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Home » Gear » The BEST Travel Bags for Women – (Backpacks, Carry-Ons & More!)

The BEST Travel Bags for Women – (Backpacks, Carry-Ons & More!)

Picture this: You’re running through a crowded airport to catch a flight. You’re packing your bags to go home when you realize you have three times what you had when you arrived. You’re sitting on a bus in Mexico with no overhead luggage space. In all three scenarios, your trusty bag will be what makes or breaks your experience.

Not to put too much pressure on this little item, but it will literally be your home away from home on the road.

Travel bags are the unsung heroes of every adventure. They might fly under the radar, but there is no disagreeing that owning a practical bag that can safely and securely fit all your belongings, trusting that the zipper won’t break or the seams won’t stretch, is something any avid traveler will appreciate. Not only this, but a good bag really has the power to make us feel like the savvy travelers that we truly are.

Whether to protect your camera gear that costs more than the trip itself, to stash your secret snack supply, or to fit all your go-to travel items in, the right travel bag really can make a trip all the more enjoyable.

But finding the right bag can be overwhelming. You might be wondering, do I need a bag with wheels or a backpack? Would I prefer a bigger bag with spacious compartments or a more compact alternative? What color should I go for?

Well, there’s no need to sift through the nonsense that scatters the market. Instead, we’ve done the dirty work for you and found the fifteen BEST travel bags for women .

We’ve added a bag for every type of adventurer: those looking for a slick carry-on bag for long-haul flights, those after the perfect backpack, and even those searching for the perfect duffel or tote.

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Osprey Ariel 60

• Capacity > 58 liters or 60 liters
• Type > Ultimate backpacking backpack
• Price > $390

Mahi Leather, The Colombus Cowprint

• Capacity > 39 liters
• Type > Duffel bag
• Price > $200

Osprey Farpoint 65 Wheeled Backpack

• Capacity > 65 liters
• Type > Softshell wheeled travel carry-on suitcase
• Price > $320

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

• Capacity > 46 liters
• Type > Hard-shell carry-on suitcase
• Price > $315

Sherpani Pike Travel Sling

• Capacity > 6.5 liters
• Type > Mini backpack
• Price > $65

Kodiak Katmai Leather Backpack

• Capacity > 16 liters
• Type > Leather day backpack
• Price > $162

Gregory Deva 70

• Capacity > 66 liters or 60 liters
• Type > Overnight backpack
• Price > 329

REI Coop Ruckpack 40 Recycled

• Capacity > 40 liters
• Type > Day backpack
• Price > $150

Salkan The Backpacker

• Capacity > 45 liters + 20 liters
• Type > Two-in-one day and overnight backpack
• Price > $400

Osprey Fairview 40L

• Type > Travel backpack
• Price > $185

Mahi Leather Vegan Classic

• Capacity > 17 liters
• Type > Sustainable day backpack
• Price > $125

Navigator Collapsible Tote 28L

• Capacity > 28 liters
• Type > Mesh collapsible tote bag
• Price > $70

Osprey Archeon 45

• Capacity > 43 liters or 45 liters
• Type > Backpack
• Price > $290

Mahi Leather Mini Bucket Bag

• Capacity > 5 liters
• Type > Leather sling handbag
• Price > $160

Peak Design Everyday Tote Bag

• Capacity > 20 liters
• Type > Everyday tote/backpack
• Price > $180

The Best Travel Bags for Women

Final thoughts on finding the best travel bags for women.

Ranging from bags suited for navigating bustling cities and summiting mountain peaks to a backpack to store your life on the go, feast your inner shopaholic on our pick of the very best travel bags on the market . 

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#1 Osprey Ariel 60

• Capacity – 58 liters or 60 liters
• Type – Ultimate backpacking backpack
• Price – $390

If you’re looking for an all-rounder backpack for a hiking trip , or camping adventure or to accompany you on a backpacking journey through Asia, look no further. Don’t let the price scare you off; this bag offers more than you could wish for from an overnight backpack. 

The Osprey Ariel 60 comes in medium and large sizes, fitting 58 and 60 liters, respectively. It has top and front access, making it super easy to get to your goodies at the bottom of your bag. 

Throw in a rain cover (essential for those monsoon countries), a sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider, hip belt pockets, and a removable day pack for short adventures, and we have ourselves the ultimate adventure travel backpack . 

With nine external pockets and one large main compartment, keeping your belongings organized has never been so easy. There is even a reinforced front pocket designed for shoving in all those extras when you don’t feel like opening up the entire bag.

