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Do you need a purse when you travel? And if so, what features should you look for to find the best travel purse?
This is a common question among travelers. Everyone wants to ensure their valuables are safe and secure while exploring new places.
My answer is a definite YES! You absolutely should bring a purse when you travel!
Just like at home, I always use a purse. It’s an essential accessory for daily life, and it’s just as important, if not more, when you’re traveling.
A travel purse isn’t just your personal item on a flight or a place to keep your credit cards. It’s your constant companion, everywhere you go.
Whether I’m on safari in South Africa, riding a motorbike through Southeast Asia, or exploring cities like Paris, Tokyo, or Ushuaia, my purse is always with me.
But what about theft? Could someone steal it, slash it, or pickpocket me?
Yes, those things can happen. However, the risk is significantly reduced if you use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings. Thieves target easy opportunities.
I learned this lesson firsthand when my wallet was stolen from my purse in Buenos Aires in 2008. I was using a huge, open-top H&M bag – basically advertising myself as an easy target.
The real importance of a good travel purse hit me during my study abroad semester in Florence. I thought a sky-blue messenger bag would be perfect – lots of pockets, “good for travel,” right?
Wrong. It was the worst choice.
Not only was it impractical, but it was also incredibly unfashionable, especially in Italy, the most stylish country in the world. Within days, I bought a new purse at the market just to avoid judgmental stares from stylish Italians.
Many people believe you need specialized travel gear for every trip. But unless you’re hiking or doing extreme sports, most travel is similar to your everyday life. Most of your regular clothing and accessories will work perfectly fine.
Let’s dive into what makes the best travel purse!
This post was updated in May 2024.
A woman wearing a money belt and pulling out her euros and passport.
Why a Money Belt Isn’t the Best Travel Purse
Money belts are often recommended for travel security, but I’m not a fan and don’t find them necessary most of the time. Whether I’m in Copenhagen or on a Nicaraguan island, I wouldn’t consider wearing a money belt and reaching under my clothes every time I need to buy something.
Money belts aren’t designed for everyday transactions. They’re for storing crucial items you can’t afford to lose while in transit – passport, important documents, confirmations, ID, etc.
Personally, I prefer a scarf with a hidden pocket instead. It serves the same secure purpose as a money belt but is more convenient, stylish, and less likely to attract unwanted attention from thieves.
More on these scarves later, but first, let’s explore the best types of travel purses.
Choosing the Right Travel Purse: Key Features
You’ll find many “anti-theft” purses on the market, such as this one by Travelon (not pictured), boasting anti-slash mesh and hidden pockets. If you feel more secure with an anti-theft bag, go for it. However, spending extra on a “special” purse like this isn’t essential.
Instead, focus on a regular purse that meets these important criteria to be the Best Travel Purse For International Travel:
Crossbody Strap: The strap should be long enough to wear across your body, from one shoulder to the opposite hip. This crossbody style is much safer than a shoulder bag, making it harder for thieves to snatch. An adjustable strap offers even greater flexibility and security.
Manageable Size: Choose a size that allows you to easily keep your hand over the bag for added security in crowded areas. Not too big, not too small – just right for your essentials.
Durable, Slash-Resistant Fabric: Leather or faux leather are excellent choices. While no fabric is completely slash-proof, thick leather provides significantly more resistance than thin cotton or nylon.
Zippers are Essential: Avoid bags with snaps or open tops. Zippers are crucial as they prevent easy access for pickpockets. Ensure all compartments you use regularly have secure zipper closures.
Discreet Branding: Opt for minimal branding, and avoid displaying well-known mid-range or luxury brands. Ironically, flashy mid-range brands like Michael Kors or Kate Spade can sometimes attract more attention than understated luxury brands like Loewe or Celine.
Easy Access for You: While security is key, you also need to be able to access your belongings easily. A top zipper or a foldover flap closure offers a good balance of security and convenience.
Do you need extra safety features? Many travel purses offer RFID-blocking pockets, designed to prevent electronic theft of credit card information. However, an RFID-blocking wallet is often a more effective and versatile solution than relying on purse pockets.
