Best Travel Purses, Crossbody Bags, and Totes for Women
When I’m heading out on a trip, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a big international adventure, one thing I always think about is what bag I’m going to carry. A good travel purse can make all the difference, gurls! You want something that holds the essentials, keeps things organized, and doesn’t weigh you down. And let’s be honest, we want it to be cute, too.
Over the years, I’ve tried everything from tiny crossbodies to roomy totes, and I’ve figured out what works (and what definitely doesn’t). So today, I’m sharing some of the best travel purses, crossbody bags, and totes for women that check all the boxes: practical, stylish, and comfortable enough to carry all day.
What to Look for in a Travel Bag
Before we get to the fun part, aka shopping, let’s talk about what makes a bag great for travel. Here are a few things I always look for:
- Lightweight material: Heavy bags can be a real pain when you’re sightseeing or navigating airports.
- Zippered closures: Security is important, especially in crowded places.
- Crossbody or hands-free options: So you’re not constantly adjusting your bag or worried about losing it.
- Multiple compartments: Easy access to your phone, passport, or lip balm without digging to the bottom.
Travel Purse vs. Tote vs. Crossbody, Which Do You Need?
Different trips call for different bags, so here’s a quick breakdown:
- Crossbody Bags are ideal for city exploring or tours. They keep your hands free and your stuff secure.
- Travel Totes are great for flights or road trips when you need space for snacks, a book, or an extra layer.
- Foldable totes are a travel lifesaver, gurls! They’re perfect when you know you’ll be doing a little shopping at your destination or need an easy beach bag, but don’t have much space in your suitcase. Just toss one in your luggage, and you’ll be so glad you did!
- Compact Purses work for dinners out or light sightseeing days when you just need the basics.
Best Travel Purses, Crossbody Bags, and Totes for Women
Crossbody Bags and Purses for Travel
Talk about sleek and polished! This leather crossbody is perfect when you want something that looks a little more elevated but still works beautifully for travel. It’s got a smart interior layout, adjustable strap, and comes in several gorgeous colors. I love how easily it transitions from day to dinner.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
Don’t let the small size fool you, this little bag is big on function! It has all the anti-theft features you want for travel, like locking zippers and RFID-blocking card slots. It’s lightweight and perfect for just the essentials, whether you’re sightseeing or strolling through a local market.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag
If you like to carry a bit more while keeping things secure, this one’s a great choice. It’s roomy without being bulky, and the crossbody style is so comfortable for all-day wear. The built-in organization is a dream, and it gives you peace of mind when you’re in busy areas. Plus, we can all agree that the water bottle holder is AMAZING!!!
Straw Sling Crossbody Bag
How cute is this little crossbody? The woven straw gives it that easy, breezy summer feel, but it’s still functional with a zipper closure and just enough room for your phone, wallet, and sunnies. Great for a warm-weather vacation or any casual outing.
Baggallini Swift Crescent Crossbody Bag
Baggallini really knows how to do travel bags right, and this one is no exception. It’s got a modern shape, lightweight fabric, and practical pockets galore. You can wear it all day without even thinking about it, and the RFID protection is a nice bonus!
Coach Crossgrain Leather Kitt Messenger Bag
The Coach Kitt Messenger is one of those bags that just works for anything! It’s sleek, simple, and the perfect size for when you want to carry your essentials without weighing yourself down. The crossgrain leather holds up beautifully and wipes clean easily, great for travel! I love how polished it looks whether you’re headed to brunch, sightseeing, or boarding a plane.
Travel Backpacks
Miztique Daisy Convertible Backpack Purse
This bag is so versatile, gurls! It works as both a backpack and a shoulder bag, so you can switch it up depending on the day. It’s stylish enough to wear anywhere, and it keeps your hands free while you’re out and about. Perfect for travel days when you’re juggling a coffee, suitcase, and phone.
Mini Nylon Backpack
If you want something super lightweight and casual, this mini backpack gets the job done. It holds the basics and then some, and it’s easy to pack or stash under a plane seat. The simple design makes it a no-fuss option for day trips, walking tours, or running around town.
Antitheft Rucksack Backpack for Women
This is one of those bags that’s both practical and pretty. The leather gives it a more polished feel, but it’s still roomy and great for everyday travel. I love that it zips in the back for added security. Whether you’re walking through the airport or exploring a new city, this one fits right in.
The Best Totes for Traveling
Fit & Fresh Large Beach Bag
This bag is huge, in the best way! It’s got tons of space and pockets to keep everything organized, towels, sunscreen, snacks, you name it. It’s great for the beach or a pool day, but you could also use it as your personal item on a flight.
BAGSMART Foldable Tote Bag
This tote is a smart one to pack just in case. It folds up small, but when you need it, it opens into a roomy shoulder bag with a zip closure. Great for extra souvenirs or a trip to the market, and it’s cute enough to use on its own!
Baggallini Expandable Lightweight Travel Tote with Luggage Sleeve
This tote means business. It expands to fit everything you need for a weekend away, and when you’re not using it, it folds down small. I love the luggage sleeve, it slides right over your suitcase handle so you’re not juggling bags at the airport.
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Verse Of The Day
Matthew 11:2-3 (NIV)
2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Found it! Like the anti-theft bags.
😃 like crossbody bags.
😊 I use a crossbody with a built-in wallet with RFID protection all the time except for church and special occasions. If you ever find a real leather one let us know.
Gotta stay safe these days
😀I love the travel bags. So secure.
🙂
Great advice. Sure wish I had a trip planned to try some of these out. LOL
I like Baggallini bags. The tote bag recommendations are so useful. 🙂
🙂. Great selection of travel purses.
😊 What a great selection. I always love a crossbody purse.
