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The 11 Best Anti-Theft Travel Purses

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: May 30, 2023

Home >> Travel Tips >> Safe Travel >> The 11 Best Anti-Theft Travel Purses

As highly desirable tourist destinations become more crowded each season, travellers are increasingly aware of protecting themselves against pickpockets and scammers.

Unfortunately, ladies’ handbags are prime targets for such crimes. Which makes using a good anti-theft handbag so important when you travel, even if you also use a good travel money belt .

Sherpani Vale Anti Theft Crossbody Purse, Tote

Thankfully, these days, ladies don’t have to sacrifice style for safety when they travel – as is apparent in the stylish anti-theft backpacks for women starting to appear in a previously male-targeted market. 

Table of Contents

Stylish Anti Theft Bags for Travel

We wanted to take some guesswork out of choosing a stylish purse for travel with the best anti-theft features. After all, an anti-theft bag is the best handbag to travel with for peace of mind. They also make a great gift for the travel lover in your life .

Based on our personal travel experience, we’ve looked at the best anti-theft travel bags on the market and picked the top-selling anti-theft travel purses we believe have great form and function.

Find More of the Best Anti Theft Travel Gear and Tips on Travel Safety in Our  Safe Travel Guide

Travelon Anti-Theft Travel Bag Read a review of this anti-theft crossbody purse here . 

You’ll also find useful tips on what to look for in anti-theft technology and how to keep your bag safe while you travel.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to choose the best travel safe purse for you.

The Best Anti-Theft Travel Handbags

First, let’s do a quick review of what makes the best pickpocket-proof purses on the market. We have chosen these travel safe bags based on the following criteria:  

• Design and functionality required for travel, including the versatility of design. 
• The best anti-theft features
• Reputable manufacturers of anti-theft travel gear.

Oh, and we also factored in the look and style of each of the handbags . There are many “fashion” handbags on the market claiming to be anti-theft but none stack up against these for having all of the features to make them safe against all types of theft.

Looking for More Than Just an Anti Theft Handbag?

We Have a Complete Guide to Anti Theft Travel Gear Loaded With More Travel Safe Gear & Safe Travel Tips

Pacsafe Stylesafe Anti Theft Travel Handbag

Anti Theft Purses For Travel Buying Guide

What is an anti theft handbag, and why should i get one.

Before we review the best anti-theft travel handbags, let’s look at what an anti-theft bag is and what features you should look for when buying one.

An anti-theft bag may also be called theft-proof bags, safety bags, anti pickpocket bags, or anti-slash bags. These bags have inbuilt safety features designed to prevent pickpockets and thieves from accessing and taking your personal belongings.

Related: 13 Stylish Anti Theft Fanny Packs for Travel

What Features Should Good Anti-Theft Bags Have?

Whether you are looking for a dedicated secure travel anti theft purse for travel or a bag for everyday use, look for the following features to ensure a secure travel bag-

• Easily adjustable straps to allow the bag to be worn cross-body, not over one shoulder, for greater security.
• Ensure the strap has a steel reinforcement to prevent thieves from cutting the strap and running with your bag.
• Lightweight anti-slash fabric/panels to stop thieves from accessing contents by slashing the bag.
• Lockable compartments and straps to prevent pickpockets and grab-and-go thieves.
• Locking mechanisms for securing the bag to immovable objects.
• Smart RFID blocking card and passport slots and compartments to block scanners and prevent identity theft or electronic pickpockets.
• Look for a sturdy yet lightweight construction. You don’t want the bag to be too heavy before putting anything in it.
• Avoid bags with wide or gaping openings. All pockets should sit flush, and all openings should have secure closures. 

Travelons best Selling Anti-Theft Cross Body Bag for Travel

Complete your travel wardrobe: The Best Women’s Travel Jackets for Every Season and the Best Women’s Travel Pants that are stylish and comfortable.

Best Anti-Theft Handbags Reviews

Let’s look at the best anti-theft travel purses currently on the market.

Sherpani Vale Anti Theft Crossbody Purse

Sherpani is a design company that operates on the foundations of responsible manufacturing. Using eco-sustainable materials is just one step of the process. Every step of the manufacturing and supply chain meets a strict code of conduct covering labour, social and environmental impact and compliance.

While their design and manufacturing ethos is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air, so are their sleek urban designs. Sherpani is now breaking into the anti-theft market with gorgeous modern women’s bags with all the best anti-theft features.

Our favourite is one of the most popular anti-theft bags in the range, the Sherpani Vale Anti Theft Shoulder bag, and Crossbody Purse. It’s modern, classy, practical and safe. The versatile design offers three style options in one bag; a crossbody bag, a tote-style shoulder bag, or a fold-over silhouette purse, which gives a stylish reversible contrast look —an incredibly practical handbag for travel.

Buyers love the fold-over top for a lighter feel and sleeker profile, but being able to make the bag large enough to stuff a jacket in when needed. With lots of organisational pockets and versatile styling, The Vale can take all those extras when you need them but fold them down when you want a smaller bag, making it versatile for any occasion. The Vale AT has two exterior zipper pockets, a deep main zipper compartment, an interior zipper pocket, two interior slip pockets, and a key fob.

While style and design may seem at the core of this bag, it has a 6 point anti-theft system including anti slash bottom, chair loop wire lock, RFID protection, adjustable anti slash strap and locking zippers.

• Comes in 4 colours.

• The versatile design can be worn crossbody, as a tote, or fold over silhouette purse to suit all occasions.
• The Vale AT has 2 straps, an 18-inch removable tote strap, and a 56 inch removable/adjustable slash-proof crossbody strap.
• 6 Point anti-theft system. This bag has an anti-slash bottom and anti-slash strap, RFID protection, exterior zipper-lock tunnels, a locking zipper on the main compartment, and a chair loop lock system.
• Stylish and durable design. Made with supple nylon with eco-leather finishes, the Vale AT bag is lightweight, water-resistant and durable while delivering a sophisticated look. The interior lining is lime green allowing for easier visibility when searching for items.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Sherpani Prima Small Anti Theft Crossbody & Shoulder Bag

The Prima AT is ideal for those who like a smaller, lightweight crossbody bag for everyday use. The Prima has the same modern urban design as the Vale, which looks stylish no matter the situation. It also has the versatility of an adjustable strap you can wear two ways, either crossbody or as a shoulder bag.

Seamlessly integrated into the design is the 6 point anti-theft system with enough space to carry your daily essentials. It features three exterior pockets: a front hidden zipper pocket, an exterior zipper pocket and a back slip pocket with a spacious main compartment. Anti-theft features include anti slash fabric in the bottom of the bag with slash-proof straps, RFID protection, exterior zipper-lock tunnels, a locking zip on the main compartment, and a chair loop lock system.

• The Prima At is a smaller, lightweight design but big enough for all your daily essentials.
• A versatile design, the Prima can be worn crossbody or as a shoulder bag using the 57-inch adjustable slash-proof crossbody strap.
• Stylish and durable design. Made with supple nylon with eco-leather finishes, the Prima AT bag is lightweight, water-resistant and durable while delivering a sophisticated look. The interior lining is lime green allowing for easier visibility when searching for items.

Travelon Anti Theft Cross Body Bucket Bag

The cross-body bucket bag is a favourite as the size is not overly big or cumbersome but has a tremendous capacity. It is also lightweight and comfortable to wear. It can comfortably hold a DSLR camera with additional lenses and still not look bulky.

There are two external mesh pockets for a small umbrella and a medium-sized water bottle of around 600 ml. Anything larger would be too heavy and become uncomfortable to carry. Adjustable straps ensure you can change it from a shoulder bag to wearing it crossbody for added security.

This bag offers all the standard anti-theft features provided in Travelon products-

This bag is very versatile if you want a larger handbag for travel and everyday use.

Available in 25 different colours and designs, including stripe and leopard print. 

• Locking main compartment plus an organisation compartment with RFID blocking card and passport slots.
• Slash-resistant body and adjustable, slash-resistant shoulder strap which can be attached to a chair or post.
• Front slash pocket, zip rear pocket.
• Removable LED light.

Travelon Anti Theft Cross Body Bag

Travelon’s best-selling anti-theft crossbody handbag for travel. The big winner with this bag is its excellent pocket configuration and capacity for its size, so you can keep everything nice and organised.

