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Do you need to bring a purse when you travel? And if so, what features make for the best Travel Purse?
This is a question I frequently encounter. It’s understandable – everyone wants to know the most effective way to safeguard their belongings while exploring new places.
And my answer is a definite YES! You absolutely should bring a travel purse!
Just like at home, I rely on a purse daily. Therefore, it’s an essential companion on almost all my travels.
Of course, a purse can function as your personal item on flights and a secure place for your credit cards. But its utility extends far beyond that – it goes EVERYWHERE with you.
Whether I’m on safari in South Africa, traversing Southeast Asia on a motorbike, or wandering through the streets of Paris, Tokyo, or Ushuaia, my travel purse is always by my side.
But what about the risk of theft? Purse slashing? Pickpockets?
Yes, those scenarios are possible. However, the likelihood diminishes significantly if you exercise common sense and remain attentive to your surroundings. Thieves are opportunistic; they target easy prey.
I experienced wallet theft from my purse in Buenos Aires in 2008. The culprit? My choice of bag – a massive, open-top H&M purse. I was practically advertising my vulnerability.
The importance of a proper travel purse truly hit home during my semester abroad in Florence. Thinking a sky-blue messenger bag, with its numerous pockets and “travel-friendly” vibe, would suffice was a major misjudgment.
It was a terrible idea.
Beyond its impracticality, it was aesthetically jarring, especially in the world’s style capital. Within days, I sought out a new purse at the local market, one that wouldn’t draw disapproving glances from the effortlessly chic Italians.
Many believe that travel necessitates specialized gear. However, I only invest in specialized gear for activities like hiking or outdoor sports. For most travel, which mirrors our daily lives, your everyday wardrobe and accessories, including a well-chosen travel purse, should be perfectly adequate.
Let’s explore what makes the best purses for travel!
This post was most recently updated in May 2024.
A woman wearing a money belt and pulling out her euros and passport.
Why a Money Belt Isn’t the Best Travel Purse
Money belts are often suggested for travel safety, but I’m not a proponent and rarely find them necessary. Whether I’m navigating Copenhagen’s streets or relaxing on a Nicaraguan island, the thought of using a money belt – reaching under my clothes every time I need to buy a coffee – is unappealing.
Money belts are not designed for everyday transactions. Their purpose is to secure critical, irreplaceable items during transit: your passport, essential documents, confirmations, and ID.
Personally, I prefer a scarf with a hidden pocket as a money belt alternative. It serves the same function but is more accessible, significantly more stylish, and doesn’t attract thieves’ attention.
More on these scarves later – let’s first delve into what constitutes an ideal travel handbag.
Essential Features of a Great Travel Purse
The market offers numerous “anti-theft” purses, such as this Travelon option (not pictured above), boasting features like anti-slash mesh and secret compartments. If you feel more secure with an anti-theft bag, by all means, choose one. However, spending extra on a “special” purse like this isn’t essential.
Instead, a regular purse meeting the following criteria will function perfectly as a travel purse:
Crossbody Strap: The strap should allow you to wear the purse across your body, from one shoulder to the opposite hip. This crossbody style makes it significantly harder for someone to snatch compared to a simple shoulder strap. An adjustable strap offers even greater versatility and security.
Manageable Size: The purse should be small enough that you can easily cover and protect it with your hand if needed, especially in crowded areas.
Durable, Slash-Resistant Fabric: Opt for robust materials like leather or faux leather. While no fabric is entirely slash-proof, thick leather or quality faux leather presents a much greater challenge to potential thieves than thin cotton or nylon.
Zipper Closures: Avoid purses with snaps or partially open tops. Zippers are essential for security, preventing easy access for pickpockets.
Minimal Branding (No Obvious Luxury Logos): Subtle branding is preferable. Avoid purses with prominent logos of mid-range or luxury brands. Interestingly, showy mid-range brands like Michael Kors and Kate Spade can sometimes be perceived as higher-value targets than discreet luxury brands like Loewe or Celine.
Easy Access for You: While secure, your purse should still be practical for your use. Fumbling with complex closures can be inconvenient. A top zipper or a foldover flap that’s easy to open and close are ideal.
Are there other safety features to consider for a travel purse? RFID-blocking pockets are sometimes highlighted to prevent electronic theft. However, an RFID-blocking wallet offers more targeted protection for your cards and is a better investment than relying solely on purse pockets.
