Let’s get straight to the point: why do so many Travel Purses designed for security look so utterly unattractive?
As someone who writes about travel for a living and spends a significant portion of my life exploring different corners of the globe, I’ve been consistently baffled by the lack of stylish options in the anti-theft travel purse market.
The fashion world dedicates immense resources to creating handbags that are not only beautiful but also practical, bags that genuinely excite us. Yet, when it comes to travel bags, especially those meant to safeguard our valuables, we’re often presented with choices that resemble something our grandmothers might carry.
Take, for instance, this “anti-theft” option:
Unattractive berry colored anti-theft travel purse
No offense, but this shape and color combination? Is “berry” really the best they could come up with? As a woman in her early thirties who considers herself reasonably stylish, I cringe at the thought of being seen with something that screams “vulnerable tourist” or “blind grandma.”
But the bigger issue here is that it looks exactly like an anti-theft bag. This completely undermines the purpose of a discreet security purse. In fact, carrying such a conspicuous bag might as well be an invitation for thieves. (And to top it off, this Travelon “berry mess” costs over $60 – highway robbery in itself!)
Traveling as frequently as I do – often 3-5 times a month – there’s no way I’m willing to compromise my style with an ugly anti-theft travel purse. Or, for that matter, with unflattering travel shoes.
Stylish Travel Purses Do Exist: You Don’t Have to Sacrifice Fashion for Function
My firm belief is that style and security are not mutually exclusive when it comes to travel. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my curated list of the 8 best travel purses that prove you can have both.
These purses have all been evaluated for both style and functionality. Imagine confidently navigating your European vacation, knowing your essentials and camera are safely tucked away in a chic bag, allowing you to capture stunning photos in Paris without the constant fear of theft.
Why trust my recommendations? Because I’ve either personally owned and used these travel purses myself, or they come highly recommended by trusted travel expert friends. I believe in real-world testing and firsthand experience when it comes to travel gear.
Top 8 Stylish Travel Purses: Style and Function Tested
Let’s dive into my favorite stylish travel bags. These are bags that not only look great and avoid marking you as a tourist, but also perform exceptionally well for long days of exploration. Say goodbye to bulky, unattractive security bags and hello to chic peace of mind!
1. Arden Cove Crossbody: The Ultimate Anti-Theft Travel Purse
Arden Cove is undeniably my top recommendation for an anti-theft travel purse. It stands out as the best travel purse for international adventures, yet it’s stylish enough to use even when you’re not traveling. I’ve even had the pleasure of meeting one of the founders – her passion for creating women’s travel handbags that are both stylish and practical is truly inspiring.
Arden Cove began with a focus on crossbody bags and has since expanded to include larger styles. What truly sets them apart is that their bags don’t scream “anti-theft.” Instead, they resemble the fashionable purses you’d expect to see locals carrying.
Each Arden Cove travel purse features an adjustable shoulder strap and is packed with thoughtful features designed for the modern traveler. They include credit card slots with RFID blocking technology to protect against electronic theft.
The material is where Arden Cove truly shines – it’s crafted from the same material used in bulletproof vests. This means thieves can’t simply slash your bag and make off with your belongings. (Forget flimsy stainless steel wire mesh linings, give me the bulletproof stuff!)
Stylish woman wearing an Arden Cove crossbody travel purse a locking main compartment and a smaller, easily accessible pocket which I personally use for my phone and train pass. The zipper lock adds an extra layer of security, making it difficult to unzip in crowded areas. And, bonus, they’re water resistant!
Arden Cove is my absolute favorite stylish travel purse company. I took my Arden Cove purse on my honeymoon across Europe, and it proved its resilience through rainy days, hikes in the Isle of Skye, Oktoberfest, and countless other adventures.
I give this cute small travel purse a 10/10 recommendation for all types of trips! (For travel, I suggest opting for a darker color crossbody bag, like black, as my cream-colored one did show some wear and tear after a year of use.) The price is justified by the quality and security, and you can find Arden Cove purses on Amazon and directly from their website!
2. Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody: Vegan and Vibrant Travel Companion
Another exceptional crossbody travel purse is the Micah Crossbody from Dagne Dover. It’s incredibly stylish and available in a wide array of colors to complement your personal style. A fellow travel blogger friend of mine swears by this 100% vegan purse for her travels.
