travel purse uk

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Luggage + Bags
• Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags

From Crossbody Bags to Totes, T+L Editors Share Their Favorite Purses for Traveling

We reach for these purses every time we start packing for a trip.

In This Article

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Safeguarding your valuables is extremely important when you’re traveling to a new destination, so consider investing in a purse with travel-friendly features. While functionality is important, a travel purse can also be stylish and versatile to pair with any outfit. 

Travel + Leisure editors are frequent-fliers and experts in styling travel accessories with limited wardrobes on the go. I asked my fellow travel editors to share their favorite purses they own and love, and they delivered a variety of functional and fashionable recommendations. From designer shoulder bags to packable crossbodies, there are styles for every type of traveler on this list.

July Everyday Crescent Bag

I’m a big fan of July luggage , so I had to try their crescent bag on a trip to Greece. It was versatile enough to use for hiking, sightseeing, and going out to dinner, and I loved the adjustable strap for wearing it as a crossbody or shoulder bag. I took the purse on a 7-mile hike and the main compartment is big enough to fit three 16-ounce water bottles along with all my other essentials like a wallet, sunscreen, and a baseball cap. This bag also got shoved under multiple airplane seats (we had six flights in total) during the trip and the canvas material held up perfectly without any marks or stains. 

Quince Italian Leather Crossbody Bag

Quince is one the best places to buy high-quality travel accessories that won’t break the bank. Their Italian Leather Crossbody Bag is the perfect size for storing the essentials since it’s spacious yet compact. Considering it’s made with genuine leather, the price is so good that you might want to pick up more than one of the eight color options available.

“It’s roomy without feeling oversized and compact without feeling too small — as Goldilocks would say, it’s just right,” senior commerce editor Emily Belfiore shared. “I love the adjustable crossbody strap, which I ended up tightening for a more secure fit to make it drape closer to my body, and that it comes in so many luxe textures and colors. I actually overheard someone walk by me and say ‘I love her bag.’”

All Saints Blake Shoulder Bag

This spacious satchel from All Saints is the ideal size for travelers looking for a little extra space when they’re on the go. For all-day adventures, this bag can store sunscreen, water bottles, a book, and more without having to lug around a tote bag or backpack. The white or black leather material and chain detailing makes this bag much cuter than an average fanny back, too. 

“I can't travel with a tiny purse because I need to fill my bag with sunglasses, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, 10 lipgloss options, and more — let's just say I'm an overpacker,” commerce testing editor Jackie Cucco admitted. “I bought this bag the second I saw it because it's big enough to fit more than just the essentials, but it also sits relatively flat against the body, so it won't add bulk while you're out and about.”

Prada Re-edition 2005 Re-nylon and Saffiano Mini Bag

Bring a little piece of Italy with you wherever you go with Prada’s iconic Re-nylon and Saffiano Mini Bag. Made with flexible recycled nylon fabric, this purse is more packable than a structured leather bag, and it still offers plenty of storage space. The designer bag can be dressed down with jeans during the day or dressed up with a dress and heels at night, making it particularly versatile for traveling.

“It's the perfect small, but not too small, handbag that can fit my phone, hotel keys, wallet, lip gloss, and other knick knacks without feeling too bulky on my shoulder,” T+L senior commerce editor Jasmine Grant said. “The nylon fabric is perfect because it not only repels liquid and stains, but it also easily tucks into my suitcase, and I never have to worry about it getting crushed or damaged.”

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

Crescent bags are all the rage when it comes to travel purse styles, especially this one from Uniqlo that you may have already seen on your social media feed. It has tons of room to store a travel wallet , shades, sunscreen, and more. When you’re not using it, the bag can be folded up and stored in a suitcase. Plus, it’s hard to beat the affordable price for such a stylish and practical purse.

“I was influenced to buy this after seeing it all over social media, and I have since bought three more,” T+L updates writer Anne Taylor gushed. “You can make the design go with pretty much any outfit depending on the color you buy and I love that it feels secure and sturdy. You can also fit so much stuff inside.”

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Abigail Moore

Shinola The Mini Bixby Basket Bag

The best part about this woven bag from Detroit-based brand Shinola is that it comes with an adjustable and removable crossbody strap, which means the purse can be styled in multiple ways. For dressier occasions, it has tote straps to carry it as a handbag, or you can attach the longer strap for a more casual daytime outfit. No matter which way you wear the purse, we love that it has a privacy flap in addition to the magnetic closure for safeguarding the items packed inside.

“I've been sporting this adorable basket bag for the past few weeks and I swear that I have never been complimented more on an accessory,” T+L commerce writer Ali Domrongchai said. “Beyond its aesthetics, this bag is surprisingly spacious and features adjustable straps for comfortable carrying as a shoulder bag, crossbody, or handbag. Plus, it's designed with a magnetic flap that covers and keeps your belongings secure.”

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

There’s a reason why the Lululemon Belt Bag is constantly out of stock: it makes the perfect travel bag. The sporty sling bag can fit travel essentials like passports, phone wallets , earbuds, snacks, and more all in the main compartment. The material is also featherlight, so it won’t weigh you down while sightseeing or dashing through an airport.

“I love how easy this bag makes it to go hands-free when traveling and I literally bring it everywhere with me, from the pool or beach out to brunch and walking around the city. It allows me to take just what I want to have with me when I'm out and about without being bulky, plus it's cute enough to blend well with most of my daytime outfits, too,” commerce editor Sophie Mendel said, giving the belt bag her travel-editor stamp of approval.

Kaai Mini Bowler Bag

This leather camera bag-style purse came with me on a girls trip and I got so many compliments throughout the weekend. The leather material is sleek and stylish, and the square shape of the bag makes it easy to pack a range of items from lip balm to sunglasses. It has an adjustable crossbody strap to style it across the body or keep it shortened as a shoulder bag. My favorite part is the magnetic slip pocket in the back for accessing a phone or plane tickets easily while still being protected in the back of the purse. 

Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag

I’m not saying packable bags are superior to structured purses, but it’s a lot easier to bring multiple bags on a trip if the material is flexible like this Baggu bag. The nylon fabric makes it easy to fold the bag into a compact size, and it’s also easy to keep the bag clean. Oh, and did we mention it’s machine washable, too?

“I love this Baggu shoulder bag for traveling — the nylon material is practically begging to be shoved into the depths of my backpack and it always comes out looking as good as new,” senior writer Merrell Readman gushed. “I love the adjustable shoulder strap that is comfortable to wear, and the primary compartment has plenty of space for everything from my headphones and wallet to a mini umbrella.”

MZ Wallace Metro Quatro Tote

For maximizing space while traveling, this spacious MZ Wallace tote bag is your best option. Find yourself at a flea market in Paris? Buy one too many shoes while shopping on Oxford Street? This tote is plenty big enough to store all of your purchases without having to lug around shopping bags. It’s also much more stylish than other tote bags on the market and it comes with a removable crossbody strap as an extra helpful touch.

“MZ Wallace’s organizational features are second to none and this bag has four outer slip pockets and two outer zip pockets in addition to that main compartment. It’s surprisingly roomy; I appreciate both the additional zipper pocket inside and the pouch on a leash where I can easily find smaller items without rooting around inside,” associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker raved. “While I used to always bring a just-in-case cotton tote when traveling, this is now my go-to since it’s easy to pack but also has a zipper top so I know my things are safe inside.”

Tumi Persia Crossbody

If you’re not a fan of belt bags, this compact crossbody is a great alternative. It’s about the size of a fanny pack, but it has a slimmer vertical design with a top zipper and multiple compartments. The bag has a discreet pocket on the back to keep a phone hidden but easily accessible for directions or answering calls. Tumi also offers free monogramming with up to three characters as an extra special touch.  

“It fits an incredible amount for its size — like my phone, wallet, passport, earbuds, a snack, and even my Kindle. I converted to this from a belt bag because there’s no risk of everything toppling out if I bend over with the bag unzipped (which has unfortunately happened to me with a belt bag worn across my chest) and I love the easy access of the zippered front pocket for cash and the back slip pocket to tuck in my phone and ID,” Parker said.

Radley London Sloane Street Medium Ziptop Shoulder

While shoulder bags aren’t typically spacious, this one from Radley London is deceptively large without compromising a compact design for traveling. The leather purse can fit more than just the typical travel items, (wallet, earbuds, passport, etc.) which makes it the perfect option for travelers looking for a fashionable and functional handbag.

“The key to a travel purse is whether or not it can fit the essentials; for me, that means my wallet, a small bag of toiletries like lip gloss and perfume, and a book,” commerce editor Taylor Fox said. “I was shocked to discover that this dainty and stylish bag actually fits all of those items (including most paperbacks and smaller hardcover books). The bag also features small interior pockets to keep organized and both a zipper and clip closure to keep your items extra secure.”

Tips for Buying a Travel Purse

Know your storage and organization needs.

There are tons of different styles of packing purses, so you’ll want to opt for the size and design that fits your needs best. Over-packers (like me) should opt for a larger purse like a tote or spacious crossbody bag—which you can always combine with a small wallet or wristlet to give yourself options. Minimalist or carry-on-only travelers can get by with a belt bag or compact phone purse. If you bring a larger bag on a trip, you may want to invest in some travel pouches for extra organization for more packed items. 

Consider portability

If you want to bring more than one purse on a trip, we recommend bringing a few packable options made from nylon or canvas. Purses made of fabric (versus leather) will be easier to fold down and pack in a carry-on or tote bag, which offers you variety in bag styles on a trip. 

Think about anti-theft protection

Pickpocketing and theft are, unfortunately, just part of the risks of traveling. Some helpful anti-theft features in a purse include discrete zippers, hidden compartments, and anti-slash fabric. Purses with a crossbody strap are also more secure, since they can't be taken off as easily as a shoulder strap or handbag.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the airplane regulations when it comes to in-cabin luggage, but a purse can usually count as a personal item if you also have a duffel, tote, or carry-on. Most airlines offer different luggage requirements depending on your seat class, so you’ll want to double-check before trying to board with too many items. Since most purses can fit underneath a seat, it can certainly be counted as a personal item.

