Handbag, travel purse. Is there really any difference? Can’t you just use your trusty old daily handbag to your next exciting destination? Technically, yes, but there are a lot of things to think about that probably won’t even make you blink twice on a daily basis.
At A Glance: Our Top 3 Picks for Best Travel Purse in 2020
When you travel, you’ll be carrying around a lot of things that won’t make the cut in your daily handbag. You will most likely be carrying everything around the whole day, so what’s really just 5 lbs of stuff can feel like 20 lbs at the end of the day when you haven’t put your bag down.
There are hundreds of options available right now. Choosing the best travel purse mostly depends on how you want to carry your stuff. To make it easy for you, we’ve picked out some of the best ones.
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The Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag might just be the best travel purse in this review. Why? Because it keeps your things safe especially in crowded cities, which is the key to a great purse while traveling.
This bag is roomy with all the slots and pockets you need for your cards, all protected by slash-proof straps and body panels. It’s great when traveling to crowded cities where it will be hard to notice if someone’s trying to get into your things. It’s also protected by RFID blocking technology in various slots to protect your privacy and digital data.
All compartments lock with lobster claw clasps. While it’s not 100% secure that you can leave your bag lying around, it deters quick hands from slipping your bag open. The downside is it can take a little while longer for you to get into your bag, which can be inconvenient.
The straps also have a lock-down system so you can safely set it down or on the back of your chair while having a meal. This prevents grab-and-go things from running away with your bag.
It has a side pocket for a water bottle so you won’t have to sacrifice compartment space. It’s the perfect messenger bag for women that also comes in several colors to suit to match your outfit.
Grab the Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Slim Backpack for hands-free convenience while traveling.
A backpack is a great travel option because it distributes the weight of your bag on two shoulders. It’s much more convenient without having to strain one side of your body. It also gives you more freedom of movement since you can walk around hands-free. The biggest issue with backpacks is you can’t really see what’s going on behind you.
The Travelon Backpack is a great bag with great security features. The slash-proof body and straps prevent thieves from getting into your bag. Since the compartments are secured with lockable zippers, there’s no way anyone can open those zippers without you knowing.
It’s a good size that can hold your essentials and a little bit more. The main compartment is roomy, with RFID blocking pockets, and a tethered clip with LED light. There’s also a hidden slash pocket under the flap that can fit a phone or sunglasses.
It also comes in various colors with a sleek design that doesn’t scream out “tourist”.
Similar to the crossbody bag, the biggest drawback is the inconvenience of getting into your own bag due to the lockable zippers. But of course, it is one of the many theft deterrent bags, which are a great option for travel these days. Whether it’s the best bag for the job, is something you have to decide.
For those who bring their tablets everywhere, the Pacsafe Citysafe CS100 Anti-theft Travel Handbag is the one for you. Pacsafe is known for its anti-theft line of bags, and the Citysafe CS100 is a great option for travel, especially when you want a bag that has a very simple style.
This travel purse versatile and functional made of durable materials that will last you a lifetime. The slashproof body (via eXomesh Slashguard) and shoulder straps (with the Carrysafe Slashguard) keep your items safe and keep thieves from running off with your gear.
You can also secure your bag to a fixed object with the Turn & Lock security hooks for added security. All the compartments are protected with a zipper closure that has zipper pullers that can be attached to discreet security hooks. Perfect for keeping the thieves out!
The main compartment of this travel purse is roomy and includes a padded iPad or tablet sleeve. It has an RFID blocking pocket housed in a classic silhouette design.
Much like with all lockable zippers, it’s harder to get into your own bag. It also doesn’t have enough space for a water bottle, which is quite important for travel.
The Baggallini Pocket Lightweight Crossbody Bag sits comfortably across your body even when filled to the brim. This is great news for travel because often you have to carry a lot of things with you during your trip.
If backpacks still worry you, crossbody bags are another great option if you want to travel hands-free. This bag is very lightweight, comes in different colors, and maximizes all the space for everything you’ll need.
It’s filled with thoughtfully designed pockets to keep your travel items well-organized. This includes a back zippered pocket to keep your valuables closer to your body and harder to reach for pickpockets.
The adjustable should strap is also wide enough that it doesn’t dig into your shoulder even when you’ve filled your bag to capacity. The material itself is very lightweight and durable, meaning this purse can handle a lot of wear and tear.
It also comes with a small wristlet for added organization, or for quick errands where you don’t need your entire bag.
The only security feature in this bag is an RFID blocking pocket to keep your data safe. The material is not slash-proof so you’ll still have to keep an eye out for your purse. It is, however, water-resistant, which really comes in handy if you travel to different destinations and climates all the time.
If you need a heftier travel purse, then the Plambag Canvas Messenger Bag can carry much more.
Travel bags are ideally small and lightweight since you are likely to carry them around the whole day. However, if you’re not the minimalist type, or if you’re traveling with family who keeps their stuff with you, then this messenger bag is a great option for a purse on any trip.
