The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Good Travel Purse

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Are you wondering if you should bring a purse on your travels? And if so, what qualities define a Good Travel Purse?

This is a question I frequently encounter, and it’s perfectly understandable. Travelers are rightly concerned about safeguarding their valuables while exploring new and exciting places.

My answer is an emphatic YES! You absolutely should bring a purse when you travel!

Just as I rely on a purse in my daily life at home, I find it indispensable for the vast majority of my travels.

Certainly, a purse can function as your personal item on flights, and a convenient place to keep your credit cards. But its utility extends far beyond these situations. A good travel purse is your constant companion, everywhere you go.

Whether I’m embarking on a safari adventure in South Africa, navigating Southeast Asia on a motorbike, or leisurely exploring the charming streets of Paris, Tokyo, or Ushuaia, my purse is always securely by my side.

But what about the risks? What if it gets stolen, slashed, or you become a victim of pickpocketing?

These are valid concerns. Theft, unfortunately, can happen. However, the likelihood significantly decreases if you employ common sense and remain vigilant about your belongings. Thieves are opportunists; they target easy marks. By being proactive and choosing a good travel purse, you can minimize your vulnerability.

I learned this lesson firsthand, albeit the hard way, back in 2008 in Buenos Aires. My wallet was stolen directly from my purse. The culprit? My own poor choice of bag – a massive, open-topped H&M purse. I was practically broadcasting my inexperience to every would-be thief within eyesight.

The importance of a suitable purse truly hit home during my semester abroad in Florence. For reasons I now struggle to comprehend, I thought a sky-blue messenger bag would suffice as my travel purse. It had pockets, it seemed “good for travel” in my naive mind.

This was a colossal mistake.

Beyond its impracticality, it was undeniably unfashionable, especially in Italy, arguably the most stylish nation on Earth. It took only a few days before I realized I needed to rectify my sartorial error. A trip to the market resulted in the purchase of a new purse, one that wouldn’t elicit scornful glances from the effortlessly chic Italians.

Many people fall into the trap of believing that travel necessitates purchasing specialized gear for every trip. However, I only advocate for special gear when engaging in activities like hiking or extreme sports. For most travel experiences, which largely mirror our daily routines at home, your existing wardrobe and accessories, including your purse, should be perfectly adequate – provided you choose wisely.

Let’s delve into what makes a good travel purse and explore some excellent options.

This post was most recently updated in May 2024.

A woman wearing a money belt and pulling out her euros and passport.

Image alt text: A person demonstrates how to access items stored in a money belt worn under clothing, emphasizing the inconvenience of this method for everyday use.

Why a Money Belt Isn’t a Good Travel Purse

Money belts are frequently mentioned in travel safety discussions, but I am not an advocate, nor do I believe they are necessary for most travelers in most situations. Whether I’m walking the streets of Copenhagen or relaxing on a beach in Nicaragua, the thought of wearing a money belt and awkwardly reaching under my clothes to access cash for a coffee is unappealing, to say the least.

Money belts are not designed for your daily cash and essentials. Their purpose is to securely store critical items – those you absolutely cannot afford to lose – primarily during transit. Think passport, essential documents, travel confirmations, and identification.

Personally, I find a scarf with a hidden pocket to be a superior alternative. It serves the same function as a money belt – safeguarding valuables – but is more convenient, infinitely more stylish, and less likely to attract unwanted attention from thieves.

I’ll elaborate on these scarves later. First, let’s focus on what constitutes a good travel purse.

What to Look For in a Good Travel Purse

The market is flooded with “anti-theft” purses, such as those from brands like Travelon, often boasting features like anti-slash mesh and hidden pockets. While these features may offer a sense of security, investing in a specialized, potentially expensive “anti-theft” bag isn’t always necessary to find a good travel purse.

Instead, focus on selecting a regular purse that meets the following essential criteria:

1. Crossbody Strap: A crossbody strap is paramount. The ability to wear the purse diagonally across your body, with the strap over one shoulder and the bag resting on the opposite hip, significantly enhances security. It makes it far more challenging for a thief to snatch the bag compared to a simple shoulder strap. An adjustable strap offers even greater versatility and comfort.

2. Manageable Size: Size matters. A good travel purse should be of a size that allows you to easily monitor and protect it. You should be able to comfortably cover the bag with your hand when necessary, especially in crowded areas. Avoid oversized bags that become unwieldy and harder to control.

