When preparing for a trip, packing the right clothes, shoes, and travel documents are usually top of mind. But have you ever considered the importance of choosing the Ideal Handbag For Travelling? Many globetrotters ponder whether bringing a purse is necessary, and if so, what qualities make for the best travel companion.
The answer is a resounding yes! Bringing a handbag while travelling is not just a matter of style, it’s a practical and essential choice for most travellers. Just like at home, a handbag becomes an indispensable part of your daily life as you explore new destinations.
Think about it: a handbag is more than just a fashion accessory. It serves as your personal carry-on item, a secure place for your credit cards and cash, and a constant companion wherever your adventures take you. Whether you’re embarking on a safari in the African savanna, navigating bustling Asian streets on a motorbike, or wandering through European capitals, your handbag is by your side, holding your essentials.
Concerns about theft, bag slashing, or pickpocketing are valid, but they shouldn’t deter you from bringing a purse. With a bit of common sense and vigilance, as detailed in resources like top travel safety tips, these risks can be significantly minimized. Thieves often target those who make it easy for them.
Personal experience highlights the importance of a well-chosen travel handbag. An early travel mishap involving an oversized, open-top purse in Buenos Aires led to a wallet theft, serving as a harsh but valuable lesson. Similarly, during a semester abroad in Florence, the impracticality and style mismatch of a messenger bag quickly became apparent in fashion-forward Italy. The lesson learned was clear: the right handbag is crucial, not just for security, but also for blending in and feeling comfortable in your surroundings.
While specialized travel gear has its place, especially for activities like hiking or extreme sports, everyday travel often doesn’t require drastic departures from your home lifestyle. Your usual wardrobe and accessories, including your handbag, can often be perfectly suitable.
Let’s delve into what makes an ideal handbag for travelling, ensuring you stay secure, organized, and stylish on your next adventure.
A woman wearing a money belt and pulling out her euros and passport.
Why a Travel Handbag is a Must-Have
Beyond acting as a style statement, a travel handbag is a practical necessity for several reasons:
- Accessibility: Having a dedicated handbag keeps your essential items – phone, wallet, keys, passport, and small toiletries – within easy reach. No more rummaging through backpacks or luggage for frequently needed items.
- Security: A well-chosen handbag, worn correctly, acts as a deterrent to thieves. Crossbody bags, for example, are much harder to snatch than shoulder bags. Features like zippers and durable materials add layers of security.
- Organization: Handbags with compartments and pockets help keep your belongings organized, preventing chaos and ensuring you can quickly find what you need, whether you’re at an airport, museum, or market.
- Personal Item on Flights: Handbags often qualify as personal items on flights, allowing you to keep valuables and essentials with you, separate from your checked luggage.
- Everyday Use: Just like at home, you need a bag to carry your essentials throughout your day while travelling. Whether you are sightseeing, dining, or shopping, a handbag is a constant companion.
Key Features of an Ideal Travel Handbag
When selecting a travel handbag, certain features are paramount for security, practicality, and style:
- Crossbody Strap: This is arguably the most crucial feature. A crossbody strap allows you to wear the bag diagonally across your body, making it significantly harder for thieves to snatch compared to a shoulder bag. An adjustable strap is even better, allowing you to customize the bag’s position for comfort and security.
- Manageable Size: Opt for a size that is large enough to carry your essentials but not so bulky that it becomes cumbersome. A manageable size allows you to keep the bag close to your body and easily monitor it in crowded places. Being able to cover the bag with your hand is a good size guideline.
- Durable, Slash-Resistant Fabric: Choose a material that can withstand daily wear and tear and offers some level of protection against slashing. Leather or high-quality faux leather are excellent choices. While no fabric is entirely slash-proof, thicker, tougher materials are a significant deterrent compared to thin fabrics like cotton.
- Zipper Closures: Zippers are non-negotiable for travel handbags. They provide a secure closure, preventing easy access for pickpockets. Avoid bags with snaps, magnetic closures, or open tops, which offer minimal security.
- Minimal Branding: While you might love to flaunt designer logos at home, it’s wise to choose handbags with discreet or minimal branding for travel. Flashy logos can attract unwanted attention from thieves. Opt for understated styles that don’t scream “expensive target.”
- Quick and Easy Access: While security is key, your handbag should also allow you to access your belongings easily. Fumbling with complicated closures can be inconvenient and draw attention. Top zippers or fold-over flaps that are secure yet easily opened by you are ideal.
While some travel purses boast RFID-blocking pockets to protect against electronic theft, a separate RFID-blocking wallet, like this recommended option, is often a more practical and versatile solution.
Travel Handbag Options for Every Budget
Finding the perfect balance of security, style, and affordability in a travel handbag is achievable across various budgets. Here are some excellent options, drawing inspiration from popular choices and catering to different price points:
Affordable & Secure: Travel Handbags Under $50
For budget-conscious travellers, there are numerous stylish and secure options under $50. These bags prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to travel safely and fashionably.
- Faux Leather Crossbody Bags: Inspired by the author’s Busan find, a black faux leather crossbody bag with stud or zipper details can be both chic and affordable. Brands like Covelin offer similar styles that are durable and secure, featuring adjustable crossbody straps and zippered closures.
A black Lululemon belt bag.
