Let’s be honest, the world of travel accessories is full of items that prioritize function over fashion. And when it comes to anti-theft travel purses, it often feels like style is completely thrown out the window. Why is it so hard to find a travel purse that’s both secure and chic?
As a travel writer who’s constantly on the move, I’ve spent years searching for the ideal travel companion – the perfect purse that can keep my belongings safe without making me look like I’m sacrificing style for security. Too many “anti-theft” bags scream tourist, defeating the very purpose of discreet protection. They can be bulky, unattractive, and honestly, make you stand out as a target.
Seriously, why are so many travel purses stuck in a style rut? The fashion world is brimming with beautiful, functional bags, but the travel industry often seems to lag behind. We’re often presented with options that are, well, less than inspiring.
Take, for example, the typical anti-theft crossbody bag in a questionable “berry” color. No offense, but these often look dated and draw unwanted attention. And let’s not even talk about those boxy shapes! As someone who considers themselves reasonably stylish, I refuse to compromise my personal aesthetic when I travel. I want a Small Travel Purse that complements my outfit, not clashes with it.
But more importantly, these overtly “anti-theft” bags can ironically make you a target. They signal to potential thieves that you’re carrying valuables and are concerned about security – essentially advertising your worries. And paying a premium price for an unfashionable bag that screams “tourist” feels like a rip-off.
Traveling multiple times a month means I need a reliable purse, but it absolutely cannot be an eyesore. And just like I refuse to wear ugly travel shoes, I draw the line at unflattering travel purses.
Stylish and secure small travel purses for worry-free travel!
Stylish Small Travel Purses Do Exist!
The good news is that you absolutely can find small travel purses that combine style and security. You don’t have to choose between looking good and feeling safe. That’s why I’ve curated this list of the 8 best small travel purses that I’ve personally tested or come highly recommended by trusted travel experts.
These purses are all about blending seamlessly into your travel wardrobe while offering the functionality you need for day trips and exploring new destinations. Imagine strolling through charming European streets or capturing amazing photos in bustling markets, knowing your essentials are secure and your style is on point. You can explore confidently, knowing your small travel purse is both practical and beautiful.
Why trust my recommendations? Because I’ve either personally used these purses on my travels, or I rely on the experiences of my network of seasoned travel professionals who vouch for their quality and performance. I understand the needs of travelers who value both security and style, and these purses meet those demands.
8 Small Travel Purses That Combine Style and Security
Now, let’s dive into my top picks for stylish small travel purses that are cute, discreet, and genuinely functional for all your travel adventures! These aren’t just about looks; they’re designed to perform in real-world travel scenarios.
1. Arden Cove Crossbody: The Ultimate Secure and Chic Small Travel Purse
Arden Cove consistently tops my list as the best small travel purse for security and style. It’s truly the gold standard, perfect for international adventures and stylish enough for everyday use back home. I’ve even had the pleasure of meeting one of the founders, whose passion for creating stylish and practical women’s travel handbags is truly inspiring.
Arden Cove started with their signature crossbody bags and has expanded to offer a range of sizes, but their core philosophy remains the same: creating bags that don’t look like anti-theft bags. Instead, they resemble the fashionable purses you’d see locals carrying, offering discreet security without sacrificing style.
Each Arden Cove purse features an adjustable shoulder strap and is packed with thoughtful features specifically designed for travelers. They include RFID-blocking credit card slots to protect against electronic theft, a crucial feature in today’s digital age.
What truly sets Arden Cove apart is their use of ultra-secure materials. The bags are crafted from the same material used in bulletproof vests, offering exceptional slash-resistance without the bulk or unattractive appearance of stainless steel mesh linings. This is serious security in a stylish package.
Arden Cove small travel purse showcasing its stylish design and secure features.
The design is incredibly practical, featuring two main pockets: a locking main compartment for valuables and a smaller, easily accessible pocket that I use for my phone and travel cards. The zippers lock, adding an extra layer of security in crowded areas. And importantly for travelers, Arden Cove purses are water-resistant, protecting your belongings from unexpected showers.
This company understands the needs of stylish travelers. My Arden Cove purse accompanied me on my honeymoon across Europe, enduring everything from rainy days to hikes in the Isle of Skye and the lively atmosphere of Oktoberfest. It held up beautifully, proving its durability and practicality.