(In the photo above, I’m using a Marc Jacobs Tote Bag in cherry, which is my everyday bag at home but less suitable for travel due to its noticeable branding. I paired it with a Sézane top, Sézane trousers, vintage Miu Miu aviators, and Sézane sneakers that I also wore at my wedding.)
Your travel purse doesn’t need to be expensive, but prioritize reasonable quality for durability and peace of mind.
Here are some affordable purses on Amazon that meet these criteria.
A photo of Kate with a group of women, presumably readers, in the Philippines.
Top Travel Purses Under $50: Affordable and Secure Options
During a trip to Busan, South Korea, I discovered my ideal budget travel purse: a stylish black faux leather Alexander McQueen “inspired” crossbody, adorned with studs and metal skulls. This purse, approximately 12 x 5 inches (30 x 13 cm), cost me around $30.
After significant wear and tear on my travels, one of the straps detached. However, a quick visit to a seamstress in Bangkok resulted in a reinforced repair of both straps, making it even stronger than before.
That purse lasted about a year of constant use. Since then, I’ve upgraded to higher quality purses, starting in 2015.
But if you’re seeking an affordable travel purse similar to my Busan find, here are excellent options under $50:
Covelin Crossbody Purse: I highly recommend this black Covelin crossbody purse. It’s faux leather, budget-friendly, and stylish. The angled zippers add visual interest, and the crossbody strap is adjustable for comfortable wear.
A black Lululemon belt bag.
Lululemon Belt Bag: The Lululemon Belt Bag is incredibly popular – and for good reason! While made of nylon, not leather, it’s a casual yet secure option that you can keep close to your body.
It’s also perfect for active pursuits (unsurprisingly, given Lululemon’s yoga focus!). It can be worn as a fanny pack (or “bum bag” in British English), or across your chest. It’s also water-resistant, adding to its practicality.
This bag comes in several sizes. The 2-liter size is ideal for travel, but it’s also available in 1-liter and mini sizes. They even offer a clear belt bag which is great for concerts in the US! And a wide variety of colors are available.
Lola Mae Black Crossbody Bag: The Lola Mae Black Crossbody Bag is another highly-rated travel purse under $50. I appreciate the chevron detailing on the faux leather and the charming tassel. It’s another excellent budget-friendly option suitable as a travel purse.
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag: The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag is another affordable and popular choice among travelers. Its crossbody strap and zippered top are practical features. Made from nylon and available in numerous colors, it also comes in a smaller size.
While perhaps less suited for very formal settings like Paris or Italy, it’s a fantastic choice for active trips, extended travel, or casual outings.
Mundi Foldover Crossbody Purse with RFID Protection: This Mundi crossbody purse includes RFID protection for added security. I also like the foldover design, which provides extra closure and makes it harder for pickpockets to access your belongings.
Explore more affordable crossbody purses here.
A close up shot of a black woven leather purse with a gold chain strap.
Investing in Quality: Travel Purses Under $300
When I moved to New York in 2016, I invested in a $220 Christophe Kon purse that served me well for years. It was a black leather crossbody with a zipper, featuring an intrecciato-style weave reminiscent of Bottega Veneta.
At the time, this was my most expensive purse purchase. However, I used it daily for YEARS, significantly reducing the cost per wear. For me, getting the cost per wear under $1 is a great value.
I believe you can find excellent leather travel purses in the $100-$300 range, both new and pre-owned.
Why prioritize leather? Leather generally outlasts faux leather or vegan leather (often plastic-based). I consider the added durability worth the investment. Sorry, Stella McCartney!
Here are some recommended travel purses under $300:
Aimee Kesterberg Weaved Crossbody Bag: I love the aesthetic of this Aimee Kesterberg crossbody bag. The woven texture and stud details add a stylish edge, making it suitable even for fashion-forward destinations like Paris or Italy! And it features a secure top zipper.
A black leather saddle bag with a long crossbody strap.
Maison de Sabré Leather Saddle Bag: Let’s be honest – this Maison de Sabré leather saddle bag is a dupe of the iconic Hermès Evelyne bag. The only missing element is the signature H-shaped perforations! Regardless, I’m a fan of this bag – it’s unisex, surprisingly spacious, versatile for both casual and more dressed-up occasions, comes in several colors, and the crossbody strap ensures comfortable wear.
MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote: If you prefer carrying more items (or tend to have a “black hole” bag!), the MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote is a great option. This larger bag can be used as a travel tote or as a crossbody bag, and I appreciate the quilted design. It’s available in multiple colors.
A crescent-shaped black leather bag with a long crossbody strap and a tiny pocket on the strap.