Another great feature of this bag is the sleek design that sits comfortably close to the body, even when it’s full. Without being too overloaded, in addition to your handbag essentials; phone, wallet, glasses, keys etc. It will hold a small-size water bottle and a travel umbrella and still fit a Kindle in the back pocket.

This bag won’t stand out in a crowd and won’t weigh you down. Two things you want most when travelling. It also comes in various pattern designs as well as plain colours.

• The main compartment has Travelons lockable zippers and includes RFID pockets and card slots.
• The bag also features a front smartphone pocket, two front flap pockets and a locking zipper pocket.
• Adjustable cut-proof shoulder strap can be attached to a post, chair or any fixed structure.
• It also comes with a removable LED light.
• Available in over 25 colours and designs.

Travelon Anti Theft Classic Messenger Bag

A similar design to Travelon’s classic crossbody bags above but more spacious. This bag has two expandable pockets on the sides like the Cross-Body Bucket Bag to hold a water bottle and travel umbrella. You will easily fit all your usual handbag items and still have room for a Kindle, iPad mini, cell phone and possibly a compact camera.

Unlike the cross-body model, the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag has front zip pocket locks. All of Travelon’s bags are made with easy to clean durable fabric so you can quickly wipe clean any spills or scuffs.

Note – These bags are designed to be worn cross-body for additional security so the strap may easily slip if worn on the shoulder.

• Slash-resistant fabric
• Adjustable cut-resistant, shoulder straps that can be secured to a stationary object to prevent a grab and go theft.
• The spacious main compartment features locking zippers for added security.
• Two mesh expansion pockets will hold a water bottle, sunglasses or umbrella.
• Front zip pocket locks for added security.
• Two mesh expansion pockets hold water bottle, sunglasses or umbrella.
• Available in 16 colours

Pacsafe Citysafe CS100

A classic silhouette design with sleek lines, this bag won’t stand out which is perfect for travel where a flashy handbag will only attract attention. A classic Pacsafe design. For those who find the Travelon Crossbody Bucket Bag too large, the smaller size makes this a go-to bag for all occasions.

Consistently touted as being the perfect size for travel and everyday use without the risk of overloading. You won’t be lugging a big DSLR in this bag, but you will still fit all your essentials plus some. Perfect for when you want to travel a little lighter.

A practical bag with lots of good size pockets for organisation, in addition to your essentials, it will fit an iPad, phone, wallet, and chargers without feeling weighed down or looking too bulky. The bright interior lining makes things easy to find. It doesn’t have the external side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella but has room enough inside.

• eXomesh slash guard construction, 1 exterior
• Padded iPad/tablet sleeve
• Smart zipper security with turn & lock strap hook
• Carrysafe slash guard strap
• Smart RFID blocking zip pocket in the main compartment protects personal data on passports and credit cards
• Excellent internal organisation features.
• Water repellent fabric
• Available in 6 colours

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag

This handbag is the perfect size for ladies who want to carry more than just a phone and wallet but don’t want to lug around a big bag. It has a smaller profile than some of the other anti-theft purses but still delivers on capacity.

There are loads of compartments inside to keep your things organised so you can find things quickly. Although, this bag does have a slightly smaller opening than some of the other bags. While this can be a plus for travel in keeping contents more contained when the handbag is open, it could be an inconvenience for some.

The large cell phone pocket will fit an iPhone 6 in its case, and the main compartment will fit a water bottle and Kindle along with other bits and pieces. The bag has three outer zippers, two of which are lockable for added security.

• Slash-proof construction.
• Adjustable cut-proof shoulder strap for cross body wear which can be attached to a post or chair.
• RFID-blocking card and passport slots.
• Removable LED flashlight in the main compartment.
• Available in 19 colours This bag also comes in various pattern designs for those who want to spice it up.

Travelon Women’s Anti Theft Heritage Small Cross Body Bag

For an unobtrusive around town handbag, this cute little travel purse is a favourite. It holds all your small essentials with room to move. Ladies love the cute design, especially the leather accents and quality lining. The stylish and functional canvas exterior gives it a little boho chic some of the other bags lack.

The slash-resistant adjustable strap allows the bag to fit snug against your body. The front zip pocket and rear slash pocket with snap closure allow you to quickly access frequently used items. The RFID blocking pocket is large enough to fit your passport and credit cards.

This handbag is just that; a purse so its small design may not be big enough for people who like to carry bulkier items. It is, however, perfect for those who like to travel light.

• Stylish cotton canvas & suede exterior
• Feature lining.
• Locking main compartment with RFID blocking pocket.
• Two open top wall pockets.
• Tethered key clip with LED Light inside.
• Front zip pocket and rear slash pocket with snap closure.
• Slash-resistant, adjustable shoulder strap which can be secured to stationary objects.
• Available in Indigo, Pewter and Wine

Travelon Anti Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

For ladies who want all the features of a larger shoulder bag without the bulk or weight of a more cumbersome handbag. This handbag wins hands down for its lightweight and compact design.

For a small purse, it has a surprisingly large amount of room in the main compartment. It has three external zip pockets, all of which are quite large. Be aware that only one of these pockets locks under a magnetic latch flap.

The interior has plenty of organising pockets including RFID blocking credit card slots. No matter the colour, the interiors have bright coloured linings, which may not be that attractive but do make it easy to find things, especially in low light. This bag will fit an iPad mini or Kindle comfortably. Available in 23 colours and designs.  

• Adjustable cut-proof shoulder strap attaches to post or chair.
• Slash-resistant exterior panels.
• Interior organiser with RFID blocking credit card and passport slots.
• Two wall pockets in the main compartment for organisation
• Front zip pocket is secure under close snap flap.
• Front and rear zip pockets for quick grab items.
• Available in 9 colours and designs

Pacsafe Stylesafe Crossbody Bag

This design lends itself toward a more traditional ladies handbag. Not too big or small, it packs flat into a suitcase so makes a great second handbag for travel. Or, if you need a versatile travel handbag that will work equally well for sightseeing and for heading out for an evening, where you don’t want to lug a large handbag but still need to keep items safe.

Despite its small profile it still boasts good internal organisation, a hidden pocket and room for an iPad mini.

• RFIDsafe blocking pockets and material.
• Turn and Lock Security Hooks
• Adjustable slash guard strap
• eXomesh slash guard panels
• Secure Zip Tab, Zip Clip
• Available in 4 Colours

Travelon Parkview Anti-Theft Satchel Crossbody Bag

Part of the new Travelon Parkview collection, this Parkview anti-theft satchel bag makes a luxury fashion statement without missing any of the anti-theft features. Behind the luxuriously soft external finish and fashionable gunmetal hardware and accents is Travelon’s discreet but effective 5-Point Anti-Theft Security System: Lockdown straps and locking compartments. All four sides and the base have slash-proof panels, and all the straps are slash resistant. RFID pockets prevent identity theft.

People love the size of this bag and its organisational features. While styled on a tote bag, it’s not overly large yet still roomy enough for all your day to day travel essentials.

The main locking zipper pocket is very roomy. It is large enough to hold most tablets with room to spare. Organisational pockets include two deep zippered wall pockets; one is RFID protected, two drop pockets, a front zipping compartment, and a rear locking zipper compartment. It also has thoughtful features such as the tethered interior key clip with LED light.

A key fashion feature of this bag is the dual straps; you can wear this bag two ways – crossbody or as a shoulder bag. The long adjustable strap is also removable if you just want a shoulder bag.

• The Parkview anti-theft satchel bag makes a luxury fashion statement without missing any of the anti-theft features.
• Luxuriously soft external finish and fashionable gunmetal accents and hardware.
• Two strap length options for versatile wearing options.
• Removable and adjustable crossbody strap.
• Lots os pacious zippered and locking pockets.
• RFID protected pocket.
• Discreet but effective Travelon 5-Point Anti-Theft Security System.

Quick Guide: Compare the Best Anti Theft Handbags

What to consider when choosing the right travel handbag.

When comparing anti-theft travel handbags currently on the market, you need to consider the best travel purse for you and the type of trip you are taking. The same applies even if you are looking for an everyday anti-theft handbag.