I wholeheartedly recommend this cute small travel purse for any type of trip. For travel, I suggest opting for a darker color like black, as my cream-colored bag did show some wear after a year of constant use. While the price point is an investment, the peace of mind and style are well worth it. You can find Arden Cove purses on Amazon and directly from their website!
2. Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody: Vegan Style and Smart Design in a Small Travel Purse
Another excellent crossbody option for a small travel purse is the Micah Crossbody from Dagne Dover. It’s known for its sleek style and comes in a wide array of colors to perfectly match your personal taste. A fellow travel blogger friend of mine swears by this purse, praising its 100% vegan construction and travel-friendly features.
A standout feature of the Micah Crossbody is the cleverly designed back pocket, perfect for keeping your phone secure and easily accessible. Positioning your phone against your body makes it significantly harder for pickpockets, making this one of the best crossbody bags for travel in terms of security and convenience.
This bag also prioritizes comfort with its adjustable strap, allowing you to wear it comfortably all day long. Inside, you’ll find an internal key ring and surprisingly generous storage space for all your daily essentials. The Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody is a stylish and practical choice for travelers who value both ethics and design in a small travel purse.
Shop The Dagne Dover Bag
3. Pacsafe Anti-Theft Sling: The Trendy and Secure Fanny Pack Reimagined as a Small Travel Purse
This anti-theft classic mini sling from Pacsafe is a fantastic fanny pack option packed with security features. Slings and fanny packs are making a major comeback in style, and for travel, they offer excellent security advantages.
The Gen Z trend of fanny packs is a win for travelers. Wearing a fanny pack or sling across your front keeps your belongings directly in your line of sight, making it incredibly difficult for thieves to access them unnoticed. Plus, everything is within easy reach.
This Pacsafe travel purse incorporates essential anti-theft elements like lockable zippers on the main compartment, RFID-blocking pockets for your cards, a key clip for organization, and a comfortable, padded honeycomb fabric backing. It’s undeniably one of the best cute travel bags, especially if you embrace the fanny pack trend.
For those who prefer a slightly larger fanny pack style, I also highly recommend Baggu purses (Baggu review here). They offer stylish and functional options in this category.
4. Beis Daytripper Backpack: When a Backpack Becomes a Stylish Small Travel Purse Alternative
Sometimes, a backpack is simply more practical than a purse, especially for longer day trips. Our editor Taylor highly recommends the Beis Daytripper backpack travel purse bag, particularly as a carry-on or for days when you need to carry more than just the essentials – like a water bottle, light jacket, or travel documents.
This backpack is cleverly designed with travel in mind. It features two side water bottle pockets, a trolley passthrough to easily attach it to rolling luggage, three zippered pockets for organization, and a padded laptop sleeve that comfortably fits a 13-inch laptop.
The spacious front pocket provides ample room for day trip necessities or work conference materials. The shoulder straps are designed for comfort, and the overall aesthetic is chic and understated, helping you blend in rather than stand out as a tourist. While it doesn’t have specific anti-theft features like RFID blocking, its design is more akin to a stylish commuter bag than a typical tourist backpack, offering a degree of discreet security.
If you’re interested in learning more about Beis and their luggage options, check out Taylor’s detailed Beis luggage review post here (Beis travel review).
Beis Daytripper backpack in a travel setting, showcasing its stylish and functional design as a small travel purse alternative.
5. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote: The Working Traveler’s Chic and Practical Small Travel Purse
As a travel blogger, my laptop is practically glued to my side, even when traveling. If you frequently travel for work or need a stylish, office-appropriate tote that can accommodate your laptop, Longchamp is an excellent choice.
Longchamp offers a more refined alternative to bags like the Baggallini Everywhere Bagg, which, in my opinion, leans too heavily into the “anti-theft travel bag” look.
The Longchamp Le Pliage large travel tote is my go-to for working travel bosses. The key feature is the top zipper closure, which completely secures the bag – a must-have in my book! Many large totes lack a top zipper, compromising security.
Travel Tip: On crowded public transport, keep your hand on the zipper closure of your bag to deter any opportunistic attempts to unzip it unnoticed.
