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February 17, 2021 travel tips

12 Best Travel Purses for women

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I have a love/hate relationship with travel purses. I need to carry stuff around and I need that stuff to be secure, but strapping a heavy, overfilled purse cuts into my shoulder. Have you been in that situation before? Annoyed that you thought your everyday purse would work for walking around Copenhagen for 10 hours? (Is it just me?)

So I went on the hunt for the most comfortable travel purses that combine safety, enough carrying space and allow for ease of grabbing things out.

Table of Contents

  • The best travel bags for women
      • Do you need a great all purpose, all weather travel purse?
      • Do you love a colored travel bag with a little bit of flair?
      • Do you have more to carry in your purse than some cash and your phone?
      • Do you need the most compact travel purse you can find?
      • Are you a fashionista and want a Michael Kors travel bag?
      • Do you want a travel purse that shows your personality?
      • Do you hate the single shoulder feeling of a crossbody bag?
      • Do you need to carry a tablet with you in your travel purse?
      • Do you carry everything you own with you in your travel purse?
      • Do you need a travel purse that you can use trip after trip, year after year?
    • So why all this fuss about travel purses?
    • Can’t you just grab any bag you have and head out on an adventure?
    • What is the best travel purse for Italy?
    • Travel purses (small)

The best travel bags for women

 

Do you need a great all purpose, all weather travel purse?

This purse is fabulous find and is marked very high for safety. It is very lightweight, has dedicated pockets for your phone, and is slash resistant. I wish it came in more colors.

Sale
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Slim Dbl Zip Crossbody Bag, Black, 9 x 10.5 x 1
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Slim Dbl Zip Crossbody Bag, Black, 9 x 10.5 x 1
  • 5-Point Anti-Theft security system
  • ear it 2 ways – convert from backpack to shoulder/crossbody bag by removing and reattaching strap
  • Main compartment has a zippered pocket and padded tablet sleeve
$23.79
Buy on Amazon

 

Do you love a colored travel bag with a little bit of flair?

If you love fashion and are willing to give up on a few safety features for a fun colored bag, this is for you! The tassels on the zipper pocket add to the slightly bohemian vibe.

Casual Functional Multi Pocket Double Zipper Purse Crossbody Bags for Women (Burgundy)
Casual Functional Multi Pocket Double Zipper Purse Crossbody Bags for Women (Burgundy)
  • STYLING - This stylish multi-functional crossbody purse features adjustable shoulder strap with top zipper closure that can be worn many different ways. Perfect...
  • TRENDSETTER - This trendy fashionable bag features 2 zipper pocket in front and additional rear pocket zipper. The top zipper is smooth and easy to open and...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT - This beautiful lightweight small bag are 9"(tall) x 7"(width) x 1"(depth).This purse is ideal when only carrying a small limited amount of items...
$10.99
Buy on Amazon

 

Do you have more to carry in your purse than some cash and your phone?

This might be the perfect bag for travelers who need some space for a camera, snacks and more. It features a waist strap as well to add to security and ease of carrying.

Sale
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Travel Bag, Nutmeg
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Travel Bag, Nutmeg
  • Locking compartments, slash-resistant body construction and adjustable waist strap
  • RFID blocking organizer compartment
  • Accommodates a waist to size 50 inches
$41.00
Buy on Amazon

 

Do you need the most compact travel purse you can find?

This bag offers all the storage you need in a very thin frame.  This crossbody bag features 3 zipper pockets in a bag not much bigger than an iPhone.

Sale
Vemingo Anti-Theft Crossbody Purses for Women PU Leather Travel Small Cell Phone Hand bags with RFID Blocking Credit Card Slots
Vemingo Anti-Theft Crossbody Purses for Women PU Leather Travel Small Cell Phone Hand bags with RFID Blocking Credit Card Slots
  • [Exclusive Interior Compact Design] - Compact but plenty of room, make everything organized. Vemingo Unique Crossbody Purse has 3 main pockets: the front pocket...
  • [RFID Blocking Security Credit Cards Slots] - Vemingo Version 2.0 Leather Crossbody Purse equipped with RFID Blocking Security Technology, not only protect your...
  • [Stylish & Suitable Multi Occasions] - Simple and fashionable outlook can easily cope with different occasions and styles of dressing. Such as working,...
$17.99
Buy on Amazon

 

Are you a fashionista and want a Michael Kors travel bag?

Do you want a functional travel purse with a bit of flair? This Michael Kors travel purse is big enough to fit your passport, lip gloss, keys, and other necessaries without being bulky. Plus its beautiful enough to use everyday after your trip!

Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Signature PVC Medium Flight Bag - Vanilla
Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Signature PVC Medium Flight Bag - Vanilla
  • Made of Leather; Zip top closure; Front zip pocket; Back open pocket
  • 1 inside pocket; 21-23 Inches removable strap
  • Gold or Silver exterior hardware
$100.73
Buy on Amazon

 

Do you want a travel purse that shows your personality?

