a great travel purse:
Features:
- Compact and Convenient: The Lucia Crochet Crossbody is compact yet capable of securely stowing your daily essentials. Its size makes it ideal for travel, allowing you to carry what you need without feeling weighed down
- Handcrafted Charm: Crafted with artisanal care, this bag features hand-crocheted details that add a touch of uniqueness. Each bag is made with yarns from recycled REPREVE fibers, therefore making it an eco-friendly choice
- Adjustable Crossbody Strap: The adjustable strap ensures comfortable wear, whether you’re exploring a new city or navigating airport terminals
- Pockets Galore: The Lucia is packed with pockets! It has one good-sized zipper pocket on one side of the purse and two open pockets inside where you could put your phone and maybe glasses. Practical organization is essential for travel
- Stylish Aesthetics: The beadwork and tassel embellishments make this purse stand out. It’s perfect for summer activities and adds a boho-chic vibe to your ensemble
Positives:
- Variety of Colors: Range of color options available, allowing everyone to choose a purse that suits their personal style
- Durable Craftsmanship: The hand-crocheted construction feels sturdy and well-made
- Lightweight: It doesn’t weigh travelers down during long days of sightseeing
- Unique Design: The crocheted exterior and beadwork receive praise for their uniqueness
Negatives:
- Stiffness: Purse was found to be a bit stiff and not very flexible, which affects how much can be carried
- Handle Durability: Concerns are raised about the handle’s longevity, as it appears prone to cracking a little bit, albeit after a lot of uses!
Overall Impression: The Sak Lucia Crochet Crossbody strikes a balance between fashion and functionality. It’s an excellent choice for travel, especially during warm seasons. If you’re looking for a lightweight, stylish companion for your adventures, this purse is worth considering!
7. CHALA Wallet Crossbody Travel Cell Phone Purse
The CHALA Wallet Crossbody Cell Phone Purse is a more youthful, fun purse choice for travelers, with over 18 different colours and styles. Here’s why it’s amongst the highest rated:
Features:
- Compact and Stylish: With its multicolour design, this purse adds a touch of whimsy to your ensemble. The different motifs on the front flap is both eye-catching and unique.
- Functional Interior: Despite its compact size, this crossbody purse offers practical organization. It features:
- A front slide pocket that fits smart phones, allowing easy access to your device
- A rear slide pocket for additional storage
- A zippered main compartment that opens up to reveal:
- Multiple card slots for credit cards, IDs, and loyalty cards
- A zip pocket for coins or small essentials
- An ID window for quick identification
- The zipper pull is adorned with different cute charms, such as leaf and flowers
- Convertible Straps: The bag comes with two separate straps, allowing you to customize its wear:
- Adjust the strap length to wear it as a crossbody for hands-free convenience
- Remove the long strap to carry it as a pouch or shoulder purse
- Quality Materials: Made of faux leather, this crossbody purse combines durability and style. The signature brown and teal polka dot lining adds a playful touch
- Support Small Business: CHALA Handbags is a small business brand that celebrates sophisticated youthfulness. By choosing this purse, you’re supporting a brand that advocates for animal rights and welfare
Positives:
- Stylish Design: I appreciate the fun, quirky designs Chala has on offer, and who doesn’t love a bit of colour to spruce up their outfit
- Adjustable Strap: The adjustable strap allows for comfortable wear and customization
- Multiple Pockets: The bag has various pockets handy for super easy organizing
- Lightweight: The bag is lightweight, making it easy to carry around and travel with, even if it’s in your carry-on
Negatives:
- Small Size: This bag is intended for smaller travel items, so won’t fit any larger items that you intend to bring throughout your trip
Overall Impression: This crossbody purse is a cute and lightweight option for casual outings, but be mindful of its compact size. It makes my top list for best travel purses due to its superior quality, and unique range of colorful designs.
8. LOVEVOOK Travel Laptop Backpack Purse
The LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack Purse is best suited for the type of traveler that likes to bring their laptop with them and work on the go – there are a load of great features, including:
Features:
- Large Capacity: Despite its sleek appearance, this backpack purse can hold everything you need on the go. It features multiple compartments to organize your essentials, including laptops, iPads, phones, chargers, binders, water bottles, umbrellas, magazines, pens, wallets, and more.