(In the photo above, I’m carrying a Marc Jacobs Tote Bag in cherry, which is great for everyday use at home but not ideal for travel due to its luxury branding. Styled with a Sézane top, Sézane trousers, vintage Miu Miu aviators, and Sézane sneakers I wore at my wedding.)
Your travel purse doesn’t need to be expensive, but investing in reasonable quality is worthwhile for durability and peace of mind.
Here are some affordable purses on Amazon that meet these criteria.
A shout out to readers from the Philippines! Travel purses are important for everyone!
Top Travel Purses Under $50: Affordable and Secure Options
In Busan, South Korea, I discovered my perfect budget travel purse: a stylish black faux leather Alexander McQueen knockoff with studs and metal skulls. This crossbody bag measured approximately 12 x 5 inches (30 x 13 cm) and cost around $30.
It endured significant wear and tear on my travels. When one of the straps broke, a Bangkok seamstress expertly repaired and reinforced both straps, making it even stronger.
This purse lasted about a year of constant use. Since then, I’ve upgraded to higher-quality purses, but this budget find proved that you don’t need to spend a fortune for a great travel purse.
If you’re looking for an affordable travel purse similar to my Busan find, here are some excellent options under $50:
I highly recommend this black Covelin crossbody purse. It’s faux leather, budget-friendly, and stylish in its simplicity. The angled zippers add a touch of interest, and the adjustable crossbody strap provides security.
A black Lululemon belt bag.
The Lululemon Belt Bag is incredibly popular – and for good reason! While made of nylon, not leather, it’s a casual yet secure option that you can keep close to your body.
It’s also ideal for active pursuits. Wear it as a fanny pack (or “bum bag” in the UK, avoid “fanny pack” there!), or across your chest. It’s also water-resistant.
Available in several sizes, the 2-liter size is perfect for travel, though they also offer 1-liter and mini sizes. A clear belt bag is also available, great for concerts in the US! Many colors are available to suit your style.
The Lola Mae Black Crossbody Bag is another highly-rated travel purse under $50. The chevron detailing on the faux leather and the cute tassel add a touch of style to this budget-friendly and practical option.
A Uniqlo bag shaped like a half moon with a long crossbody strap.
The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag is another budget-friendly and widely seen travel purse. The crossbody strap and zippered top are excellent features. Made of nylon and available in various colors, it also comes in a smaller size.
While perhaps not ideal for very formal settings like Paris or Italy, it’s a fantastic choice for active trips, extended travel, or casual outings.
This Mundi crossbody purse offers the added benefit of RFID protection. The foldover style enhances security by keeping your belongings securely inside and making it harder for pickpockets.
Explore more affordable crossbody purses here.
A woman wearing a black crossbody purse.
Elevated Travel Purses: Best Options Under $300
When I moved to New York in 2016, I invested in a $220 Christophe Kon purse that lasted for years. This black leather crossbody bag with a zipper featured a stylish intrecciato weave inspired by Bottega Veneta.
At the time, it was my most expensive purse purchase, but I used it daily for YEARS. The cost per wear became incredibly low, proving the value of investing in quality.
You can find excellent leather travel purses in the $100-$300 range, both new and pre-owned.
Why leather specifically? Leather is significantly more durable than faux leather or plastic-based vegan leather. The longevity makes it worth the investment.
Here are my top picks for travel purses under $300:
I love the style of this Aimee Kesterberg crossbody bag. The woven texture and stud details add an edgy sophistication that’s perfect for cities like Paris or Rome! It also features a secure top zipper.
A black leather saddle bag with a long crossbody strap.
Let’s be honest – this Maison de Sabré leather saddle bag is very similar to the Hermès Evelyne bag, just missing the H-shaped perforations! Regardless, I love this bag. It’s unisex, surprisingly spacious, versatile for both casual and dressier occasions, available in several colors, and the crossbody strap ensures comfortable wear.
If you prefer to carry more essentials (or tend to overpack your purse!), the MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote is a fantastic option. This larger bag functions as both a travel tote and a crossbody bag. I appreciate the quilted pattern and it comes in multiple colors.
A crescent-shaped black leather bag with a long crossbody strap and a tiny pocket on the strap.
