Travel Purses are essential for any traveler looking to keep their belongings safe, organized, and accessible. TRAVELS.EDU.VN understands the need for a reliable travel companion, so we’ve curated a list of top travel purses, blending fashion with function. Discover how the right travel purse can improve your journey with organization, security, and style.
1. Best Crossbody Travel Purse: July Everyday Crescent Bag
The July Everyday Crescent Bag offers a fantastic blend of style and practicality. Known for its clean design and durable construction, July has created a crossbody bag that frequent travelers will cherish. Its spacious interior easily holds essentials, making it perfect for exploring new destinations.
1.1. Why Choose the July Everyday Crescent Bag?
- Spacious Interior: This bag accommodates water bottles, sunscreen, and more.
- Versatile Strap: The strap converts from crossbody to shoulder bag effortlessly.
- Easy Maintenance: Machine washable material ensures easy cleaning after any trip.
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1.2. Practicality Meets Style
The July Everyday Crescent Bag not only survives travel but thrives. Associate editor Anna Popp tested its durability on a 7-mile hike in Greece, finding it spacious enough for all her essentials. The bag’s coated interior handles spills, while its minimal design ensures it pairs well with any outfit. According to July’s website, the bag comes with a 100-day return window and a five-year warranty, ensuring long-term satisfaction.
1.3. Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.78 x 3.15 x 7.48 inches |
| Material | Cotton with TPU coating |
| Special Features | Spacious, versatile strap, machine washable, coated interior, 100-day return window, a five-year warranty. |
2. Best Tote Travel Purse: Cuyana Small Easy Zipper Tote
The Cuyana Small Easy Zipper Tote is a sophisticated travel purse designed for the modern traveler. This timeless tote is made from beautiful Italian leather and includes thoughtful details that enhance both style and function.
2.1. Elegant Design and Functional Details
Editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker highlights the Cuyana tote as an upgrade to both your office wardrobe and travel gear. The tote features a dedicated space for a 14-inch laptop, water bottle, and makeup bag, plus a secure key hook. The crucial zip-top closure keeps contents secure, a must for travelers.
2.2. Customization and Convenience
One of the most appealing features is the ability to customize the tote with add-on accessories. Customize the bag to your exact needs, from a wide or skinny shoulder strap to specialized inserts. Cuyana’s website offers a range of accessories to further enhance the functionality of the bag. This tote ensures your travel documents are always within easy reach, making TSA security a breeze.
2.3. Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18 x 10.6 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 1.32 pounds |
| Material | Leather |
| Special Features | Space for a 14-inch laptop, zip top closure, customizable with add-on accessories, Italian leather craftsmanship. |
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3. Best Compact Travel Purse: Tumi Persia Crossbody
The Tumi Persia Crossbody proves that big things can come in small packages. This compact bag offers numerous features that make it an excellent travel companion, ideal for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing functionality.
3.1. Smart Design for Maximum Utility
Parker, a Tumi luggage enthusiast, tested the Tumi Persia Crossbody on several international trips and discovered its surprising capacity. It easily holds a phone, wallet, passport, earbuds, snack, and even a Kindle. The back slip pocket offers quick access to an ID and phone, while the front zip pocket secures cash, providing peace of mind while navigating busy travel hubs.
3.2. Versatility and Security
The sporty design of the Tumi Persia Crossbody is great for both air travel and day trips. As with most Tumi products, the leather tag can be customized with your initials, reducing the chance of mix-ups. Tumi’s website highlights the bag’s durable nylon and leather construction, ensuring it withstands the rigors of travel.
3.3. Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 5.3 x 2 inches |
| Weight | 0.6 pounds |
| Material | Nylon, Leather |
| Special Features | Compact design, multiple pockets, customizable leather tag, sporty aesthetic, durable build. |
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4. Best Shoulder Bag: Cole Haan Chance Shoulder Bag
The Cole Haan Chance Shoulder Bag combines everyday style with travel-friendly features. This leather handbag is designed to be both fashionable and functional, making it a versatile choice for any traveler.
