As someone who is constantly on the move, I’m well versed in the best travel purses. Whether I’m taking regular trips back home to Washington, D.C., or flying across the country to visit my brother in Los Angeles, I've never left the house without a purse draped across my shoulder.
My favorite travel purses have stayed firmly by my side (and kept my belongings organized) as I’ve traversed through train stations and airport terminals. I’ve also opted for equally functional crossbody bags and belt bags. Organization and utility are the two common threads in every bag I carry—and the same principle applies for Shopbop fashion director Caroline Maguire. For a long-lasting travel companion, Maguire says the straps are just as important as the compartment. “A long shoulder strap is the way to go because when you’re traveling, you always want to be hands-free,” she advises. The expert also suggests keeping a close eye on materials—leather, nylon, and canvas are durable fabrics that will withstand many trips to come.
Size is a matter of personal preference: You may seek out a small purse if you're packing light, or a medium crossbody if you're taking in sights with a guidebook in tow. However, I will say that big bags have been dominating trend cycles. Just take a look at recent fashion shows, such as Balenciaga’s Fall 2024 spectacle in L.A. which featured a sea of sizable shoulder bags, leather totes, and crossbody bags to tote everything you could possibly need on vacation.
No matter where you're headed or how much you plan to carry, embark on your upcoming journey in style with the 14 best travel purses ahead.
The Best Travel Purses for 2024
Best Shoulder Bag for Travel
YSL Bea Textured-Leather Tote
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Most Organized Travel Purse
ANYA HINDMARCH In-Flight Leather and Suede-Trimmed Tote
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Best Crossbody Travel Purse
Reformation Rosetta Sling Crossbody Bag
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Best Belt Bag for Travel
Proenza Schouler Stanton Leather Belt Bag
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Best Tote for Long-Distance Travel
Longchamp Le Pliage Original Large Nylon Shoulder Tote
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Best Travel Purse for Work Trips
Madewell The Zip Top Medium Transport Leather Tote
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Most Versatile Travel Purse
Chloé Marcie Medium Textured-Leather Tote
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Best Large Travel Purse
THE ROW Camdem Leather Tote
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Best Travel Purse with an Adjustable Strap
Isabel Marant Nessah Bag
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Best Shoulder Bag for Travel
YSL Bea Textured-Leather Tote
Best Shoulder Bag for Travel
YSL Bea Textured-Leather Tote
Pros
- Wide handles provide extra comfort
The supple leather of Saint Laurent's Bea tote will feel so comfortable resting on your shoulders. The handles' broad width will also reduce pressure, so carrying heavier items like your water bottle or tablet in transit won’t cause a problem.
Dimensions: 11"H x 19.3"W x 5.5"D.
Material: Leather
Color: Black
Most Organized Travel Purse
ANYA HINDMARCH In-Flight Leather and Suede-Trimmed Tote
Most Organized Travel Purse
ANYA HINDMARCH In-Flight Leather and Suede-Trimmed Tote
Pros
- Great storage space
Cons
Misplacing your belongings can gravely impact any adventure. (I've lost several essentials in the past because I’ve relied on jacket pockets and non-closure bags to carry my precious belongings.) Instead, invest in a bag like Anya Hindmarch’s In-Flight tote to organize all your must-haves. This suede-trimmed design is equipped with countless compartments that will house every kind of essential, small or large.
Dimensions: 10.2"H x 15.4"W x 9.8"D.
Material: Canvas, leather, suede
Colors: Brown, multicolored
Best Crossbody Travel Purse
Reformation Rosetta Sling Crossbody Bag
Best Crossbody Travel Purse
Reformation Rosetta Sling Crossbody Bag
Pros
- Crossbody shape for a hands-free experience
Cons
Attempting to carry a handbag while juggling heavy luggage can be a cumbersome experience. That’s why Maguire likes to sling Reformation’s Rosetta Sling Crossbody Bag over her shoulder. “The black colorway will go with everything in your closet,” Maguire notes—whether you're traveling far or spending another day in your home town.
Dimensions: 9.75"H x 11.75"L x 4"D
Material: Leather, suede
Color: Black
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Best Belt Bag for Travel
Proenza Schouler Stanton Leather Belt Bag
Best Belt Bag for Travel
Proenza Schouler Stanton Leather Belt Bag
Pros
- Features a handy belt bag design
Cons
For those who pack lightly, you’ll simply need an uncomplicated belt bag to wear around your waist. Turn to Proenza Schouler's Stanton bag, which features a stud-fastening belt and a twill lined interior. If you would rather wear this accessory as a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag, just adjust the belt size to your desired length.
Dimensions: 7.7"H x 16.9"W x 4.5"D.
Material: Leather
Colors: White, black
Best Tote for Long-Distance Travel
Longchamp Le Pliage Original Large Nylon Shoulder Tote
Best Tote for Long-Distance Travel
Longchamp Le Pliage Original Large Nylon Shoulder Tote
Pros
- Features a spacious design
Cons
Those who have traveled with me know my go-to purse is Longchamp’s Le Pliage tote. As a self-proclaimed carrier of big bags, I’m not ashamed to say that my list of essentials is lengthy. This tote effortlessly stores my phone, wallet, laptop, and favorite book— along with a host of other items that many would call unnecessary on the road.
What reviewers are saying: “This is the perfect daily bag that can hold all of your essentials. The bag is very lightweight and has an inside pocket to hold small items. No need to hold a bottle of water in your hand or an umbrella. This bag is deep enough to hold all your key items for the day without being too heavy.”