Necessary for any long adventures or when you just want to save two bucks on that pesky airport trolley hire, this travel bag for women is as comfortable as backpacks get. With a custom Fit-On-The-Fly hip belt and shoulder straps, you can perfectly secure the bag to your body, stabilizing its weight when necessary.

Looking for something a little smaller, the Near Zero Dean Backpack is a great shout.

For more information on these sorts of bags, visit our IN-DEPTH guide on  how to choose a travel backpack . There are some really great travel bags to choose from.

#2 Mahi Leather, The Colombus Cowprint

• Capacity – 39 liters
• Type – Duffel bag
• Price – $200

Made using 100% full-grain leather and a natural fur finish, the Colombus Cowpring duffel from Mahi Leather is your go-to carry-on for a weekend away or overnight vacation. If you’re traveling through the USA and are hoping to fit in with the cowgirl aesthetic, this is the bag for you. 

If you love an oversized handbag, this bag could double as an overnight bag, carry-on duffel, or even a big handbag.

It’s made from soft cow leather and fur , complimented by brass fittings and robust YKK zippers. When it comes to comfort and convenience, the bag has all the bells and whistles.

It has a detachable shoulder strap, a smaller inner zipped pocket, a full-length side compartment, and large outside zip pockets . To protect the top-quality leather, it also has four brass studs on the base. 

Personally, I’m not a big fan of the cow print design and prefer a linen bag over a leather one. But if you’re looking to draw attention, you’ve come to the right place.

Each Mahi bag is handmade to order and comes with a protective dust cover. Naturally, each bag will differ slightly, and this unique character is exactly why we love this leather women’s travel bag so much. The company also donates a portion of every sale to a water-positive NGO.

#3 Osprey Farpoint 65 Wheeled Backpack

• Capacity – 65 liters
• Type – Softshell wheeled travel carry-on suitcase
• Price – $320

A practical pack is the cornerstone of any  travel packing list . Well, this one’s a wheely bag!

Easy to fit in the trunk for overnight road trips, convenient to roll around airports, and small enough to put in the overhead locker without spending an arm and a leg on checking in your bags – win, win, WIN.

Osprey’s Farpoint Wheeled Backpack doubles as a backpack and a wheely bag, making it easy to transition from smooth floors to rough terrain in a jiffy. The bag has a durable outer shell with oversized wheels that make it possible to roll over even rough surfaces.

While clambering over a gravel road, you won’t have to worry about damaging your belongings. It will be safely protected within the reinforced aluminum frame.

When the conditions demand, you can easily stow away the handlebar and deploy the harness and hip belt for a comfortable backpack solution. Just like the best backpacks with wheels , the harness has super soft edges and a padded mesh back to help you carry heavy loads.

The bag fits 65 liters capacity, including space for a 15-inch laptop. Made from durable materials and a water-repellent outer fabric, the bag is built to withstand rain and shine. 

Unlike other roller bags, this one has pockets for days. I’m talking about front mesh pockets, internal compartments and pockets, and a zippered top pocket for smaller items. Oh, and it’s compatible with Farpoint and Fairview Daypack attachments.

#4 Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

• Capacity – 46 liters
• Type – Hard-shell carry-on suitcase
• Price – $315

Picture this: You’re rolling your way through the airport with a coffee in one hand and your Monos Carry-On Pro Plus in the other. Everyone who walks past you is staring in envy, and it’s all because of your gorgeous travel bag for women. 

Monos is famous for its sleek designs, lifetime guarantee, and high-quality products, and this one is no exception. While it might come in at a higher price than your average suitcase from Walmart, you’ll be paying for an exceptional piece of luggage with Monos. 

It’s all in the details: The bag features a TSA-approved lock (no more broken locks), a sleek reverse zip solution , and a front pocket designed for storing your valuables; this bag takes convenience and being good-looking to the next level. 

Let’s circle back to the front pocket, which is no doubt my favorite thing about this bag. The pocket can safely store your laptop and notebooks in mesh sleeves, along with three zippered pouches for things like sunglasses, wallets, and phones. Seriously, there’s no need for a handbag here.

Oh, and did I mention it comes in just about every beautiful color? Pastel purple, baby blue, olive green, and even a glossy banana pudding color! Other than its higher than usual price – there is not much negative to say about this one.

Unsure about the best gear for your trip? This guide comparing backpacks and suitcases will help you determine which one suits you best.

#5 Sherpani Pike Travel Sling

• Capacity – 6.5 liters
• Type – Mini backpack
• Price – $65

Let’s be real. Sling bags aren’t for everyone. I’m not the biggest fan myself, but for those who are, do yourself a favor and try out the Sherpani Pike Travel Sling, one of the best sling bags out there.

