Picture a glorious spring day in Paris.
I’m sitting in a café with my friend Susanne. She loops the strap of her handbag over the back of her chair. You know the gesture – you’ve probably done it a hundred times.
She’ll never see that handbag again.
There are things you do with your traveling hand ba – and then there are things you don’t do, like loop it over the back of your chair.
But before we get into the how of handbag handling, let’s look at the what. What follows are the best travel handbags for women (at least, I think so!)
THE BEST TRAVEL HANDBAGS FOR LADIES – A BUYER’S GUIDE AND COMPARISON CHART
| Product | Image | Style | Pockets | Size | Colors | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bagallini Everywhere |  | Synthetic Crossbody | 5 and main compartment (plus credit card slots) | 12" X 10.5" X 2” | Apple, Peach, Portobello + 9 | Buy Now! |
| Travelon Women's Anti-Theft Tailored Hobo |  | Shoulder & Crossbody | 4 and main compartment | 3.75" x 9" x 13.25" | Onyx, Sabble, Sapphire | Buy Now! |
| Travelon Mini |  | Synthetic Crossbody | 6 and main compartment (plus credit card slots) | 9.5” X 8.5” X 2” | Black, Brown, Chocolate + 14 | Buy Now! |
| Pacsafe Metrosafe Ls100 |  | Nylon Crossbody | 2 lockable zipped compartments, a padded sleeve, 2 interior pockets (RFID safe) | 2.95" x 9.06" x 6.69" | Econyl Ocean, Econyl Black | Buy Now! |
| Travelon Anti-Theft Signature 3 Compartment |  | Synthetic Crossbody | 3 exterior and main compartment | 10-1/2" H x 10-1/2" W x 3" | Black, Beige, Cayenne + 6 | Buy Now! |
| UTO Women Backpack Purse |  | Synthetic Washed Leather | 10 and main compartment | 11.22" X 6.49" X 12.59" | Black, Brown, Grey, Purple, Red | Buy Now! |
| Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag |  | Cordura nylon, cotton canvas | Several, based on the size | 7.87" x 20.08" x 13.78"(large size) | Dozens | Buy Now! |
| Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag |  | Shoulder strap | Several internal and external pockets | 9.75" x 7.75" x 2.5" | Beige, Navy, Pewter, Sage | Buy Now! |
| Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 |  | Nylon and polyester | 2 lockable exterior pockets, 1 padded laptop sleeve, 2 side water bottle pockets, 2 Zipper interiors(1* RFIDsafe) | 11.5" x 5" x 16.5" | Black | Buy Now! |
THE 7 BEST TRAVEL PURSE OPTIONS
The table above lists the best traveling handbags for women – but it’s just an outline. I’ve expanded on a few individual models below because yes, you need the best travel purse ever.
How do you find great ladies travel handbags and which is the best travel handbag for you?
Standard-sized travel purse for women
If you need something to fit all of the essentials in but isn’t cumbersome to carry around on your travels then I’ve got some excellent options for you. These travel purses are the ideal size, have nifty pockets, and are anti-theft.
- Don’t let the rain keep you from exploring. This Baggallini crossbody is also a stylish travel purse, light and water-resistant, so you can take advantage of wet travel days without worrying about your valuables and electronics getting drenched
- It comes with a removable RFID-resistant wallet you can pull out of the middle of the bag. For me, this feels safer than having an outside zippered pocket for my cards.
- It has oodles of pockets (including one for a water bottle or umbrella), and wonderful color options if you happen to be tired of your basic brown, grey or black travel handbag. That all makes it one of the best purses for traveling in Europe (or anywhere else) when youre looking for more of an urban vibe.
- Anything I say about this bag is going to be heavily biased... because this is my all-time favorite of all crossbody purses – my best purse for international travel!
- I have two of these, in different colors and sizes. This slightly more compact version has a few extra goodies, like a front zipper that secures under a little loop, a feature I love.
- Like most Pacsafe bags, it’s slash-proof, which gives me extra peace of mind in busy city centers, and the pocket with credit card slots features RFID-blocking technology.
- My iPad fits perfectly in the CS200, but the Gii is much roomier: if you have a DSLR, it will easily fit. I carry my Macbook Air in it. So I use the CS200 for daily sightseeing, but the Gii if Im working.
- The bag itself is a lightweight travel purse: you can fill it without feeling like youve overpacked. I have traveled all over the world with this, which is why it is my go-to as one of the best handbags for travelling oversea
- Im not sure I would normally include this among shoulder bags for women – it is more of a messenger bag than an anti-theft purse but... Ive added it to the list because I bought one myself (small size) and used it for a month as I traveled through Eastern Europe. Had I gone for the large I might have even used it as a carry-on.
- It has a waterproof flap (rain-tested in Romania by me), enough pockets to keep me happy, especially the external one (which is not available in the XS size). The key strap was also useful given the two cavernous main compartments. Plus compartments for pens, and an internal water bottle.