• A large messenger bag or backpack style bag is not always practical for crowded cities. Also consider, these days, many museums and tourist attractions do not allow you to enter with large bags.
• Will you need to look a little dressy, or will you be casual and perhaps partaking in lots of outdoor activities?
• Does it need to hold a larger camera when not in use? 
• Will you need to store gloves, a hat or a spare jumper for cool weather?
• Are you travelling with children?
• Do you just need a bag suitable for small essentials such as a phone, glasses, or money? 
• Do you have space in your luggage for two handbags or do you need one secure bag to suit all occasions? 
• Do you have any conditions that may determine the style of bag you can comfortably carry for long periods such as back or neck problems? 

Buying an Anti Theft Handbag

It is no accident the list of what we deem to be the best anti-theft handbags for travel are mostly from two brands- Pacsafe and Travelon.

These are the two main companies specialising in anti-theft travel gear so excel in what they do. While other luggage and accessory companies dabble in anti-theft travel gear, few would come close to meeting the standard and design of these two companies.

What is the Difference between Travelon and Pacsafe?

While the two companies offer very similar anti-theft technology and quality, they tend to differ mostly in the range and style of bags they offer.

Travelon Anti-Theft Handbags

Travelon has a much wider range of handbags for the ladies with a focus on style. This has made the brand a best seller, especially for travel handbags.  Offering a wide range of colours, fabrics and patterns, their anti-theft handbags also feature details such as leather and gold accents. Their range of bags tends to look like normal everyday handbags as highlighted with their Signature and Heritage ranges.

Travelon Anti Theft Signature Slim Backpack

Travelon Anti Theft Heritage Hobo Bag

Pacsafe Anti-Theft Handbags

Pacsafe tends to lean towards practicality in a travel handbag with a more simple or classic design. This makes their bags great for everyday use, not just travel. However, to add to their normal classic almost unisex designs, Pacsafe are now starting to incorporate more feminine looks in their handbag ranges with gold details, lighter colours and patterned fabrics.

Pacsafe Citysafe CX Small Crossbody Bag

Pacsafe Anti Theft Slim Crossbody Bag

Tips For Keeping Bags Safe While Travelling

• Always carry your handbag across your body, never dangling from one shoulder. It makes it harder for thieves to grab your bag if they can’t easily remove it from your body.
• At the risk of sounding obvious, keep all zippers closed at all times. We see so many tourists walking around with bags hanging wide open or situations where people open their bag to get something out and turn away while it is still gaping open. Close zips as soon as you have what you need.
• Always carry your bag on the side away from the road to avoid scooter snatchers.
• Keep bag straps as short as comfortable and keep snug against your body and preferably to the front especially in crowded situations.
• In crowded situations, not only have your bag to the front and firmly against your body but keep a hand on your bag as well.
• Even if external pockets are lockable, keep valuables such as cash, phones, cameras etc in internal pockets or lockable external pockets to the back of the bag against your body.
• Never keep all your valuables in one bag. Leave additional cards in an RFID bag with spare cash back at the hotel preferably in the room safe or a personal portable safe
• Always keep your bag insight and close by. Never leave it sitting on a table in a restaurant while you go to place an order for example. If you have an anti-theft handbag, use the locking capabilities to lock it to a chair while you have lunch for added peace of mind – Just don’t leave it behind! (yes, we have seen it happen).

Related: 10 Essential Safe Travel Tips to Put in Place Before You Go

Additional Advice on Safe Travel

Remember, while an anti-theft travel handbag is an excellent precaution, it is not a complete guarantee against theft while you travel. It will, however, certainly improve your chances.

It is more common for people to have individual items stolen from inside a bag or from their person than having an entire bag taken. An anti-theft handbag will make it harder for thieves to succeed.

Ultimately, it is the traveller who needs to be responsible for their safety so, always be cautious with your personal belongings and be vigilant while you travel, especially in crowded areas to avoid becoming a target of crime.

Best Anti-Theft Purse For Travel: My Top 9 Travel Bag Picks

The best anti-theft purse is the one that foils pickpockets every time.

And if I’d had one of these clever items when I visited Beijing, I wouldn’t have looked like such an idiot… or worse, a criminal.

That’s exactly how I felt as I tried to convince embassy officials to  please  let me in to get a new passport – because mine had been stolen, along with my money.

But I didn’t have a pickpocket-proof purse, and I had committed the cardinal sin of travel: I had put my passport into an unsecured daypack.

Believe me, this is the kind of mistake you only make once, and I’d love to make sure you don’t have to make it at all!

So I now have not one, but  several  of the best anti-theft travel bags on the market. I never travel without one. And yes, my passport is now snugly secure.

Today I want to focus on day bags designed to  ward off pickpockets . I’ve been testing several of these during my travels and to paraphrase the well-known ad, I would ‘never leave home without one’.

There are two big names in anti-theft travel bags for women: PacSafe and Travelon. The last time I searched for “PacSafe” and “Travelon” on Amazon I found hundreds of results for these brands. While the two giants dominate the market, I’ve also looked at others and have added those further down this page.

These  travel accessories  range from tiny clutches to roomy purses and every color under the sun, so try to narrow down your choices before you shop by asking yourself:

• Are color and style important to you?
• Do you need something ultralight because you have back issues or is heavy fine?
• What do you plan to carry – just a wallet and phone or do you need space for your tablet, paperback book, glasses, keys, tissues, pens and a notebook for quick notes, a small camera… you get the picture!
• Will you be heading into the rainy season? The material could be an issue.
• Do you need oodles of pockets or do you like to have it all mixed up at the bottom of your purse?

Make sure you answer some of these questions before you shop!

Meantime, though, here’s a comparison chart for my top 9 bags. 

Best anti-theft crossbody bag: comparison table

What should i look for in the best anti-theft bags.

Each bag will be different, but each will have specific anti-theft properties that make them attractive.

The best crossbody bags should have as many of these characteristics as possible:

• Slash-resistant or slash-proof fabric (typically wire mesh)
• Strong fabric (canvas, nylon)
• Anti-slash straps (usually wire-reinforced)
• Locking zippers or closures OR hidden zippers
• RFID blocking pockets /compartments
• Multiple interior pockets with separate closures (like zippers)
• Non-flashy design or colors (to blend in rather than attract attention)
• Compact enough to be worn under a cardigan, jacket even a large pashmina, making it hard for thieves to spot.

Daypacks  are also good for use as travel purses, but under certain conditions:

• That they are designed specifically to thwart thieves
• That you wear them on your chest instead of your back (I do dislike that but that’s my personal bias) 
• That you avoid putting anything of value in exterior or unlocked pockets.

Some find that the best anti-theft backpack purse is the one that is versatile enough to act as both a backpack and a handbag in different situations.

Standard Pacsafe purse features

Every Pacsafe bag (or most) shares a few features that set the brand apart from others:

• Stainless steel wire mesh in fabric and wire-reinforced straps
• Locking clips and zippers, turn and lock security hooks.  
• RFID blocking pockets and compartments

My three most highly rated Pacsafe bags are described below.

• Cool detachable shoulder strap (adjusttable, of course) allows you to lock it to something solid while you go to the counter to pay your bill.
• There’s no way anyone is going to cut through the steel mesh surrounding this pack.
• Interlocking zippers make it difficult for thieves to reach into your backpack.
• Like all Pacsafe products, lots of pockets, inside and outside.
• Perfect as a daypack but equally useful as a weekender.
• Water-resistant, of course, you won’t need to fear the r

• Perfect if you want to go out in the evening without returning to your room to change bags. This one converts from a day bag to an evening purse.
• Metal-reinforced strap can be locked to anything - a radiator or table.
• Great if you’re out for the day - will fit your phone, camera, cash and cards, papers, keys and the like.
• Plenty of pockets, including an RFID blocking inside one.
• Plenty of pockets, including an RFID blocking inside on

• One of Pacsafe’s all-time classics. You’ll put in on and forget it’s even there, it’s THAT comfortable.
• Lightweight steel mesh is embedded in the fabric, which makes this purse virtually thief-proof.
• No one will unhook it without your knowing - you can lock the strap in place.
• Will fit your iPad Mini in its padded sleeve.

