best purse for travel in europe

The Best Travel Purse for Europe in 2024

Last Updated on November 29, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

While planning an epic adventure abroad can be one of the most exciting things in life, finding all of the perfect gear to take with you can be one of the most frustrating and tedious things you can do before you set off on your trip. In particular, finding the best travel purse for Europe can be tricky if you’re looking for a balance between style and security.

While many people might be happy just donning a typical day pack while setting out and exploring an unknown city, many people prefer the style and convenience of a purse or handbag — myself included.

Especially if you’re planning on travelling in Europe, the tattered daypack from your backpack isn’t going to cut it on the high fashion streets. Not only are backpacks not particularly stylish, but they also have the added nuisance of making you look like a tourist and therefore a target to potential thieves and scammers.

So if you’re looking to find the perfect travel purse to take to Europe, then browse through this article to figure out what features you should be looking for along with my top suggestions.

Want a quick answer? My personal choice for the best travel purse is the Pacsafe Citysafe Convertible Backpack (also available direct from Pacsafe here ).

Table of Contents

Travel Purse for Europe Comparison

What to look for in a travel purse.

There are a few distinct features that you should keep an eye out for when you’re in the market for the best purse for travelling abroad.

First and foremost, you want to look for a travel handbag that is easy to keep an eye on and difficult for those pesky pickpockets to get into. This means that you should always look for a crossbody or shoulder bag for travel.

Having a purse that you can wear across your torso will make it difficult for a quick thief to just grab it from you and run. It will also make you more able to keep a casual hand on it while you are wandering through busy streets and tourist centres where theft might be more likely.

The second feature you need to look at is how easy it is to get into. A handbag that has, say, just a magnetic closure, might be convenient if you want to access your items quickly, but it also makes it easy for a thief to do exactly the same — especially if you’re distracted by all of the amazing sites you are seeing while navigating an unfamiliar place.

Look for a travel bag with multiple zipper pockets or buckles that can either be locked or take more than a couple of seconds to open. The best thing to keep in mind when trying to avoid petty theft while travelling is that pickpockets look for convenience over anything, so a bag that is difficult for them to just grab will deter most.

Finding a purse that gives your  important items and documents maximum security with minimal effort on your part is an essential factor for enjoying your trip to Europe. I have only travelled with crossbody purses and (touch wood) have avoided being robbed thus far.

The last thing that you should look for is how lightweight and packable the handbag is…especially if you’re backpacking or travelling carry-on only . It is unlikely that you will carry your purse on a plane or bus with you, especially with such strict requirements that some airlines have when it comes to personal items in the cabin.

So, in an effort not to take up valuable luggage space and not add unnecessary weight to your bags, finding an easily packable and lightweight travel handbag for going abroad is absolutely essential.

One last feature that is worth keeping an eye out for when searching for a purse is to see if the bag has any RFID block capabilities. While this isn’t absolutely essential, it can give you the peace of mind that your credit cards and travel document aren’t going to be victim to scanner scams.

Scanner scams (where a thief can just scan the data on your passport or credit cards) aren’t nearly as common as you might be led to believe, especially with the advanced preventative technology in most modern credit cards and passports.

Best Travel Purses for Europe

Now that you know which features to look for while finding the best purse to travel with, take a look at these fantastic options for travelling abroad. They all combine the best features that I outlined earlier, with different style-options depending on your own particular tastes.

Pacsafe Citysafe Convertible Backpack

This handy little bag really gives you the best of both worlds and very well might be the best backpack purse for European travel.

The Pacsafe Citysafe Convertible Backpack (also available direct from Pacsafe here ) can either be worn as a traditional backpack or switched to a crossbody bag and looks stylish while doing it.

The Citysafe comes in a range of colours to suit any personality and has a ton of features to boot. There are numerous compartments and interior pockets, all with interlocking zippers and anti-theft technology that make getting into this bag nearly impossible for thieves.

It is also lined with RFID-blocking technology and has a slash-proof exterior so no one can pull a “cut and run” on you.

This sleek and stylish bag is also a great option if you’re travelling light as it can transition seamlessly from day to night with just a few simple steps.

So many anti-theft travel purses tend not to look all that fashionable, however, the Citysafe will protect you from pickpockets while also not aiding you in committing a style faux pas while wandering the streets of Paris or Rome.

The interior of the bag is also quite spacious, especially if you’re wearing it in the backpack form. There is ample room in the main pocket for essential daily items like a water bottle, a camera, a tote bag, and a guidebook and it can even fit an average-sized tablet!

The smaller outer pockets are perfect for stashing your wallet and mobile phone and are also equipped with anti-theft zippers so you don’t have to worry about them getting easily snatched.

Travelon Anti-Theft Bucket Bag

If you’re not fond of backpacks and are looking for the best crossbody bag for travel in Europe, then look no further than the Travelon Bucket Bag . Travelon continually produces some of the best purses for international travel and the Anti-Theft Signature is no exception.

Equipped with some advanced anti-theft technology, this bag is spacious and comfortable to wear across your body for a long time.

The adjustable shoulder strap is slash-proof and allows you to easily attach it to a chair leg or post so you don’t have to worry about someone running off with it while enjoying an espresso or glass of wine at a streetside cafe.

There are multiple pockets where you can store your things and the interior is spacious enough to hold a book, camera, and water bottle with some room to spare.

While it is not as sleek and fancy as the Pacsafe option mentioned above, it is still cute and trendy and will be perfect for going out during the day. It may not be an appropriate travel purse to take to a nice restaurant or fancy bar, however.

The Travelon Bucket Bag also has a dedicated passport and credit card slots in the purse that have RFID-blocking technology in order to keep your important items and documents safe from scanners.

Baggallini Original Everyday Crossbody Bag

If you’re looking to maximise your space and luggage weight without sacrificing convenience when trying to find the ideal travel bag, then the Baggallini Original Crossbody Bag (also available on Zappos here ) might be the best option for you! This handy little travel bag is incredibly lightweight without sacrificing volume.

Though there are no external pockets on this purse, there are a number of pockets inside allowing you to easily organise your items efficiently. The entire bag is also equipped with RFID-blocking technology to ensure the safety of your most important documents and credit cards. 

Its simple design is also incredibly durable and water resistant, which means it won’t get damaged even if you’re strolling around London without your umbrella. It comes in a range of colours as well.

Though the Baggallini Original Crossbody Bag isn’t equipped with the slash-proof technology or locking zippers of the above two options, it still ranks as a great contender to take to Europe, particularly if you’re visiting places where pickpocketing and petty theft aren’t as common.

Travelon Anti-Theft Tailored Hobo Crossbody Bag

If style is your number one priority in finding the best fashionable anti-theft crossbody travel purse, then the Travelon Tailored Hobo is a fantastic option for you.

Sleek and stylish, this spacious bag is the perfect purse for the fashion-oriented traveller who also wants her items to have the maximum amount of protection possible.

Available in a variety of colours, this bag is also equipped with fully locking compartments, a slash-proof should strap (that is also easy to secure around a chair or table leg), and RFID-blocking technology.

It is very slim, so it packs down quite small and is also lightweight so it is the perfect addition to any minimalist packing list without sacrificing style.

Basically, if you’re looking for a quality medium-sized purse to use while you’re travelling, then the Travelon Tailored Hobo is one of the best travel handbags for you.

Pacsafe Citysafe Crossbody

If you are looking for a small travel purse to take with you on your trip, then the Pacsafe Citysafe Crossbody (also available direct from Pacsafe here ) might be one of the best travel crossbody bags you could choose.

Containing much of the same features as the Pacsafe travel bag listed above, the Citysafe Crossbody comes in a variety of colours and has a classic and simple design that can easily transition from day to night.

Despite its smaller size, there are still a number of inside and outside pockets in order to effectively organise your things. It can also be expanded into a large bag if you need space.

The purse is equipped with RFID-blocking technology, a slash-proof strap, locking and secure zippers, and is waterproof. It is just the right size to carry your mobile phone, sunglass case, a tote bag, wallet and maybe even a small, travel-sized umbrella.

The exterior of the Pacsafe Citysafe Crossbody is also water resistant, so neither the purse itself nor your items inside will be damaged if you encounter some rain.

Pacsafe Citysafe Anti-Theft Mini Backpack

If you’re looking for a convenient yet stylish backpack for your Europe trip, then the Pacsafe Citysafe Anti-Theft Mini (also available direct from Pacsafe here ) is an absolutely fantastic choice for you.

Equipped with sophisticated anti-theft features, you can have peace of mind when strolling down a crowded European street while keeping your hands free and your shoulders evenly balanced.

Unlike a number of travel backpacks, the Anti-Theft Mini is also incredibly stylish and will ensure that you blend in well with the locals rather than sticking out like a tourist and making you a further target for theft.

To add an extra layer of security, this anti-theft purse boasts RFID-blocking technology, a slash-proof fabric, locking zips and cut-resistant straps (that can also be removed to secure around a table leg or luggage rack).

It comes in a range of colours and, for its size, can hold quite a lot — including a 13-inch laptop!

Baggallini Everywhere Bagg

If you’re on the hunt for a water-resistant and lightweight crossbody bag for Europe, then make sure to have a look at the Baggallini Everywhere Bagg (also available on Zappos here ).

This bag is both practical and stylish and has a number of anti-theft and travel features that are sure to impress.

This stylish travel purse is perfect for those looking for something that is incredibly practical but also doesn’t sacrifice style. Though it isn’t the most trendy of travel bags, it has a classic look that can easily blend in wherever you’re travelling.

It can fit quite a lot, has a number of different zipped compartments and even has a strap in order to easily secure it to your luggage. It also comes with its own RFID-blocking wristlet wallet in order to safely store your credit cards, mobile phone and passport.

The Baggallini Everywhere Bagg comes in a variety of colours to suit anyone’s personal tastes and styles.

With a seemingly endless array of options, it can be really difficult to find the best purse to travel with. If you keep an eye out for a few key features and know which styles you like, however, then you will have no trouble at all finding the best anti-theft travel purse for Europe!

Are you looking for a purse for travelling abroad? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

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11 Best Purses for Travel in Europe

Categories Fashion , Travel Style

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If you’re like me, it’s always a struggle to decide what bag to bring when I travel internationally, so I’ve found 11 of the best purses for travel in Europe to help you out!

From  crossbody  to  shoulder bags , there are a lot of cute travel purses to hold your passport, wallet, and other essentials.

Click the images below to shop the best purses for travel in Europe:

You always want to keep valuables close when traveling abroad, especially in Europe, where there tend to be many pickpocketers and scammers—purse security features can be a nice perk if you’re nervous about theft.

Aesthetics and comfort are also essential to consider when buying a purse for a European vacation since you’ll want a travel bag that’s practical but fashionable so it can be styled with any outfit.

I’m here to tell you that plenty of cute travel bag options are out there!

Shop my picks for the best travel purses by clicking the images below:

I’ve rounded up the best  crossbody bags  and  lightweight travel handbags , so let’s jump into this list of the best purses for travel in Europe!

To make things easy for you, you can shop for these products by clicking directly on the images, the shopping buttons, and the text links.

These are my affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission when you purchase using my links (at no additional cost to you!), and I greatly appreciate you shopping with my links!

1. Lo & Sons The Pearl Crossbody Bag

First up on my list of the best purses for travel in Europe is the Lo & Sons The Pearl Crossbody Bag .

This gorgeous Crossbody Travel Purse is expertly crafted with Saffiano leather, a textured, weather-resistant, incredibly durable material. 

The Pearl has various travel-friendly features, from the various interior pockets to the convertible strap.

Plus, this bag is just as luxurious as it is functional, so you’ll have no trouble styling it as you explore different European countries.

At $298, The Pearl is an investment piece, but the high quality makes it worth the price since you’ll get years of use.

2. Kate Spade Laurel Way Rima Crossbody

The Kate Spade Laurel Way Rima Crossbody is a super stylish, travel-friendly purse that should be at the top of your Europe packing list!

I love how slim this crossbody is because I can keep all my essentials within reach without carrying a bulky bag. 

Black is a classic color choice, but I can’t get over how beautiful the Lilac Moonlight shade is since I’m a sucker for pastels.

The Laurel Way Rima Crossbody is made from high-quality Saffiano leather that looks and feels ultra-luxe—I promise you’ll become instantly obsessed!

3. Baggallini Everywhere Bagg

Baggallini’s  Everywhere Bagg  is one of the best travel bag picks designed for fashion and functionality.

The  Everywhere Crossbody  is ultra-light for comfortable wear and includes a detachable RFID-blocking wristlet.

The main bag and the mini travel wallet provide RFID protection, many organizational pockets, and a pass-through sleeve for luggage handles.

This  Everywhere Crossbody Travel Bag  has a sleek, slightly curved shape that’s chic and versatile for all your travel looks.

4. Travelon Anti-Theft Boho North/South Crossbody

I’ll be honest—I haven’t always enjoyed Travelon’s bags. Popular options from the brand include the Travelon  Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag  and  Classic Mini Shoulder Bag , which are functional but not very stylish.

Thankfully, Travelon has upped its lightweight travel handbag game in recent years!

The  Anti-Theft Boho North/South Crossbody Purse  has a trendy quilted design in several colors and patterns.

From a locking main compartment to slash-proof straps and RFID-blocking technology, the Travelon  Anti-Theft Boho N/S/ Crossbody  can do it all.

Click the images below to start shopping for the best purses for travel in Europe:

5. Arden Cove Full Anti-Theft Waterproof Crossbody Bag

How fashionable is this Arden Cove Full Anti-Theft Waterproof Crossbody Bag ?

This Anti-Theft Travel Purse instantly caught my eye when I was browsing for the perfect travel purse, and the fact it’s waterproof and has RFID-blocking pockets is a huge pro.

The Arden Cove Crossbody Bag is made from waterproof nylon and vegan leather, so it looks and feels high-quality—not to mention the bag contains a full slash-proof lining.

Considering the timeless design and anti-theft features, I think this waterproof travel purse is worth the $174 price tag.

6. Lo & Sons The Bond Crossbody Belt

I had to include another Lo & Sons bag in this guide to the best purses for travel in Europe—they’re just that good!

The Bond  is a minimalist and lightweight crossbody bag that you can clip around your waist as a fanny pack.

This  sling bag  has plenty of pockets to keep credit cards, IDs, and travel documents handy, and the anti-microbial lining ensures your items will stay clean no matter where your adventures take you.

You can choose from a  600D Recycled Poly version  of this stylish travel purse, which retails for $98, or splurge on the $328  sheepskin leather style .

7. Away F.A.R. Messenger 16L

Away is one of the trendiest sites for travel luggage, bags, and accessories, and I had to include the  F.A.R. Messenger 16L  in this roundup of bags perfect for taking to Europe.

This stylish travel purse is compact but spacious enough to store all your daily essentials and features an adjustable shoulder strap.

The  F.A.R. Messenger  is made from water-resistant nylon fabrics and has a zipper pocket for everything you need.

The $80 price for this  small travel purse  is a steal, considering how many bells and whistles this bag has.

8. Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote

Totes might not be the first bag style that comes to mind when you think of the best purses for travel in Europe, but hear me out!

Longchamp’s  Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag  is a good travel purse option because it’s big enough to fit your laptop or tablet.

This is a stylish  travel tote  perfect for remote workers and business owners like me who want to stay on top of things from anywhere in the world.

The top snap button and zipper closure keep all your items safe, and you could even use the  Le Pliage Tote  as a fashionable overnight bag.

Start shopping my picks for the best crossbody travel purses and handbags for Europe by clicking the images below:

9. Senreve Circa Bag

This Senreve  Circa Bag  is one of the most aesthetic purses on this list.

This gorgeous purse is made from 100% Italian leather and can be worn as a backpack, crossbody, shoulder, or top-handle bag, thanks to the adjustable strap.

Not only does the  Circa Bag  look and feel luxurious af, but it’s also scratch, weather, and stain-resistant, which is a must for international travel.

The Senreve  Circa Bag  is a splurge given the $500+ price tag, but the extra cost is worth it since you’re investing in a quality piece that’s incredibly versatile and durable.

10. Lululemon Crossbody Camera Bag

A roundup of the best purses to take as you travel Europe would be incomplete without a Lululemon travel piece!

Lululemon has changed the game regarding functional, durable, and stylish travel bags, so I knew I had to try the  Camera Crossbody .

This  Mini Travel Bag  comes in several gorgeous colors that are luxurious and versatile—you can easily style them with any travel outfit.

The water-repellant  Crossbody Purse  has a surprisingly roomy interior compartment that zips closed and fits your phone, keys, and more while keeping items neat and organized.

You can snag a Lululemon  Small Messenger Bag  for $78, a splurge worth every penny.

If you’re looking for a bag for a teenager to take on a trip, this would top my list of  travel accessories for teens .

11. Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody

My last pick for the top Europe travel purses is Dagne Dover’s Micah Crossbody . 

The Micah Crossbody is a fashionable option that can easily be styled up or down, with plenty of travel features like a key leash and credit card slots.

One of the best parts is this Dagne Dover Travel Crossbody Purse is made from 100% vegan neoprene, which is also water-resistant—a must for traveling.

You can expect to pay $110 for this lightweight travel purse , which is a great deal, IMO.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this roundup of the best European travel purses! If you prefer to travel with carry-all tote bags for plenty of space, I recommend the Beis East to West Travel Purse .

Wanting a bag with space for your camera? Check out this post if you’re looking for the best travel camera backpack .

Make sure to tag me on Insta (@ wtfab ) if you snag any of these bags so I can see what travels you take them on.

Click the images below to browse the best purses for travel in Europe:

Planning a trip and need more travel outfit inspo? I’ve got tons of travel style content here !

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I like to travel with a crossbody purse or shoulder bag since I can keep it nice and close to my body.

The Arden Cove Full Anti-Theft Waterproof Crossbody Bag is a stylish anti-theft purse.

My picks include the Lo & Sons Pearl Crossbody and the Senreve Circa Bag .

Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of  What The Fab , a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.

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Best Purse for Travel in Europe: Ultimate Picks for 2024

Planning your first trip to Europe? It’s exciting to think about all the amazing sights you’ll see and do. We’ve found that having the best purse for travel in Europe is so important for navigating the bustling streets of cities like Paris and Rome.

It took us a long time to find the perfect purse that is both stylish and secure, with features like RFID protection and slash-proof straps.

We’ve done the research to help you find that ideal travel companion, so you can travel with peace of mind.

Thank you for supporting us by using the links to shop in our articles! We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) to continue creating helpful, free content. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon and other retailers featured on the blog.

As you may already know, pickpocketing is a common problem in many European cities. To keep your valuables safe, you’ll want a purse with features like anti-theft zippers, RFID-blocking technology, and slash-proof straps.

After researching and testing several purses, we’ve found the best purse for travel in Europe that meets all these criteria and more.

Telena Backpack Purse for Women

Rebecca minkoff julian backpack.

• Travelon Anti-theft Tour Bag
• Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag
• Crossbody with RFID

Small Sling Bag Crossbody

• Travelon Anti-theft Cross Body Bag
• Daily Sling Bag

Small Crossbody Bag

Wristlet clutch crossbody bag with chain strap, peak gear hidden travel money belt.

• What features should you look for in a secure travel purse for European trips?

Best Purses for Travel in Europe Essentials

When packing your must-have items for a small purse on your European adventures, the goal is to keep things light yet sufficient.

Try to pack multipurpose items—they’ll help you handle whatever the day throws at you without weighing you down, especially when you’re wandering through ancient ruins, enjoying a café terrace, or exploring charming villages.

Here’s a list of must-haves we always include, even with the best small purse for Europe:

• Wallet : With ID, credit cards, and cash.
• Phone : For navigation and photos.
• Portable Charger : To stay connected.
• Collapsible Water Bottle : For hydration.
• Snack : Like a small energy bar.
• Mini Umbrella : For sudden showers.
• Hand Sanitizer : To keep clean.
• Basic First Aid : A few plasters and pain relievers.
• Lip Balm and Sunscreen : In travel sizes.
• Safety Whistle : For emergencies.

To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the best purses for travel in Europe. These purses are practical and fashionable so you can explore the city in style.

Chic Crossbody by Roulens

We believe this Roulens Crossbody Bag is a stylish and practical pick for anyone traveling through Europe.

• Multi-pocket design enhances organization.
• RFID blocking feature provides security against data theft.
• Adjustable strap enhances comfort for all-day wear.
• Size might be larger than preferred for those seeking a very compact bag.

Just back from our European travels, we absolutely loved using the Roulens handbag. It’s super lightweight, so carrying it through museums and bustling markets was a breeze—no shoulder pain whatsoever! It has a handy anti-theft pocket that kept our travel documents and cash secure, and a front pocket perfect for quickly grabbing our phone to check Google Maps or snap a photo.

The interior is roomy enough for all the essentials but still doesn’t feel bulky. The leather-like PU material even held up well against light rain, and a quick wipe-down was all it took to keep it looking fresh.

If you’re looking for a stylish and functional backpack purse for your European travels, the Telena Backpack Purse for Women is a great option.

• The backpack is made of high-quality PU leather that is soft and pliable, making it comfortable to wear for long periods.
• The bag is spacious and roomy, with multiple pockets and compartments for all your travel essentials.
• The backpack can be worn as a handbag or a backpack, depending on your preference and needs.
• The backpack may not be suitable for those who prefer smaller bags.

This backpack purse is perfect for travelers who want a stylish and functional bag carrying all their travel essentials. With its soft and pliable PU leather material, the backpack is comfortable for long periods. The bag is spacious and roomy, with multiple pockets and compartments to hold your passport, wallet, phone, camera, and other travel essentials.

One of the best things about this backpack purse is its versatility. You can wear it as a handbag or a backpack, depending on your preference and needs. The backpack straps are adjustable, so you can customize the fit to your body. The backpack also has a sturdy handle on top, so you can carry it as a handbag if you prefer.

Overall, the Telena Backpack Purse for Women is a great option for travelers who want a stylish and functional backpack purse for their European travels. It’s comfortable, spacious, and versatile, making it a great investment for your next adventure.

If you’re in search of a practical and stylish backpack for your European travels, the Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack is an excellent choice.

• Crafted from genuine leather with black shellac hardware, it ensures durability and a sophisticated appearance.
• Features three compartments and numerous pockets for secure and organized storage, including a discreet back pocket for valuables.
• Its versatile design allows it to be dressed up or down for various occasions, making it a perfect travel companion.
• The backpack’s size isn’t large enough for a weekender bag.

This backpack is an ideal option for those seeking a secure and stylish travel companion for exploring Europe. Its versatile design allows for easy transition between casual sightseeing and formal occasions, making it a practical and stylish choice for the best purse for travel in Europe.

Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Tour Bag

The Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Tour Bag is a great option if you’re looking for a stylish and secure purse for your European travels.

• The roomy compartment with a zippered RFID blocking pocket and padded pocket for an iPad or tablet keeps your belongings safe and organized.
• Two easy access, locking front pockets, and a rear zippered pocket provide quick access to your essentials.
• The mesh expansion pocket for a water bottle is a convenient feature for staying hydrated on the go.
• The bag may be a bit heavy for some travelers, especially if you’re carrying a lot of items.

Crafted with a durable cotton canvas and rich suede trim, this bag has a classic and stylish look. The matte nickel hardware and pinstriped lining add a touch of sophistication. The anti-theft features, including slash-resistant construction, locking compartments, and straps, provide peace of mind while exploring new places.

The bag’s adjustable strap drop length of 14 to 25 inches makes it easy to wear as a crossbody or shoulder bag. The tethered key clip with an LED light is handy for finding your keys in the dark. The bag’s size of 9 x 11.5 x 3 inches makes it a great size for everyday use as well.

In summary, the Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Tour Bag is a great option if you’re looking for a stylish and secure purse for your European travels. Its roomy compartment, convenient pockets, and anti-theft features make it a practical and stylish choice for any traveler.

If you’re looking for a stylish and secure bag to take with you on your European travels, the LATMAP Sling Bag is a great option.

• The anti-theft design keeps your belongings safe and secure.
• The multiple pockets make it easy to organize your items.
• The faux leather material gives it a trendy and fashionable appearance.

This sling bag is perfect for those who want to keep their belongings close and secure while exploring Europe. The anti-theft design ensures that your items are safe from pickpockets, while the multiple pockets make it easy to organize your passport, phone, and other travel essentials. The faux leather material gives the bag a trendy and fashionable appearance, making it a great accessory to any travel outfit.

Overall, the LATMAP Sling Bag is a great option for those looking for a stylish and secure bag to take with them on their European travels. With its anti-theft design, multiple pockets, and trendy appearance, it’s a great accessory for any travel outfit.

BOSTANTEN Quilted Crossbody

We find this purse to be a chic and practical option for anyone needing a secure and stylish bag while  exploring Europe .

• Spacious design allows for ample storage within a compact frame.
• Vegan leather material is durable and easy to clean.
• Adjustable and eye-catching guitar strap enhances both comfort and style.
• May not accommodate larger items due to its small size.

Traveling through Europe, our BOSTANTEN crossbody bag was a perfect companion. Light and easy to carry, it swung comfortably by our side. The main compartment was just right for essentials like a wallet, phone, and sunglasses, and the vegan leather held up against drizzles and busy markets. A quick wipe was all it took to refresh it daily.

The front zipper pocket was super handy for quick phone access to snap photos. Adjusting the strap was simple, allowing us to match the bag with both casual and evening outfits effortlessly. The chic quilted pattern and bold strap also meant plenty of compliments.

For those balancing fashion with function, the BOSTANTEN crossbody is one of the best purses for travel in Europe. It reliably holds up through all our adventures.

S-ZONE Leather Crossbody

We’ve found that if you’re journeying through Europe’s cobbled streets and bustling markets, this S-ZONE Crossbody is a chic and practical companion.

• Genuine top grain leather gives a premium feel
• Triple zip pockets keep valuables organized and secure
• Adjustable wide strap enhances comfort during extended wear
• The compact size may not fit larger items
• Exterior pockets might be snug for some personal items

The S-ZONE Leather Crossbody was another bag that one of our team members took on their European travels, and we found it to be one of the best purses for travel in Europe.

Its robust, genuine leather and classic design kept us stylish without screaming “tourist” as we moved from cafes to galleries. The bag’s separate zipped compartments were perfect for organizing essentials like passports and sunglasses, making everything easily accessible in crowded places.

Adjusting the strap was simple, letting us switch from shoulder to crossbody style depending on our day’s activities, while the wide strap distributed weight comfortably. However, it’s worth noting that its compact size might be limiting if you carry more than just the basics. Also, the stiffer leather needed some breaking in, and the snug outer pockets might not fit bulky items easily.

Travelon Convertible Clutch

We think this Travelon Convertible Clutch is a game-changer for anyone needing a secure and versatile purse while exploring Europe.

• Versatile design allows for use as a wristlet, clutch, or crossbody bag.
• Features full anti-theft properties, including RFID protection.
• Compact yet spacious enough to organize essentials for a day out.
• Limited storage space may not suffice for those needing to carry more items.

Perfectly sized for daily excursions, it holds a wallet, mobile phone, and a few other essentials without feeling bulky. An added bonus is the LED light on the key clip inside, which has come in handy illuminating keyholes during late-night returns to our accommodations.

What really sets this purse apart is its versatility. It starts as a wristlet, ideal for a quick morning croissant, then effortlessly transitions to a crossbody for hands-free exploration of museums and shops. Despite its compact size, the clever internal organization makes it feel like a compact treasure chest, keeping all travel essentials neatly arranged and accessible.

Crossbody with R FID

If you’re looking for a lightweight and water-resistant purse for your travels in Europe, the Baggallini Pocket Crossbody with RFID is a great option.

• The built-in RFID protection will keep your credit cards and passport safe from electronic pickpocketing.
• The quick-access pockets make it easy to grab your phone or boarding pass without having to dig through your bag.
• The adjustable shoulder strap allows you to wear it as a crossbody or shoulder bag, whichever is more comfortable for you.
• The size is relatively small, so it may not be ideal if you need to carry many items.

The Baggallini Calais Crossbody Bag for Women is a great choice for those who want a stylish, lightweight and functional purse for their travels. The built-in RFID protection is a nice added bonus, and the quick-access pockets make it easy to keep your essentials within reach.

However, the material may not be as durable as some other options, and the size may be too small for those who need to carry a lot of items. Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and practical travel purse, this one is definitely worth considering.

If you’re looking for a stylish and practical bag for your travels, the INICAT Small Sling Bag is a great option.

• The bag is made of high-quality faux leather and comes in a stylish brown color that will match any outfit.
• It has ample pockets to keep your items organized and separated, including a special spot for your cell phone and passport, making it easy to access when going through security.
• The bag is designed to be worn across your body, making it a safe and secure option for your travels.
• The bag may be too small for those who like to carry a lot of items with them.

The INICAT Small Sling Bag is a great option for those who want a stylish and practical travel bag. Its high-quality faux leather and ample pockets make it a great choice for keeping your items organized and accessible, making it one of the best purses for travel in Europe. The bag’s crossbody design is also a safe and secure travel option.

However, those who like to carry a lot of items may find the bag too small, and some users have reported that the hardware is silver in color, rather than gold. Additionally, the lack of a touchscreen window may be a drawback for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish and practical bag for your travels, the INICAT Small Sling Bag is definitely worth considering.

Need a stylish crossbody bag for your next European adventure? Consider the EVVE Small Crossbody Bags.