Dimensions: 11.75"H x 12.25"W x 7.5"D.
Material: Nylon, leather
Colors: Brown, black, navy, red, pink, blue, green, gray, dark green, orange
Best Travel Purse for Work Trips
Madewell The Zip Top Medium Transport Leather Tote
Best Travel Purse for Work Trips
Madewell The Zip Top Medium Transport Leather Tote
Pros
- Large enough to fit a laptop
Cons
If you’re traveling for work, chances are you’re constantly answering emails and completing last-minute tasks in transit. For this reason, it’s wise to invest in a durable leather bag that’s large enough to fit your laptop. Madewell’s Essential Tote is a crowd favorite, and with a secure zip closure, firm handles, and even a cup holder, we understand why.
Dimensions: 12"H x 11"W x 6"D.
Material: Leather
Colors: Brown, black, green
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Most Versatile Travel Purse
Chloé Marcie Medium Textured-Leather Tote
Most Versatile Travel Purse
Chloé Marcie Medium Textured-Leather Tote
Pros
- Great for transitioning from day to night
Cons
Some of us like to pack several bags in our suitcases. But if options tend to overwhelm you, and you’d rather just take one purse that will get the job done, Chloé’s best-selling Marcie bag is up for the task. Use the detachable shoulder strap while traveling, and when you reach your destination, carry it by the handles.
Dimensions: 9"H x 13.8"W x 4.3"D.
Material: Leather
Color: Black
Best Neutral Travel Purse
St. Agni Soft Crescent Bag
Best Neutral Travel Purse
St. Agni Soft Crescent Bag
Pros
- Versatile shade and crossbody design for easy styling
Cons
“This fanny pack from St. Agni is the perfect size, and I love the color,” says Maguire. The neutral hue of this crescent shaped accessory makes it a great everyday bag no matter what you're packing. If you’re brainstorming your next travel outfit, consider pairing this piece with a gray crew neck, black leggings, and chunky sneakers.
Dimensions: 5.5"H x 11.5"L x 4"D.
Material: Leather
Color: Ecru
Best Large Travel Purse
THE ROW Camdem Leather Tote
Best Large Travel Purse
THE ROW Camdem Leather Tote
Pros
- Very spacious
Cons
Gargantuan? Not quite. Spacious? Most certainly. With a width of over 1 foot, The Row’s Camdem tote is especially fitting for heavy packers. However, despite its large size, there’s no need to worry about losing your smaller items within this purse. The internal zip pocket will keep your tiny things within reach.
Dimensions: 9.1"H x 12.6"W x 49.2"D.
Material: Leather
Color: Black
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Best Travel Purse with an Adjustable Strap
Isabel Marant Nessah Bag
Best Travel Purse with an Adjustable Strap
Isabel Marant Nessah Bag
Pros
- Functional details including adjustable strap and small exterior pocket
Cons
The warm burgundy shade is what initially caught my eye, but what really drew me in was the smooth adjustable strap. I might have to indulge in this Isabel Marant piece for my next trip out to L.A.
Dimensions: 7"H x 11"W x 2"D.
Material: Leather
Color: Burgundy
Best Nylon Travel Purse
Prada Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag
Best Nylon Travel Purse
Prada Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag
Pros
- Designed with a durable fabric
Cons
Prada’s shoulder bag is designed with recycled nylon, but that in no way takes away from its elevated, carry-everywhere aesthetic. The minimalist silhouette and silver hardware are sleek and lightweight for city travels. The removable pouch is a nice (and useful) touch.
Dimensions: 9.4"H x 11.6"W x 3.5"D.
Material: Recycled nylon
Color: Black
Best Colorful Travel Purse
Mansur Gavriel Small Zip Tote
Best Colorful Travel Purse
Mansur Gavriel Small Zip Tote
Pros
- Comes in a variety of stunning shades
Cons
Mansur Gavriel's zip tote is made with gorgeous saffiano leather and decorated with a pastel pink hue that is beyond charming. The dimensions are just large enough to carry travel necessities like a passport holder, snacks, and a guidebook without weighing you down. With seven other shades to choose from, perhaps you might even consider purchasing more than one.
Dimensions: 10"H x 12.5"W x 4"D.
Material: Leather
Colors: Cream, beige, blue, pink, red, burgundy, green, multicolored
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Best Patent Leather Travel Purse
Acne Studios Embossed Faux Patent-Leather Tote
Best Patent Leather Travel Purse
Acne Studios Embossed Faux Patent-Leather Tote
Pros
- Features a gorgeous glossy finish
Cons
A glossy finish like this is truly hard to resist. Acne Studios’ tote has convinced me that traveling with a patent leather purse will make my next city vacation experience that much better.
Dimensions: 13.8"H x 18.1"W x 6.3"D.
Material: Patent leather
Color: Black
Best Slouchy Travel Purse
BOTTEGA VENETA Hop Large Intrecciato Leather Tote
Best Slouchy Travel Purse
BOTTEGA VENETA Hop Large Intrecciato Leather Tote
Pros
- The slouchy shape makes this bag very supple
Cons
The fashion industry’s obsession with slouchy silhouettes isn’t fading anytime soon. Take part in the excitement with Bottega’s iconic tote, woven with the brand’s signature intrecciato technique that’s noticeable wherever you're headed this year.
Dimensions: 14.2"H x 22.4"W x 4.3"D.
Material: Leather
Colors: Brown, white, blue
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