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Lululemon Belt Bag (2L): The Lululemon Belt Bag is a highly popular choice for travellers seeking a sporty and secure option. While made of nylon, not leather, it’s water-resistant, lightweight, and designed to be worn close to the body, either as a crossbody or belt bag. Its 2-liter size is ideal for travel essentials.
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Chevron Crossbody Bags: The Lola Mae Black Crossbody Bag style, with its elegant chevron detailing and tassel, offers a step up in style without breaking the bank. These bags typically feature secure zipper closures and crossbody straps, making them excellent budget-friendly travel companions.
A Uniqlo bag shaped like a half moon with a long crossbody strap.
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Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag: The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag is a budget-friendly and trendy option seen frequently among travellers. Its zippered top and crossbody strap offer security, and its nylon material is durable and comes in various colours. While more casual, it’s perfect for everyday sightseeing and casual outings.
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RFID-Protected Crossbody Bags: Brands like Mundi offer crossbody bags with built-in RFID protection, adding an extra layer of security for your cards. The fold-over style further enhances security by keeping belongings tucked away.
For more affordable crossbody options, resources like this Amazon link can provide a wide array of choices.
Mid-Range: Style Meets Security (Under $300)
Investing a bit more in your travel handbag, in the $100-$300 range, often means upgrading to better materials like genuine leather and more refined designs. Leather bags, in particular, are known for their durability and longevity, making them a worthwhile investment.
A black leather saddle bag with a long crossbody strap.
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Leather Saddle Bags: Saddle bags, like the Maison de Sabré leather saddle bag, offer a blend of style and practicality. Inspired by high-end designs like the Hermès Evelyne, these bags are often unisex, surprisingly spacious, and versatile enough for both casual and more dressed-up occasions. The crossbody strap ensures comfortable and secure wear.
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Quilted Crossbody Totes: For those who prefer larger bags, the MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote provides ample space without sacrificing security. It can be carried as a tote or crossbody and features a secure zippered top and a stylish quilted pattern.
A crescent-shaped black leather bag with a long crossbody strap and a tiny pocket on the strap.
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Leather Crescent Bags: If you appreciate the shape of the Uniqlo bag but desire a leather version, the Oryany Rookie Crescent Bag is an excellent upgrade. With its leather construction, zippered top, and crossbody strap, it offers a more polished look while maintaining practicality.
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Designer-Inspired Crossbody Bags: Brands like Aimee Kesterberg and Rebecca Minkoff offer crossbody bags with unique details like weaving, studs, or chevron patterns in the leather. These bags provide a touch of designer style without the highest luxury price tags, and are perfect for travellers wanting to elevate their travel look.
Investing in Quality: Luxury Travel Handbags (Over $300)
For those willing to invest in a luxury handbag, the benefits include exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and timeless designs that can last for years. While a splurge, a high-quality luxury bag can become a cherished travel companion and a worthwhile investment in personal style.
Kate in a trench coat, black crossbody bag, and burgundy patent leather heeled shoes.
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Loewe Mini Puzzle Bag: The Loewe Mini Puzzle Bag, as highlighted by the author’s personal experience, is a prime example of a luxury travel handbag that justifies its price. Its unique design, high-quality leather, secure zipper, and crossbody style make it both a stylish and practical choice for travel. While an investment, its durability and timeless appeal ensure years of use.
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Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag: For a smaller, more compact luxury option, the Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag is an excellent choice. Its compact size and secure zippered compartments make it ideal for carrying just the essentials while keeping a low profile and deterring thieves.
What to Avoid in a Travel Handbag
Just as important as knowing what to look for in a travel handbag is knowing what to avoid. Certain types of bags are simply not suitable for travel due to security or practicality concerns.
A blue beach bag made out of a tank top.
- Bohemian Sack Bags: These large, lightweight fabric bags, often sold as souvenirs, are among the worst choices for travel handbags. Their thin fabric is easily slashed, the open top offers no security, and the shoulder strap is easily snatched. While they might be cute souvenirs, use them for shopping or beach days, not for carrying valuables.
Staying Safe with Your Travel Handbag
No matter which handbag you choose, practicing safe carrying habits is crucial for preventing theft:
- Wear it Crossbody and in Front: Always wear your crossbody bag diagonally across your body, and in crowded areas, position it in front of you for better visibility and control.
- Keep it Closed and Secure: Ensure zippers are always fully closed. Be mindful of closures and avoid leaving compartments open.
- Keep a Hand on Your Bag in Crowds: In crowded places like markets, public transport, or tourist hotspots, keep a hand resting on your bag to deter potential pickpockets.
- Never Leave it Unattended: Whether at a restaurant, cafe, or museum, never leave your handbag unattended. Keep it in your lap, between your feet with the strap secured, or within sight at all times.
- Use a Portable Safe in Your Accommodation: When you’re not carrying your handbag, store it in a secure place in your accommodation, ideally a portable safe like this recommended option.
- Travel Insurance: As a safety net, always travel with comprehensive travel insurance like World Nomads. In the unfortunate event of theft, insurance can help compensate for your losses.
Choosing the ideal handbag for travelling is a crucial step in ensuring a secure, organized, and enjoyable trip. By prioritizing security features, choosing a style that suits your needs, and practicing safe carrying habits, you can confidently explore the world with your essentials safely by your side.
What kind of handbag do you typically use on your travels?