This cross-body purse has the cutest tassle and will match all your cutest outfits. There are multiple credit card slots built in and enough room for some cash and a phone.

MINICAT Fringe Thicher Pocket Small Crossbody Cell Phone Purse Wallet For Women With Credit Card Slots (Brown-RFID Blocking)
MINICAT Fringe Thicher Pocket Small Crossbody Cell Phone Purse Wallet For Women With Credit Card Slots (Brown-RFID Blocking)
  • Touch screen feature notes:If you purchased the touch screen cell phone purse version,please try to use “assistive touch” to operate if your mobile phone...
  • Six Credit Card Slots: Cell phone purse has a middle divider with three credit card slots on both sides, and the two sections have plenty of room for...
  • Secure Your Phone:Tassel small crossbody bags for women never go digging for your phone in the bottom of your bag.Never again will your iPhone/smartphone fall...
$23.99
Buy on Amazon

 

If your style runs to the less flashy you might love this quilted chevron purse that comes in tons of colors.  It is not the largest bag, but roomy enough for the basics!

Chevron Quilted Medium Crossbody Bag with Tassel Accent (Mustard)
Chevron Quilted Medium Crossbody Bag with Tassel Accent (Mustard)
  • 9.5" (W) x 8.5" (H) x 1" (D)
  • Zipper closure
  • Adjustable shoulder strap with 20.5" (min) to 23.5" (max) drop
$16.95
Buy on Amazon

 

If you love Vera Bradley this boisterous print will enchant you. The front flap snap will allow you to access your credit cards and money quickly.

Sale
Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Mini Hipster Crossbody Purse with RFID Protection, Felicity Paisley
Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Mini Hipster Crossbody Purse with RFID Protection, Felicity Paisley
  • MACHINE WASHABLE SIGNATURE COTTON -- The fabric you know & love, our quilted cotton is lightweight yet durable, & comes in a variety of colorful patterns
  • EVERYDAY USE -- Vera Bradley crossbody bags for women are perfect for any occasion - whether you are heading to work, on a weekend getaway, going to a party, or...
  • CREDIT CARDS UNDER COVER -- The Vera Bradley RFID Mini Hipster provides RFID technology to protect your credit cards & debit cards - made with zip closure for...
$44.93
Buy on Amazon

 

Do you hate the single shoulder feeling of a crossbody bag?

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You may in fact want a travel backpack that is a small as a purse. This backpack has pocket locks so you don’t need to worry about anyone getting into your backpack without you knowing. It is also slash proof and highly rated for comfort! Bonus: you could use this as a diaper bag/travel purse and still keep it nice and light.

Sale
Travelon: Anti-Theft Signature Nylon Slim Backpack - Black
Travelon: Anti-Theft Signature Nylon Slim Backpack - Black
  • Deep main compartment has RFID blocking card and passport slots, open top wall pocket and a zippered wall pocket
  • Front slash pocket holds a smartphone or sunglasses
  • Front zippered pocket locks for added security
$46.58
Buy on Amazon

 

Do you need to carry a tablet with you in your travel purse?

If you are iffy about leaving your electronics in your hotel room you might want to carry them with you. This cross body bag has a dedicated padded pocket to protect a tablet or small chrome book.

Sale
Ogio Brooklyn Women's Purse - Red
Ogio Brooklyn Women's Purse - Red
  • Strap Drop: 21" / Length 42"
  • Includes interior back wall zipper pocket and two interior multi-function pockets
  • Fully padded zippered iPad/tablet/e-reader pocket
$42.95
Buy on Amazon

 

Do you carry everything you own with you in your travel purse?

You might need a bigger travel purse than the usual crossbody variety! Just because it is bigger doesn’t mean you can’t have a comfortable shoulder bag. This one is waterproof and has sturdy, comfortable straps.

Women Large Capacity Handbags Nylon Shoulder Bag Purse With Leather Pocket For Work Travel
Women Large Capacity Handbags Nylon Shoulder Bag Purse With Leather Pocket For Work Travel
  • ❤ HIGH-QUALITY OUTER MATERIAL, high-density waterproof nylon cloth with high-quality leather, internal material polyester fiber, durable and smooth material,...
  • ❤ REGARDING THE STYLE DESIGN, handbag designers want to realize by embodying more functions of use occasions, so the handbag has a large capacity, and is very...
  • ❤ WITH A SPACIOUS INTERNAL SPACE STRUCTURE, this handbag has a large capacity. Although it does not have a compartment specifically for placing a laptop, it...
$29.99
Buy on Amazon

 

Do you need a travel purse that you can use trip after trip, year after year?

This great all purpose travel purse will last you for years and years. It is very lightweight and has tons of interior pockets. It is slash resistant and pick pocket resistant. Plus it can go through mud and grime and look great with the swipe of a baby wipe.