A standout feature is the convenient back pocket designed specifically for your phone. This makes it one of the best crossbody bags for travel, as it keeps your phone secure and close to your body, significantly reducing the risk of theft.
This bag also boasts a comfortable, adjustable strap for all-day wear, an internal key ring to keep your keys organized, and ample space to carry everything you need for a day of exploring.
Shop The Dagne Dover Bag
Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody bag in various colors
3. Pacsafe Anti-Theft Sling: The Trendy and Secure Fanny Pack
This anti-theft classic mini sling from Pacsafe is our top pick for a fanny pack that incorporates all the security features you could desire. We are big fans of slings and fanny packs for travel.
Thanks to Gen Z, fanny packs have made a stylish comeback, and we are fully on board. Fanny packs are ideally worn on your front, making them significantly harder to steal from as they are always within your line of sight. Plus, accessing your belongings is incredibly convenient as everything is right in front of you.
This Pacsafe travel purse features lockable zippers on the main compartment, an RFID blocking pocket for your cards, a key clip to keep your essentials organized, and a padded honeycomb fabric backing for maximum comfort. It’s undoubtedly one of the best cute travel bags to take on all your trips!
If you prefer a slightly larger travel fanny pack, I also highly recommend Baggu purses!
4. Beis Daytripper Backpack: Chic Backpack for All-Day Adventures
Sometimes, a backpack is simply the most practical choice. Our editor Taylor highly recommends the Beis Daytripper backpack travel purse bag, particularly as a carry-on or for day trips when you need to carry a bit more (water bottle, rain jacket, etc.).
It includes two side water bottle pockets, a trolley passthrough to easily attach to luggage, three zip pockets for organization, and a padded laptop sleeve that comfortably fits a 13-inch laptop (with a little extra room for flights).
The front pocket is also quite spacious, easily accommodating everything you might need for a day trip or a work conference.
The shoulder straps are comfortable, and overall, it’s a super chic backpack that helps you blend in with the locals. While it doesn’t have anti-theft material, its stylish and understated design makes it look more like a bag a local would carry to work than a typical tourist backpack, making it a smart choice for travelers.
If you’re interested in learning more about Beis, check out Taylor’s comprehensive Beis luggage review post here.
Stylish woman wearing a Longchamp tote bag as a travel purse
5. Longchamp Tote: The Professional Traveler’s Choice
As a travel blogger, I’m often traveling with my laptop. If you frequently travel for work or need a chic, office-appropriate tote bag that can accommodate your laptop, look no further than the Longchamp tote.
Longchamp is an excellent alternative to the Baggallini Everywhere Bagg, which, in my opinion, looks too much like a stereotypical anti-theft travel bag!
This large travel tote is my top recommendation for traveling working professionals. The standout feature is the top zipper, which completely closes the tote bag (a must-have in my book!). Many large tote bags that are big enough for laptops lack this crucial zippered closure.
Travel Tip: On crowded public transport, keep your hand on the zipper of your bag to ensure no one can unzip it without you noticing!
This shoulder bag is spacious enough to hold all your essentials, yet it can be folded down to the size of a paperback book when not in use (talk about a lightweight travel handbag!).
Combined with the wide range of color options (from vibrant yellow to classic black), this bag is a popular choice among women constantly on the go.
Travel Tip: During my study abroad semester in Italy, I had to carry books and laptops to classes daily. I loved having a tote bag with a full zipper to protect my school items. I quickly learned that the easiest way to deter pickpockets on packed trains was to flip my purse so the zipped end faced forward, then hold my hand over it to prevent anyone from unzipping it from behind. I was never pickpocketed once during my semester abroad, proving this simple tip is highly effective!
Double compartment crossbody travel purse in black
6. Double Compartment Crossbody: Budget-Friendly Security
If Arden Cove is beyond your budget, I suggest considering a Double Compartment Crossbody Bag.
While this anti-theft classic mini purse isn’t as deep as the Arden Cove and lacks some of the advanced features, it’s affordable, comes in a variety of colors, and meets my three basic security rules: it fully zips closed, it’s a crossbody style, and it has a comfortable shoulder strap. It’s also sufficiently sized to hold most of my daily essentials for exploring.
