If you want to qualify as a savvy and fashion-forward traveler, there are a few must-haves. Sturdy luggage with spinner wheels? Check. Packing cubes? Oh yeah. A trusty handbag? Essential! While great for everyday use, crossbody bags are indispensable for traveling. Not only do they allow you to be hands-free so you can roll through the airport, take selfies and eat gelato with ease but they’re a lot harder for pickpockets to loot (unlike backpacks and fanny packs).
Plus, crossbody bags are handy in that they can hold everything from your phone and travel wallet to lip balm, keys and other travel necessities without weighing you down, thanks to the crossbody strap that evenly distributes weight across your shoulder, chest and back.
Lucky for us, there are plenty of crossbody bags out there, chock-full of organizational details that are great for travel. From stylish options that you can take from the plane to date night, to anti-theft bags that are RFID-protected, anti-slash and armed with locking mechanisms, these are our favorite crossbody bag options for your next trip.
Mini crossbody bags
Moon-shaped bags are very much in demand this spring, and this Athleta crossbody makes this trend fashionable and practical. It comes in six colors to match with any airport outfit and can pretty much fit all your travel necessities. The adjustable strap is an added bonus too.
If you’re looking for a versatile yet trendy mini crossbody bag, this one from Target has your name written all over it. Not only does it come in perfect spring shades like green and pink stripes but it features multiple interior pockets, a zipper closure and an adjustable detachable strap.
If you’ve ever had a North Face backpack, you know how handy its signature bungee system can be. This trusted crossbody comes with 2.3 liters of storage, plenty of internal organization and secure zip pockets to store all your valuables while on the go.
Lululemon’s All Night Festival Bag has reached cult-favorite status, which is likely why the brand decided to create this mini version that we just can’t get enough of. Boasting an adjustable strap, magnetic closures and a wide-mouth opening that zips shut, the water-resistant micro is just 7 inches wide and designed for taking on the go.
This teensy-weensy cutie is the smallest bag in MZ Wallace’s beloved Crosby collection and comes with two detachable straps: one adjustable crossbody nylon strap and one stylish wristlet chain strap. Big enough to accommodate an iPhone 11 Pro Max, the bag has three interior credit card pockets, a zip-top closure and one exterior zipped pocket.
Paravel is one of our favorite travel brands. Not only are its products made with sustainability at the top of mind but they’re incredibly chic — and this capsule crossbody is no exception. The canister design features vegan leather details and can be customized with your monogram for a personalized look. Inside, there’s enough room for all your travel essentials and the added security of a full zipper enclosure.
Crafted with pebbled Italian leather, this mini crossbody bag by Cuyana oozes luxe details like a suede interior lining and a chic, modern design. We love that despite its petite frame, the bag manages to accommodate your phone, wallet and a few extra must-haves. An adjustable strap, hidden pockets and an array of universal color options make it the perfect travel accessory that won’t weigh you down.
Known for its neoprene bags, Dagne Dover’s Micah crossbody is one of their lightest water-resistant bags to date. Featuring an adjustable shoulder strap, the Micah has two roomy interior pockets in addition to two exterior pockets and a key leash. The Micah is available in six core colors and three seasonal shades.
Clear crossbody bags
Clear bag, but make it fashion! Steve Madden to the rescue with a clear bag that is stadium and event approved. The crossbody bag features a chic chain strap to wear crossbody that can pair well with just about any outfit. Plus, we love that there’s an interior pouch for keeping some of your belongings out of sight.
Nearly 5,000 Amazon customers have given this clear crossbody a thumbs-up, declaring it both the perfect size — it can fit both a full-size mayo and mustard container! — and durable. Available in 14 colors, the zip-top bag contains an exterior zippered pocket and a removable crossbody strap. Also, we’re not mad at that $13 price tag.
We love this crossbody bag because of how customizable it is. First up, you can choose the color of the vegan leather silhouette of your bag: Navy, Camel or Black. Then you can select from a variety of crossbody straps to accompany your clear bag. And to finish, further personalize your bag with a monogram for an additional $12.50. Ultimately, this is the perfect bag to make your very own.
Luxury/designer crossbody bags
The ideal travel bag, the Perry Bombe from Tory Burch is stamped with the brand’s distinguished double-T logo and features a dual-top zippered closure, ensuring all your valuables are tucked safely inside. We love the removable crossbody strap (it can double as a clutch!), the exterior slip pocket and the fact that the luxe pebbled leather and gold hardware means it can transition seamlessly from sightseeing by day to a glamorous night on the town.
A celebrity favorite — Meghan Markle and Katie Holmes are fans — Strathberry’s East/West Mini is utterly chic, thanks to its luxe gold hardware and smooth calf leather. Available in 29 colors and patterns, the bag features two compartments and one interior pocket, and it can be worn as a crossbody (as the Duchess of Sussex prefers) or as an over-the-shoulder bag, thanks to the adjustable chain strain.
Meet our favorite fanny pack-slash-crossbody bag! Simultaneously roomy and lightweight, the Crosby Crossbody Sling comes with three detachable straps — a thicker nylon option, a chain option and an adjustable waist strap — and has a zip closure, four interior pockets and one exterior zipped pocket. Perfect for traveling, the bag is chock-full of upscale details, which also makes it fancy enough for high-end pit stops.