Standard Travelon purse features

Most Travelon bags are made to foil pickpockets and tend to share certain characteristics:

• Slash-resistant mesh body panels and shoulder straps
• RFID blocking pockets
• Locking zippers and compartments

These two are among the most highly rated Travelon handbags by women who travel with them.

• It’s comfortable enough to wear all day.
• This is the right purse if all you want to carry are your essentials - a large iPhone, identification, even a camera.
• Slip your identification into the main RFID compartment for a worry-free day.
• You can slip your phone into the outside drop pocket.
• A small LED light is included to help you find what you’re looking for ins

• This is definitely larger than the bag above, if you need to carry more with you.
• It includes inside space for a water bottle or umbrella.
• Plenty of space inside for everything else, including the little iconic LED light so you can find everything.
• The external zippered compartments are convenient if, like me, you’re always reaching for something in your purse.
• This purse has a more designed look than your average travel purse, if you’re looking for something a bit more stylish.
• Of course it has all the usual safety features, from locking zippers to RFID pock

Pacsafe vs Travelon: who wins?

Let’s talk Travelon vs PacSafe. Both PacSafe and Travelon offer a wide range of bag styles from compact backpacks, to wallets, to purses. Both incorporate great anti-theft features like slash-proof fabric/straps, RFID-blocking pockets and ways to lock zippers and closures. Both have highly-rated bags that people swear by.

So what are the biggest differences between PacSafe and Travelon? Price, color options, and overall style.

Pros and cons of Pacsafe

In general, PacSafe bags are more expensive than bags of similar quality (often by $20 or more, depending on the sales and bag in question), and they come with fewer color options. There are exceptions, of course, but PacSafe tends to put safety and practicality before fashion in their bag designs. 

In this case, safe really does equal boring, which can be great if your main priority is to transport your things securely and not be noticed. They are also sturdy and buying one means you may have to stick with it for a long time because it won’t wear out.

✔ Durable and practical ✔ Will not draw unnecessary attention ✔ Highly-rated and trusted by travelers

✖ More expensive than other bags of equal quality ✖ Fewer color choices/More “boring” designs

Pros and cons of Travelon

Travelon isn’t a designer purse but the brand does have a range of handbags with quaint stitching, stylish fasteners, and bolder color choices. 

If you’re budget-conscious, Travelon bags cost less overall. That said, the flashier colors and accessories might attract more attention, which could backfire if the point of buying an anti-theft bag was to deter thieves from snatching your things.

✔ Durable and practical ✔ Budget-conscious option ✔ Highly-rated and trusted by travelers ✔ More color choices/Fancier styles and designs

✖ Could attract unnecessary attention ✖ Sadly, the ‘plainer’ designs have the highest user ratings

It really is up to you. My own personal choice is Pacsafe, which I find the most reliable and neutral, a feature I like for traveling. They’re also well made (mine seem indestructible) and well thought through. If you’re in need of a small and a larger travel anti-theft purse, you could decide to buy one of each (I don’t need much of a nudge to buy an extra bag for travel!)

The next best anti-theft bags

If you aren’t a fan of PacSafe or Travelon, then these are the next best anti-theft bags for travel made by other reputable brands. Whether you’re looking for a stylish anti-theft purse, or a slash-proof purse, these will suit or travel bag needs.

• This is perfect for the woman who doesn’t want to carry a purse or a backpack, or who prefers to have various places to stash valuables
• Its ultra-slim design makes it perfect for wearing under your clothes.
• Mine is beige but it comes in a variety of colors.
• It also has multiple compartments and pockets so you’ll be able to keep your cash, cards, ID, and phone separate.
• The moisture-wicking material means it won’t stick to your skin if you sw

• You’ll be able to choose from a bunch of colors and designs.
• This bag isn’t big - it’s a perfect day bag and you’ll be able to put everything you need into it - your keys, cards, cash and phone - and your glasses, of course.
• You can wear it on your shoulder or as a cross-body.
• Of course the polyester material will keep everything dry in the rain.
• It has lots of little compartments, so you’ll have a place for everythin

• Ideal when you don’t need a large bag!
• This clutch has utterly stylish design, made of soft, beautiful leather in beautiful colors.
• Several compartments and RFID protected credit card slots will keep your valuables safe.

It’s true, we are spoilt for choice. Our tremendous thirst for travel, combined with our need to keep our valuables safe, means that traveling without some kind of anti-theft bag is simply not an option anymore. Whichever bag you choose, make sure it is comfortable on your body because no matter how secure it is, if you don’t enjoy wearing it, you won’t.

— Originally published on 26 September 2018

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8 Best Travel Purses for Security & Organization

One of the biggest issues travelers face is how to conveniently carry everything you need so you can find it easily and it’s not too heavy or disorganized. Finding the right travel purse was the best thing to happen to my travel satisfaction in a long time.

Over the years, I’ve bought many variations of travel purses for international travel that have all failed in one way or another. It’s not easy finding the perfect purse for travel when you don’t know how they’ll perform before buying it.

Thus I went on a mission to find the best travel purse for international travel that I could find. The good news is there are some really great choices out there. I’ve tried many purses to find the 5 best options, then I put together a guide to my top picks for best travel handbags.

Yes, we’re talking about travel handbags for ladies today, but we’ve also covered a few other travel issues you might be trying to solve, like how to find the best travel pants (which I now wear practically every day!) and our top carry on luggage choices . Also check out our guide on finding the best travel backpack . See all of our travel gear reviews .

Table of Contents

How to Choose the Best Travel Purse

There are definitely important criteria to look for in the best purse for travel. You’re going to be out and about most of the day carrying this bag, so you need it to be comfortable and effortless. The best travel purse holds everything you need to have with you in an organized fashion.

It has a sturdy and comfortable strap that can’t easily be cut or snapped by a thief. And it’s weather proof. Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing the right travel purse for you:

• Comfortable to carry. If you load it up, is it too heavy to comfortably carry around all day? Does the strap dig into your shoulder? Is the weight distributed well?
• Holds everything you need. Is it too small or too big for the typical items you want to carry? Do you find yourself stuffing things in because there’s never enough space?
• Provides good organization. Are there enough dividers and pockets to organize items? Are they proportioned well and are they functional in the way you want them to be?
• Sturdy, theft-proof strap. Is the strap flimsy or thin? Could the strap easily be cut by a thief walking by? Is the strap the right length to enable you to protect the bag against your body or does it allow the purse to dangle at your side?
• Weather proof. If you were caught in a sudden rain storm, would the bag become drenched on the outside and inside? Are there adequate zippers and flaps to protect the contents?

Types of Travel Purses

To make this quest a little more difficult, there’s not just one type of purse out there. There are many. Here is a breakdown of the most typical types of travel purses.

» Crossbody Bag

If I were to choose one type of bag that’s best for travel, it’s a crossbody bag. These bags have straps that are long enough to be worn across your body, so you have the added protection of the bag not dangling off your arm. While it can still be cut and taken by a thief, it can’t be snatched off your arm. Wearing the bag this way also allows you to protect the bag against your body. (Read more about cross body bags .)

» Messenger Bag

These bags tend to be larger than I would typically take on a trip, but they hold a lot more. They are also usually worn cross body and have sturdier straps. The benefit of a messenger bag is that it has a flap that comes over the top of the bag, which gives added protection against pick pockets.

» Shoulder Bag

Shoulder bags have longer straps that are intended to hang from one shoulder. These are the least-best type of bag to carry for travel because they leave you vulnerable to thieves who are really good at zipping by and snatching or cut the bag right off your shoulder. Because they’re just hanging from your shoulder, there’s pretty much no way you’ll be able to defend against it.

Top Travel Purse Brands

I’m always tempted to check out the travel purses in bag stores in touristy areas, mostly because you can pick up the bag and look inside it before you decide to buy, and because there’s always so many of them (they know how to tempt us travelers!). However, I would highly recommend buying a trusted brand instead.

I’m not saying you can’t find a good bag in a touristy bag shop in Tokyo . I’m sure you can. But you might also be getting ripped off, or be getting an inferior product. I like to stick with the brands I know can deliver. Here are a few of the top travel purse brands that you’ll find on Amazon and in major retail luggage stores.

I like to stick with these brands, but I do have a few bags from other companies, like Rosetti, Samsonite, and Kenneth Cole. I would not suggest taking a major designer purse with you while traveling, so those brands are out.