If you like the Uniqlo Half Moon Bag’s shape but desire leather, consider the Oryany Rookie Crescent Bag! It boasts a cute crescent shape, a secure zipper, a long crossbody strap, and even a small pocket on the strap. Versatile enough for everyday use yet stylish for travel, it also resembles the popular Polène Numéro Dix bag.
The Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag is another excellent choice for a smaller bag that transitions seamlessly from day to night during your travels. Wear it crossbody or as a shoulder bag. The chevron leather pattern adds a touch of sophistication.
Kate in a trench coat, black crossbody bag, and burgundy patent leather heeled shoes.
My Current Go-To Travel Purse: 2024 and Beyond
In recent years, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for handbags. Instead of relying on a single bag for every occasion, I’ve built a small, curated collection with different purses for different moods and styles.
The bag pictured above is a special purchase – a Loewe mini puzzle bag in black. It’s the most expensive bag I’ve ever owned (and it was even cheaper last year!), but I use it CONSTANTLY, and its quality ensures it will last for years. I’m determined to bring the cost per wear down to $1 eventually! (I bought it as a reward for surviving Czech driving school, which was incredibly challenging!)
The mini size is quite small, but the small version offers significantly more space.
In this photo, I’ve styled it with my Sézane trench, an Express top from the early 2000s, Sézane trousers, Sézane belt, and Carel heels.
The only purse I brought to South America last fall was a Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag! I purchased this one pre-owned on Vinted.cz for about half price.
This bag is TINY (forget a wallet, it’s just for a cardholder and essential items) and slightly challenging to open (a great anti-theft feature!). However, it was perfectly sufficient for my needs and became my ideal travel purse for that trip.
Styled with a thrifted denim jacket, vintage Miu Miu aviators, a black tank top, Maje satin cargo pants, and Cole Haan sneakers.
I highly recommend the Snapshot if you want a secure, compact bag that’s difficult for thieves to access.
Kate sitting on a stoop in Brooklyn, wearing a circle scarf and showing that her passport is in the pocket.
The Speakeasy Scarf: A Secret Weapon for Travel Security
I’m a big fan of Speakeasy Travel Supply scarves for keeping valuables safe while traveling. Each scarf has a hidden pocket large enough for your passport, phone, money, lip balm, even a small guidebook! When I visited Chernobyl, I needed to show my passport frequently at checkpoints, so keeping it secure in my scarf was incredibly convenient.
Speakeasy scarves function like a money belt but with a significant advantage: thieves are unlikely to target your scarf. It’s virtually pickpocket-proof! They come in a wide range of designs and fabrics suitable for all seasons.
I highly recommend having a Speakeasy scarf for added security, especially in transit. It’s a stylish and safe way to carry your most important items.
Explore the entire Speakeasy scarf collection here.
A thin fabric bohemian sack bag, widely available as a souvenir but the worst choice for a secure travel purse.
Avoid This: The Worst Purse for Travel
In tourist areas worldwide, you’ll see a ubiquitous bag for sale: a large bohemian sack made of thin fabric, like the one pictured above. They are often inexpensive, lightweight, and make a tempting souvenir.
Please, for your own safety, do not use this type of bag as a purse.
These bags are incredibly vulnerable. They can be easily snatched off your shoulder, slashed or cut open effortlessly, and offer zero protection against pickpockets reaching inside.
If you buy one of these bags, use it as a shopping bag or beach bag only. Carry towels and sunscreen, and leave your valuables safely secured elsewhere.
Kate Lanta Purse
Traveling Smart with Your Purse: Security Tips
Protecting my belongings is always a priority, both when traveling and at home.
My strategy is to prevent anyone from accessing my bag. I always wear my purse diagonally across my body, either at my hip or in front of me, positioned so I can easily keep my hand on it. Zippers are always fully closed.
In restaurants or cinemas, my purse stays on my lap or between my feet with the strap wrapped around my leg. I never leave it unattended, even for a moment.
In crowded places like subway cars during rush hour, I become extra vigilant, sometimes holding my purse close to my chest until the crowds thin out.
On the rare occasions when I don’t take my purse, I secure it in a portable safe in my accommodation.
And for added peace of mind, I always travel with travel insurance. If, unfortunately, you are robbed, your travel insurance can compensate you for your losses. I recommend World Nomads for reliable travel insurance.
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