Let’s be real for a moment. Why do so many travel and anti-theft purses look like they were designed for someone’s grandma? As a travel content creator for travels.edu.vn, I’ve explored the globe and seen my fair share of travel gear. It baffles me that companies churn out travel purses that are supposedly functional but utterly lack in style.
The fashion world is bursting with stunning, practical bags that make your heart skip a beat. Yet, when it comes to travel bags designed to protect your valuables, we’re often presented with options that scream “tourist” or worse, “anti-theft bag.” Take this berry-colored monstrosity for example – no offense, but it’s not winning any style awards. It’s not just about aesthetics; carrying a bag that shouts “I’m an anti-theft bag!” is practically an invitation for thieves. And let’s not even get started on the hefty price tag for something so… visually unappealing.
Traveling is a huge part of my life, and you won’t catch me lugging around an eyesore of a travel purse. Just like I refuse to compromise on style with my travel shoes, my purse needs to be both secure and chic.
Best travel purses that are cute and anti-theft!
Stylish Small Travel Purses Do Exist!
I’m a firm believer that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for security when you travel. That’s why I’m excited to share my curated list of the best Small Travel Purses that blend fashion and function seamlessly. These aren’t just any bags; they’ve been tested for both style and practicality. You can confidently explore bustling European cities, knowing your essentials and camera are secure, without compromising your personal style. Imagine capturing stunning photos in Paris with a bag that’s as fashionable as it is functional!
Why trust my recommendations? I’ve either personally used these small travel purses or received glowing endorsements from trusted travel expert friends. I prioritize both looking good and feeling secure on my adventures, and these bags deliver on both fronts.
Top 8 Small Travel Purses: Style & Security Combined
Let’s dive into my top picks for stylish travel bags. These are cute, won’t scream “tourist,” and are incredibly functional for long days of exploring new destinations. Say goodbye to frumpy travel bags and hello to chic security!
1. Arden Cove Crossbody: The Ultimate Anti-Theft Small Travel Purse
Arden Cove is, without a doubt, my top recommendation for an anti-theft small travel purse. It’s truly the best travel purse for international adventures, but stylish enough to use even when you’re not traveling. I admire the founder’s dedication to creating women’s travel handbags that are both fashionable and practical.
Arden Cove began with crossbody bags and has expanded to include larger styles. What sets them apart is that they look like fashionable everyday purses, not bulky anti-theft bags. You’ll blend in with locals while enjoying top-notch security features.
Each bag features an adjustable shoulder strap and is packed with traveler-friendly details. Think RFID-blocking credit card slots to protect against digital theft. And the material? It’s the same kind used in bulletproof vests! Forget flimsy wire mesh; Arden Cove prioritizes robust protection.
Best travel purses that are cute and anti-theft!
With two secure pockets – a locking main compartment and a smaller, quick-access pocket perfect for your phone and travel pass – organization is a breeze. The zipper lock adds an extra layer of security in crowded areas. Plus, they are water-resistant, perfect for unexpected downpours.
My Arden Cove purse was my trusted companion on my European honeymoon, enduring everything from rainy days to hikes in the Isle of Skye and Oktoberfest. It held up beautifully and kept my belongings safe and dry.
I wholeheartedly recommend this cute small travel purse for any type of trip! For travel, I suggest a darker color like black, as my cream-colored crossbody did show some wear after a year of use. The investment is worthwhile, and you can find Arden Cove bags on Amazon and their website!
2. Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody: Vegan & Vibrant Small Travel Purse
Another fantastic crossbody travel purse is the Micah Crossbody from Dagne Dover. It’s known for its stylish designs and wide array of colors to complement your personal style. A fellow travel blogger friend swears by this 100% vegan purse for her adventures.
A standout feature is the convenient back phone pocket, making it one of the best crossbody bags for travel. Keeping your phone close to your body makes it much harder for pickpockets.
This bag also boasts a comfortable, adjustable strap for all-day wear, an internal key ring, and ample space for your daily essentials. It’s a stylish and practical choice for any traveler.