Travel Purse Reviews 2023

Our choices for best travel purse 2023.

There are two charts below, for each category of travel purse. I’ve evaluated smaller, mini-type shoulder bags, and larger day bags. If you’re like me, you don’t like to carry a lot of things and have a heavy bag to lug around, so the smaller sizes will be best for you.

If you do want to carry a lot of things, be able to stuff a laptop, water bottle, rain jacket, etc into the bag, then the larger size is for you. More on the choices after the charts… I like Amazon because they often allow free returns if an item doesn’t meet your qualifications, which can be a huge benefit when there are so many choices.

Lucky for you, it’s easy to get your hands on an of the travel bags I chose through the links below (note: they are affiliate links so we receive a small bonus when you use our links).

Large Travel Purse Reviews

Large travel purses typically measure somewhere around 9 in. tall, 11 in. wide x 5 in. thick. They can easily carry all manner of small items, a Kindle , a tablet, a water bottle, jacket, snacks, etc. They tend to have a lot of pockets and sections to keep things organized. Here are four large travel purses we recommend. See below for full reviews of each bag.

Baggallini Everywhere Travel Crossbody Bag

This is one of the best crossover bags for travel, in my opinion. There are two prevalent styles of purses, one that is tall and one that is wide. Depending on what you need to carry, one might be better than another.

This Baggallini Everywhere bag is one of the few wide bags. It’s is 12 inches wide, versus the typical 9 inches. There are multiple pockets in this bag, including two front pouches, one zips and one snaps.

There’s a secondary front pocket, as well as the main compartment, which can easily fit an iPad and lots of other things. On the back of the purse, there is a thin pocket that spans the length of the bag that can be unzipped at the bottom that can slide on to the handle of luggage to hold it on in transport.

Pros:   Wider than most bags, back pocket over a luggage handle. Cons:  Two side pockets aren’t very useful

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag

As frequent travelers, we have used the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag on multiple trips and have been impressed with its security features and organization. The locking compartments and RFID-blocking card slots provide added security, while the adjustable and cut-proof shoulder strap makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

However, the tight top opening can make it difficult to access items quickly, and the rough fabric may not be comfortable for everyone. Additionally, the size may be a bit small for those who like to carry a lot of items. Overall, we highly recommend this travel purse for its security and organization features.

Travelon has been making travel easier and safer for over 35 years, and the Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag is no exception. Its classic silhouette and soft fabric make it a fashionable choice for any traveler, while its security features provide added peace of mind.

We highly recommend the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag for anyone looking for a secure and organized travel purse.

• The locking compartments provide added security and peace of mind while traveling.
• The adjustable and cut-proof shoulder strap makes it comfortable to wear and difficult for thieves to snatch.
• The RFID-blocking card slots protect your personal information from theft.
• The top opening can be a bit tight, making it difficult to access items in a hurry.
• The fabric may be a bit rough for some users.
• The size may be a bit small for those who like to carry a lot of items.

Pacsafe 7 Liter Crossbody Bag

Another great bag that includes RFID blocker, the Pacsafe holds so much that it’s one of my favorite bags to have along on a trip when I need to have everything handy.

One pocket is lined with protective RFID material. There are 2 lockable zipper compartments, and 1 padded & suspended interior tablet sleeve that keeps your tablet or Kindle from touching the bag’s bottom – just in case you drop it, and there are 2 zippered interior pockets. Additionally, you have 2 side pockets for small water bottles or an umbrella. 

A feature that I love about this bag is that you can carry it two different ways. The strap can be laced through the handle on the top which creates shoulder straps to carry it like a backpack. That has come in handy a number of times for me.

Pros:  Great RFID protection. Huge amount of space, with good organization. Keeps your devices safe and secure. Cons:  Too big for some uses. Not available in the UK or Canada (substitution is given when you click our links).

Men’s Canvas Messenger Bag Crossbody

They call this bag “small” but to me it’s anything but small. In fact, this is one of the biggest bags on this list. It’s a messenger bag and I think it’s a good bag for men and women, because it’s not at all flashy or feminine.

The best thing about this bag is the organization it offers. There are 9 pockets (7 zipped pockets and 2 external side pockets without zipper). You can stuff a lot of things inside this bag, including a 10″ tablet and a water bottle.

There are 8 credit card slots on the inside, along with a place to tuck pens, keys, etc. There’s even a little hole that you can thread your headphones through. The flap is held shut with velcro. The bag itself is made with sturdy canvas.

Pros:  Amazing amount of space inside, great organization, sturdy, gender neutral Cons:  If you only pack a few things, it feels enormous. The front zipper flap is a bit floppy and can be annoying.

Small travel purses typically measure somewhere around 8 in. tall x 8 in. wide x 2 in. thick. They can easily carry a wallet, keys, passports, Kindle, small items like chapstick, and if you’ve packed light you can manage to stuff a lightweight rain jacket inside.

Baggallini Pocket Crossbody Bag

The Baggallini pocket crossbody purse is just 8.5 inches wide and tall and 2 inches thick, but it comes packed with a zippered interior pocket, three exterior pockets and credit card slots for easy organization.

You can fit in a Kindle, but not a tablet. It’s a great option because it’s streamlined and lightweight. If you’re expecting a lot of room, this is not it. The joy of this bag is how small it is.

This is one of the best crossbody bags for travel if you’re a light packer. The strap is adjustable so you can move it up or down for your comfort. It’s not an incredibly sturdy strap though, so you don’t have to be careful in certain situations.

I really like that it has a removeable RFID wristlet included, so you can just carry your cards, if you want. The back pocket is just the right size to stash your smartphone so you don’t have to go through the interior pocket to get it.

Pros:  Not too big, includes removeable RFID cardholder. Cons:  Thin strap can be uncomfortable and not very secure, back side-zipper pocket isn’t very well-designed.

» Shop other styles of Baggallini Bags on their website .

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

If you’re worried about theft while carrying a purse, you can look no further than this Travelon Anti-Theft mini bag (if it’s too small for you, there’s a larger one in the next section).

One of the features I love on this bag is the slash-proof strap. It has a locking main compartment and RFID card slots for added protection. You know how you’re not supposed to leave your bag laying on the floor or on the chair in a restaurant, but it’s uncomfortable to rest it on your knee?

The strap of this bag is made to be attached to a chair or small post so it can’t be stolen. This bag is also slightly larger than other bags in this category, with 9.5 inches of height, so you can fit a few more things inside.

It’s not really large, but it does fit quite a bit inside, like passports, Kindle or iPad mini, smartphone, wallet, keys and sunglasses. There’s also a small LED light attached on the inside. AND the interior is a bright color so it’s easy to see what’s inside the bag.

>> See all our recommended anti-theft travel bags .

This is a great option for anyone who wants a smaller bag that still offers ample protection and organization.

• The locking main compartment provides an extra layer of security for your belongings.
• The RFID blocking card and passport slots keep your sensitive information safe from identity theft.
• The adjustable shoulder strap can be attached to a chair or post for added security.
• The bag may be too small for those who need to carry a lot of items.
• The strap may not be long enough for taller individuals.
• The LED light may not be bright enough for use in dimly lit areas.

Baggallini Triple Zip Crossbody Bag

This bag is the smallest that I’ve chosen for this list. I used to carry a bag like this one on every trip I took for more than 10 years and it served me well. It’s 8.27 x 3.54 x 5.9″.

Because it’s so small, it’s easy to pack into a backpack or another larger day bag, if necessary. There are inner pockets and card holders on both sides, but that doesn’t prevent you from stuffing things in the center. However, they have to be small items. There are front and rear zippered compartments. 

It’s just the right size to fit a passport, a camera, keys and one or two other things. Your smartphone will fit conveniently into the front zippered pocket. The zippers are very secure and can clip to each other or to the end of the bag, so it can’t be opened without some effort.

Pros:  Can easily be packed into another bag so you can use it only if you need it, detachable strap makes it versatile. Cons:  Quite small, front pocket isn’t very useful, it’s too shallow to hold much

Travelon Anti-Theft Small East/West Crossbody Bag

This is one of the larger bags in this category at 10.5 inches tall and wide, and 2 inches thick. There is plenty of space inside for the essentials, even a book or tablet can fit inside.

