
For adventure seekers, the right luggage sets and weekender bags can make or break a trip. We'd argue that picking the right crossbody travel bag or purse to use in your day-to-day is just as crucial. Pick a bag too small and you'll be left holding water bottles and guide maps in your hand (annoying). Pick a bag too large and it'll be too cumbersome to use.
If you're not the backpack type, you'll want to look for other travel bag alternatives—and that's where these travel-ready crossbody styles come in. From typical crossbody bags to leather totes with crossbody straps, these bags combine function with style to serve as the perfect addition to your next getaway. They're just small enough to carry hassle-free, but are designed to hold all of your must-haves without a fuss—some even boast anti-theft features.
Best Crossbody Bags for Travel
- Best Overall Crossbody Bag for Travel: Pacsafe Stylesafe Anti-Theft Convertible Crossbody Bag
- Best Compact Crossbody Bag for Travel: Minooy Athena Unique Design Mini Crossbody Bag / Wallet (opens in new tab)
- Best Tote-Sized Crossbody Bag for Travel: Portland Leather Goods "Almost Perfect" Crossbody Tote
- Best Budget Crossbody Bag for Travel: Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag (opens in new tab)
- Best Splurgeworthy Crossbody Bag for Travel: MZ Wallace Crosby Zip Nylon Crossbody Bag (opens in new tab)
If your trips involve unpredictable weather or the forecast looks stormy, you'll want to invest in a water-resistant crossbody bag. This one from Lululemon will keep your belongings dry and is roomy enough to fit all your essentials. The adjustable strap means you can convert this into a sleek shoulder bag, too.
Pros: Water-repellent fabric; Adjustable shoulder strap; Zip closure.
Cons: Reviewers note this bag can lose structure over time.
I've seen this bag all across my FYP and have been convinced to get my own for an upcoming trip to the U.K. Its small round shape gives this bag a stylish update to a classic fanny-pack style. While this round bag is on the smaller side, it fits all of my essentials like my wallet, passport, sunscreen, and Chapstick, and still stays compact. I especially love all of the fun colors this bag comes in, including bright yellow and baby blue.
Pros: Under $50; Adjustable shoulder strap; Zip top closure; Comes in eight colors; Water-repellent fabric.
Cons: Made from less durable polyester.
You can relax your grip with this crossbody bag. Pacsafe's water-repellent crossbody bag for travel features anti-theft properties such as slashguard straps, RFIDsafe pockets and material to block out credit card or chip readers, plus turn-and-lock security. Did we mention this bag also doubles as a laptop bag, fitting a 12" laptop?
Pros: Convertible style; Has a laptop sleeve; Hidden storage pocket for extra security; Includes anti-theft technology;
Cons: Narrow shoulder strap.
This spacious crossbody bag contains plenty of pockets to keep your essentials organized and comes with two interchangeable crossbody straps, one leather and one a trendy chain. It's the perfect bag for moms traveling with small tots who need space to stash on-the-go snacks and other necessities.
Pros: Comes with two adjustable strap options; Features four external zippered pockets for easy access; Zip top closure.
Cons: Over $200.
For those seeking an alternative to leather crossbody bags, check out Matt & Nat. The brand, founded in 2007, makes accessories out of recycled materials like nylon, cardboard, rubber and cork, and water bottles. This under-$100 option comes in six colors and looks sophisticated.
Pros: Under $100; Adjustable shoulder strap; Made from recycled materials and vegan leather; Zip top closure; Comes in six colors.
Cons: Cannot hold large items.
With over 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, this crossbody bag has been touted as a great option for safeguarding your belongings abroad thanks to features such as RFID protection and anti-slash straps. Reviewers love all the pockets available in this bag, especially the hidden front pocket where you can store your cell phone and city guide maps.
Pros: Under $100; Zip top closure; Two water bottle pockets; Adjustable shoulder strap; Includes anti-theft technology;
Cons: Reviewers note this bag feels a bit heavy.
For the kind of vacation when you really need to be hands-free, this sling-type bag is your best friend. Designed to fit snugly over your shoulder, this small yet mighty bag fits all of your essentials with ease. It features a water bottle pocket, card slots, a zippered pocket for your phone, and even a leash for your keys. Whether you're on a hike or juggling your kids, this bag stays securely by your side.
Pros: Comes with water bottle pocket; Adjustable shoulder strap; Includes card holder; Has three exterior zipper pockets and two zipper interior pockets.
Cons: Cannot fit large items.
A good leather tote is a must-have in everyone's closet, but one suited for travel is even better. This classic tote will fit all of your things, whether it be a laptop or water bottle, and keep them secure with its zip-top closure. Made from real leather, this tote will last you through plenty of trips while also keeping its structured shape and even doubles as a work bag. A detachable shoulder strap makes this tote even easier to haul from destination to destination.
Pros: Made from real leather; Zip top closure; Comes in 10 colors.
Cons: Unlined.
In case you didn't know, puffer bags are trending hard this season, so why not upgrade your travel bag to fit the times? Not only is this big tote stylish, but it's also functional enough for your next big trip. You can fit a water bottle, laptop, and a pair of shoes in the roomy interior, plus there's a zipper exterior pocket for quick access.
Pros: Under $100; Adjustable and removable crossbody strap; Includes a water bottle pocket and padded laptop sleeve; Zip top closure; Padded shoulder straps.
Cons: Reviewers note the inner lining is not durable.
For the Marie Kondo-obsessed comes this crossbody and wallet in one. One look inside this bag and you'll be shocked by the many little pockets this bag has. This small but mighty bag can fit all of your credit cards, a journal, makeup, passport, toiletries, and even an iPad mini thanks to its organized, compact design. This bag is also made from leather, so you know it will last.
Pros: Multiple inner pockets for organization; Adjustable shoulder strap; Can hold up to 12 cards; Zip top closure; Made from real leather; Comes in six colors.
Cons: Over $150.
Brooke Knappenberger is the Editorial Fellow at Marie Claire, where she writes across the board from fashion and beauty to books and celebrities. As a pop culture junkie, Brooke obsessively consumes and writes about the latest movie releases, streaming TV shows, and celebrity scandals. She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.
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