3. Pacsafe Anti-Theft Sling: The Trendy & Secure Fanny Pack
This Pacsafe anti-theft classic mini sling is a top pick if you prefer a fanny pack style with robust security features. Fanny packs, or slings, are back in style thanks to Gen Z, and we’re here for it! Wearing a fanny pack on your front keeps your valuables in sight and easily accessible, deterring thieves.
This Pacsafe travel purse includes lockable zippers, an RFID-blocking pocket, a key clip, and a padded honeycomb back for comfort. It’s a cute and secure travel bag for any trip.
For a slightly larger travel fanny pack, I also recommend Baggu purses!
4. Beis Daytripper Backpack: Chic Backpack for Day Trips
Sometimes, a backpack is more practical than a purse. Our editor Taylor recommends the Beis Daytripper backpack travel purse bag, especially as a carry-on or for day trips when you need to pack more items like water bottles and a light jacket.
It features two side water bottle pockets, a trolley passthrough, three zip pockets, and a padded laptop sleeve for up to a 13-inch laptop.
The roomy front pocket is perfect for day trip essentials or work conference items. The comfortable shoulder straps and chic design help you blend in with the crowd. While it lacks anti-theft material, it resembles a local’s everyday bag rather than a tourist backpack, making it a smart choice for travelers.
Learn more in Taylor’s Beis luggage review.
Best travel purses that are cute and anti-theft!
5. Longchamp Tote: The Working Traveler’s Chic Companion
As a travel blogger, my laptop is always with me. If you travel for work or need a chic, office-appropriate tote that can hold your laptop, look no further than Longchamp. It’s a stylish alternative to the Baggallini Everywhere Bagg, which can look too much like an obvious anti-theft bag.
This large travel tote is ideal for working women on the go. The top zipper is a key feature, completely closing the bag – a must-have for security. Many laptop totes lack this essential zipper.
Travel tip: On crowded trains, keep your hand on the zipper to prevent anyone from opening your bag unnoticed!
This shoulder bag is spacious yet folds down to the size of a paperback book when empty, making it incredibly lightweight and packable. With numerous color options, it’s a popular choice for women who travel for work.
6. Double Compartment Crossbody: Budget-Friendly & Secure
If Arden Cove is beyond your budget, consider the Double Compartment Crossbody. While it’s not as feature-rich as Arden Cove, it’s affordable, comes in many colors, and meets my three basic security rules: it zips closed, it’s a crossbody, and it has a comfortable strap. It’s also spacious enough for daily essentials.
This crossbody purse features two compartments, perfect for organizing items like your camera and phone separately from your wallet and smaller items. It has a snap button top with inner zipper pockets, offering a good level of security without being overly complicated. The secret back zipper pocket, ideal for valuables like cash or your ID, is a standout feature. Skip pricier options; this cute and secure crossbody is a great value.
Best travel purses that are cute and anti-theft!
7. TravelSmith RFID Crossbody Bag: Packed with Anti-Theft Features
Last but not least, this baby blue purse from TravelSmith is another excellent travel purse with anti-theft features. It includes a passport-sized RFID-blocking pocket to protect your cards and passport from digital theft. The straps are slash-resistant, and the zippers can be double-locked to an interior security hook for added protection against quick unzipping.
It’s compact yet spacious enough for essentials, with side pockets for quick access. But what I really love about this purse is its stylish color and design. It looks like a trendy purse you’d find at any fashion retailer, not an obvious anti-theft bag. The secret back zipper pocket is again a great feature for valuables.
Best travel purses that are cute and anti-theft!
8. Lo & Sons Bond Sling: Sleek & Pocket-Rich Sling Bag
I’ve been a fan of Lo & Sons OG bag for carry-on travel, and recently tried the Lo & Sons Bond fanny pack. I’m obsessed! For errands in San Francisco, I often use a sling bag like my Baggu, but the Bond sling offers superior security for travel.