Most of the time, a purse will come with manufacturer instructions on how to clean a purse. Some materials like leather or suede require higher maintenance for upkeep, but if the material is nylon or canvas, it can likely be spot-cleaned with a bit of water and soap. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is an associate commerce editor Travel + Leisure , where she covers all the best travel products from comfy shoes to carry-ons. Anna is a notorious over-packer and always brings multiple purses in her checked bag for most trips. She gathered travel purse recommendations from fellow T+L editors and added a few of her personal favorites to create this list of the best travel purses. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

• New In Stock
• Travel Bundle
• Backpack Bundle
• Aspen + 2 Free Straps
• Aspen + Free Coin Purse

Isobel Bundle

• Free Fabric Strap

Work Bundle

• Harper Backpack/ Across Body
• How to choose your Travel Bag
• Exclusive Travel Bag Offer
• Jennie Travel Bag
• Mini Jen Travel Bag
• Zoe Travel Bag
• Travel Collection
• Emma Sling Bag
• O'Grady Dog Bag
• Sarah Laptop Bag
• Expander-LITE
• Packing Cubes
• Folding Bags
• Andi Handbag Organisers
• Toiletry & Makeup Bags
• Travel Wallet
• Laundry Bags
• Alex Folding Holdall
• Oxford Folding Backpack
• Mel - 2 in 1 Convertible Bag
• Handbag Accessories
• LAST CLICKS
• Factory Seconds
• Vagari - The Men's Collection
• Jennie Changing Bag
• Mini Jen Changing Bag
• Baby Changing Mat
• Makeup & Toiletry Bags
• Fabric Bag Straps
• Adjustable Faux-Leather Straps
• Plain Fabric Straps
• Buckle Bag Straps
• Isobel Adjustable Strap
• Wrist Strap
• Lily Non Adjustable Straps
• Beni Beach Bag
• Lou Toiletry Case
• RFID Travel Wallets
• Alex Folding Bag
• PVC Accessories
• Makeup & Toiletry Bags
• Large Coin Purse
• Small Coin Purse
• New Coin Purse
• Multi-Purpose Case
• Detachable Clips for Chelsea
• Mobility Clips
• Buggy Clips
• Handbag Tassels
• Jewellery Clearance Sale
• All Jewellery
• Clothes SALE
• Winter Boots
• Robell Trousers
• Mia Tui Loyalty Points
• How We Measure Travel Bags
• Hannah MacCaig Designs
• Mia Tui Factory
• How to Fold Your Expander-LITE
• How to Fold Your Alex
• How to Fold Your Mel
• How to Fold Your Oxford
• How to Add Removable Strap
• How to Tighten a Zip
• How to Use The Repair Paint
• How to Open a Bag Charm
• Exchange & Returns
• Mia Tui Faux-Leather
• The Repair Shop
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Behind The Scenes

🇬🇧Mia Tui Order Line 01908 714562 - Free UK Shipping On Orders Over £25🇬🇧

• O'Grady Dog Bag
• Toiletry & Makeup Bags

Meet Charlotte

Travel bags, mia tui - a bag for all reasons.

Unmissable Offer

Buy 1 Isobel Get 2nd Half Price

Isobel is our much loved small Across-Body bag.

This is an offer you don't want to miss.. Buy 1 get the 2nd Half Price!

Get 2 Free Straps

Get 2 Free Straps When You Buy The Aspen Worth £24

Expander-LITE - Unfold: Pack: Go!

Meet the ultimate travel companion! The Expander-LITE offers an unbeatable combination of spaciousness and lightness, ensuring your journeys are always hassle free.

As with all our Travel Bags the Expander-LITE has a pocket on the back that slips over the handles of your suitcase, so your bag fits easily on top of your suitcase.

Offers Just For You

Aspen Bundle

Get a Free Large Coin Purse worth £12.99 in our Bundle offer. Aspen is one of our most popular bags.

Travel Bag Bundle

Mia Tui Travel Bags make travel easier! Get a FREE Travel Wallet worth £18.99 in our Bundle Offe

Get a FREE Small Coin Purse in our Isobel Bundle. You will love how much you fit in a small bag.

Stay organised at work with our Work Bundle. Get a Free Megan Bag worth £28 when you buy any Work Bag.

• Marketplace
• Help & FAQs

• Returns Information
• Contact Preferences

Women's Travel Bags

Whether it’s a staycation or vacation on the agenda, we’ll send you packing in style with our edit of super-cute women’s travel bags. Prepping for short getaways will be a breeze with our pick of women’s weekender bags, overnight styles and holdalls. Want something practical? Totes have our vote – filter by ASOS DESIGN for women’s travel bags in roomy tote styles complete with slogans and vibrant prints. Or for monogram pieces, River Island has women’s weekender bags featuring their instantly recognisable branding. And if you need a little more room for all those outfit options, browse durable women’s travel bags and weekender bags from Artsac – we’re *sold* on the extra pockets. Looking for more? Scroll our women’s bag edit and maybe take a peek at our accessories while you’re at it…

• New in date
• Sale/New Season
• Leather/Non Leather
• Price Range

233 styles found

ASOS DESIGN scuba holdall weekend bag in black

Cabin Max 20l metz underseat hybrid backpack 40 x 20 x 25cm in lavender

Cabin Max Narvik underseat trolley bag 40 x 20 x 25cm in bodo green

The North Face Base camp duffel in red/black- extra large

Cabin Max Luggage Set in Black

From £59.95

Cabin Max 20l metz underseat backpack 40x20x25cm in black

£34.95 £19.95

Cabin Max Travel Hack Luggage Set in Black

From £79.00

Cabin Max 40l seville cabin case 55 x 40 x 20cm in black rose

£60.00 £50.00

The North Face Base camp duffel in red/black - large

adidas Performance duffel bag in green

Monki slouch holdall bag in black

Rains 14220 waterproof Hilo small weekend bag in metallic pink

ASOS DESIGN easy tote bag in black

ASOS DESIGN oversized heavyweight canvas tote bag in black

ASOS DESIGN tote bag with pocket detail and removable laptop compartment

ASOS DESIGN suede tote bag with buckle in khaki green

ASOS DESIGN large scoop tote bag in brown

ASOS DESIGN large slouchy sling tote bag in black

Topshop Thom nylon oversized tote bag with ruched detail in leopard

ASOS DESIGN washed scoop sling crossbody bag in bronze

The North Face Half Dome large logo tote bag in off white

ASOS DESIGN hardware handle clean bag tote in black

Glamorous slouch tote shoulder bag in black

ASOS DESIGN tote bag with ring detail

Glamorous tote bag in brown

ASOS DESIGN weave tubular tote bag in black

Glamorous two tone straw beach tote bag in natural

Rains 14160 unisex waterproof tote bag mini in black

ASOS DESIGN weave tubular tote bag in chocolate brown

ASOS DESIGN large slouchy sling tote bag in grey

Cabin Max Travel hack underseat backpack 40x20x25cm in black

£40.00 £29.00

ASOS DESIGN soft pleat detail tote bag in black

Accessorize Leo shopper tote bag in black

New Balance cord tote bag in beige

ASOS DESIGN linen stripe tote bag in blue

ASOS DESIGN suede buckle detail tote bag in green

Weekday Carry oversized shoulder bag in black

Cabin Max 20l vela under seat holdall 40 x 20 x 25cm in black

£45.00 £35.00

ASOS DESIGN cord tubular handle canvas tote bag in green

PASQ large tote bag with inside pouch in bone grey

Herschel Supply Co classic tote in black

Pull&Bear canvas shopper bag in ecru

& Other Stories large leather tote bag in black

Dickies thorsby quilted tote bag in black

ASOS DESIGN canvas tote bag with contrast strap and detachable crossbody bag strap

£20.00 £15.00

Topshop Gilbert grab bag with ruched handle in leopard

ASOS DESIGN oversized washed tote bag with hardware detail in tan

Bershka tote bag in brown cow print

AllSaints Underground tote bag in stone

Accessorize crochet beach tote bag in lime green

£50.00 £25.00

Topshop Tink tote bag in black

Bershka quilted maxi tote bag in black

ASOS DESIGN leather buckle detail tote bag in black

Dickies fisherville tote bag in black

Baggu shopper tote bag in cat table print

& Other Stories small leather tote bag in black

& Other Stories small leather tote bag in brown

ASOS 4505 padded woven gym tote bag in black

ASOS DESIGN easy tote bag in tan

Pull&Bear bubble shoulder bag in charcoal grey

AllSaints Underground tote bag in black

Topshop Chloe crossbody tote bag in black crackle

ASOS Weekend Collective sling bag in neutral

Rains 14220 unisex waterproof small weekend bag in black

Rains 14200 unisex waterproof weekend duffel bag in black

ASOS DESIGN holdall weekend bag in black

The North Face Half Dome logo tote bag in off white

£22.00 £13.20

River Island Beige woven slouch tote bag in cream

Stradivarius PU tote bag in black

The North Face Base Camp Voyager 32L duffel bag in brown

My Accessories frill tote bag in blue check

Topshop Tatum straw tote bag in black stripe

£48.00 £36.00

You've viewed 72 of 233 products

• Tote Travel Bags

The Best Handbags for Flying, According to Those Who Catch Planes Like Buses

Preparing for a flight is as much about carefully organising your carry-on as it is about packing your suitcase . Whether you always bring a big carry-on to maximise your weight allowance or you prefer to travel light with a handbag just big enough for a passport, we have a feeling you'll fall for these A-list–approved options. The arrivals terminal at LAX is now its own street style spot, meaning we know how much stars love bringing cool carry-ons while travelling. Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid always rely on the same roomy totes for their fashion week travelling, meanwhile, Selena Gomez and Kate Bosworth go against the usual travel bag rules with their carry-ons. Scroll below to see the best handbags for long-haul flights, according to Bella, Sienna, Selena and more.

Style Notes: Sienna Miller used her oversized Roger Vivier tote to brighten up her simple travel outfit, as the yellow gives personality to the white T-shirt, black culottes and Ray-Ban wayfarers.

Style Notes: Kendall Jenner spends a lot of time travelling—whether she's jetting off to fashion month or a Kardashian/Jenner/West holiday. She tends to carry a large tote bag or holdall, and we love her latest addition: a  Gucci logo duffle bag with red straps and detailing that has plenty of room for long-haul necessities.

Style Notes: Bella Hadid almost always carries a style from her go-to brand for the airport—a black Givenchy Lucrezia duffel bag or a Givenchy Antigona tote bag . Decisions, decisions.

Related: These 12 Handbags Are Trending—But Which One Do You Love the Most?

Style Notes: While many of us will carry as much as we're allowed to on board, Selena Gomez shows that sometimes it pays to travel light (this is a whole lot easier when you're a celebrity with a fleet of assistants, of course). The benefit of taking a deceptively roomy number like her Coach bag is that you can easily find your passport, boarding pass and liquids that you're usually scrambling to find at the bottom of a bigger tote.

Style Notes: Michelle Williams shows that a minimal bucket bag looks particularly elegant. The benefit of travelling with a simple bag like this is that it will go with everything in your suitcase when you reach your destination.

Style Notes: Unlike Kendall Jenner, Kate Bosworth tends to travel with small handbags rather than holdalls. While the Rochas micro bag she once wore to the airport would only work if used in tandem with an overspill bag (welcome to our daily club), this medium-sized Loewe bag is the perfect plane companion (it also adds some colour to a simple all-navy look).

Style Notes: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley  is one of the best dressed travellers. When it comes to handbags, she always carries an oversized minimal tote bag by either Saint Laurent or Céline.

Style Notes: Dakota Johnson was spotted in arrivals with Gucci's new hero bag: the brown suede Reb(Belle).

For more shopping inspiration, join our Facebook group  So… Should I Buy This?

It's time to be more Sienna.

By Harriet Davey

Serious savings ahead.