• The bag is made of high-quality vegan leather that looks and feels like real leather.
• It has a trendy flap saddle design with tassel that adds a touch of fashion to your outfit.
• The bag is lightweight and compact, yet spacious enough to hold your essentials such as phone, wallet, and keys.
• The size might be too small for those needing more than just the essentials.

This crossbody bag is perfect for those who want a stylish and practical bag for their travels. The vegan leather material looks and feels like the real thing, making it a great option for those who want to be eco-friendly. The trendy flap saddle design with tassel adds a touch of fashion to your outfit, making it a versatile bag easily dressed up or down.

Overall, the EVVE Small Crossbody Bags for Women is a great option for those who want a stylish and practical travel bag for Europe. It is perfect for those who want to travel light and keep their belongings close to them. If you are looking for a small and trendy crossbody bag, this might be the perfect fit for you.

A versatile and stylish purse that is perfect for traveling light.

• The purse can be used as a clutch, wristlet, or crossbody bag, giving you multiple options for carrying it.
• The chain strap is the perfect length for wearing the purse on your shoulder or across your body.
• The purse is roomy enough to hold your essentials, such as your phone, wallet, and keys, without being too bulky.
• The chain adds an extra level of security as it’s harder to cut vs leather straps.
• The purse may not be large enough to hold larger items, such as a tablet or book.

The purse is a great option if you’re looking for a versatile and stylish purse for traveling light, and it’s one of the best travel purse for Europe from the list- based on style. Versatile and spacious, this purse is great for a night out or sightseeing.

The purse has a chain strap and faux leather finish. Its magnetic closure is easy to use but less secure than a zipper.

One potential downside to this purse is that the inside may have a strong smell upon first opening it. However, this should dissipate over time. Additionally, the purse may not be large enough to hold larger items, such as a tablet or book.

Overall, this purse is a great choice if you’re looking for a stylish and versatile purse for your travels in Europe.

No, it’s technically not the best travel purse for Europe. Still, if you’re looking for a secure and comfortable way to keep your valuables safe while traveling, then the Peak Gear Hidden Travel Money Belt is definitely worth considering.

• The moisture-wick backing keeps you cool and comfortable, even in warm climates.
• The RFID block protection means you don’t need to worry about electronic theft.
• The theft insurance and lifetime recovery service provides peace of mind.
• The two compartments may not be enough for those who need to carry many items.

This money belt is perfect for those who want to keep their valuables safe while traveling and should be considered in combination with the best purse for travel in Europe so you can have the best time. The moisture-wick backing ensures that you stay cool and comfortable, even in warm climates, while the RFID block protection means you don’t need to worry about electronic theft.

The belt is light, comfortable, and slim, making it the perfect travel accessory whether you’re an occasional airport traveler or an avid backpacker. The unique strap adjusts snugly around the waist. The two compartments and pockets inside the hidden pouch fit multiple US passports and keep credit cards organized.

If you’re looking for a secure and comfortable way to keep your valuables safe while traveling, then the Peak Gear Hidden Travel Money Belt is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide: Best Purse for Travel in Europe

When looking for the best purse for travel in Europe, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Here are some features to consider:

Choose a purse that’s spacious yet easy to carry. You’ll need room for your passport, wallet, phone, and essentials.

When traveling in Europe, keep your belongings secure. Choose the right purse for travel. Look for a purse with a secure closure like a zipper or snap. This will prevent pickpockets from stealing your valuables.

You’ll be carrying your purse with you all day, so choosing one that’s comfortable to wear is important. Look for a purse with adjustable straps that can be worn cross-body or over the shoulder, depending on your preference.

Choose a purse made from durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Leather and nylon are both good options, as they’re durable and easy to clean.

Organization

The best purse for travel in Europe will have multiple compartments and pockets to help you stay organized. This will make it easier to find what you need quickly without digging through your purse.

Finally, choose a purse that fits your personal style and the type of travel you’ll be doing. A classic, understated purse might be appropriate for visiting museums and historical sites. A more fashionable purse might be a better fit if you explore trendy neighborhoods. There is no best purse for travel in Europe when it comes to style, this part relies on your personal tastes.

By considering these features, you can choose the best purse for your travel needs, ensuring that you’re comfortable, organized, and secure throughout your trip.

You may also like:

• Read More: Best luggage for travel to Europe
• Read More: 83+ Travel Essentials for Women

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a secure travel purse for European trips?

Security should be your top priority when choosing the best purse for travel in Europe. Choose a purse with anti-theft features like slash-resistant straps and RFID-blocking technology to protect personal information. Choosing a purse that can be securely closed with a zipper or lock is also important to prevent pickpocketing.

In addition to security features, consider the size and style of the purse. Use a compact crossbody or shoulder bag for hands-free convenience in crowded areas. Look for a purse with multiple compartments to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.

WHAT SIZE PURSE IN RECOMMENDED FOR TRAVEL IN EUROPE?

It’s best to opt for a medium-sized purse that is spacious enough to hold essentials like a wallet, passport, phone, and camera but not too bulky to carry around comfortably, although there are some really great small purses as well.

WHAT MATERIAL IS IDEAL FOR A TRAVEL PURSE IN EUROPE?

Durable and water-resistant materials like nylon or leather are often recommended for best travel purses in Europe as they can withstand various weather conditions and provide added protection for your belongings.

Finally, choose the best European travel purse that fits your personal style and preferences. Choose from classic leather or modern designs for secure and stylish European travel.

Marissa is a scientist, sports lover, traveler, tech executive, and baked goods enthusiast. Currently based between Toronto, NYC, and LA, she calls all three places home throughout the year. She has lived in seven countries and explored countless more as a long-term visitor. You can find her work on Darling Escapes and around the web.

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The Best Purses For Travel In Europe

Hey there wanderers and jet-setters! Planning a trip to the beautiful continent of Europe? Well, we all know that when it comes to exploring new cities and soaking up the culture, having the perfect purse is an absolute must, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Not only should it be stylish but also practical enough to keep your essentials safe and organized while you’re on the go. Whether you’re strolling through charming cobblestone streets, in and out of museums with the kids, or hopping on trains for your next adventure, I’ve got you covered with my guide to the best purses for travel in Europe. 

From chic crossbody bags, to travel backpack purses, tips and stylish recommendations for a stress-free and fashionable journey across Europe!

Europe continues to be one of the most popular regions for travelers from all corners of the globe. You can explore multiple countries within a short span, which makes it an ideal destination for those of us looking for a diverse experience with minimal travel time. From Parisian streets and Italian countryside to Spanish beaches and Greek islands, it’s like a treasure trove waiting to be discovered!

So let’s get into it.

Related: 18 Stylish Bags For Moms With Toddlers

Table of Contents

Various Types Of Bags For Traveling In Europe

1. Compact Crossbody Bags–Your On-the-Go Sidekick: with traversing the bustling streets of Europe’s vibrant cities, a compact crossbody bag is an absolute must-have. Not only do they keep your essentials close at hand, but they also add a touch of chicness to any outfit. Pick one with multiple compartments to keep everything organized as you hop from museums to cafes.

 2. Anti-Theft Bags–Safety Meets Style: Safety is paramount while traveling in unknown territories, especially in crowded tourist hotspots. That’s where anti-theft bags come into play! These sleek and sophisticated bags not only offer ample space for all your travel necessities but also feature smart security features like slash-proof materials and hidden zippers for peace of mind wherever you go. 

3. Versatile Tote Bags–Ideal for Market Hopping: If visiting local markets or indulging in some retail therapy is high on your European itinerary (which it should definitely be!), then a versatile tote bag should be part of your arsenal. Choose one that has both style and durability so that you can carry home those souvenirs without compromising on fashion-forward flair. 

4. Foldable Daypacks–Unleash Your Inner Adventurer: For adventure seekers who plan on hiking through breathtaking landscapes or exploring picturesque countryside villages, a foldable daypack is an absolute game-changer! These lightweight wonders easily fit into larger suitcases when not in use but transform into spacious bags when needed, allowing you to embrace any spontaneous adventure Europe throws your way. 

5. Classic Leather Handbags–Timeless Elegance: Last but certainly not least, we cannot overlook the allure of a classic leather handbag. Whether you’re strolling along the Champs-Élysées in Paris or wandering through the charming streets of Florence, a well-crafted leather bag adds an element of sophistication to any ensemble. 

Related: The Best Fashionable Belt Bags For Moms

Best Purses For Travel In Europe

All Night Festival Bag- Ok so we all know and love Lululemon, right? They’re the reason for the fanny bag craze and now the All Night Festival Bag is yet another fan favorite. It’s a five-liter one size fits all. The All Night Festival bag is a crossbody bag making it one of the best purses for traveling abroad.

• Comes in four colors.
• Water-repellent.
• Adjustable shoulder straps.
• Exterior and interior pockets.
• Wide-opening for easy access.

Micah Neoprene Crossbody- If you’ve been around for a bit you know I love all things Dagne Dover. I haven’t been disappointed yet. If you’re looking for a lightweight good and cute travel purse, then consider the Micah Crossbody . Durability, compatibility, and weight make the Micah one of the best purses for travel in Europe.

• Lightweight
• Six main colors and two seasonal ones.
• Phone pocket with magnetic closure.
• Adjustable shoulder strap.
• Detachable key hook.

The Piazza Crossbody Bag – Some of the best handbags for travel are crossbody bags. They offer security, comfort, and versatility while exploring crowded European cities or using public transportation and they keep your hands free. And not only that they come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs.

The Piazza Crossbody is definitely a stylish bag for travel that comes in a funky fun Jade green and pale daffodil.

• Two ways to carry it. By the braided handles or by the adjustable and removable shoulder strap.
• Magnetic closure.
• Cinched drawstring.
• One size fits all.

Lunar Medium Dome Crossbody- The best bag for traveling Europe is a budget-friendly one. The Lunar Dome crossbody is an affordable option that’s a reliable and stylish travel purse that won’t break the bank.

• Comes in over 20 colors.

Small Leather Crossbody- If you’re looking for a small travel purse this leather crossbody that comes in a variety of vibrant colors should do the trick. Small crossbody bags make the best purses for travel in Europe. Smaller crossbody bags are my go-to when traveling.

• Small and compact.
• Adjustable strap.
• Pick your shoulder strap style.

Mark And Graham Tote- Tote bags with sturdy handles are ideal for travelers who prefer carrying more essentials without sacrificing style. Like a crossbody bag, a tote bag is a great option for travel purses for women. And who doesn’t love a good Mark and Graham tote ? This Essential Leather Tote comes in large and small and you can add your personalization if you like.

Longchamp Expandable Travel Bag- Make the Longchamp your go-to Europe travel bag. It’s expandable which also makes it the perfect carry-on bag especially if you’re packing light for a long European weekend getaway.

• Comes in 2 colors.
• Removable strap.
• Water-resistant lining.
• Folds flat to easily stow away.

Related: The Best Backpacks For Traveling Moms

Best Crossbody Bags For Travel Antitheft

Anti-theft Crossbody Shoulder Bag- One of the best crossbody bags for travel anti-theft you can find on Amazon. Of course, right? This crossbody bag is more in line with a fanny pack that women and men can wear. It’s great because a fanny is kept close to the chest and isn’t too large.

• Comes in five colors.
• Has 5 pockets.
• Anti-scratch and water resistant.

Anti-theft Classic Messenger Bag – A crossbody anti-theft purse that includes seven colors.

• 5-point anti-theft security system.
• Organizational departments.
• Magnetic flap.

Best Travel Backpack Purse

First things first–let’s talk about practicality. A travel backpack purse is designed with functionality in mind. With multiple compartments and pockets, it ensures that all your essentials are organized and easily accessible. No more rummaging through a bottomless pit of a bag to find your passport or lip balm!

The adjustable straps of these purses allow you to wear them comfortably in whichever way suits your style: as a traditional backpack or as a handbag. This adds convenience but also gives you the freedom to switch up your look effortlessly.

Now let’s dive into the style factor! Travel backpack purses come in an array of fashionable designs and colors that cater to every taste. From sleek leather options for those who prefer sophistication to vibrant patterns for free-spirited adventurers–there’s something out there for everyone.

Essential Backpack- For some the best travel purse for Europe is a backpack purse because of its flexibility to easily transition from a shoulder bag to a backpack and the advantages such as hands-free convenience during long walks or running through the airport.

• Interior zipper.
• Leather or Raffia and leather

Berkeley Tote Pack – Because The North Face never disappoints use the Berkeley Tote as a travel backpack purse to keep your hands free and your personal items secure. This is better used as a purse for traveling aboard and not as a travel bag. It’s the right amount of space to carry your personal items.

• Carrying handle or wearing as a backpack.
• Laptop sleeve.
• Exterior pockets and a main interior pocket.

Almost Perfect Tote Backpack- Is there anything better than a classic leather backpack purse ? Because of its durability, a leather tote makes one of the best bags for travel in Europe.

• Comes in six colors.

Anti-Theft Backpack Purse- If you’re looking for an anti-theft backpack purse at an affordable price consider the Cluci as one of the best purses for traveling to keep your personal items safe.

• Can be worn as a shoulder handbag or backpack.
• External and interior pockets.

Related: Cool Backpacks For Moms With Toddlers

Tips & What To Look For When Choosing Travel Purses For Europe

1. Keep Your Belongings Safe and Secure: When exploring bustling European cities or wandering through charming cobblestone streets, safety should be a top priority. Opting for a secure purse with sturdy zippers or clasps will help safeguard your belongings from pickpockets who might view tourists as easy targets. Choose one that can be worn across your body rather than simply hanging from your shoulder–an extra layer of protection! 

2. Stay Organized on the go: A well-organized purse will be your best friend while navigating unfamiliar territories. Look for multiple compartments or pockets that allow you to separate items like passports, tickets, cash, credit cards, and even emergency contact information in case anything goes awry. Having everything within reach ensures you won’t waste precious time rummaging through a jumbled mess when needed most. 

3. Versatile Size & Lightweight Design: Exploring Europe often involves long days packed with sightseeing adventures and city escapades. A lightweight yet spacious purse is ideal to carry all your essentials without weighing you down throughout the day. Consider opting for adjustable straps so that you can wear it comfortably.

Whether you’re exploring a bustling city or embarking on a scenic road trip, here are some things to consider when choosing the best purse for traveling: 

1. Size matters : Opt for a purse that is compact yet spacious enough to fit all your essentials comfortably. You don’t want something too big and bulky that will weigh you down or be difficult to maneuver through crowded places. 

2. Organizational bliss: Look for a purse with multiple compartments or pockets so that you can easily organize and locate your belongings. This will save you from rummaging through a jumbled mess every time you need something. 

3. Security first : Safety is of utmost importance during your travels. Ensure the chosen purse has secure closures like zippers or flaps, which will prevent pickpockets from accessing your valuables effortlessly.

 4. Lightweight and durable : Since internal travel involves moving around frequently, make sure your purse is lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand wear and tear. Consider materials like nylon or leatherette that are both durable and easy to clean. 

5. Comfortable straps or handles : Choose a bag with adjustable straps or handles that can be worn crossbody or over the shoulder, depending on what suits you best. This should distribute weight evenly across your body.

6. Versatility in style : Pick a versatile design that complements various outfits during your travels so that it remains stylish no matter where you go–from casual outings to more formal events. 

7. RFID protection bonus: In this digital age, it’s essential to keep yourself protected against identity theft while traveling internationally as well. Consider selecting a purse with built-in RFID-blocking technology; this will safeguard any credit cards or passports stored in your bag. 

8. Weather-friendly features : Depending on your travel destination, consider a purse that is weather-resistant or comes with a waterproof cover to protect your belongings during unexpected rain showers or other weather conditions. Remember, the perfect purse for international travel should combine functionality, security, comfort, and style. So, before you embark on your next adventure, keep these tips in mind to find the ideal companion that will enhance your travel.

When it comes to finding the best travel bag for Europe, it’s important to consider both style and functionality. With so many stunning cities to explore and diverse cultures to immerse yourself in, you’ll want a bag that not only looks great but also keeps your belongings secure and organized. Whether you opt for a versatile backpack or a sleek rolling suitcase, prioritize durability and comfort. Remember that traveling light is key, so choose a size that suits your needs without weighing you down.

I hope you find this post helpful in picking the best purses for travel in Europe.

Related: The Best Shoes For Trendy Moms

Best Purses For Travel In Europe FAQs

What is the best handbag to travel within europe.

Versatile Crossbody Bags: If convenience is your top priority while exploring then crossbody bags are an absolute game-changer. These hands-free companions allow you to keep all your essentials within easy reach while leaving you free to snap photos or indulge in some gelato without worrying about misplacing your bag. 

Spacious Tote Bags: For those who prefer carrying more than just their daily essentials—think extra layers for chilly evenings by Prague Castle or picking up souvenirs from Madrid’s bustling markets—a roomy tote bag is a must-have! 

Secure Anti-Theft Backpacks: When navigating busy tourist attractions or hopping on crowded public transportation systems in cities like London or Berlin, keeping your valuables secure becomes crucial.

Belt Bags : Who said fashion can’t be functional? Belt bags (also known as fanny packs) have made an impressive comeback, and they’re perfect for fashion-forward travelers exploring trendy destinations.

What to put in your purse when traveling?

1. Travel documents: Your passport (don’t leave home without it!), identification cards, travel insurance information, and any necessary visas or permits. 

2. Money essentials: Carry a mix of cash (both local currency and some US dollars as a backup) and credit/debit cards for convenience. It’s always wise to have emergency cash tucked away too. 

3. Gadgets and chargers: Your phone is undoubtedly an indispensable companion while traveling. Don’t forget your charger/adapters to stay connected wherever you go. Consider packing a power bank for those long days out exploring. 

4. Snacks and water bottles: Keep yourself hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle – it’ll save money and the environment! Tossing in some energy bars or small snacks can also be handy during unexpected delays or hunger pangs. 

5. Meds & first aid kit: Pack any prescription medications you need along with basic first aid supplies like band-aids, painkillers, antihistamines (in case of allergies), and any other personal medical items required. 

What is the safest type of purse to travel with?

1. Purses with anti-theft features: When it comes to travel purses, prioritize those equipped with anti-theft features. Also, consider bags with slash-proof straps and materials that discourage pickpockets. 

2. Crossbody Bags for Hands-Free: Crossbody bags are a fantastic choice for travelers as they provide hands-free security without compromising style or accessibility. 

3. Hidden Compartments & Zipper Closures: Purses with multiple hidden compartments and zipper closures add an extra layer of safety during your travels. 

4. Go Compact: Smaller purses are generally safer options because of their ability to stay close by. They allow you to keep better track of your belongings and minimize any chances of misplacing important items. 

Should I carry a purse in Europe?

Carrying a purse can be both stylish and practical while exploring Europe. It allows you to keep all your essential items like wallet, phone, passport, maps, and other valuables securely organized. Plus, who doesn’t love accessorizing their outfits with a fabulous bag that complements their style?

While Europe is generally safe for travelers, it’s always wise to exercise caution and prioritize safety.

Always consider your destination.

Further Reading...

The Best Backpack For Traveling Moms

Best Travel Gifts For Moms

Cool Beach Gifts For Beach Lovers

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27 Crossbody Bags You’ll Want to Take Everywhere

By Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Crossbody bags are an undeniable staple for frequent travelers. They’re supremely useful, with room for essentials like your passport , credit cards, cell phone, and AirPods, and yet still lightweight enough to carry around all day. Plus, with a crossbody bag, your hands are free—which means you can easily snap a photo or look up directions while you’re on the go. We also love how versatile the crossbody bags are, taking you from daytime hikes and city walking tours to evening dinner dates. To help you discover the best crossbody bags to wear this spring and beyond, we rounded up a list of our favorites for travelers, with varying price points and styles. Below, 27 crossbody bags you'll take everywhere, from timeless leather purses and water-resistant camera bags to beach totes with removable straps.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kristi Kellogg.

Shop our top picks:

• Best everyday bag: Madewell The Sydney crossbody bag
• Best leather bag: Cuyana Mini Double Loop bag
• Best for active days: Lululemon 2L crossbody camera bag
• Best clear bag: Uspeclare clear crossbody bag
• Best mini bag : Quince Italian Leather Phone crossbody
• Best designer bag: YSL Lou Leather camera bag
• Best evening bag: Coach Tabby Pebbled Leathered crossbody
• Best day-to-night bag: Kate Spade Knott small crossbody bag
• Best beach bag: Paravel Small Cabana tote
• Best for parents: MZ Wallace Metro crossbody bag

Best everyday crossbody

Madewell sells some of our favorite crossbody bags—they're well-priced, practical, and chic. This bestseller is made of smooth luxe leather and features both a top handle and a removable crossbody strap. Everyday essentials like your wallet, sunglasses, and keys will stay safe thanks to its magnetic closure. This is that perfect wear-everywhere-with-everything bag you'll reach for time and time again.

Best leather crossbody

Cuyana delivers an elevated crossbody that's practical for daily use with the Mini Double Loop bag. The structured piece has an adjustable strap, which you can even monogram in tiny gold lettering, as well as a magnetic flap closure and interior slip pocket. The Italian leather crossbody is handmade by artisans in Turkey. Shop it in core colors black, ecru, cappuccino, dark olive, or stone.

Best hybrid shoulder bag

This elegant bestseller from Banana Republic fits a ton. Its Italian pebbled leather exterior mixed with the slouchy, half-moon silhouette makes it one of the most versatile bags on our list. Whether you're dressed casually for a museum outing or wearing a dress and heels for a night out, this shoulder bag that doubles as a crossbody is the perfect companion. Versatile bags like this are perfect for quick trips when you're only packing one purse to wear with every outfit.

Best water-resistant crossbody

Made of lightweight, water-resistant fabric, this sporty crossbody from Fjällräven is a smart choice for travelers no matter what's on the agenda. It features two interior mesh pockets, a zippered exterior compartment, and a convenient top carry handle. Plus, at $50 it's one of the most affordable options on our list.

Best for active days

If you love the functionality and effortlessly cool vibe of Lululemon's Everywhere belt bag , you'll equally adore its crossbody camera bag. It's ultra lightweight and made of water-repellent fabric. There's two separate zippered compartments to keep items organized and it's available in a variety of colors like brown, wine berry, black, gray, white, and more.

Best clear crossbody

In need of a cute stadium-approved bag for an upcoming concert or sports game? Here's one you'll actually want to rewear. It's clear, compact, and under $15 on Amazon.

Best for day trips

Dagne Dover's 100 percent vegan neoprene crossbody is ultra lightweight and soft—a crucial detail for travelers carrying this bag around all day. It's the perfect blend of sporty and stylish; wear it to the airport, on a hike, or on a city walking tour. There are several interior pockets to keep travel essentials organized and it's just the right size for day trips.

Best affordable crossbody

If you're need of a crossbody for a camping trip, music festival, or last-minute weekend getaway, this simple black crossbody bag is only $20 on Amazon and is eligible for Prime delivery, meaning you can get your hands on it in just two days. It features a long adjustable strap, an exterior pocket for you phone, and a removable pouch for small items like your AirPods or lip balm .

Best for outdoor adventures

Toss your bug spray, sunscreen, or small water filter in this hands-free option that is perfect for outdoorsy travelers. It fits more than you think—and it features a front sleeve pocket and a soft strap.

Best for commuting

You know Athleta for it's activewear, but don't sleep on its accessories, especially this functional crossbody. Its perfect for a theme park visit, shopping day, or commute, and it's roomy enough to fit a whole lot, including your sunglasses, portable charger, and some snacks. Grab it in oak (pictured), teal, green, dark lapis blue, light gray, or black.

Best durable crossbody

Searching for something that's a little more durable? Look no further than the July Carry Me crossbody , a hardshell bag that's both water-resistant and easy to clean. This practical crossbody comes from Australian luggage brand July—known for designing the world's lightest carry-on . The Carry Me crossbody features two deep pockets, snap closures on each side to keep it secure, and a removable strap that when taken off, turns the bag into a clutch.

Best mini crossbody

This small, chic leather crossbody holds just the essentials—your phone, credit cards, and a lip balm. It can be worn day or night and with just about any outfit, making it a worthy companion on any trip. Not to mention, it won't take up much suitcase space at all.

Best slouchy crossbody

Another favorite of ours from Banana Republic is this slouchy leather staple that can be carried as a traditional handbag or as a crossbody. It features an adjustable shoulder strap, an interior pocket, and a clasp closure. Any of its four shades—black, ivory, brown, or yellow—would be great additions to a capsule wardrobe .

Sleekest crossbody

When you want the practicality of a crossbody but the option of a shoulder bag, this stylish leather number is the perfect solution. It has a flat base for stability, an interior zip pocket and card slots, and a thick adjustable strap. Best of all, it'll look good with both casual and dressier outfits.

Best colorful crossbody

We love this sporty, bright green crossbody from Baggu that's ideal for hiking, camping, or concert-going . It has multiple pockets and doubles as an organizational pouch when you remove the adjustable strap. Plus, it's made of recycled materials and is machine washable.

Best hybrid tote bag

The smaller but equally classic version of Madewell's signature Transport tote is the ideal bag to wear over your shoulder for a day of sightseeing. It goes with every outfit, and it's a bag that we've recommended over and over again for its timeless look and practicality. Another major plus: For how well this lasts, it's at a great price point—delivering the longevity of a high-end bag without the hefty price tag.

Best saddle bag

A newer style from Cuyana is its Double Moon saddle bag. Made of Italian leather, this is an ideal bag for vacation: smart, stylish, and spacious enough to store everything you need while exploring a new city center. In addition to its two main compartments, it also features a back slip pocket and a magnetic closure. This neutral color will match just about everything you pack.

Best slim crossbody

This simple, cream-colored crossbody from Tory Burch is a great bag for day or night. Its slim yet surprisingly spacious, making it a practical bag to pack without taking up a ton of space. It's also available in black, lavender, brown, and a gray-beige shade.

Best designer crossbody

Some occasions call for something a little more special than your everyday crossbody—and YSL's take on the camera bag is an elegant affair. It's crafted with calfskin in a matelassé chevron pattern, and has a wide open interior with an interior side pocket. The designer bag is made in Italy and is available in three shades.

Best evening bag

Coach has stepped up its game over the last few years with new sleek designs on its classic silhouettes. One popular style is the Tabby pebbled leather crossbody bag. The sleek, structured look and stylish gold strap makes it great for evenings out.

Best day-to-night crossbody

Versatility is key in a good crossbody bag. Whether you're museum hopping in New York City or grabbing gelato in Florence , this leather bag from Kate Spade has you covered. It's easy to dress up or down and fits just the right amount of must-haves without being too bulky or heavy to tote around all day or night long. Grab it in classic black or white and it will match everything.

Best for the beach

If you're headed on a vacation—especially a beach vacation —this Paravel tote is a must-pack. It transforms into a crossbody with the cabana strap add-on, and is made out of heavy-duty, water-resistant canvas; plus, it has a vegan leather base and accents, and zip and slip pockets throughout. The bag is customizable, too: It comes in two sizes, four colors, and can be monogrammed.

Shop more of our favorite travel tote bags here .

Best sustainable crossbody

This everyday crossbody has been tested to hold up to 50 pounds—and while you're unlikely to ever fill it with that much weight, it's a comfort to know the strap is durable enough to fit all of your essentials plus a little extra. The bag features a zipper closure to keep your items secure and interior slip pockets for cards or your phone. What we love most: As with everything Rothy's, it's sustainably made and machine washable.

Best crush-proof bag

This crush-proof canister-style crossbody is meant to protect your essentials—like a favorite pair of sunglasses, a tube of hand sanitizer, or a fragile film camera you love to travel with—in a lightweight, streamlined design. The water-resistant interior will also keep everything dry, just in case. What we love most, though, is the chic, retro, monogrammable style—nobody will ever believe it's practical, too.

Best for hiking

Whether you're hiking , biking, or heading out for a game of pickleball, this convenient and compact water bottle holder saves you the hassle of lugging around a heavy, full-size bag. My favorite feature is the insulated and water-resistant interior, but it also comes with multiple pockets, a detachable shoulder strap, and a drawstring closure—a nice touch when you're on the move. It's available in more than a dozen colors and fun patterns.

Best for holding your phone

If you're looking for something that holds your ID, phone, and not much else, say for runs, hikes, or walking around a cruise ship, turn to this slim crossbody from Béis. It's available in the brand's signature beige and black.

Best for parents

MZ Wallace designs some of our top editor-recommended sling bags and duffels . We equally love this lightweight, diamond-quilted crossbody bag that's ideal for busy parents or travelers on the move who need something reliable. There's an exterior zippered pocket for easy access to items like your phone or wallet, and the bag is water-resistant and washable.

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Home > Guide To The Best Travel Products > 17 Best Cross Body Bag For Travel In Europe In 2024

17 Best Cross Body Bag For Travel In Europe In 2024

Here are my recommendations for the 17 best cross-body bags for travel in Europe. You’ll find all sizes, family-friendly & antitheft options.

Travel requires many different things, including baggage . Where you put your belongings is just as important as what you actually take with you. It’s no wonder the luggage industry is booming!

Of course, you don’t only need a suitcase; you also need a carry-on bag and something to take with you on trips once you’re at your destination. For instance, if you’re heading off on a city break, do you want to be walking around your new location with a huge bag on your back? Probably not!

This is why I always have a crossbody travel bag with me during a trip . Actually, I use one every day.