This Longchamp shoulder bag is surprisingly spacious yet incredibly lightweight and can be folded down to the size of a paperback book when not in use, making it a highly packable travel handbag. Available in a wide spectrum of colors, from classic black to vibrant hues, this bag is a popular choice for women who need a stylish and functional tote for work and travel.
Travel Tip: During my study abroad in Italy, I relied on a tote bag to carry books and my laptop to classes. I quickly learned the importance of a zippered top for security on crowded trains. Flipping the bag so the zipper faced forward and keeping my hand on it became my simple yet effective pickpocket prevention strategy. I never experienced any theft during my entire semester abroad thanks to this simple tactic!
6. Double Compartment Crossbody: Budget-Friendly Security and Style in a Small Travel Purse
If Arden Cove is beyond your budget, the Double Compartment Crossbody is an excellent alternative.
While it may not have the same depth or extensive features as the Arden Cove, this anti-theft classic mini purse is affordable, comes in a variety of colors, and meets my three essential criteria: a secure closure, a crossbody design, and sufficient space for daily essentials. It offers a great balance of security and value.
This crossbody purse features two separate compartments, which is fantastic for organization. You can dedicate one side to your camera and phone, and the other to your wallet and smaller items like lip balm. While it has a snap button top closure, the interior zipper pockets provide added security, making it difficult for thieves to access your belongings without significant effort.
A standout feature of these crossbody bags is the discreet back zipper pocket, positioned against your body. This hidden pocket is ideal for storing valuables like cash, your passport, or ID. It’s a more secure and stylish option than some heritage crossbody bags, often at a more budget-friendly price point.
Various models of this bag are available if this specific design isn’t your preference, but most retain the valuable back zipper pocket, a comfortable leather shoulder strap, and secure zipper pockets.
Double Compartment Crossbody purse showcasing its practical double compartment design and secure features.
7. TravelSmith RFID Crossbody Bag: Lightweight Security and a Pop of Color in a Small Travel Purse
Last but not least, this charming baby blue purse from TravelSmith is another excellent travel purse option equipped with anti-theft features. It includes a passport-sized RFID-blocking pocket to protect your credit cards and passport from digital theft, an increasingly important security measure.
The straps are reinforced with anti-slashing technology, although not the full bulletproof construction of the Arden Cove bags. It also features a clever zipper locking mechanism that attaches to an interior security hook, preventing quick unzipping – a common concern for travelers in crowded areas.
While compact, it’s spacious enough to hold essential items and includes side pockets for quick access. Pockets are always a bonus! You can never have too many when traveling.
What truly sets this purse apart is its color and design. It doesn’t resemble a typical anti-theft bag at all, looking more like a stylish find from a mainstream fashion retailer. Its trendy and chic appearance can actually deter pickpockets by helping you blend in. And it also features that valuable secret back zipper pocket for extra security of your most important valuables.
TravelSmith RFID Crossbody Bag in baby blue, highlighting its stylish design and anti-theft features.
8. Lo & Sons Bond Sling: The Sleek and Versatile Fanny Pack for Everyday and Travel as a Small Travel Purse
I’ve been a long-time fan of Lo & Sons OG bag as my go-to carry-on, and recently, I had the chance to try out the Lo & Sons Bond fanny pack.
“Obsessed” is an understatement. For errands around San Francisco, sling bags and fanny packs are my everyday choice. While I love my Baggu and Crescent bag, they lack robust security features for travel.
The Bond sling is both sleek and secure, boasting numerous pockets, including a hidden back zipper pocket where you can discreetly tuck your phone or cash, keeping it close to your body. It also includes card slots, perfect for metro cards or travel passes, eliminating the need to pull out your wallet frequently.
The Bond is available in three materials: premium sheepskin leather, tyvek, and recycled poly with an antimicrobial lining, all featuring durable, high-quality hardware – a hallmark of Lo & Sons bags.
One of my favorite details is the interior key string, allowing you to securely attach keys or even a small wallet to prevent loss or theft. This adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind. It’s an instant favorite for its blend of style, security, and practicality.
Lo & Sons Bond Sling in a lifestyle shot, demonstrating its sleek design and versatility as a small travel purse.