This crossbody purse is cleverly designed with two separate pockets or compartments. This is excellent for organizing your belongings, allowing you to separate items based on their use – for example, camera and phone in one side, wallet and lip balm in the other.
It features a snap button top but includes zipper pockets on the inside, which somewhat compensates for the lack of mesh wiring or slash-proofing, as it would still be quite difficult to steal from this purse without cutting it open.
What I particularly appreciate about these crossbody bags is the secret back zipper pocket. Located on the backside, which you typically keep against your body, this small pocket is perfect for truly valuable items like cash or your ID! Forget the generic small crossbody bags; this one is more affordable, cuter, and the secret pocket makes it a standout choice.
Several variations of this bag design are available if this specific style isn’t to your liking. However, most models retain the back zipper, leather shoulder strap, and secure zipper pockets.
TravelSmith RFID Crossbody Bag in baby blue
7. TravelSmith RFID Crossbody Bag: Lightweight and Tech-Savvy
Last but certainly not least, this adorable baby blue purse from TravelSmith is another fantastic travel purse equipped with anti-theft features! It includes a passport-sized RFID-blocking pocket to protect your credit cards and even your passport from digital data theft (apparently, this is a real concern now – we truly are living in the future!). The straps are designed to be anti-slash, although not the full bag body like the Arden Cove.
It features a unique zipper locking mechanism that allows you to double-secure zippers by attaching them to an interior security hook. After researching for this post, I’m realizing my biggest travel fear might be someone simply unzipping my bag and running off with my DSLR without me noticing!
It’s compact yet spacious enough for essential items. It also includes convenient side pockets for quick access storage. I’m a big fan of pockets – you can never have too many!
What I truly love about this purse is its color and design. It doesn’t resemble an anti-theft purse at all; instead, it looks like something you’d find at a trendy store.
It’s chic and fashionable, which I believe actually helps deter pickpockets. It also features that valuable secret back pocket with a zipper, perfect for extra-precious items like cash.
Lo & Sons Bond Sling in various materials
8. Lo & Sons Bond Sling: Sleek and Pocket-Packed Sling Bag
I’ve owned a Lo & Sons OG bag for a year and have loved it as my carry-on. Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the Lo & Sons Bond fanny pack (sling bag).
“Obsessed” is an understatement. Around San Francisco, I often use a sling bag/fanny pack for errands and have a beloved Baggu, but my Baggu Crescent bag is very basic and not ideal for deterring pickpockets while traveling.
However, The Bond sling is sleek and packed with pockets – including a secret back zipper pocket where you can securely tuck your phone or cash against your body! There’s also a dedicated card pocket, perfect for storing metro cards while traveling, eliminating the need to pull out your wallet to board the train.
The Bond is available in three materials: premium sheepskin leather, tyvek, and recycled poly with an antimicrobial lining, along with durable hardware (it is a Lo & Sons bag, after all!).
One of my favorite features of this sling is the internal key string, allowing you to attach your house keys, hotel keys (some places still use physical keys!), or even your wallet to prevent it from falling out or being easily snatched. This significantly increases security against pickpockets.
It’s an instant favorite.
Couple walking in Copenhagen with a travel purse
What Makes a Travel Purse Truly Great? Essential Features to Look For
Before we delve deeper into my top 8 travel purse recommendations, let’s quickly discuss the key qualities that define a great travel purse.
Having traveled extensively around the world (from iconic World Wonders to remote jungles to bustling cities), I’ve learned that the ideal travel bag shares several essential characteristics, regardless of the destination.
First and foremost, it must have a secure zipper closure that completely seals the bag. While I appreciate a stylish bucket bag as much as anyone, these open-top designs are better suited for brunch dates than navigating busy city streets.
The open top is essentially an invitation for opportunistic thieves to reach in and grab your belongings unnoticed. Open tops also lead to items falling out, especially during air travel or while handling luggage.
Therefore, my primary criterion is a bag that can be fully sealed with a zipper.
Woman in Edinburgh wearing a crossbody travel purse
Edinburgh San Diego
The second crucial feature is a crossbody design with a comfortable shoulder strap.