If you are more of a backpack person, we have a massive list of women’s backpacks we love.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Why You Need A Crossbody Bag For Travel In Europe

Why exactly do you need crossbody travel bags when you venture off somewhere? Why won’t any old bag just do for your European travels?

Well, it comes down to a few different things – first, fashion; second, functionality; and third, security .

These are all pretty important things when you’re on the go, and for those reasons, you need a bag you can trust and one that will stand up to the rigors of travel, both the actual getting from A to B part of the deal and when you’re out sightseeing too.

Crossbody Bags Reviews

All around travel crossbody bags, 1. lululemon night festival micro belt bag, star rating: ★★★★★ (5/5).

• Sleek and Stylish Design: The Lululemon Night Festival Micro Belt Bag features a sleek and stylish design that complements various outfits, making it a fashionable accessory.
• Compact Size: Despite its compact size, it offers enough space for your essentials like keys, cell phone, wallet, and a few small items, making it perfect for on-the-go activities.
• High-Quality Materials: Lululemon is known for its premium materials and craftsmanship, ensuring the bag’s durability and longevity.
• Adjustable Belt: The adjustable belt allows for a comfortable and secure fit, accommodating different body sizes.
• Versatile Wear: You can wear it as a traditional belt bag around your waist or as a crossbody bag for added versatility.
• Lululemon Quality: The brand’s commitment to quality and functionality shines through in this accessory.
• Price: Lululemon products often come with a higher price tag, which may not be budget-friendly for some shoppers.
• Limited Storage: Due to its small size, it may not be suitable for those who need to carry larger items or a lot of belongings.

In summary, the Lululemon Night Festival Micro Belt Bag is an excellent choice for individuals looking for a stylish and compact accessory to carry their essentials. Its versatile design, premium materials, and adjustable belt make it a convenient and fashionable option. However, it may not be ideal for those with extensive storage needs or budget constraints.

2. Carhartt Legacy Women’s Crossbody Carry All

Star rating: ★★★★ (4/5).

• Durability: Carhartt is known for its rugged and durable products, and this crossbody bag is no exception.
• Spacious: With ample room and multiple inner pockets, it’s great for carrying a variety of items like lip balm, making it suitable for both daily use and travel.
• Adjustable Strap: The adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit, accommodating different body types.
• Classic Design: The simple and timeless design makes it one of the best versatile bags and suitable for various occasions.
• High-Quality Materials: Constructed with high-quality materials, it’s built to withstand wear and tear.
• Lack of Security Features: It doesn’t have anti-theft or RFID-blocking features, so it may not be the best choice for those concerned about security during travel.

The Carhartt Legacy Women’s Crossbody Carry All is a durable and spacious option for individuals seeking a reliable bag for various purposes. Its classic design and adjustable strap provide both functionality and style. However, it lacks specific security features, which may be a consideration for some buyers.

3. Baggallini Cross Over Crossbody Bag (Lightweight, Water Resistant)

• Lightweight and Water Resistant: Ideal for outdoor activities and travel, this bag can handle various weather conditions.
• Organization: Multiple interior pockets and compartments help keep your belongings organized.
• Adjustable Strap: The adjustable crossbody straps ensures a comfortable fit.
• Stylish and Versatile: Its design combines functionality with style, making it suitable for a wide range of activities.
• Durable Build: Made with quality materials, it’s built to last.
• Not Ideal for Heavier Loads: Due to its lightweight design, it may not be the best choice for carrying heavier items.

The Baggallini Cross Over Crossbody Bag is a lightweight and versatile option for those who prioritize organization and style. Its water-resistant properties make it suitable for outdoor adventures, while its interior slip pockets keep your belongings tidy. However, it may not be the best choice for carrying heavier items.

4. Crossbody Casual Messenger Bag

• Affordable: This bag offers good value for the price, making it accessible to budget-conscious shoppers.
• Casual Design: Its simple and casual design is suitable for everyday use.
• Adjustable Strap: The adjustable strap allows for a customized fit.
• Spacious: It provides enough room for essentials like a wallet, keys, and a small tablet or book.
• Various Color Options: Available in bright and neutral color combos, allowing you to choose your preferred style.
• Limited Durability: It may not be as durable as higher-end options, and the materials may show signs of wear over time.

The Crossbody Casual Messenger Bag is an affordable and practical choice for individuals seeking a budget-friendly option for daily use. Its casual design and adjustable strap offer versatility, but it may not withstand heavy wear and tear over an extended period.

5. OGIO Women’s Brooklyn Tablet Purse

• Tablet Compartment: Designed with a dedicated tablet compartment, it’s perfect for tech-savvy individuals on the go.
• Stylish Design: Its modern and stylish design makes it suitable for various occasions, including work and travel.
• Organization: Multiple compartments and interior slip pocket help keep your belongings organized.
• Adjustable Strap: The adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit.
• High-Quality Brand: OGIOis known for its quality and durability, providing peace of mind.
• Not Ideal for Heavier Loads: It may not be the best choice for those needing to carry a lot of items, as it’s designed with a more streamlined profile.

The OGIO Women’s Brooklyn Tablet Purse is a stylish and tech-friendly option for individuals who prioritize organization and modern aesthetics. Its dedicated tablet compartment and quality brand reputation make it an attractive choice. However, it may not be suitable for those with extensive storage needs.

Brands We Use And Trust

Crossbody bags for moms, 6. waterfly crossbody sling backpack/daypack.

• Versatile Design: This sling backpack/daypack offers multiple carrying options, making it suitable for various activities such as hiking, biking, or everyday use.
• Lightweight and Compact: Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on the go.
• Ample Storage: Despite its compact size, it provides enough room for essentials, including a water bottle and small items.
• Adjustable Strap: The adjustable crossbody strap ensures a comfortable fit.
• Durable Build: Constructed with quality materials, it’s built to withstand outdoor adventures.
• Casual Aesthetic: While it’s perfect for outdoor activities, it may not be the most stylish choice for formal occasions.

The WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack/Daypack is a versatile and practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active individuals. Its lightweight design and multiple carrying options make it suitable for various activities, though it may not be the most stylish option for formal settings.

7. Kipling Women’s Gabbie Crossbody, Lightweight Everyday Purse

• Lightweight and Compact: Designed for daily use, it’s lightweight and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk.
• Stylish Design: Kipling is known for its playful and colorful designs, making this crossbody purse suitable for fashion-conscious individuals.
• Organization: Multiple pockets and compartments help keep your belongings well-organized.
• Adjustable Strap: The adjustable crossbody strap allows for a comfortable and customizable fit.
• Quality Brand: Kipling products are known for their quality and durability.
• Limited Space: It may not be suitable for those needing to carry larger items or a lot of belongings.

The Kipling Women’s Gabbie Crossbody is a lightweight and stylish option for individuals seeking a daily purse. Its playful design and brand reputation for quality make it an attractive choice. However, it may not accommodate those with extensive storage needs.

8. Baggallini Everywhere Bag with RFID

• RFID Protection: This bag features RFID-blocking technology to safeguard your credit cards and personal information.
• Versatile Design: It’s suitable for everyday use, travel, or even as a work bag.
• Spacious and Organized: Multiple pockets and compartments offer excellent organization and ample storage space.
• Adjustable Strap: The adjustable crossbody strap provides a comfortable fit.
• Stylish and Functional: It combines fashion with functionality, making it versatile for various occasions.
• Higher Price: The added security features can make it more expensive compared to non-RFID bags.

The Baggallini Everywhere Bag with RFID is a secure and organized choice for individuals concerned about personal information security. Its versatile design and ample storage space make it suitable for various purposes, though it may come at a slightly higher price point.

9. Sherpani Dispatch Convertible Backpack, Tote, Crossbody Bag

• Convertible Design: This bag can be used as a backpack, tote, or crossbody bag, providing versatility for different activities and preferences.
• Stylish Aesthetics: Its design combines fashion and functionality, making it suitable for various occasions.
• Organization: Multiple pockets and compartments help keep your belongings organized.
• Adjustable Straps: It offers adjustable straps for a comfortable and customizable fit.
• Quality Materials: Sherpani is known for using quality materials, ensuring durability.
• Potential Limited Space: Depending on the configuration, it may not have as much space as dedicated backpacks or totes.

The Sherpani Dispatch Convertible Backpack, Tote, Crossbody Bag is a versatile and stylish choice for individuals seeking a multifunctional bag. Its convertible design and quality materials make it an attractive option. However, it may have limited space compared to dedicated backpacks or totes.

Antitheft Crossbody Bags

10. travelon anti-theft heritage crossbody bag.

• Anti-Theft Features: Thisbag is equipped with multiple security features, including locking zippers, RFID-blocking pockets, and cut-resistant straps, making it ideal for travelers concerned about safety.
• Spacious and Organized: With multiple pockets and compartments, it offers ample space to organize your essentials, including a tablet or e-reader.
• Adjustable Strap: The adjustable crossbody strap provides a comfortable fit and allows for customization.
• Stylish Design: Its heritage-inspired design combines fashion with functionality, making it suitable for various settings.
• Durable Build: Constructed with quality materials, it’s built to withstand wear and tear.
• Higher Price: The added security features can make it more expensive compared to non-anti-theft bags.

The Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag is a secure and organized choice for travelers and those concerned about personal safety. Its anti-theft features and ample storage space make it suitable for various purposes, though it may come at a higher price point.

11. Travelon Anti-Theft Tour Bag

• Anti-Theft Features: Similar to the Heritage Crossbody Bag, this bag also boasts anti-theft technology, providing enhanced security for your belongings.
• Compact and Lightweight: Designed for minimalists and travelers, it’s lightweight and won’t weigh you down.
• Spacious and Organized: Despite its compact size, it offers well-organized pockets and compartments for essentials.
• Heritage-Inspired Design: Its design combines a vintage aesthetic with modern security features.
• Limited Space: Due to its compact size, it may not be suitable for those needing to carry larger items.

The Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Tour Bag offers enhanced security in a compact and lightweight package. Its anti-theft features and organized design make it suitable for travelers and minimalists. However, it may not have enough space for those with larger storage needs.

12. Sherpani Vale Anti-Theft Crossbody Purse

• Anti-Theft Features: This bag features RFID-blocking technology for added security against electronic theft.
• Stylish and Eco-Friendly: Sherpani is known for using sustainable and eco-friendly materials in their products, and this bag combines style with environmental consciousness.
• Organized Design: It offers well-thought-out compartments and pockets for organization.
• Adjustable Strap: The adjustable crossbody strap ensures a comfortable and secure fit.
• Compact and Lightweight: Designed for minimalists, it’s ideal for those who prefer carrying just the essentials.
• Limited Space: Similar to other compact crossbody bags, it may not be suitable for those needing to carry larger items or numerous belongings.
• Limited Color Options: The available color range may be limited compared to other brands.

The Sherpani Vale Anti-Theft Crossbody Purse is a secure and eco-friendly choice for environmentally-conscious individuals. Its anti-theft features and stylish design make it an attractive option, though it may not provide enough space for those with larger storage needs.

Small Crossbody Bags

13. madewell women’s the simple crossbody bag.

• Timeless Design: The Madewell Simple Crossbody Bag boasts a classic and minimalist design that complements various outfits, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
• Quality Materials: Crafted with high-quality Italian leather, this bag not only looks great but also promises durability and longevity.
• Practical Size: The compact size is perfect for essentials like a wallet, phone, keys, and a few small accessories, making it great for a night out or a day in the city.
• Madewell Brand: Madewell is known for its commitment to quality and style.
• Higher Price: The use of premium materials and brand reputation can result in a higher price point.
• Limited Space: Due to its small size, it may not be suitable for those who need to carry larger items.

The Madewell Women’s The Simple Crossbody Bag is a timeless and stylish choice for individuals looking for a small, high-quality bag. Its classic design, premium materials, and adjustable strap offer both fashion and functionality. However, it may not accommodate those with larger storage needs or budget constraints.

14. Fossil Women’s Fiona Small Crossbody Bag

• Versatile Design: The Fossil Fiona Small Crossbody Bag combines a classic aesthetic with modern functionality, making it suitable for various occasions.
• Quality Materials: Crafted with high-quality leather, it promises durability and style.
• Compact and Practical: The small size is ideal for carrying essentials without unnecessary bulk.
• Brand Reputation: Fossil is known for its commitment to quality and design.
• Higher Price: Like other premium brands, Fossil products may come at a higher price point.
• Limited Space: It may not be suitable for those needing to carry larger items or numerous belongings.

The Fossil Women’s Fiona Small Crossbody Bag is a versatile and stylish choice for individuals seeking a compact bag with a classic touch. Its quality materials and brand reputation make it an attractive option, though it may not provide enough space for those with larger storage needs or budget constraints.

15. Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Small Logo Crossbody Bag

• Designer Appeal: The Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Crossbody Bag features the designer’s logo and style, making it an attractive choice for fashion-conscious individuals.
• Compact and Lightweight: The perfect size is ideal for essentials, and it won’t weigh you down during your day.
• Quality Materials: Crafted with high-quality materials, it offers both style and durability.
• Designer Price: The Michael Kors brand and designer appeal can result in a higher price tag.
• Limited Space: Due to its small size, it may not be suitable for those needing to carry larger items.

The Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Small Logo Crossbody Bag is a designer choice for those who prioritize fashion and style. Its great size and designer logo make it an attractive option for minimalists and fashion-conscious individuals. However, it may come with a higher price tag and limited space for larger items.

16. Sherpani Zoom Small Crossbody Purse

• Lightweight and Compact: Ideal for minimalists, this small crossbody purse is perfect for carrying just the essentials.
• Sustainable Materials: Sherpani is known for using sustainable and eco-friendly materials in their products, making it a choice for environmentally-conscious buyers.
• Adjustable Strap: The adjustable strap allows for a customized fit and comfortable wear.
• RFID Protection: Some versions of this bag may offer RFID protection, enhancing security.
• Limited Space: If you need to carry more than a few essentials, this bag’s small size may not be sufficient.
• Limited Color Options: The range of available colors may be limited compared to other brands and models.

The Sherpani Zoom Small Crossbody Purse is an excellent choice for minimalists and environmentally-conscious buyers. Its lightweight, sustainable materials, and stylish design make it a versatile option for various occasions. However, it may not be suitable for those needing more storage space or a wide range of color choices.

17. Baggallini Horizon Crossbody Bag

This bag is bigger, which means you can get more inside, and you can choose from several different colors and designs, with the red option being a desirable choice!

There are several pockets outside the bag, with secure zips inside. Anti-theft pockets are designed for your valuables, such as your keys, phone, ID card, etc.

The bag is made of fabric, making it easy to squash down, meaning it’s not bulky. The strap is adjustable, measuring 52″, so it won’t count anyone out regarding torso length. There is a coin purse included in the same design.

Reviews of these Bagallini travel bags are all very positive. In terms of a city break, or perhaps for your minimal carry-on suitcase for a short trip, this bag easily fits everything you need and keeps it all organized simultaneously.

Weight: 14.9oz

Strap Length: 52″, adjustable

Material: Nylon, waterproof

Anti-theft/security features: Anti-theft pockets inside the bag

Internal compartments: Yes

Why you should buy this crossbody bag: – Large, adjustable strap

Why you should keep looking for a new crossbody purse: – Not the most fashionable design, more about functionality

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What Is A Crossbody Bag?

There are many different types of bags around, but a crossbody bag is handy for when you’re out and about. The great thing about this bag is that it can also be used in everyday life, not just when you’re traipsing the globe.

You really need to know what this type of bag is before we go any further, though. And to answer that question, a crossbody bag is a usually smaller purse that goes across your body and has a long strap, with the bag sitting on your hip at one side.

These straps on a crossbody bag can usually be adjusted, so you can have it higher up your body or lower down, depending on your height and how comfortable you are wearing it.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Crossbody Bags For Travel?

Security is the main subject here because your bag is very unlikely to be snatched from your back or shoulder when it is sat on your hip and secured to your body by a long strap. Aside from this, your hands are free, so you don’t have to feel burdened when trying to explore a new place .

If you’re traveling with your hands free, that also means that you can carry a larger carry-on cabin bag, or pull your suitcase behind you, without feeling weighed down.

As you can see, many crossbody bag choices are on the market. Think  about your needs and budget, which will help you find the best crossbody bag for travel.

How To Choose The Perfect Crossbody Bag

Of course, you could just go out and grab any over-the-shoulder bag that looks good… but we suggest considering these factors before you buy one:

You need a crossbody travel purse that is lightweight. That way, it will feel like nothing when it is on your body empty, and you can put much more inside it as a result. A bag that feels like thin air isn’t going to be that secure because you won’t feel if someone is tugging on it, perhaps trying to open the zipper.

Strap Length

You need a bag with an adjustable strap, so you can move it however you feel comfortable, including if you are wearing a thick or thin coat or if you want it to sit higher on your hips for added security. Most of the best crossbody purses for travel do have this adjustable feature, but you need to think about it.

The waterproof material is always best. That way, you have a genuinely flexible option if you want to use it out and about, rather than just for when you’re traveling. Fabric bags are acceptable for summer use, but if you’re going to use them again, perhaps when it is raining, you might find that your belongings become a little soggy.

This is a bag you probably already have without realizing it! There is a huge range of crossbody bags on the market. For this reason, costs aren’t exceptionally high unless you want a serious brand name.

Anti-Theft/Security Features

Only the best crossbody bags for travel have advantageous features to deter thieves or make it very hard for someone to get into your bag without you realizing it. This includes a different shape to the bag, where it folds down and zips, hidden internal pockets, clips for keys, and anti-slash materials (yes, people use knives to cut bags off!)

Internal Compartments

Many cross-shoulder bags have internal compartments to organize your belongings and help keep your valuables ultra-safe. These can be on the outside or the inside, with the inside being naturally safer.

Got it all? Okay, now let’s look at the reviews of all crossbody bags for travel (aka best travel purses), and at the end, you’ll be set on deciding which one is for you.

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8 Best Travel Purses for Security & Organization

One of the biggest issues travelers face is how to conveniently carry everything you need so you can find it easily and it’s not too heavy or disorganized. Finding the right travel purse was the best thing to happen to my travel satisfaction in a long time.

Over the years, I’ve bought many variations of travel purses for international travel that have all failed in one way or another. It’s not easy finding the perfect purse for travel when you don’t know how they’ll perform before buying it.

Thus I went on a mission to find the best travel purse for international travel that I could find. The good news is there are some really great choices out there. I’ve tried many purses to find the 5 best options, then I put together a guide to my top picks for best travel handbags.

Yes, we’re talking about travel handbags for ladies today, but we’ve also covered a few other travel issues you might be trying to solve, like how to find the best travel pants (which I now wear practically every day!) and our top carry on luggage choices . Also check out our guide on finding the best travel backpack . See all of our travel gear reviews .

Table of Contents

How to Choose the Best Travel Purse

There are definitely important criteria to look for in the best purse for travel. You’re going to be out and about most of the day carrying this bag, so you need it to be comfortable and effortless. The best travel purse holds everything you need to have with you in an organized fashion.

It has a sturdy and comfortable strap that can’t easily be cut or snapped by a thief. And it’s weather proof. Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing the right travel purse for you:

• Comfortable to carry. If you load it up, is it too heavy to comfortably carry around all day? Does the strap dig into your shoulder? Is the weight distributed well?
• Holds everything you need. Is it too small or too big for the typical items you want to carry? Do you find yourself stuffing things in because there’s never enough space?
• Provides good organization. Are there enough dividers and pockets to organize items? Are they proportioned well and are they functional in the way you want them to be?
• Sturdy, theft-proof strap. Is the strap flimsy or thin? Could the strap easily be cut by a thief walking by? Is the strap the right length to enable you to protect the bag against your body or does it allow the purse to dangle at your side?
• Weather proof. If you were caught in a sudden rain storm, would the bag become drenched on the outside and inside? Are there adequate zippers and flaps to protect the contents?

Types of Travel Purses

To make this quest a little more difficult, there’s not just one type of purse out there. There are many. Here is a breakdown of the most typical types of travel purses.

» Crossbody Bag

If I were to choose one type of bag that’s best for travel, it’s a crossbody bag. These bags have straps that are long enough to be worn across your body, so you have the added protection of the bag not dangling off your arm. While it can still be cut and taken by a thief, it can’t be snatched off your arm. Wearing the bag this way also allows you to protect the bag against your body. (Read more about cross body bags .)

» Messenger Bag

These bags tend to be larger than I would typically take on a trip, but they hold a lot more. They are also usually worn cross body and have sturdier straps. The benefit of a messenger bag is that it has a flap that comes over the top of the bag, which gives added protection against pick pockets.

» Shoulder Bag

Shoulder bags have longer straps that are intended to hang from one shoulder. These are the least-best type of bag to carry for travel because they leave you vulnerable to thieves who are really good at zipping by and snatching or cut the bag right off your shoulder. Because they’re just hanging from your shoulder, there’s pretty much no way you’ll be able to defend against it.

Top Travel Purse Brands

I’m always tempted to check out the travel purses in bag stores in touristy areas, mostly because you can pick up the bag and look inside it before you decide to buy, and because there’s always so many of them (they know how to tempt us travelers!). However, I would highly recommend buying a trusted brand instead.

I’m not saying you can’t find a good bag in a touristy bag shop in Tokyo . I’m sure you can. But you might also be getting ripped off, or be getting an inferior product. I like to stick with the brands I know can deliver. Here are a few of the top travel purse brands that you’ll find on Amazon and in major retail luggage stores.

I like to stick with these brands, but I do have a few bags from other companies, like Rosetti, Samsonite, and Kenneth Cole. I would not suggest taking a major designer purse with you while traveling, so those brands are out.

Travel Purse Reviews 2023

Our choices for best travel purse 2023.

There are two charts below, for each category of travel purse. I’ve evaluated smaller, mini-type shoulder bags, and larger day bags. If you’re like me, you don’t like to carry a lot of things and have a heavy bag to lug around, so the smaller sizes will be best for you.

If you do want to carry a lot of things, be able to stuff a laptop, water bottle, rain jacket, etc into the bag, then the larger size is for you. More on the choices after the charts… I like Amazon because they often allow free returns if an item doesn’t meet your qualifications, which can be a huge benefit when there are so many choices.

Lucky for you, it’s easy to get your hands on an of the travel bags I chose through the links below (note: they are affiliate links so we receive a small bonus when you use our links).

Large Travel Purse Reviews

Large travel purses typically measure somewhere around 9 in. tall, 11 in. wide x 5 in. thick. They can easily carry all manner of small items, a Kindle , a tablet, a water bottle, jacket, snacks, etc. They tend to have a lot of pockets and sections to keep things organized. Here are four large travel purses we recommend. See below for full reviews of each bag.

Baggallini Everywhere Travel Crossbody Bag

This is one of the best crossover bags for travel, in my opinion. There are two prevalent styles of purses, one that is tall and one that is wide. Depending on what you need to carry, one might be better than another.

This Baggallini Everywhere bag is one of the few wide bags. It’s is 12 inches wide, versus the typical 9 inches. There are multiple pockets in this bag, including two front pouches, one zips and one snaps.

There’s a secondary front pocket, as well as the main compartment, which can easily fit an iPad and lots of other things. On the back of the purse, there is a thin pocket that spans the length of the bag that can be unzipped at the bottom that can slide on to the handle of luggage to hold it on in transport.

Pros:   Wider than most bags, back pocket over a luggage handle. Cons:  Two side pockets aren’t very useful

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag

As frequent travelers, we have used the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag on multiple trips and have been impressed with its security features and organization. The locking compartments and RFID-blocking card slots provide added security, while the adjustable and cut-proof shoulder strap makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

However, the tight top opening can make it difficult to access items quickly, and the rough fabric may not be comfortable for everyone. Additionally, the size may be a bit small for those who like to carry a lot of items. Overall, we highly recommend this travel purse for its security and organization features.

Travelon has been making travel easier and safer for over 35 years, and the Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag is no exception. Its classic silhouette and soft fabric make it a fashionable choice for any traveler, while its security features provide added peace of mind.

We highly recommend the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag for anyone looking for a secure and organized travel purse.

• The locking compartments provide added security and peace of mind while traveling.
• The adjustable and cut-proof shoulder strap makes it comfortable to wear and difficult for thieves to snatch.
• The RFID-blocking card slots protect your personal information from theft.
• The top opening can be a bit tight, making it difficult to access items in a hurry.
• The fabric may be a bit rough for some users.
• The size may be a bit small for those who like to carry a lot of items.

Pacsafe 7 Liter Crossbody Bag

Another great bag that includes RFID blocker, the Pacsafe holds so much that it’s one of my favorite bags to have along on a trip when I need to have everything handy.

One pocket is lined with protective RFID material. There are 2 lockable zipper compartments, and 1 padded & suspended interior tablet sleeve that keeps your tablet or Kindle from touching the bag’s bottom – just in case you drop it, and there are 2 zippered interior pockets. Additionally, you have 2 side pockets for small water bottles or an umbrella. 

A feature that I love about this bag is that you can carry it two different ways. The strap can be laced through the handle on the top which creates shoulder straps to carry it like a backpack. That has come in handy a number of times for me.

Pros:  Great RFID protection. Huge amount of space, with good organization. Keeps your devices safe and secure. Cons:  Too big for some uses. Not available in the UK or Canada (substitution is given when you click our links).

Men’s Canvas Messenger Bag Crossbody

They call this bag “small” but to me it’s anything but small. In fact, this is one of the biggest bags on this list. It’s a messenger bag and I think it’s a good bag for men and women, because it’s not at all flashy or feminine.

The best thing about this bag is the organization it offers. There are 9 pockets (7 zipped pockets and 2 external side pockets without zipper). You can stuff a lot of things inside this bag, including a 10″ tablet and a water bottle.

There are 8 credit card slots on the inside, along with a place to tuck pens, keys, etc. There’s even a little hole that you can thread your headphones through. The flap is held shut with velcro. The bag itself is made with sturdy canvas.

Pros:  Amazing amount of space inside, great organization, sturdy, gender neutral Cons:  If you only pack a few things, it feels enormous. The front zipper flap is a bit floppy and can be annoying.

Small travel purses typically measure somewhere around 8 in. tall x 8 in. wide x 2 in. thick. They can easily carry a wallet, keys, passports, Kindle, small items like chapstick, and if you’ve packed light you can manage to stuff a lightweight rain jacket inside.

Baggallini Pocket Crossbody Bag

The Baggallini pocket crossbody purse is just 8.5 inches wide and tall and 2 inches thick, but it comes packed with a zippered interior pocket, three exterior pockets and credit card slots for easy organization.

You can fit in a Kindle, but not a tablet. It’s a great option because it’s streamlined and lightweight. If you’re expecting a lot of room, this is not it. The joy of this bag is how small it is.

This is one of the best crossbody bags for travel if you’re a light packer. The strap is adjustable so you can move it up or down for your comfort. It’s not an incredibly sturdy strap though, so you don’t have to be careful in certain situations.

I really like that it has a removeable RFID wristlet included, so you can just carry your cards, if you want. The back pocket is just the right size to stash your smartphone so you don’t have to go through the interior pocket to get it.

Pros:  Not too big, includes removeable RFID cardholder. Cons:  Thin strap can be uncomfortable and not very secure, back side-zipper pocket isn’t very well-designed.

» Shop other styles of Baggallini Bags on their website .

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

If you’re worried about theft while carrying a purse, you can look no further than this Travelon Anti-Theft mini bag (if it’s too small for you, there’s a larger one in the next section).

One of the features I love on this bag is the slash-proof strap. It has a locking main compartment and RFID card slots for added protection. You know how you’re not supposed to leave your bag laying on the floor or on the chair in a restaurant, but it’s uncomfortable to rest it on your knee?

The strap of this bag is made to be attached to a chair or small post so it can’t be stolen. This bag is also slightly larger than other bags in this category, with 9.5 inches of height, so you can fit a few more things inside.

It’s not really large, but it does fit quite a bit inside, like passports, Kindle or iPad mini, smartphone, wallet, keys and sunglasses. There’s also a small LED light attached on the inside. AND the interior is a bright color so it’s easy to see what’s inside the bag.

>> See all our recommended anti-theft travel bags .

This is a great option for anyone who wants a smaller bag that still offers ample protection and organization.

• The locking main compartment provides an extra layer of security for your belongings.
• The RFID blocking card and passport slots keep your sensitive information safe from identity theft.
• The adjustable shoulder strap can be attached to a chair or post for added security.
• The bag may be too small for those who need to carry a lot of items.
• The strap may not be long enough for taller individuals.
• The LED light may not be bright enough for use in dimly lit areas.

Baggallini Triple Zip Crossbody Bag

This bag is the smallest that I’ve chosen for this list. I used to carry a bag like this one on every trip I took for more than 10 years and it served me well. It’s 8.27 x 3.54 x 5.9″.

Because it’s so small, it’s easy to pack into a backpack or another larger day bag, if necessary. There are inner pockets and card holders on both sides, but that doesn’t prevent you from stuffing things in the center. However, they have to be small items. There are front and rear zippered compartments. 

It’s just the right size to fit a passport, a camera, keys and one or two other things. Your smartphone will fit conveniently into the front zippered pocket. The zippers are very secure and can clip to each other or to the end of the bag, so it can’t be opened without some effort.

