Despite years of traveling, I’ve made some packing mistakes, mainly when it comes to travel purses.
During one trip, I brought along one of my favorite everyday shoulder bags, and while I love using it to run errands at home, its single-strap design ended up being an uncomfortable hassle on a long weekend trip.
So what makes a great travel bag? The best options work with practically any outfit or occasion, whether you’re dressed up, down, exploring a new city, or going to dinner at a nice restaurant at night.
Style is, of course, a major factor. But the biggest feature to look out for is versatility, often through swappable straps and multi-wear designs. You can get the most use out of these types of travel bags, which is a dream for savvy packers.
For easy travels and even easier packing, these are the travel purses you won't regret buying.
In this article
Kate Spade New York Duo Crossbody Bag
The Kate Spade New York Duo Crossbody Bag is an elevated crossbody with a sleek look that can be worn all day yet won’t look out of place during a night out during vacation.
The crescent-style design is on the smaller side, fitting a phone, keys, wallet, and a few other items comfortably. In addition to the main compartment, it also comes with a small, detachable zippered pouch, which is great for storing cash or earbuds.
The number of styling options is also impressive. You can wear it as a crossbody, with or without the pouch. If you want a shoulder bag, double loop the strap to make it shorter. And if you want an even smaller mini handbag or clutch, you can clasp the top rings together.
The strap may also be added to just the pouch, turning it into a belt bag or an extra-small sling bag that sits across your chest.
To top it off, the bag comes in over 30 colors and materials, from pebbled leather to suede. With so many ways to wear it, it’s bound to always make your packing list.
Quince Sloane Handwoven Mini Shoulder Bag
On design alone, the Quince Sloane Handwoven Mini Shoulder Bag is an effortlessly chic travel purse that doesn’t sacrifice versatility and functionality for style.
Made of leather, it has handwoven braided details with texture that can make any vacation outfit look more sophisticated. The full zippered top keeps your belongings secure, and there’s even a few credit card slots and a small zipper pocket inside to keep things organized.
The mini bag comes with two detachable straps: one to use it as a shoulder bag and another to use it as a crossbody bag. The bag can also be used as a clutch when you completely remove the straps from the side rings.
Arden Cove Grande Marina Convertible Wallet and Belt Bag
For trips where you only plan to carry the essentials and don’t need a larger travel purse, the Arden Cove Grande Marina Convertible Wallet and Belt Bag is a smart option.
Compact and travel-ready, it has a four-in-one design, thanks to the wrist strap and adjustable strap it comes with. You can wear it as a clutch for dinner at a high-end restaurant, a belt bag for active vacation days, as a crossbody for hands-free, all-day wear, or as a wallet in a larger bag. Pair it with a versatile pair of shoes, and it's the only other accessory you'll need to pack.
Inside, there are slots for 12 credit cards, plus two compartments for bills, and a zippered pouch for coins. While small, there’s enough room to fit a smartphone, along with your passport, keys, and favorite lip balm.
As a true travel purse, it’s also water-resistant with anti-theft protection, locking zippers, and RFID-blocking technology.
Longchamp Le Pliage Energy S Handbag
Longchamp is a timeless brand that I see almost everywhere, whether I’m at the airport or walking around the city. Its tote bag may be a popular pick as a travel-ready personal item, but its Le Pliage Energy S Handbag is just as stylish, but a lot more versatile.
With a mini tote bag design, the bag is lightweight at only 0.86 pounds. Not only does that make it easier to pack, but also comfortable to wear daily on a trip.
The bag has top handles that aren’t removable, but allow for use as a handbag (and add to its iconic minimalist design). The real versatility, however, lies in the extended tabs on each side. The included detachable strap can be secured to the bag with clasps, and you can wear it as either a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag.
The best part is, this bag can be treated with a waterproofing agent that would make it even more durable in the rain or by the pool or beach.
Lo & Sons Aoyama 2 Nylon Crescent Crossbody Bag
The Lo & Sons Aoyama 2 Nylon Crescent Crossbody Bag is high up on my travel bag wishlist. Made of nylon, it has a casual feel, but that doesn’t make it any less stylish. In fact, that very same material is what makes it lighter and more packable than leather or faux leather options.
With a modular strap system, the length is adjustable, and it can be worn multiple ways. From a handbag to a shoulder bag to a crossbody bag, you get three designs in one. It reminds me of the ever-popular Baggu or Uniqlo crescent bags, but significantly more travel-friendly and versatile.
Inside, the bag has four webbing pockets, one zipper pocket, and three card pockets to keep you organized. There’s even a side phone pocket for extra easy access to small items.
It’s no doubt a convertible, but since the modular straps use buckles instead of clasps, you won’t be able to swap the straps as freely as you would with other versatile travel bags.
Consider Extra Purse Straps
The beauty of purses that have detachable straps that connect with rings or loops is that you can swap them out with almost any standalone strap. If you want to elevate the look of a bag you have, or most of the options above, I recommend opting for a chain style. The chain can be used as the main strap, or it can be added to the bag along with another strap. With the latter, it can not only act as a backup strap for versatile wear, but also adds a little extra shine and personality.
The Rapuda 4-Piece Chain Purse Strap Set comes with different sizes that you can add to a bag with strap loops or rings to wear as a hand bag, a shoulder bag, a crossbody bag, or a wristlet.
The Shortcut
When selecting a travel purse, look for options that have swappable or modular straps with buckles, clasps, and clips that allow you to change the style for almost any occasion.
Material matters. Nylon bags may have more of a casual look, but they tend to be lighter and more packable than leather purses.
A separate chain strap upgrades a bag you already own, as long as it has rings or loops.
