Best Crossbody Bags for European Travel in 2024
Planning an exciting adventure across Europe? Perhaps you're intending to visit some of the continent's most romantic cities, like Paris and Venice, or bask on the beaches of the Mediterranean, or explore the many museums, historic locations, and cultural sites of countries like Greece, Germany, and the U.K.
Whatever your travel plans may be, it's strongly recommended to bring a crossbody bag along for the ride. These bags offer strong security features, protecting your personal items from the many pickpockets targeting tourists in major European cities.
Crossbody bags also offer hands-free convenience, allowing you to stow away items and pluck them out of your bag with ease, along with stylish practicality. This guide is here to help you find the best crossbody bag for European travel, covering an array of options to suit different sorts of travelers.
What Makes a Crossbody Bag Ideal for European Travel?
1. Anti-Theft Features for Security
Given the fact that many major European cities like Rome and Paris have problems with pickpockets, it's crucial to keep your travel essentials as safe as possible as you move around. That's the reason many travelers in Europe invest in anti-theft travel backpacks, money belts, and crossbody bags.
The best crossbody bags should come with strong security features like slash-resistant straps and lockable zippers, so you can safely stash your passport, wallet, and phone away. Look for bags with reinforced construction to keep pickpockets at bay, and RFID-blocking technology to fend off identity thieves.
2. Lightweight and Comfortable for All-Day Wear
If you're traveling around Europe, you're most likely going to spend a lot of time out and about, seeing the sights. You might spend a full day walking around Paris, for example, visiting attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées, walking thousands of steps in the process.
As such, the last thing you'll want is a heavy, bulky, or awkward bag weighing you down and bothering you all day long. The best bags for travel should be lightweight and comfortable, with padded, breathable sections and adjustable shoulder straps to keep the strain off your shoulders on those long days out.
3. Weather-Resistant Material
Depending on the part of Europe you're visiting, you may encounter mixed weather conditions. It might be sunny and bright for one part of your adventure, but rainy, windy, and cold for another.
So, focus on water-resistant or weatherproof materials in the crossbody bag you buy. Bags made from strong canvas and nylon tend to provide excellent protection, as they can cope with rain, wind, and even snow without letting the items inside get wet and damaged.
Top Crossbody Bags for European Travel
1. Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag
The best crossbody bag for European travel is the Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag. As its name implies, this bag is all about security. It has a bunch of smart safety features to keep you safe wherever you go, like lockable zippered pockets, slash-proof crossbody straps, and RFID-blocking technology.
Pros:
- Excellent security standards
- Plenty of space inside
- Lightweight, comfy design
Cons:
- Lack of color options
Best For: Travelers heading to pickpocket-prone areas across Europe, like large capital cities.
2. Away Featherlight Crossbody Bag
Away's Featherlight Crossbody Bag is another fabulous choice for travelers looking for something super sleek and comfy. It's an exceptionally lightweight bag, comfortable to carry all day long without feeling worn-out or weighed down. It also features a durable, water-resistant exterior for rainy days.
Pros:
- Super light and compact
- Stylish, attractive design
Cons:
- Limited space inside
Best For: Travelers looking for a functional, fashionable, and comfy crossbody.
3. Baggu Fanny Pack (Worn Crossbody)
The Baggu Fanny Pack technically fits in the fanny packs and belt bags category, rather than crossbody bags. However, you can wear it crossbody thanks to the adjustable strap, so it's an interesting option to consider. It offers strong safety features and water-resistant fabric. It also provides a reasonable amount of space for your phone, passport, and other items you might need like lip balm and bug spray.
Pros:
- Various ways to wear it
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day use
Cons:
- Not big enough for large items like books
Best For: Active travelers seeking a compact and secure day bag.
4. Arden Cove Crissy Anti-Theft Crossbody
Arguably the best crossbody bag for European travel from a security perspective, this bag features ultra-strong and slash-proof straps, so there's no risk of anyone sneaking up and cutting it off your body. In addition, it comes with RFID-blocking exterior pockets to prevent sneaky thieves snatching your data, and secure zippers to keep every item safe and sound.
Pros:
- A super-secure travel bag
- Plenty of compartments and organizational features
- Water-resistant for rainy days and nights
Cons:
- A little bulkier and heavier than other bags
Best For: Travelers heading to popular tourist hotspots, where pickpocketing is rife.