Pros:  Can easily be packed into another bag so you can use it only if you need it, detachable strap makes it versatile. Cons:  Quite small, front pocket isn’t very useful, it’s too shallow to hold much

Travelon Anti-Theft Small East/West Crossbody Bag

This is one of the larger bags in this category at 10.5 inches tall and wide, and 2 inches thick. There is plenty of space inside for the essentials, even a book or tablet can fit inside.

The bag has a zippered front pocket, a main top-zipping compartment and a u-zip rear compartment. If you’re looking for the best crossover travel bag for women, this is a very strong contender. Inside the main compartment is a slot to hold your phone, you credit cards, and your passport, all with RFID blocking material.

As far as security features go, this bag has full Anti-Theft features including locking compartments, slash-resistant construction, and slash-resistant, adjustable strap.

Pros: Plenty of pockets, lightweight and good for light packers, but large enough for a tablet. Cons:  In between size that might not fit all scenarios. Can’t carry a water bottle.

With all of these great choices for travel handbags, you should be able to find the best travel purse for you. My personal favorite is the eBags Piazza bag, but I have used some of the others regularly too.

The trick is finding the one that fits your situation best, because we all tend to pack differently. If there are any travel purses for women that you love that I left off the list, let me know and I’ll review those as well.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

32 thoughts on “ 8 Best Travel Purses for Security & Organization ”

I’m always on the lookout for a good travel purse. Baggalini had been a good to for me for years

They are reliable, aren’t they, Brianna!

Some really good choices and tips here, but the one I really like is the Baggallini Everywhere Travel Crossbody Bag. It’s just up my street, the kind of thing I can imagine myself getting a lot of use of and very practical too. Might just buy it! Thanks

It’s a really great bag, Sarah. I would carry it all the time if I needed that much space at home.

Ah the travel bag. So many to chose from. These are all solid.

This is such an informative post and just what I need. To be honest, I’m not a purse person in everyday life, but for travel, it’s really necessary to have a bag to hold the things you need. Right now, I tend to use a small daypack or just my camera bag. Not very stylish options, I know. I’d be interested in a few of those small travel purses to hold the basics.

I’m not either really, Jackie. I have the smallest possible purse for everyday use. But for traveling – well that’s different.

A good bag is really really important while traveling! It can save so much stress if you know that your stuff is safe in it. This is such an in-depth and helpful post! I’m definitely gonna refer to this when I’m looking for a new bag 🙂

Great, Lauren! I hope it’s helpful. I went through so much trying to find the right one myself.

I’ll make sure to pass this along to my wife. I know she’s quite happy about her current purse and small backpack solution but maybe she’ll find these are worth a change. Great details and reviews!

Hey, when you find what works, you gotta stick with it!

Not much of a purse guy (go figure), but usually carry either a back-pack or a messenger bag when I travel. Something that is perfect for holding the multiple cameras, laptops, chargers, etc. The Baggallini Triple Zip looks a lot like the bag I carry now. The perfect size to take on a plane and store under a seat, but still fits everything I need!

I like cross body bags. Keep nothing in my hands, but it has to be big enough to hold everything.

Exactly. It’s a balance between finding something big enough that doesn’t kill your shoulder to carry.

Great selection of bags. My preference when traveling is to be hands-free. I like the cross body bags. Close to my body, yet large enough for all my stuff 🙂

I completely agree!

Obviously this post is gaired towards women but I was looking for some of the same features when I was looking for my satchel. Which i eventually found in Istanbul’s grand bazaar.

Men carry bags too, right! Some of these “purses” make great man bags.

Nice article. I would recommend the small G-1000 from fjällräven. My companion on all my travels. Great site. All the best from DK

Great recommendation, Anne. Thanks for adding it to the options!

I have the Travelon Anti-theft crossbody bag and I love it! Bought it at the container store! You should totally check it out! 🙂

Great, Eunice. Glad to hear you like it as well.

My husband and I are heading for Europe next month for a 6 week extended tour. Your article was exactly what i was looking for in finding a travel bag. Thank you for saving me from hours of comparison shopping and saving the sanity of my hubby while I shopped. 🙂 I went with the Trevalon Classic Messenger , I will let you know how it works out, but I think it will be awesome!

Fantastic Christina! Believe me, I’ve been there. The hours of shopping is excrutiating. I’m sure you’ll love the Travelon bag.

I love what you said about the strap on the purse, and making sure that it isn’t too flimsy or long enough to let the bag dangle. I, obviously, hope that it isn’t going to be an issue, and I luckily haven’t ever had to deal with my bag being stolen before. Being prepared is a lot better than losing all of the important things you may be keeping in your purse, though, especially if you’re on a vacation.

Sounds like the Anti-theft bags have really good quality straps.I also prefer genuine cow leather straps cause they look nature and manly on the basis that I’m pretty confident with the protection of my carry-on bag by constant attention to it.I keep wondering what kind of material can keep the bag from snapping?and what about the locker?will it make inconvenient access to my own bag?Give me answers to my Email,please. Thanks a lot!

The anti-theft bags today, like the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag, have a slash-proof chain-link construction that makes it nearly impossible to cut through on the go. If you keep your bag locked at all times, then of course there is a little more inconvenience to your being able to get into it easily. I personally don’t keep mine locked when I’m using it frequently. You have to weigh the risk and decide if it’s necessary for you or not.

Thank you for your reply .I’m pretty impressed.

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We’re getting ready to go on several trips& I love these bags but need one that cares a water bottle. Why don’t travel bags have pouches for a decent size bottle?

Some of them do, but I agree it’s hard to find. Good luck.

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13 Best Bags For Traveling In Europe

• Travel Gear
• 13 Best Bags For Traveling…

Beyond its charming appeal and sophisticated idea, Europe is not immune to crime. When you’re strolling around some of the most popular hotspots for tourists, you need to take precautions. Make sure that you equip yourself with the best bags for traveling in Europe too!

Apart from equipping yourself with the best bags for European travel, make sure you know places you shouldn’t miss. But there’s nothing wrong with exploring the lowkey sides of the country too. The experience can be very refreshing and so different from anything you’ve experienced before. For future references, check out these small towns in France worth visiting !

How to Choose the Best Bags for Traveling in Europe

With tons of models available, choosing your best day bag for travel in Europe can be difficult. To narrow down your choices, these are the three main features you should look for in a bag.

Size and Comfort

First and foremost, your bag should be comfortable enough for you to use it all day. And even better if it has enough room for you to store your necessities. Comfort can be a subject of individual matters, but the best bags for traveling in Europe should guarantee this quality. Bags with sufficient padding for your back and under the straps are usually the most comfortable. As for the size, it should be enough for you to store your passport, phone, wallet/credit cards, and a bottle of water. If your bag covers all these, you’re good to go.

Theft-proof Tech

Some of the best bags for European travel are now equipped with an advanced feature. The theft-proof tech is designed to protect your identity and privacy stolen. Usually, this comes in a form of a pocket with Radio Frequency Identification or RFID. It’s where you put your credit card since bringing your wallet with you is not practical. It’s more advisable to bring your cards, ID, and small cash for your best safety.

For some people, this is something that they first look for and notice from their bags. As you roam around the city, you really don’t need the extra weight from your bag. The best day bag for travel in Europe should be lightweight, adding extra comfort for you for the rest of the day. The best laptop backpacks for travel are for anyone who needs their laptop within reach anytime.

Should I bring a backpack or suitcase to Europe?

Unless you’re traveling for weeks, a backpack should be enough for you. A suitcase is harder to maneuver, especially if your accommodation is located in an old building where there’s no elevator. Duffel bags are also another great alternative, some are big enough and suitable for a week-long trip to Europe. They’re also fairly easy to carry if you’re only bringing some pieces of clothing and keeping things minimal.

Can you bring suitcase to hostel in Europe?

Yes, you can. There’s no specific prohibition on what kind of bags you can bring to a hostel. Some hostels also provide luggage storage services for their guests. Just make sure that never leave your most valuable items inside your luggage. Check out our list of the best luggage security locks if you need that extra peace of mind.

How can I avoid theft in Europe?

Here are some of the best ways to avoid theft in Europe:

• Bring as minimal items as possible. We think your most valuable items should be kept as minimal as possible. ID/passport, phone, hotel key, and a credit card are the items that you should always bring. It’s best to put them in the best fanny pack for concealed carry .
• If you’re wearing a sling or crossbody bag, make sure that it’s always in a place where you can see them. Put it over your chest or bring them forward.
• Be as lowkey as possible. Robbers and pickpocketers can easily spot how tourists look like and you surely don’t want to attract them. Stay close to your group or wear comfortable outfits if you’re traveling alone. Better safe than sorry!

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS200 7 Liter

When you’re looking for the best bags for European travel, look no further than Pacsafe Metrosafe LS200 7L . The bag is made sturdy and has enough space to store your most valuable items as you travel. It’s also equipped with side pockets, making it easier for you if you can never leave the hotel without your water bottle.

People are satisfied with its safety system. The interior pockets are highly functional and make it easier for you to organize things. While it takes a lot of fiddling to unlock the pockets, that’s the whole point of having a secure bag. Some users also mentioned how Pacsafe Metrosafe LS200 7L is a touch heavier than other travel bags. But it’s not much of a big deal considering all the features it offers.

What We Love

A highly functional and decent traveling bag.

• Equipped with side pockets
• Plenty of compartments
• The front lap is only for decorative purpose

ArcEnCiel Tactical Messenger Bag

If you typically bring all the odds and ends as you travel, the ArcEnCiel Tactical Messenger Bag is the perfect choice for you. Suitable for travel and everyday carry, the bag holds plenty of rooms and is spacious. And that makes it the best day bag for travel in Europe. The bag seems to be well-designed and comes with plenty of pockets. It’s a relatively small bag but one user mentioned it fits his 13’ laptop.

The bag is also well-designed. You can put it over your shoulder or carry it with your hand. Whichever is more convenient as you travel. The bag is only available in black and comes at an affordable price.

Its sleek design and highly functional purpose.

• Designed with plenty of pockets
• Lightweight
• Comes with a very friendly price tag
• Incorrect dimension information on the product
• Lack padding on the shoulder strap

High Sierra Curve Lightweight Backpack

Although the High Sierra Curve Lightweight Backpack is more popular with college students, it still makes a great travel backpack. But we don’t recommend this backpack for you to use on a daily trip. It’s more suitable as your main carrier as you move from one hotel or hostel to another. And we have a couple of reasons why.

First, the bag has more than enough compartment for your belongings. The back compartment is large enough to hold your laptop, perfectly suitable for digital nomads out there. Second, it’s built sturdy with a cool design. Some users are also mothers with toddlers, they have testified how the bag is very much useful.

It’s lightweight and holds plenty of items. Suitable for a week or two long travel.

• Very lightweight
• Sturdy but not too bulky
• Zippered outside pocket
• No pocket for easy smartphone access

Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag

Having a lightweight bag that holds plenty of necessities without being bulky is a big win. Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag is one of your best choices. It’s enough to hold a bottle of water and plenty of more things. Some users even mentioned how an iPad Mini should fit into this bag just fine.

The interior pockets allow you to organize your items very well. Apart from your essential belongings, this bag still has enough room for sunglasses, maps, and even a small towel. The adjustable strap makes it suitable for anyone of all heights. For 40 USD, Osprey Dauliste Shoulder Sling Bag is a great choice of a compact traveling bag.

The perfect traveling sling bag for the left-handed.

• Stylish design
• Well-designed interior pockets
• Enough capacity for a water bottle and more
• No security system

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Backpack

If safety is your number one concern while traveling to Europe, don’t look elsewhere. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Backpack is the right choice for you. The bag’s safety system extends beyond additional features. The hidden slash-proof eXomesh, inter-locking zips, and stainless steel locking cable are more than enough to add confidence to your security. Making it one of the safest and best bags for traveling in Europe.

The bag size is very convenient for carry-on and hostel hopping, as well as train and bus trips. The design itself is interesting since you can turn it into a side suitcase. The padded handle and shoulder straps make both designs equally easy to maneuver.

Extended safety features for safe and sound travel in Europe

• Great material build
• Stylish and slim
• Padded handles and shoulder straps
• Equipped with slash-proof eXomesh
• Fitted with inter-locking zips
• Durability issues

Herschel Retreat Backpack 19.5L

The brand Herschel has been growing in the past couple of years for plenty of reasons. They make a high-quality backpack that comes with fantastic designs and colors, all in all, great bang for the buck. So if you’re looking for the best bags for traveling in Europe, check out Herschel Retreat Backpack 19.5L .

We love how this backpack is very optimal for a hiking trip. The excellent paddings on the back and shoulder straps make it super comfortable. Even if you have to bring plenty of items in its spacious main compartment, don’t worry about tiring your back. The bag also comes with a padded laptop sleeve, which you don’t always find in other best bags for European travel.

It is slightly more expensive than most travel backpacks. But considering what the bag has to offer and how well-made it is, this is one great backpack for traveling.

The backpack is exactly what it claims to be.

• Excellent back and shoulder straps padding
• Built sturdily
• Very spacious
• Cool design
• Thick material
• It’s a bit heavier compared to other best day bag for travel in Europe

Bull Captain Everyday Messenger

Leather bags usually come with their own weight. But some of the best ones, like Bull Captain Everyday Messenger , will leave you satisfied with its lightweight design. Wait until you figure out this bag offers so much more. That’s why we can’t skip on this bag as one of the best bags for traveling in Europe.

The bag’s leather quality is simply top of the class. For a bag that costs under 50 USD, this is something you don’t always find. The bag is also made sturdy and well-constructed. It offers plenty of rooms to fit your traveling essentials. Unfortunately, the bag doesn’t feature any additional security system. But this is not much of a deal-breaker considering you’ll easily notice if someone ever tries to unzip your bag. Overall, Bull Captain Everyday Messenger has everything it takes to be one of the best bags for European travel.

The classic leather design with high-quality leather will never disappoint.

• Great leather quality
• Sturdy and well-constructed
• Perfect size for travel
• Not the best shoulder strap

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

Travelon is famous for making their anti-theft bag with lightweight features and an attractive choice of colors. The Classic Mini Shoulder Bag is included in the best bags for traveling in Europe for a particular reason. It has everything the bigger bags have to offer, without all the bulk. It’s compact, convenient, and most importantly, safe.

The strap is adjustable and suitable for people of all various ranges of heights. It also includes a large carabineer clip which you can wrap around chairs, benches, posts, and more. And then locked it for extra safety. The bag’s main compartment and its 4 sleeves of credit cards are equipped with RFID for extra protection. Note that RFID-blocking is only shielding your credit cards from card skimming. Which essentially makes your card more difficult to read.

All the best features from Travelon anti-theft bags, minus the bulk and weight.

• The main compartment is equipped with RFID
• Adjustable strap
• Tethered LED light

Herschel City Backpack Mid-Volume 14L

One of the least favorite things of a day bag is how most of them tend to be bulky. If you’re looking for a bag with a slim and compact design for a day trip, Herschel City Backpack Mid-Volume 14L is the perfect choice for you. It’s the best day bag for travel in Europe!

For daily commuters, the magnetic closure can be an issue as you need to fiddle more to open it. But this is an absolute advantage if you’re traveling to places known for their pickpocketers. You’ll definitely notice if someone tries to open it since they’d have to tug it with noticeable force. With sufficient padding on the back and shoulder straps, it’s very comfortable to use even if you spend hours with it.

As for the storage, the bag fits a 15” Macbook Pro if you adjust the leather belt strap on the front. That being said, most traveling essentials will fit into this bag. Making it one of the best bags for traveling in Europe.

One of the best minimalist backpacks you can find today!

• Very well-padded on the back and the shoulder straps
• Strong magnetic closure
• Sturdy material
• Lightweight and slim design
• No cons found so far

JanSport Superbreak Classic Backpack

So what is it that makes JanSport very popular for decades? The backpacks are generally cheaper than most stylish, compact backpacks. And although it’s popular among students, the Superbreak Classic makes one of the best bags for traveling in Europe. Particularly because pickpocketers will stay away from the super loud zippers. Although it’s far from slash-proof technology, the material is built thick and sturdy. You just have to make sure that your most valuable items are inside the main compartment and not in the front pocket.

Its water-resistant feature is also another plus point that you don’t always find in other best bags for European travel. There’s only one main compartment, big enough to fit a 17” laptop. The JanSport Superbreak is a cult classic for plenty of good reasons. And we can vouch for it.

Everything you need in the best day bag for travel in Europe and more!

• Plenty of color choices
• Perfect for day trips
• Lifetime warranty
• Thick and sturdy material
• Water-resistant
• Nothing significant

Tortuga Setout – Packable Travel Daypack (CU)

A packable travel daypack wins so many people’s hearts because of its obvious reason: it’s packable! It’s particularly convenient for anyone who loves a backpack without having to carry it all the time. That’s why we can’t skip on Tortuga Setout Packable Travel Daypack as one of the best bags for European travel.

One of the obvious features of the Setout Packable Daypack is its lightweight and compressible design. It weighs about 8.5 oz and to put it into perspective, the backpack is lighter than a can of soda. And it’s surprisingly durable and exceeding people’s expectations as it can take a beating. Its 19L capacity is great and very much suitable for your day trip.

Another thing that makes users very happy with this backpack is the high-quality zippers. They’re large, strong, and very easy to grasp. Some users mentioned that its lack of padding in the shoulder straps makes it a bit uncomfortable to wear for long hours. But that’s a reasonable trade-off once you get this packable daypack.

Super convenient design, lightweight, but very reliable.

• Super lightweight
• Equipped with padding for structure
• 2 water bottle pockets
• Good quality zipper
• Comfortable and durable
• Not enough padding on the straps

Fjallraven Kanken Mini Classic Backpack

Imagine the famous Kanken Classic Backpack has a little sister. And that’s Fjallraven Kanken Mini . In the past couple of years, this colorful and compact bag has been the talk of the town beyond its visible appeal. We have to put it on our list of the best bags for traveling in Europe indeed.

First off, the bag is lightweight and small, enough for you to pack up your travel essentials and more. To put it into perspective, the bag fits a 9.7” iPad and holds a 17oz water bottle. A larger 25oz water bottle can also fit into the bag but note that it will be a snug fit. And since the bag is smaller, it’s the best day bag for travel in Europe.

The advantages go beyond its design and storage. The bag is also very well-made and you won’t have to think twice even if you have to spend about 70 USD for the Kanken Mini. The bag will last with you for a good couple of years and more.

Everything you need in a traveling backpack with a very attractive design on top of its high functionality,

• Very attractive choice of colors
• Suitable for daily use and day trip
• Compact design
• Made durable

Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack

The best day bag for travel in Europe should be safe and Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack passes with flying colors. It’s people’s favorite travel backpack for good reasons. Every feature of this backpack leaves you asking, what’s not to love? Apart from its high functionality, the bag is also cute to boot!

This backpack features slash-proof body panels and straps. All the compartments are also equipped with little locks for extra safety Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack falls on the medium size but you’ll be surprised by how many items the bag can actually hold. Being people’s and travel bloggers’ favorite, it’s definitely should be on the best bags for traveling in Europe list.

Extensive safety features. Roomy enough for long trips yet still cut for a day trip.

• Padded straps for comfort
• Surprisingly roomy

Author:  Emma Landa

I'm a traveler with a thirst for adventure and a passion for style. From the runways of Paris to the boutiques of Milan, I've traveled the world in search of the most glamorous and exclusive fashion experiences. I love nothing more than indulging in the latest designer collections and discovering hidden gems in the world of fashion. I've explored the streets of Tokyo, discovering unique and avant-garde styles that are pushing the boundaries of fashion. And in New York, I've attended the most exclusive fashion shows, rubbing shoulders with the industry's elite. But fashion isn't the only thing that I indulge in. I've also stayed in some of the most luxurious hotels and properties around the world. From the stunning resorts in Bali to the opulent villas in Tuscany, I know how to travel in style and comfort. Sharing my experiences and insights with others is something that I'm passionate about. Through my social media channels, I offer a glimpse into the world of luxury fashion and travel, inspiring others to explore the world of high-end fashion and indulge in the finer things in life. So, come along with me on my journey and let me show you the world of luxury fashion and travel like you've never seen it before!

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Travel Europe on a Budget

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Best daypacks and day bags for europe travel.

Packing , Product Reviews

When traveling to Europe you’ll most likely have two backpacks:  

• Your main travel backpack which is designed to carry all your stuff from point A to point B.
• A smaller daypack (also called day pack or day bag) which is intended to be used daily as a means to carry the things that won’t fit in your pockets (i.e. maps, cameras, snacks, etc).

This guide will tell you what features are essential in a great daypack, and we’ll show you some of our top picks. If you’re looking for information about large travel backpacks be sure to check out our guide to  choosing the perfect travel backpack for Europe and our favorite travel backpacks . 

Many travelers spend so much time focusing on finding the right travel backpack that they forget about finding a good daypack. But if you think about it, you’ll be wearing your daypack for 6+ hours nearly every day, but you’ll only be carrying your large travel backpack while you’re changing destinations. Admittedly, fitting a travel backpack is much tougher than a daypack, but it does make sense to spend a bit of time choosing a quality daypack.

Click here to jump directly to our daypack reviews

What to Look For in a Daypack

Style is a personal preference, but you’ll find that daypacks tend to fall into two categories — urban and athletic performance. Urban bags are designed for everyday use, normally have a good organization system and they are usually a bit more fashionable. Performance bags are designed to be used for hiking or other athletic, outdoorsy activities. They tend to look a little ‘out of place’ in urban environments, but they tend to be more comfortable.  It is your choice to decide which you prefer.

Pickpockets are very common in most European cities, so it is important to keep that in mind when choosing a daypack. You can usually avoid becoming a victim by simply being aware of your surroundings, but sometimes you simply can’t avoid them — like crowded public transportation.

At the very least you’ll want zippers that can be clipped or locked together. This will deter 99% of would-be-thieves, but some companies also make slash proof bags that have a thin metal mesh sewn into the walls of the pack, if you want an extra level of security.

Lightweight

A good daypack should ideally be lightweight and easy to carry. Most backpacks aren’t that heavy, so this isn’t a huge issue, but you’ll probably want to avoid large and bulky bags.

Packability

While not completely necessary, it is really nice to be able to pack your daypack into your main travel backpack when you’re changing destinations. This feature also comes in handy if you plan to only carry-on when you fly since most budget airlines only allow one carry-on item.

Some bags are designed to be easily rolled up and compressed into the size of a book. They are ultra-lightweight, but this style of the bag doesn’t always have the best support system, so they’re not great if you add too much weight to the bag.

Don’t worry too much if you don’t have room to pack your daypack, as many travelers will simply wear their daypack on their chest and their backpack on their back. It is a bit awkward, but it works.

A good daypack should be just big enough to carry a few items — camera, maps, guidebook, snacks, light jacket/sweater, etc. The bigger the bag, the tougher it becomes to navigate crowded transportation and keep secure.

You’ll be wearing your daypack quite often, so comfort is key. Features like padded shoulder straps and ventilated backs greatly add to comfort.

External Pockets

I prefer a day bag that has a few external pockets that will allow me to have easy access to non-valuable items like notebooks, pens, maps, and other similar items.

OUR FAVORITE DAYPACKS AND DAY BAGS

We’ve divided this guide into multiple sections to best fit multiple travel styles.

Packable Daypacks

These packs are extremely lightweight and can be easily stuffed into your main backpack when you have to catch a train or a plane. They are good if you don’t plan on packing them with a lot of stuff because the lack of structure leads them to becomes uncomfortable when loaded with too much weight. They also tend to be the cheapest option.

Eagle Creek Packable Daypack  —Weighing in at only 8oz, this daypack gets a lot of praise for being durable and it will carry the basics while you’re roaming the streets of Europe. It isn’t the cheapest packable backpack, but it is probably the best quality of the three. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. Price: Around $32 via Amazon.

Outlander Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Backpack Daypack  — This daypack gets positive reviews and it is about $8 cheaper than the Eagle Creek bag. It does have two water bottle pockets that a lot of people find handy. Price: Around $20 via Amazon

Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack — The Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack is another great bag that we’ve used. It only weighs 8.5 oz and it has wide shoulder straps to keep it comfortable. We also like the small outside pocket. Price: $39 via Tortuga .

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack — This bag is crazy light at only 2.4 ounces. It’s a super minimalist and no-frills bag but it’s a nice option if you’re into ultra-light travel. Price: Around $32 via Amazon . 

Most Fashionable Day Bags 

Sometimes you just want to look cool. We get it. These bags do a great job of being fashionable and functional.

1. Fjallraven – Fjallraven is a Swedish brand that makes super hip backpacks — they’re very popular in Europe so you’ll fit right in. There are multiple sizes and colors so simply find one that works for you. Prices start around $70. See styles and prices on Amazon .

2. Herschel Supply Co – Herschel Supply Co is another super popular and hip backpack. They also have multiple styles and colors to choose from. Prices start around $50.  See styles on Amazon .

3. Jansport – Jansport makes classic bags in multiple styles. And they’re affordable — prices start around  $25). See the styles on Amazon .

4. Pacsafe Slingsafe – Worried about theft but still want to look stylish? Check out the Pacsafe Slingsafe. Price: Around $70 via Amazon .

Best No-Frills Day Bags

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a quality daypack. These two bags are affordable, durable, and they’ll carry everything you need while exploring Europe.

1.  JanSport Superbreak Classic Backpack  — You probably used a JanSport backpack in grade school — I know I did. These bags come in a ton of colors, are super durable, and are big enough to carry whatever gear you have. Plus, these bags are popular with a lot of European college students and I remember seeing them for 100€ in Paris. Prices start at a little over $25, so this bag is great for budget travelers. JanSport also makes a range of other styles  so be sure to check them out. Price: Around $25-$40 via Amazon .

2.  High Sierra Curve   — The Curve is specially designed for women. It is made out of durable lightweight fabric. It has all the basic features you need from a basic daypack. These sell for about $25, so it makes a comparable alternative to the JanSport. Price: Around $25 via Amazon .

Best Minimalist Daypacks

These bags are streamlined and ready to navigate busy European streets. The style of these daypacks are smaller than a traditional backpack, so they won’t be able to fit a great deal of stuff. They should be able to pack everything you need, but not much else.

1.  Eagle Creek Luggage Travel Bug Backpack  — The Eagle Creek Bug is a great choice for travelers that don’t want much bulk and only want to carry the basics. It can hold an iPad, a small notebook, a light sweater, and a few other small items — and that is about it. This sleek and stylish bag is designed for women. Price: Around $64.  See Price on Amazon .

2.  Patagonia Atom Sling  — The Patagonia Atom Sling is a sleek and stylish bag that looks great in the city. It isn’t large, so it can only carry the basics. Another great feature is that you can easily swing it around to your front if you’re in crowded transportation. Price: $Around $60. See Price on Amazon .

3.  Deuter Speed Lite — Deuter makes three great minimalist daypacks in their Speed Lite series — Speed Lite 10 , Speed Lite 15 , and Speed Lite 20 . Each bag is lightweight, sleek, well made, and durable. The price ranges from $60-$90 depending on the size. See Price On Amazon .

4.  Osprey Daylite   — It is no secret that Osprey makes great packs — they are my bag of choice. The Daylight is a great minimalist backpack that is tough (lifetime warranty) and light. It is a great choice for urban travel. Price: $49. See Price on Amazon .

Best All-Around Backpack

Whether you’re exploring the green hills of Ireland or walking the cobblestone streets of Paris, these backpacks will suit your needs perfectly. They are big enough to carry any gear you’ll need for the day, but they’re small enough to allow you to travel with ease. With that said, these bags might be too big for the ultralight minimalist traveler. These daypacks are designed to provide extra comfort so your back won’t be hurting at the end of the day.

1.  Patagonia  — Patagonia makes some of the best outdoor equipment and a number of great bags. Their line up is always changing so take a look at these bags. And I think they’re pretty stylish. Price: $60-$120. See Amazon for full selection .

2.  Osprey Comet   — The Osprey Comet is another great pack by Osprey. It is a little bigger than the Daylight, but it has more features for increased comfort and usability. It has mesh padded straps and a vented back to promote airflow. It can also fit a 13″ laptop (maybe 15″) if needed. Price: Around $89. Visit Amazon for Price .

Best Anti-Theft Daypack

Pickpockets are a problem in nearly all major European cities — I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes. You can avoid most situations by being aware of your surroundings, but pickpockets are great at creating confusion. These daypacks are perfect if you are wanting that extra layer of security while traveling. 

1.  Pacsafe Luggage Venture Safe 25L GII  — Pacsafe is the king of theft deterrent products and the Venture Safe 25L is a great choice for those travelers who want to take their security to the next level — there is also the smaller Venture Safe 15L . It has a wire mesh embedded into the fabric which prevents would-be thieves from slashing the bag open with a knife. All the zippers are puncture resistant and they can be clipped or locked shut. Additionally, it has an RFID signal blocking pocket which prevents thieves from stealing information from your credit cards and passports that have RFID chips. The major downside to these bags is the price — which is about $119 for the 15L and $130 for the 25L.

Pacsafe has a wide range of anti-theft travel gear on Amazon so I suggest checking out their other stuff.

2.  Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack — Travelon is another company that makes a lot of great anti-theft travel gear. This bag has a lot of the exact features of the Pacsafe bags, but it is about half the price. This is a brand new bag so there are not a ton of reviews available yet, but it looks like a great option. Price: $60-$70. See on Amazon .

Our In-Depth Packing List

Not sure what to bring to Europe? We have a complete Europe travel packing list for men and a Europe travel packing list for women .