- Multi-Compartments & Pockets: Designed with 4 compartments and 17 pockets, this women’s business work backpack keeps your travel items neatly organized. Whether it’s your laptop, tablet, or personal belongings, there’s a dedicated space for everything.
- Laptop Protection: The backpack includes a separate 15.6-inch laptop compartment and an 11-inch iPad slot. With cushioned cotton sewn around, it provides maximum physical protection for your electronic devices.
- Fashion Design: Timeless and fashionable, this backpack features classic V-shaped embroidery thread. The outer fabric is high-end nylon, and the striped lining adds a touch of elegance. It’s a great choice for gift-giving!
- Comfy & Sturdy: The mesh airflow shoulder strap design ensures comfort during long wear. The reinforced stitching at stress points guarantees durability. Whether it’s for work, travel, or everyday use, this multipurpose backpack has you covered.
- Built-in USD port: Allows you to conveniently charge your phone while walking (power bank not included)
Positives:
- Spacious: Ample space for laptops, books, and other items.
- Stylish Design: The backpack’s design is sleek and professional.
- Comfortable to Wear: Super comfortable even when carrying heavy items.
- USB Port: The built-in USB port for charging devices is a great and convenient feature – especially if your phone is prone to running out of battery when traveling!
Negatives:
- Quality of Straps: The straps could be a little bit sturdier
- Lack of Padding: Could be slightly more padding on the shoulder straps
Overall Impression: The LOVEVOOK backpack combines style and functionality, making it suitable for work, college, travel, or all three! Given its range of use cases, it’s definitely a top pick for one of the best travel purses / backpacks for women
9. BOSTANTEN Leather Small Travel Crossbody Bag
The BOSTANTEN Leather Small Crossbody Bag is super compact and functional, and better yet it’s made from vegan leather! Some key features of this travel bag include:
Features:
- Compact Design: With dimensions of 5″ (L) x 1.2″ (W) x 7.8″ (H) inches, this crossbody bag strikes the perfect balance between functionality and portability. The detachable and adjustable long strap allows you to customize the fit, with a length range from 39.5 to 48.2 inches
- Phone-Friendly: The front flap features a magnetic snap for secure closure, and there’s a convenient flat front phone space with a magnetic snap. It’s designed to comfortably fit most cell phones (with slim cases) up to 6.7 inches in size
- Triple Compartment Design: The bag boasts three compartments:
- Front flap with magnetic snap: Ideal for quick access to essentials like lipsticks, coins, or keys
- Middle double main pockets with an SBS zipper: Perfect for organizing your phone, napkin paper, and other small items
- Back zip pocket: Provides additional storage for cards or other necessities
- Quality Material: Crafted from durable vegan leather, this crossbody bag combines style and practicality. The smooth fabric interior lining ensures your belongings stay scratch-free
- Chic and Functional: Whether you’re exploring a new city or attending a business meeting, this small crossbody bag complements your style sense while keeping your essentials within reach
Positives:
- High Satisfaction: The product has a super high overall rating, with +70% of customers giving it a 5-star review
- Quality Material: Very soft leather, which indicates a high-quality material
- Perfect Size: The crossbody bag is appreciated for being the perfect size, not too big or too small, which makes it ideal for everyday use
- Stylish Appearance: The bag looks expensive and stylish, adding to its appeal
- Practical Design: The bag comes with just enough sections to organize items, which is super convenient
- Comfortable to Carry: The adjustable strap and good weight make it comfortable to carry around
- Great for Gifting: Due to its positive attributes, I would recommended this bag as a great gift idea
Negatives:
- Strap Material: The strap material feels a little bit cheaper than my other bags, but still good quality for the price
- Phone Pouch Placement: Phone pouch placement is a bit awkward, but still easy to reach
Overall Impression: This trendy travel crossbody bag is not only a fashion statement but also a practical accessory for daily use, travel, and more. It makes a thoughtful gift for family, friends, or yourself
Time To Choose The Best Travel Purse For You!
In conclusion, we’ve explored nine of the best travel purses available online. A good travel purse should strike a balance between style and functionality. Remember that the perfect choice depends on your personal preferences and travel style. Whether you prioritize durability, organization, or aesthetics, there’s a bag out there for you. I hope you found this article useful, and may your new travel bag accompany you on many exciting adventures! Until next time.