The Bond sling is sleek and packed with pockets, including a hidden back zipper pocket for your phone or cash. It also has card slots, perfect for metro cards. Available in premium sheepskin leather, tyvek, and recycled poly, with durable hardware, it’s a Lo & Sons quality piece. The interior key string is a thoughtful addition for securing keys or even your wallet. It’s an instant favorite for secure and stylish travel.
best anti theft travel purses lo and sons
What Makes a Great Small Travel Purse?
Before we get into my top recommendations, let’s discuss the essential qualities of a good travel purse. Through my extensive travels, I’ve learned that the best bags share key features.
First, a secure zipper closure is crucial. Bucket bags might be stylish for brunch, but for travel, you need a bag that zips completely shut. Open-top bags invite thieves and risk items falling out during travel. A zipper closure is the first thing I look for.
Best travel purses that are cute and anti-theft!
Second, opt for a crossbody bag with a comfortable strap. While backpacks and messenger bags are okay, crossbody bags are more convenient for quick access to your phone, wallet, camera, etc., without constant removal. Crossbody bags also offer better security; you can easily bring the bag to your front in crowded areas.
Third, consider the space and size. The ideal size depends on your trip. Work trips might require larger totes for laptops, while city sightseeing needs a smaller bag for essentials and perhaps a small souvenir. A tiny party purse won’t cut it. Your travel purse should fit:
- ID and/or passport
- Credit card + cash (wallet)
- Train card
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle (or space for one)
- Hand lotion
- Lip balm
- Hair ties
- Phone
- Portable charger
- Umbrella or packable rain jacket
- Maybe more!
When choosing a travel purse, these three features – zipper closure, crossbody style, and adequate space – are my starting points. Now, let’s explore my favorite travel bags on the market – the best purses for travel, period.
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Extra Tips to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling
Choosing a secure travel purse is the first step, but here are more tips from my travel experiences to stay safe from pickpockets.
Carry a Dummy Wallet
During a study abroad trip to Mexico, a professor shared invaluable pickpocket prevention advice, including the dummy wallet trick. He carried a cheap wallet with a few dollars in his back pocket and kept his real wallet in his front pocket. When targeted, thieves would grab the dummy wallet, leaving his valuables safe. While I prefer investing in a good travel purse, the idea highlights that thieves target tourists.
Avoid Touristy Clothing
Dressing like a tourist makes you a target. Leave the sports jerseys at home! A stylish yet functional purse helps you blend in. When my husband visited me in Italy, I banned sports t-shirts and baseball hats to avoid screaming “American tourist.” Awareness and a discreet style go a long way.
Be Aware of Common Scams
Awareness is key. Be alert to common pickpocket scams. The “lost tourist” scam involves someone approaching with a map to distract you while an accomplice steals from you. Another trick involves “accidentally” spilling something on you to divert your attention. On trains, be wary of crowds at doors, which can be a tactic for theft. Always be mindful of your surroundings and belongings.
Arden Cove’s detachable straps are great for securing your bag to a chair, preventing grab-and-run thefts. They also offer a travel backpack for more space.
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Hold Your Purse Securely
Sometimes, thieves are bold. In San Francisco, I witnessed a backpack stolen right off someone’s shoulders. Always keep your bag close and secure, especially in crowded areas.
Beyond theft prevention, purse functionality is also key. Pockets for boarding passes and train passes are incredibly convenient for airports and public transport. A separate airport belt bag like Baggu or Uniqlo Mini Shoulder Bag can be useful for travel documents, then switch to a more secure, water-resistant option for exploring cities.
Choose a Waterproof Travel Purse
Rain happens, especially in places like Portland, Washington, and Ireland. A waterproof purse, like my Arden Cove, protects your phone and camera from unexpected showers.
Style matters too! I believe in expressing myself through fashion while traveling just as I do at home. Comfort is important, but style doesn’t have to be sacrificed.
Wearing my black crossbody in Vancouver
An ugly purse just ruins the vibe. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect stylish and secure small travel purse for your next adventure! For any questions, leave a comment or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul!