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Home » Gear » What is The Best Backpack For Travel in Europe? EPIC Round Up (2024)

What is The Best Backpack For Travel in Europe? EPIC Round Up (2024)

Europe is a great destination for a burgeoning backpacker. Most European countries are accustomed to accommodating broke backpackers carrying their lives on their shoulders, and the continent sports some of the world’s best public transport networks, allowing travelers to roam freely without needing a car.

There are so many great stops and sights to see on any Eurotrip, but you won’t make it very far without the right backpack. Any old nylon duffel will get you through a week’s trip, but the best backpack for Europe will help keep you on the road for months at a time, all the while pushing you past the big cities of the continent into the heart of exploration.

If you want to see it all, you’ll have to manage the diverse landscapes and different weather patterns that make Europe so interesting to visit. The best bag for the endless summer of the Mediterranean coast might not stand against the changing weather of the Irish plains.

The good news is, modern backpackers can take advantage of Europe’s decades-old travel infrastructure with more great backpack choices than ever. With so many great backpacks on the market, it might be hard to narrow things down to the best bag for you. That’s where we step in.

Things have changed a lot since foreigners first started cutting costs and roaming through Western Europe, but one thing hasn’t: The best way to see this continent and get a feel for the rich range of cultures present is with your home on your back.

These Are The BEST Travel Bags for Europe

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46

• Capacity (L) > 46
• Weight (G) > 1559
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 46x40x31
• Price ($) > 195

Tortuga Travel Pack 30L

• Capacity (L) > 30L
• Weight (G) > 1.8KG
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 20.5×12.2×7.5
• Price ($) > 325

Osprey Aether

• Capacity (L) > 65
• Weight (G) > 2267
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 81x40x28
• Price ($) > 315

Nomatic 30L Travel Bag

• Capacity (L) > 30
• Weight (G) > 1500
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 23x48x33
• Price ($) > 268

Farpoint 55

• Capacity (L) > 55
• Weight (G) > 1700
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 60x33x30
• Price ($) > 170

Nomatic Navigator 32

• Capacity (L) > 37-44
• Weight (G) > 2358
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 56x36x23
• Price ($) > 391

TropicFeel Shell

• Capacity (L) > 22-42
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 50x30x19
• Price ($) > 290

Osprey UNLTD

• Capacity (L) > 68
• Weight (G) > 2812
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 81x40x38
• Price ($) > 700

WANDRD PRVKE

• Capacity (L) > 31
• Weight (G) > 1300
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 48x30x17
• Price ($) > 216

Osprey Sojourn

• Capacity (L) > 45
• Weight (G) > 4000
• Price ($) > 375

Monarc Settra

• Capacity (L) > 40
• Weight (G) > 2041
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 28x60x33
• Price ($) > 150

Stubble & Co Adventure Bag

• Capacity (L) > 42
• Dims (CM, HxWxD) > 55 x 38 x 24
• Price ($) > 300

Choosing The Right Bag For European Travel

How and where we tested to find the best backpack for europe, final thoughts on the best bag for europe.

European Travel takes on all sorts of forms. Unless you plan on renting a car, your bag will need to deftly navigate buses, trains, crowded sidewalks, and long walks to the hostel, all while storing everything you need for your trip. 

At the minimum, your bag will need to fit in a luggage rack and pack a week’s worth of clothes. The good thing about traveling through Europe is you’ll never be too far away from the nearest laundry machine, even in the alps, so unless you plan on doing some serious backcountry exploring you probably won’t need to haul around a 70 Liter monstrosity. 

Most passionate minimalists and one-bag travel experts like to set the bar around 35-40 Liters for their bag, which generally provides the maximum amount of storage while still fitting easily in overhead compartments and luggage racks. 

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The storage capacity is just the first piece of the puzzle. Any European adventure will likely have a lot of stops. There’s just too many cities to see and cheeses to try. Unless you’ve got a year budgeted out for roaming and romping, you’ll be living out of your bag and packing it up quite a bit. 

I take ease of access incredibly seriously when considering any new backpack. Ideally, I’d like a bag that lets me live for 24 hours without ever having to open the main compartment. 

Anytime I’m settling down for more than a night or two I’ll unpack, but if I can find a backpack with enough easy access points to get to my toothbrush, a change of clothes, some snacks, and my electronics without having to dig around through the muck and mire of the main drag, I’ll take it.

Finally, a backpack for European Travel should consider safety. Backpackers are easy targets for scammers and thieves, and there’s no such thing as a modern city without a few ne’er do wells lurking near the bus stations.

Nobody wants to travel around with a giant target on their back, but a bright red backpack is the closest thing to wearing a sign that says ‘Hello criminals, I am slightly out of my comfort zone AND everything I own is right here in this bag.’ 

Some backpack makers are catching on and offering jet-black looks that reduce down and don’t give off the wrong impressions, while others are coming up with high-tech solutions like locking compartments and RFID-blocking pockets. There is no backpack that can completely reduce the risk of turning down the wrong corner at the wrong time, but a great European travel bag will keep everything close to the chest and out of access for any potential pickpockets. 

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Best Overall Travel Bag for Europe – Osprey Sojourn Porter 46

• Capacity (L): 46
• Weight (G): 1559
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 46x40x31
• Price ($): 195

At the Broke Backpacker we’re a bit more accustomed to bus rides than bellhops, but it can never hurt to bring your own personal porter on your next adventure. It serves as its own bagman and it just might be the most organized bag Osprey has ever made. 

They didn’t simply pump the dang thing full of pockets, but instead added clutch access points like a full U-zippered main compartment, a protected laptop sleeve, and stow-able hip belt and harness. These perks allow the bag to perform well in all sorts of use cases. 

Unfortunately, there is no bag that is perfect for everyone, and there are a few zones where the Osprey Porter falls short. You might want to look elsewhere if you need a bag to break ultralight records or long-haul walks in the woods. Instead, this bag serves as a perfect companion for anyone planning on spending the next few months wandering through the European Continent. 

The list would be a whole lot shorter if we talked about where we didn’t test it. This bag has seen the Tour de France, the Running of the Bulls , the Cooper Hill Cheese roll, Oktoberfest, and the Battle of the Oranges. Without a fuss, the Porter has fit on all sorts of crowded buses and managed draconian baggage policies to get us there with our gear. 

Best Carry on Backpack For Europe – Tortuga Travel Pack 30L

• Capacity (L):  30
• Weight (G):  1.8kg
• Dims (CM, HxWxD):  20.5×12.2×7.5
• Price ($): 325

The Tortuga Travel Pack is a serious piece of equipment. The revamped 30L version of the Travel Pack has been custom designed to be accepted for carry on all over the world.

As well as being globally carry-on ready, it’s also got a phenomenal design, great organization, and it has HUGE amounts of space. Tortuga might be the company that best knows how to create space within their bags so you can pack the compartments to your heart’s content.

Note that there isa 40L version available but in order to spare you all the wrath of European airlines like Ryanair, we suggest using the smaller 30L version.

I loved taking this pack around Europe as it was accessible, comfy to carry and fit all my gear. One thing I noticed about this pack is how durable and strong the zippers feel.

Best Backpack For Backpacking Europe – Osprey Aether

• Capacity (L): 65
• Weight (G): 2267
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 81x40x28
• Price ($): 315

This heavy-duty option is a great choice for packing everything you own on your shoulders. The Aether is one of Osprey’s more technically advanced backpacks, built for the backcountry and just as suitable for winding cobblestone streets.

Some of this backpack’s models come with a detachable daypack that works great for quick stops, carry-on, and city tours. This is one of the biggest game changers in the backpacking industry and instantly elevated this pack to a must-have in my own closet. You can bring everything you need for a month’s vacation in Europe , all the while storing it in the room with ease, while you take only the essentials with you on your next day trek.

Fully kitted up, Osprey’s flexible shoulder pads and air mesh backing help lighten your load. Although there is no such thing as a bag that makes 70 Liters feel lighter than air, the Aether might be the closest thing to it.

The Aether has been my go-to bag for trips where I plan to be on my feet for more than a kilometer or two. Every time the train station ended up being a few kilometers away from the hostel, or I missed the early bus and had to get walking, I tested the limits of this bag and it passed with flying colors.

Best Bag For Budget Flights In Europe – Nomatic 30L Travel Bag

• Capacity (L): 30
• Weight (G): 1500
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 23x48x33
• Price ($): 268

Anyone who has ever shown up to a Ryanair flight without a printed ticket knows those budget flights can be a trap. The initial tickets are a steal, but the charges can quickly add up. One way budget airlines look to make a bit of extra cash is by reducing the amount of luggage you can take with you.

If you want to take advantage of the cheapest rates out there, this Nomatic travel bag is the best bet to get it done no matter the airline. The travel bag fits regulations and allows you to store more than any other carry-on bag on the market, thanks to Nomatic’s wealth of curious pockets and space-saving maneuvers.

Not only is the bag a high-tech beast, but Nomatic rounded out the edges, protecting your gear in a fully waterproof shell and adding on a few anti-theft perks that make the travel bag pack well above its nimble weight. With a slightly smug grin of satisfaction, we slipped our fully loaded Nomatic Travel bag in between the bars at the airline check-in counter that proved indeed it fits, it flies, and it’s got a full week’s gear inside.

Best Bag For Interrail – Farpoint 55

• Capacity (L): 55
• Weight (G): 1700
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 60x33x30
• Price ($): 170

Europe is best seen by train . There’s a certain romance to zipping past the dry Portuguese countryside without your hands on the wheel. Our favorite train-friendly travel is an iconic travel backpack. The Farpoint series is one of the best one-bag travel choices in the world, combining a bit of trail magic with some convenient storage features to make an extraordinary kit.

Train travel means more lenient luggage regulations, that is unless you’re trying to travel with a surfboard on Renfre. That means you can opt for a slightly larger backpack and store it all. The Farpoint makes it easy to pack a month’s worth of gear with a nice U-shaped zippered opening and large hip belt pockets that will fit a few snacks and train tickets. What makes this bag unique is its versatility.

Osprey pumps plenty of hiking knowledge into all of their packs, so even backpacks made for urban wandering come with clutch comfort features, great rain protection, and the adjustability to fit on any set of shoulders.

Looking for a same sized bag with a few different features? Have a look at the Rei Flash 55 Backpack then!

Best Backpack For European Cities – Nomatic Navigator 32

• Capacity (L): 32-41
• Weight (G): 2358
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 56x36x23
• Price ($): 399

You don’t want to have to stop back off at the hostel multiple times during a grand day out in the city. That means ideally, your backpack will carry everything you need for the day, rain or shine, without being too uncomfortable. That’s the Nomatic Navigator’s specialty. 

This bag can expand and contract from 32 to 41 Liters so you can pack exactly what you need for the day without leaving a bunch of empty space. Even if you start the day with a full bag, the expansion helps you sneak in that op-shop find. We also love the laid-back look of the navigator for city travel. 

Anyone can spot a backpacker a mile away with most of the usual suspects. Bright-colored hiking bags loaded to the brim may have the locals treating you slightly different, or help you stick out in the crowd. The navigator stays lowkey while sneakily storing a whole lot of the good stuff to help you check out new cities like one of the gang. 

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Best Backpack For Hosteling Europe – TropicFeel Shell

• Capacity (L): 22-42
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 50x30x19
• Price ($): 290

Your dorm room probably doesn’t include a walk-in closet, but this backpack will make any pod feel like a target for the bling ring. The TropicFeel Shell is trying to completely change up the game, and while there are still some kinks to be worked out, this is a fantastic option for certain travelers.

Anyone who likes to have a perfect place for everything in their gear kit will literally giggle at the number of options the TropicFeel provides .

Between a wardrobe system, detachable toiletry kit, kangaroo pouch, and optional camera cube, you’ll be more organized than ever. Each one of these organizational points is detachable, which means once you arrive at the hostel you can hang your wardrobe, send the toiletry kit to the sink, slip the camera cube into your locker, and hit the town with an incredibly light day bag.

The bag is not the best choice for people heading far off from paved roads, as all the extra detachment points don’t make an incredibly lightweight pack. For anyone whose wandering goals are to make new friends and see new places, this backpack is an easy choice for life going from hostel to hostel in Europe.

Best Backpack For Hiking in Europe – Osprey UNLTD

• Capacity (L): 68
• Weight (G): 2812
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 81x40x38
• Price ($): 700

From the Camino Del Santiago through the Tour du Mont Blanc, hiking in Europe can take you across epic mountains and bounce you along wild surf. There are a lot of bags out there that can get you through a controlled day hike, but the best backpack for pushing things up a notch is the Osprey UNLTD. 

This bag is the culmination of Osprey’s decades of industry dominance. Its starting point is a combination of features that make other Osprey bags great, like a detachable daypack, superior Airscape breathability, and loads of straps and external tool attachments. The UNLTD then takes things to the next level with 3D-printed foam back panels and a carbon frame. 

This immense Antigravity system is the brainchild of Osprey founder Mike Pfotenhauer, who threw it all into this pack. The pack lifts its weight a bit off your shoulders and spreads the load evenly around your body to stay comfortable when long-distance trekking. 

Best Bag For Photographing Europe – WANDRD PRVKE

• Capacity (L): 31
• Weight (G): 1300
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 48x30x17
• Price ($): 216

This tarpaulin terror is one of our favorite up-and-coming backpacks. WANDRD is a Kickstarter darling that has spent the last decade proving that backpacks can be more than large black holes with shoulder straps. 

The PRVKE is the model that finally pushed them over the top and into our hearts thanks to the combination of performance, protection, and cheeky special features. The 31 Liter bag spreads storage across 8 convenient pockets and a main compartment. WANDRD also sells a camera carry case that helps compartmentalize things even further. 

Pockets, protection, and aesthetics combine to create a photography bag that can do a whole lot more. The bag is a perfect carry-on size and has enough quality materials on the outside to keep your gear dry from a few surprise showers. The rolltop wide opening is the cherry on top, allowing you to condense and expand this bag to exactly the size you need. 

Best Wheeled Backpack For Europe – Osprey Sojourn

• Capacity (L): 45
• Weight (G): 4000
• Price ($): 375.00

Europe’s cobbled streets and winding corners are a real challenge for wheeled backpacks. You can’t expect to run any old bag through the Rua da Bica and get out unscathed. If you don’t feel like carrying your gear on your shoulders, you should absolutely splurge for a top-quality roller like the Sojourn. 

This bag does include shoulder carrying straps, but it’s a bit bulky to lift up off its wheels for more than a few meters. It blends the line between backpack and suitcase, providing an ultra-durable set of wheels with a high chassis that helps take this roller off-road. 

You can choose between 45, 60, and 80 Liters to make sure no matter what kind of journey you’re embarking on, you’ll always have some space for souvenirs. 

Best Hybrid Bag For Europe – Monarc Travel Duffel Backpack

• Capacity (L): 40
• Weight (G): 2041
• Dims (CM, HxWxD): 28x60x33
• Price ($): 150

Young European travelers have forged ahead on a path of sustainable exploration. There is no bag better to confidently explore the European continent than one made out of recycled materials, like this Monarc Travel Duffel Backpack made from 50 recycled bottles. The Travel Duffel Backpack proves that sustainable materials can do anything polyester can, all without the carbon footprint. 

The pack walks the line between a duffel bag and an old-fashioned backpack, allowing you to easily maneuver your bag through crowded train terminals and throw it over your shoulder for longer walks. It’s one of the only duffel bags in the business with adjustable sternum and waist straps as well as a full-sized laptop compartment to truly toe the line. 

At 40 Liters, the Monarc Travel Duffel Backpack sits just on the edge of carry-on eligibility, but you shouldn’t have any trouble getting it into an overhead compartment and skipping baggage claim on your way to your next adventure. 

Best Overall Travel Bag for Carry-On Travel – Stubble & Co Adventure Bag

• Capacity (L): 42
• Weight (G): 1.7kg
• Dims (CM, HxWxD):  55 x 38 x 24 cm
• Price (£): 195

The Adventure Bag from Stubble & Co is possibly the most perfectly designed travel bag on the market right now. For those wanting to spend a few months backpacking around Europe, the size and features of this bag really work well.

The bag opens up in a clamshell fashion like a suitcase meaning you no longer have to root around a top-loading bag for a specific item. To go one further in terms of organisation, each half of the bag is divided up into several zippered compartments deep enough to store inside things like packing cubes and other gear. This really makes it easy when you’re moving from place to place every few days as it’s easy to live out of the bag.

In terms of capacity, when combined with its superior organisational features, it offers the perfect size for backpacking around Europe. Bear in mind that in most European cities you’ll be getting around on public transport, so the smaller size of this bag as well as features like the hidden passport pocket make it perfect.

Want more Stubble & Co options? Check out our rundown of the best Stubble & Co. bags .

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

To test these packs, we laid our mits on each of them and took them out for a test spin Over a period of time, various members of our team took these different packs on various trips to put them well and truly through their paces.

Packability

A backpack is designed to carry stuff and as such, top points are awarded for how packable one is. Any decent carry in needs to make sure it maximises the space it does have and facilitates effective packing and we tested this out by packing, and unpacking. Simple right? 

Equally though, we also paid attention to how easy the pack was to unpack – being able to retrieve items quickly and easily bags a bag, bags of bonus points!

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

If a pack is overly heavy or awkward to carry then taking it along on trips becomes uncomfortable. Believe me on this, I have had more than my fair share of backpacks that just weighed an ounce or two, too much or perhaps had crappy straps that dug into my shoulders. 

As such we awarded full marks for packs that minimise weight and maximum carry-comfort.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its primary purpose we used it for this purpose. For example, if it’s a carry-on pack then we took it along as carry-on and made sure it actually oasses the Ryanait test and fits into the ever shrinking over-head cabins. For cycle backpacks we strapped them on and got on our bikes. You get the idea right? 

Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look good as long as it functions. Well those people are fools because good gear can be both practical and cool. As such we also awarded points for how sexy a pack looks. 

Durability and Weatherproofing

Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a backpack is we would drop it from a plane and then run over it. Unfortunately though that is not entirely feasible so instead, we simply inspected the materials used and the build quality of the packs paying attention to things like the seam sewing, the traction of the zips and other pressure points that tend to break. 

Of course, testing out how waterproof a pack is simply a case of pouring a litre of water over it – any packs caught leaking, were promptly banned entirely from inclusion in our round-ups.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

What are you waiting for!? Plane tickets aren’t getting any cheaper. Now that you know the best bags for Europe, all that’s left to do is map out a plan for exploration and then throw it out the window. 

Your trip to Europe will be full of surprises, missed trains, foul weather cancellations, and hidden gems that make you stay a few extra days. Half the fun of a backpacking adventure is the wild places you end up when what you thought was going to happen falls through.

The wrong backpack will make winding up at the wrong bus station and finding out you have to walk another two kilometers sound like a death sentence. But the right choice will have you to saying yes and embracing the journey with open arms.

No matter which backpack you choose, rambling through Europe without a care in the world is a rite of passage for any broke backpacker, and as long as you choose a bag from this list, your exploration will be the beginning of a life on the road. 

Aiden Freeborn

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Experts Reveal the Best Carry-on Suitcases for Traveling Europe

Best Suitcases , LUGGAGE

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If you’re traveling Europe and looking for ideas on the best carry-on suitcases, read on to find out what the travel experts recommend.

Best Carry-on Suitcases for Traveling Europe

Table of contents.

There are various things to consider when choosing the best luggage for Europe including a difference in carry on size, strict weight restrictions, mobility on the cobblestone streets, and long flights of stairs.  Scroll down to the end of this post for tips on choosing the best suitcase for Europe travel to suit the needs for your trip.

Below you’ll find the most popular Europe travel bag styles according to our readers along with their tried and tested reviews. Keep reading to choose the right one for you:

Delsey Luggage Helium Aero International Carry On

Delsey Hard Side Suitcase

The best suitcase to have when traveling Europe is a rigid trolley case, ideally with four castors. The trolley should be divided into two compartments (not just one big compartment) for easy packing. As Kelly Hadous, CEO and founder of Win The Room , says, “you can really pack it full.”

This Delsey trolley case features two large fully-lined compartments with multiple pockets allow easy access and organization for all of your items. There’s also an easily accessible front compartment with a padded sleeve for your laptop, tablet, or other items you reach for at the airport or mid-travel. If you’re looking for European luggage, this Delsey suitcase fits the bill for easy organization and travel. Buy it here!

Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack

Osprey Farpoint 55 Backpack

Ranked as one of the best travel bags for Europe, the Osprey Farpoint is perfect for carry-on travel, RTW trips, and backpacking. The daypack conveniently attaches to the main harness of the Farpoint pack to provide easy access to gear essentials, while the sleeping pad straps allow for quick, external gear attachment. They can be fully removed to save weight, while the adjustable sternum strap deploys quickly for any path or trail.

One reader says, “ I carried the Osprey Farpoint on Ryanair with no trouble! I used the small detachable backpack as my hand luggage that went at my feet. The larger bag fit fine into the Ryanair sizing bins.” Buy it here!

Osprey Packs Porter 30 Travel Backpack

Osprey Porter Carry-on Backpack

For a European carry on size bag, a backpack is always a safe option. It’s also the perfect fit for those of us who prefer to travel hands-free.

Jackie Laulainen, travel blogger of TheBudgetMindedTraveler.com , always travels with her REI backpack, sharing, “I was able to pack ALL of my belongings into this backpack (including my purse). Not only is it comfortable, with great pockets and compartments, but it also fits perfectly into the Ryanair overhead bin. This is very important, because they pulled others out of line and made them check bags at the gate, which can cost up to 60 Euros. No thank you!”

While her beloved REI backpack is an older model, we found a similar style. The Osprey Packs Porter 30 travel backpack sets the standard for deluxe duffels. It features padded sidewalls, convenient organization, and a substantial suspension for backpack-style carry. This bag also features a dedicated zippered laptop and tablet pocket with multiple access points. This bag gets two thumbs up from us! Buy it here!

eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible

eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender

The eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible bag is the perfect carry-on size backpack. We love this for European carry on luggage because it features countless organizational details along with a laptop compartment.

The full expansion zipper adds 10% more packing space for all those souvenirs you pick up along on your European travels. We love how many zippered compartments there are, making it easy to pack and organize your gear. Buy it here!

Looking for a perfect hands-free carry-on convertible backpack? Try this  eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Junior !

Lite Gear Travel Pack

Perfect for an overnight trip or an outdoor adventure, the Lite Gear carry-on case features a convertible design that you can use as a shoulder bag or a backpack. Made from durable polyester, it features a lightweight design in an airline-friendly carry-on size that makes it perfect for all types of European travel. The bag also has a zip down front pocket, a side water bottle pocket, and a vertical front zipper pocket for easy and organized storage.

As one reader says, “I use a Lite Gear convertible backpack and love it!” Buy it here!

Samsonite Omni PC 20″ Spinner

Samsonite Spinner

For long travels, you need a durable traveling suitcase, like the Samsonite Omni PC Spinner . One reader says, “ I am happy with my Samsonite spinner! If you are the kind of person who only has a few pieces of luggage and then uses it for years, this investment is absolutely worth it.

This luggage won’t weigh you down but can also survive even the most rigorous of travel. Four, multi-directional spinner wheels offer easy mobility, and the bag rolls upright so there is no weight on your arm. Most impressive is the texture. It’s lightweight yet durable, so you don’t need to worry about tears or rips. This is the kind of luggage that will last you for years and years. Buy it here!

Travelpro Platinum Elite International Expandable Carry-on Spinner

Travelpro International Carry-On Suitcase

Expandable carry-on luggage is the perfect fit when you need to size your bag up or down. European budget airlines have stricter size regulations for carry-on luggage, which means your suitcase needs to be smaller. This Travelpro suitcase is sized right, making it among the best carry-on luggage for international travel. You can expand it incrementally up to 2 inches.

Additionally, this classic design luggage has self-aligning magnetic dual wheel spinners, which help keep it rolling in a straight line. The extension handle has three stops, so you’ll find the perfect height for personal comfort.

It is made with high-quality, durable nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating to help protect against stains and scuffs, and it features leather top and side carry handles. Travelpro designed this bag with frequent flyers in mind, for business or pleasure. You’ll find it a stylish choice when looking for the best suitcase for Europe. Buy it here!

Away Carry-On Travel Backpack

Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack

Backpacking in Europe once meant you had to carry big, bulky packs. Now, with choices like Away’s Carry-On Travel Backpack , you’ll be able to tote your capsule wardrobe in style in the best backpack for Europe. We love that this travel backpack is convertible in style; removable padded strap so you can convert this backpack into a carry-on suitcase or duffle anytime.

It has two handles and a trolley sleeve so you can carry them easily — wherever you go — on planes, trains, buses, or even on foot. This versatile backpack has dual interior and exterior compression systems that help you pack more in and multiple pockets systems that securely stash valuables and keep them within reach. Stay hydrated with an exterior water bottle pocket that fits up to a 32 oz water bottle — making it a best travel backpack for Europe! Buy it here!

Deuter Transit 50 Carry-On Travel Backpack

Deuter Transit Backpack

The Deuter Transit 50 Travel Pack  features a U-shape zip allowing you to access the main compartment on a whim, keeping you from holding up the security line and on time for your flight. This bag meets airlines’ size guidelines for carry-on baggage and conveniently fits inside overhead compartment bins so you never have to check it.

Featuring a padded removable carry strap, two sturdy grab handles, breathable padded shoulder harness, and luggage stabilizing straps for extra comfort, this backpack is easy to travel with, making airline transit a breeze. Buy it here!

IT Luggage 22″ World’s Lightest 8 Wheel Spinner

IT Lightweight Luggage

A number of our readers rave about IT luggage for the best carry on luggage for Europe. Their collection features a wide range of colors to suit your personal sense of style. This revolutionary lightweight design features a fiberglass handle that is built into the frame, which allows for a flat packing bed for crease-free packing. Each case has two smooth wheels and a wide soft grip non-locking handle.

Mary Chong, a travel blogger of Calculated Traveller , swears by IT luggage, saying “I use the 4-wheeler carry-on by IT Luggage Brands, which weighs 4.07 lbs. I LOVE IT. I go carry-on only and sneak more on the plane by using a backpack as my laptop bag/purse.” Buy it here!

Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 4-Wheel Bag

Eagle Creek Gear Warrior

When you travel to Europe, you want the lightest carry-on luggage to grab and go. The Eagle Creek Gear Warrior meets that challenge at 7 lb 15 oz. This durable carry-on bag has reinforced corners to prevent fraying and a water repellent exterior.

A top compartment would be perfect for travel liquids or anything else you need to keep handy. Eagle Creek suggests the large pocket can be used for dirty laundry or gear you want to keep separate from other items in the main compartment. Use the compression straps in the main compartment to keep your packing cubes or clothing secure.

The oversize wheels have treads for greater grip when you use the adjustable handle with the unique equipment keeper. If you travel with gear, you can use the equipment keeper to strap gear to the top of the bag — or it doubles as a bottle opener. Durable and lightweight, the Eagle Creek Warrior is among the best carry-on luggage for Europe. Buy it here!

Lipault Original Plume Spinner 55/20 Carry-On Luggage

Lipault Original Plume Spinner

This carry-on from Lipault Paris makes our list for the best lightweight luggage for Europe thanks to its ultra-light weight fabric and unique collapsible 2-wheeled trolley that comes with a matching zipped storage case. One reader raves about this bag because it’s the perfect size and weight for a week’s worth of clothing.

She says, “I’ve taken the Lipault 21″ two-wheel rolling carry-on bag on three big trips with me. I had to check it once because of tour, not plane, restrictions. It’s held up pretty well. The plastic part of the retracting handle cracked last year, but I fixed it with electrical tape and it made it through this year’s trip with flying colors. It’s very lightweight and fits easily in overhead bins.” Buy it here!

High Sierra Freewheel 21″ Carry-On Wheeled Backpack

High Sierra Wheeled Backpack

Another popular Europe travel bag is the High Sierra 21″ Carry-On Wheeled Backpack . Its large, multi-compartment design features a roomy main zippered compartment, an organizer and media pocket, a zippered pocket, and several open pockets for quick access.

It also has an easy-access zippered accessory compartment with headphone port and a fully padded cushion zone laptop compartment. This carry-on wheeled backpack has a molded kick plate which gives extra protection from abrasion. Buy it here!

Samsonite Nylon Spinner Tote

Samsonite Wheeled Tote

We love the versatile shape of this wheeled tote by Samsonite . You can use it as a stylish shoulder bag or tote it like a suitcase with its handle. The bag has a sleek nylon exterior and water resistant coating. The large main compartment features a laptop pouch, organizer, and zip pockets to keep all of your belongings separate and organized.

As one reader says, “what a great bag! It fits so many travel essentials, including a laptop, comfortably.” Buy it here!

Shop:  Paravel

Paravel Aviator Carry On

Paravel is an up-and-coming luggage brand that’s been getting praise from travelers for its gorgeous luggage that’s designed with sustainability at its core. The  Aviator carry on  is not only a stylish piece but is made from extremely durable polycarbonate, aluminum handles, and tough zippers, all of which are recycled. Travelers highlight the effortless spinner wheels, interior organization, including a laundry bag, scuff-hiding finish, and vegan leather details.

This carbon-neutral carry-on weighs 8.2 lbs, and at 13.7″ x 21.7″ x 9”, it’s a compact option that’ll easily fit into the majority of overhead bins, even on international flights and smaller planes.