While backpacks and large messenger bags can be useful, I find that a crossbody bag positioned at my waist level is far more convenient. It allows easy access to my wallet, phone for photos, lip balm, camera, etc., without the constant hassle of removing and replacing a backpack countless times throughout the day.
Furthermore, anti-theft crossbody purses offer enhanced security. In crowded environments, I can easily swing the bag to the front and hold onto it, ensuring that no one can tamper with my bag behind my back.
The third essential quality is sufficient space. The ideal bag size depends on the type of trip.
Work trips often necessitate a larger travel purse to accommodate a laptop and work-related items. Exploring a city like London all day requires a smaller bag, but still large enough for a camera and perhaps a small souvenir.
A classic mini shoulder purse suitable for a date or party is simply not practical for travel as it barely holds the essentials for a day out. You need a purse that can accommodate some or all of the following:
- ID and/or passport
- Credit cards + cash (wallet)
- Train card
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle (or space for a small bottle)
- Hand lotion
- Lip balm
- Hair ties
- Phone
- Portable phone charger
- Umbrella or packable rain jacket
- Occasionally, extras like a book or souvenir!
When choosing the perfect travel purse for an upcoming trip, I prioritize these three features to narrow down my options and select the most suitable bag.
Now, let’s revisit my favorite travel bags currently available! These are truly the best purses for travel, ever.
Woman in New Orleans wearing a stylish travel purse
Extra Tips to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling
While choosing one of the best travel bags for women and utilizing its security features is crucial, there are additional strategies to minimize the risk of theft. As a seasoned traveler, I’ve learned several other hacks to ensure my belongings remain safe.
Carry a Decoy Wallet
During my study abroad in Mexico (yes, I studied abroad twice – I admit, I’m a bit addicted to travel!), one of my professors was extremely passionate about pickpocket prevention. He delivered a detailed lecture (over an hour!) on various methods locals use to steal from tourists, sharing personal anecdotes of being pickpocketed himself.
My favorite tip he shared was about the decoy travel wallet. My professor, a typically unassuming man, understood that he might be a target for pickpockets in unfamiliar cities in Mexico.
But he was prepared!
He now travels with two wallets. That’s right – his real wallet, kept securely in his front shirt pocket, and a dummy wallet in his back pocket.
This dummy wallet is an inexpensive one he purchased in bulk. He puts a few dollars in it to make it appear real and keeps it in his back pocket, a common habit for many men. The idea is that when a thief targets him, they go for the back pocket wallet and quickly disappear… only to discover they’ve stolen a few dollars. Genius!
While I’m too low-maintenance to create decoy wallets for every trip, I recognize the value in investing in a good travel purse to protect my valuables. However, the underlying message of this tip is that thieves are adept at identifying and targeting tourists.
On top of buying and using an unattractive “anti-theft” purse that, well, looks like an anti-theft purse (like the berry one at the start of this post)…
Avoid Wearing Obvious Tourist Attire
If you dress like a tourist (I’m looking at those who pack all their American sports team t-shirts for European trips!), you significantly increase your chances of being targeted.
This is why a purse that combines functionality with style is so important! Aim to blend in with the locals, ladies!
I’m reminded of when my now-husband, Robin, visited me in Italy during my study abroad in 2013. We started in Rome and traveled throughout Italy.
Unfortunately, this was before I started Whimsy Soul, so I don’t have blog posts to share from that trip.
Anyway, I had some clothing rules for him. (He didn’t entirely follow them, but he did reasonably well.) He was forbidden from packing any sports t-shirts, which at the time comprised about 90% of his wardrobe.
He was also not allowed to bring his Cubs baseball hat. This may sound a bit extreme, but I also prohibited him from keeping his wallet or phone in his pockets while walking around – I kept them in my purse!
Basically, I was convinced he would arrive dressed in an outfit that screamed “I’M A TOURIST FROM THE USA AND PROBABLY HAVE LOTS OF EUROS AND A NICE PHONE IN MY POCKETS RIGHT NOW.”
Back then, he wasn’t the most “aware” traveler, and after countless classmates had their phones or wallets stolen during the semester, I wanted to prevent it from happening to us.
My goal was to enjoy wine, relax in Italy with my boyfriend, and eat as much pizza as possible, not spend three days at the embassy waiting for a replacement passport.
