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Are you wondering whether to bring a purse on your travels? And if so, what features define the Best Travel Purse For Women?
This is a common question among travelers, especially women prioritizing safety and wanting to protect their belongings while exploring new destinations.
My answer is a definite YES! You absolutely should bring a purse when you travel.
Just like at home, a purse is an essential accessory during your travels. It’s not just for carrying your credit cards or serving as your personal item on a flight; it’s your constant companion everywhere you go.
Whether I’m on safari in South Africa, navigating Southeast Asia on a motorbike, or wandering through the streets of Paris, Tokyo, or Ushuaia, my purse is always with me.
But what about the risks of theft? What if someone tries to steal it, slash it, or pickpocket you?
These are valid concerns. While such incidents can happen, they are less likely if you practice common sense and stay vigilant about your belongings. Thieves often target easy opportunities.
I learned this firsthand when my wallet was stolen from my purse in Buenos Aires in 2008. I was using a large, open-top H&M purse – practically inviting theft. It was a lesson learned about choosing the right travel purse.
My real awakening to the importance of a good travel purse happened during my study abroad semester in Florence. I mistakenly thought my sky-blue messenger bag, with its many pockets, would be “good for travel.”
It was a terrible choice.
Beyond being impractical, it was undeniably unfashionable, especially in Italy, one of the world’s most stylish countries. Within days, I found myself at a local market, searching for a purse that wouldn’t draw disapproving looks from the effortlessly chic Italians.
Many believe that travel necessitates specialized gear. However, unless you’re engaging in activities like hiking or extreme sports, most of your everyday wardrobe and accessories are perfectly suitable for travel.
Let’s explore what makes the best travel purse for women, combining security with style.
This post was most recently 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 Alternative
Money belts are frequently mentioned as travel security solutions, but I’m not a fan and don’t consider them essential for most travel situations. Whether I’m in Copenhagen or on a Nicaraguan island, the idea of using a money belt – especially having to reach under my clothes to pay for a coffee – is unappealing.
Money belts serve a specific purpose: safeguarding crucial items like your passport, important documents, confirmations, and IDs while you are in transit. They are not designed for everyday cash and essentials.
Personally, I prefer a scarf with a hidden pocket as a more practical and stylish alternative to a money belt. It offers the same security for your most important items but is more accessible, fashionable, and less likely to attract unwanted attention from thieves.
We’ll discuss these scarves further below, but first, let’s focus on selecting the right travel handbag.
Essential Features of the Best Travel Purse for Women
You’ll find numerous “anti-theft” purses on the market, such as Travelon bags (not illustrated here), which boast features like anti-slash mesh and hidden pockets. If you’re drawn to these specialized anti-theft bags, they are an option. However, spending extra on such a “special” purse isn’t always necessary.
Instead, a regular purse with the following key features can be just as effective and stylish for travel:
Crossbody Strap: A crossbody strap is paramount. Wearing your purse across your body, with the strap over one shoulder and the bag resting on the opposite hip, significantly reduces the risk of snatch-and-grab theft compared to a simple shoulder strap. An adjustable strap adds even more flexibility and security.
Manageable Size: Opt for a purse size that allows you to easily cover and protect it with your hand in crowded situations. Overly large bags can be cumbersome and harder to secure.
Durable, Slash-Resistant Fabric: Choose a material that can withstand wear and tear and deter slashing attempts. Leather or faux leather are excellent choices. While not impenetrable, thick leather provides a much greater challenge to slash than thin fabric.
Zippers are Crucial: Avoid purses with snaps or partially open tops. Zippers are essential for secure closure, preventing easy access for pickpockets.
Discreet Branding: Minimize visible luxury branding. Subtle or no labels are preferable to flashy, mid-range or luxury brands. Interestingly, some mid-range brands like Michael Kors and Kate Spade can sometimes attract more attention than discreet luxury brands due to perceived flashiness.
Easy Access for You: While security is key, your purse should still allow you quick and easy access to your belongings. A top zipper or a foldover flap design can offer a good balance of security and convenience.
Are additional safety features necessary? Many travel purses include RFID-blocking pockets, designed to prevent electronic theft from credit cards and devices. However, an RFID-blocking wallet is often a more focused and effective solution for protecting your cards rather than relying on general RFID-blocking pockets within a purse.