- I absolutely loved this bag! The wide shoulder strap is so comfortable I loaded the Timbuk2 with plenty – but my back was fine at the end of each day. Im still addicted to my Pacsafes, but this one gets as many kudos from me.
Small travel purse options – the best travel handbags for Europe
The above four are ‘normal-sized’ travel shoulder bags and will carry pretty much anything you need, even though some bags are smaller than others.
BUT – you may need something smaller. If you’re flying within Europe or on a discount airline, you may find you’re only allowed a single carry-on, handbag included.
The best handbag for flying is a small travel handbag: you can slip it into your carry-on if you’re not allowed a second bag on the flight.
The best small travel purse is the one you’re allowed to take with you on the plane!
- Here I go with Pacsafe again! The Metrosafe LS100 is a popular anti-theft bag and among the best travel purses for Europe, safe and stylish, if youre looking for something small and discreet.
- Its smaller and more compact than its counterparts, but you still get all the great anti-theft features (RFID-blocking pocket, locking zippers, and slash-proof fabric) Pacsafe is famous for.
- Its also water resistant, which makes it ideal for autumn wear in Europe when the skies open up. Its not large, but you can fit a lot into it – most of what you need for the day. No laptop but you can fit in a mini tablet. I like mine – I unfortunately have one of the older versions and dont like the wine color but these new tints are much nicer.
- Travelon bags are much-loved for their anti-theft properties and their affordable price. This is one of the more popular small travel bags: it holds everything you really need (passport, phone, credit cards), and encourages (or maybe forces) you to leave the extras at the hotel. This makes it a great purse for European travel.
- Both the strap and purse body are made of slash-proof mesh, the straps and zippers lock, and the inner compartment blocks RFID thieves. And I know you could buy an LED light anywhere, but I love that this travelling purse comes with one attached. This is an ideal lightweight travel handbag to slip into your luggage or use for the basics - passport, money, cards, phone...
- This looks like a rather fun little travel purse for ladies and one of the few on this list I havent tried for myself. But I probably shall.
- Its an anti-theft cross-body bag, so has everything going for it in a travel handbag for women, with a steel cable in the strap and anti-slash protection on the sides.
- Its an anti-theft cross-body bag, so has everything youd want in a travel handbag for women, with a steel cable in the strap and anti-slash protection on the sides. It also has RFID blocking for both the lined internal pocket and the outside locking pocket.
- This is a small bag for such things as your glasses, papers, phone, keys and the like, and will also hold a small iPad. The strap is adjustable and the exterior is water resistant so rain or shine, your things will be protected. ~
AND HERE’S ONE THAT ISN’T QUITE A TRAVEL HANDBAG…
- For those of you who prefer daypacks to womens handbags for travel (youll find a selection of great travel daypacks here), this is a sleek, frills-free anti theft backpack that will fit everything you need for a day trip and comes in red, teal and black. It features a couple of pockets and a padded electronic sleeve: just be aware that laptops larger than 13” probably won’t fit inside them.
- It’s not particularly stylish, but you’d be able to wear it around both urban and rural areas without raising eyebrows.
- And it has the usual Pacsafe safety features, including the stainless steel wire mesh in the fabric and the wire-reinforced straps, turn and lock security hooks on zippers, and an RFID blocking pocket and main compartment. If youre keen on a theft-proof backpack, this is probably as close as youre going to get.
BEST TRAVEL HANDBAGS FOR WOMEN: THE FEATURES THAT REALLY MATTER
Not all handbags for traveling abroad are made equal and there are a number of features that make good travel purses as opposed to just blah ones. When looking for the best women’s travel handbags, here’s what you should consider:
- Pockets. Most women have suffered with a “too big” purse that seemed to devour all the contents. Good purses for travel include pockets – zippered, mesh, credit card slots – that allow you to organize and actually find everything that fits. Click here for a really super travel handbag with compartments!
- Space for electronics. We need space for our gadgets, including cameras, cell phones, tablets and laptops/notebooks. The perfect handbag for travel has plenty of room for all these. I need to be able to carry my 13″ Macbook Air to most places. Click here for the perfect big travel handbag (the larger sizes).
- Style. A bag with some semblance of “everyday” style will help you look more local and not scream “tourist” too loudly. Designer travel bags may be a bit pricey but you’ll find plenty of cheap travel bags with lots of styles – different colors, shapes, materials, sizes.
- Durability. Frequent travel requires a bag that will withstand all sorts of wear and tear. It doesn’t have to be leather, but it does need to be made with strong material and sturdy fasteners. Beware of shoddily made purses that can fall apart after a single trip. The best handbag for travel should last and last and last – first, because they’re well made but second, because the style is perennial and never becomes old.
