Best Crossbody Bags for Travel: Top Picks for Every Journey
Whether you're exploring the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, marveling at the Eiffel Tower in France, or visiting the stunning Niagara Falls in Canada, the last thing you want to think about is keeping your belongings safe. As adorable as a backpack can be, it's often bulky and—worst of all—out of your sight. The same goes for tote bags, which can be cumbersome, disheveled, and easy targets for pickpockets.
That's why crossbody bags are ideal travel companions. They're compact, secure, and always within reach. Best of all, with the right choices, these bags can also be incredibly stylish and highly organized, giving you the best of both worlds during your travels.
But what are these right choices we mention? That's what you'll learn in this guide.
The Best Crossbody Bags for Travel
If you're preparing for a trip, you probably don't have much time to spend hunting for the perfect travel bag. So, let's start with our top picks for the best crossbody bags for travel, saving you valuable time and effort.
Canvelle Crossbody Bag
When it comes to crossbody bags, it doesn't get better than Canvelle. Why? Because this brand doesn't limit you to the “traditional” crossbody styles. You can go with a stylish sling (the Canvelle Sling Bag), a modern take on the money belt (the Canvelle Belt Bag), or even a crossbody tote. For this guide, we'll highlight the last option, as it provides an unparalleled blend of style, space, and convenience.
Take Canvelle's black crossbody bag as an example. You can pair this black beauty with virtually any outfit, whether exploring urban landscapes or dining in a chic restaurant. At the same time, its spacious interior allows you to carry all your travel essentials comfortably. Place them in the main compartment or one of the handy organizational additions—a zippered pocket, two open pockets, a padded phone slip pocket, and a key clip—zip up the bag, and you're good to go. Thanks to the adjustable crossbody strap, you can customize the fit for maximum comfort, making it easy to carry your Canvelle crossbody travel bag all day long.
MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe
If you aren't particular about how your crossbody bag looks and only care about its functionality, the MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe might be the way to go. With this bag, you check all the boxes for practicality—a water-resistant interior, multiple pockets, adjustable strap, lightweight design, and versatile wear options. Besides functionality, you can add longevity to the list of reasons for choosing this crossbody bag. With a body made from recycled Oxford fabric and black leather trim, this bag will undoubtedly remain your ultimate travel companion for years to come.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
By its very nature, a crossbody bag is usually a more secure option compared to other types of bags. However, the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag takes security to the next level with a barrage of advanced anti-theft features.
An interior organizer with RFID-blocking passport and card slots. A front zippered pocket with a magnetic closure. Anti-slash straps and fabric. These are just some of the highly convenient features this anti-theft bag brings to the table. Add plenty of pockets and an adjustable crossbody strap into the mix, and it becomes clear why this bag made it onto our list of the best crossbody bags for travel.
Aer Day Sling 3
People who prefer to travel light—only packing carry-on travel bags on trips and choosing minimalistic accessories—will find the Aer Day Sling 3 particularly appealing. This stylish sling bag is all about portability and practicality. You get a spacious main compartment with wide access, multiple interior and exterior pockets, and an adjustable shoulder strap. The front-facing pocket features a keychain, while the hidden pocket on the bag makes for a perfect place to store your credit cards and travel documents. And that's it! Of course, if you travel light, that's all you need.
Nomatic Navigator Sling 6L
From the name alone, you can probably guess that this crossbody bag and minimalism don't go hand in hand. No, this is a bag designed for those who need both functionality and ample space. That's why it features a water bottle holder, multiple interior and exterior pockets, built-in tablet storage, and even a cord pass-through. Since this bag can get too bulky, it also comes with a stabilizer strap to keep it snug and secure against the body. Talk about covering all the bases!
Lo & Sons Waverley 2 in Nappa Leather
Are you going on a shorter trip that allows you to prioritize style over functionality? If so, we've got just the bag for you: the Waverley 2 from Lo & Sons. This adorable bag, available in several Nappa leather options, offers a chic and polished look that's perfect for lighter travel. Besides a crossbody bag, it can be worn as a belt bag, shoulder bag, and wristlet, adding versatility to its list of pros. However, affordability certainly doesn't make this list, as the Waverly 2 comes with a rather high price point.
Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Crossbody
If you love the sophisticated look of leather bags but need more space, this beauty from Quince is a serious contender. Though it looks petite, this sleek crossbody bag has a spacious main compartment and plenty of pockets to hold your essentials. Thanks to the removable strap, this crossbody bag can also transform into a chic wristlet for a fun night out on your trip.
Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack
If you see a black carry-on bag or a gray crossbody bag and think, “Boring!” the Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack might pique your interest. This unique crossbody bag comes in six different color options, five of which are multicolored and quite vivid. This stylish bag is also suitable for men, who appreciate its practical design and stylish appearance. The con? The bag is quite limited in capacity, so bid farewell to bulkier items like a bottle of water or a tablet.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
Lululemon is a brand that has mastered the art of blending style with function. The Everywhere Belt Bag 1L is no exception! You'll love this compact and versatile bag if you value simplicity and practicality over excess. The one-liter capacity is more than enough to store all your essentials, such as your phone, keys, wallet, and a few personal items. You'll also love how lightweight and easy to carry this bag is, allowing you to breeze through your trip—or your day—without feeling weighed down.
What to Look For in a Crossbody Bag for Travel
Let's say you have time to do your own research and check what else is out there besides our favorites. If that's the case, here are the features you should keep in mind during your search.
Capacity and Size
Rule No. 1 when finding the best crossbody bag for your travel: make sure it fits all your essentials. Of course, this will vary greatly based on the duration of your trip and your personal habits. If you're going on a weeklong trip and want to have all the must-haves and nice-to-haves at hand, a larger capacity is the way to go. For shorter trips and everyday use (e.g., running errands), you might be perfectly satisfied with a small or medium crossbody bag.
Material and Durability
A crossbody bag isn't just a fashion bag you'll pair with a specific outfit. It's a bag you might wear every single day for a wide range of activities. As such, the bag should be made of high-quality and durable material that can withstand the rigors of daily use. If you plan on carrying snacks, liquids, or other items that might leak or spill, you'll do yourself a favor by choosing a material that's also water-resistant and easy to clean (e.g., nylon or polyester).
Organization and Compartments
There's no point in buying a crossbody bag for practicality if you're just going to throw everything in there and turn the bag into a black hole of chaos. You need a bag with multiple pockets, zippered compartments, and handy dividers so it doesn't take you more than a few seconds to find what you're looking for. Given the nature of this bag, it also doesn't hurt to look for models with some safety features to add an extra layer of protection.
Portability and Design
The whole point of a crossbody bag is to provide hands-free convenience while keeping your essentials easily accessible. So, don't overcomplicate things. Go for crossbody models that are lightweight and compact and won't slow you down. For an extra boost of portability, look for features like adjustable straps, ergonomic shapes, and slim profiles for easy packing. Plus, you can always store excess personal items in your black carry-on travel bag when going on longer trips and swap between them, so you can afford to go a bit minimalist.
Tips for Choosing the Right Crossbody Bag for Travel
When all is said and done, finding the perfect crossbody bag for travel is exceptionally easy. All you need to do is:
- Consider the bag's primary use (e.g., traveling, daily use, outdoor activities)
- Choose the appropriate capacity and size
- Invest in a durable, water-resistant, and easy-to-clean material
- Look for features that enhance organization, accessibility, and security
- Purchase a style that best fits your personal aesthetic
Bag It Right
Travelers don't realize just how valuable a crossbody bag is until they're deep into their journey, constantly misplacing items and looking over their shoulders. Luckily, there's a simple solution. Purchase a model from our list of the best crossbody bags for travel, and you'll have no such issues!
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FAQs
Are crossbody bags good for traveling?
Absolutely! Thanks to their hands-free design and security features, they might just be the ultimate bags for traveling.
Which is better, a sling bag or a crossbody?
Crossbody bags might be slightly better for traveling than sling bags for the simple reason that they often offer larger capacities and greater accessibility.
What is the safest type of purse to travel with?
Anti-theft crossbody bags are the safest purses to travel with.
Do anti-theft bags really work?
Yes, anti-theft bags really work, provided you choose a high-quality model. Of course, no bag is 100% theft-proof if you don't pay attention to it, so remember to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings in any case.