He didn’t completely adhere to my rules and did bring a couple of sports t-shirts. Sigh. But we completed the entire trip without anything being stolen! I like to think it was mainly due to my purse.
I used a large crossbody tote with a top zipper that I kept my hand on in crowded places. I kept wallets and phones in the top interior pocket, so even if someone tried to slash the bag (which never happened), the valuables wouldn’t fall out. But mostly, I remained aware of my surroundings.
Be Aware of Common Scams
Being aware of your surroundings is half the battle, followed by choosing a purse that is stylish, meets your needs, and is also designed to deter thieves. But vigilance is paramount.
That professor in Mexico taught me about so many common scams that I’m always on high alert now.
A popular con is the “lost tourist” scam. Someone approaches you with a large map, positioning it in front of your waist, and asks for directions. While you’re distracted, a second person comes from behind and steals your purse or wallet, which is hidden by the map.
Now, whenever someone approaches us for directions, I instinctively grab my purse, just in case. So far, it’s always been genuinely lost couples, but you never know.
Another common trick involves ketchup, drinks, or sauce. Imagine a crowded bar or restaurant. Someone “accidentally” bumps into you and spills something on you.
While they are profusely apologizing and trying to clean up the mess, a second person is making off with your purse, which you’ve momentarily forgotten about! This one should be more obvious, but the sudden and overwhelming nature of the situation can easily distract you.
A common pickpocket scam occurs on trains. As you try to exit, people – often children – will stand directly in front of the doors. You have to push past them to get off, and during this close contact, they steal your wallet or phone. Now, when I see people crowding train doors, especially when the train isn’t full enough to justify crowding, I’m immediately on alert.
This is why I appreciate Arden Cove’s detachable straps, allowing you to wrap the strap around a chair to prevent bag-snatching. PS Arden Cove also offers a travel backpack if you need more space for personal items!
Dublin 
Woman wearing a denim jacket in Dublin
Dublin
Hold Your Purse Securely
Sometimes, pickpockets are brazen and will simply try to snatch your bag. Here in San Francisco, I witnessed this firsthand on Market Street.
I was standing next to a backpacker when a man casually walked up, ripped the backpack off the guy’s shoulders, and sprinted down the street. I was stunned – I was in heels and couldn’t easily chase after him. The backpacker was shouting, but no one stopped the thief. I don’t know if he ever recovered his backpack.
When it comes to finding good travel bags, it’s not always solely about preventing thieves. For me, functionality and space are also crucial.
In airport security lines, I love having a small pocket to quickly stash my boarding pass and phone while going through the scanner.
(Yes, I still call it the beeper because it almost always beeps at me, and I get a pat-down because I often wear skirts to the airport!)
The same applies to train travel. I appreciate having a small, secure side pocket, separate from my main belongings, so I can quickly access and store my train pass when rushing to catch a train without worrying about my valuables falling out.
Pro-tip: Consider using a separate airport belt bag, like the Baggu or Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag, for easy access to your passport, boarding pass, and phone during flights. Then, switch to a more water-resistant and slash-proof travel purse once you reach your destination.
Opt for a Waterproof Travel Purse
And of course, rain is a constant travel concern! We’ve been caught in our share of downpours while traveling, especially in Portland, Washington, and Ireland.
Before I started using my Arden Cove purse, I used to worry about my phone and vlogging camera getting wet and damaged. But with a waterproof purse, rain is no longer a concern, even if you forget a raincoat or umbrella!
And finally, style is a major factor for me. Could you tell from my rant about that berry-colored purse? I first traveled abroad at 14 and haven’t stopped since.
Travel is now a lifestyle for me, and it’s important that I dress and express myself on trips just as I do at home.
I’ve never understood why some people choose to travel in yoga pants and sports tanks but wear nicer outfits at home.
While functionality is likely the reason, I personally find immense joy in wearing a pretty floral dress in New Orleans or a chic little black dress for a date night in London.
Woman wearing a black crossbody travel purse in Vancouver
Wearing my black crossbody in Vancouver
An ugly purse really kills my vibe. That’s why I wanted to share my top purse recommendations for women who, like me, believe you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality.
I hope this guide helps you choose the best anti-theft travel purse for your next adventure! If you have any questions, leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul, and I’ll be happy to assist!