Meet one of Kate Spade’s most beloved bags. The Harlow is a streamlined crossbody that can fit all your necessities, minus the bulk of a bigger bag. Available in nine colors, the pebbled leather Harlow has a zip-top closure, two interior pockets and one hidden exterior slip pocket, perfect for keeping your hotel room key handy.
No surprise here: Luxury luggage maker Tumi knows its way around a travel bag, and this crossbody is proof. Available in black, gray, mauve and blue hues, the nylon bag has an adjustable crossbody strap and two main compartments loaded with every type of pocket. We love the key leash and the customizable leather key ring.
Trust us, you get your money’s worth with this versatile bag from Clare V. Available in 17 different hues, the genuine Italian leather bag has room for all your travel essentials — from your phone to earplugs, travel wallet and more. Its main selling point, however, is that you can customize the look with the option to purchase additional straps for any outfit.
Anti-theft crossbody bags
This specially designed anti-theft bag is made with a locking zipper closure, scratch-resistant pockets and water-resistant materials with slash-resistant panels. This bag is pretty much safe from any possible travel threat out there and comes in four dark colors.
This may be the coolest anti-theft crossbody bag to look at. On top of its chic, sleek exterior, it also has an expandable design that can be adjusted from both ends. This means it can fit anything from an 11-inch iPad to a camera or even a water bottle or umbrella. There’s also a rapid-retract shoulder strap and external fastening strap for those traveling with a bike or tripod.
Keep your credit cards and passports safe with this Open Story bag from Target. Outfitted with RFID-blocking pockets that ensure your information isn’t electronically swiped, the anti-slash design of the bag will also keep pickpockets at bay.
More than 6,000 Amazon reviewers rave about this anti-theft crossbody from Travelon, citing it as having all the organization details of a bigger bag minus the weight. Boasting an interlocking mesh barrier below the surface material and a hidden steel cable in the strap, the bag’s construction is meant to prevent a blade from slashing, while main compartment locks will stop a pickpocket from quickly reaching inside the bag. More to know: RFID-blocking pockets will keep your cards and passports safe from identity scanner theft.
Available in six different colors and styles, this simple crossbody bag is perfect for both men and women who are looking to take along some essentials while exploring a new locale. It can be worn over the shoulder and sits comfortably on your side. Inside, you’ll find a designated RFID-blocking pocket for storing your credit cards, passport and other personal information. Plus, we love that this bag is water-resistant should an unexpected rain shower grace you on your travels.
Larger than the Travelon Classic Mini Anti-Theft bag with 2 liters more packing capacity, this crossbody still offers all the anti-theft perks that make it a great travel companion. It features five points of anti-theft features, ranging from locking zippers to RFID-blocking technology and a slash-resistant mesh inner lining. In our testing, this bag is the perfect crossbody companion when exploring a new destination.
Crossbody travel purses
Featuring interior card pockets for your essentials and a separate back pocket, this Italian leather bag also includes an adjustable messenger strap. Perfect for mixing and matching your way through vacation, the Circle Crossbody Bag comes in three colorways.
The travel professionals at Away have a crossbody bag of their own to consider for your upcoming trip. This 16-liter messenger bag is perfect for taking out and exploring a new city. It even holds enough for a one-night trip. Inside, you’ll find easy-access zipper pockets for your essentials, and it can be used as either a shoulder bag or crossbody bag, thanks to the adjustable strap.
One of accessory maker Mark & Graham’s bestselling bags, The Essential Crossbody is just that: essential! Perfectly sized — it’s not too small or too big, but rather just right — the bag boasts two zippered main compartments, which comprise zip and slip pockets for all your travel doodads. Available in seven colors ranging from neon pink to camouflage, the bag can also be monogrammed for an additional $12.50.
Versatile and stylish, the Easy Access Crossbody Bag from Lululemon might be purchased for travel, but trust us, you’re going to be using it every day going forward. It’s big enough for your smartphone, wallet, passport and snacks, and it also features an ultra-secure two-way zipper and interior pocket for small items. The nylon bag is water-repellent and also features an exterior pocket for easy access.
Listen, we get it if you don’t want to break the bank on a crossbody, but you do want quality and functionality. The answer? Check out this beloved Amazon option that has nearly 3,000 positive reviews and costs just under $17. The zip-top bag includes three exterior zippers and an interior roomy enough to accommodate an iPhone 11 Pro Max. Available in 12 colors, the vegan leather bag is a great, wipeable option for travelers on a budget.
For your next trip, we suggest creating the custom crossbody of your dreams with Mark & Graham. Start with a camouflage square bag and opt to personalize the bag with a fun monogram. Next up: Choose a coordinating twill strap (or two!), which can also be customized with a monogram. The result is something that is utterly personal to you and will stand out during your travels near and far.
Boasting the best of both worlds — it can literally function as a traditional tote or as a crossbody bag — the Small Sutton Deluxe is the roomiest bag on our list, with plenty of space for your water bottle, extra layers and any souvenirs you may pick up on the road. In addition to six interior zippered and slip pockets, the bag also comes with a removable pouch for your essentials. Available in 15 colorways, the bag has two exterior slip pockets and a detachable crossbody strap.