It’s perfect for a day out, whether walking through a busy city or heading for your favorite digital nomad coffee shop.

It’s compact yet spacious, with a sleeve to store your laptop, padded back support, and a deep central pocket. Of course, there is also a mesh inner pocket where you can keep spare change or sunnies.

Safety is key with any travel bag for women, especially when walking through city streets. Perfect for the occasion, the bag has a double closure system, with both a zipper and a magnetic buckle closing the main compartment. Any city slicker will appreciate this anti-theft system. Am I right?!

The sling bag fits just the essentials and has an adjustable strap that allows it to be worn on the right or left shoulder. Aside from being the perfect city bag, it’s great for short hikes or day trips.

The only thing that would make this bag better would be pockets big enough to fit a standard water bottle. It’s truly a hack having to open and close the bag every time you want a sip.

#6 Kodiak Katmai Leather Backpack

• Capacity – 16 liters
• Type – Leather day backpack
• Price – $162

As far as leather travel bags go, this has to be one of the best.

The Katmai Leather Backpack comes in three neutral colors: dark walnut, saddle (a lighter brown), and black. It’s a simple yet timeless design, with comfortable and adjustable straps, three zippered compartments, and a padded back wall. 

The interior includes a large padded laptop compartment against the back wall, along with three zippered compartments on the front. One large, one medium, and one small.

This is a great place to store your cards, phone, and pens, each with its own little dedicated section. With these additional pockets inside the bag, you won’t have to worry about anyone sliding into your bag and stealing anything.

With a 16-liter carrying capacity, you can fit all the bits and bobs you might need for the day in this backpack. I think it’s a great bag for work , but can be equally functional for leisure and travel purposes, as well.

The reason I prefer using it to transport my computer to work more than as a go-to adventure-based women’s travel bag is that it is slightly on the heavier side. But hey, it’s the price you pay for an epic-quality leather bag, right!?

#7 Gregory Deva 70

• Capacity – 66 liters or 60 liters
• Type – Overnight backpack
• Price – $329

Another one of the best backpacks for extended trail trips, winter weekends, and outdoor adventures, the Gregory Deva 70 Backpack has all the features of a great adventure backpack . It will be your home away from home on the road.

It’s designed for adventure, with a rain cover, a removable hydration sleeve that can be used as a light daypack, and shoulder straps that feel like they’re made of butter. 

Comfort is key when trekking through the outdoors, and there is nothing worse than carrying a bag that hurts your back. Luckily, you shouldn’t have to worry about this with the Gregory Deva 70, with its streamlined suspension system allowing for cool airflow and good weight distribution across your body. 

Of course, it also has mesh hip belts, a shoulder harness, and a foam back panel, both for ergonomic comfort and to keep you cool. The hip belt is a bit sticky and can shift your clothing away and cause chafe on long hikes.

As for convenience, the hip belt has a pocket for your phone, sunscreen, or whatever you deem necessary for extra quick access. There is another sunglass quick-stow system on the shoulder harness to keep your shades scratch-free. 

The bag is spacious enough to fit clothing and equipment for two to three days, with dual front organization pockets, stretchy mesh zones, and space for a sleeping bag. It’s one of my favourite pieces of Gregory gear .

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

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

#8 REI Coop Ruckpack 40 Recycled

• Capacity – 40 liters
• Type – Day backpack
• Price – $150

The REI Coop Ruckpack is the perfect daypack travel bag for women who have a home base on the road but like to spend days exploring and adventuring. It’s basically designed like an overnight backpack, just much smaller. 

Choosing a women’s backpack with a female-specific fit is crucial for a comfortable and supportive experience. This bag is designed to secure around your chest area and torso, with curved edges to make it extra comfortable for all-day wear. Lightly padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap offer extra stability.

It’s made from a durable ripstop nylon material , which means it won’t tear when you put it through the works. Don’t be scared to rough it in tricky environments!

The fabric is also water repellent, shedding rain and moisture , and even has a stowable rain cover for when the heavens open up.

My only gripe is that accessing the main compartment can be a bit of a mission. When the bag is fully loaded, you have to open out the entire pack to get to your laptop – not ideal when rushing through airport security!

Stash your trekking pole in the designated strap when you aren’t using it, and you can use the sternum strap as a survival whistle if you ever need to – hopefully, you won’t. There are also dual water bottle holders as well as a sleeve that can hold a three-liter hydration reservoir, which you can buy as an extra. 