3. Durable and Slash-Resistant Fabric: The material of your travel purse is crucial. Opt for tough, tightly woven fabrics that are resistant to slashing. Leather or high-quality faux leather are excellent choices. While no fabric is completely slash-proof, thick leather or a robust faux leather presents a significant obstacle to potential thieves compared to thin cotton or nylon.

4. Zippers are Essential: Forget about purses with snaps, magnetic closures, or partially open tops. Zippers are non-negotiable for a good travel purse. They provide a secure closure, preventing opportunistic hands from easily reaching into your bag and accessing your belongings.

5. Discreet Branding: Subtlety is key. A good travel purse should not scream “expensive designer brand.” Minimize visible logos and avoid bags with prominent luxury branding, especially mid-range or luxury labels that are easily recognizable. Ironically, some showy mid-range brands can be perceived as more valuable targets than discreet luxury brands by thieves who are looking for quick scores.

6. Quick and Easy Access for You: While security is paramount, your purse also needs to be functional for you. You should be able to access your belongings without struggling with complicated closures. A top zipper or a simple foldover flap that is also zippered provides a good balance of security and accessibility.

7. Consider RFID Protection (But Don’t Over-rely on it): Many travel purses advertise RFID-blocking pockets, claiming to protect your cards from electronic skimming. While this feature can offer a degree of peace of mind, an RFID-blocking wallet is often a more practical and effective solution for protecting your cards. Focus on the core security features of a good travel purse first.

(In the image above, I am wearing a Marc Jacobs Tote Bag in cherry. While I love this bag for everyday use at home, its luxury branding makes it less ideal for travel. It’s styled with a Sézane top, Sézane trousers, vintage Miu Miu aviators, and Sézane sneakers.)

Remember, a good travel purse doesn’t need to be extravagantly expensive, but it should be of reasonable quality and meet the criteria outlined above.

Here are some affordable purses on Amazon that fit the above criteria.

Two smiling women posing for a photo.

Image alt text: A blogger smiles warmly in a photo with two of her readers, highlighting the friendly and community-focused aspect of her travel blog.

Top Travel Purses Under $50: Affordable and Secure Options

During a trip to Busan, South Korea, I stumbled upon what became my perfect travel purse for a time: a stylish black faux leather Alexander McQueen “inspired” crossbody bag adorned with studs and metal skulls. It was the ideal crossbody size, approximately 12 x 5 inches (30 x 13 cm), and I purchased it for around $30.

It endured significant wear and tear on the road, and eventually, one of the straps detached. However, a quick visit to a seamstress in Bangkok resulted in a professional repair and reinforcement of both straps, making it as good as new.

That purse served me well for about a year of constant use. Since then, I’ve upgraded to higher-quality purses and invested in pieces that are designed to last.

However, if you are seeking an affordable good travel purse similar to my Busan find, here are some excellent options under $50:

Covelin Crossbody Purse: This black faux leather crossbody is a fantastic budget-friendly choice. The angled zippers add a touch of style, and the adjustable crossbody strap ensures a comfortable and secure fit.

A black Lululemon belt bag.

Image alt text: A close-up studio shot of a black Lululemon belt bag, showcasing its sporty design and zippered compartments, ideal for active travelers.

Lululemon Belt Bag: The Lululemon Belt Bag has gained immense popularity, and deservedly so. While made of nylon rather than leather, it is a casual, sporty, and exceptionally secure option that you can keep close to your body at all times.

It’s also perfect for athletic activities, as expected from a yoga-focused brand. It can be worn traditionally as a fanny pack (or “bum bag” in the UK – be mindful of the term “fanny pack” there!), or across your chest for added security and style. It’s also water-resistant, a bonus for travel.

The bag is available in various sizes. The 2-liter size is a versatile choice for travel, but they also offer 1-liter and mini sizes. For concerts and events with clear bag policies, the clear belt bag version is a practical option. A wide array of colors ensures there’s a Lululemon Belt Bag to match your style.
Lola Mae Black Crossbody Bag: The Lola Mae Black Crossbody Bag is another highly-rated and affordable travel purse under $50. The chevron detailing on the faux leather and the cute tassel add a touch of personality to this budget-friendly and practical option.

Image alt text: A minimalist studio shot of a black Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag, highlighting its crescent shape, simple design, and adjustable crossbody strap, popular for its practicality and affordability.