4.1. Stylish and Functional Design
Cole Haan’s Chance bag offers more than just aesthetic appeal. It includes interior pockets and a back slip pocket for easy access to your phone, even when the top is zipped closed. The bag is spacious without feeling bulky, and the adjustable shoulder strap enhances comfort. While the front zip pockets add a stylish touch, it’s best to avoid storing valuables there. Cole Haan’s website describes the bag as having an elevated feel due to its gold hardware, making it suitable for both casual and dressy occasions.
4.2. Practicality for Travel
Associate editor Anna Popp praised the Cole Haan Chance Shoulder Bag for its balance of style and practicality. It holds more than just the essentials without feeling cumbersome and is perfect for navigating airports or exploring new cities. The bag’s design ensures your belongings are secure and accessible, enhancing your overall travel experience.
4.3. Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7 x 11 x 2.75 inches |
| Weight | 1.7 pounds |
| Material | Leather |
| Special Features | Interior pockets, back slip pocket, adjustable shoulder strap, gold hardware, stylish and functional design, versatile aesthetic |
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5. Best Budget Travel Purse: Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag
The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag combines affordability with practicality, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Its roomy interior and variety of color options provide exceptional value.
5.1. Affordable and Functional
T+L writer Anne Taylor enthusiastically recommends this social media-famous bag. She found it so impressive that she bought three more. Available in various colors, the neutrals are particularly versatile, easily complementing most outfits. The bag’s sturdy and secure feel, combined with its water-repellant nylon material, makes it ideal for various travel situations. Uniqlo’s product page highlights the bag’s durable construction and water-repellent finish, ensuring it withstands the rigors of travel.
5.2. Durability and Capacity
The textured design of the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag effectively hides dirt and scratches, making it suitable for airplane seats or outdoor hikes. The bag’s surprisingly spacious interior can accommodate all your essential items. Overall, this bag offers exceptional value for its price, making it a top pick for travelers seeking an affordable and reliable option.
5.3. Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11 x 6.7 x 3.9 inches |
| Material | Nylon |
| Special Features | Roomy interior, various color options, water-repellant finish, durable design |
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6. Best Belt Bag: lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
The lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag matches the Uniqlo bag in popularity, making it a must-have accessory for travelers. Its ultraportable style keeps your essentials close, perfect for any adventure.
6.1. Portable and Practical
T+L editor Sophie Mendel has used the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag at the beach, pool, brunch, and on long walks. Its compact design holds just enough room for essentials like keys and a credit card, allowing you to travel light while keeping your belongings secure. The adjustable strap allows the bag to be worn across the waist or chest, offering versatility and comfort. Lululemon’s official website emphasizes the bag’s durability and functional design, highlighting its suitability for active lifestyles.
6.2. Versatile and Stylish
Despite its minimal design, the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag adds a cute and functional touch to any outfit. Its lightweight construction and secure fit make it ideal for travelers who want to keep their hands free and their belongings safe. This belt bag is truly designed to go everywhere with you, making it a reliable travel companion.
6.3. Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 2 x 5 inches |
| Material | Nylon |
| Special Features | Ultraportable, adjustable strap, minimal design, lightweight, secure fit, durable |
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7. Best Convertible Travel Purse: Oleada Wavia Bag
The Oleada Wavia Bag is a newcomer to the handbag scene, quickly gaining recognition for its luxurious styling and exceptional functionality. This convertible bag features both backpack straps and a top handle, making it ideal for commuting and traveling.
7.1. Two-in-One Design
The Oleada Wavia Bag’s two-in-one design makes it perfect for navigating the office or airport. The interior is spacious enough to hold essentials like a water bottle, sweater, headphones, and passport, with room to spare. Associate editor Anna Popp’s favorite feature is the laptop compartment with a secure latch. Oleada’s website emphasizes the bag’s high-quality leather and functional design, making it a worthwhile investment.