It’s designed to be subtle and rustic and can fit both men and women. The straps are adjustable to fit any body type and can even be carried as a crossover bag.
The best feature of this bag is organization. There are 9 pockets, which can fit a 10″ tablet and even a water bottle. There are 8 credit card slots on the inside as well as utility pockets for pens and other small items. There’s also a media slot for your headphones.
In terms of anti-theft features, this purse unfortunately doesn’t have any. The canvas is sturdy and hard to slash through, but the zippers are unsecured and the flap is only secured via velcro.
Carry the Ecosusi Travel Purse Sling Backpack in different ways to find the most comfortable with this lightweight crossbody bag.
This bag is meant for travel, starting from its waterproof nylon material to the ergonomic strap you can use as a backpack or a sling bag. The padded back and breathable mesh add comfort for all-day wear.
It is not a conventional backpack, but a crossbody bag, however, it is still sized as a purse. This won’t fit your overnight stuff, but it functions great on day trips around the city or as a carry-on.
There are two zipped compartments in this bag. The front compartment can hold phones and quick items, while the main compartments have several slips and pockets including a tablet sleeve. It’s pretty spacious for its size and you might even fit a water bottle if you pack strategically.
The biggest downside is its lack of safety features, giving too much opportunity to thieves. If you’re wearing this as a backpack, there’s not stopping pickpockets from trying to get at you. If you’re around crowded and unsafe areas, better to carry this as a crossbody sling bag and keep the zippers close to your body.
With five stunning colors to choose from, the lightweight OGIO Brooklyn Travel Purse is the choice for those focusing on style when traveling.
That doesn’t mean that OGIO has forgotten about the safety of your possessions or the functionality of the purse either. This bag features a cross-over flap that easily keeps your stuff secure from thieves. And it has two main compartments on the interior as well as a further zippered pocket to safely stow your travel necessities.
The material used in this purse is also top-notch with 900D Polyester meaning long-lasting durability and a difficult to slash outer shell to your purse. This travel bag also comes with a padded bottom to further protect any electronics you may have inside. Something we are always happy to see.
Measuring 16.1 x 2.9 x 13 inches it is also spacious enough for most traveler’s daily needs and at just 12oz it is also super-lightweight so it won’t weigh you down as you travel around during the day.
This travel bag from NeatPack is a great combination of spaciousness, organization, and safety.
It is well designed for everyday travel with space for water bottles, toiletries, electronics, books, and just about anything else you can throw at it. All secured with very robust zips, including the interior. There is also an RFID-protected pocket where you can keep your credit cards so that no sneaky thieves can scan them on a pass-by.
When it comes to travel purses, Neatpack has also not forgotten about comfort including an easy to adjust, padded shoulder strap that helps you keep your bag just where you need it. Either in front, on the side, or when you are feeling safe – around the back!
The material is also durable nylon to keep your bag going long after you have sat down for a coffee after a long day sightseeing!
It comes in a selection of three colors – the gray you can see here, more attention-grabbing blue, or a light tan/cream color. I would go for the more subdued colors for travel, to avoid attracting attention.
Every traveler has different needs, especially when it comes to a purse.
Some pack light, some pack everything but the kitchen sink. Just keep in mind that you’ll probably be carrying this travel bag around the whole day, so bringing as little as possible is the best bet, and having a small travel purse might force you into this.
However, travel purses can accommodate as little or as much as you need, so get one in a size that won’t leave you feeling incomplete. As there is nothing worse than missing that chapstick or charging cable, just when you need it.
Security features are great, although not always necessary. If you’re traveling to crowded cities, it would be best to get a travel purse that’s slash-proof. Or, you could just make sure it is always in front of you. As slashing while you are looking is probably nowhere near as likely. Thieves tend to be pretty sneaky on the whole
Some purses also have lockable zippers, which can be handy against those sneaky thieves who try to open your travel bag. This feature makes it a little inconvenient to get into your purse so you have that peace of mind that pickpockets won’t just grab your stuff.
Nylon is a great material because it is also water-resistant. Weather, while you are traveling, can be very unpredictable, and it’s good to have that extra level of protection for your things especially if you’ll be bringing electronics.
Polyester and canvas are also durable materials that will last for years, and probably won’t get soaked through unless you are caught in a downpour for ages.
Travel purses are great accessories and can be very versatile.
If you’re suffering from back problems, best to get the Travelon Signature Anti-Theft Slim Backpack. It’s sleek and stylish with great security features that will keep your things safe even if you can’t see what’s going on behind you.
The Pacsafe Citysafe CS100 Anti-Theft Travel Handbag is lightweight and versatile packed with security features. This is great anywhere, no matter what kind of travel you’ll be doing.
If you need more space or traveling with kids in tow, the Plambag Canvas Messenger Bag will give you space without the heft. This durable bag can hold all your essentials plus much more without screaming “tourist” or “baby bag”.
Get ready to jetset to your nest destination and find your ideal travel purse!