The Only Travel Purse Worth Packing for Your Next Vacation

While choosing the right luggage sets and weekender bags can make your transit significantly easier, picking the best travel purse is just as critical. Yes, there are plenty of options on the market, but a crossbody bag is undoubtedly the way to go. Thanks to its lengthy strap that stretches from shoulder to hip, this convenient design eliminates the hassle of hauling around a handheld carryall.

However, not just any crossbody can function as a travel bag. Finding one with the details you need—like the right number of pockets or a secure closure—takes some work. So, to make things easier for you, Marie Claire consulted Yolanda Edwards of travel and lifestyle site Yolo Journal and Brooke Saward, the writer behind travel blog World of Wanderlust.

According to Edwards, crossbodies that convert into evening bags are a favorite amongst the well-traveled set as this style can easily transition from sightseeing to Aperitivo hour. The blogger cites Ferragamo’s Iconic Top Handle as her favorite pick. Meanwhile, Saward shares that fanny packs equipped with several compartments are also preferred as they are exceptionally functional.

So, whether you’re navigating packed airport terminals or embarking on daylong excursions, you’ll want to have a travel purse by your side. Ahead, Marie Claire offers a curated edit of 20 coveted styles, from designer handbags to affordable alternatives. Plus, Edwards and Saward provide insight into how to find the best crossbody bags, including details to look out for, their favorite brands, and more.

Best Crossbody Bags for Travel

• Best Convertible Crossbody Bag for Travel: Ferragamo Iconic Top Handle
• Best Small Crossbody Bag for Travel: Cuyana Mini System Tote
• Best Large Crossbody Bag for Travel: Longchamp Le Pliage Energy Recycled Nylon Crossbody Bag
• Best Performance Crossbody Bag for Travel: Lululemon All Night Festival Bag
• Best Multi-Compartment Crossbody Bag for Travel: Tumi Tyler Crossbody Bag

Best Convertible Crossbody Bags for Travel

Nothing is more versatile than a crossbody made with a detachable strap. With just one snap, you can transform these convertible accessories into shoulder or top-handle bags, meaning they’ll take you from day to night with ease. “I love how Ferragamo’s crossbody bag becomes a top-handle purse that I carry to fancy lunches or dinners,” says Edwards.

For equally stunning options that also have an upscale appeal, consider designs from Madewell, Strathberry, and Coach, all of which deliver a two-in-one effect.

Best Small Crossbody Bags for Travel

Crossbody bags made with compact constructions are ideal for light packers who prefer to carry as little as possible. That said, Saward warns that your bag shouldn’t be too small, or else you’ll be left juggling all your essentials by hand. “It should at least be able to hold your wallet, passport, and lip balm," says the travel expert. Bags from Cuyana, Tory Burch, DeMellier, and Chloé do just that.

Best Large Crossbody Bags for Travel

While there's nothing wrong with a standard tote bag, you might be tempted to throw in non-essentials, resulting in an aching shoulder at the end of the day. Instead, try a large crossbody bag that’s sizable enough to carry your things but not too big to be burdensome. Rag & Bone and Longchamp offer tote-like shapes, while Liffner and Athleta provide trendy bucket and hobo bag alternatives.

Best Performance Crossbody Bags for Travel

If your trip involves sweat-inducing activities like hiking up a mountain or running along the shore, you'll want to invest in a performance crossbody bag. Saward's leading choice is July’s Everyday Belt Bag because she claims that it keeps her belongings “easily accessible and organized."

Other options from Dagne Dover, Lululemon, and BÉIS are just as functional. Not to mention, all of these styles are stitched with water-resistant fabrics, so your precious items will be protected in the face of rain showers or downpours.

Best Multi-Compartment Crossbody Bags for Travel

Provided that your main priority is to keep your possessions tidy, you’ll want to opt for a crossbody bag with multiple zippered compartments. Choose a bag from Varley, Marc Jacobs, Leatherology, or Tumi to ensure that your keys, wallet, phone, and credit cards will be sorted and secured.

Meet the Experts

Yolanda Edwards

Yolanda is the founder of Yolo Journal, a magazine and newsletter dedicated to traveling. She's also a longtime magazine editor, having previously worked as a photo editor at Condé Nast Traveler and later as the publications creative director.

Brooke Saward

Brooke is a travel expert who's spent the last 10 years blogging about her travels on the World of Wanderlust blog and Instagram account. She shares her tips, tricks, and guides on her favorite cities and how to navigate solo traveling, as well as a Masterclass on travel blogging. She's also the author of World of Wanderlust, which features her best travel tips and stories from her travels through Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, Oceania, and the Middle East.