By Florrie Alexander

Wise investments.

Basic but not boring.

By Remy Farrell

Low-key excellence.

An editor's picks.

Oh so cool.

Recommended by you.

"Cult" doesn't begin to cover it.

By Kelsey Clark

Timeless investments.

• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy
• Accessibility Statement
• Advertise with us

Who What Wear UK is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Looks like you are visiting us from the

Would you like to visit the store?

Over 100 Years of Expertise

Free delivery*, lifetime warranty, free returns, country/region.

• GBP £ | Guernsey
• GBP £ | Isle of Man
• GBP £ | Jersey
• GBP £ | United Kingdom
• USD $ | United States
• AUD $ | Australia
• EUR € | Europe
• International

Popular Searches

• Icon Stripe
• Soft Stripe

Introducing the limited edition 1914 Collection, celebrating 110 years of travel excellence.

Hard Shell Suitcases

Travel Bags

Soft Shell Suitcases

The British Travel Brand. Since 1914.

Named after Antler’s founding year, our new collection pays homage to over a century of craftsmanship in leather luggage and travel goods. Using only the finest quality leather, each piece is responsibly sourced and crafted to age beautifully.

leather ICON STRIPE CABIN WITH POCKET

CHELSEA OVERNIGHT

ICON STRIPE MEDIUM

Leather Cross-body

SOFT STRIPE LARGE

LUGGAGE COVER

Which size cabin case is right for you?

Choosing the right cabin suitcase can be a game-changer for your travels. Whether you're a frequent weekender or simply prefer to keep your luggage within reach when travelling, our varied range of cabin suitcases and sizes has something for everyone.

Cabin Suitcase in Indigo Blue - Icon Stripe

Expandable cabin suitcase in antler green - icon stripe.

Meet the lightest suitcase

Made from 100% recycled materials and an ultra lightweight construction, you can now say goodbye to packing woes. The all new Soft Stripe suitcase allows you to pack more without worrying about weight restrictions.

Lightest Cabin Suitcase in Indigo - Soft Stripe

Lightest large suitcase in black - soft stripe.

Build your travel set

Achieve Icon status in 1, 2, 3. Create your dream luggage combination with an exclusive 15% saving on your suitcase set.

Suitcase Set in Mist Blue - Icon Stripe

Expander cabin suitcase set in antler green - icon stripe.

Since 1914, we have been building an extraordinary legacy of travel expertise — designing and manufacturing quality luggage ‘for those who travel often’.

Our Stories

An icon born from 110 years of expertise

As we unveil our new Icon Collection, our campaign invites you to become the hero of your own travel...

Icon Stripe: The hero of hard stripe

The Icon Stripe is the pinnacle of travel sophistication. Our all-new hard shell suitcase is...

Soft Stripe: Our lightest & most responsible suitcase

Experience weightless journeys with our ultra-lightweight soft shell suitcase. Feather-light for flexible travel...

Our legacy in travel will enable yours. Trusted and tested for over 100 years. Travel with Antler to create a lifetime of memories.

We offer free standard delivery on all luggage, including express shipping for those last minute purchases.

Our lifetime warranty on all suitcases shows our commitment to product quality and durability. We believe that every case should last a lifetime.

Our hassle-free returns process, allows you to arrange a convenient date and time from your preferred address within 28 days of delivery, all free of charge.

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

Your cart is empty

Have an account?

Log in to check out faster.

Everyone Needs a Crossbody Bag for Their Next Trip

Consider this style the Goldilocks of purses—it's lightweight, secure, and can fit more than you'd expect.

While the right luggage sets and weekender bags can make your transit significantly easier, I'd argue that choosing the best travel purse is even more critical. While there are tons of travel bags you can bring with you, crossbody options, specifically, are often the best way to go. These are the bags that you rely on when going on day trips or smaller excursions, and we found the best ones that expertly mix both style and function.

Even though cross-bodies are an endlessly chic bag style , not just anyone will work as the perfect travel bag. If you pick a bag too small, you'll be left juggling your essentials while sightseeing. Pick one that's too large, and you'll wish you'd left it behind in the hotel. Finding one with the details you need—like the right number of pockets or one that comes in a versatile colorway—takes some work.

So, we did the hard part for you. To find the best options before you jet off on an end-of-summer getaway, Marie Claire spoke to travel experts Yolanda Edwards of travel and lifestyle site Yolo Journa l and Brooke Saward , the writer behind the World of Wanderlust blog, which focuses on solo travel, about their go-to trip accessory—the crossbody travel bag. The belt-bag style is a favorite amongst the well-traveled set thanks to its hands-free design, detachable straps, and versatility, allowing it to take you from sightseeing to Aperitivo hour to dinner. Edwards, for instance, says she always carries two with her on every trip and cites one from designer bag band Ferragamo as her top pick.

From designer styles to smaller leather totes with handy convertible crossbody straps, the 21 bags on this list are small enough to carry hassle-free but are designed to hold all the must-haves for your next destination. Ahead, Edwards and Saward offer insight into how to find the best travel bags, including details to look out for, their favorite brands, and more.

Marie Claire's Favorite Crossbody Bags for Travel

• Best Overall Crossbody Bag for Travel: Pacsafe Stylesafe Anti-Theft Convertible Crossbody Bag
• Best Affordable Crossbody Bag for Travel: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag
• Best Leather Crossbody Bag for Travel: Cuyana Double Loop Bag
• Best Durable Crossbody Bag for Travel: Dagne Dover Micah Neoprene Crossbody Bag
• Best Compact Crossbody Bag for Travel: Minooy Athena Unique Design Mini Crossbody Bag / Wallet
• Best Luxury Crossbody Bag for Travel: Ferragamo Small Iconic Leather Tote Bag
• Best Sling Crossbody Bag for Travel: July Everyday Belt Bag
• Best Water-Repellent Crossbody Bag for Travel: Lululemon All Night Festival Bag 5L

Shop The Best Crossbody Bags for Travel

This pale pink crossbody bag allows you to relax your grip. Pacsafe's water-repellent travel style features anti-theft properties, such as a slashguard strap and exterior, RFIDsafe pockets, and material to block out credit card or chip readers. Plus, it easily expands for those days when you need extra space, with enough room for a tablet. It also comes in one other neutral, light gray hue.

What's The Material?: Nylon and recycled polyester

How Many Colors Does It Come In?: Two

With over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this crossbody bag has been touted as a great option for safeguarding your belongings abroad thanks to features such as RFID protection and anti-slash straps. Reviewers love all the pockets in this bag, especially the hidden front pocket where you can store your cell phone and city guide maps. It even has designated pockets for water bottles!

What's The Material?: Polyester and nylon

How Many Colors Does It Come In? : One

A travel bag doesn't have to sacrifice style to get the job done—Cuyana's Double Loop Bag is a prime example. The brand is a favorite of Emily Blunt, who was recently spotted carrying it . The unique double-loop design of the shoulder strap adds a chic touch. Another bonus is the adjustable shoulder strap—you can turn this bag from a crossbody to a shoulder bag with just one snap, meaning it can take you from day to night in seconds. Shop it in four neutral colors.

What's The Material?: Italian leather

How Many Colors Does It Come In?: Four

This bag from Dagne Dover is madeof neoprene, a.k.a. the fabric used in scuba gear. It's waterproof, so your things will be well protected whether you're heading to a tropical location or getting caught in the rain. It's also resistant to tears or cuts, and it's machine washable. This ba also has a ton of compartments for all of your items, and a nice wide shoulder strap to keep you comfy even on the longest of travel days. Better yet, it comes in four easy-to-style colors like mustard, black and brown.

What's The Material?: Neoprene and REPREVE® recycled polyester

This tiny crossbody-bag-wallet combo is well-suited for minimalists. But, you'll be shocked by this bag's many little pockets. Thanks to its compact design, this small but mighty option can fit your wallet, a journal, makeup, your passport, toiletries, and even an iPad mini. With RFID-blocking pockets, you can feel safe knowing your credit cards are protected. High-quality leather means you can plan to use this bag for plenty of future travel and it comes in 10 shades ranging from neutrals to brights.

What's The Material?: Soft full-grain leather

How Many Colors Does It Come In?: 10

This maroon Ferragamo crossbody bag is a favorite of Edwards, who loves it for its versatility. "I like this bag because it has a detachable cross-body strap and becomes a top-handle bag that I would take to fancy lunches or dinners," she says. It's the right size for your essentials and won't feel too big when it rests on your hip.

What's The Material?: Calf leather

How Many Colors Does It Come In?: One

This July pick is Saward's go-to for traveling since she can wear it over her shoulder. "Everything is easily accessible, but not located on the side or back of my body where it could be a potential hazard for pickpockets," she explains. It's made from woven cotton, making it easy to pack and machine-washable, and it comes in four classic hues. The inside is also coated, so you can clean it out in seconds.

What's The Material?: Cotton with TPU coating

If your trip involves unpredictable weather or the forecast looks stormy, you'll want to invest in this sporty two-in-one crossbody bag that can also be worn over the shoulder. This top-rated athleisure brand Lululemon find will keep your belongings dry and roomy enough to fit all your essentials. The thoughtful extra-wide opening means you can easily find what you want without digging around.

What's The Material?: Nylon and polyester.

Other Crossbody Bags for Travel We Love

Leatherology's Meadow Double Zip Camera Bag is the right size to hold all your essentials without adding bulk. With two zippered compartments, you can easily keep your things organized. The essential items like your passport and ID will be extra secure in an internal zippered pocket. The best feature of this bag is that it comes in 12 different colors, including neutrals, pretty pastels, and croc-embossed leather, and also has the option for personalization.

What's The Material?: Full grain leather

How Many Colors Does It Come In?: 12

It wouldn't be a stretch to say this bag may be Uniqlo's most popular item ever. This $20 bag has gone viral on TikTok , with tons of users showing off just how much it can carry in their videos. I actually bought the black version for a trip to Europe, and it served me better than I could have imagined—it's comfortable, holds so much despite its deceptively "Mini" name, and is durable. The shoulder strap is easily adjustable so that you can wear it in various ways. Plus, it comes in several fun colors.

What's The Material?: Nylon and polyester

How Many Colors Does It Come In?: Nine

Madewell's Transport Tote is one of our favorite leather totes of all time, so it should come as no surprise that we also love the smaller crossbody version. It's made from the same soft leather that reviewers say looks and feels luxurious. The interior is roomier than expected and is specially designed to hold a tablet, a makeup pouch, and a water bottle. Another great feature is the double set of sturdy straps. Depending on your desired look and plans, you can switch this bag from a crossbody to a shoulder bag.

What's The Material?: Leather

Tumi is a cult-favorite luggage brand for a reason. It only uses the highest-quality materials in its designs, and functionality is a primary concern in the design process of every single piece. This crossbody has ample pockets—enough for your keys, wallet, phone, and credit cards to have their own space. It's durable nylon and has shining golden hardware for an extra luxe touch.

