Adventure • 05/08/2025
Stylish Security: 8 Best Travel Purses for Globetrotters
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Theft is among the highest concerns when traveling. Therefore, safety should always be your top priority, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first big adventure. Pickpocketers are everywhere, even if you researched your destination and were sure to pick a place with low crime rates.
A wise globetrotter knows the best travel purses will keep their identifying information secure, their wallets padded and their vacation stress-free. But where do you begin when searching for a stylish but dependable handbag? Here are a few standout characteristics of the best travel purses of 2024 and eight options to consider for your next voyage.
What Characteristics Make the Best Travel Purse?
The anti-theft luggage market is growing exponentially at 7.5%, reaching 6,426.4 million by 2030 at current projections. These travel bags are as stylish as they are durable, manufactured with materials and designs ideal for traveling abroad securely.
The market trends for this type of luggage align with the public perception of travel safety. In a recent Global Business Travel Association survey, 83% of women reported worrying about their safety on business trips. Whether traveling with a group of people or solo, you want to choose the best travel purses with the following specifications:
- Security: Search for purses with anti-theft capabilities, durable materials and locking zippers.
- Organization: Multiple compartments make it easy to keep items organized — just ensure pockets are easily accessible for you.
- Dimensions: Pick the right-sized bag for your essential items.
- Weight: Choose a lightweight design to prevent weighing it down with belongings.
- Comfort: Assure the purse has wide, comfortable straps to avoid digging into your shoulders.
- Versatility: Select a purse you can wear casually or for formal occasions.
Of course, you should also consider buying a travel purse with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-blocking technology to protect debit and credit card information from being stolen. This is especially important if you have tap-and-go chip credit cards.
8 Best Travel Purses for Crafted Comfort
The best travel purse prioritizes safety, promising stress-free adventures and optimal security. Consider these eight travel bags if you’re planning a leisurely trip abroad or meeting colleagues for training.
BOSTANTEN Small Sling Crossbody Bag
This crossbody is the perfect combination of stylish and secure. Despite its small size, it has multiple pockets to hold all of your essentials, like your phone, walllet, keys, lip balm and more. The secure inner pocket is perfect for keeping your passport or credit cards safe. Wear the bag over your chest to ensure easy access and avoid pickpocketing.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
This shoulder travel purse is small but mighty. Measuring 8.5 inches square by 2 inches, the Travelon anti-theft shoulder bag has RFID-blocking slots for bank cards and passports. The material is slash-resistant — including the adjustable strap — with numerous compartments for the essentials.
Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Waistpack
If you prefer something other than the classic shoulder bag, Travelon makes a waterproof Metro Waitpack you can wear around your waist or across your body. This travel purse is ideal for those who venture light and don’t require much room to carry their items. Nevertheless, the Metro Waistpack is RFID-blocking and has locking zippered compartments to secure your phone, passport and wallet.
Travelon Anti-Theft Roam Convertible Backpack Sling
Backpacks aren’t always the most secure option, but this convertible option from Travelon checks all the boxes. With lockable hardware and slash-resistant straps, your items will be safe when you wear the bag on your back. However, if you feel uncertain, you can convert it into a sling bag and wear it on your front when walking through crowded areas.
MINTEGRA Shoulder Handbag
This shoulder handbag comes in various sizes and colors — a classic design you can dress up or down while jetsetting the world. Multiple compartments allocate enough space for your smartphone, wallet, keys and glasses. Larger sizes even allow room for an umbrella or book. Its nylon material ensures this bag remains lightweight for a full day of sightseeing and shopping, with comfortable straps that won’t hurt your shoulders.
Lewis N. Clark RFID Travel Pouch
This small pouch is perfect for storing items you need quick but secure access to, like your passport or wallet. It can fit discretely underneath your shirt, and it’s made with RFID-blocking technology, which prevents you from electronic pickpocketing.
StashBandz Running Belt
If you expect to go for a run while on vacation or simply want to travel light, this is the perfect option for you. This running belt wraps around your waist for hands-free access to your essentials. The four pockets can hold your phone, wallet, passport, keys, small snacks and sunglasses. You’d be surprised how much this compact belt can hold.
S-ZONE Antitheft Leather Backpack
This chic leather backpack offers a variety of ways to wear it. Backpack straps allow you to wear it on your back or chest, while a long strap also allows for shoulder use. The main pocket opens on the inner side of the backpack, meaning thieves won’t be able to access it while you wear it.
The Best Travel Purses for a Memorable Trip
You don’t want to look back on the trip of a lifetime and recall a nightmare vacation. Theft is enough to ruin anyone’s good time. Unfortunately, some of the most popular and beloved global destinations are notorious for bad players stealing your precious essentials and identification. Avoid becoming a victim by investing in one of the best travel purses for safety and convenience. It could very well be a fine line between the best and worst vacation you’ve ever been on.
Originally Published 5/6/2024 – Updated 5/8/2025
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