The 9 best travel purses to take anywhere in 2024

Colors: 5 options | Size: 11.5″ x 11″ x 3.5″

Travelon is known for making high-quality travel bags that are durable and functional and have anti-theft capabilities, so it makes sense that our team of experts recommended several travel purses from the brand. This crossbody in particular was by far the most popular choice, and it’s easy to see why. “This bag features slash-proof construction, locking compartments and RFID-blocking pockets, making it ideal for preventing theft. Its compact size and multiple pockets keep essentials organized,” says Voyagers travel expert Emily Dreilich.

Ann Acker, owner of Wally’s Travel Guide, agreed, telling us, “This bag meets all my needs, it has anti-slash straps, a section for credit cards with RFID-blocking technology, locking zippers, large pockets to carry my essentials for the day and a water bottle holder on the side.” The various pockets have locking zippers to keep all your belongings safe, and the bag’s nylon material is not only slash-resistant but also water- and dirt-resistant to keep it looking in tip-top shape even after long travel days. Shoppers love the five versatile colors the bag comes in, but some mentioned the purse was smaller than they expected, so just be sure to check the dimensions to make sure it will fit your stuff before you order.

Colors: 4 | Size: 4.5″ x 9.75″ x 11.75″

Many people prefer using backpacks while traveling for a number of reasons. Not only are they typically bigger so you can hold more stuff, but they also help distribute the weight of the bag across your body, preventing a single shoulder from getting weighed down. Travel blogger Lorie Neuberger-Castillo tells us “This is my go-to bag when I want a roomy and attractive backpack with all the anti-theft features. It comes in floral patterns and other colors.” Like most Travelon bags, the backpack has a five-point anti-theft security system, which includes lockdown straps, locking zippers, RFID-blocking slots and a slash-proof body and straps. Just note this backpack is meant to be worn as a purse so it is smaller than usual travel backpacks. if you’re looking for a larger backpack that can hold a laptop and more, check out our best luggage guide.

Colors: 2 | Size: 9.5″ x W 16″ x D 4.5″

I’ve been using this Cuyana sling bag as my travel purse for the past few months and am obsessed. Its simple design makes it easy to pair with any kind of outfit, and it looked just as good when I wore it in preppy Nantucket as it did in tropical Florida. The strap is adjustable, so I can make it as long or short as I want, and it’s spacious enough to hold all my essentials as well as extras, like my iPad mini and a book. This bag features two interior pockets to keep smaller items organized, plus a discreet buttoned pocket at the back for quick access to essentials like my phone. Best of all, it’s machine-washable — a must for germ-conscious travelers like me who want to clean it easily after every trip.

Colors: 5 | Size: 12″ x 12″ x 7″

You’ve likely seen this Longchamp tote before; the timeless bag has been around for years and even has A-list fans like Kate Middleton. Full-time traveler and blogger Ilse Gutierrez recommends it as a travel bag because “its polyamide material is lightweight, easy to clean and water-resistant. Plus, the bag can be folded and snapped into itself for easy storage. The fully zipped top gives me peace of mind when using public transportation, even during rush hours. It’s everything I need in a travel bag.” I concur. I use the popular tote as my personal item on flights because it’s small enough to fit underneath my seat but big enough to hold my laptop, snacks, toiletries and more.

Colors: 5 | Size: 9.75″ x 2.5″ x 11″

Another Travelon bag that made the list is this crossbody messenger. “This bag is a lifesaver when it comes to organization and security. It’s compact but fits all my essentials neatly,” Gutierrez tells us. “The multiple compartments help keep everything in order, and the security features like slash-resistant straps and RFID-blocking pockets make me feel secure, even in busy areas. It’s also very comfortable for long days out.” While the crossbody design keeps it close to you to prevent pickpocketing, some shoppers say they felt weighed down when they stuffed it to the brim, so you may want to avoid overpacking it if you’re worried about shoulder pain.

Colors: 28 | Size: 8″ x 13 ¾” x 4″

If you like to have fun with your travel accessories, check out this Baggu Medium Crescent Bag, which comes in 28 colors and prints, including classic houndstooth and stripe patterns and fun Snoopy and Hello Kitty Designs. Travel expert Alexandra Dubakova says it’s her favorite travel purse because of how light it is. “It doesn’t feel like I have a purse on; it has so much space, and I can fold and wash it,” she tells us. Along with a super-spacious main compartment, the bag also boasts two interior pockets for extra storage. It’s made from a machine-washable nylon material that’s durable and lightweight. It’s eco-friendly too, made from recycled fibers, so you can feel good about your purchase.

Colors: 18 | Size: 7.5″ x 2″ x 5″

The global brand director for Expedia, Jess Watts, tells Yahoo her go-to travel purse is the cult-favorite Lululemon Belt Bag. “It’s a fresh take on fanny packs that strikes the balance of trendy but not flashy and can be worn across the chest for greater security,” she says. The trendy bag comes in 15 colors, has an adjustable strap and offers plenty of inside pockets (one large, two small) to keep things organized. It’s also a fan favorite among Yahoo editors, and I myself have worn it everywhere from running errands around town to atop a camel in Morocco.

Colors: 12 | Size: 11″ x 6.7″ x 3.9″

This cute Uniqlo bag is another fave of Gutierrez. “It’s spacious enough to carry essentials like a Kindle, a small water bottle, a wallet and a portable battery pack. If I need to bring a sweater, I simply tie it to the strap, and for a hat, I use a carabiner to hang it from the bag,” she says. The classic crossbody has two smaller pockets in addition to the main compartment, its strap is fully adjustable, and the bag is even water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry if you get caught in the rain. 

Over 700 shoppers are fans too, with one writing, “Just got back from a three-week Europe vacation, and this little purse is awesome! It held my phone (iPhone 14), a small wallet, passport, ChapStick, a small sunscreen tube and a 12 oz. water bottle and it still had a little room left. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear crossbody in front, so pickpockets will not target you.” And at just $20, you can’t beat the price. 

Colors: 19 | Size: 5″ x 13.5″ x 9″

This hyper-organized Baggalini bag is one of the most popular travel purses on Amazon, thanks to nearly 6,000 shoppers giving it their seal of approval. The machine-washable accessory has numerous pockets and compartments, so all your stuff will have a proper place. In addition to RFID-blocking card slots, the crossbody has a quick-access pocket to store your phone. It even has a luggage trolley sleeve on the back, so you can attach it to your suitcase and wheel it around the airport or train station. Bonus: It comes with a removable wristlet, so you are getting two bags for the price of one. 

“Best purse I’ve ever owned. This is my second one. I traveled all over with the first one and will with this one too. I carry it everywhere every day. I love the magnetically closing pocket for my cellphone and the zipper one for small things I often need quickly. The big compartment holds everything I need,” raved one customer.