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag: The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag is a ubiquitous sight among travelers, and for good reason. It’s cheap, cheerful, and functional. The crossbody strap and zippered top provide essential security, the nylon material is lightweight and durable, and it comes in a wide range of colors to suit various preferences. It’s also available in a smaller size.

While perhaps less suited for ultra-chic environments like Paris or Milan, it’s an excellent and practical choice for active trips, extended travels, or more casual outings.
Mundi Crossbody Purse: The Mundi Crossbody Purse offers the added benefit of RFID protection. The foldover style adds an extra layer of security, keeping your belongings securely inside and making it more difficult for pickpockets.

Explore more affordable crossbody purses here.

A woman in a black jacket and scarf holding a black purse.

Image alt text: A traveler confidently walks through a city street, showcasing her stylish yet practical black crossbody purse, demonstrating how a good travel purse can complement your travel style.

Investing in Quality: Good Travel Purses Under $300

When I relocated to New York City in 2016, I invested in a $220 Christophe Kon purse, and it proved to be an excellent investment, lasting for several years of daily use. It was a black leather crossbody with a secure zipper, featuring a stylish intrecciato woven design inspired by Bottega Veneta.

At the time, this was the most expensive purse I had ever purchased for myself. However, considering I used it virtually every day for years, the cost per wear became incredibly low – pennies per use. For me, getting the cost per wear down to under $1 is a win.

I believe that you can find high-quality leather purses that make excellent good travel purses in the $100-$300 price range, both at retail and on the pre-loved market.

Why leather? Leather, quite simply, is significantly more durable and long-lasting than faux leather or vegan leather (which is typically plastic-based). In my opinion, the increased longevity justifies the slightly higher initial cost of a quality leather purse.

Here are some of my top picks for good travel purses under $300:

Aimee Kesterberg Crossbody Bag: I am drawn to the edgy aesthetic of this Aimee Kesterberg crossbody bag. The woven detailing and stud embellishments add a unique flair, making it suitable for stylish destinations like Paris or Italy. It also features a secure top zipper.

A black leather saddle bag with a long crossbody strap.

Image alt text: A classic black leather saddle bag with a crossbody strap is displayed against a neutral background, emphasizing its timeless style and practical design for travel.

Maison de Sabré Leather Saddle Bag: Let’s be honest – this Maison de Sabré leather saddle bag bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Hermès Evelyne bag, minus the signature H-shaped perforations. Regardless, I love this bag. It’s unisex in style, surprisingly spacious, versatile enough for both casual and more dressy occasions, available in several colors, and the crossbody strap ensures comfortable wear. It’s a fantastic and stylish good travel purse option.
MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote: If you prefer to carry a bit more with you when you’re out and about, or simply appreciate a larger bag, the MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote is an excellent choice. This spacious bag can be carried as a tote or converted to a crossbody bag for added security. The quilted pattern adds a touch of texture and style, and it’s available in several colors.

A crescent-shaped black leather bag with a long crossbody strap and a tiny pocket on the strap.

Image alt text: A stylish crescent-shaped black leather crossbody bag is showcased, highlighting its unique shape, zippered closure, and functional strap pocket, ideal for travelers seeking both fashion and practicality.

Oryany Rookie Crescent Bag: If you appreciate the shape of the Uniqlo Half Moon Bag but desire a leather version, the Oryany Rookie Crescent Bag is worth considering. It features a similar cute crescent shape, a secure zipper closure, a long and comfortable crossbody strap, and even a convenient small pocket on the strap. Its versatile style transitions seamlessly from everyday use to travel, and it also evokes the design of the popular Polène Numéro Dix bag.
Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody Bag: This Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag is another excellent choice for a smaller-sized good travel purse that can effortlessly transition from day to evening. It can be worn crossbody or as a shoulder bag, and the chevron pattern in the leather adds a sophisticated touch.

Kate in a trench coat, black crossbody bag, and burgundy patent leather heeled shoes.

Image alt text: A stylish travel blogger poses in a trench coat with a chic black Loewe mini puzzle bag worn crossbody, showcasing a high-end example of a fashionable and secure travel purse.

My Current Go-To Travel Purse (2024)

In recent years, my interest in handbags has grown. Instead of 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 purchase – a Loewe mini puzzle bag in black. This is the most expensive purse I have ever owned (although it was more affordable when I purchased it). However, I use it constantly, and its exceptional quality ensures it will last for years. My goal is to bring the cost per wear down to $1 eventually! (I treated myself to this bag as a reward for passing my Czech driving test, which was a truly challenging experience!)

