I found the best purses for traveling — here are the only ones I trust on 20+ flights a year
These travel-friendly bags really go the extra mile.
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When it comes to traveling, your bag of choice can mean the difference between a good trip and a bad one. And I'm not talking about carry-on luggage or checked bags , either: luggage only sees the inside of your room. The purse you keep on your shoulder all day, however, is what sees you through the ups and downs of travel.
In this story
I take more than 20 flights a year in addition to thousands of miles on the road. I also test bags for a living , which makes me uniquely qualified to recommend travel purses; but because what each traveler prefers varies so widely, I also sought the advice of frequent fliers, travel experts and travel editors who have tried them all.
We all agree: The best travel purse keeps your core essentials organized and secure, so it should be easy to carry, thoughtfully designed and have just the right amount of storage. It should be lightweight and ergonomic yet still offer enough storage space to hold all you need, without being a pain in the neck (literally). Also, it should be cute! These are the only ones that fit the bill, according to testing by pros.
The best travel purses of 2026
Size:11.5" x 11" x 3.5" | Capacity: Not listed | Material: Polyester | Colors:6
Why we love it:By far the most popular choice across experts, this bag is made by trusted travel bag brand Travelon. It's as high-quality, durable, functional and packed with anti-theft features as its reputation suggests. The crossbody's straps and body are made of slash-proof polyester, and it's rife with locking zippered pockets, yet it looks streamlined enough to pass as a regular ol' bag.
What our pros say:"This bag features slash-proof construction, locking compartments and RFID-blocking pockets, making it ideal for preventing theft," says Voyagers travel expert Emily Dreilich. "Its compact size and multiple pockets keep essentials organized." Ann Acker, owner of Wally's Travel Guide , agrees, adding, "This bag meets all my needs." She especially appreciates the "large pockets to carry my essentials for the day and a water bottle holder on the side."
Keep in mind:Some folks mentioned the purse was smaller than they needed. Be sure to check the dimensions to make sure it will fit your stuff before you order.
- Lightweight, slash-resistant material
- Adjustable crossbody design
- Lockable zippers
- RFID-blocking card slots
- May be too small for some
Size:7.5" x 2" x 5" | Capacity:1L | Material:Polyester, nylon | Colors:17
Why we love it:Lululemon's lightweight, budget-friendly belt bag is trendy for a reason. The durable, roomy pack is the quintessential travel buddy. A favorite among Yahoo Shopping editors, it's the perfect size and has plenty of interior pockets to keep things organized, and it fits far more than it looks like it should.
What our pros say:"A fresh take on fanny packs that strikes the balance of trendy but not flashy and can be worn across the chest for greater security," says Jess Watts, Expedia 's global brand director. The adjustable strap and zippered pocket on the back side feel nice and secure.
Keep in mind:It's not the biggest bag, but it's great for day excursions. We recommend slipping it inside your personal item bag on the plane to use while out and about. FYI: These sell out pretty quickly, so if you have your heart set on a certain one, it's probably best not to wait.
- Sleek, lightweight, trendy design
- Zippered closures and secret pocket at the back
- Versatile wear options
- No advanced security features
Size:9.75" x 2.5" x 11" | Capacity:Not listed | Material:Polyester| Colors:7
Why we love it:If you're looking for the safest anti-theft bag for travel, this roomy crossbody messenger has a low-key design but is secretly decked out with every security bell and whistle. That includes slash-resistant straps, locking compartments, RFID-blocking pockets and a removable LED tethered to the inside of the main compartment.
What our pros say:"This bag is a lifesaver when it comes to organization and security," says Ilse Gutierrez , full-time traveler and blogger. "It's compact but fits all my essentials neatly. The multiple compartments help keep everything in order, and the security features, like slash-resistant straps and RFID-blocking pockets, make me feel secure, even in busy areas. It's also very comfortable for long days out."
Keep in mind:This messenger bag has a spacious interior, which is a pro and a con. While the crossbody design keeps it close to you to prevent pickpocketing, some online shoppers say they felt weighed down when they stuffed it to the brim.
- Slash-proof material
- RFID-blocking slots
- Locking compartments
- Built-in LED
- Large size may become heavy when fully packed
Size:8" x 13 ¾" x 4" | Capacity:Not listed | Material:Recycled nylon | Colors:15
Why we love it:A midsize, lightweight, do-it-all travel bag, this one has a super-spacious main compartment and two interior pockets for extra storage, plus an internal key leash and carabiner. It's cute and understated enough to take anywhere, from the gym to the office to an international excursion.
What our pros say:Its lightweight and massive capacity are the selling points. "It doesn't feel like I have a purse on," says travel expert and Free Tour CMO Alexandra Dubakova. "It has so much space, and I can fold and wash it," she tells us. That machine-washable nylon fabric makes it easy to fold down, so it's perfect to stow in luggage too.