Oryany Rookie Crescent Bag: If you appreciate the Uniqlo Half Moon Bag’s shape but desire a leather version, consider the Oryany Rookie Crescent Bag! It features a cute crescent shape, a secure zipper, a practical crossbody strap, and even a small pocket on the strap. It’s versatile enough for everyday use while still being stylish. It also reminds me of the Polène Numéro Dix bag in its design.
Rebecca Minkoff Chevron Quilted Small Love Crossbody: This Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag is another excellent smaller option that transitions seamlessly from day to night during travel. You can wear it crossbody or as a shoulder bag, and I like the chevron quilted leather pattern.
Kate in a trench coat, black crossbody bag, and burgundy patent leather heeled shoes.
My Current Favorite Travel Purse in 2024: Investing in Designer
In recent years, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for handbags. Rather than relying on a single bag for every occasion, regardless of formality, I’ve curated a small, enjoyable collection of purses for different moods and events.
The bag pictured above was a special splurge – a Loewe mini puzzle bag in black. This is the most expensive bag I’ve ever owned (and it was even less expensive last year!), but I use it CONSTANTLY, and its quality ensures it will last for years. I’m determined to bring the cost per wear down to $1 eventually. (I bought it as a personal reward for surviving Czech driving school, which was incredibly challenging!)
The mini size is quite compact, but the small version offers significantly more space.
In this photo, I’ve paired it with my Sézane trench coat, an Express top from the early 2000s, Sézane trousers, Sézane belt, and Carel heels.
Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag: This past fall in South America, I only brought one purse – a Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag! I actually found this one pre-owned on Vinted.cz for about half the retail price.
This bag is TINY (forget carrying a wallet; it’s really only for a cardholder and essential items) and a bit tricky to open (which is actually a great deterrent for thieves!). However, I found it perfectly adequate for my needs. It became my ideal 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 definitely recommend the Snapshot if you want a secure, compact bag that’s difficult to access for anyone but you.
Kate sitting on a stoop in Brooklyn, wearing a circle scarf and showing that her passport is in the pocket.
The Speakeasy Scarf: A Stylish and Secret Travel Purse Alternative
I’m a big fan of Speakeasy Travel Supply scarves, as they are excellent for keeping valuables secure. Each scarf is designed with a hidden pocket large enough to hold your passport, phone, cash, lip balm, even a small guidebook! When I visited Chernobyl for a day trip, I needed to show my passport frequently at checkpoints, so keeping it discreetly tucked in my Speakeasy scarf was incredibly convenient.
Speakeasy scarves function similarly to a money belt, but with a significant advantage: thieves are unlikely to target your scarf. It’s practically pickpocket-proof! They offer a wide variety of designs and fabrics suitable for all seasons and styles.
For this reason, I appreciate having a Speakeasy scarf for added security, especially in transit. It’s a smart way to be both stylish and safe simultaneously!
Explore the entire Speakeasy scarf collection here.
A blue beach bag made out of a tank top.
The Worst Type of Purse for Travel: Avoid This!
In cities, beach destinations, and tourist hotspots worldwide, you’ll often see a specific type of bag sold on every corner: a large, bohemian-style sack made from thin fabric, similar to the one pictured above. They’re spacious, lightweight, and can seem like a cute souvenir.
But please, for your security, do not use this as a travel purse.
Bags like these are incredibly vulnerable. They can easily be snatched off your shoulder, slashed or cut open with minimal effort, and offer zero resistance to anyone reaching inside to grab your wallet.
If you purchase one of these bags, treat it as a shopping or beach bag, not a secure travel purse. Use it for carrying towels and sunscreen, and keep your valuables safely stored elsewhere.
A photo of Kate holding a brown leather purse with a long strap, labeled "Kate Lanta Purse".
General Tips for Traveling Safely with a Purse
Protecting my belongings is always a priority, both when traveling and at home.
My aim is to prevent anyone from accessing my bag. I always wear my crossbody purse diagonally across my body, either at my hip or in front of me, positioned so I can easily keep a hand on it. I always ensure zippers are fully closed.
When dining out or at the cinema, my purse stays in my lap or between my feet, with the strap looped around my leg. I never leave it unattended.
In crowded environments, like rush hour subways, 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 secure it in a portable safe in my room.
And as a crucial safety net, I always travel with travel insurance. In the unfortunate event of theft, a travel insurance policy will provide compensation for your losses. I recommend and personally use World Nomads for travel insurance.
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