7.2. Luxurious and Functional
While the gold hardware may show light scuffs with use, the overall quality of the leather justifies the price. The Oleada Wavia Bag is a stylish and practical choice for travelers seeking a versatile and durable option. This bag combines luxury with functionality, making it a standout choice for those who want a premium travel experience.
7.3. Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.4 x 11 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Material | Leather |
| Special Features | Convertible design, backpack straps, top handle, laptop compartment, high-quality leather, spacious |
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8. Best Designer Travel Purse: Loewe Puzzle Fold Tote
For those with a higher budget, the Loewe Puzzle Fold Tote is a top choice for a travel-ready designer handbag. This tote version of Loewe’s cult-favorite Puzzle bag offers unique fold details and a roomy interior.
8.1. Luxurious and Versatile
Parker recommends the Loewe Puzzle Fold Tote for its classic design and versatility. While its designer look stands out, it is timeless enough to be a core wardrobe item for years. The suede lining requires extra care, so it’s best to keep makeup and snacks in a separate zip pouch. Loewe’s website highlights the bag’s innovative origami structure, which folds flat for easy packing.
8.2. Unique and Practical Design
The soft leather and origami structure of the Loewe Puzzle Fold Tote make it a unique and practical choice for travelers. The bag can be packed into a suitcase without taking up too much space or losing its shape. This designer tote combines luxury with functionality, making it an excellent investment for those who appreciate high-end travel accessories.
8.3. Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 10 x 5.7 inches |
| Weight | 0.95 pounds |
| Material | Leather |
| Special Features | Unique fold details, roomy interior, suede lining, origami structure, folds flat, high-end designer aesthetic, calfskin |
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9. Best Large Travel Purse: MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote
The MZ Wallace Metro Tote Deluxe is perfect for days when you need to carry more than just the essentials. This spacious bag features several pockets and a zip pouch inside, yet remains incredibly lightweight.
9.1. Spacious and Lightweight
Parker notes the generous size of the MZ Wallace Metro Tote Deluxe, highlighting its suitability for travel. The exterior features a hidden sleeve that slides over a luggage handle, ensuring it’s designed with travel in mind. The zip-top closure provides added security, preventing items from falling out during transit. MZ Wallace’s official site touts its recycled nylon construction, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and durability.
9.2. Durable and Practical
The quilted material of the MZ Wallace Metro Tote Deluxe is made from recycled nylon, making it both stylish and environmentally friendly. The bag is incredibly tough, maintaining its quality even after years of use. This tote is a practical and sustainable choice for travelers who need a large, reliable bag.
9.3. Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.9 pounds |
| Material | Nylon, Leather |
| Special Features | Spacious interior, several pockets, zip pouch, luggage handle sleeve, zip-top closure, recycled nylon |
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10. Best Dressy Travel Purse: Senreve Belt Bag
The Senreve Aria Belt Bag is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal choice for saving packing space. It can be worn five different ways, making it suitable for various occasions.
10.1. Versatile and Stylish
Parker has worn the Senreve Aria Belt Bag as a fanny pack, sling bag, clutch, and crossbody, and has even used a chain strap to dress it up for a night out. The bag offers more storage than you’d expect, accommodating a phone, keys, sunglasses, and a small umbrella. The leather material is resistant to stains, scratches, and inclement weather, making it ready for any adventure. Senreve’s product description emphasizes the bag’s versatility and durability, highlighting its stain, scratch, and weather resistance.
10.2. Functional and Durable
The Senreve Aria Belt Bag combines style with practicality, making it a great choice for travelers who want a dressy yet functional option. Its ability to be worn in multiple ways allows you to adapt it to different situations, while its durable leather ensures it can withstand the rigors of travel.
10.3. Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 8 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 0.89 pounds |
| Material | Leather |
| Special Features | Versatile design, multiple wearing options, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, weather-resistant |
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Other Travel Purses We Liked
- Melie Bianco Johanna Gray Large Recycled Vegan Shoulder Bag: Ideal for day trips, this vegan leather bag is stylish and durable.