Keep in mind:While it's packable, it's not the most structured when it's not filled, which can be frustrating. It also lacks specific anti-theft features, though it does zip shut.
- Lightweight, foldable material
- Wide range of colors
- Internal key leash and carabiner
- Not super structured
- No dedicated security features
Size:12" x 12" x 7" | Capacity:Not listed | Material:Nylon, leather trim | Colors:9
Why we love it:You've likely seen this Longchamp tote before; the timeless bag has been around for years and has earned the love of A-list fans like Kate Middleton . It's perfect for travel since it's small enough to fit underneath a seat but big enough to hold a laptop, snacks and toiletries, and lasts forever.
What our pros say:"Its polyamide material is lightweight, easy to clean and water-resistant," says Gutierez. "Plus, the bag can be folded and snapped into itself for easy storage. The fully zipped top gives me peace of mind when using public transportation, even during rush hours. It's everything I need in a travel bag." Style Editor Hannah Oh adds, "I personally love that the leather straps are long enough not to slip off my shoulders!"
Keep in mind:There are no dedicated security features, and the bag lacks internal organization because it has no pockets. You can buy an insertable organizer designed specifically for the Longchamp bag for under $30, but it adds to the cost.
- Spacious capacity
- Water-resistant, durable exterior
- Lightweight material is foldable and packable
- Lacks interior pockets
Size:5" x 13.5" x 9" | Capacity:Not listed | Material:Nylon | Colors:12
Why we love it:This ultra-organized, machine-washable Baggallini sling is one of the most popular travel purses on Amazon. It has tons of pockets and compartments to give all your stuff a proper place, including plenty of quick-access exterior pockets to store a phone and passport, plus a luggage sleeve on the back that attaches to your suitcase handle and converts into a pocket when not in use.
What our pros say:"Best purse I've ever owned," wrote one Amazon shopper who purchased it twice. "I carry it everywhere every day. I love the magnetically closing pocket for my cellphone and the zipper one for small things I often need quickly. The big compartment holds everything I need." Bonus: The crossbody comes with a removable RFID-blocking wristlet, so you're really getting two for the price of one.
Keep in mind:The trade-off for the abundant pockets and zippers is that it's not the sleekest bag, and some customers say it's smaller than expected. And while the wristlet has RFID-blocking technology, the bag itself doesn't feature much anti-theft or security features beyond zippered closures.
- Tons of pockets for storage
- Durable, lightweight material
- Convertible luggage sleeve
- RFID-blocking wristlet included
- Limited security features
Size:4.5" x 9.75" x 11.75" | Capacity: 7L | Material:Polyester, nylon, vegan leather | Colors:3
Why we love it:Backpacks are great for travel since they free up your hands and distribute the bag's weight more evenly across your body, but with all your valuables hanging out behind your back, a secure pack is essential. Like most Travelon bags, this one has a five-point anti-theft security system, which includes locking straps, zippers, RFID-blocking slots and a slash-proof body and straps to help deter any pickpocket activity on this notoriously targeted bag style.
What our pros say: "This is my go-to bag when I want a roomy and attractive backpack with all the anti-theft features," says Lorie Neuberger-Castillo, Diving Escapades travel blogger. " I love that it comes in floral patterns and other colors."
Keep in mind:This backpack is meant to be worn as a purse, so it is smaller than a typical travel backpack and won't fit most laptops or other packable essentials.
- Slash- and water-resistant material and straps
- RFID-blocking card slots
- Locking straps and zippers
- Hands-free carry
- May be too small for some
Size:12.5". x 20.5". x 5" | Capacity: Not listed | Material:Leather | Colors:13
Why we love it:The perfect size for travel, this luxurious bag is a Yahoo editors' favorite; its roomy interior is spacious enough to hold all your essentials and tech, as well as extras, which is perfect for travel. A zip-top closure keeps everything secure, and the pebbled leather material is chic enough for everyday use.
What experts say:"The straps are solid and sturdy and don't dig into your shoulder, even when the bag is heavy," says Director of Commerce Growth and Initiatives, Jeanine Edwards . "The leather is pebbled and durable, so it doesn't scratch or show wear easily. It can easily fit my giant work laptop. It has minimal branding, so it looks timeless and classic and will never go out of style. And it works with every outfit. It's just perfect!"
Keep in mind:There's just one interior zip pocket. The brand sells additional snap-on accessories, a crossbody strap and a tote insert for interior organization and added structure — though it adds to the already premium price.
- Premium, long-lasting leather
- Timeless, classic, versatile design
- Spacious capacity
- Zippered closure
- Minimal interior organization
- Expensive
How we chose the best travel purses
When it comes to travel purses, the offerings are vast. Rather than focusing only on purses that could suit for travel, we prioritized bags with specialized travel features and functionality, from added security upgrades like locking zippers and slash-proof materials to easy-to-access pockets and extras like convertible luggage sleeves.