The bag has a zippered front pocket, a main top-zipping compartment and a u-zip rear compartment. If you’re looking for the best crossover travel bag for women, this is a very strong contender. Inside the main compartment is a slot to hold your phone, you credit cards, and your passport, all with RFID blocking material.

As far as security features go, this bag has full Anti-Theft features including locking compartments, slash-resistant construction, and slash-resistant, adjustable strap.

Pros: Plenty of pockets, lightweight and good for light packers, but large enough for a tablet. Cons:  In between size that might not fit all scenarios. Can’t carry a water bottle.

With all of these great choices for travel handbags, you should be able to find the best travel purse for you. My personal favorite is the eBags Piazza bag, but I have used some of the others regularly too.

The trick is finding the one that fits your situation best, because we all tend to pack differently. If there are any travel purses for women that you love that I left off the list, let me know and I’ll review those as well.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

32 thoughts on “ 8 Best Travel Purses for Security & Organization ”

I’m always on the lookout for a good travel purse. Baggalini had been a good to for me for years

They are reliable, aren’t they, Brianna!

Some really good choices and tips here, but the one I really like is the Baggallini Everywhere Travel Crossbody Bag. It’s just up my street, the kind of thing I can imagine myself getting a lot of use of and very practical too. Might just buy it! Thanks

It’s a really great bag, Sarah. I would carry it all the time if I needed that much space at home.

Ah the travel bag. So many to chose from. These are all solid.

This is such an informative post and just what I need. To be honest, I’m not a purse person in everyday life, but for travel, it’s really necessary to have a bag to hold the things you need. Right now, I tend to use a small daypack or just my camera bag. Not very stylish options, I know. I’d be interested in a few of those small travel purses to hold the basics.

I’m not either really, Jackie. I have the smallest possible purse for everyday use. But for traveling – well that’s different.

A good bag is really really important while traveling! It can save so much stress if you know that your stuff is safe in it. This is such an in-depth and helpful post! I’m definitely gonna refer to this when I’m looking for a new bag 🙂

Great, Lauren! I hope it’s helpful. I went through so much trying to find the right one myself.

I’ll make sure to pass this along to my wife. I know she’s quite happy about her current purse and small backpack solution but maybe she’ll find these are worth a change. Great details and reviews!

Hey, when you find what works, you gotta stick with it!

Not much of a purse guy (go figure), but usually carry either a back-pack or a messenger bag when I travel. Something that is perfect for holding the multiple cameras, laptops, chargers, etc. The Baggallini Triple Zip looks a lot like the bag I carry now. The perfect size to take on a plane and store under a seat, but still fits everything I need!

I like cross body bags. Keep nothing in my hands, but it has to be big enough to hold everything.

Exactly. It’s a balance between finding something big enough that doesn’t kill your shoulder to carry.

Great selection of bags. My preference when traveling is to be hands-free. I like the cross body bags. Close to my body, yet large enough for all my stuff 🙂

I completely agree!

Obviously this post is gaired towards women but I was looking for some of the same features when I was looking for my satchel. Which i eventually found in Istanbul’s grand bazaar.

Men carry bags too, right! Some of these “purses” make great man bags.

Nice article. I would recommend the small G-1000 from fjällräven. My companion on all my travels. Great site. All the best from DK

Great recommendation, Anne. Thanks for adding it to the options!

I have the Travelon Anti-theft crossbody bag and I love it! Bought it at the container store! You should totally check it out! 🙂

Great, Eunice. Glad to hear you like it as well.

My husband and I are heading for Europe next month for a 6 week extended tour. Your article was exactly what i was looking for in finding a travel bag. Thank you for saving me from hours of comparison shopping and saving the sanity of my hubby while I shopped. 🙂 I went with the Trevalon Classic Messenger , I will let you know how it works out, but I think it will be awesome!

Fantastic Christina! Believe me, I’ve been there. The hours of shopping is excrutiating. I’m sure you’ll love the Travelon bag.

I love what you said about the strap on the purse, and making sure that it isn’t too flimsy or long enough to let the bag dangle. I, obviously, hope that it isn’t going to be an issue, and I luckily haven’t ever had to deal with my bag being stolen before. Being prepared is a lot better than losing all of the important things you may be keeping in your purse, though, especially if you’re on a vacation.

Sounds like the Anti-theft bags have really good quality straps.I also prefer genuine cow leather straps cause they look nature and manly on the basis that I’m pretty confident with the protection of my carry-on bag by constant attention to it.I keep wondering what kind of material can keep the bag from snapping?and what about the locker?will it make inconvenient access to my own bag?Give me answers to my Email,please. Thanks a lot!

The anti-theft bags today, like the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag, have a slash-proof chain-link construction that makes it nearly impossible to cut through on the go. If you keep your bag locked at all times, then of course there is a little more inconvenience to your being able to get into it easily. I personally don’t keep mine locked when I’m using it frequently. You have to weigh the risk and decide if it’s necessary for you or not.

Thank you for your reply .I’m pretty impressed.

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We’re getting ready to go on several trips& I love these bags but need one that cares a water bottle. Why don’t travel bags have pouches for a decent size bottle?

Some of them do, but I agree it’s hard to find. Good luck.

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• Travel Resources

Protect Your Trip »

The 12 best travel purses of 2024.

From hands-free to anti-theft options, discover the ideal companion for your journey.

The Best Travel Purses

Courtesy of Lo & Sons

When you're planning a trip, a key wardrobe decision is determining what purse works best for your itinerary. You may want anti-theft features and compartments with space for glasses, passports, sunscreen and more – but you can also find plenty of extras like built-in wallets, hidden pockets and key ring attachments. There's a wide range of different styles on the market to suit your travel purse needs.

To help narrow the options, the editors at U.S. News along with travel experts researched and shared their go-to bags for all of life's adventures.

The Top Travel Purses of 2024

U.S. News editors researched dozens of review sites, including Amazon, online retailers, travel industry review sites and more, to come up with this selection of the best travel purses.

Best Overall: TUMI Voyageur Tyler Crossbody

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Crossbody: Lug Skeeter Convertible Crossbody

Best for europe: minooy eirene crossbody bag, best anti-theft: travelon anti-theft crossbody bag, best shoulder bag: vera bradley glenna satchel, best messenger bag: tory burch nylon small messenger, best backpack purse: calpak luka mini backpack.

• Best Small Travel Purse: Lo & Sons The Waverly 2 Small

Best Packable: LeSportsac Deluxe Everyday Bag

Best belt bag: dagne dover ace fanny pack, best sling bag: cluci small sling bag for women, best clutch: consuela thunderbird uptown crossbody.

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors. We update this article quarterly to ensure the bags we're recommending are in stock and continue to have great overall reviews from consumers, while also considering new product launches. Dimensions are listed in order of length by height by width.)

Courtesy of TUMI

Dimensions: 10.3 x 10 x 1.8 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Colors: Five, including black with gold hardware and indigo

What sets it apart: This sleek design blends fashion with function. The Tyler Crossbody by TUMI has multiple organizational features, including a spacious main compartment for a passport, camera and other personal essentials; a U-shaped front pocket with a leather card pocket and key leash; two front zippered pockets; and a back slip pocket. The upscale nylon construction is durable yet polished and it can be spot cleaned for when those spills happen. What's more, the detachable leather charm can be monogrammed.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers love this bag because of all the pockets and separate compartments that keep everything organized and quick to find. They say the nylon has an upscale feel, and the overall design works perfectly for travel or daily use.

Price: $295 or less Shop now: TUMI | Amazon | Zappos | Macy's

Dimensions: 6 x 8 x 3 inches | Weight: 0.75 pounds | Colors: Multiple colors and prints, including red with white polka dots and solid options such as black or kelly green

If you love organizational details, the Lug Skeeter is a multicompartment crossbody bag with plenty of potential. You can leave your wallet at home and utilize the front compartment's built-in wallet, with its clear ID window and RFID protection, along with the bungee key ring that allows you to easily find your keys. There's a lined slip pocket with magnetic closure for quick access to your phone − making snapping a selfie oh-so-easy. The main compartment can fit your camera, snacks and personal essentials, with a plastic-lined zippered pocket for sunscreen, lotion or other small liquids. The back zippered compartment is ideal for wipes, a passport or other necessities.