#9 Salkan The Backpacker

• Capacity – 45 liters + 20 liters
• Type – Two-in-one day and overnight backpack
• Price – $400

High-quality backpack brands tend to blend practicality and aesthetics. And well, this is one of them. Its simple, sleek design makes it one of the prettiest bags on the backpacking market. Choose from a black or olive green exterior and customize the color of your straps.

It is made up of two separate travel bags for women, which can be clipped together for the ultimate adventure. The main bag fits 45 liters of capacity, while the smaller detachable daypack fits 20 liters.

Built for the outdoors, this pack has a flight and rain cover to protect it from unruly baggage handlers and wet conditions. It’s super easy to pack and access your things, with top and front access, expandable outside pockets, and internal pockets to stash your valuables. 

Use it for outdoor adventures and as you pass through airports, with the top and side grab handles making it easy to pick up off a luggage conveyor belt. 

Comfort is paramount! This bag is designed with an adjustable sternum strap and back system and five customizable compression straps to help distribute its weight across your back.

It also gets a big tick from mother nature, made from recycled polyester and nylon materials, and has a no landfill lifetime guarantee. Mother Nature approves! Read our full and detailed Salkan backpack review if you need to know more.

#10 Osprey Fairview 40L

• Type – Travel backpack
• Price – $185

Created to keep up with the most adventurous globetrotters, the Osprey Fairview backpack will be your trusted companion when exploring new trails and cities. The bag is big, with 40 liters of capacity, yet is still small enough to be considered as carry-on luggage on a flight. 

You can organize your belongings into four main compartments . The main compartment is secured with a panel zip and lockable sliders for added security.

Like all our favorite Osprey backpacks , it has a large front shove-it pocket designed to chuck in any last-minute items. To maximize space, there is also an external zip toiletry pocket to make it simple when cruising through security lines. 

If your female travel bag isn’t packed to the brim, use the dual compression straps to tighten the load and keep it stable on a short excursion. There are also some external gear attachment loops to strap your favorite gear onto.

I carried it on flights, public transport, and hikes, and it fits in more than I could have imagined when looking at the size of the bag.

Even when overloaded, the weight was perfectly distributed across my body. When packed full, it’s a bit bigger than the traditional carry-on bag, but the compression straps made me confident I could squeeze it past security. Consider it your go-to backpack for minimalistic travel .

#11 Mahi Leather Vegan Classic

• Capacity – 17 liters
• Type – Sustainable day backpack
• Price – $125

Even Mahi Leather is catching onto the vegan trend. Made from fully sustainable cork materials and 100% cotton lining the interior, their new Vegan Classic bag is a must for the eco-animal welfare warriors among us.

It’s among the best sustainable backpacks , and it really is as timeless as it is versatile. I like to use mine for a casual day exploring the city, traveling through international airports, and simply getting my computer and other valuables to and from the office. Conveniently, it can fit an A4 pad of paper and a 13-inch laptop.

Onto the details… the bag has extendable back straps, one front zip pocket, and an internal zip pocket with two separate compartments. It is sturdy and made from such high-quality materials you might be convinced it’s made from real leather.

#12 Navigator Collapsible Tote 28L

• Capacity – 28 liters
• Type – Mesh collapsible tote bag
• Price – $70

For a beach day, a park picnic, or even to carry your clothes to the gym, there is no travel bag for women as convenient as the classic tote. Seriously, I guarantee every person in the world has used and appreciated the convenience of a tote bag .

Uplevel your tote experience with the Navigator Collapsible Tote, which can fit up to 28 liters of items. Not only can it fit a bunch of your belongings, but it’s also collapsible. This feature makes it super convenient for traveling, allowing you to easily store it in your luggage when you aren’t using it. 

It has a full top zippered closure, so you won’t have to worry about someone reaching into your bag on a busy street. You can also store your valuables or phone in the mesh zipper pocket and any less important possessions in the slip pocket. 

Ideal for a summer day out, the bag has a dedicated water bottle pocket and is made from a durable, water-resistant material. No more worrying about a wet or sandy bag!

My one gripe is its high price. I know that it doesn’t cost too much to make a tote bag, but I feel like it’s slightly overpriced. That said, you will be paying for a higher quality product than your basic supermarket tote.

The best Nomatic Backpacks can compete with any bag on the market, so take a look at what’s in stock and decide what best fits your next trip. 

#13 Osprey Archeon 45

• Capacity – 43 liters or 45 liters
• Type – Backpack
• Price – $290

Designed specifically for female backpackers, the Osprey Archeon is built to fit the natural curves of the female body. And we are ALL FOR IT! This is precisely why Osprey is on

For sweaty days, the mesh-covered backing with foam creates a ventilation system while still keeping the bag close to your back. There truly is nothing worse than realizing you have to unpack your entire women’s travel bag to get something from the bottom. 