What's The Material?: Nylon and leather

A sure way to ruin a trip is by packing a bag that's too heavy to carry around all day—but you won't have that problem with this bag. It's made from a material that's as light as air. It comes in two different sizes—this larger one, or the mini size for quick trips—and over 20 colors to match perfectly with your coordinating luggage sets.

What's The Material?: Polyester

How Many Colors Does It Come In?: 23

Don't be fooled by this bag's seemingly small size. This surprisingly spacious crossbody from Shay Mitchell's brand, Beis, contains plenty of pockets to keep your essentials organized. In the middle is a built-in card organizer while the front has a micro-fiber lined pocket for your most precious item, your phone. There's also a water bottle pouch on one side so you always remember to stay hydrated.

What's The Material?: Nylon and vegan leather trim

We're big fans of Rothy's shoes here at Marie Claire, but the brand's bags are just as good. Made from Rothy's signature sustainable fabric (which is made from plastic water bottles), this is a great find for those looking for leather alternatives. It includes two removable straps to easily take you from day to night and has plenty of pockets to keep your things organized. The best part? It's fully machine-washable, so when on-the-go spills inevitably occur, you can keep it looking as good as new.

What's The Material?: Marine-plastic knit and Rothy's signature thread spun from plastic water bottle

How Many Colors Does It Come In?: Seven

This bag may be small, but it securely (and stylishly) holds your travel essentials like your phone, wallet, keys, and passport. And because your phone is likely what you reach for most, you can keep it handy with an easy-to-reach pocket. Reviewers say the quality of the leather is especially good, making the bag look and feel extra luxurious.

What's The Material?: Genuine pebble leather

How Many Colors Does It Come In?: Five

JW PEI bags are of great quality for their price point, and I should know, considering I own a few. The brand's Mini Flap Crossbody is a good option if you're looking for a trendier bag to take with you on your travels. Available in 13 different colorways—including this dark brown and fun shades like metallic silver and bright pink—there's a shade for everyone. While this bag has no zip closure, it has a secure magnetic button and an interior zippered pocket for your personal items.

What's The Material?: Vegan leather

How Many Colors Does It Come In?: 13

Slim bags like this one are a dream to pack—or to keep close to you on a crowded street. Longchamp is known for its lightweight nylon fabrics, but the brand's leather offerings are worth the investment, too. The adjustable shoulder strap, zipper-top design, and zippered interior pockets make this a versatile pick.

How Many Colors Does It Come In?: Three

Sometimes, simple is better. With a sleek, classic design, this brown bag (which also comes in white) suits everyone's style and will go with nearly everything in your closet. It's not too big or small, so you can easily fit your travel essentials comfortably. Plus, the zip top closure and zipper pockets keep them secure.

I can always count on Quince for high-quality finds that won't break the bank. Made from Italian leather, this bag has a look and feel that feels so luxe. It features two zippered compartments and a magnetic-close middle compartment, all of which have plenty of pockets for each of your things to have a designated spot. It also comes with a removable wristlet strap so you can easily turn this bag into eveningwear.

What's The Material?: Top-grain Italian leather

Some people are the type to throw everything in a bag and go—and that's ok! If you would rather not mess around with multiple pockets, an oversized pouch option like this is the way to go. You can throw in everything you need for the day, and it can be a lot, thanks to this bag's roomy interior, zip the top, and head out the door. It has a nice thick strap, so no matter how much you're schlepping around, your shoulder won't ache.

What to Look For in a Crossbody Bag for Travel

• A Secure Closure: How it closes separates a good travel purse from a great one. It's the most important feature of a travel purse for Edwards, who says, "It needs to have easy access, but a secure closure so nothing falls out and people can't reach into it." A crossbody bag would ideally have a zip-top closure, but a flap works, too. Stay far away from anything that doesn't close fully or only uses magnetic closures, or you'll risk easy access to pickpockets.
• The Right Size: This may be up to personal preference, but size matters when it comes to the best travel purses. Howards says, "It can’t be too small—and must hold her wallet, passport, glasses, and lip balm—but it isn’t a carryall." With a tote bag, you'll be too tempted to throw in non-essentials, resulting in an aching shoulder at the end of the day. Instead, a crossbody bag is the "Goldilocks" of travel purses—they're small enough to carry your essentials but not too big to be burdensome.
• The Color: Sure, a red bag may look especially trendy right now, but it's actually smarter to bring something less noticeable as your travel purse. "I would avoid choosing bright colors, because you don't want the location of your money, bank cards, or phone to stand out," Saward advises. Instead, the travel pro says she always goes with a sleek black bag—that way, her necessities are kept more under-the-radar, not to mention a black bag goes with every look seamlessly.

How to Style the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel

A structured crossbody bag is ideal for keeping casual looks elevated. A contrasting bag breaks up a monochromatic outfit, or it can seamlessly blend in when worn with brighter hues.

Styling your bag isn't about making your bag the star—it's more about making sure that the bag works with every other item you pack in your travel capsule wardrobe . Versatility is everything when shopping for a travel bag. It needs to work with a travel day ensemble and a nice dinner. An easy, neutral-colored bag will work with your easiest leggings outfits or an endlessly-layered ensemble on a busy morning spent at the airport.

Meet the Experts

Yolanda is the founder of Yolo Journal , a magazine and newsletter dedicated to traveling. She's also a longtime magazine editor, having previously worked as a photo editor at Condé Nast Traveler and later as the publications creative director.

Brooke is a travel expert who's spent the last 10 years blogging about her travels on the World of Wanderlust blog and Instagram account. She shares her tips, tricks, and guides on her favorite cities and how to navigate solo traveling, as well as a Masterclass on travel blogging. She's also the author of World of Wanderlust, which features her best travel tips and stories from her travels through Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, Oceania, and the Middle East.

Stay In The Know

Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.

Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick , our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper , NickiSwift, The Sun US , and Vox Magazine of Columbia , Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.

That is, if you can get your favorites before they sell out.

By Brooke Knappenberger Published 12 September 24

She delivered an angelic take on Britney Spears's memorable look.

By Kelsey Stiegman Published 12 September 24

After years of speculation, it seems Swifties finally have confirmation.

By Hanna Lustig Published 12 September 24

Not to mention, they all cost less than $250.

By Lauren Tappan Published 29 August 24

The fashion journalist and brand strategist spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."

By Sadie Bell Published 29 August 24

From cozy layers to hydrating moisturizers, here are the products that will carry us through fall.

By The Editors at Marie Claire Published 27 August 24

Master transitional dressing like a style pro.

By Nikki Ogunnaike Published 26 August 24

The songstress put her own sultry twist on the look.

By Lauren Tappan Published 26 August 24

If there's one thing Katie loves, it's an easy shoe.

By India Roby Published 20 August 24

Your fresh new office looks inspired by the runways.

By Lauren Tappan Published 19 August 24

The couple coordinated outfit formulas ahead of Butler's birthday.

By India Roby Published 19 August 24

• Contact Future's experts
• Advertise Online
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy

Marie Claire is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

• Order tracking
• Make an exchange
• Make a return
• View our manuals
• Warranty & repairs
• Boston: Newbury
• Boston: Seaport
• LA: Venice Beach
• LA: West Hollywood
• NYC: Williamsburg
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• New arrivals
• Best sellers
• Compare Carry-Ons
• Compare checked
• Build your travel uniform
• Save on sets
• Softside suitcases
• Shop all bags
• Crossbodies
• Extended stays
• Featherlight Collection
• The Outdoor Collection
• Shop all accessories
• Packing organizers
• Toiletry bags
• Small leather goods
• Luggage tags & charms
• Compare materials
• Compare duffles
• Flex: Expandable suitcases
• Shop all suitcases

Shop by size

Shop by material, shop by category, product guides, featured collections, travel bags.

Courtside Tote

• Navy Blue Textured Nylon - £100
• Salt White Textured Nylon - £100

The Everywhere Zip Backpack

• Navy Blue Textured Nylon - £155
• Salt White Textured Nylon - £155

The Everywhere Bag

The Overnight Bag

• Detour Canvas Tan - £220

The Weekender

• Detour Canvas Tan - £235

Featherlight Sling Bag

• Arctic Blue - £30
• Clay Pink - £30
• Jet Black - £30
• Amaro Brown - £30
• Salt White - £30

Featherlight Crossbody

• Amaro Brown - £48
• Salt White - £48
• Clay Pink - £48
• Jet Black - £48
• Arctic Blue - £48

Large Featherlight Crossbody

• Salt White - £60
• Clay Pink - £60
• Jet Black - £60
• Amaro Brown - £60
• Arctic Blue - £60

Featherlight Backpack

• Amaro Brown - £78
• Clay Pink - £78
• Jet Black - £78
• Arctic Blue - £78
• Salt White - £78

Large Featherlight Backpack

• Amaro Brown - £98
• Arctic Blue - £98
• Salt White - £98
• Clay Pink - £98
• Jet Black - £98

• Jet Black - £155
• Navy Blue - £155
• Coast Blue - £155
• Salt White - £155
• Clay Pink - £155

• Sea Green - £155
• Cloud Gray - £155
• Olive Green - £155

• Jet Black - £180
• Coast Blue - £180
• Salt White - £180
• Clay Pink - £180
• Navy Blue - £180

• Jet Black - £195
• Navy Blue - £195
• Coast Blue - £195
• Salt White - £195
• Clay Pink - £195

Large Featherlight Tote

The Everywhere Tote

• Jet Black - £125
• Navy Blue - £125
• Coast Blue - £125
• Sea Green - £125
• Cloud Gray - £125
• Salt White - £125
• Clay Pink - £125

The Everywhere Sling Bag

• Coast Blue - £60

The Outdoor Messenger 16L

• Atomic Celery - £65

The Outdoor Backpack 26L

• Navy Blue - £105
• Vivid Blue - £105
• Jet Black - £105
• Forest Green - £105

Get notified when it’s back

The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 25L

• Jet Black - £145
• Navy Blue - £145
• Forest Green - £145

The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L

• Vivid Blue - £175

The Outdoor Tote 45L

• Jet Black - £115
• Navy Blue - £115
• Forest Green - £115
• Burgundy Red - £115

The Outdoor Duffle 40L

• Jet Black - £120
• Navy Blue - £140
• Forest Green - £120

The Outdoor Duffle 55L

• Jet Black - £135
• Navy Blue - £135
• Vivid Blue - £135
• Forest Green - £135
• Atomic Celery - £135
• Burgundy Red - £135
• Atomic Remix - £145

The Outdoor Duffle 70L

• Forest Green - £155
• Burgundy Red - £155

The Outdoor Rolling Duffle 85L

• Jet Black - £325
• Navy Blue - £325
• Forest Green - £325

The Garment Bag

The Transit Leather Backpack

• Jet Black - £300

Travel bags for any weekend away

Whether you’re looking for an everyday tote, a versatile duffle, or the perfect plus-one for your suitcase, our assortment of best-selling bags are for every trip and every traveler. And they’re all designed to get you where you’re going while keeping your essentials on hand—thanks to plenty of pockets and spacious compartments. Take the guesswork out of packing with our sized-to-fit organizers and pouches . Even better? Our travel bags feature a trolley sleeve that secures to your Away suitcase —so you can travel in one piece. Use your newly freed hand for important things, like hailing a cab, or playing charades with locals for directions (we’ve been there).