Travelers appreciate: Owners of this style love the material of this bag, which comes in a variety of fun colors and prints. It's wipeable and water-repellent, so that spilled latte or sudden downpour won't be a problem. You can remove the adjustable strap and carry the bag with the top handle, depending on the needs of the day. Plus, the charm bar is a fun way to customize your handbag.

Price: $80 or less Shop now: QVC | Amazon | Luglife

Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.64 x 2.48 inches | Weight: 1.34 pounds | Colors: Black, brown, caramel and coffee

What sets it apart: When traveling abroad, versatility is key, and this chic design by Minooy offers just that. Constructed of high-quality full-grain leather in a choice of four classic colors, this multicompartment travel purse is packed with details. The separate main zippered pocket keeps everything from lipstick to a phone cord in its place. The crossbody bag offers understated luxury, the RFID-blocking internal compartment has six card slots, and the outside zippered pocket can hold up to an iPhone 14 Pro Max or Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Expert review: Marisa Méndez , senior travel editor at U.S. News, adores this purse. "I love how soft the leather is on this bag as well as all of the pockets and loops for organization," says Mendez. "My favorite feature is that the entire bag is RFID-blocking so I don't need to worry about carrying a wallet; I can just use the card slots in the bag."

Price: $159 or less Shop now: Minooy

Dimensions: 11.5 x 13.5 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Colors: Multiple colors and prints, including wine-colored roses and solids like black or spruce

What sets it apart: Protecting your valuables is always important, but when you're traveling it's even more vital. This bag features Travelon's patented five-point anti-theft system, which includes slash-resistant handles and mesh panels within the walls of the bag. The bag also offers RFID protection, a locked main compartment, and the ability to fasten the bag to a chair or post to deter a thief in a restaurant, train station or airport.

Travelers appreciate: The lightweight construction of the bag, combined with the theft-proof security features and multiple pockets, makes this a traveler favorite. Owners of this bag say it holds all of your travel essentials from passports to sunglasses, and that it holds up well after years of use.

Price: $70 or less Shop now: Travelon | Amazon

Courtesy of Vera Bradley

Dimensions: 11 x 12.25 x 8 inches | Weight: 0.88 pounds | Colors: Multiple prints, such as paisley and plaid or solids like green and navy

What sets it apart: Machine-washable and available in an array of eye-catching prints to suit your style, the Glenna Satchel is a large shoulder bag ideal for city adventures, day trips, shore excursions and daily activities. The spacious main compartment has a zip pocket and three slips, along with room for a book, tablet, planner, phone and wallet. There are two exterior slip pockets to stow things like maps or handouts, and a hidden zip pocket on the outside as well to secure smaller items. For added options, the drawstring adjusts the size of the bag depending on your needs.

Travelers appreciate: Fans of this bag praise the functionality and the pretty print options of the satchel. Though, some do note that the straps could be longer.

Price: $110 or less Shop now: Vera Bradley | Amazon

Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.1 x 3.9 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Colors: Black

What sets it apart: Constructed with a 100% recycled nylon shell and trimmed in leather, this design gives major '90s vibes in all the best ways. The unstructured messenger bag is perfect for travel with an interior compartment for your wallet, phone, keys and more, plus an interior slit pocket and zippered pocket to keep valuables secured. The front exterior pocket of the bag zips, and the back slit pocket is ideal for your phone or items you want to reach quickly. Finished with a magnetic closure flap and a removable crossbody strap, this bag adds an element of style to your travel wardrobe.

Travelers appreciate: Lightweight, practical and functional are a few of the words bag owners use to describe this messenger bag. They say it works well for sightseeing, and that the bag can hold a lot without looking clunky or overstuffed.

Price: $248 or less Shop now: Tory Burch | Amazon

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Dimensions: 10.75 x 8.75 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Colors: 16 options, including gold and lilac

What sets it apart : Designed with travel in mind, this mini backpack has a luggage trolley sleeve and matches the duffels and other items in the CALPAK Luka collection. You can put your tablet, wallet and other must-haves in the interior compartment; your cell phone and a travel umbrella in the exterior side pockets; your passport in the hidden back zippered pocket; and other items in the front zippered compartment. The bag's lining is water-resistant, the puffy exterior is soft and comfortable to carry, and the straps are adjustable to suit your needs.

Travelers appreciate: The compact and functional design is a key selling point for owners of this bag. They like that it fits an iPad, reading material, a wallet and even a camera. Plus, it's possible to coordinate your purse with other CALPAK luggage items. However, some note the two exterior side pockets could be slightly larger, as they can't hold a water bottle.

Price: $72 or less Shop now: CALPAK

Best Small Travel Purse: Lo & Sons The Waverly 2 Small

Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Colors: More than 25 color and fabric options, including black saffiano leather or cognac cactus leather

What sets it apart: For a compact design with adaptability, this Lo & Sons design checks all the boxes. This convertible style has a two-part strap to transform into a belt bag, crossbody, clutch, shoulder bag or wristlet with ease. The neatly organized interior compartment has space for your phone and essentials with a three-slot zippered pocket, an interior slip pocket, and an exterior card slot ideal for a room key or transit card. Offered in a choice of natural-grain nappa leather, scratch-resistant textured Saffiano leather or plant-based cactus leather, this style can easily go from day to night or boardroom to ballgame.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers of this bag really like the option to adjust the strap to suit the day's events. They compliment the quality construction and overall look, with many saying it's great for travel because it can easily fit into a duffel or backpack.

Price: $210 or less Shop now: Lo & Sons

Dimensions: 14 x 9.75 x 5 inches | Weight: 0.84 pounds | Colors: More than 20 options for solids and patterns, including black and seasonal prints

What sets it apart: Made of recycled ripstop nylon, this lightweight and durable handbag can easily be packed into your suitcase and pulled out for use when you arrive at your destination. It lays flat when not full of your belongings. This roomy travel purse has plenty of space in its two main compartments for a wallet, water bottle, cell phone, on-the-go necessities and a few fun things you find along the way. The front has two exterior zippered pockets, and there's a back zippered pocket as well. With the adjustable crossbody strap, the bag can also be worn as a shoulder bag. What's more, LeSportsac continuously adds to the color and pattern choices in this classic bag with everything from Peanuts characters to florals or plaid.

Travelers appreciate: Handbag owners rave about the pockets, durability and color options for this style. Many note while it is great for travel, it's also ideal for everyday use with plenty of space for everything.

Price: $105 or less Shop now: LeSportsac | Amazon

Courtesy of Dagne Dover

Dimensions: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 0.3 pounds | Colors: 12 options across neoprene and mesh materials, including black, navy and ube purple

What sets it apart: Offered in a choice of neoprene or air mesh, this versatile option is U.S. News' top fanny pack pick . This hands-free belt bag has an adjustable belt, a small front zip pocket (a great spot to stash cash for tipping) and a back panel exterior credit card. The roomy main compartment comes equipped with an elastic loop, a key clip and a card pocket to keep things easy to find.

Travelers appreciate: Wearers of this belt bag like the quality construction, color options and the overall versatility of the design. They also compliment the fabrication and say it holds the essentials without being bulky.

Price: $95 or less Shop now: Dagne Dover | Nordstrom | Saks Fifth Avenue

Dimensions: 10.6 x 6.5 x 2.95 inches | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Colors: Nearly 20 options, from dark coffee to apricot

What sets it apart: Available in a wide variety of colors, this hands-free crossbody bag is perfect for those on the go. The three zippered pockets are roomy enough for travel essentials like keys, sunglasses, lipstick, wallet and sunscreen. Place your ID and credit cards in the five interior card slots, so you can leave your wallet at home. The back pocket of this sling bag is ideal for keeping important items close to your body to prevent theft, and the adjustable strap makes it comfortable to carry.

Expert review: "My favorite travel purse is the vegan leather crossbody bag by CLUCI," says Sharael Kolberg , a U.S. News travel contributor. "Not only is it environmentally and animal-friendly, it's also stylish and easily fits my wallet, passport, reusable water bottle and snacks. Plus, the front pocket allows easy access to my smartphone."