(In the image above, I am carrying a Marc Jacobs Tote Bag in cherry, which is my regular everyday bag at home. However, I rarely travel with it because its branding is a bit too noticeable. I’ve paired it with a Sézane top, Sézane trousers, vintage Miu Miu aviator sunglasses, and Sézane sneakers that I even wore on my wedding day.)
Remember, your travel purse doesn’t need to be expensive, but prioritizing reasonable quality ensures it will last and serve you well on your journeys.
Here are some affordable purses on Amazon that meet these criteria.
A shout-out to readers from the Philippines, showcasing the global community of travel enthusiasts.
Top Travel Purses Under $50: Affordable and Secure Options
During a trip to Busan, South Korea, I discovered my ideal travel purse: a stylish black faux leather Alexander McQueen-inspired crossbody, adorned with studs and metal skulls. This purse, approximately 12 x 5 inches (30 x 13 cm), cost me around $30.
Despite heavy use on the road, when one of the straps broke, a Bangkok seamstress expertly repaired and reinforced both straps, making it even more durable.
This trusty purse lasted about a year of constant travel. Since then, I’ve upgraded to higher-quality purses, but for budget-conscious travelers, excellent and affordable options are available.
If you’re seeking an affordable travel purse similar to my Busan find, here are some highly recommended choices under $50:
The Covelin Black Crossbody Purse is a fantastic budget-friendly option. Made of black faux leather, it’s stylishly simple and secure. The angular zippers add a touch of design interest, and the adjustable crossbody strap ensures a comfortable and secure fit.
A black Lululemon belt bag. The Lululemon Belt Bag is incredibly popular and for good reason. While crafted from nylon rather than leather, this casual yet secure bag can be worn close to your body, providing excellent security.
Ideal for both travel and athletic activities (reflecting Lululemon’s yoga-focused brand), it can be worn as a fanny pack (or “bum bag” in the UK – be mindful of the differing connotations!) or across your chest. Its water-resistant material adds to its practicality.
Available in multiple sizes, the 2-liter size is perfect for travel, though the 1-liter and mini sizes are also options. They even offer a clear belt bag suitable for US concerts, and a wide array of colors to match 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 charming tassel give it a stylish edge. This affordable and attractive option is a great choice for a secure travel purse.
The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag is a budget-friendly and widely popular choice among travelers. Featuring a crossbody strap and zippered top, it’s made from durable nylon and comes in various colors. A smaller size is also available.
While perhaps less suited for very formal settings like Paris or Italy, it’s an excellent, practical choice for adventurous trips, extended travel, or casual outings.
The Mundi Crossbody Purse offers an added layer of security with RFID protection. Its foldover style enhances security by keeping your belongings enclosed and making it harder for pickpockets.
Explore more affordable crossbody purses here.
A woman in a black top and patterned skirt standing in front of a stone wall, holding a black crossbody purse.
Best Travel Purses Under $300: Investing in Quality and Style
When I moved to New York City in 2016, I invested in a $220 Christophe Kon purse that proved to be a durable and stylish choice for many years. This black leather crossbody with a zipper featured an intrecciato woven design inspired by Bottega Veneta.
At the time, it was my most significant purse purchase, but its daily use for years drastically reduced the cost per wear, making it an incredibly worthwhile investment.
Investing in good leather travel purses in the $100-$300 range, whether new or pre-owned, is a worthwhile consideration.
Why leather? Leather generally outlasts faux leather or vegan leather (often plastic-based). The longevity and durability of leather make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Here are some top picks for travel purses under $300:
The Aimee Kesterberg Crossbody Bag is visually striking. The woven texture and stud details add an edgy sophistication, making it suitable for stylish cities like Paris or Italy. 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 strongly resembles the Hermès Evelyne bag, just without the signature H-shaped perforations. Regardless, it’s a beautiful and functional bag. Unisex in design, surprisingly spacious, and versatile enough for both casual and more dressed-up occasions. Its crossbody strap ensures comfort and security. It’s available in several colors.
If you prefer to carry more items, the MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote is an excellent choice. This larger bag functions as both a travel tote and a crossbody bag, offering versatility and ample space. The quilted pattern adds a stylish touch, and it’s available in multiple colors.