The mini size is quite compact, but the small version offers significantly more capacity.

In this photo, I’ve styled it with my Sézane trench coat, a vintage Express top from the early 2000s, Sézane trousers, a Sézane belt, and Carel heels.

Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag: This is the only purse I took with me on my trip to South America last fall! I actually found this one pre-loved on Vinted.cz for about half the retail price.

This bag is undeniably tiny – a wallet is out of the question; it’s designed for a cardholder and absolute essentials only. Accessing the contents can be a bit fiddly (which is actually a security bonus!), but I found it perfectly adequate for my needs. It proved to be my perfect travel purse for that trip.

I styled it 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 desire a compact, secure bag that is difficult for thieves to penetrate.

Kate sitting on a stoop in Brooklyn, wearing a circle scarf and showing that her passport is in the pocket.

Image alt text: A traveler demonstrates the hidden pocket in a Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf by holding her passport in the discreet zippered compartment, showcasing a stylish and secure way to carry valuables.

The Security Scarf: An Unexpectedly Good Travel Accessory

I am a big fan of Speakeasy Travel Supply scarves, and they are ideal for discreetly safeguarding your valuables while traveling. Each scarf features a hidden zippered pocket large enough to hold your passport, phone, cash, lip balm, and even a small guidebook. When I visited Chernobyl for a day trip, I needed to present my passport at frequent checkpoints, and keeping it securely tucked away in my Speakeasy scarf provided both convenience and peace of mind.

Speakeasy scarves essentially fulfill the role of a money belt, but with a significant advantage: thieves are highly unlikely to target your scarf. They are virtually pickpocket-proof! Furthermore, Speakeasy offers a vast selection of designs and fabrics suitable for all seasons and styles.

For these reasons, I highly recommend incorporating a Speakeasy scarf into your travel security strategy. It’s a secure place to keep your most valuable items, particularly when in transit. And it’s one of the most stylish ways to enhance your travel safety.

Explore the entire Speakeasy scarf collection here.

A blue beach bag made out of a tank top.

Image alt text: A brightly colored, flimsy tank top bag is displayed, representing the type of insecure and easily accessible bag that is not recommended as a travel purse.

The Worst Type of Purse for Travel: Avoid These

In cities, beach destinations, and tourist hotspots worldwide, you’ll encounter a ubiquitous type of bag for sale on nearly every corner: a large, bohemian-style sack crafted from thin, flimsy fabric, similar to the one pictured above. They are often lightweight, spacious, and make appealing souvenirs.

However, for the sake of your valuables, please do not use these as your primary travel purse.

Bags of this type are incredibly vulnerable. They can be easily snatched off your shoulder, slashed or cut open with minimal effort, and allow thieves to effortlessly reach inside and remove your wallet or phone.

If you purchase one of these bags as a souvenir, by all means, enjoy it – but do not rely on it to protect your valuables. Use it as a shopping bag or a beach tote for non-essential items like towels and sunscreen. Keep your important belongings safely secured in a good travel purse and valuables locked up when not needed.

Kate Lanta Purse

Image alt text: A close-up of a simple, functional crossbody purse in a neutral color, representing a practical and understated style often favored by experienced travelers for security.

Practical Tips for Traveling Safely with a Purse

Protecting my belongings is always a top priority, both during my travels and in my daily life at home.

My primary strategy is to prevent anyone from gaining access to my bag. I always wear my good travel purse diagonally across my body, positioned either on my hip or in front of me, and adjusted to a height where I can comfortably rest my hand on it at all times. Zippers are always kept securely closed.

When I’m in restaurants or cinemas, my purse either stays in my lap or between my feet, with the strap looped around my leg for added security. I never leave it unattended or hanging on the back of a chair.

In crowded environments, such as subway cars during rush hour, I become extra vigilant, sometimes holding my purse close to my chest until the crowds thin out.

On the rare occasions when I don’t take my purse with me, I ensure it is securely locked away in a portable safe back in my accommodation.

And as a crucial safety net, I always travel with comprehensive travel insurance. In the unfortunate event of theft, a reputable travel insurance policy will provide compensation for your losses. I personally use and recommend World Nomads for travel insurance.