5. PacSafe Citysafe Anti-Theft Crossbody
Last but not least, the PacSafe Citysafe Anti-Theft bag is another bag designed with security in mind. It has lockable zippers and RFID protection to keep your personal items safe, wherever you go. It's also quite a spacious bag, with more than enough room inside for larger items like books and tablets.
Pros:
- Durable and secure
- Surprisingly comfortable to carry
- Ample storage space
Cons:
- Bulky design won't appeal to minimalist travelers
Best For: Travelers who need a larger travel bag but don't want to compromise on security.
How to Choose the Best Crossbody Bag for European Travel
1. Consider the Type of Trip You’re Taking
When buying any type of bag, the key to finding the right one is focusing on how you're going to use it. So, when looking for the best crossbody bag for European travel, think carefully about the type of trip you're planning to take. Is it an urban sightseeing spree, or more of a rural, relaxed vacation?
If you're heading to big cities, look for bags with anti-theft features to keep your favorite travel products safe and secure. For rural and countryside trips, key features to focus on include durability, comfort, and weather-resistance.
2. Balance Between Size and Functionality
Crossbody bags come in a wide range of sizes, from mini models that are more like belt bags or fanny packs to much larger options, with tons of interior space. It's important to understand the pros and cons of each size and find the right balance between size and functionality to fit your needs.
A smaller bag will be more comfy and convenient to carry around with you on busy days in big cities, while a larger bag will give you extra room for the many items you might need. Often, a medium-sized bag is the ideal compromise, giving you enough space without being awkward or cumbersome to carry.
3. Style and Comfort
Along with finding a balance between size and functionality, it's also important to find a good balance between style and comfort. You might want a bag with plenty of style and allure to help you look your best in all those travel photos, but you also need to ensure it's comfy enough to carry without becoming a burden.
The best crossbody bag for European travel should be able to work well in almost any setting, day or night, offering versatility in its aesthetic and comfort-oriented design features, such as adjustable straps. Bags in neutral tones, like a black crossbody bag or olive crossbody bag are ideal for this purpose.
Anti-Theft Features to Look For
1. Slash-Proof Straps
Some pickpockets cut bag straps off the wearer's body to snatch the bag. But if your bag has reinforced straps with steel cables inside, they'll in effect be impossible for criminals to cut through.
2. Lockable Zippers and Pockets
Lockable pockets and zippers are also major deterrents to thieves. They let you stash your most important items, like your cash and cards, in hidden pockets, zip them shut, and then lock them, preventing anyone else from gaining unlawful entry.
3. RFID-Blocking Technology
These days, some thieves use wireless gadgets to rob unsuspecting victims by scanning their credit cards as they pass by, without even needing to physically steal any items. RFID-blocking bags prevent this type of identity theft.
How to Style Crossbody Bags for European Travel
1. Casual Daytime Outfits
For a laid-back daytime look, grab a simple grey crossbody bag and pair it with jeans, tees, and hoodies. That'll help you fit in and feel comfy as you explore big cities and enjoy all the sights.
2. Evening Outfits
For a more elegant evening outing, a sleek canvas or leather crossbody bag might be a better fit, paired with a blazer, dress, or other evening attire. Canvelle.com offers sleek and chic crossbody bags for just such an occasion.
Canvelle: Your One-Stop Shop for Stylish Travel Crossbody Bags
If you're looking for top quality crossbody bags that offer style and functionality in equal measure, Canvelle is the place to find them. Made from premium materials and equipped with strong security and comfort-focused features, our bags are just right for all sorts of European adventures, delivering the durability and practicality you need for a memorable getaway.
Find Your Perfect Bag for Travel Across Europe
If you're gearing up for an exciting European trip, consider a crossbody bag to accompany you. The best bags will keep your items close to your chest, quite literally, with strong safety features so you can have fun and make the most of your journey without worrying about thieves and pickpockets.
Check out Canvelle's crossbody bags to find the right option today, or consider our many other travel-friendly bag varieties, like backpacks, fanny packs, and duffel bags.
FAQs
What are some essential items to pack for budget travel in Europe?
For a budget-conscious trip, consider packing a good quality water bottle that you can refill again and again, some simple, casual clothing, travel-size toiletries, snacks, and a device or two to keep you entertained.
What is a good checklist of items to pack for a 10 day trip to Europe?
It depends on your personal preferences and needs, but you'll usually require clothes, toiletries, your passport and other travel documents, some good footwear to walk around, devices, and chargers.