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When it comes to travel, securing your belongings without compromising style and convenience is paramount. A frequently asked question among globetrotters is: Should you bring a purse on your travels? And if so, what kind of handbag makes the best travel purse?
My answer, based on years of travel experience, is a definite YES! Bring a purse!
Just as I rely on a purse in my daily life at home, it’s an indispensable companion on my adventures across the globe.
A travel purse is more than just a 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 a thrilling safari in South Africa, navigating the bustling streets of Southeast Asia on a motorbike, or exploring iconic cities like Paris, Tokyo, or Ushuaia, my purse is always with me.
Now, you might wonder about the risks: What if someone steals it? Or slashes it? Or pickpockets you?
While these concerns are valid, they are less likely to materialize if you employ common sense and stay vigilant about your belongings. Thieves are opportunistic, and they target easy prey. I learned this firsthand in Buenos Aires in 2008 when my wallet was stolen from my oversized, open-top H&M purse – practically an invitation for theft.
The importance of a suitable travel purse truly hit home during my semester abroad in Florence. Thinking a sky-blue messenger bag with numerous pockets would be “good for travel” proved to be a major misjudgment.
It wasn’t just impractical; it was aesthetically jarring in one of the world’s most stylish countries. Within days, I sought out a more appropriate purse to avoid the disapproving glances of fashion-forward Italians.
Many believe that travel necessitates specialized gear. However, unless you’re engaging in activities like hiking or extreme sports, your everyday essentials often suffice. Travel, for the most part, mirrors your home life.
Let’s delve into what makes the Best Travel Handbags, ensuring you travel safely and stylishly!
This post was most recently updated in May 2024.
A woman wearing a money belt and pulling out her euros and passport.
A money belt, an option not favored for daily use, via Shutterstock.
Money Belts: Not Quite the Travel Purse Solution
While money belts are often touted as essential travel security, I’m not a proponent for everyday use. The idea of retrieving cash from under my clothes to buy a coffee in Copenhagen or Nicaragua doesn’t appeal to me.
Money belts serve a specific purpose: safeguarding crucial items – passport, important documents, IDs – during transit, not for daily cash and essentials.
Personally, I favor a scarf with a hidden pocket as a more practical and stylish alternative. It offers the same security as a money belt but is more accessible, fashionable, and less of a target for thieves. More on these ingenious scarves later, but first, let’s explore ideal travel handbags.
Key Features of the Best Travel Purse
You’ll find numerous “anti-theft” purses, such as models from Travelon, boasting features like anti-slash mesh and secret pockets. While these offer enhanced security, investing in a specialized, expensive “anti-theft” bag isn’t always necessary.
Instead, focus on a regular purse that meets these essential criteria:
Crossbody Strap: A crossbody strap is crucial. Wearing the purse diagonally across your body significantly deters grab-and-run theft compared to a simple shoulder strap. An adjustable strap offers added convenience.
Manageable Size: Opt for a size that allows you to easily control and secure your bag with your hand, preventing unwanted access.
Durable, Slash-Resistant Fabric: Materials like leather or faux leather are excellent choices. While no fabric is entirely slash-proof, thick leather offers substantial resistance compared to flimsy cotton.
Zippers are Essential: Avoid bags with snaps or partial closures. Zippers are non-negotiable for security, preventing easy access for pickpockets.
Discreet Branding: Minimize or avoid prominent luxury branding. Ironically, flashy mid-range brands can sometimes attract more attention than understated luxury labels.
Easy Access for You: Your purse should be secure yet easily accessible to you. Top zippers or foldover flaps strike a good balance.
Beyond these features, consider RFID-blocking pockets. However, an RFID-blocking wallet offers more targeted protection for your cards than relying solely on purse pockets.
(In the image above, I’m carrying a Marc Jacobs Tote Bag in cherry, perfect for everyday use but less ideal for travel due to its noticeable branding. Outfit details: Sézane top, Sézane trousers, vintage Miu Miu aviators, and Sézane sneakers, my wedding day choice.)
Remember, an expensive purse isn’t a prerequisite, but reasonable quality is important for durability and security.
For budget-friendly options, Amazon offers a range of purses meeting these criteria.
A photo of Adventurous Kate with readers in the Philippines.
A shoutout to readers from the Philippines!
Top Travel Purses Under $50: Affordable and Secure
During my time in Busan, South Korea, I discovered an ideal travel purse: a stylish black faux-leather Alexander McQueen-inspired crossbody adorned with studs and metal skulls. This roughly 12 x 5 inches (30 x 13 cm) bag cost me about $30.
Despite heavy use, when a strap detached, a Bangkok seamstress expertly repaired and reinforced both straps, making it even stronger. While this purse lasted about a year of regular travel, I eventually upgraded to higher-quality options.
If you’re seeking an affordable yet reliable travel purse similar to my Busan find, here are excellent choices under $50:
Covelin Crossbody Purse: I highly recommend this black faux leather crossbody. It’s budget-friendly, stylish with angular zippers, and features an adjustable crossbody strap.
A black Lululemon belt bag.
Lululemon Belt Bag: The Lululemon Belt Bag is immensely popular for good reason. Although nylon, not leather, it’s a secure, casual option worn close to the body. Versatile for athletic activities, it can be styled as a fanny pack or crossbody. Water-resistant and available in various sizes, the 2-liter size is ideal for travel, with smaller 1-liter and mini sizes also offered. They even have a clear belt bag perfect for US concerts, all in diverse colors.
