Three Great Travel Purses for Safe and Secure Travel

One of the things I fretted about most when I started traveling regularly was, “What purse do I bring?”

I needed something that would hold my essentials for the day while still allowing me to be hands-free and would keep the items inside secure from pickpockets, a somewhat common occurrence in touristic areas in Europe.

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Before I left for our first cross-Atlantic trip to London and Paris several years ago, I agonized about what purse to buy. I spent hours scouring the internet and our local stores, looking for a bag that closed twice – with both a zipper and a flap closure – to help keep grabby hands away from my passport, wallet, and cell phone.

I came out of my search empty-handed. I searched travel blogs as well, but there were only a handful of posts and all essentially recommended bags from Travelon or PacSafe, none of which are my style (and in my opinion, many of them scream “tourist!”).

I next looked into flap-closure bags that I might be able to sew a zipper into. Despite my many creative endeavors, Michael reminded me I’m not the best at sewing, and that anything self-added may not be as durable as I’d like.

At my wit’s end, I bought an inexpensive cream crossbody bag at Forever 21 – matches basically everything! – that had a magnetic flap closure and an interior zippered slip pocket (the fast-fashion giant no longer carries the purse I bought in 2014, but this one is similar). I then hooked my wallet and sunglasses-holder onto a chain, and attached them to the zippered-slip pocket, which is where I kept my phone.

It was a little excessive, and I felt silly anytime I needed to access my cash, but nothing was ever stolen. I used this purse again the next summer when we traveled to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, and also never encountered any issues with pickpockets (though I believe that is less of a problem in the Nordic countries).

Nevertheless, it wasn’t a perfect solution. And while I still haven’t found the perfect handbag for travel, here are the bags I’m carrying with me on trips in 2017:

MY PURSE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

The Mini Mac purse from Rebecca Minkoff in Black — Mini M.A.C., Rebecca Minkoff

The following summer I decided I’d had enough, and searched again for a really secure, yet fashionable (or at least just really plain, nice-but-not-too-nice) purse. I noticed more people were in search of the same thing, but I still couldn’t find anything that marked off all of my checkboxes. What I settled for (and I truly hate settling, but here we are) and what I am still currently using is Rebecca Minkoff’s Mini M.A.C. bag in black with black hardware. The smaller front pocket features a clasp and a zipper, while the larger section simply zips.

To make this more secure, I borrowed an idea from the travel bag makers and added a clasp at the zipper. After all, I need my purse to be easy for me to access, but too off-putting for pickpockets to give a try (need a good visual aid? Catch one in action on TikTok). I also added jump rings where the bag’s clasps joined the purse, just in case someone tried to unhook the purse and make off with it. Much of the strap is made of metal, so I also have less to worry about with strap-slashing. Is it overkill? Probably, but I’d rather worry now than while I’m traveling.

Update: This purse worked well for several years, but I ultimately resold it. The reason? That secure chain strap is also incredibly heavy - and it had a habit of catching and ripping out my hair.

MY PURSE FOR DOMESTIC TRAVEL

Cuyana's Leather pouch hangs on a coat rack — Crossbody Pouch, Cuyana

When traveling domestically, I am a little more casual about what purse I bring. Even though theft and pickpocketing still occur here in the States, it seems to be a little less common.

Earlier this summer I carried a blush Signet Bag from J. Crew (no longer available – similar at Quince). Currently, I’m carrying the Crossbody Pouch from Cuyana in black (no longer available – similar at Madewell). It’s simple, stylish, and nice enough for a dinner out, yet doesn’t scream “famous brand!” or “absurdly expensive.” It holds my essentials without allowing me to overfill it; I’ve been incredibly happy with this purchase.

MY PURSE FOR AIRPORT TRAVEL

Le Pliage tote from Longchamp on a white chair — Large Le Pliage Tote, Longchamp

I picked up my Longchamp Tote in Paris at the Galeries Lafayette – which with the exception of a baguette, may be the only thing that’s cheaper in Paris than in the US. I use it exclusively for travel, keeping it folded into its pliage-d self when I’m home. It’s the perfect “personal item” size for flying and looks chicer than a backpack (and is more pickpocket-proof!). It’s incredibly easy to clean, which is a must when stowing something on the grimy floor of an aircraft.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON PURSES FOR TRAVEL

Overall, I’m happy with my choices for domestic and airport travel, though I hope to find a better option before our next international trip. The current one is just a little too heavy with all of the chains, and I’d like something that I don’t necessarily need to modify. For now, though, everything is functional and adaptable to any situation I may encounter.

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Questions for you

What bag(s) do you carry when traveling? Let me know in the comments below if you’ve found the perfect travel purse!

How do you keep your items secure in your bag?

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Three Great Travel Purses