We interviewed travel experts and polled our shopping editors to learn what actually matters when shopping for a travel purse — organization, anti-theft measures, adjustability, versatility and, of course, ease of use. We also considered the brands and styles that reviewers and consumers swear by.
Our team travel-tested the top bags to see which lived up to the hype and finally narrowed down the selection based on the size options, weight, organizational capacity and security features.
Factors to consider when choosing a travel purse
Aside from finding a bag that is big enough to hold all your travel essentials, there are a few other things to consider when choosing the right travel purse for your needs.
Material
A purse made from a durable, lightweight, easily cleaned material is key, says Stephanie Webb, tour guide at See Sight Tours . Our experts suggest bags made of synthetic materials like nylon or polyester "because they're tough, water-resistant and easy to clean," says Webb.
Nylon "holds up well against unexpected weather and the general wear and tear of travel," she says, plus it's lightweight. "Prioritizing convenience and practicality over aesthetics is key when traveling," says Gutierrez . "That's why I … opt for lighter, more versatile bags made of synthetic materials. These are not only easier to pack but also more practical for everyday use."
Security
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RFID-blocking pocketscreate a temporary, physical block on your credit card chips' radio frequency identification (aka RFID) capabilities, which is a security measure that can help prevent thieves from scanning your personal information. Most wallets now come equipped with this technology, but it's still worth prioritizing when shopping for new travel gear.
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Slash-resistant materialsmake it more difficult to cut through the body and straps of a bag for added peace of mind and a layer of protection against pick-pockets. They can also withstand rougher handling, which is common during travel.
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Lockable compartments and zippersadd an extra layer of security for busy travel days. Even a zippered closure at the top of the bag goes a long way, so avoid snap-close purses or fully open tote bags.
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Concealed zippers and hidden pocketscan further enhance security.
Style
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Crossbody bagsare convenient, hands-free and offer more security than a shoulder bag that can more easily be pulled away from you. The straps should be adjustable so they don't bang annoyingly against your legs during sightseeing, and the capacity should feel manageable for everyday wear — they can quickly become heavy if overfilled.
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Backpacksare hands-free and easier to carry than most bags, but can pose a security risk since your valuables are out of your sightline. If you choose a backpack as your travel purse, be sure it's as secure as possible with slash-proof material, straps and locking mechanisms.
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Tote bagsare great for travel days that require you to carry a lot but still need a bag that's small enough to fit underneath your seat on a plane or train. They tend to be less secure than other styles, since they're shoulder bags that typically offer fewer security features.
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Belt bagsare great for day trips and walking around your destination during the day for hands-free ease, but are likely too small to use as a primary purse for longer trips. Stow one in a larger purse or weekender to use as a wallet or at your destination.
Organizational features
Keeping things organized during chaotic travel days and while on the road is key, not only for peace of mind but also for safety. We love bags with dedicated credit card and passport holders, as well as a convenient pocket for your phone to keep it at your fingertips, but out of your pockets.
"I prefer a purse with compartments, pockets, key clips and pen holders," says travel expert Alexandra Dubakova. "They are much easier to organize and convenient to reach items when I need something."
Size
"When you're picking a travel purse, you want it big enough to fit your essentials — like your wallet, phone and passport. But not so big that it gets heavy or annoying to carry," says Jess Rodley, bookings director at Andorra Escapes . Keep your usage in mind when shopping and cross-check measurements before buying.
Straps
"Comfort is crucial for long travel days," says Neuberger-Castillo. That's why you should look for purses with adjustable straps so you can customize them to fit comfortably. Bonus if the straps are padded or made from a soft material that won't rub against your skin if you're wearing a sleeveless top.
Best travel purse FAQs
What type of purses are best for preventing theft?
Look for anti-theft features like locking zippers and pockets, RFID-blocking compartments and slash-proof body material and straps.
Does a purse count as a personal item on the plane?
This all depends on the regulations for each individual airline, but most personal bags must be 18" x 14" x 8" or less for most U.S. carriers. Every purse on this list is compliant, and some are much smaller. If your purse is smaller than the maximum dimensions your airline allows for a personal item, you can always stow it inside a larger bag.
Meet our experts
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Ann Acker, owner of Wally's Travel Guide
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Emily Dreilich, travel expert at Voyagers
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Alexandra Dubakova, travel expert and CMO of Free Tour
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Ilse Gutierrez, full-time traveler and blogger at Ilse On the Go
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Jess Rodley, bookings director at Andorra Escapes
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Jess Watts, global brand director for Expedia
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Stephanie Webb, travel expert and tour guide at See Sight Tours
Update, Aug. 7, 2026 We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best travel purse remains unchanged.