Lewis N. Clark Women's RFID Blocking Technology, Slash Resistant Material Adjustable Shoulder Strap, Lake
Lewis N. Clark Women's RFID Blocking Technology, Slash Resistant Material Adjustable Shoulder Strap, Lake
  • ANTI THEFT: Equipped with RFID protected card slots and locking zippers, while the adjustable shoulder strap and bag panels contain stainless steel cable and...
  • LOCKING ZIPPERS + HARDWARE: Uses durable locking swivel hardware to protect your valuables. Prevent a grab and run thief by securing your bag to a pole or...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT + DURABLE: Weighing just 15 ounces with easy grip carry handles and straps, the flexible nylon exterior is water resistant and repels dirt or mud
$48.89
Buy on Amazon

 

So why all this fuss about travel purses?

Can’t you just grab any bag you have and head out on an adventure?

 

You can for sure, but you might regret your decision an hour into walking around a new city!

 

  • Regular handbags and purses are made to be beautiful, durable, and functional. They are meant to be used when you are shopping or out on the town for an hour or so at a time. Heavier materials lead to more beautiful bags that are more durable. Think about your favorite purse right now…….does it have leather trim? Big buckles? Canvas interiors? Metal hardware?   All of these things add to beauty, durability and function but end up being heavy.

 

  • Regular purses are made to be easy to get in and out of. They often have wide openings that close with snaps or big zipper pockets. They are generally worn on one shoulder so you can quickly get to your things. All of these things make it easy for pick-pockets to get to your things too!

 

  • Regular purses are made to be big! Big purses are great for carrying around everything you will need in a day. Most have our entire lives in them. We often throw laptops, planners, snacks, brushes, makeup, wallets, gloves, tissues, keys, kids toys and more into our overcrowded purses. You won’t need half of those things when you travel so don’t carry around something big and bulky

In contrast travel purses are made to be lightweight, easy to clean, very secure and hold only the necessities for sight seeing. If you have a great travel purse it makes traveling seem lighter and easier.

 

What is the best travel purse for Italy?

This is the question I get emailed to me the most! I think many people are particularly worried about pick-pockets in Italian cities.

When we were on a 10 day in Italy trip in 2019, I wore a little yellow bag that I have had for years. It is very similar to this bag and is my very favorite bag to travel with. It is a bagellini brand bag and was developed by flight attendants to be easy to clean and long wearing.

 

 

I felt very safe with my bag across the body (it has slash proof straps) and I love that I have 3 pockets so I can keep my things somewhat sorted. I would highly recommend a slash proof bag for Italy (especially when it is crowded) and get something small that you can keep in front of you.

 

Travel purses (small)

Are you looking for the smallest of travel purses? Here are the best around.

  • This tiny travel purse is only for essentials, but it is lightweight and practical. It will hold your phone, credit card, and a few other small things. 
    Sale
    MINICAT Roomy Pockets Series Small Crossbody Bags Cell Phone Purse Wallet for Women(Black)
    MINICAT Roomy Pockets Series Small Crossbody Bags Cell Phone Purse Wallet for Women(Black)
    • MINICAT Crossbody phone purse design with superior soft Synthetic leather with Lchee texture and GOLD color of hardware,which cell phone purse crossbody is...
    • Cell phone purse crossbody perfect size to fit the smart mobile phones with a big screen of 6.9 inch and below,one front flat pocket,two top zip pockets and one...
    • Cell phone purse crossbody ease to carry as it small in size and come with a adjustable strap,this small crossbody purses and handbags may allow you never go...
    $16.99
    Buy on Amazon

 

  • This small travel purse is super tiny but still has 3 different pockets so you can keep all of your essentials handy.
    Small Crossbody Cell Phone Purse for Women, Mini Messenger Shoulder Handbag Wallet with Credit Card Slots
    Small Crossbody Cell Phone Purse for Women, Mini Messenger Shoulder Handbag Wallet with Credit Card Slots
    • Crossbody phone purse design with superior soft Synthetic leather, durable and nice appearance.
    • More space and credit cards slots allow you to storage daily small item.Small cross body purse ideal option for outdoor use , multi-function design, which is...
    • Dimensions: 7.4"(H) x 4.7"(L) x 2.5"(W), perfect size to storage your cellphone,napkin paper, lipsticks, mascara, coins, cards, keys, ect. Lightweight and easy...
    $19.99
    Buy on Amazon

 

  • This innovative small travel purse is unique because of its angled design. It allows you to carry a regular sized water bottle in the smallest of bags.
    Sale
    Travelon World Travel Essentials Slim Crossbody Bag, Black, One Size
    Travelon World Travel Essentials Slim Crossbody Bag, Black, One Size
    • WIDE OPENING - in main compartment for everyday essentials
    • RFID PROTECTED - passport and card slots in front zipper pocket
    • ADJUSTABLE - crossbody strap
    $10.00
    Buy on Amazon

 

No matter which travel purse you choose, picking one means you are off on a great adventure somewhere! If you are planning a trip, I hope that you will find something on this site that will help you.

Packing in a carry-on

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