- Safety features. Being a solo female traveler comes with some risks, so having an anti-theft bag with safety features like anti-slash mesh or locking zippers can bring some peace of mind. The one thing travel handbags for women must deliver is safety for your belongings. There’s little point in carrying it around otherwise… See the best anti theft travel hand bags for ladies.
- Carrying options. The best purses for travel are those which you can carry multiple ways, including over-the-shoulder, across-the-body and even backpack-style (I like cross-body purses best).
- Comfort: Since you’ll probably be toting it around with you most of the day, a good purse for traveling needs to be comfortable – think wide strap that doesn’t slip off, bag that doesn’t slap across your middle…
- Water-resistance: This isn’t essential but the best handbags for travel should be weather-friendly, both for esthetics and because you want to keep your contents dry. See more waterproof travelling hand bags for ladies.
HOW ESSENTIAL ARE GOOD TRAVEL HANDBAGS FOR TRAVELLING ABROAD?
Maybe not that essential. It depends.
If you’re a person who doesn’t carry much around, you may not need one. You can always stash your phone, room card and credit card in a money belt or travel pouch, right? Or if you hate the idea of a traveling handbag, consider a travel daypack instead.
But with so many women’s travel handbags on the market, how do you know which one to get?
If you are a handbag person, here are a few simple questions you should ask yourself before you buy:
- How do you carry your handbag? Across your chest and back, on your shoulder, or slung over your arm (not the best idea for keeping your hands free in an unfamiliar environment, by the way)…
- How long are you going for? A small purse for traveling (or no purse at all!) might do for a short visit but if you’re off for a few weeks you’ll need a bigger handbag to travel with.
- What kind of travel is involved? If you’re staying in a central hotel or apartment, you can always leave things in your room and go back for something if you need to (nothing too valuable though).
- How often will you be using it? Do you need it all day or is it for evening wear or work?
- What will you carry? If you need your iPad and your iPhone and makeup and clumps of keys, you’ll need a different bag than if you’re slipping your phone, a pen and a Moleskine notebook into something that zips up: the best purse for travel abroad needs to fit what you intend to carry.
- How often do you need access to your stuff? I use my iPhone every minute or two so I’m lost without an outside pocket to slip it into.
Answering these questions will help you choose.
And if you travel often, don’t skimp on the expense. You’re better off investing in the best purse for travel now rather than buying cheap travel handbags that will unravel in the middle of nowhere – and that you’ll have to replace.
See my recommendation for the best handbag for travelling overseas!
7 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TRAVEL HANDBAG AND ITS CONTENTS SAFE
Other than deciding on the best handbag for travlling, the most important issue you’ll have to deal with is probably security.
1. Don’t wear flashy brand name labels on your travel hand bag: they make it that much more attractive to steal.
2. Don’t be arrogant as in “it won’t happen to me because I’m too smart/careful/savvy” — it can happen to you. I’m a seasoned traveler and I’ve had my belongings lifted. It’s almost inevitable after a lifetime of travel. What I do know is without being careful, it would have happened far more often.
3. Make sure your bag is hard to get into. Even the best travel purses for women can be stolen. That’s why I like the slash-proof straps with all sorts of wire mesh. I can still lose it and it can disappear — but it won’t be slashed while I’m wearing it and my belongings lifted from under my nose.
4. Pay attention. The best time for someone to steal your bag is when you’re busy taking that ultimate photograph or admiring the view. You’re not paying attention and you won’t even notice: there goes your perfect handbag for traveling. I sadly speak from experience.
5. Wear your bag in a way that dissuades theft. Most often thieves look for an easy mark. A handbag across your chest (as opposed to hanging loosely over a shoulder) will look more challenging and less appetizing. Keep your bag on the inside rather than on the street side. Yes, there have been instances of women being dragged along by a thief on a scooter BUT seeing a well-protected bag should be pretty dissuasive. If this worries you, use a pashmina or a scarf over your shoulder. It won’t hide your bag completely but it makes it more complicated for thieves – and they like to keep things simple.
6. Never leave your bag unattended. Obvious, right? And if you don’t want to hang onto to it tightly while trying to eat, tie it to the table. Or get one of those metal cable locks to tie your bag to your table or chair: someone else might want that perfect travel handbag you just bought. I simply keep mine on – the strap is long enough to do that comfortably.
7. Don’t carry all your valuables in your purse. Split your things up by using a money belt or pouch and spread your cash around various clothes pockets.
Whatever I do, I will NOT be hanging my bag on the back of a chair!
WHICH OF THESE TRAVEL PURSES WILL BECOME YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL COMPANION?
There are some incredible travel handbags to choose from. From stylish travel handbags and durable purses to functional bags with all the pockets you could ever need — you’re bound to find your next favorite travel accessory.
Remember, don’t keep all of your valuables in one place, and never leave your handbag unattended!
— Originally published on 26 January 2016
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