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Looking for the best travel purse? We see you.
Be it a beach bag, a tote, or a crossbody for a cross-country adventure, every traveler needs a trusted bag to fight the good fight. We’re not talking about a handbag that is just cute but something with organized pockets, weather-resistant material, or even anti-theft material.
We considered the size and capacity for essentials, security features like RFID-blocking fabric to prevent thieves from scanning your information (brilliant, right?), as well as what washes well and what’s just another designer bag begging for attention (cough, Louis Vuitton).
That’s why our list below has theft-proof bags as well as a variety of other vacation-ready picks, including a Coach leather travel bag, because one man’s duffel is another’s travel purse.
Read on for an assortment of TSA-approved bags that will have you ready to stamp your passport or hit the road for the rest of the year. And remember, a lot of these bags make great gifts for travelers, so maybe add two to your cart.
Pros:
Lightweight and easy to carry on your body
Top seller and very trendy
Water-repellent fabric
Best small travel purse
Cons:
Spot clean only
Not enough organized compartments inside
Everyone loves the Everywhere Belt Bag. We even wrote a whole story on this one, making it a great travel purse for this list. The bag can be worn around your waist or chest, and comes with a zipper closure for added security.
Note: this bag comes and goes in and out of stock frequently, due to its popularity. Sold out now? Check out the rest of their belt bags.
New York Post Review: “The lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag isn’t just a trend — it’s a lifestyle. Seriously, once you opt for this stylish pack to go hands-free while shopping, hiking (or literally anything), you won’t go back. It’s the ideal size to fit my cell phone and other essentials and it always stays secure. It’s a “fanny pack” you’ll actually want to use, simply for its photogenic charm and design. It’s quite water-repellent as well and, like most of lululemon’s catalog, is made for on the move.” — Victoria Giardina, commerce and content strategist
Material: Mesh: 100% Recycled Polyester, Liner: Face: 100% Recycled Polyester, Body: 100% Recycled Nylon | Color Options: 17 | Key Features: N/A
Pros:
Durable microfiber leather that resists water and dirt
Eco-conscious, sustainably-friendly brand
Available in three colors: Amber, Obsidian, Travertine
Best crossbody purse for traveling in a chic fashion
Good travel purse for your passport
Cons:
If you like slimmer, smaller body bags, this may feel a bit bulky for you
Not enough organized compartments inside, only one zip pocket
We’ve all been caught in the rain while visiting a city; the last thing you want to do is shield your bag. Beads of water roll off this bag thanks to its water-resistant vegan leather that protects it from mold and bacteria.
This crossbody can be worn in three different ways: crossbody, shoulder, and hand-carry and the shoulder strap is soft against the skin. It holds 3.16 liters and weighs 0.76 pounds.
New York Post Review: “I took this bag to Paris and it made the perfect travel companion. The Voyager Crossbody is made of durable microfiber leather with organized pockets to find your passport, wallet, chapstick, earbuds and whatever else you need at your fingertips. This is the most stylish body bag I’ve seen on the market. Not only do I travel with this bag but it makes walking the dog and holding groceries down the streets of New York so much easier. Don’t fight this trend, it will make your life easier.” — Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce reporter
Material: Microfiber leather | Color Options: 3 | Key Features: YKK zippers, a spacious compartment with a two-way zipper, an additional interior pocket, and an adjustable shoulder strap |
Pros:
Unisex
Water-proof
Great carry-on to shove under seats
Keep all your essentials weather-proof and tucked under a seat as the perfect carry-on. This bag is a great purse-meets-backpack hybrid, fitting a change of clothes, laptop, or whatever you deem a must-have, all while looking relaxed and feminine. There is a single main compartment with an internal zip pocket to secure your wallet and passport. On the backside is a zipper pocket for things that need to be easily accessed.
New York Post Review: I purchased the Backpack Mini as a travel carry-on, and I’ve been flying with it for the past few years. The color hasn’t faded a bit since the day I bought it, and it still looks brand new, though it really shouldn’t, given how often I’ve shoved it under seats and crammed it into overhead compartments. Dirt wipes off easily, so it always looks fresh, and the classic carrier closure keeps it securely shut, no matter how much I stuff inside.
Material: PU fabric | Color Options: 3 | Key Features: Water-proof
Pros:
Well organized: laptop sleeve, bottom compartment for shoes
Features a zippered sleeve that easily attaches to larger luggage
Comes in a range of stylish colors
Cons:
The unique shape can make it difficult to close if you overstuff it
New York Post Review: “I truly don’t know how I ever traveled without Béis’ stylish-yet-spacious Weekender bag. From the sleek laptop sleeve to a bottom compartment big enough to fit two pairs of shoes, the thoughtful design details really come in handy on a short trip. Whenever I carry it, I often get people asking where it’s from — or telling me that they have the same one.” — Hannah Southwick, commerce reporter for Page Six
Material: Poly canvas body, vegan leather trim, 100% poly lining, nylon zipper, and zinc alloy hardware | Color Options: 7 | Key Features: Compartment for shoes and a laptop sleeve
Pros:
Water-resistant coated zippers and fabric
Durable ripstop is 3x lighter than Bellroy’s other fabric
Secondary closures to keep your stuffed bag shut
Multi-purpose usage: tote to backpack
Best lightweight travel purse
Cons:
Looks a bit like a diaper bag, but it is ultralight for a large bag, so it might be a good fit for city dwellers
When you pack light, everyone wins. This Lite Tote from Bellroy helps you pack all the essentials without the added weight of the bag itself. You can overload it and still clasp it shut using the secondary closure strap for all the extras. It’s made of 100% recycled PET plastic bottles and has a zipper closure for safety, plus an inner zipper pocket and reinforced zippers.