🙂 Great options. I have downsized, but I still have the weight issue which I believe is from my wallet! It’s a work in progress I suppose.
😊 I love the pearl bag!
:)I like the travelon and baggalini bags the best!
Last Christmas I asked for a cross body bag because of your recommendations. These are some great choices. 🙂
Like the spotted Fresh and Fit beach bag! 🙂
😊 I wore a travel crossbody on vacation last year and never switched back. I love that they are comfortable, secure and leave my hands free. Also, I feel that the purse weight is more evenly distributed over my bad back!
PS – clever hiding this time!
😀I love my small crescent nylon crossbody for traveling
😊Lots of great choices and price points.
☺️ found it!
🙂 The travelon cross body bag looks very secure . great suggestions
😊Cute options!
🙂 I have a Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag from about 12 years ago and it looks the same as the one in your picture. Hence the phrase “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. It is a great bag and really does hold a lot.
😊straw sling is in my bag! Perfect for my upcoming trip.
PS: sorry autocorrect it’s a straw sling not strawberry! 😂
☺️ strawberry sling is in my bag! Perfect for my upcoming trip.
🙂 Love the Pearl crossbody!
😀 I have a couple of Baggallini bags. I really like them.
😊 This is a great post, so helpful! I struggle with getting the right purse/luggage for traveling. I do have a Baggallini and like it. Thanks, Tania!
A good bag makes a vacation or every day less stressful – especially for us moms! 🙂 found it!
🙂I could’ve used the mini backpack on my Alaska trip
🙂 I like the large beach bag, and the foldable bag. I usually carry a cross body bag. I have a few of them.
🙂love a good leopard print
I could not find Mr. Smiley today!?
Love the straw sling crossbody-wish it was a little bigger. I carry too much stuff! The anti theft bags are a must when traveling, especially on international trips.
🙂 Great choices for travel!
😀. Love a cross body bag for hands free ease!
I get mad at myself when I can’t find the :). Oh well. Tomorrow! As for the bags, I wish I could get past the crossbody dislike. I can’t stand how they “come between the girls.” hahaha!!!
Too funny!
😀great options
🙂 I have used the Travelon Messenger bag on many overseas trips (The pick-pockets are everywhere!) and it has worked beautifully well.
🙂 I like the expandable travel bag. I could of used it this week.
😊Nice variety. Thanks
Found it :). Put some of these in my Wishlist! Thanks!
🙂 Thanks for sharing all these cool options Tania.
🙂 love the convertible backpack.
🙂 Great ideas. I have a classic slim Travelon crossbody that surprisingly holds a lot! I use it on every trip!
I was just looking at crossbody purses. 🙂
😃 The choices you found look great for traveling. I’m looking at getting a backpack type bag to use for our trips. Looks like it will hold the plane essentials and the about town excursions, without causing shoulder/back pain.
😃found! I like lightweight purses but large in size This is a great variety
Did not find 🤔. Lots of great options. Baggallini is a nice travel bag!
😀 These bags are very nice. I especially like the anti theft bags. Great to have when traveling or for holiday shopping in a mall.
☺️ I agree with you about you need different bags for different reasons.
😊. Ihad great success with the Baggallini purses. They are lightweight, roomy, fit comfortably under the seat in front of you on a flight. Love them.
I’ve heard great things about them.
Hello Ms. Tanja,
I really enjoy your Blog.
I also tried every Travel Purse/Bag under the Sun, and nothing felt right. I know what I am about to tell you may not be the style that fits in your Blog.
I found my perfect Travel Bag in 1998…..yes, that long ago!
“Ameribag Healthy Back Bag“. Comfortable, secure, theft proof and more. It fits all the requirements for me for the perfect Bag. It even comes in different sizes.
All the other Travel Purses I tried in between and always returned to
my HBB!
Maybe you would like to check them out. Ameribag.com
Have a great Day,
Cornelia
Thanks for the recommendation! I love hearing when items work for everyone so I can try them, too.
found it!
I’m loving crossbody bags now but I do like that messenger bag too.
I would love to see a blog on wallets! Large/small, pebbled/soft leather and card holder for small bags. Thanks
I found it 🙂 I have items from both bagallini and bagsmart. Thanks for sharing.
Found it 😊
I have several Baggallini purses. They are great for travel
😌 i use a cross over bag for theme parks don’t have to worry about them on rides or some one snatching them. I use a backpack when i go with my God/Grandchildern to ball games or to show there animals at the fair. I have been using a backpack for flying but the last airport security i came through they dumped my backpack out now mind you i travel with a service dog and went through it and handed it back to me and i had to put all my stuff back in it and lost my emergency medicine for my medical attacks. Luckily i had a good xtra bottle in my carry on. So thinging about trying a tote bag next time i fly. Do you know how hard it is to put your and the service dogs things back in a backpack after it’s been dumped out
I’m sorry you had to go through all that.
I have used the Travelon anti theft cross-body in the past. I like that the pockets latch. That way I don’t have to worry about the safety of my items while I am sightseeing. I also like that the strap is a little wider, so that it doesn’t become uncomfortable.
🙂
😊 I like these bags. My favorites are the Travelon ones and the Bagsmart tote.
😀great choices
😀 great ideas for traveling
🙂 Thanks for the post this morning!! Have a great day!!
😊I love a crossbody style especially for shopping. I use a Baggallini when traveling.
😊
I have a Travelon similar to the mini, a small Baggallini and a backpack for travel.
🙂 I’m always on the hunt for the best travel bag. This bag is great, I was really surprised how huge it was!
🙂 All great travel and everyday bags! I really like cross body bags and the Coach one looks perfect.
🙂 I only buy lightweight purses. I love baggallini for travel.