You can also grab a slightly bigger version called the  Aviator Carry On Plus , it measures 14.7″ x 22.7″ x 9.6″ and weighs 8.5 lbs.

Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe Comparison Chart

Still can’t decide? Here’s a quick review about each of these carry-on suitcases:

Things to consider when shopping for the best traveling bags for Europe :

When you choose the best travel bag for Europe, remember that you might be taking a variety of transportation methods on your trip such as trains and buses.

Aside from small luggage racks and tight storage spaces, you need to be able to move quickly and easily maneuver your suitcase on and off the train. There are sometimes even wide gaps between the train platforms and the trains so it’s helpful if you can lift your own bag with ease.

Being able to carry your own luggage is a must! Forget having to lift your own suitcase on a plane, in Europe you have to be able to lift your own bag and more through train stations, steep historical streets, and also through narrow staircases to get to your hotel room.

Unless you’re staying in a major hotel, many buildings don’t have elevators, especially if you’re staying in a small guesthouse or Airbnb .  Plus, when you’re in a rush. …it helps if you can move quickly without being slowed down by your bag.

Weight and Size restrictions : If you’re traveling with one of Europe’s budget airlines such as Easyjet, RyanAir, or Jet2, one of the things to consider is baggage restrictions that are different than what’s allowed on large international carriers. Choose a lightweight suitcase to maximize the amount of space for your belongings!

The key to traveling light is to c reate an   interchangeable capsule wardrobe !

Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes

PRO PACKING TIP:

Use luggage organizers such as  packing cubes  to maximize the space in your bag so you can fit in all your belongings in an organized and efficient way using minimal space.

If you’re not already traveling carry-on only, this might be the game changer you need!

Unsure how to use them? Read  this post  to find out everything you want to know about packing cubes!

What do you think are the best carry on suitcase for Europe? Share in the comments!

For more suitcase recommendations, please read:

• Suitcase Recommendations: 20 Travel Experts Reveal Top Luggage Brands
• This Packing Video will Change the Way You Travel
• How to Choose the Best Luggage Organizer
• How to Choose a Suitcase

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34 comments.

Well balanced article. I own the Delsey,and the Motherlode. Just bought the Bento bag v 4. Hoping I can figure a good combo with that as a personal item with one of the other bags.

Thank you for all of your great advice! I recommend your site to my family and friends when they are planning a trip. One thing to note about carry-ons in Europe: some of the airlines over there have ridiculously low limits for size and weight. One of my flights (I am with a group tour) will require a carryon no larger than 15.7″ X 7.87″ X 9.8″. I had a very hard time finding a bag that small. Word of warning to anyone traveling in Europe in 2023.

Good advice, thanks for sharing Julia. And I can’t tell you how much we appreciate you sharing TFG! ❤

Hi Alex, thank you for the reviews. Your site has changed the way I travel! My next carry-on will likely be the Omni PC, if my current Samsonite ever bites the dust. Would love it if your packing cubes returned. Hopefully there is enough interest to bring them back.

Hi Alex, Any idea when your packing cubes and other anti theft products will be available? I am interested in buying all of them.

Thank you, Kelly

Hi Kelly, sadly we’re still recovering from 2020 and unfortunately our Compass Rose product line has been massively impacted and at this moment in time we’re not sure when or if we’ll be making our bra wallets or packing cubes again.

And sadly, apart from the giveaway, we don’t have any available at the moment.

Lots of choices and things to consider. Thank you Alex!

Thank you for such a great article. Very helpful.

We are going to Italy in May for six weeks. Part tour, part on our own. My neck and back will not allow me to carry more than a purse like backpack. I’m looking for recommendations for a carry on with as much space as possible while still conforming with the strict size and weight restrictions. Of course ease of rolling over varied surfaces is a plus. I could also use a recommendation for a secure day pack that I can use as my personal under the seat purse/extra stuff bag. Thanks so much.

Hi Darlene, thank you for reaching out. The best advice would be to check with your airline to see what measurements they allow for their carryon luggage and then check these against the measurements of the carry-on suitcases featured in this article. This article features our readers top recommendations! For your second question, check out this post for ideas for your day pack: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-day-bag/ . For an under the seat bag you may prefer something from here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-under-seat-luggage/ I would also highly recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best packing advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps you with your question. Have an amazing trip to Italy! ?

Just back from 15 days in France. Used my AWAY Bigger Carry-on & a tote bag for all my things. The suitcase has a (removable) built in battery which allowed me to charge my I-everythings sans adaptors. Packing cubes are a must for organization and ease of deciding what I wanted to wear on a daily basis. The main thing to remember is how you are traveling(train, bus, car etc) and who/why you are traveling- business trip, total vacation or a combo of both.,

Hi Carole-Lee, thank you for sharing your great packing tips with us. Hope you had an amazing trip to France! ?

Alex, I wondered if you tried luggage from Biagi? Their suitcases expand in size. (Underseat /overhead; carryon/check, e.g.) their backpacks convert to suitcases. I didn’t know about quality, etc, but thought it was a great concept.

Hi Carrie, thank you for sharing Biagi with us! Happy travels! ?

I was curious about that luggage as well so I bought it for my river cruise on the Rhine. I bought 2 large and 1 small. The large starts out as a carry on and expands to a full size. I used the large for my clothes and checked it. The other large I used as my carry on without expanding it and the small I used as my personal item that fit under my seat. Returning home I expanded the 2nd large for all the things I purchased and checked it as well and I expanded the small to make it a full size carry on for all the things I didn’t want to check. I loved them! I was worried about the fabric getting messed up or torn so I ordered plastic covers on Amazon (the 26” fits perfectly) and my luggage still looks brand new. I definitely recommend them!!

So glad to NOT see the Tom Bihn 30 on this list. Oh sure, it allowed me to be more organized then my Porter 30 and hold more. BUT, the straps on the TB30 were improperly positioned. I backpacked for 3 weeks with my cousin this summer, we are both small framed women, tall, but small. The Tom Bihn caused so much back pain at the neck and shoulder area, even when caring the Porter 30 without using the waist strap, the pain wasn’t comparable. The Porter 30 without question or being weighed made it onto: Norwegian Air and WOW.

Hi Natalie, thank you for sharing your review of the Tom Bihn suitcase with us! I am sorry to hear about your terrible experience with the bag 🙁

I love my Tom Bihn Tristar. It only holds about 15 pounds so doesn’t exceed my ability to carry on my back.

most of the european airlines (not only the low cost lines) only allow carry ons with a max weight of 8 kgs (they often check the weight before boarding ), so better invest in a jacket with lots of pockets 🙂

Hi Gudrun, great advice, thanks for sharing!! 🙂

Try Scottevest travel jackets, vests, and more for good-looking travel clothing with LOTS of pockets. I have no connection to the company, just a happy customer.

I love my Eagle Creek 20 inch Load Warrior (International carry-on size). I just returned from a three week trip to Amsterdam and Italy (Milan, lake Como, Verona, Venice, Florence, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. I needed a bag that would meet the strict carry on size and weight limits of the international regional airlines (Vueling) and would also make getting on and off trains, going up stairs and navigating cobble stones as effortless as possible. The Load Warrior was durable, lightweight, easily navigated the cobblestones and held an amazing amount of stuff. I didn’t even need to use the expander. So I would also consider it as a great option.

Hi Erynn, thank you so much for taking the time to share your interesting review of the Eagle Creek bag, so happy it worked so well for you!! Hope you had a fantastic trip, your itinerary sounds amazing!! 🙂

I did two weeks in Italy out of a duffel bag! I wanted something lightweight and easy to carry. I just carried it like a big backpack!

Hi Rachel, thank you so much for sharing this with us! Hope you had an amazing trip to Italy! 🙂

I love the Osprey Porter 30L. I keep looking for a new roller since mine is 24 in and not many airlines allow it. But the link for the IT 20 inch goes to the bigger size (32.4). You might want to update the link.

Thanks Dawn!

Love my 22″ Lipault Spinner in Duck Blue. It is SO LIGHT! Simple yet sturdy and does its job perfectly. Retail is $199 usd but I found mine for 50% off at $99usd! The bag fit wheels straight into the overhead bin on a SW plane. Several men tried to help me with my bag, but I insisted on grabbing it because it was very easy to lift. This was my first time carrying-on (post 9/11 restrictions) and will never go back to checking bags. I packed my daughter and I for a weekend trip using packing cubes and an ebags small hanging toiletry bag. We attended a symphony concert, so both of us needed dressy clothes and shoes. She wore heels, I wore tieks (foldable leather flats). I brought the ebags Savvy laptop tote as my *personal* item and as long as you don’t completely cram it full, it fits beautifully under the seat in front of you. We needed an umbrella for rain during our trip, snacks for the plane (3hr flight + 30min flight) a water bottle, novel, tablet, 3/1/1 bag, and phone, wallet, bag of chargers for our carryon. The spinner glided along the floor in any direction we needed it to go and the ebags tote fit perfectly on the top, hooked over the handle. The bag was full, but not crammed to the point of stressing the seams. The belts inside really help squeeze your items down to compress everything. I LOVE this combo: 22″ Lipault Spinner + Ebags Savvy Laptop Tote for travel

One of our airlines, Jetstar, has very strict carry-on baggage weight restrictions. It stipulates a total combined weight of 7kg.

Unfortunately, that will probably be even more common soon so we’ll have to come up with even more packing hacks 😉

I was really hoping to see some 2 wheel carry on bags – for all those cobblestones! Spinners just won’t do it, and I hate to admit, but I’m getting too old to lug a backpack. Any suggestions?

Hi Alison, the wheels of a regular suitcase brand are a bit too flimsy for cobblestones so I use one from an outdoor brand like Osprey: https://travelfashiongirl.com/wheeled-backpacks-osprey-meridian-review/ I just bought their lightweight Ozone and I LOVE IT! http://amzn.to/1BXpJPm I can’t use a backpack either so a rugged wheeled option is my choice for all terrain 🙂

I love my Red Oxx Sky Train in Amethyst! Extremely durable, made in the USA (Montana), lifetime warranty, and multiple ways to carry. And did I mention that Amethyst is a gorgeous shade of purple?

Thanks for sharing!

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The 12 Best Luggage Pieces for International Travel of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

From flexible softside suitcases to durable hardside options, these are the best luggage pieces for jetting off abroad.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

With the enormous variety of luggage options available today, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right bag for an international trip . To help you find the perfect piece for your needs, the Travel + Leisure team tested more than 250 carry-ons and checked suitcases, plus an additional 210 duffels, backpacks, and other travel bags.

We built an airplane set in our New York City lab to lift bags into overhead bins and see how well they fit beneath real airplane seats, hit bags with baseball bats to test their durability, and maneuvered them through obstacle courses to see how easy they are to roll. For this list, we prioritized bags that work with general international size and weight limits, as many international carriers have stricter requirements for both.

Whether you’re heading on a two-week European vacation or a shorter trip on an airline with restrictive policies, there’s an option on our list for every type of traveler, from a collapsible checked suitcase to a compact garment bag.

Best Overall

July large luggage.

This bag has the largest capacity on this list and a great compression system so you can fit everything you need for your international getaway.

The suitcase weighs 10.5 pounds on its own, so be mindful of packing heavy items so you don’t go over your airline’s weight limit.

If you’re going away for a long international trip and want to bring along all the comforts of home, this spacious suitcase is large enough to hold two weeks worth of your favorite outfits and plenty of shoe options, too. The largest bag in July’s entire range of luggage , this suitcase has a built-in compression feature that is durable enough to keep clothes from falling out regardless of which side you open it from. It also has many zippered pockets that are great for keeping smaller items organized, a laundry bag , and a water-resistant and stain-proof nylon lining. Just keep in mind that the bag may go over your airlines’ weight limit if you pack it full since it’s pretty large.

We were especially impressed with how smooth the wheels glided over various surfaces during our tests, seamlessly transitioning from concrete pavers to carpet and maneuvering easily through our human obstacle course. Despite its large size, the bag was easy to roll around people, and the handle was easy to pull without leaving a strain on our arms or backs, even when packed full. We also loved how the handle has the ability to adjust to any height rather than set modes, so it’s customizable for different family members to share. The outer shell felt pretty sturdy, although there were some light scuffs and grazes after we threw it off a counter multiple times fully packed. However, the contents inside didn’t budge, and the bag did not dent even after we hit it repeatedly with a metal baseball bat.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 30.25 x 19.75 x 12.5 inches | 10.5 pounds | 110-liter capacity | Limited lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Large Carry-on

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

The wheels glide effortlessly over all sorts of terrain, and the suitcase itself is featherweight yet boasts a generous capacity.

There aren’t any smart features, which business travelers may need.

Frequent flyers will love this ultralightweight, 21-inch hardside carry-on from Samsonite. Even when fully packed, it’s a breeze to hoist over your head on flights. Built with four 360-degree spinner wheels, it stands out for how effortlessly it glides over everything from carpet to curbs, easily navigating road bumps and smoothly transitioning from two to four wheels.

While there aren’t any smart features, like a built-in power bank, there are plenty of handy extras like a recessed TSA-approved lock, compression straps, a small zippered pouch to store your delicates, and a one-inch expander. While there’s already ample space to fit a week’s worth of clothing in the zippered compartment, the expander is primarily excellent for freeing up some extra space for souvenirs. You can scoop this bag up in 14 vibrant jewel tones, and can even opt to make it a set with the addition of a 28-inch checked bag .

The Details: Carry-on | 21.25 x 15.25 x 10 inches | 6.5 pounds | 34-liter capacity | Expandable | 10-year warranty

Best Small Carry-on

Delsey chatelet air 2.0 carry-on spinner.

Its smaller size should adhere to international airline's stricter size restrictions for carry-ons.

It’s a bit pricey given its compact size.

Light packers, look no further than this compact suitcase from Delsey. The iconic French brand is known for its lightweight and ultradurable suitcases , and this carry-on is another excellent example. It’s ideal for weekend getaways or business trips, as it includes a USB port and is packed with organizational features to help keep your belongings in their proper place.

On one side, there’s a zippered compartment which we found to be perfect for storing mid-weight jackets and a few pairs of shoes. The other half of the suitcase features compression straps, which worked well to help maximize packing space. We loved how easy it was to stay organized using this suitcase: there’s a mesh zippered pocket for separating delicates; a laundry and a shoe bag; and a discrete pocket hidden in the lining, which makes for a great place to store currency if you’re not using a hotel safe. We also love the antimicrobial lining, which helps to reduce any lingering odors. While the price tag may seem steep given that this is a smaller bag, it’s a tribute to Delsey’s legacy of standing by its luxury pieces — the brand offers a 10-year limited warranty.

The Details: Carry-on | 21.75 x 13.75 x 10 inches | 6.39 pounds | 38-liter capacity | Expandable | 10-year warranty

Best Medium Checked

Travelpro maxlite air medium check-in hardside spinner.

The built-in compression panels and two-inch expander help fit even more into this medium-size checked bag.

We wish the handle could be adjusted a bit shorter to accommodate travelers of different heights.

A medium checked bag can be the perfect go-to piece of luggage for just about any trip and our favorite is the Travelpro Maxlite Air Medium Check-in Hardside Spinner. This bag easily fit everything on our packing lists with very little thought given to organization thanks to the built-in compression panels. It also expands two inches so you could give yourself even more room if needed for longer trips.

While this is a high-capacity bag, it's still lightweight and easy to maneuver (although we wish the handle could adjust to more than just two heights). We love how easily the wheels glide over any surface. We were even able to smoothly twirl the bag as well as both push and pull it over carpeting, concrete, and more. After our durability testing, it shows one minor scuff but otherwise looks great, and all of the items inside were well-protected.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 27.5 x 17.5 x 11 inches | 8.5 pounds | 89-liter capacity | Limited lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best Softside

Samsonite elevation plus large softside spinner.

This softside bag has more flexibility than most hardside bags if you tend to overpack.

The handle can be a bit difficult to adjust.

We love this spacious suitcase, designed with multiple interior and exterior pockets to keep all of your items organized. Because it's a softside bag , it has a bit of give that naturally expands as you need to make sure it easily zips closed. While this suitcase is rather heavy at 10 pounds, it wasn't overly cumbersome. It was easy to pull and push the bag over different surfaces as the weight evenly distributed itself. We also love the thick exterior fabric of the bag that proved to be tear and scuff-resistant throughout our durability tests. The handle was the only feature that seemed less sturdy as it got caught on occasion, but worked well when needed. Whether you're planning a long trip or short trip, this is a high-quality, functional bag that is sure to withstand anything you throw at it.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 29.8 x 20 x 11.5 inches | 10 pounds | Limited 10-year warranty

Away The Trunk

The 30/70 design makes it easy to pack large items since one side is much deeper than most checked bags.

Although the trunk feels lightweight for its size, it can feel lopsided if you don't pack it evenly on each side.

You never know what kind of treasures you’ll pick up when you’re abroad, and we love this trunk for its split 30/70 design that can accommodate bulkier or larger items since one side is much deeper than a typical checked bag. We packed most of our items on one side of the trunk during testing and noticed it felt a bit lopsided, so you do need to be mindful of spreading your items out between both sides so that the weight is more evenly distributed.

This is a large bag, but we found it surprisingly easy to maneuver around tight corners, crowds, and over rough surfaces. We even thought it maneuvers more smoothly than trunks from other brands that we’ve tested in the past. It’s shockingly lightweight for the large size and so easy to glide on either two or four wheels. There are also handles on the top, side, and bottom, which makes it easy to lift the bag from any angle. To top it all off, this was one of the most durable pieces of Away luggage that we tested — the hardside shell has a lot of give, and when we hit it with a baseball bat, the bat actually bounced right back up without denting or scuffing the bag.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches | 12.1 pounds | 107-liter capacity | Limited lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

It’s an unbeatable price point for a set of three durable, minimalist suitcases.

The material looks a bit basic and is visibly branded with the Amazon logo.

When it comes to getting a great value for your money, nothing compares to this sleek and sturdy set from Amazon Basics. While we only tested the 20-inch carry-on, we were so impressed by it that we’re confident in the quality of the matching set, which includes a 20-inch carry-on, a 24-inch checked bag, and a 28-inch checked bag — all of which conveniently nest into each other for easy storage when not in use.

During testing, we found that the four spinner wheels could easily tackle bumps and sharp turns, rolling smoothly over carpets, pavement, hardwood floors, and more. We also appreciate the variety of storage compartments, which include three zippered compartments for convenient organization. The carry-on is quite roomy as well, easily fitting a week’s worth of clothes without even using the expander thanks to the compression straps.

The Details: 3-piece set | 13.5 x 9.5 x 19 inches (20-inch), 16.75 x 10.5 x 23.5 inches (24-inch), 19.5 x 12 x 27.75 inches (28-inch) | 7.3 pounds (20-inch), 9.4 pounds (24-inch), 11.7 pounds (28-inch) | Expandable

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Backpack

Samsonite silhouette 17 backpack.

The convertible design means you can carry it as a backpack, a shoulder bag, or a briefcase.

You’ll need to adjust the straps from time to time to keep them feeling secure.

This brilliant backpack checks all the boxes: it’s superlightweight; has a bevy of organizational features; and boasts padded, adjustable straps that evenly distribute the bag’s weight and are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time. We love that this bag opens up like a suitcase, making it simple to pack and unpack quickly. It also boasts a three-way convertible design that adjusts to your trip’s needs: it functions as a backpack, shoulder bag, or briefcase. Inside, there are more compartments and pockets than most carry-on suitcases, with several zippered pockets of varying sizes, mesh dividers, and a spill-proof WetPak pocket for holding all your TSA-approved liquids. Best of all, it’s an absolute breeze to lift and slide in and out of overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.

The Details: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | 3.3 pounds | Expandable | Limited 10-year warranty

Best Duffel

Patagonia black hole 40l duffel bag.

Versatile carrying straps allow you to wear this as a backpack as well as a duffel.

The glossy look of the water-resistant exterior may not appeal to everyone’s sense of style.

Looking for a duffel that can function as either a carry-on or personal item ? How about one that also converts into a carry-on backpack for versatile carrying options? If so, you’ll love Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel as much as we do. It boasts a 40-liter capacity and a spacious pocket under the lid, as well as external zippered compartments for easy access to travel essentials like your passport and boarding pass. The rugged, ripstop fabric is thick to the touch and didn’t scratch or scuff in the slightest during our durability testing. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate that this lightweight duffel is ready to take on any adventure thanks to its extremely water-resistant construction — plus, it’s made from eco-friendly recycled materials. Best of all, it collapses down into a small inner pocket for easy, convenient storage in between trips.

The Details: 21 x 13.7 x 10.6 inches | 2.8 pounds | 40-liter capacity | Lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure / Nick Kova

Best Weekender

Béis the weekender.

There’s a separate, sturdy base compartment for your shoes and any other travel essentials.

It’s close to carry-on size, which may feel too large for some travelers.

Beis’ Weekender is the go-to of frequent flyers who want form and function. It’s got the brand’s signature functionality features , like a separate bottom compartment for shoes, toiletries, or your dirty laundry bag, plus a padded laptop sleeve, several small internal pockets, and more. There’s a removable shoulder strap along with a back zip-pocket that converts into a trolley sleeve for easy transport, too. While it’s got a bit of heft to it even while empty, its sturdiness is appreciated — unlike so many duffel-style bags, it won’t slip off of your suitcase even if you’re sprinting through the airport.

We love the bottom zippered compartment, which is perfect for storing toiletries or shoes separately so you don’t need to worry about leakage or dirtying your wardrobe. It’s one of several pockets and compartments that set this bag apart as an organizational hero for us, as small pouches are excellent for storing small essentials like keys, while larger pockets are perfect for tucking delicates, socks, and more.

The Details: 19 x 9.8 x 15.7 inches | 3.86 pounds | 49-liter capacity

Best Rolling Duffel

Eagle creek cargo hauler.

You can choose to either roll or carry this duffel, and it comes with a handy packing cube for easy organization.

There’s no frame to support the bag, so it won’t stand up on its own.

Designed with an extremely large capacity, this 130-liter duffel is spacious enough to fit multiple weeks' worth of clothing with ease (if you’re flying with it, just be sure to check your airline’s weight restrictions). Heavy-duty external compression straps keep everything in place, while extra rugged wheels are made to ease the pain of lugging heavy loads across campsites or through the airport. We loved the storage bag that’s included, which you can use as a packing cube to help keep things organized.

There’s no exterior frame to support this bag when standing upright — and while this may be an inconvenience to some, we found it to be a huge plus because it makes the bag supremely lightweight for its large size. It’s also easier to wear as a backpack because of this, as there’s no hard frame digging into your back if you opt to convert the bag.

The Details: Checked bag | 34 x 13.75 x 15 inches | 4.7 pounds | 130-liter capacity

Best Garment Bag

Calpak garment bag.

It’s stylish and functional, thanks to a variety of mesh and zippered pockets as well as a convenient, foldable design.

The bag isn’t very long, so most dresses will stick out the bottom.

The name says it all: this garment bag is impressively compact, featuring a fold-up design that’s perfect for tucking inside a carry-on. It is also available in a larger size , which is designed to fit inside a checked bag. Both fold and tighten easily, even when fully packed, although they’re a bit too small to fit high heels or men’s shoes if carrying this solo. Business travelers, wedding guests, and anyone else looking to keep their garments in wrinkle-free conditions will appreciate this modern bag, which boasts a variety of internal and external compartments that easily fit accessories like belts and jewelry. The only downside is that the bag is on the shorter side, so longer items like dresses don’t fit entirely inside and will hang out the bottom slightly, or you'll need to fold them.

The Details: 40 x 19 inches | 1.2 pounds | 1, 2, or 5-year limited warranty

Other Luggage We Liked

We've tested so many pieces of luggage that there are some other pieces we can recommend for some travelers, although they weren't quite suited for our main list.

Calpak Hue Trunk Luggage : Though we love the Away trunk in our main list above, this is another great trunk option for a lower price — and it’s expandable. We wish the handle had more than one height, and the top and side handles pinched our hands during testing.

Tumi International Dual Access 4-wheeled Carry-on : Dual-access compartments are convenient for accessing your belongings, but ultimately we docked points as they eat into the main compartment space in this compact carry-on.

Béis The 29-inch Large Check-in Roller : While we love how capacious and chic this roller bag from Béis is, we found that it scuffed too easily in our durability testing.

Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-on : This carry-on is compact yet spacious and comes with a removable charger, but the wheels and handle didn't function as smoothly as some other bags on this list.

eBags Mother Lode 29-inch Checked Rolling Duffel : While we found this rolling duffel easy to maneuver, we felt it was less versatile than other options since it doesn’t offer other carrying straps.

Peak Design Travel Backpack : Generously sized and comfortable to carry for long periods, this is a great backpack for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the sporty aesthetic may not appeal to everyone's sense of style.

The T+L team tested more than 250 carry-on and checked suitcases, as well as over 200 other travel bags including backpacks, duffels, and more in our New York City lab. We recreated an airplane set to best test carry-on bags just like we would on a real plane. Our first task was weighing the bags ourselves to make sure they were in line with their product descriptions, and then we performed a range of tests to assess the capacity, design, value, and durability of the bags. We also took careful note of their maneuverability, portability, and how comfortable they are to carry. We packed each size with a different amount of clothing and toiletries, from a week’s worth of essentials for a checked bag to two days of clothing for weekenders.

To see how the bags would perform in a real-life setting, we rolled them around on a variety of different floor types, including an obstacle course designed to test their maneuverability. We also hoisted them into overhead bins on our mock airplane, slung them over our shoulders, and stuffed them under real airplane seats. Next, for durability testing, we shoved each piece off a high countertop repeatedly and struck it all over with a metal baseball bat in order to evaluate potential wear and tear. The pieces that earned the highest ratings in all testing categories were selected for this roundup. After our initial tests, we continued to see how the bags fared over the course of six months in the real world.

Tips for Buying a Suitcase for International Travel

Choose a size that’s right for your travels.

It’s crucial to consider what kind of journey you’re most apt to take when searching for the ideal international luggage. After all, three months of continent-hopping calls for a very different set up from a week-long trip to a cosmopolitan capital. If you’re prone to shorter jaunts or know yourself to be a light packer, consider a classic carry-on or something even more compact, like a weekender bag. If you’ll be traveling longer term or have a hard time paring down your outfit options, opt for a larger carry-on or a checked bag.

Look for lightweight construction

No one wants to waste their baggage weight limit on a hefty piece of luggage. For softside suitcases, polyester and nylon materials are often the most lightweight, while hardside shells made of polycarbonate, polypropylene, and ABS are great options as well. Standard carry-ons weigh in around seven pounds, with the lightest-weight options ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 pounds when empty. Checked suitcases are slightly heavier, typically ranging from eight to 11 pounds. If you’re looking for something seriously lightweight, consider alternative options to a classic suitcase — think duffels, weekenders, or backpacks, which can weigh as little as two or three pounds.

Typically, the weight limit for carry-on luggage is around 35 pounds domestically, although carry-on weight limits are often only enforced on budget airlines. International flights may have stricter restrictions, so be sure to check your airline. When it comes to checked luggage, the rule of thumb is 50 pounds — but you can usually pack up to 70 pounds for an added cost .

Decide what organizational features you need

Suitcases are evolving to make packing easier than ever, boasting everything from designated laundry bags to zippered pockets for your tiniest trinkets. Some add-ons may be more relevant to your travel style — compression boards and packing cubes could be non-negotiables for overpackers, while tech lovers may have easy-access exterior pockets and charging ports at the top of the list. And remember, if you fall in love with a suitcase that doesn’t have everything you need — say, compression compartments or built-in security — you can always buy packing cubes or a combination lock separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

International airlines each have their own size and weight limits for baggage, so your best bet is to always look up your specific carrier’s requirements. But, generally speaking, a 21-inch carry-on (considered an “international” carry-on, as opposed to the standard, “domestic” 22-inch size) is a safe bet for most airlines both domestic and abroad.

There’s a whole bunch of stuff you can’t bring in your suitcase — just take a peek at TSA’s Instagram account for a glimpse (and a good laugh). Other than the obvious ones, like weapons or explosives, there are some specific items that are prohibited in carry-ons and checked luggage alike when traveling internationally, from certain amounts of liquids to alcoholic beverages, e-cigarettes, meats, dairy products, drones, and more. If you’re not sure about a certain item, be sure to check your airline’s (and destination’s) guidelines before packing.

Oftentimes, yes! While most domestic carry-ons can weigh up to 40 pounds (and may never be weighed), many international airlines only allow carry-on bags of up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and could strictly enforce this. You can often purchase more capacity ahead of time for a discounted price, but be sure to keep the restrictions in mind if you’ll be puddle jumping frequently, as the baggage costs can add up quickly. Checked luggage typically has the same weight limit internationally, offering up to 50 pounds before added fees kick in.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Sophie Dodd researched every aspect of luggage suited to international travel, from TSA-approved dimensions to key organizational features and which materials are the most lightweight. She also relied on testing insights from the T+L team, who spent six months analyzing each bag on this list. We will continue updating this article as we test more bags worth recommending for an international trip.

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Related Articles

The 14 Best Travel Crossbody Bags to Complement Your Wanderlust

Brought to you by true enthusiasts.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

There’s a fine line that divides the modern jet setter from the weary traveler, and it’s (mostly) marked by a precise combination of style and preparedness. And anyone who’s traveled knows that great bags are the most important companions.