Lola Mae Black Crossbody Bag: Another popular and affordable choice, the Lola Mae bag features attractive chevron detailing, a cute tassel, and reliable crossbody security.
A Uniqlo bag shaped like a half moon with a long crossbody strap.
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag: This budget-friendly nylon bag is a common sight among travelers. It features a crossbody strap, zippered top, and comes in multiple colors and a smaller size. While less suited for ultra-chic settings like Paris or Italy, it’s excellent for athletic trips, extended travel, or casual outings.
Mundi Crossbody Purse: The Mundi crossbody offers RFID protection and a foldover style for enhanced security.
For more affordable crossbody options, explore this collection.
Adventurous Kate wearing a black crossbody bag.
Elevated Style: Travel Purses Under $300
Upon moving to New York in 2016, I invested in a $220 Christophe Kon leather crossbody bag, which served me reliably for years. Its black leather, crossbody design, zipper closure, and Bottega Veneta-inspired intrecciato weave made it both practical and stylish.
While it was my most expensive purse purchase at the time, its cost-per-wear became incredibly low due to its daily use over several years – a true win in value.
Quality leather travel purses in the $100-$300 range are readily available, both new and pre-loved.
Leather is a worthwhile investment due to its superior durability compared to faux or vegan leather (plastic-based). It’s a long-lasting material justifying the slightly higher price.
Here are my top picks for travel purses under $300:
Aimee Kesterberg Crossbody Bag: I’m drawn to the edgy aesthetic of this bag with its woven detailing and stud accents. Perfectly stylish for cities like Paris or Rome, it also features a secure top zipper.
A black leather saddle bag with a long crossbody strap.
Maison de Sabré Leather Saddle Bag: This saddle bag echoes the Hermès Evelyne in design, missing only the signature “H” perforations. Unisex, surprisingly spacious, and versatile for both casual and dressier occasions, its crossbody strap ensures comfortable wear.
MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote: For those who prefer to carry more, the MZ Wallace tote is an excellent choice. It functions as both a travel tote and a crossbody bag, featuring a stylish quilted pattern and multiple color options.
A crescent-shaped black leather bag with a long crossbody strap and a tiny pocket on the strap.
Oryany Rookie Crescent Bag: If you appreciate the Uniqlo Half Moon Bag’s shape but desire leather, the Oryany Rookie Crescent Bag is ideal. It offers a similar crescent shape, secure zipper, long crossbody strap, and a handy strap pocket. Its versatility suits daily use while maintaining a stylish edge, reminiscent of the Polène Numéro Dix bag.
Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody Bag: This smaller Rebecca Minkoff crossbody transitions seamlessly from day to night. It can be worn crossbody or as a shoulder bag and features an attractive chevron leather pattern.
Adventurous Kate in a trench coat with a black crossbody bag.
My Current Favorite: The 2024 Choice
In recent years, my appreciation for handbags has deepened. Rather than sticking to one bag for every occasion, I’ve curated a small collection to match different styles and moods.
The bag pictured above, a Loewe mini puzzle bag in black, was a special investment – my most expensive to date (though prices have increased since purchase). Its versatility and durability justify its frequent use, aiming for a cost-per-wear of under $1 over its lifespan. This purchase was a personal reward for enduring challenging Czech driving school!
While the mini size is compact, the small version offers significantly more space.
In this photo, I styled it with my Sézane trench, a vintage Express top, Sézane trousers, Sézane belt, and Carel heels.
Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag: This was my sole purse during a recent South American trip. Acquired pre-loved for half price, this tiny bag (cardholder and essentials only) is secure and surprisingly sufficient for daily needs. Its secure design makes it an excellent travel choice.
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 for travelers seeking a secure, compact, and stylish option.
Kate sitting on a stoop in Brooklyn, wearing a circle scarf and showing that her passport is in the pocket.
The Security Scarf: A Hidden Gem
Speakeasy Travel Supply scarves are a favorite for discreetly safeguarding valuables. Each scarf features a hidden pocket large enough for a passport, phone, cash, and small essentials. During a Chernobyl visit, my passport was securely concealed in my Speakeasy scarf for frequent checkpoint access.
These scarves function like money belts but are virtually theft-proof and far more stylish. They are ideal for securing valuables in transit and come in diverse designs and fabrics for all seasons.
A Speakeasy scarf is a fantastic way to combine style and security.
Explore the full Speakeasy scarf collection here.
A blue beach bag made out of a tank top.
The Worst Kind of Travel Purse: Avoid This!
Ubiquitous in tourist areas worldwide are large, thin-fabric bohemian sacks. While seemingly convenient and a cheap souvenir, these bags are the worst choice for a travel purse.
These bags are easily snatched, slashed, or pickpocketed due to their flimsy material and open design.
If you purchase one, use it as a shopping or beach bag – for towels and sunscreen, not valuables.
Kate Lanta Purse
Traveling Smart with Your Purse
Protecting my belongings is a constant priority, whether traveling or at home.
My strategy involves preventing bag access. I wear my purse crossbody, positioned on my hip or in front, at a height where I can always keep a hand on it. Zippers remain closed.
In restaurants or cinemas, my purse stays in my lap or at my feet with the strap secured around my leg. It is never left unattended.
In crowded areas, like rush hour subways, I heighten vigilance, sometimes holding it close to my chest.
When my purse isn’t with me, it’s secured in a portable safe in my accommodation.
And for unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance is crucial. In case of theft, a reputable provider like World Nomads can compensate for losses.
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