Free shipping on all luggage. Designed by travelers, for travelers

We want you to love everything about getting Away—which is why we offer free returns and exchanges on unused items for the first 100 days.

Exclusions apply. Learn more

This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Flash Sale ⚡ Limited Time Offer

No Customs Duties on 🇬🇧 Orders!

• Buy Foldie® 4.0
• Toiletry Bag
• Packing Cubes

Cart 0 items

Sorry, looks like we don't have enough of this product.

• American Express
• Diners Club

Unfold new experiences

With our best-selling foldable travel bags.

The Originals

The Original Black

The Original Navy

The Original Teal

The Original Red

The Original Fuchsia

The Original Beige

The crossbody.

The Black Crossbody

The Navy Crossbody

The Teal Crossbody

The Red Crossbody

The Purple Crossbody

The Beige Crossbody

New Collection

Our Foldable Crossbody

Our Story, Our Promise

We believe in a hassle-free travel experience.

Product 1 of 2

The Foldie® 4.0

Introducing The Foldie - the ultimate travel bag that combines functionality and convenience in one sleek package. Whether you're a frequent traveler or just looking for a compact way to...

Product 2 of 2

The Foldie® Crossbody

Introducing our versatile Foldable Crossbody Bag, a stylish and functional accessory designed to meet your everyday needs. This bag is thoughtfully crafted with convenience and security in mind, making it...

Unfold. pack. Explore.

Complete the look with matching colors.

Free Shipping

On all orders

60 Day Guarantee

Happy or your money back

ShopPay + AfterPay

Buy now, pay later

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Climate 100
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Wine Offers
• Betting Sites

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.   Why trust us?

12 best weekend bags that are stylish yet practical

Prepare for your next overnight or weekend stay with these dependable luggage options, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts

Sign up for our free indybest email.

Whether you’re escaping your everyday for some rest and relaxation in the countryside, or throwing yourself into a new city, you should never leave home without the best weekend bag for the job.

But where packing is concerned, it can be difficult to know which bag to choose. One too big and you’re at the risk of overpacking, one too small and you’ll find yourself without the space for all your essentials.

Running the gamut of size, space and design, weekend – or weekender – bags are the perfect choice for any trip. And thankfully the options really are plentiful, with high street and designer brands offering a whole host of different options.

When it comes to picking the ideal one though, we recommend choosing something that’s capacious enough to hold two nights away worth of clothing, as well as has space for skincare and your favourite hair tool.

To help you on your quest for the best one for you, we’ve of course done the hard work for you, curating a round-up of the best weekender bags for men and women worth your money.

16 best red lipsticks for a standout pout, according to a beauty editor

27 best foundations, tried and tested for all skin types

9 best face palettes to streamline your make-up bag

15 best mascaras for sensitive eyes that define and lengthen lashes

How we tested the best weekend bags

When it came to testing, we roadtested these on a number of different trips, from one night breaks to three-night trips away. When curating the list, we assessed the design, durability, convenience, space and size. From duffle bags to suitcases with wheels, it’s time to book a long weekend away.

The best weekender bags for 2024 are: 

• Best weekender bag overall – Away the carry-on: £220, Awaytravel.com
• Best budget weekend bag – Asos Design scuba holdall: £28, Asos.com
• Best waterproof bag – Rains weekend bag: £79, Rains.com
• Best duffle bag – Fjällräven vardag duffel 30: £80, Fjallraven.com
• Best rucksack – Osprey transporter carry-on: £130, Ospreyeurope.com

Away the carry-on flex

• Best : Weekend bag overall
• Dimensions : H55.1cm x W34.8cm x D22.9cm
• Durable shell

There’s no denying that Away has nailed the formula for stylish yet functional luggage, so much so the brand has undeniably reached cult status. Offering the ideal choice if you’re looking to step up your travel bag game.

The hype around this carry-on has been real and shows no sign of waning. And we can see why. Of course, it is a high-end suitcase, but when we say it’s premium, you better believe us. It’s capacious enough to hold about things for about four nights away, making it the largest in this round-up. But, it’s very light, which is something we’ve found to be particularly important when it comes to luggage. Inside there are two separate compartments – one of which can be zipped shut, the other is a removable laptop sleeve. The hard shell makes it particularly durable.

Asos Design scuba holdall

• Best : Budget weekend bag
• Size : H: 24cm/9.4" W: 27cm/10.6" D: 17cm/6.6"
• Sturdy scuba material
• Compact but holds a lot

This unisex bag from Asos Design is an affordable option for a weekend bag and holds a good amount for its size. The twin handles are useful for toting around on your shoulder or there is a detachable strap but we personally preferred without.

The scuba material is durable and gives a unique texture that is malleable so you don’t have to worry about creases or scratches.

Rains hilo weekend bag

• Best : Waterproof bag
• Size : H27cm x W52cm x D26cm

Rains is known for its practical wet-weather outerwear, so this weekend bag is one to know if you’re looking for a waterproof design (it is the UK, after all). With functionality always at the forefront of this brand, it’s hardly a surprise that we found it to be one of the most durable.

To aid carrying from A to B, it features two different strap lengths, the longer of the two is of course detachable. Our only gripe is that there are no internal pockets at all with this one, so to make your life a little easier, we’d recommend investing in some packing cubes got all your future holidaying. Should you be looking for a different colour to black, there are a number of others to choose from, including navy, green and cream.

Bellroy lite duffel

• Best : Light duffle bag
• Size : H33cm x W40cm x D23 cm
• Weather resistant
• Plenty of internal pockets

A bestseller from Bellroy is the ‘lite’ version of the traditional duffle bag, which is made to be lightweight and completely flexible so it can be rolled and folded up for storage or travel. We found this bag to be perfect for short trips, gym visits and even brought along to the office. The colour ‘moss’ is a nice offbeat shade that stands out from other duffle bags, but there are other more neutral colours including black, white and a checkered grey.

There are generously sized internal slip pockets, including ones at either end that can hold a bottle. The external pocket is big enough for all essentials that need to be within easy reach and there are also two smaller pockets for organisation. The external pocket has a clip to keep keys safe, too. The detachable shoulder strap is soft and comfortable and the material is weather resistant.

The bag is completely leather-free and made with recycled plastic from bottles.

Fjällräven vardag duffel 30

• Best : Duffle bag
• Size : H24cm x W50cm x D24cm
• Great colours

Outdoor brand Fjällräven certainly knows a thing or two about bags – its kånken backpack reached cult status a number of years ago, which arguably accelerated the Scandi brand to the main stage.

Our attention here though is on this duffle bag, which has been very well designed – the handles on the top make it easy to move around, while the longer straps are beneficial if you’re walking for a longer distance. The outer fabric is a durable material, so we suspect it could withstand light rain. While on the inside you’ll find one zippable, mesh compartment for keeping your purse and keys safe – eliminating the need for a small bag.

The purple colour is super fun, but if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, it’s also available in black, dark green and navy – so there really is something for everyone.

Antler Chelsea weekend bag

• Best : For work trips
• Size : H53cm x W32cm x D23cm
• Dedicated pocket for shoes
• Leather details

British brand Antler is one to know when it comes to sourcing new luggage, it’s been around since 1914 so certainly knows what it’s doing. It has a whole host of different designs, from hard cases to bags, all of which will certainly stand the test of time.

As for this weekend bag, it’s been specially designed for all your holiday needs, including a nifty built-in pocket for your shoes, as well as a sleeve on the back to slot over your suitcase handle, should you be going on long-haul trips. It’s also got a zippable pocket that can hold a 13in laptop , making it a great pick if you’re going away for a work trip. In terms of the exterior, it’s finished in leather, giving it a stylish look.

Osprey transporter carry-on 44

• Best : Rucksack
• Size : H56cm x W36cm x D31cm
• Opens out like a suitcase for easy access

When it comes to travel essentials, Osprey is certainly one to know, so much so, that its products have featured in everything from our review of the best travel bags to the best backpacks with wheels .

Owing to its reliability, we chose to give its carry-on bag a run for its money during a two-night break. And naturally, it did not disappoint. We were pleasantly surprised at how much we could squeeze into it, and we liked how, unlike other rucksacks, it opens out so you don’t need to rummage around trying to find exactly what you’re after. The main section is also split into different compartments to allow for extra organisation.

Another nifty feature we appreciated was the fact the straps can be zipped away should you wish to slot the bag onto your suitcase. And it also has a zippable, padded laptop sleeve that’ll keep your tech safe. While not the most sexy of designs, it’ll certainly stand the test of time. So, if you’re looking for a hands-free packing solution for your next weekend away, this is it.

Loake Cornwall weekend bag

• Best : Leather weekend bag
• Size : H52cm x H31cm x D29cm
• Beautiful brown leather

Made from a gorgeous brown leather with contrasting handles and a luggage tag, this holdall from Loake is a luxurious piece that will be pride of place during your travels.

The interior, with its silky lining, is capacious and fit everything we needed for a weekend away. The handy outside pockets are perfect for your phone and keys to access easily, plus there’s an inner pocket to keep valuables safe and secure. The bag also comes with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap for ease.

July daybreak weekender duffle bag

• Best : Canvas duffle bag
• Size : H22cm x W53cm x D24cm
• Contrast leather details

This canvas duffle bag from July comes in a choice of four different colourways, and is made up of a coloured canvas material with contrast leather handles and details such as zip tabs and a long strap that makes it easy to throw over your shoulder.

The bag fits a substantial amount inside, making it perfect for a weekend away. Inside you’ll find two interior zips that are great for keeping things like your keys, lip balm, phone and wallet within easy reach.

Away outdoor duffle

• Best : Compact weekender
• Size : H31.5cm x W55cm x D25cm
• Can carry on shoulder
• Doubles as a great gym bag

This is a duffle/tote hybrid from Away with a longer strap that can be carried on the shoulder, which is a bonus when you need free hands to check maps on your phone or get out your train ticket. The 40-litre outdoor duffle (the smallest of three sizes) doubles as both a gym and weekend getaway bag. Another feature that makes this a great travel option is the sleeve which is designed for sliding over the handle of a larger suitcase.

The 40 litre option is still roomy and fits a change of clothes and necessities for light travel. There are two colours to choose from, including black and army green, and the material is both weather resistant and durable.

Longchamp le pliage XL

• Best : Stylish tote weekender
• Size : H40 x W55 x D23cm
• Lightweight
• Leather handle

Did you know the classic Longchamp le pliage is also available in an extra large size for travel? The bag is made from an ultra light nylon material with leather handle and closure. The design is inspired by origami meaning you can fold it up very neatly for storage.

The interior of the bag is very large, and we even took this abroad for a four-night city stay. There is a small interior flap for passport, wallets or keys. This stylish bag is one you’ll be proud to tote around on your travels.