Best Luxury

Bottega veneta the cassette padded leather crossbody bag.

Best Camera Bag

Isabel marant wardy camera bag.

Best Leather

Mansur gavriel moon sling bag.

The right crossbody allows you to carry your essentials hands-free while you’re hauling ass through airport security at 5 A.M. or putting in miles during a day of sightseeing. Of course, you might also need something to carry to dinner or on a spontaneous date with some accented stranger (a girl can dream!). The moral of the story is you need a bag that can do it all —and one that works for you in every way. So, whether you’re jetting off on an international adventure or gearing up for a summer vacation , shop the 14 best crossbody bags for travel, ahead.

If you prefer to shop designer, more power to you. For travel-friendly options, look for styles that close securely and transition well from day to night.

Dimensions: Height: 6.5 inches; width: 3.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches

Material: Leather

Colors: 19 options

Customer review: “This is a gorgeous bag, and the leather is so dreamy *but* you will be forced to pick and choose what you want to carry as the interior is quite small. I’m able to fit my iPhone pro, small wallet, lip balm and car key…and that’s pretty much it. But the look is worth it!”

While we love cameras, camera bags are usually ugly, point blank. You’re not paparazzi, and although you are a traveler, you wouldn’t want anyone to think of you as a tourist , right? This fashionable find from Isabel Marant is the solution.

Dimensions: Height: 5.25 inches; width: 3 inches; length: 7.25 inches

Material: Leather, silver, textile

Colors: Black

If style is your top priority, here’s an option that will match with quite literally anything you wear. The concession is that you might not be able to squeeze that telescopic camera lens inside it, but there’s more than enough room for airplane snacks.

Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches; width: 7.1 inches; length: 10.6 inches

Material: Calfskin

Colors: Black, Desert, Avorio, Plum

Customer review: “What a beautiful and versatile bag, both in terms of style and colour. It's surprisingly roomy for the size. The leather is absolutely beautiful and buttery soft. Super happy with my purchase!”

Prada Padded Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag

It wouldn’t be a complete crossbody roundup without some form of nylon Prada. Similar to the ever-practical Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon Bag , this quilted flap-over bag comes complete with a detachable mini zipper pouch.

Dimensions: Height: 17 centimeters; width: 24 centimeters; length: 8 centimeters

Material: Nylon fabric

Colors: Black, Desert Beige

Customer review: “I have the original nylon and the Re-Edition, and they are my go-to bags. Lightweight, durable, and great for daily use.”

Dagne Dover Nova Sling Bag

If you’re the sporty or adventuring type of traveler, allow us to introduce you to this style from Dagne Dover. We think you’d be perfect for each other.

Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 4 inches; length: 9.5 inches

Material: REPREVE recycled polyester

Colors: Onyx, Moonbeam, Goji

Customer review: “Recently took this bag on my weeklong trip to Amsterdam...It worked so well. It comfortably fit my small Nalgene water bottle, wallet, sunscreen, sunglasses—all the necessities. It’s not huge but it could also fit small souvenirs picked up throughout the day such as magnets, small jewelry items, candy, etc. Highly recommend!”

MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe

Here at ELLE, we love MZ Wallace . This perfectly sized Sutton is just the latest obsession. We scrolled through pages and pages of five-star customer reviews in search of any “cons” to no avail.

Dimensions: Height: 10.2 inches; width: 9.8 inches; depth: 5.5 inches

Material: REC Oxford, Italian leather

Colors: 17 options

Customer review: “Love the feel, look and style. Everything fits so nicely in this bag. All items are an eyes view and so convenient to get. Love it.”

WE-AR4 The Cargo Leather Crossbody Bag

Cargo bags have appeared repeatedly over the past few fashion months, which means organization just got trendier. This sectioned bag allows you to keep all those bits and bobs in a place of their own.

Dimensions: Height: 8.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches; depth: 4 inches

Colors: Black, Sage, Navy, Ice Blue

BAGGU Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

This BAGGU option is actually a personal recommendation from associate fashion commerce editor Meg Donohue—although all the rave customer reviews amplify the point. This bag is spacious, not bulky, and surprisingly cute.

Dimensions: Height: 8 inches; width: 13.75 inches; depth: 4 inches

Material: Nylon

Colors: Black, Brown, Cocoa, Lemongrass, Pixel Gingham

Customer review: “This bag is so cute and easy to carry. I’m a mom on the go and my bags always get dirty. This bag is so comfortable and easy to clean. The strap is nice and wide and comfortable and the bag is big enough for me to even carry my Owala in it! If you’re on the fence, come on over. This bag rules!”

Béis The Sport Sling

Béis knows travel. This sling backpack is ideal for busy walkabout days and can complement any number of other Béis luggage pieces.

Dimensions: Height: 8.2 inches; width: 6.7 inches; depth: 2.7 inches

Material: Nylon, faux leather, recycled polyester

Colors: Black, Slate, Beige, Atlas Pink, Maple

Customer review: “Love all the pockets and how accessible the sling is! Grabbing what you need quickly from the slots is so handy. I can’t wait to use this on my Italy trip!”

Travelon Anti-Theft Courier Tour Bag

As a traveler with her naïveté on constant display, this anti-theft bag could’ve saved me some heartbreak (and the four hours I spent Google translating a theft complaint to the Paris police department). Slash-resistant material, deep locking compartments, and an RFID-protected pocket mean you can rest a little easier knowing your belongings are safe and sound.

Dimensions: Length: 11 inches; height: 11.5 inches; depth: 3 inches

Material: Cotton canvas, leather

Colors: Navy, Stone Grey

Customer review: “Did a month with this bag all over the world and there is no wear or tear that I can see at all...it fit everything I needed (wallet, rolled up rain jacket, phone, passport, rolled sun visor, etc.) and the zip out water bottle pocket works with a collapsible water bottle to fill up when you’re not in an airport.”

Tumi Valetta North/South Crossbody

For those who never leave their tech behind, keep your lifeline secure in Tumi’s vertical crossbody, complete with a touch of leather trim for style points. It has pockets for cash, cards, and mini must-haves.

Dimensions: Height: 7.3 inches; length: 5.3 inches, depth: 2 inches

Material: Nylon, leather

Mango Crossbody Bag

This bag from Mango gives off an aura of quiet luxury that makes it versatile enough to wear as your day-to-day bag or take it on the go. It’s polished, simple, and houses dual compartments to enhance convenience.

Dimensions: Length: 10.2 inches; height: 6.7 inches; width: 3.5 inches

Material: Polyurethane, polyester

Colors: Black, Leather

Customer review: “Yeah to to faux leather! The time has come for us to be conscious consumers. This purse is perfect to wear with my simple, classic wardrobe pieces.”

Coach Coachtopia Loop Quilted Wavy Tote

An extension of the Coach brand, Coachtopia revives recycled and upcrafted materials to give birth to new designs, like this puffy-soft crossbody laptop tote.

Dimensions: Length: 16.75 inches; height: 12.25 inches

Material: Recycled polyester

Colors: Twilight, Deep Orange, Black, Olive Green

Customer review: “This tote is so cute and comfy on my shoulders. It holds a lot of items...great for work or travel.”

FashionPuzzle Triple Zip Small Crossbody Bag

This crossbody bag has a 4.6-star rating from almost 30,000 reviews. At such an affordable price point, you might want to choose a couple of color options to add to your collection.

Dimensions: Length: 8.5 inches; height: 5.5 inches; depth: 2.75 inches

Material: Faux leather

Colors: 30 options

Customer review: “I use this when traveling, it holds so much without being bulky. I can put passports, phone, sunglasses, lip products, money/cards and still have gobs of room left.”

How to Shop for Travel-Friendly Crossbody Bags

• Look for bags that close securely. Zippered or lock closure tops are best. Snaps and magnets come in second, and open tops offer the least protection against theft.
• Before purchasing, make sure a bag will hold all of your necessities. If you’re a seasoned traveler, you likely know which items you like to keep on your throughout your days. But if not, give it some thought. Will you want to keep your passport on your person, or are you comfortable using the hotel safe? Do you carry an inhaler or EpiPen? Is your wallet large, or do you have a sleek card holder? Think these things over and be sure your new bag will hold everything you want it to. Often, it’s better to go slightly larger than you might initially think you need. Size up.
• Ideally, the bag will feel comfortable to wear and will have a thick, perhaps even padded, strap. It’s also preferable for straps to be adjustable.
• The more organizational features, the better.
• A bag that can be worn in multiple ways or has a versatile style is best if you want to pack light. Some bags won’t transition well to a fancy dinner or night out. If you only plan to bring one bag, keep this in mind.
• If you’re more concerned with practicality, you’ll definitely want to look for durable, weather-resistant materials, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain.

Why Crossbody Bags Are Good for Travelers

• If worn as a true crossbody, it’s not as easy for the bag to slip off your shoulder—or to be snatched—as it is with a tote, shoulder, or handbag. Yet, it still provides that handsfree convenience. The same can be said for backpacks.
• From a fashion perspective, crossbody bags are easier to dress up than backpacks and are likely to match with more of your outfits.

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33 Travel Products To Bring On Your Next Trip To Europe

Your bags will not be truly packed until you have an international power converter that works in more than 150 countries.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. A digital luggage scale  to calm your anxiety that your bag is overweight and that you won't have to redistribute your belongings with your suitcase open on the floor, for the whole airport to see. 😳 Maybe this is a very specific fear that I personally have...

You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. 

Promising reviews:  "I cannot imagine how we would have managed a big international trip without this. It saved us so much stress and, I’m sure, surprise charges at the airport." — Potter Freak

"This scale works and was accurate on four flights. The first flight was a test at 46 pounds, and Delta scales said it was 46 pounds. The next two flights were at 49 pounds, and both United and Delta found it to be 49 pounds. The bag on the fourth flight weighed 49, but the United scale found it to be 48 pounds. Four different airports and scales proved that this scale is a good, low-cost, must-have item for air travel." — Robert

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+  (available in four colors and a two-pack).

2. A portable door lock , a must-have for anyone who travels alone or just wants some extra comfort (while traveling or at home). It's super easy to install and remove, fits in almost all doors, and is small enough to stash in a bag.

Note: This can get flagged when going through security, so you may want to put it in an easily accessible place in your checked bag to be safe. 

Promising review: "I went on a solo trip to Europe and Africa and used the door lock to boost security. The lock fits and secures the lock. It's very easy to use. I would just suggest you watch the video and practice at home before your holiday." — Jaye

Get it from Amazon for $11.99  (also available in a two- and four-pack)

3. AirFly , a wireless transmitter that'll connect your  AirPods  (or any other wireless headphones) to the headphone jack on the flight so you can enjoy all the free entertainment without being forced to bring two sets of headphones or use the crappy ones they have the AUDACITY to charge for on some flights.

It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.

Twelve South is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009. 

Promising review: "As an international traveler, I have multiple 8+ hour flights where I wanna watch movies or TV shows, but I hate using the airplane headphones as they’re painful. This device allows me to easily sync any of my own headphones using Bluetooth to have an enjoyable experience on my flight. I can’t not fly with this. " — Rebecca M. Moyers

Get it from Amazon for  $34.99+  (available in three styles).

4. An anti-theft backpack with the main body zipper on the inside (against your back while in use) so you can feel safer knowing that nobody will be able to unzip it when you're in a crowded, unfamiliar space.

Not only does the backpack open from the inside, but it also has a phone pocket, document pocket, front zippered pocket, and an exterior side pocket. It's also made of nylon, so it's waterproof and has a strap to change it into a shoulder bag.

Promising review: "This is a must-buy for international travelers! I cannot say enough amazing things about this backpack. It’s surprisingly spacious for how small the bag is, which makes it portable/practical and comfortable while having it on. This backpack lasted an entire trip through multiple airports and layovers, and all across our trip through Europe. It was amazing. Because the main zipper sat against my back, I never worried about getting my items stolen. But I also had the luxury of having the two front zippers that were also surprisingly spacious to hold non-precious items such as water bottles or cheap sunglasses, etc.  This backpack also is extremely durable. It was the perfect day pack to gather knick-knacks and souvenirs for friends and family and hold whatever I shoved in it! Can we also take time to appreciate how cute this backpack is as well! It went with all my outfits due to the neutral color and had the side strap if we went out to a fancy restaurant. I could easily turn it from a backpack to a purse in seconds! A MUST-HAVE! " — H Bradshaw

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).

5. A set of packing cubes — once you use them, you'll wonder how you've lived this long without them in your life. They help keep your clothes organized and allow you to pack more in your suitcase. I call that a win-win.

Promising review: "I am officially sold on packing cubes!! These things are amazing! I can't believe I've been packing without them my whole life. The mesh lining allows you to peek inside, and I was able to pack all my clothes, shoes, and toiletries for a 10-day trip to Europe (full contents listed below). I packed them as I normally would first, and then packed them in the packing cubes. There was SO much more room in my luggage after packing everything in the cubes! Items I fit in the cubes and bag include two jackets, one jean vest, four pants/capris, two pairs of shorts, one romper, four dresses, one maxi skirt, seven tank tops, four shirts, three camisoles, three pajama sets, 15 undies, six pairs of socks, and four pairs of shoes. But why are you still reading?? Go buy these cubes!" — Tiffany

Get a set of four from Amazon for $20.98+ (available in 14 colors).

6. Or a  set of space-saver bags  if you want to take your space-saving up a notch. These bags will squeeze all the air out, so you have room for more clothes. So no, you don't have to wear the same pair of pants the entire trip!

Promising review: "These were life savers! We took a 10-day trip to Europe and were able to pack only in a carry-on using these! I used two medium in my carry-on, and my husband used three in his carry-on. I packed all my undergarments, five dresses, four jeans, multiple blouses, three pairs of shorts, and a few other pieces of clothing. And still had room for my shoes. These will definitely be used each time we travel now. Well worth it." — Amazon Customer

Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $18.99  (also available in four other size packs).

7. A 3D-contoured sleeping mask  designed with a 3D-contoured shape, which just means there's more space where your eyes go, so there's no pressure on them (you can also even  open  them), but it still provides total darkness so you can try and catch some Zzzs on your flight so you don't arrive totally jet-lagged. 

Plus, it comes with a set of earplugs to block out all the noise around you!

Promising review: "This mask lets zero light in. I wore it on an international flight and forgot I had it on. I opened my eyes and thought I had died for a second. It’s that good." — Carrie Wils

Get the set from Amazon for $21.99+  (available in seven colors).

8. An Anker charging port with six USB ports so all your devices can get to 100% at the same time and only need to use one outlet. When you get to your room and realize there are only two outlets in the most inconvenient places, you'll be glad you packed this. 

Promising review: "I bought one of these before an international trip to ease the charging needs of two phones, a tablet, and auxiliary power devices. It worked extremely well. I just needed one outlet and one plug converter, and I could charge all my devices. I started using it for all my travel. When not traveling, it stayed in a drawer until I realized that it was even more valuable at home. So, now it sits on a desk in the kitchen, usually with one or more devices charging. When our adult children were home for Thanksgiving, it really got a workout. That's when I decided to buy two more as a gift for each of the boys. Highly recommended." — Blabby

Get it from Amazon for $29.99  (available in black and white).

9. A Hackwith Design House shirt  actually made to be worn six different ways so you can totally pack light and still feel like you're not wearing the exact same outfit every day of the trip.

Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business that creates made-to-order apparel. This shirt can be worn as a V-neck, off-the-shoulder, boatneck, V-back, and even open as a jacket. The color is simple, which means it can be paired well with many different bottoms. 

Promising review: "I’m being honest when I tell you this is the most 'worth-it' top around. I read a review from some frequent flyer who claims this is her go-to for flying. She said aside from the top’s flexibility – which allows much less packing as the top itself looks and behaves like four shirts and a jacket – it’s a savior on planes because it allows you to get into a usually overheated plane and to weather the transition to iceberg, ho! that happens about twenty minutes into most flights, and it holds its shape and looks great. I was skeptical, as I did not have the money to blow on someone else’s opinion, but my husband told me to try it. I have the same issues with temps, and he’s probably self-protecting so as not to hear me complain so much. Long story short, I got it. It’s a gorgeous fabric despite my usually hating the ribbed thing. Not for my pleasure, thank you. But it’s nice. REALLY nice. Yes, it’s extraordinarily flexible, and yes, it’s like a jacket, and Yes, Virginia. There is a travel shirt, Santa Claus. Ordering in the off-white now. I'm glad I read the article, and glad I bought the shirt. You should too." — Mary B.  

Get it from Hackwith Design House for $145  (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in five colors). 

10. A travel wallet  with an RFID-blocking shield material to not only keep all your many important travel documents  organized  but also safe and ready for you to grab when you need your ID quickly in the TSA line.

This wallet has a passport pocket, a boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a SIM card pouch, a coupon ticket slot, a cellphone pouch (max 5.8 inches), a money and coins zippered pocket (fits US dollars), a key holder, a pen holder, and a slim pocket.

Promising review:  "I recently took an international trip. I was gone for three weeks. I needed a place for my passport, COVID test, caccine card, credit cards, and US and local currency.  Not only did this wallet hold it all, but it snapped shut consistently and was easy to carry. I highly recommend!" — JCR

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 28 colors).

11. A Dagne Dover fanny pack  that looks super sleek but is made of neoprene fabric, so it will look just as nice with a dressy outfit as it does with a casual one. Plus, it's the perfect size to keep everything you need close while you hit all the "must-see" sights. 

Promising review: "I went to Rome for a week last month and bought this fanny pack to take with me. It was perfect! I wore it in the front across my chest, and I never felt unsafe. It was super convenient when I needed to grab something! It fit my phone, wallet, keys, and even GoPro! It was the perfect size while also being super stylish and complementing all of my outfits. Highly recommend!" — Stephanie C.  

Get it from Dagne Dover for $95 (available in 19 colors and three fabrics). 

12. A pair of compression socks to help stop your feet and legs from swelling up as much as Violet Beauregarde did in Willy Wonka's factory.

Read more about compression socks for travel at  Johns Hopkins  and  The Huffington Post .

Promising review:  "I travel frequently internationally for work and often spend upwards of 20 hours on a plane as I fly to various locations. A few colleagues have told me that compression socks greatly improve travel, and I finally bought a pair to try them out.  I finished a series of flights to get from Washington, DC, to Abuja, Nigeria, and after over 12 hours in the air and 24 hours in transit with my compression socks on the whole time, I feel great!  It made a huge difference and definitely increased my comfort while on the plane. I plan to buy a second pair when I get back to the US." — Alexandra

Get them from Amazon for $16.02+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and in 17 colors).

And check out our full  Physix Gear compression socks review here.

13. A Trtl pillow made with fleece so you can sleep cozily in whatever position is the most comfortable for you. Plus, it only weighs half a pound and can easily be thrown in your carry-on without taking up a ton of space.

Promising review: "I travel on international and domestic flights quite a bit and have tried different kinds of travel 'pillows.' This is by far my favorite. I've read lots of reviews about an inferior brand. My first time to order the Trtl Pillow, I received the style most people prefer; the 3 finger style. Anyway, it's an amazing product, and it really helps me actually sleep on long flights! I won't use anything else now. It fits in my backpack fine, but I can also strap it to the outside if I'm packed full. I bought it on the recommendation of a friend who also uses one for long distance air travel. I'll also be taking this on car trips as well!" — M. Summers

Get it from Amazon for  $64.99+  (available in five colors).

And check out our full Trtl Pillow review here.

14. Or an  inflatable wedge pillow  because when it comes to getting sleep on planes, you should not be worried about how you look. This comfy pillow will make it so you can fully conk out and catch some ZZZs. Plus, if you aren't ready to sleep yet, you can put your phone inside it and use it as a comfy way to watch your favorite comfort show (that will hopefully help you fall asleep).

Promising review:  "I am a very frequent traveler and had lived through many 13+ hour flights prior to purchasing this pillow. After using it for the first time on my 13 hour flight to Tokyo, I will never fly without it again ! It was comfortable not only for sleeping leaning forward, but also for leaning against the window on the larger international plane. If you're traveling with a companion, it was also very comfortable being used between two people. I especially love how there are holes for your arms and can be used at different angles/positions. It made for a very restful flight overall." — Elizabeth B

Get it from Amazon for  $24.99.  

15. A pair of Thigh Society cooling shorts  just perfect for saving your legs while wearing a dress and walking 20,000+ a day, hitting all the big spots. Sure, that dress looked super cute until you realized your thighs would be rubbing together every step you take. Good thing these shorts are thin and won't cause you to overheat. 

Promising review: "I bought these to wear under dresses for a trip to Europe because it was supposed to be really hot, and they worked great. They were light and stretchy, and there was no chafing. Maybe not the most moisture wicking, but they were very comfortable, and I wore them several times." — Meghan O'Leary

Get it from Thigh Society for $39+  (available in women's sizes XS-2XL, six lengths, and in 12 colors). 

16. Some laundry soap sheets to have on hand when you realize you've run out of clothes because you've decided to extend your trip even longer. There's no way you were going home without visiting the Eiffel Tower.

Promising review: "I took this with me on international travel. I did laundry by hand for five weeks and made it through 'til the end with this one package. They do not sud up, but they work just fine. When I was doing a big bucket of laundry, sometimes, I put in multiple sheets. I felt like these did help to clean and freshen, but don't expect bubbles. Also, don't handle the soap sheets with wet hands because they do stick together." — R Mack

Get it from Amazon for $7.19 .

17. And some  expandable hangers  you can use to help hang dry your clothes after you wash them, as one reviewer did. But these are also just super handy to have in case wherever you're staying only has, like, two hangers to utilize during your 10-day trip.

Promising review:  "These worked well for drying clothes in hotels during an extended international trip. Durable and easily stored in luggage when folded. Highly recommend for travel." — DD

Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $13.99 . 

18. A HappyLuxe travel wrap designed to be used as both a chic scarf and then as a blanket when it gets super cold on the plane and you want to sleep comfortably.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this wrap!! It is the perfect weight and size for travel. It didn't leave my side on an 11-day backpack trip through Europe and was used as a scarf, blanket, towel, and wrap all through the trip. Fashionable enough to dress up a basic travel day outfit, warm enough to keep away a chill on a cooler night, and light enough to pack away small into a bag or tie around a purse strap. I can't say enough great things! I am buying these as gifts for everyone I know who travels." — Jenn

Get it from Amazon for $48 (available in nine colors).

19. A  hanging toiletry bag  where you can store everything you're going to need while you're on your trip. Reviewers say this amazingly fits  alll  the skincare, makeup, *and* haircare products in one compact bag, which is especially great if you're going to be gone for 2+ weeks. Plus, it has a hook in the top, so you can hang it in the bathroom if there's very limited counter space. 

Promising review: " I love how it kept all my toiletries organized and in plain sight when hanging. It's very sturdy and great quality. I ordered this before I went on a two-week trip to Europe and was so happy that I did. This travel bag exceeded my expectations!" — Jackie Cooney

Get it from Amazon for $14.44+ (available in two sizes and six colors).

20. Or a  16-piece travel toiletries set  filled with everything you need to bring your hair, skin, and makeup products with you. No need to go waste any money on the expensive travel-sized version of your go-to products. This set will make it super easy to transfer the right amount to comply with those pesky TSA rules. 

The set comes with four bottles, two jars, two spray bottles, two scoopers (to help transfer creams), one funnel (to help transfer liquids), one cleaning brush, a page of labels, and a bag that everything fits in.  

Promising review: "I used this for a two-week international trip. I did two mini trips to other locations. The squeeze bottles did not leak, held enough product for the trip, and are cute. The spray bottles worked well for hair products. I wish there were a couple more bottles instead of the jar containers, but that’s the set. The zippered bag worked fine, though I probably only opened/closed it about 10 times." — Jan

Get it from Amazon for $9.99  (available in four color combos). 

21. A packing cube  with built-in shelves you can pack every single outfit in. When you arrive at your hotel you simply take it out of your suitcase, hang it in the closet, and you'll be G2G for the whole trip.

Plus, it has a zipper compartment at the bottom you can put all your dirty clothes in, so they don't get mixed together and you end up just washing everything when you get home (bc that's usually what happens to me).

Promising review: "I used these while traveling around Europe with four children and then later on a cruise. They were super helpful in both cases." — Tucker Sw

Get it from Amazon for $27.89+ (available in two sizes and six colors).

22. A portable white-noise machine that'll work hard while you sleep at night to block all the noises that come with staying in a hotel room. (Looking at you, elevator and ice machine!!!!!)

Promising review: " We got this for international travel, and it was one of the most important things we brought.  We used it for every nap time and every night. Easy to charge, easily lasts all night plus nap time (12+ hours without failing), and the quality of noise was nice for everyone as we slept in the same room. It's compact with light but solid construction, so it doesn't feel cheap, and the rope makes it easy to hang on anything within reach. It's one of our favorite things to take with us when we're going to be away from his sound machine at home." — Jessie W.

Get it from Amazon for $25.35  (available in four styles).

23. An international power converter  here to make it a breeze to plug in your electronics in 150 countries. The converter has a 5-foot detachable power cable and four different sockets, plus voltage converters so you don't short your curling iron...again.

Not talking from experience...not at all. 😬

Promising review:  "I was traveling to several places in Europe and needed a travel charger that can easily fit in the electrical outlets overseas and safely recharge my US rated appliances without frying. And along came this voltage converter that did the job very effectively, while traveling in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Hungary and Spain. Although the item is bit bulky from my own carrying convenience point of view, it's quite manageable nonetheless. I've been very happy using this as a voltage converter while traveling the continent. It's a keeper for me for any future travel." — Expatriot

Get it from Amazon for $39.98 . 

24. Some reusable bottle bags to help protect any breakable purchases (i.e., wine or alcohol) you make so you can enjoy the deliciousness back home without worrying about it breaking and spilling all over your checked bag.

JetBag is a small business specializing in creating bags to protect your wine and your stuff. It's designed with absorbent padding on the inside, so in the event that the bottle breaks, it won't get everywhere in your luggage. 

Promising review: "I love these bags. I frequently travel overseas and always want to bring olive oil, wine, or the like back. These bags are perfect at protecting my finds, and I am comfortable that they will absorb the liquid if it does get broken. My husband actually put a bottle of cracked-open wine in the bag to test it, laid the bag on its side, and it absorbed the liquid!" — JHN

Get a set of three from Amazon for $14.99  (available in four colors).

25. A strap you can attach to your luggage to hold your carry-on or other items that are too big or awkward to pack (i.e. coat, scarf, neck pillow). 

Promising review: "This is seriously so useful for traveling. I bought this last year and used it on my two Europe trips — six different countries and lots of bus, train, and plane journeys, and it made my life so much easier. I hooked it to my book bag and hooked my neck pillow, collapsible umbrella, and reusable water bottle to it. I even hooked my parka through it some. 110% recommend. It is super sturdy, and I never had any issues with it even with me dragging it along with all the stuff hooked to it." — Logan

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in six colors and also packs of two).

26. A stroller so lightweight and compact it can fit in the overhead bin on a plane. This means you don't have to wait around for it to be retrieved from storage after you deplane. You can just open the stroller and go.

It folds up so small that it was awarded a Guinness World Record in 2014 for the most compact stroller. It can hold kids who weigh up to 55 pounds and only weighs 9.5 pounds.

Promising review: "This thing is amazing for international travel where you do not get your stroller right away with a gate check. No more walking a mile with bags and a baby. Fits on the plane and even up and down the aisles. It's also great for tourist attractions and shops with tight squeezes and little-to-no handicap access." — Porchies

Get it from Amazon for $199.95+  (available in two styles and two colors).

27. An inflatable foot rest  both adults and kids love because it gives them the ability to keep their feet up while on long flights. The foot rest can be inflated to three heights and comes with an eye mask, earplugs, dust cover, and drawstring bag. 

Promising review: "This is a must-have for long flights! If you can't afford first-class seats like me, get this! I took a flight from LA to South Africa, and this saved me! It's easy to blow up and works great to elevate your feet to sleep. It does take up most of your space, so if you don't have under-seat room, you will not have much other space. It is a little challenging to get it back in the travel bag, but I did it." — RJS

Get it from Amazon for $24.99  (available in four colors and also in a two-pack). 

28. A travel pouch that attaches to your bra so you can keep the most important things closest to you (such as your money, credit cards, and a copy of your passport) without fear of some pickpocketing wizard breezing past you, barely touching you but somehow getting away with your stuff.

Promising reviews:  "I would recommend this for international travel. I wore it attached to my bra strap on my back. I usually carry a backpack when I travel, so it hid this well. A light jacket or sweater will keep it hidden. The fabric is very soft, so I would forget I was wearing it. Not good if you are wearing tight clothing. But, I would put my money, credit cards, paper copies of my passport in it. It's much more comfortable for me than a belt." — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $18.95  (available in three colors).

29. A Bandolier phone case with a wallet and a strap to keep your phone close to but out of your hands wherever your travel adventure takes you.

My mom and I both used these when we went to Paris in January 2020 and loved them. They're super convenient to use, and since we visited in the winter, we actually kept them under our coats so nobody (especially pickpockets) could see them. I like how nice the case and strap looked and that I could hold my phone out over the ledge of the Eiffel Tower ledge for an epic sunset shot and not worry about it falling to its death. Plus, the attached wallet is perfect for stashing a credit card, ID, and even a subway ticket. Can you see it chilling at my side in the right photo? Yep, that's where it was the entire trip, and it will be every other trip I take.