What Makes a Truly Great Small Travel Purse?
Before we get into more recommendations, let’s define what qualities make a small travel purse truly exceptional.
Having traveled extensively around the globe, from iconic World Wonders to remote jungles and bustling cities, I’ve learned that the ideal travel bag shares certain key characteristics, regardless of the destination.
First and foremost, it needs a secure zipper closure that fully closes the bag. While I appreciate the style of bucket bags, their open tops are simply not practical for travel.
An open top is an invitation for opportunistic thieves and also increases the risk of items falling out during transit. Whether you’re navigating crowded streets or stowing your bag on a plane, a secure closure is essential.
This is why my primary criteria when searching for a travel purse is a reliable zipper that completely seals the bag.
Woman in Edinburgh using a crossbody small travel purse with a secure zipper closure.
Edinburgh, San Diego
The second crucial quality is a crossbody design with a comfortable shoulder strap.
While backpacks and larger messenger bags have their place, I find crossbody bags far more convenient for daily exploration. Having my purse at waist level allows quick and easy access to my wallet, phone for photos, lip balm, camera, and other essentials without the hassle of constantly removing and replacing a backpack.
Furthermore, anti-theft crossbody purses offer enhanced security. In crowded environments, I can easily swing the bag to my front and keep a hand on it, ensuring my belongings are always within my sight and reach, deterring any attempts at theft from behind.
The third essential element is sufficient space – how much can the bag realistically hold? The ideal size varies depending on the type of trip.
Work trips might necessitate a larger travel purse to accommodate a laptop and work documents. City exploration days require a smaller bag, but still large enough for a camera, wallet, phone, and perhaps a small souvenir.
A petite evening purse is inadequate for travel. You need a small travel purse that can comfortably carry at least some of the following essentials:
- ID and/or passport
- Credit cards and cash (wallet)
- Travel cards (train, metro)
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle (or space for a small reusable bottle)
- Hand lotion
- Lip balm
- Hair ties
- Phone
- Portable phone charger
- Compact umbrella or packable rain jacket
- Occasionally, a book or small souvenir!
When selecting the perfect small travel purse, I prioritize these three features to narrow down my options and choose the most suitable bag for each trip.
These are, in my opinion, the best purses for travel, ever.
Stylish traveler in Porto, Portugal, using a black crossbody small travel purse.
Vancouver
Extra Tips to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling
Investing in one of these excellent small travel purses is the first and most crucial step in protecting yourself from pickpockets. However, as a seasoned traveler, I’ve learned additional strategies to minimize the risk of theft.
Carry a Decoy Wallet
During a study abroad experience in Mexico, one of my professors, passionate about pickpocket prevention, shared valuable insights and personal anecdotes. His most memorable tip was the decoy wallet.
My professor, a typical tourist profile, understood his vulnerability to pickpockets in unfamiliar cities. His solution? Traveling with two wallets. He kept his real wallet in a secure front pocket and a cheap, decoy wallet in his back pocket – a common target for thieves.
This decoy wallet, purchased inexpensively, contained a few dollars to appear realistic. When targeted, thieves would snatch the back pocket wallet, only to find a minimal amount of cash. Genius!
While I find creating decoy wallets a bit too elaborate for my travel style, the underlying principle is crucial: tourists are often easy targets. Investing in a secure and discreet small travel purse is my preferred method of protection. The lesson is that thieves are adept at identifying and targeting tourists.
Avoid Obvious Tourist Attire
Dressing like a tourist makes you a more likely target for pickpockets. Wearing overtly American sports team apparel, for example, can make you stand out.
This is where a stylish yet functional small travel purse becomes even more important. Blending in with locals, both in attire and accessories, reduces your visibility as a tourist.
I recall when my husband, Robin, visited me in Italy during my study abroad in 2013. Before his arrival, I implemented some clothing guidelines. Sports t-shirts, then 90% of his wardrobe, were banned, as was his baseball cap.
Perhaps a bit extreme, but I was determined to avoid any incidents. I even discouraged him from carrying his wallet or phone in his pockets, opting to keep them in my secure purse.
My concern was that he might inadvertently appear as the stereotypical unaware tourist, signaling to potential thieves, “I’m visiting from the USA and probably have valuables!”