Monos metro duffel

• Best : Vegan leather weekender
• Size : H41cm × W28cm × D18cm (without metro kit)
• Sleek and modern style
• Vegan leather
• Work trip friendly

This duffel bag from Monos is available in a choice of sturdy nylon or vegan leather. Our tester has been toting around the vegan leather version of the weekender, including for an overnight stay, and found it to be compact and great for storing during travel.

A unique feature of Monos bags is the detachable ‘metro kit’ pouches that can work as a washbag, where you can store valuables while traveling, or use as somewhere to put things you need quick access to, like your passports and keys.

The verdict: Weekend bags

For something professional that will be perfect for business travel, the Monos metro duffel is a great vegan leather option. For a stylish weekend away, try the Longchamp le pliage XL which folds up super small for easy storage.

But for something that’s convenient and premium, it’s got to be Away’s carry-on . It’s been well thought out, with a separate mesh compartment for your laptop, as well as a chic hard shell, plus there are plenty of colours to choose from. It’s clear to us why this brand has reached such cult status, and while an investment, this piece of luggage is a reliable choice for frequent travellers.

Looking for more packing recommendations? Read our review of the best suitcases

Weekend Bags

Get set and plan a great weekend getaway with our very fabulous range of Weekend bags. Now pack your clothes and gear up for a happening weekend without any second thoughts and excuses. READ MORE

• Accessories /
• Travel & Weekend Bags

Average Rating

Instalments.

More About Weekend Bags

Planning a great weekend can be a tremendous task, we understand it takes a lot than just packing your luggage, but you need not to worry about this simple task too. With the exquisite range of bags, we offer at TJC, sit back and plan your ideal dream vacation with us. Offering the variation in sizes and the nature of purpose, our ladies weekend bags are crafted keeping in mind the sole reason of a trip - offering you the comfort and harmony. Carry your each and every necessity in our mates here and leave it on your shoulders to make your shopping experience a pleasant one.

TJC’s Weekend Bags Collection

It is our pride and joy to serve our customers and meet our motto of delivering joy. TJC deems that it is our duty to understand every minuscule need of our customers and come up with the best options for them. After coming up with the range of bags, now it is high time to bring the similar fine quality of weekend bags for women for particular occasions as well. Just like we cannot carry a single dress on every occasion, similarly we understand it is not possible to carry one single bag on every small or long trip. Discover our colossal range of products and see what we offer in our weekend handbags online.

Duffle Weekend Bags

Offering a great space and solution to cater all your problems, the duffle bags are offered huge in size, and hence, can carry comparatively all your necessities and daily requirements altogether. A perfect piece to pack your holiday in, this type is available in great quality and assured space.

A sole product that can be carried around and meet the basic needs, these backpacks are ideal for daily use and can carry your basic everyday utilities in place. Carry on your back, these bags are easy to lug and are small and harmonious in nature. With beautiful prints and fabulous colours, you can even play a bit with the different styles.

Trolley Bags

Why carry heavy weights when you can drag them effortlessly with our stunning and significant range of trolleys, a perfect weekend travel bag? Now get set and walk on the holiday ramp, while showcasing your fine choice or prints and designs. Offered with the wheels, these bags offer massive space, and hence, can take care of your clothes and essentials effortlessly.

Why Choose TJC?

We believe in the satisfaction of our customers before ours, and hence, in our range of weekend bags in UK, we offer not just looks and space, but also the high quality of fabrics and prints. Often available in genuine leather and the high-end materials, our products can be your ideal partner to take around the globe and be a part of your adventure. With the unique prints like the floral ones and the abstracts, these bags are always up in trends and can add more exquisiteness to your trip.

Shop More Handbags Collection

TJC uses cookies in order to offer you the most relevant information. By continuing to browse you are accepting this. Change Settings

• Handbags & Purses

You can never have too many handbags, bags and purses - so what are you waiting for? Discover your new everyday bag with our Tote & Shopper bags , Cross-body bags and Backpacks , from quilted beauties to luxury Leather bags there's something for everyone. Meet the perfect plus one to your next event with our Clutch bags - embellished, satin, sequins, we've got something no matter the dress code. Whether you want leather or faux Vegan bags, Backpacks & Purses options, we’ve got you sorted. Find the perfect pairing with an essential Purse, Wallet or Card holder.

• Tote & Shopper bags
• Shoulder bags
• Clutch bags
• Travel bags
• Wedding & bridal

• Product registration
• Service portal

• Sustainability
• Made in Europe
• Corporate Gifts
• eGift Cards
• Store Locator
• Catalogues 2024

GET THE NEWEST

SHOP NEW ARRIVALS

More sustainable luggage & bags

We care about making the world a better place

OUR ULTIMATE BUSINESS LINE

Premium quality, striking style, outstanding interior organisation

OUR BEST INNOVATION

Impressively resilient, unimaginably strong & made in Europe

Backpacks for her

Classic and contemporary backpacks for work and day trips

Duffle Bags

Lightweight and highly flexible when travelling by car or train.

Travel Accessories

Be travel-ready with our handy range of accessories

• Meet the Team
• Work With Us
• Itineraries
• Italy Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

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!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

9 Best Travel Pants for Women (Comfort, Style, Versatility)

Comfortable and Stylish Travel Clothes for Women

Aviator Jeans: the Best Travel Jeans for Men & Women

The Best Carry-On Luggage Choices That Make Travel Easier [2024]

Like this post? Share it to your Pinterest board!

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.

Pingback: 6 Best Travel Pants for Women (Comfort, Style, Versatility) | Savored Journeys

Pingback: Why You Should Pack Light and How To Do It | Savored Journeys

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Travel Resources

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 16 Best Travel Purses of 2024, Tested on Planes, Trains, and Car Rides

Including purses, backpacks, and totes for every trip

Elizabeth Marino is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE, focusing on home products. A lover of all things home and family, she is thrilled to help consumers find the perfect products to fit their domestic needs. In her spare time you can find her traveling to any and all historic sites and museums – and food spots – throughout the country. You can read some of her history-based writing on the Smithsonian Ocean Portal. She holds a BA in American Studies and History from Columbia University.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Verdict

• What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why trust people, what is people tested.

People / Nick Kova

Whether you’re off to the beach, Europe, or headed out on business and want to put your most professional foot forward, a good travel purse can make your next travel experience easier.

What do we mean by a travel purse? Any easy-to-carry purse, belt bag, tote, backpack, crossbody, or sling bag that's small enough to count as your personal item or underseat bag on an airplane. With a seemingly endless collection of different styles, sizes, and materials on the market, finding the right travel purse, tote, or backpack to take on your trip can be an overwhelming task. 

We tested popular travel bags on planes, trains, and, yes, car rides, and asked our team members to share their favorites. After reviewing 30 different travel purses on their capacity, portability, ease of use, design features, durability, and value, we put together this list of the top 16 travel bags, tested by real people.

Keep scrolling to shop the best travel purses, recommended by PEOPLE.

Best Overall

Cheruty backpack purse.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5

Large main pouch for easy access

Opening is on the back to keep items safe

Doesn't sit on top of rolling luggage easily

If you're looking for a great travel backpack , this elegant travel backpack from Cheruty was our favorite, earning perfect scores across the board. Featuring water bottle pouches, small interior and exterior pockets for passports and small devices, and soft, adjustable straps, this travel backpack has it all. Our favorite part, though, features a cavernous main pouch (with access only from the back, keeping your items extremely secure!) with a giant flap zipper opening, allowing you to easily pack your bag with all your items, small or large. Plus, it’s made with vegan leather that’s been coated with polyurethane, making it water-resistant. It also comes in two sizes and more than 25 colors.

It doesn’t include a sleeve to keep it on top of rolling carry-on luggage , but you can keep it strapped on your back while you maneuver your luggage through the airport. While it’s not a name brand, this backpack’s combination of capacity and features for a great price make it a truly fantastic option for a travel bag.

Size: 12.6 x 12.6 x 5.9 inches (medium), 13.7 x 14.7 x 6.3 inches (large) | Body Material: Vegan polyurethane leather | Available Colors: 26

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Super spacious interior with tons of pockets

Folds up compactly

Has convenient features like a key leash and a shoe bag

Doesn’t have any interior dividers

This duffel tote from Dagne Dover also earned perfect scores in all of our categories. Featuring a long zipper offering an easily accessible wide top opening, a cavernous interior, and various straps that allow you to carry it or wear it on your shoulder or crossbody, this bag has it all. It’s super lightweight and folds into itself, making for efficient storage.

While it doesn’t have interior dividers in the main section, it has a ton of pockets — including an interior laptop sleeve, four small interior side pockets, an exterior phone pocket, and a luggage handle sleeve — and it comes with a key leash, a small mesh pouch, and a shoe bag. Plus, it cleans super well — it looked as good as new after we washed it! We absolutely loved this well-made, well-designed travel duffel for any and all travel.

Size: 16.5 x 11 x 9 inches | Body Material: Neoprene, air mesh | Available Colors: 13

• PHOTO: People / Nick Kova
• PHOTO: People / Conor Ralph
• PHOTO: The Spruce / Nick Kova

Best Budget

Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag.

• Capacity 2 /5

Large capacity despite small size

Comes in wide array of colors

Doesn't have any exterior pouches

The only thing trendier than dumpling bags lately has been crossbody bags, and this shoulder bag from Uniqlo is a great option for travel. While only 11 inches by 6.7 inches at its widest points, the side pleats enable it to open up to almost 4 inches at the bottom, allowing you to fit a surprising amount inside. Plus, it’s wide enough to hold a small device like an iPad mini or a small notebook — ideal for travel purposes.

Although it doesn’t have exterior pouches, it also features flat pouches inside to help you keep your items organized. And with an adjustable strap and a wide array of fun, water-repellent colors, we know it can suit any outfit.

Size: 11 x 6.7 x 3.9 inches | Body Material: Polyester | Available Colors: 8

• PHOTO: People / Abigail Moore

Best Belt Bag

Lululemon all night festival bag micro.

• Capacity 3 /5
• Ease of Use 4 /5

Durable, high-quality bag

Versatile design and can be worn several ways

Convenient zip pockets in different sizes

No slots to organize credit cards

This small Lululemon belt bag is the ideal bag for anyone looking to keep their important items accessible and organized without the bag getting in the way. This affordable and high-quality travel purse features a thoughtful design with multiple zip pockets of different shapes and sizes, making it great for many different uses. The front zip pocket is the ideal size for money, a couple of credit cards, and a phone, so you can easily access the things you need in a jiff. (We just wish it had slots to organize the credit cards.) Plus, it’s made of water-repellent nylon (which is super easy to spot clean!) and has held up remarkably well over the year our tester has had it.

Size: 5.5 x 5.1 x 2 inches | Body Material: Nylon | Available Colors: 3

Best Crossbody

Kavu sydney satchel.