Promising review: "I’m obsessed with my Bandolier. It’s so useful to have my phone and Metro Card so accessible that I don’t have to dig through my bags. I feel comfortable wearing it, and I love the hands-free aspect. I never worry about someone stealing it, and I don’t go anywhere without it!!!" — Lo

Get it from Amazon for $98+ (available in six iPhone sizes and three color combinations).

30. A portable rain hood you can wear with any jacket so you don't have to try and pack both your cute and practical jackets when you're tight on space.

All it is is a hood attached to a vest you wear under *any* jacket to protect yourself (and your hair) from whatever the weather has planned.

Promising review : "I love this! The quality is very nice and it fits great. Wore it last week in the rain with a coat I love that doesn't have a hood and it was perfect. It slips right under your jacket so all you see is the hood, so it pretty much blends in with your jacket. Such a great idea! Wish there were more colors and patterns, I'd order more." — Jill Hammel

Get it from Amazon for $29  (available in two sizes).

31. Or a  waterproof satin-lined Hairbrella hat  small enough to fold up and keep in your bag because you never know what the weather is going to do when you're on vacation. One minute it's sunny and the next it's down pouring. The satin-lined hat will protect your hair against snow, humidity, wind, and anything else Mother Nature decides to send your way.

Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that has been creating fashionable hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather since 2016. 

Promising review : "I traveled to London last month with a raincoat that did not have a hood, and wanted something that would protect my head/hair/blowout without lugging an umbrella. This definitely did the trick. Two of the 3 days were rainy (some quite heavy), and my hair stayed totally dry. It stows nicely, too." — Miss Information

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 10 colors).

32. A skyline mini wallet emergency kit filled with so many practical items you may need throughout the trip (i.e. Tylenol, a hair tie, etc.) but that's small enough to fit in your carry-on bag (and then your purse), meaning you can keep it with you at all times and grab it whenever you need it.

Anne Cate is a woman-owned small business based in Cleveland, Ohio that handmakes minimalist keepsakes with a skyline from more than 100 cities and colleges around the world!

The kit includes a hair tie, ChapStick, two floss pics, a sewing kit, bandages, emery board, two safety pins, two earring backs, a makeup wipe, two bobby pins, two mints, a deodorant wipe, a Shout wipe, a tampon, hand sanitizer, and Tylenol.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor  Danielle Healy says: "I, your resident forgetful person, bought the NYC skyline version of this at the start of COVID-19 to keep in my work tote. Unfortunately, I haven't touched my work tote in months because...*gestures at the world around*...but it's a really handy kit I know will save me a ton whenever I regularly leave the house again. Everything from Anne Cate is super high-quality. The wallet on its own is adorable and could be used for a million different things."

Get it from Anne Cate for $25 (available in 96 skylines).

33. A Master Lock portable safe  small enough to not take up too much space in your luggage but big enough to hold your valuables while you're out and about all day long. Plus, it's made to be water-resistant. 

Promising review: "This travel safe is great. It's extremely secure and not big or bulky. I used it for international travel. Easy to set, open, and close! Get it!" — KAJ121

Get it from Amazon for $23.61+ (available in black and pink). 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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11 Best Luggage Pieces for International Travel, Tested by Experts

These are the top-tested soft and hardside carry-ons, checked bags, duffels and more to take on your next adventure abroad.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Samsonite freeform hardside expandable spinner.

Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner

Best Carry-On

Away the carry-on.

Best Checked

Briggs & riley 31-inch baseline extra large expandable spinner.

July Checked Luggage

Best for Frequent Travelers

Travelpro platinum elite softside expandable checked luggage.

Best Budget

Delsey paris helium dlx softside expandable luggage.

Best Rolling Duffel

L.l.bean adventure rolling duffle bag, 135l.

Best Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

Best Weekender

Calpak luka duffel.

As you start planning your next trip abroad, looking into hotels, flights and tourist attractions, don't forget that the key to a smooth travel experience is a great piece of luggage. When you're traveling internationally, it's especially important to bring a suitcase that complies with airline restrictions, is comfortable to carry or roll throughout your journey and has plenty of room for all of your belongings and your souvenirs for the trip home.

This top-performing suitcase from our best overall luggage brand Samsonite has repeatedly stood out in the Textiles Lab's and our consumers' tests and is priced under $200 — an incredible value. The hardside carry-on is made of polypropylene and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds, which is one of the lightest bags we've tested, so it won't eat too much into the lower weight restrictions set by many international airlines.

I was impressed by how easy it was to lift and roll the bag around, even when filled with our standard packing load. Despite the lightweight design, this carry-on is spacious with a butterfly-opening, unfolding into two primary compartments for easy packing, and there's an additional one inch of expandable storage with the pull of a zipper.

During our Lab evaluations, we liked how easy it was to pull the bag through our luggage obstacle course. While some testers said the telescopic handle felt a bit loose, the suitcase earned high scores for maneuverability, with testers sharing feedback including "very smooth rolling" and "the wheels moved really well." The material was more prone to scratching than some others we evaluated, but the suitcase proved to be durable overall in our drop tests, resisting major damage.

Listed dimensions: 21.25" x 15.25" x 10" | Weight: 6.5 lbs | Material: Hardside polypropylene | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

With more than 34,000 five-star ratings, t his best-selling suitcase from Amazon Basics is loved by both real users and our consumer testers who say it's worth every penny. Made of lightweight ABS plastic, the hardside suitcase isn't quite as durable as those made of polycarbonate, but the material helps to keep the cost low — under $100 — so I recommend it for someone shopping on a budget.

During our Textiles Lab evaluations for durability, there were some noticeable markings in our scratch tests, but we were impressed by how well the bag maintained its shape after being released repeatedly from our drop tester. Amazon reviewers who regularly use the suitcases say they hold up over time, as well.

When our consumer testers rolled the suitcase through our obstacle course, they were wowed by how smooth the wheels were, with one describing the bag as "very easy to move." We gave the carry-on high scores for packability, as we were able to pack our standard load of belongings (clothing, accessories and toiletries) for a short trip inside with room to spare. Plus, there are interior zippered mesh pockets for easy organization, and the bag expands up to one extra inch for additional packing space.

Listed dimensions: 22" x 14.9" x 10" | Weight: 7.3 lbs | Material: Hardside ABS plastic | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

One of the most popular suitcases on the market, Away's standard carry-on is definitely worth the hype . The bag is available in 11 colors, including on-trend options like green and red, along with neutral hues like gray and black.

Not only is the suitcase simple and stylish from the outside, it's also full of functional features inside to make packing for your next international trip a breeze. The bag unfolds into two separate primary compartments to fit all of your things: one fully zippered side and one with adjustable compression straps, and there are mesh pockets to stash smaller items.

Consumer testers and GH analysts alike love to travel with the Away carry-on, including one who shared, "It fit all of the clothes I needed for a long weekend. It rolled really easily and was light enough to pop in and out of the overhead bin." Testers said the telescopic handle felt flimsier than others they tried, but they were impressed with the bag overall, saying that it was easy to maneuver and roll over different types of flooring, including wood, carpet and tile. And it looked great after our drop and scratch tests, showing no major signs of damage or dents.

Listed dimensions: 9" x 13.7" x 21.7" | Weight: 8.1 lbs | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Briggs & Riley 31-inch Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

The innovative design details of this softside checked bag from Briggs & Riley help to simplify packing for extended trips abroad. The bag features a unique push-button expansion system unlike any other we've evaluated , which allows you to easily expand the bag, fill it with everything you'll need and then compress it back down to its standard size.

One tester who was impressed with the amount of space in the carry-on version of the bag shared, "It fit clothing and accessories for two people for a seven-day summer vacation." And this checked bag offers more than double the packing capacity. Other innovative features include a built-in trifold garment folder for formal attire and reinforced corners for added protection.

At 15.6 pounds, the suitcase does weigh more than other models we've evaluated, but it is made with a nylon material that resisted wear and tear when I tested it in our abrasion machine. It also earned top marks in our latest round of drop testing. Along with performing well for durability, the suitcase received high scores for maneuverability, with smooth wheels and a sturdy telescopic handle.

Listed dimensions: 31" x 22" x 13.8" | Weight: 15.6 lbs | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Rolling a bag through the airport has never been easier than it is with July's classic luggage , including this spacious checked suitcase and its popular carry-on bags . One GH analyst who took the checked bag on a vacation abroad said, "I've never used a suitcase with wheels this smooth." I've personally traveled with luggage from the brand and was blown away by how effortless it was to roll the suitcases, even over carpet and concrete sidewalks.

The telescopic handle technically locks at 20 different heights to prevent it from falling down on its own, and most testers appreciated the slanted grip on the handle, sharing that it was comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver with.

Made with a polycarbonate shell, the suitcase is lightweight and durable, and the corners are reinforced with aluminum bumpers for an added level of protection. The bag held up well after being released repeatedly from our drop tester, but testers noted marks and scuffs on the surface after taking the bag on just one trip.

It boasts 80 liters of packing space and features one fully zippered compartment and one open compartment with a compression panel and Y-strap for security. Even more, it weighs just 8.3 pounds, which is similar to many of the carry-on sized bags we evaluate.

Listed dimensions: 26" x 18.75" x 11" | Weight: 8.3 lbs | Material: Hardside polycarbonate with aluminum corners | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Travelpro luggage was created by a pilot who wanted to make bags specifically for other pilots and airline crewmembers who were always on the go. The result is a collection of highly durable, quality suitcases including the popular Platinum Elite medium checked suitcase.

Built to last, the luggage is made of heavyweight nylon material that performed well when I tested it for abrasion resistance. When I released the bag repeatedly from our drop tester, it showed no signs of damage or dents. Our testers also gave the suitcase high scores for ease of use and appreciated the sturdy feel of the telescopic handle. The suitcase does have a more traditional look, though, which some testers described as "old-fashioned," sharing that they wished it were sleeker.

Full of thoughtful and functional features, the suitcase makes packing and traveling a breeze. The bag can be unzipped to reveal one large packing compartment with compression panels that secure your belongings in place, a removable wet bag for toiletries, a large mesh zippered pocket in the lid for breathable storage and a built-in suiter to help keep more formal clothes in tip-top shape. To prevent the suitcase from tipping over when it's full, it's also designed with a unique tapered expansion system, so the bag is narrower at the top and broader at the bottom.

Listed dimensions: 25" x 18" x 11.25" | Weight: 9.8 lbs | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

While some softside luggage is bulky and pricey, this Helium DLX carry-on from Delsey is lightweight, as the name implies, and it's available for a great value. The polyester material isn't quite as durable or substantial as nylon styles we've tested, but the brand's polyester fabric has performed well overall in our abrasion tests without major wear.

Two external zippered pockets allow for easy access to travel essentials like your phone and ID, so you won't have to hold up the TSA line while scouring through your bag. While the bag unzips to expose only one main compartment for packing, it's equipped with a removable bi-fold organizer and expands by two inches for additional room. One tester said, "I love the pockets." Plus, the inner lining can be fully unzipped and removed for easy cleaning.

I personally carry luggage from Delsey and love the smooth wheels and sturdy telescopic handle, and our testers who tried Delsey's luggage found the handle to be comfortable to grip and use. However, they said the bags were more difficult to maneuver through our obstacle course than others they tested.

Listed dimensions: 12" x 17.75" x 28" | Weight: 8.4 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

A rolling duffel like this one from L.L.Bean is ideal for longer adventures abroad or for overpackers like me. The duffel isn't as structured as standard suitcases, meaning you can compress it and slide it under your bed or in a closet if you're pressed for storage space — and on the other hand, you can really fill it to the brim when you're packing. Just be careful that you're not stuffing it too much because it can be easy to exceed an airline's weight restrictions.

One GH analyst who loves to travel with this bag said that it's one of her go-to picks for family vacations. With just two wheels, our analyst said it's a little more cumbersome to maneuver than a spinner suitcase, but you also have the option to carry the bag with the padded strap.

The bag has a wide opening for easy access to everything you need inside, and outer compression straps keep everything in place. Made of durable polyester material with a reinforced base, the duffel lasts for years and years without signs of wear, according to our analyst. Plus, it's water-resistant inside and out — perfect for inevitable leaks or wet weather. If you're looking for something smaller, the brand carries a variety of sizes to meet your travel needs.

Listed dimensions: 14" x 17.25" x 32.5" | Weight: 8.8 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 1 year

When we evaluated this bag in the Textiles Lab, we were amazed by just how much we could fit inside during our packing tests. Not only did it beat out other travel backpacks we tested, it also outperformed some of our carry-ons because of its spacious interior .

The backpack has a suitcase-style opening and fully unzips to expose a highly organized interior jam-packed with zippered mesh pockets for all of your belongings. It also features a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 17-inch computer.

Made of recycled nylon and polyester, the bag is durable and water-resistant. When I tested it for abrasion resistance in the Lab, there were no visible signs of wear. Details like a sternum strap, waist belt and padded mesh provide comfort and support. With backpack straps that tuck neatly inside the back of the bag and carrying straps on all sides, you can easily grab it to lift into an overhead bin.

Some online reviewers wished it was equipped with a water bottle holder and said the zippers can be finicky, but we didn't have issues with them in the Lab.

Listed dimensions: 22" x 12" x 10" | Weight: 3.5 lbs | Material: Softside polyester and nylon | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Able to hold everything you need for a weekend getaway, this weekender from Calpak was the top performer in our Textiles Lab tests. Not only is the bag totally on-trend, thanks to the puffy padded design and fashionable color options, it's also full of functional features . One tester who used it as her personal item on a long trip said, "This bag fits everything I need and more!"

A GH analyst who used the bag added, "I appreciate the well-organized interior," which includes several zippered pockets and elastic storage. Outside, there's a separate shoe compartment, additional zippered pockets and a water bottle holder. Altogether, there are nine pockets, and the spacious bag aced our packing tests.

If you're pairing it with Calpak's popular luggage , this bag has a trolley sleeve that slides right over the telescopic handle of your suitcase. One tester noted that the stitching that secured the sleeve in place started unraveling a bit after just one use. The bag is made of a smooth polyester material that's comfortable to carry and water-resistant. A tester said, "It poured while I was traveling and everything inside this bag stayed perfectly dry."

Listed dimensions: 12" x 16" x 7" | Weight: 2 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L Duffel Bag

This convertible duffel from Eagle Creek is the perfect adventure travel companion. The bag is durable, combining polyester and nylon for a water-resistant material that also held up well when tested for abrasion resistance . One GH analyst who travels with this duffel said that it still looks great after years of regular rough and tough use.

It's structured and maintains its shape for easy packing, but the duffel can be compressed to bring inside of your suitcase as an extra bag or for compact storage at home. According to our testers and GH analyst, the zippers have large pull tabs that are easy to use, and, according to the brand, they're covered in water-resistant strips for the ultimate protection in wet weather.

The duffel features a reinforced top handle and grab handles along the sides for carrying, and there are adjustable backpack straps for hands-free use that can be connected for an additional carrying strap or tucked inside the bag. Some online reviewers said the backpack straps are on the thinner side and weren't as comfortable as other traditional travel backpacks, but they appreciated the convenient option.

Listed dimensions: 11.5" x 23.25" x 11" | Weight: 2.5 lbs | Material: Softside polyester and nylon | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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Money blog: 9 ways election result could affect money in your pocket

What have Labour and the Tories said about their economic plans - and policies affecting your money? Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news - and leave a comment - in the Money blog below.

Wednesday 22 May 2024 22:19, UK

• Inflation falls to 2.3% - down from 3.2% in March
• Markets now not expecting interest rate cut in June
• Ed Conway analysis:  Is now a good time economically for the PM to have called an election?
• Ian King analysis : Do Sunak and Hunt deserve any credit at all for bringing down inflation?
• Nine ways election result could affect money in your pocket

Essential reads

• Top Northern Ireland chef picks his Cheap Eats - in Belfast and at home
• Easiest countries for Britons to retire
• Money Problem : 'My second-hand Ford is being written off with a known issue - but no one is taking responsibility'
• How to sell your home without an estate agent
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

The pace at which property sales are agreed in the coming weeks is likely to slow because of the general election, a property expert has said.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said buyers who are close to agreeing a sale will "ideally want to push through and agree to sales now".

However, those who are "earlier in the process" may try to "delay decisions until the autumn after the election is over", Mr Donnell said.

This election may not have as much impact as previous ones, though.

That is because there is "not a huge divide in policy between the two main parties", Mr Donnell said.

He also said there were "few specifics on housing other than a focus on reforming the private rental sector and boosting housing supply".

Nevertheless, sales during the whole of 2024 may now fall slightly short of the "1.1m we expected for 2024", he said.

Regarding what those in the sector want to happen, he added: "What businesses and landlords will want to see from all political parties are concrete plans for how we can boost housing supply across all tenures while getting the right reforms to the private rented sector to ensure we maintain supply while giving renters more protections."

Severn Trent water company has hiked its dividend to shareholders after profits rose by a fifth last year, despite sewage spills by the company rising by a third in 2023.

Severn Trent, which provides water to much of Wales and the west of England, lifted its final dividend by 9% to 70.1p per share. 

Meanwhile, its profit rose to £201.3m. 

This comes after the company asked to increase bills by 35.7% over the next five years, and after it was responsible for more than 60,000 sewage spills last year.

BT has been fined £2.8m by the industry watchdog after EE and Plusnet - both of which it owns - failed to provide clear and simple contract information to more than a million customers before they signed up.

Ofcom said the businesses had made more than 1.3 million sales since June 2022 without providing customers with a contract summary and information documents. 

It said this broke the regulator's consumer protection rules, and that the fine "reflects the seriousness of this breach". 

Contactless card fraud has more than doubled after the payment limit was increased to £100 three years ago, according to new figures.

Some £41.5m was lost to contactless card fraud last year, up from £34.9m in 2022 and £19.1m in 2021, a report from UK Finance shows. 

The limit for contactless payments rose to £100 in October 2021, up from £45. 

Fraud experts say this has made bank cards a bigger target for criminal gangs.

An election has been called, and the main parties now have six weeks to make their pitch to voters.

Central to their manifestos will be what they will do with your money - their plans for taxes, pensions, childcare and so on.

So what have the Conservatives and Labour said so far on money matters, what has been reported in the media and what could change with a new government?

Triple lock and pension age

This is a key issue for many voters, particularly older ones - traditionally more likely to vote Tory.

Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, says the pension triple-lock is one of the few things both parties have been "crystal clear on".

Both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have committed to the policy for the next five years. Reminder - the lock guarantees the state pension rises by the highest of average earnings growth, inflation or 2.5%.

Another key issue is retirement age: Mr Selby says that although neither party is likely to talk about it on the campaign trail, there's a chance pension age increases will come into focus for the next government.

"The current state pension age is 66, with plans in place to raise this to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046," he says. "However, there have been calls from various quarters to accelerate that timetable in order to save the Treasury money."

Lifetime allowance

According to reports, Labour would consider plans to reintroduce the lifetime allowance - the limit on pension pots someone can build up over their lifetime without a tax penalty. It was abolished in April this year.

We'll see if this is actually something they commit to in the coming weeks, however.

Automatic refunds for train delays

Labour has pledged to renationalise rail services within five years. Automatic refunds for train delays and better internet connection on trains are also planned.

VAT on private school fees?

This idea has been mooted by Labour several times in recent years.

Keir Starmer said it was not an "attack on private schools" but a way to get more funding for state schools. He suggested that schools could absorb the cost increase rather than passing it on to parents in fees.

Lost pensions

Tackling the issue of "lost" pension posts will probably be a "big focus" for the next government, Mr Selby, from AJ Bell, says.

An estimated £27bn of pensions money is sitting in accounts that have become disconnected from their owner.

"Proposed pensions dashboards should help make it easier for Brits to find lost pensions. The reforms, due to be introduced in 2026, will allow people to see all of their retirement pots in one place, online," he says.

At the last budget in March, Jeremy Hunt announced the creation of a British ISA - which would allow savers to invest £5,000 a year tax-free in the UK stock market.

It has since been delayed pending a consultation.

Labour has said it will look to simplify ISAs, something Mr Selby welcomes: "No sensible person designing a savings system from scratch would propose the plethora of different ISAs we have on offer today."

However, Labour has offered much detail for its simplification plan.

Tax is a key battleground in any election.

It's a divisive issue, as Laura Suter, personal finance director at AJ Bell, concedes: "For some, taxes need to rise in order to fund already-stretched public services. For others, ever-increasing tax bills are evidence that public spending is out of control and taxes need to be cut to incentivise growth."

The Tories are likely to tout cuts to National Insurance as proof of their commitment to cut taxes, she says - we have already seen two 2p cuts in the last year.

Labour will argue, though, that their rivals have increased taxes by stealth by freezing tax thresholds - and can point to record high tax burdens facing Britons.

"In truth," Ms Suter says, "there is very little wiggle room in either direction. Taxpayers will struggle to stomach further tax increases, while tax cuts will eat into the future chancellor's budgets, which is crucial to any spending commitments either party plan on."

Housing and first-time buyers

This is another big concern for voters, with the potential to divide young and old.

"First-time buyers will want to see an extension to support helping them get a foot on the ladder," Ms Suter says, "while existing homeowners will hope for policies that moderate inflation and increase the likelihood of interest rate cuts."

She highlights an issue for aspiring homeowners with the Lifetime ISA.

The property limit, she says, is "frozen in time" at £450,000 since the ISAs were launched seven years ago. Since then, average house prices in the UK have gone up from £219,000 to £283,000. If the limit had increased with house prices it would be £580,500 today, she says.

"Many aspiring homebuyers will have signed up to the accounts years ago, not realising that it would take so long to get on the property ladder and that they might fall foul of the property limit in the future," she says.

"What makes the situation more galling for first-time buyers who have been priced out of using the Lifetime ISA is that they now face losing some of their own money when they withdraw their cash from the accounts, thanks to the onerous withdrawal penalty. Anyone who exceeds the £450,000 limit, even by just £1, will be hit with the 25% exit charge on the Lifetime ISA, as their purchase will no longer be within the rules."

The Tories announced an expansion of free childcare to all children under five in England last year.

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson had refused to commit to the £4bn expanded scheme, but Labour has since said it would keep it in place.

Ms Suter calls the policy a "helpful boost" to parents' finances, saving them almost £3,500 a year on nursery fees depending on location, but cautions: "It's essential that the next government keeps a close eye on the rollout and ensures that any wrinkles in the system are ironed out quickly."

There's a case for going further, she says, and reforming the entire system, "which provides a hotchpotch of different subsidies for parents that frustrates families, leaves nursery finance departments scratching their heads, and creates an extra admin burden for the tax office."

"The economy, stupid." 

The phrase was coined by James Carville, a strategist of Bill Clinton in 1992, as a US recession helped unseat George W Bush.

The phrase emphasises the link between the fortunes of a country's economy and election results, and seems apposite today as Rishi Sunak called a 4 July poll after inflation returned to 2.3% - or "normal levels", as he called it.

Ed Conway , our economics editor, has been on air giving his thoughts about whether focusing on the economy is a good strategy for the PM...

He said: "The economy was driven through that speech from the prime minister.

"We're out of recession. That's one of the key things they were waiting for. Inflation is now down to a normal level.

"Those things have been ticked off [but] there's a couple of issues. 

"First of all, it doesn't look like, with inflation not falling quite as far as everyone would have expected, that the final thing they were hoping for, the Bank of England cutting interest rates, is going to happen in June. There probably is not going to be an interest rate cut before the election. That's quite significant.

"Secondly, when people look at this election, it's that old question: do you feel better off than you did four or five years ago? 

"And in this case, there is no parliamentary period in history where people have seen their real disposable incomes squeezed as much as this one. 

"That's what the prime minister's fighting against. He will say that was down to the pandemic. It was down to what's happening in Ukraine at the moment.

"But for a lot of people, they are still finding it quite painful, even though inflation is back to normal levels. That's the legacy of the last few years that people are feeling in their pockets."

Nearly a third of shoppers believe the quality of food and drink in supermarkets has decreased in the last two years, according to a survey. 

Some 33% of those questioned by Which? said they had noticed a change in quality, with 94% of this group saying it had got worse. 

The survey found most complaints were about fruit and vegetables, although shoppers also reported a decline in quality in supermarket own-brand food, chilled and frozen ready meals, branded food, and fresh meat and fish.

The consumer site said one of the factors could be that customers have higher expectations due to prices increasing sharply. 

But other factors could also include a series of poor harvests for fruit and vegetables due to adverse weather conditions and climate change. 

Plus, many supermarkets have removed best-before dates from most fruit and vegetables in a move to reduce food waste.

This could mean some fresh items might be sitting on supermarket shelves for longer, or items could be spoiling sooner once they're bought than they had previously. 

More survey respondents reported declines in food quality at Tesco (43%) and Sainsbury's (42%). 

This was followed by Morrisons (17%), Aldi (16%), Asda (16%), Waitrose (14%), Lidl (11%) and M&S (10%). 

However, Which? said this order broadly reflects retailer market share so could just be down to where people shop most frequently. 

The Money team has contacted the supermarkets for comment.

Research by Compare the Market suggests 69% of home movers are surprised by some of the costs involved.

The comparison site calculated what it describes as "hidden costs" - and came out with an average sum of £5,837.

People moving home reported legal fees being larger than expected, as well as the surprisingly high cost of hiring a removal van or paying for short-term storage, according to Compare the Market. 

Others said they were surprised by the high cost of mortgage arrangement fees and their homebuyer survey. 

Here's the data...

Every Wednesday we get Michelin chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to Stephen Toman, chef owner at the one Michelin starred Ox restaurant in Belfast.

Hi Stephen , c an you tell us your favourite places in Northern Ireland  where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

Rarely do I get out with being in the restaurant so much but when I get a chance I like to go somewhere casual.

There's a great little pub not too far from me that does great pub grub and an even better Guinness. It's called Robert Stewart's , or Bob Stewart's to the locals. I recommend the peppered steak and a pint of the black stuff to wash it down.

For in the city centre I recommend Ora . The perfect spot for small plates and wines by the glass. Super cocktails also. The bang bang chicken or the pork fritters never fail.

What's your go-to cheap meal at home?

Cooking at home, I try to keep it simple. I enjoy making Mexican with my daughter, she is crazy about fish tacos. We normally just serve it with guacamole, salsa, spiced rice and coriander mayo.

Other than that it has to be a Sunday roast, even on a Tuesday. My favourite is a good quality ham, glazed with maple, orange and clove, served with fondant potatoes and spring greens. Use a little bit of the ham stock to deglaze the roasting tray, and thicken with a few knobs of butter for the sauce.

We've spoken to top chefs around the UK - check out their Cheap Eats here...

Inflation came in at 2.3% in April - but this is a round up of various sectors, some of which saw prices rise or fall at vastly different rates.

A cut to Ofgem's energy price cap and the associated cheaper bills were a leading driver of April's inflation rate fall.

Prices of electricity, gas and other fuels fell by 27.1% in the year to April 2024, the largest fall on record, according to the Office for National Statistics. 

While they didn't fall, food and drink price rises slowed for the 13th month in a row to 2.9% in April, from 4% in March. This is the lowest level since November 2021.

However, services inflation, a critical indicator for Bank of England policymakers, dipped slightly from 6% in March to 5.9% in April, coming in ahead of the 5.4% rate that some economists had been predicting.

This was driven by more volatile aspects of the sector, such as hotels and live music.

As we've been discussing, today's inflation data could set back interest rate cuts - with the Bank of England having stated it needs evidence inflation can hit and stay at the 2% target before it acts.

Headline inflation is now within touching distance of the target - but 2.3% wasn't as low as expected and core inflation, which strips out the volatile elements, is still at 3.9%.

Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said the smaller-than-expected fall in inflation makes a June rate cut "unlikely" and "casts some doubt over August too". 

Capital Economics had forecasted that rates would fall from 5.25% now to 3% next year, but Mr Dales says this now looks "more challenging". 

He said today's data would have been a "blow" for the Bank of England and Rishi Sunak, despite inflation being closer to the 2% target than it has been for three years.

He pointed out that restaurant and hotel inflation rose from 5.8% to 6%, while cultural services inflation (including concerts and cinemas) rose from 5.4% to 8.3%.

"Even though there is still a wages and a CPI release to go before the Bank of England meeting on 20 June, it feels as though a cut then now seems very unlikely," Mr Dales said.

"Our forecast is that lower energy prices and a faster fading of persistence (due to the previous weakness of the economy) will mean inflation falls below 2% in the coming months and perhaps even close to 1% later this year."

"If so, the BoE may eventually end up cutting interest rates from 5.25% now to 3.00% next year."

However, he said he was "more worried" about that forecast now and it might not happen as soon. 

As billed by our City editor Mark Kleinman yesterday , the used car business has gone into administration - just three years after listing in New York at a valuation of $8bn. 

Cazoo had warned earlier this month it might need to file for administration, and has now appointed restructuring advisers at Teneo to handle the insolvency. 

The business was launched in 2018 as an online retailer and supplier of used cars.

More recently it had become an advertising marketplace similar to Auto Trader, prompting 728 job cuts. 

It now has about 200 employees. 

The business, which invested aggressively in marketing, had struggled to turn a profit and had made losses before tax of £525.5m in 2022. 

Teneo said almost 100 car dealers had expressed an interest in trading on its marketing platform and that administrators hoped to conclude a sale in the coming weeks. 

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