A crescent-shaped black leather bag with a long crossbody strap and a tiny pocket on the strap. If you appreciate the Uniqlo Half Moon Bag’s shape but desire a leather version, the Oryany Rookie Crescent Bag is a perfect upgrade. It features a similar crescent shape in leather, a secure zipper, a long crossbody strap, and even a small, convenient pocket on the strap. Versatile enough for everyday use yet stylish enough for travel, it also echoes the design of the Polène Numéro Dix bag.
The Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody Bag is another superb choice for a smaller bag that transitions seamlessly from day to night during travel. It can be worn crossbody or as a shoulder bag, and the chevron leather pattern adds a sophisticated detail.
Kate in a trench coat, black crossbody bag, and burgundy patent leather heeled shoes.
My Current Go-To Travel Purse in 2024: Style Meets Practicality
In recent years, my interest in handbags has grown. Rather than relying on a single, all-purpose bag, I’ve curated a small collection of purses to suit different occasions and moods.
The bag pictured above is a special addition – a Loewe Mini Puzzle Bag in black. It’s the most expensive purse I’ve ever purchased (though prices have increased since), but its versatility and durability justify the investment. I anticipate using it for years to come, aiming to reduce the cost per wear to under $1. (It was a personal reward for surviving Czech driving school, a truly challenging experience!)
The mini size is quite compact, but the small version offers significantly more space.
In this photo, I’ve styled it with my Sézane trench coat, 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 acquired this one pre-owned on Vinted.cz for about half the retail price.
This bag is very small – designed for just a cardholder and essential items, not a full wallet. Its compact size and somewhat tricky access are actually security features, deterring potential thieves. Despite its size, it met all my needs perfectly and proved to be the ideal travel purse for that trip.
Styled here 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 bag if you want a secure, close-to-body bag that is difficult to access for anyone but you.
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, as they are excellent for keeping valuables safe and hidden. Each scarf includes a hidden pocket large enough to hold your passport, phone, cash, lip balm, or even a small guidebook! When I visited Chernobyl, where frequent passport checks were required, keeping my passport in my Speakeasy scarf was incredibly convenient and secure.
Speakeasy scarves function similarly to money belts but with a significant advantage: no thief will target your scarf. They are virtually pickpocket-proof and come in a wide variety of designs and fabrics suitable for all seasons.
These scarves are perfect for added security, especially for your most valuable items when you’re in transit. They are a stylish and smart way to enhance your travel safety.
Explore the entire Speakeasy scarf collection here.
A tank top repurposed into a simple beach bag, exemplifying a style that is fashionable but lacks security for valuables.
The Worst Type of Purse for Travel: Avoid These
In tourist hotspots worldwide, you’ll often see a particular type of bag sold on every corner: a large, bohemian-style sack made from thin fabric, like the one pictured above. These bags are spacious, lightweight, and make appealing souvenirs.
However, please do not use these as your primary travel purse.
These bags are incredibly vulnerable. They can be easily snatched off your shoulder, slashed or cut open with minimal effort, and offer zero resistance to pickpockets reaching inside for your wallet.
If you purchase one of these bags as a souvenir, use it for non-valuables only. It’s fine as a shopping bag or beach bag for towels and sunscreen, but keep your important items safely stored elsewhere.
Kate Lanta Purse
An example of a secure crossbody purse worn correctly, demonstrating proactive safety measures while traveling.
Smart Practices for Traveling with a Purse
Protecting my belongings is a constant priority, both when traveling and at home.
My approach is to prevent anyone from accessing my bag. I always wear my purse diagonally across my body, positioned either at my hip or in front of me, at a height where I can easily rest my hand on it. Zippers are always kept closed.
In restaurants or cinemas, my purse stays in my lap or between my feet, with the strap wrapped around my leg. I never leave it unattended.
In crowded places, like subway rush hour, I become extra vigilant, sometimes holding my purse close to my chest until the crowd thins out.
On the rare occasions when I don’t carry my purse, I secure it in a portable safe in my room.
And as a crucial safety net, I always travel with travel insurance. Should the unfortunate happen and you are robbed, your travel insurance can compensate you for your losses. I personally use and recommend World Nomads for travel insurance.
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