• Capacity 4 /5

Sturdy and well-constructed bag that's easy to clean

Comes in fun colors and prints

Spacious enough to hold a sweatshirt

Style and prints may not be super professional

This fantastic crossbody satchel from Kavu can accompany you on any trip. With enough capacity to hold even a bulky sweatshirt, this cotton purse is great for any time you want to bring along some belongings without it feeling unwieldy or heavy. It’s super easy to clean and quite sturdy and well-made, so it’s great for trips where you might be doing rough outdoor activities, like hiking or enjoying an amusement park. With a large exterior zip pocket, an interior zip pocket, and two small interior flat pockets, this bag is great for keeping your items organized while remaining easily accessible.

Plus, it has a long, adjustable strap and comes in 16 fun colors and prints, so you can find one right up your alley. The prints are rather bold, so this satchel might not be ideal if you need a more professional-looking bag.

Size: 15 x 13 x 1.5 inches | Body Material: Cotton | Available Colors: 16

Best Medium-Sized

Baggu nylon crescent bag.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

Lightweight to carry

Machine washable

Comes in lots of fun colors and patterns

Has two pockets but no interior separators

If you’re looking for a travel purse that’s not too big or too small, is easy to clean, and is super durable, the Medium Nylon Crescent Bag from Baggu may be the ideal fit. Made of durable heavyweight nylon (which is machine-washable and super easy to spot clean), this stylish bag featuring a variety of funky colors will hold all of your important items, and you can keep the most essential ones like keys and credit cards out of the fray in the interior zippered pouch. It doesn’t have any interior separators, but the pockets can keep most things organized.

Plus, it's lightweight, so it won't be cumbersome to carry even if it's full. And since it isn’t too big, your items won’t get all mixed up and lost in a dark corner, either. It also has an adjustable strap, allowing you to hold it close to your body, and it zips shut and has no exterior pockets, so you can rest assured your items will be safe while you wander the airport, the beach, or the streets of Europe. And, if you’re looking for something a bit bigger, Baggu has released a large version as well.

Size: 13.75 x 8 x 4 inches | Body Material: Recycled heavyweight nylon | Available Colors: 14

Best with Multiple Pockets

Multisac lorraine crossbody bag.

• Portability 4 /5

Great value

Sleek style that's appropriate for more formal settings

Ideal size: not too large, not too small

Narrow top opening can make it hard to find your belongings quickly

This well-designed vegan leather travel purse from MultiSac is the ideal option if you’re looking to keep many different items organized throughout your travels. It features four exterior pockets — three on the front (two flat, one gusseted) and one on the back (which is extremely secure and can even be a bit difficult to access oneself) — as well as three interior pockets (two small gusseted ones, and one big enough for a small device like a tablet). With this variety of pocket shapes and sizes, you’ll definitely be able to keep all your important documents organized and accessible. 

Plus, it comes in various colors and prints, and the adjustable strap allows you to wear the purse crossbody or on your shoulder. It also has a sleek style that's appropriate for more formal settings. This affordable purse is the ideal size for traveling — it’s not too large or too small. One small drawback: The narrow top opening of the purse can make it challenging to find and access your belongings quickly.

Size: 11 x 12 x 2.5 inches | Body Material: Vegan leather | Available Colors: 5

Best Foldable

Away the packable carryall.

Lightweight with large capacity

Includes storage pouch with loop

Has trolley sleeve to attach to luggage

Doesn’t have any interior organizing compartments

If you’re looking for a bag that will hold a lot but can be easily stored throughout your trip or while you’re home (or is a great “just in case” bag), you can’t do better than this foldable carryall from Away. Made of water-resistant nylon, this bag folds up into a tiny 6 by 4-inch storage pouch with a loop that can easily be tossed anywhere.

While it doesn’t feature organizing compartments, it has one flat exterior pocket, one zipped interior pocket, and a whole bunch of capacity — ideal for any trip where you want to fit it all in one bag. It also features a trolley sleeve for easy transport in the airport, and it comes in a variety of beautiful, fun colors.

Size: 19.7 x 15 x 9 inches | Body Material: Recycled nylon | Available Colors: 3

Best with Shoe Compartment

Minkars weekender bag.

Padded laptop sleeve

USB charging port

Wide opening and sturdy design

Not a lot of color options

With a spacious and easily accessible shoe compartment at the bottom, this travel tote by Minkars is great for any weekend trip. It looks a lot like a piece of Béis luggage but at half the price. It has a super wide opening and a sturdy design that holds its shape while you fill it, so you’ll have an easy time packing, unpacking, and accessing items in this bag. Plus, the shoe compartment is super spacious and easy to access.

This bag also comes with a matching toiletry case and a detachable crossbody strap, so you can carry it however works best for you. This thoughtfully designed bag also has a padded sleeve for your laptop, a trolley sleeve for hands-free rolling through the airport, and a USB charging port that’s available when you need it.

Size: 17 x 16 x 8 inches | Body Material: Waterproof | Available Colors: 2

Best Sling Bag

Patagonia atom sling bag.

Made of durable, easy-to-clean, water-repellent material

Has several pockets and pouches to keep belongings organized and accessible

Casual bag, so it doesn’t have a professional look

Another travel bag that earned top scores, this crossbody sling bag from Patagonia is excellent for anyone looking to comfortably free up their hands without sacrificing capacity. The bag itself rides on the wearer's back (close to your body), keeping your items safely out of the way without swinging everywhere and becoming a nuisance. Plus, the adjustable strap is padded and designed for comfort — and our favorite part: It features a small zipper pouch on the front for important or heavy-use items like a phone or keys.

We love how spacious this bag is and the fact that it’s water-repellent and easy to clean. The pockets and pouches in this bag are thoughtfully designed. In addition to the strap pouch, the bag features an exterior zip pouch along with the main zip pouch (and inside, there is a separator to keep your items organized), plus straps for carrying something bulkier like a yoga mat.

Size: 13.5 x 9 x 3 inches | Body Material: Water-repellent recycled polyester | Available Colors: 8

Best Lightweight

Longchamp le pliage filet mesh bag.

Compact and easy to store

Surprisingly large capacity

Comes with long straps to carry on shoulder

Contents are always visible

If you’re looking for something unique, versatile, and stylish, this mesh bag from Longchamp (in collaboration with FILT) is the ideal option. With a surprisingly high capacity (think towel, sweater, book, sunglasses, water bottle , and more ), this scrunch-upable purse is great for any time you may need an impromptu bag — especially at the beach; no sand getting stuck in the bottom here! And don’t be concerned about your items falling out — we had no issue with this throughout our use. Keep in mind that everything is visible with this bag. It also has both the iconic Le Pliage flap and snap closure and handles as well as a longer set of straps, so you can wear it however works best for you.

Size: 15 x 12.2 inches | Body Material: Cotton | Available Colors: 5

Best Versatility

Longchamp le pliage expandable travel bag.

• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Has zipper expander, so you can switch between medium and large tote

Can fold into rectangle for easy storage and transport

Polyamide canvas material is easy to clean

No interior organizational compartments

Another one of the travel bags on our list that earned high ratings, Longchamp’s expandable travel bag is great for so many uses. Even without opening the expansion, this bag already has quite the capacity, but if you’d like some extra space, just zip open the expansion and you’re good to go. Plus, this bag comes with both Longchamp’s iconic leather flap and snap closure and handle, as well as a detachable strap for on-the-shoulder wear.

Like most of Longchamp’s Le Pliage bags, this tote is designed to be folded up into a compact little rectangle, making this the ideal bag for tossing into your suitcase “just in case,” or hiding away in your checked luggage when not in use. It doesn’t feature interior organizational pockets, which would be helpful.

Size: 17.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches | Body Material: Recycled polyamide canvas | Available Colors: 7

Portland Leather Leather Tote Bag

Made of high-quality materials and comes in lots of colors

Deep, wide interior

No zippered interior pockets

Tote bag lovers, rejoice: This beautiful leather tote from Portland is a wonderful option for those seeking a travel bag that’s easily accessible while also looking professional and sophisticated. Although it has minimal interior organization, with a deep, wide interior, you can fit so much into this bag (we tested the large size). We wish this tote included an interior zippered pocket for added safety.

We were easily able to fit a laptop, a wallet, a book, a Kindle, and keys (especially easy thanks to the snap-open key loop), and had room for more. Plus, each size and color also comes in open-top and zipper-top options, so you can achieve the level of ease or security you desire. Our favorite part, though: The thick, sturdy, genuine leather doesn’t slouch and has shown no signs of wear in over two years of use, even on the straps and rivets.

Size: 13 x 11 x 4.5 inches (small), 15 x 12 x 5.5 inches (medium), 18 x 12 x 6 inches (large), 13.5-21 x 13 x 6 inches (oversized) | Body Material: Leather (or suede) | Available Colors: 10

Best Backpack

Longchamp le pliage original backpack.

Secure with zippers that close tightly

Lightweight and water resistant

Great capacity

Only has one flat interior pocket

Another one of our bags that earned high ratings, this elegant Longchamp is great for anyone who prefers a backpack for traveling — and wants to know their belongings are safe. With a zipper closure as well as Longchamp’s famed Le Pliage foldover snap closure, you can rest assured your items will be secure. It also folds down to a portable size that’s easy for storage and traveling.

While it only comes with one flat interior pocket and doesn’t include organizational pockets or compartments, we were impressed by how much capacity this backpack has — we’ve fit a laptop, makeup, a sweater, a couple of water bottles, and snacks with no issue. Plus, it comes in several bright, fun colors, and it's lightweight and water-resistant.

Size: 10.2 x 11 x 3.9 inches | Body Material: Recycled polyamide canvas | Available Colors: 9

Best Leather

Portland leather camera bag purse.

This bag comes in a variety of fun colors in pebbled and smooth scales.

Given this bag’s compact size, it holds a lot of stuff.

It has a classic, long-lasting style.

It only has one interior and one exterior pocket.

For those looking for a small bag that’s both sophisticated and timeless, look no further. This beautiful leather crossbody bag from Portland Leather comes in two sizes and is super spacious. The bag has one interior and one exterior pocket and will hold all of your essential belongings without becoming a nuisance. With a squared-off design that’s made to hold its form and a zipper that extends an inch or two down the sides, you can fill this belt bag up and still be able to access your items with ease.

Size: Small: 5 x 7.5 x 2 inches, large: 9.25 x 6 x 2.5 inches | Body Material: Leather | Available Colors: 18

Best Investment

Lo & sons o.g. 2.

Super spacious and well-thought-out pockets

Different strap options

Another product with high scores, this sophisticated, functional, and versatile tote from Lo & Sons is ideal for any trip. With more pouches, pockets, and padding than we could imagine, this overnight bag can hold so much — and keep it organized. “Having a way to secure your travel bag on top of your roller luggage is a game changer, along with having secure but easy-to-access pockets for your passport and important items,” Jan Lo, cofounder and CEO of Lo & Sons shares.