That’s not an issue with this bag, which has full front panel access, making it easy to pack your things up and get to something at the bottom of the bag in a jiffy. 

While on the go, feel free to stash your carry-on essentials like lip balm and sunscreen in the dual zip hip belt pockets. There are also two side pockets made from a woven, stretchy material that can carry your water bottle and necessary snacks.

When the weather turns on you, you can simply deploy the removable rain cover to prevent your bag from getting wet. This really is one of the most functional backpacks on the market. It’s super comfortable; all the straps are in the right place, and, of course, they are all adjustable. The only con I can think of is that there can be some pressure on the back hip, but it’s nothing an avid adventurer can’t handle.

For more related content on these bags, check out our IN-DEPTH reviews of the Osprey Archeon 25 and Osprey Archeon 65 . We looked at all the features, the pros and the cons, so you can confidently choose the backpack that suits you best.

For something a touch smaller, have a look at the Arc’teryx Konseal Backpack instead.

#14 Mahi Leather Mini Bucket Bag

• Capacity – 5 liters
• Type – Leather sling handbag
• Price – $160

A mini bucket bag is an absolute must for any adventure through the city. Not only does the Mahi Leather Mini Bucket Bag double as a trendy handbag for big city roamin’ or night festivals. But it’s also suitable for stashing your passport, phone, and headphones (and other absolute necessities) when traveling through airports. 

I always like to bring two bags on any flight, leaving my larger equipment in my backpack and keeping smaller possessions closer to my body. You might prefer a bum bag for this, but this bucket bag serves just the same purpose.

This Mahi bag is made from premium leather with a natural fur finish in a leopard print style. The interior is lined with 100% cotton . This women’s travel bag has an extendable and detachable shoulder strap with leather drawstring fastenings and an internal zippered pocket to store your keys.

Again, I’m not the biggest fan of animal print and leather, so this bag doesn’t sit high on my list purely for aesthetic purposes. I also think you could find a cheaper alternative at a basic women’s store. Aside from that, it’s truly a great quality item made from buttery soft leather.

#15 Peak Design Everyday Tote Bag

• Capacity – 20 liters
• Type – Everyday tote/backpack
• Price – $180

Peak Design takes the everyday tote to a whole new level. Their Everyday Tote Bag doesn’t look like a traditional wide tote but rather like a sleek backpack alternative. In fact, you can think of it as a blend between a backpack and a tote . 

It’s super good-looking and comes in cream-white and black. It can fit 20 liters of contents, which, in my opinion, is the perfect size for an on-the-go everyday bag.

The simple design includes a large central compartment with a magnetic foldover closure, two small handles to carry it like a handbag, and a single backpack strap to sling it over your shoulder.

I’m personally not a fan of a sling bag and think they might as well have added two backstraps if they added one. But if sling bags work for you, this shouldn’t be an issue. 

The extra wide top access point makes it easy to stuff all your goodies in the bag, while the zipper access points on either side of the bag make it easy to reach in and grab your camera, water bottle, or whatever you choose to keep in the bag. 

There are also a few stretchy inner pockets for smaller items, as well as a dedicated laptop compartment for a 15-inch laptop. It’s a 100% waterproof backpack , durable enough to withstand any conditions the weather throws at you.

SIDE NOTE : It’s also made from recycled materials. Win, win, WIN!

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Let’s be frank. Having a good bag is pretty much a necessity when on the road. Traveling can be stressful enough; there is no need to complicate things further by traveling with a sub-par travel bag for women that either hurts your shoulders or leaves you in constant fear of it breaking. We’ve all been there. 

I’d confidently say that just about all of us love a good bag. Be it a new suitcase, a handbag, or a backpack – there is something about finding the perfect bag for your needs. Maybe it’s because it forms such a big part of any journey, since you’ll literally be using it every minute of every day.

We all have our favorite brands and bag-design preferences, depending on the type of travel we embark on and the activities we engage in. A weekend bag serves a totally different purpose than a hiking backpack or a roller bag designed for sleek airport floors. 

There are also a few things that will set some bags apart from the rest. Aside from being good-looking and made from high-quality materials, you’ll want to find a bag that ergonomically fits your body shape, is the right shape and size to go where you need it to go (an airplane overhead locker, for example), and has the necessary pockets to store all your goodies. 

Tried and tested by our trusty travelers, these top travel bags for women have made it on this list for a good reason. Pin the ones that suit you and get saving!

Aiden Freeborn

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• 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 wallets, passports, 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.”

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. 

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