Back then, he was less experienced with travel awareness. Having witnessed numerous classmates become victims of theft, I was proactive in preventing any issues during our trip. My priorities were enjoying Italy – the wine, pizza, and romance – not dealing with lost passports and embassy visits.
Despite my clothing restrictions (which he partially ignored with a few sports t-shirts sneaking in), we completed the trip without any theft incidents. I attribute this to a combination of my secure crossbody tote with a zippered top, my vigilance in crowded areas, and keeping valuables in secure pockets. Awareness is key.
Be Aware of Common Scams
Awareness of common pickpocketing scams is paramount. This knowledge, combined with a secure purse, is your best defense.
My professor in Mexico detailed numerous common scams, making me much more vigilant.
One prevalent con is the “lost tourist” scam. Someone approaches you with a large map, placing it in front of you at waist level to ask for directions. While you’re distracted, a second person, concealed by the map, targets your purse or pockets.
Now, whenever someone approaches us with a map, my immediate reaction is to secure my purse, just in case. So far, they’ve always been genuine tourists, but vigilance is essential.
Another tactic involves staged spills. In a crowded setting, someone “accidentally” spills a drink or sauce on you. While they profusely apologize and attempt to clean up the mess, an accomplice makes off with your unattended bag. The confusion and distraction make it easy to lose sight of your belongings.
Train platforms are another common pickpocketing hotspot. As you try to exit a train, individuals, often children, may obstruct the doorway. As you navigate through the crowd to disembark, they use the close proximity to steal wallets or phones. Now, when I see people crowding train doors, especially when the train isn’t overly full, I’m immediately on alert.
This is why I appreciate features like Arden Cove’s detachable straps, allowing you to secure your purse to a chair, preventing grab-and-run thefts. And Arden Cove also offers travel backpacks if you require more carrying capacity!
Dublin 
Traveler in Dublin wearing a denim jacket, highlighting the style aspect of travel purses.
Dublin
Hold Your Purse Securely
Sometimes, pickpockets are brazen. Here in San Francisco, I witnessed a daylight theft on Market Street. A man simply walked up to a backpacker, ripped the backpack off his shoulders, and sprinted away. Despite the victim’s shouts, the thief vanished into the crowd. The incident highlighted the importance of secure bags and vigilance, even in broad daylight.
Beyond theft prevention, functionality and space are crucial aspects of a good travel bag.
Airport security lines are a prime example. I appreciate having a small, accessible pocket to quickly stow my boarding pass and phone while going through security. (Yes, the scanner always beeps for me, necessitating a pat-down due to my preference for skirts at airports!)
The same applies to train travel. A small, secure side pocket is invaluable for keeping my travel pass readily accessible without fumbling through the main compartment as I rush to catch a train.
Pro-tip: Consider using a separate airport belt bag, like the Baggu or Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag, for efficiently managing passport, boarding pass, and phone at the airport. Then, switch to a more secure, water-resistant, and slash-proof purse for city exploration after arrival.
Choose a Waterproof Travel Purse
And finally, rain! Unexpected downpours are a common travel experience, especially in destinations like Portland, Washington, and Ireland.
Before discovering my Arden Cove purse, rainstorms caused anxiety about protecting my phone and camera. A waterproof purse eliminates this worry, regardless of whether you have an umbrella or raincoat.
And of course, style remains a priority. My initial rant about unattractive travel purses underscores this. Travel is a significant part of my life and self-expression. I believe in maintaining my personal style while traveling, just as I do at home.
I’ve never quite understood the tendency to dress down in yoga pants and athletic wear while traveling, only to dress more formally at home. While functionality is a factor, I find joy in expressing my style through clothing, whether it’s a floral dress in New Orleans or a chic little black dress for a London date night.
Travel blogger wearing a black crossbody small travel purse in Vancouver, emphasizing style and practicality.
Wearing my black crossbody in Vancouver
An unstylish purse simply detracts from my travel experience. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing my top purse recommendations for women who, like me, refuse to compromise style for function.
I hope this guide helps you discover the best anti-theft small travel purse for your upcoming adventures! If you have any questions, leave a comment below or message me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul – I’m always happy to assist!