This particular bag features a laptop sleeve, a flat exterior pouch, a shoe compartment, interior water bottle holders, small interior flat pouches, and a suitcase handle sleeve, plus a key leash and a detachable crossbody strap, allowing you to carry or wear it however you like. We also love that the nylon material makes it super easy to clean and that the bag has barely shown any signs of wear after over four years of use (just some slight fraying along the strap). Even better, it comes in a wide array of colors.

Size: 16.5 x 13.75  x 6.75 inches (medium), 16.5 x 14.75 x 6.75 inches (large) | Body Material: Nylon | Available Colors: 8

After considering all of our surveyed results of avid traveler members of our team, the Cheruty Travel Backpack is our favorite, thanks to its low price, durable material, and clever design. Coming in a close second is the Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag which comes in five sizes and includes a laptop sleeve and a luggage handle.

What to Know About Travel Purses

“Look for a bag that maximizes the space inside of the bag while not getting too big for the under-seat compartment," says Lo. Also, take into account what you may be using it for, as different types of trips may require different sizes of bags. For example, if you travel by plane often, you'll want to take note of your favorite airline's specific size constraints, whereas weeklong road trips allow for a little more flexibility.

With many different kinds of travel purses, what style will work best for you is worth considering before hitting the stores (online or in person). Our favorites? Backpacks, totes, and small purses, each of which offer different benefits.

• Backpacks , like the Longchamp Le Pliage Original Backpack and the Cheruty Backpack Purse , can be great for staying organized as they often have many pouches and pockets of different shapes and sizes.
• Totes are best for holding a lot of items and are a great option, especially if you’re trying to get away with taking just one big bag for your trip. We especially love the Away The Packable Carryall and the Dagne Dover Landon Large Carryall Bag because they can hold a lot but are super easy to store (both at home or during your trip).
• Small purses , like the Lululemon All Night Festival Bag Micro 2L , are great if you have just a few important/heavy-use items that you want to keep easily accessible. Smaller crossbody bags, like the Kavu Sydney Satchel , are also great for trips where you may be hiking or going to amusement parks.

Heavily impacting both a travel bag’s style and its functionality is the material the bag is made of. Leather is going to look professional but be hard to clean. Cotton is going to be durable and easy to clean. Nylon is both professional and easy to clean. In terms of durability, stylist Lindsay Albanese tells us her favorites are leather (we like the Portland Leather Tote Bag ), nylon, or even patent leather, adding that she loves a good print to hide stains or dirt.

Just like with luggage and travel makeup bags , travel purses can run the gamut when it comes to price: For this article, we tested bags at every price point, ranging from as low as $15 to as high as $400. It’s important to take your budget into account when shopping and try to find a well-made travel bag without being unduly pricey. We believe all of the options on our list are great choices when it comes to value.

To find the best travel purses, we surveyed our team on their favorite travel bags, asking them all about their experience traveling with different products. 

• Recommendations: Each travel purse submitted for recommendation had to have been used for six months or more. We received a list of 30 favorite bags to consider for the best travel purse.
• Evaluation: We then had our team rate their favorite travel purse on capacity, portability, ease of use, durability, design features, and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

This truly depends on what you hope to carry: backpacks are great for keeping many different items organized and out of the way, whereas purses are best for carrying just a few things like your important documents, wallet, and keys. Backpacks also make great work bags .

While this really comes down to personal preference, both Lo and Albanese shared that they prefer to travel with backpacks. Lo shared that, with more compartments, backpacks can hold more contents and are more comfortable and convenient. Albanese said she prefers backpacks for traveling because they’re the most functional kind of travel bag, with many different pouches to keep your items separated and organized.

The best way to keep your valuables safe while traveling is to make sure your bag is fully enclosed and wear it close to your front. Lo suggests a crossbody bag (we like the MultiSac Lorraine Women's Crossbody Bag and the Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag ) to achieve both of these. Lo says that if you need something bigger, choose a fully enclosing tote (which you can keep to your front in crowds) instead of a backpack. (In fact, the reason Lo & Sons originally designed the brand’s Waverley 2 was because their mom’s wallet had been stolen from a backpack while traveling.)

Carry-ons are what go in the overhead compartment (and are usually rollaboards), whereas personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. If your purse is small enough to fit under the seat, it will not count as a carry-on, and you can bring a rollaboard as well. The personal item dimension limits are generally around 16 x 13 x 7 inches, but be sure to check your air carrier’s specific rules.

Larger bags like the Lo & Sons O.G. 2 and the Cheruty Backpack Purse count as personal items (not carry-ons) and are a great choice if you’re hoping to use your travel bag to carry a lot of your stuff. 

In addition, you can also bring a smaller purse, like the Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag , Lululemon All Night Festival Bag Micro 2L , or Kavu Sydney Satchel , to carry important items and documents, which you can easily throw into a larger bag to get around bag number limits — which is one of Albanese’s favorite travel hacks.

Elizabeth Marino is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE, focusing on home products. A lover of all things home and family, she loves to help consumers find the best products to fit their domestic needs. In her spare time, you can find her traveling to historic sites and museums — and food spots — throughout the country. She holds a BA in American Studies and History from Columbia University.

Our Expert Panel

• Lindsay Albanese is a fashion stylist and entrepreneur based in Southern California.
• Jan Lo is the co-founder and CEO of Lo & Sons, a maker of thoughtfully designed and sustainably made travel essentials.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

Related Articles

• Find a Store

Discover our full collection of bags, from work totes ready to handle any commute to sleek travel bags for your next trip.

• Best Seller
• Name: A to Z
• Name: Z to A
• Price: Highest to Lowest
• Price: Lowest to Highest

Alma Travel GM Bag

Part of the Louis Vuitton x Park Seo-Bo Collection, the Alma Travel GM bag takes on vivid colour in vertical Epi XL leather. The colourway and the turning of the leather’s embossing from horizontal to vertical evoke the 'Ecriture' series by Park Seo-Bo, a seminal figure in Korean contemporary art.

• Autumn Maple Red
• Epi XL cowhide leather
• Cowhide leather trim
• Textile lining
• Coloured hardware
• Double zip closure
• Main compartment
• Handle clip
• Strap: Removable, adjustable
• Strap Drop: 43.0 cm
• Strap Drop Max: 57.0 cm
• Handle: Single x2

This reference is either made in France, Spain, Italy or the US.

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice .

Ryanair issues travellers with black, blue or navy suitcases warning

The budget airline has issued some advice for passengers who typically bags of a certain colour to the airport

• Facebook Icon
• Twitter Icon
• WhatsApp Icon

Ryanair is urging passengers to switch up their luggage style, with a particular warning for those with black, navy or grey suitcases. To avoid issues upon arrival, the airline recommends making your checked-in baggage more distinguishable on the carousel.

A statement from Ryanair reads: "Make it easier to spot your checked-in luggage on the carousel, especially if your luggage is black, navy or grey (like 99.9 per cent of the population). Add a colourful luggage tag or ribbon to the handle so that there's no confusion on arrival."

Aside from this, Ryanair has also put forward some clever advice for holidaymakers in regards to key documents. They especially recommend keeping photocopies and digital records of passports and driving licences in case of emergencies. For offline access, it's suggested passengers take photos of these crucial documents and store them on their phones.

Meanwhile, in the case of misplacing bags, travellers might find a distinctive luggage tag advantageous too. These tags are not only handy for you to identify your own bags but also enable airport staff to assist in locating and returning them more efficiently should they become lost.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info

When it comes to what details to include and perhaps more importantly, omit, on your luggage tags, Mike Harvey, from international moving firm 1st Move International, shares an expert tidbit: "When creating luggage tags for your suitcases, it's crucial to balance providing essential contact information with protecting your personal security."

What should I include on a luggage tag?

• Full name: Use your full name as it appears on your passport. This helps assist airline staff in locating and safely returning your belongings if they go missing.
• Phone number: List a phone number with the country code for quick communication.
• Email address: Include an email address for additional contact, especially for international trips. Consider using a separate travel email address to keep it distinct from your personal one.

What shouldn't I put on a luggage tag?

• Home address: For your privacy and security, avoid including your full home address.
• Details of valuables: Avoid mentioning any valuable items inside your suitcase to prevent drawing unwanted attention.
• Travel plans and destinations: Keep your travel itinerary and destination details private to prevent misuse of your information.
• Sensitive information: To protect your personal identity, refrain from including personal identification numbers such as national insurance or passport numbers. This includes avoiding details of travel insurance policy numbers.

For more information on luggage, visit the Ryanair website.

• Facebook Icon Facebook
• Twitter Icon Twitter
• Instagram Icon Instagram

Ryanair issues warning for passengers with black, grey or navy bags

The leading European budget airline has advised potential holidaymakers to make their checked-in luggage more noticeable on the carousel as many people have luggage in these colours

• 09:58, 12 Sep 2024

Ryanair has issued a warning to passengers who typically travel with black, navy or grey suitcases - urging them to alter their luggage to avoid any issues upon arrival.

The leading European budget airline has advised potential holidaymakers to make their checked-in luggage more noticeable on the carousel as many people have luggage in these colours. A statement from Ryanair reads: "Make it easier to spot your checked-in luggage on the carousel, especially if your luggage is black, navy or grey (like 99.9 per cent of the population). Add a colourful luggage tag or ribbon to the handle so that there's no confusion on arrival."

The airline also suggested passengers photocopy their passports, driving licences, and ID cards and email them to themselves for emergency situations. It's recommended that passengers take photos of these documents and save them on their phones if they are offline when they arrive at their destination.

If you are worried about losing your bag, then it may be wise to deploy a luggage tag. These can make it easy for both yourself and members of staff in an airport to help identify your bags and have them returned to you if they get lost.

Sign up for FREE to Mirror Travel and discover dream escapes, latest travel advice and more

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP: Discover your next dream getaway in the UK or abroad by joining our free Mirror Travel WhatsApp community HERE .

GET THE NEWSLETTER: Or sign up to the Mirror Travel newsletter for a weekly dose of the best holiday deals, travel warnings, expert advice and hidden gems, straight to your inbox.

What to include on your luggage tags

• Full name: Use your full name as it appears on your passport. This helps assist airline staff in locating and safely returning your belongings if they go missing.
• Phone number: List a phone number with the country code for quick communication.
• Email address: Include an email address for additional contact, especially for international trips. Consider using a separate travel email address to keep it distinct from your personal one.

Information to avoid putting on luggage tags

• Home address: For your privacy and security, avoid including your full home address.
• Details of valuables: Avoid mentioning any valuable items inside your suitcase to prevent drawing unwanted attention.
• Travel plans and destinations: Keep your travel itinerary and destination details private to prevent misuse of your information.
• Sensitive information: To protect your personal identity, refrain from including personal identification numbers such as national insurance or passport numbers. This includes avoiding details of travel insurance policy numbers.

Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, comments: "When creating luggage tags for your suitcases, it’s crucial to balance providing essential contact information with protecting your personal security."

MORE ON Ryanair Michael O'Leary Travel Tips

Can we send you the mirror travel newsletter with weekly travel news and inspiration.