Material: Main material: Dura Lite Ripstop made up of 40% recycled nylon, 25% recycled polyester, 5% other materials, 5% nylon, 5% foam | Color Options: 4 | Key Features: Lots of pockets, ultra-lightweight material, can be a tote or backpack
Pros:
5-Point Anti-Theft security system
Easy access pocket for convenience
Adjustable shoulder strap
Makes a great travel purse anti-theft
Cons:
Not the most beautiful bag we’ve seen, but it has great functionality
Travel with peace of mind, and this bag from Amazon. The Travelon brand bag is made with slash-resistant fabric to prevent thieves from cutting the straps, as well as an RFID-blocking compartment for credit cards and passports. The bag can also be converted from a crossbody to a backpack-style bag, letting you change how you wear it depending on the situation.
Material: Polyester | Color Options: 4 | Key Features: 5-Point Anti-Theft security system
Pros:
Best leather bag
Chic, classic weekend bag
Cons:
May feel heavy on your shoulder
This is what we call a “weekender bag,” something you can still tote around to the office and jet out to the Hamptons when the clock hits 5 p.m. If you’re looking for a designer travel purse, consider this COACH camo-print tote bag.
Material: Refined calf leather | Color Options: 1 | Key Features: Detachable strap with 21-inch drop for shoulder or crossbody wear
Pros:
Covered by a 1-year warranty from the brand
If you pay for the Unlock Return Coverage for $1.48, you get free returns and exchanges
Cons:
Some colors are limited and won’t be in stock for very long
This versatile bag is a great option for anyone on the go. The Calpak belt bag can be worn across the chest or around your waist, looping through your belt-loops for added security if needed. The bag also has a hidden exterior pocket for easy access and comes in an array of fun colors for the season.
Material: | Color Options: 10 | Key Features: Lightweight material and lots of pockets
Pros:
Has a cut-resistant shoulder strap that can also attach to a chair or pole
RFID-blocking fabric to protect against scanning valuables
Best purse for international travel
Cons:
More function-based over a beautiful aesthetic
Stay secure but also fashion-forward with a bag from Baggallini. This set includes a larger crossbody and a mini wallet to go inside, each with awesome security features. They both have locking zipper closures as well as a slash-proof front panel. The wallet is made with RFID-blocking fabric to protect credit cards and other scannable valuables.
Material: Nylon | Color Options: 6 | Key Features: Adjustable cut-resistant shoulder strap can be attached to post or chair
Pros:
Designed to keep you organized
Easy to carry
Water-resistant and hand-washable
Comes in sizes from small to extra large
Doubles as a gym bag
Cons:
Price is a little high, but the 5-star reviews swear by this bag because of how well-designed it is to keep you organized
When your adventure calls for more items, pack up this Carryall Bag from Dagne Dover and get going. The Landon style is perfect for a short weekend getaway or even a day trip, packing whatever you need in the water-resistant bag with a safe zipper closure.
Material: Outer shell made of 100% premium neoprene, lining and shoe bag are made of REPREVE recycled polyester | Color Options: 6 | Key Features: Hand washable and water resistant
Buyer’s Guide
Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but it also requires practical planning and thoughtful packing. A key element of any trip is the right accessories, and one of the most important is the perfect travel purse. We’ve considered everything from international adventures to exploring local destinations because a well-chosen travel purse can keep your essentials safe and accessible. To make the decision easier, here’s a comprehensive guide on what to look for when buying a travel purse.
What size is best for you? If you’re out for the entire day and don’t want to carry around your life, try a small crossbody bag. However, if you have a car to hold things for you, perhaps look into a larger, well-organized tote such as the BÉIS mentioned above. Materials are a very important consideration as they can add to the weight of your bag. Below, I’ll share what to look for to suit your lifestyle.
Material: A good travel purse should be able to withstand different weather conditions, wear and tear, and the rigors of travel.
Leather wears well over time and can handle lots of wear and tear, but it also may be heavier than some want to carry. However, it offers a timeless look and tends to get better with age.
Nylon or Polyester are synthetic materials that are often more affordable than leather and much lighter but worse for the environment, contributing to microplastic pollution. It is, however, much easier to clean, so the pros and cons of this can be hard to navigate.
Canvas is a strong material and great for outings, but it also stains easily. We suggest buying in dark colors and looking for washable canvas.
Anti-Theft Materials like cut-resistant straps, locking zippers, or RFID-blocking compartments are highly suggested in crowded areas where safety is a concern. They can save you from a literal identity crisis.
How we tested
To determine the best travel purses, we meticulously evaluated a variety of factors to ensure each option met the demands of modern travelers. Our testing included assessing comfort, how it wore over time, and function, focusing on key features like spaciousness, organizational compartments, security features, and lugging it around town. We also reviewed customer feedback to make sure our selections reflected a wide range of preferences and needs for travelers of all types.
This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter and resident fashionista. Emma is one of the best-dressed ladies in The Post’s office, and also known for finding an unbelievable deal on any one of her stylish outfits. Divulging on everything from the most-popular and most-underrated purse brands to her honest thoughts on Kim Kardashian’s Skims undergarments and apparel, Emma has cultivated an eye for style and an expertise for identifying the clothes and accessories worth your coin. At the same time, she proudly models the products she picks so you can see their fit and function first-hand. Emma has been creating shopping guides for The Post since 2024, and previously held bylines in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.