- Good Totes Large Croissant Sling: An extremely portable purse with a surprisingly large interior.
Our Testing Process
Our list of the best travel purses includes only handbags personally vetted and tested by our editors during their travels around the globe. We assess durability, versatility, interior space, the number of pockets, and packability. Each bag is used for several months, and we continuously update our recommendations based on ongoing testing.
Tips for Buying a Travel Purse
Know Your Organizational Needs
Consider the type of organizational features that work best for you. Purses with exterior pockets, like the Tumi Persia Crossbody, are great for storing boarding passes and cell phones. Ensure there’s enough room for your essentials, such as a water bottle, mini umbrella, or spare sweater.
Consider Packability
Opt for purses that can be used for multiple occasions to save space. Lightweight nylon bags are another great option that won’t take up much room or add to your luggage weight. Avoid ultra-structured styles with hard corners that won’t pack down easily.
Think About Anti-Theft Features
Look for features like zippered top closures and RFID-blocking pockets to keep your purse secure. If your purse doesn’t have RFID-blocking, use an RFID-blocking wallet. Consider using a purse lock to secure zip closures, especially in high-traffic areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Purses
What type of purse is best for travel?
The best travel purse varies for everyone, but capacity is a key factor. Consider how much you plan to carry to determine the best size, whether that’s an extra-large tote bag or a mini crossbody. Style and water resistance may also be important, depending on your trip’s activities.
Does a purse count as a personal item on the plane?
Generally, a purse counts as a personal item on the plane. We recommend checking with the airline for their specific policies. Often, travelers carry a purse inside a larger travel bag (such as a backpack) to maximize carry-on space.
How can I protect my belongings from theft while traveling?
Using a travel purse with anti-theft features, such as RFID-blocking pockets and secure closures, can help protect your belongings. Also, consider using a purse lock in crowded areas.
What are the key features to look for in a travel purse?
Key features include capacity, organizational pockets, secure closures, durability, water resistance, and packability. Also, consider anti-theft features for added security.
Can a travel purse be both stylish and functional?
Absolutely! Many travel purses combine style with functionality, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical features. Look for designs that meet your organizational needs while complementing your personal style.
What materials are best for travel purses?
Durable and lightweight materials, such as nylon, leather, and vegan leather, are excellent choices. Consider water-resistant or water-repellant finishes for added protection against the elements.
How do I choose the right size travel purse?
Consider the essentials you plan to carry, such as a phone, wallet, passport, water bottle, and any other personal items. Choose a size that comfortably accommodates these items without being too bulky or heavy.
Are convertible travel purses worth the investment?
Yes, convertible travel purses offer great value by providing multiple wearing options, such as a backpack, shoulder bag, or crossbody. This versatility can save packing space and adapt to different travel situations.
What is the best way to clean a travel purse?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Many nylon bags are machine washable, while leather bags may require special cleaning products and techniques. Regular cleaning can help maintain the appearance and longevity of your travel purse.
Where can I buy a high-quality travel purse?
High-quality travel purses are available from various retailers, including department stores, online marketplaces, and specialty travel stores. Consider brands like Tumi, Cuyana, MZ Wallace, and Senreve for reliable and stylish options.
Why Trust TRAVELS.EDU.VN
Ashley Phillips is a fashion writer with over 10 years of experience reporting on handbags and accessories. For this article, Ashley worked with T+L editors to share the best travel purses. For her own travels, Ashley favors the Oleada Wavia bag and never travels without her beloved Tumi bag.
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Edited by Anna Popp :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Anna-Popp-Bio-Photo-e2a2cfe2bcfd44b7a393b9b2d08c102c.jpg)
Anna Popp
Anna Popp is a New York-based associate editor at Travel + Leisure, covering all of the best travel products, from luggage to outdoor gear. She has been a travel writer, editor, and product tester for over five years.
Updated by Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual Italian writer from Rome, currently based in Boston. As a writer, Asia focuses on food, travel, and history, and has covered everything from the best travel products to bring on a trip India to medieval judicial duels.