Price: $25.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

Courtesy of Consuela

Dimensions: 8.5 x 5 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Color: Antique white

Perfect for a night out on the town, exploring the city or even running errands, this clutch style is essentially a wallet that can be carried as a clutch or wristlet, or worn as a crossbody. Its eye-catching snake print exterior is trimmed in natural leather and adorned with a hand-woven friendship bracelet, a tassel charm and a hand-painted leather bag tag. There's also an exterior zippered pocket. Open the magnetic closure to reveal two interior zippered compartments for essentials, along with six card slots.

Expert review: "I bought this purse on a whim after seeing it in a Facebook ad, and it's my favorite wallet-style crossbody among all I have owned," says U.S. News travel contributor Holly Johnson .

Price: $215 or less Shop now: Consuela

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood has had a serious love for handbags her entire life. For everything from daily errands to global journeys, she has tried a variety of travel purse styles from an array of brands, discovering the good, the bad and the very best options. For this article, Hood used her personal experience along with retail merchandising background and research expertise to curate this list.

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• Editor Picks: The Top Travel Accessories
• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• The Top Toiletry Bags
• The Top Clear Stadium Bags
• The Top Carry-on Luggage Pieces

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The Best Anti-Theft Bags To Carry While Traveling, According To Reviewers

Shopping Writer at HuffPost

In addition to your luggage and garment bags , you should consider investing in an anti-theft bag to tote on your next trip .

With the help of special security features such as lockable zippers, anti-slash fabrics, hidden pockets and RFID-blocking technology, these bags can help protect your most valuable belongings, such as your wallet , tablet and laptop .

And depending on their size, they can even be used as your personal item or carry-on bag . Below, you’ll find the eight best anti-theft bags, according to reviewers who use them while traveling.

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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The 5 Best Anti-theft Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested the best anti-theft backpacks out there to find the most secure options for every traveler.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked

Other Products You May Need

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

If a backpack is your preferred way to tote your belongings, you might want to invest in an anti-theft model. But what makes a backpack "anti-theft"? A few things. First, most are made with an extra-tough, anti-slash material that makes it extremely difficult for would-be thieves to cut their way inside your bag. Second, the zippers are usually hidden by flaps, so it often looks like there's no way into the bag. Finally, many anti-theft backpacks come with tools like locking cables, combination locks, and RFID-blocking technology (about which we provide more detail later).

We tested 14 anti-theft backpacks in our product testing lab and in the real world, putting their security features to the test by attempting to cut through exteriors and identify and break through locks and zippers. Our favorite bags were durable, comfortable to wear, and didn't draw attention to users.

Best Overall

Pacsafe anti-theft backpack.

The handles and straps are well padded, so it's comfortable to carry both as a backpack and a weekender bag.

It's a bit heavier than some of the other backpacks we tested.

With a 45-liter capacity, this backpack—the highest scorer on our tests—is big enough to replace your carry-on yet comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time. All the straps and handles are well cushioned for comfort on shoulders and hands, and it has hip and chest belts to distribute weight. Buyers will want to keep in mind that this is not so much a day-to-day pack as it is a piece for extended trips or even backpacking.

The bag has a lot of great anti-theft features, including four lockable zippers, a stainless steel locking cable that you can attach to any fixture (lock not included), and cut-resistant materials. Lock the zippers by connecting the zippers to each other, then hooking them onto a built-in clasp (there's also a flap that obscures the zippers and clasp). During the slash test, we found that the bag shows cuts, but it's not easy to get into with a knife. This combination of security features makes it nearly impossible to access the bag when worn, providing peace of mind—though, of course, that also means there isn't a great way for the wearer to quickly access items inside.

Our testers found plenty more to love. There are lots of pockets, including a large zip mesh pocket, a medium-sized zip mesh pocket, a medium-sized nylon pocket, a nylon pocket for pens/pencils, and a medium-sized nylon bag for the locking cable. A Velcro laptop sleeve fits a 13-inch MacBook with room to spare, and there's a side pocket for a water bottle. The bag also has external attachment points for a sleeping bag or jacket. A 270-degree clamshell opening makes it easy to pack—our testers estimate that efficient packers could fit somewhere between one to two weeks' worth of clothes inside.

It's a bit heavy, but that's to be expected for the size. And testers did note that the zipper lock has a learning curve, so buyers should make time to practice before using it on a trip.

The Details: 21.7 x 13.8 x 8.7 inches | 3 pounds, 13 ounces | 45 liters | Nylon and polyester | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Budget

Ambor laptop backpack.

It's quite roomy and has plenty of pockets for organization.

The material is not as tough as that of other anti-theft backpacks.

This affordable backpack features a built-in three-digit combination zipper lock, and there's a hidden pocket on the back that can only be accessed when the bag isn't being worn. The exterior however is not slash-proof, which makes sense given the lower price when compared to other backpacks on this list. Our testers loved how spacious this bag is and noted how the number of pockets makes it easy to organize belongings. That includes a large laptop pocket, plus a smaller padded pocket for a tablet. Compression straps on the sides also help pack things down more tightly. And the pack comes with a built-in USB cord for a powerbank.

We appreciate the padded straps and back, which make it comfortable to carry, and love the sleeve on the back that travelers can slide over a suitcase handle. With laptop and tablet compartments, a built-in USB cord, and several pockets for organizing, this roomy bag is a great value purchase that can securely hold all your essentials.

The Details: 19.1 x 11.6 x 7.5 inches | 1 pound, 10 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

Best for Outdoor Adventure

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

We found plenty of options for expanding and compressing the bag to our packing style.

The locking zippers may be too complicated for some travelers.

This huge pack almost has too many features, including locking zippers guaranteed to protect against theft while traveling. At 45 liters, the bag is designed for backpackers or long-term travelers and can carry everything you need from clothing to gear to laptops. It also features "pickpocket-proof" zippers on all compartments, so you can hide zippers and prevent theft. For extra durability, the pack is also weatherproof, made from nylon canvas derived from recycled materials. Our testers loved how easy this bag was to pack and how many pockets are included. With custom-fitted Peak Design packing cubes , this anti-theft backpack can easily be your new go-to carry-on or hiking pack.

The Details: 22 x 11 x 13 inches | 4 pounds, 8 ounces | 45 liters | Nylon and polyester | Waterproof

Best for Business Travel

Pacsafe metrosafe ls350 daypack.

Thoughtful organizational features like a hidden clip for wallet or keys make it stand out.

The straps could be a little easier to adjust.

Our testers loved this bag. It has it all: padded shoulder straps and back, a zipper lock to protect your belongings from casual pickpocketing, and enough space to fit your travel essentials. There's a small, lockable hook for you to attach the bag to any fixture, say a hotel bed or table leg, and it has a hidden clip for a wallet or keys. In the main compartment is a 15-inch laptop pocket; the smaller compartment has a large zip mesh pouch, padded pockets, and three nylon pockets of varying sizes. The back has soft foam padding.

When we ran a slash through the bottom, the outermost layer of fabric did tear, but we just met foam; even though the textile cuts easily, the mesh prevented us from cutting a hole wide enough for things to fall out. A few slight nitpicks: the water bottle pockets are very tight, making it difficult to get a 20-ounce bottle to fit, and the main compartment zipper occasionally caught on the inside of the bag. The straps could have been slightly easier to adjust as well. But good performance on our comfort, organization, and anti-theft property tests make this one highly recommended.

The Details: 16.5 x 11.6 x 5.1 inches | 1 pound, 7.4 ounces | 15 liters | Nylon and polyester | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Connor Ralph

Best Lightweight

Kopack laptop backpack.

The interior organization features are outstanding, and the exterior held up particularly well during our slash test.

It's very hard to fit a water bottle in the side pouch, and there are no zipper locks.

This bag is tied for the lightest on our list, which is particularly impressive considering the amount of interior organization: three medium-sized pockets, three card pockets, and two pencil pockets in the front compartment; meanwhile, the main compartment features two passport-sized pockets and a laptop compartment that can fit a 13-inch MacBook. Our testers appreciated how the straps fit over the zipper leading into the laptop compartment so that it can't be opened up while you're wearing it. We also like the built-in USB cord for connection to a power bank and external charging.

The bag held up particularly well during our slash test: There were no marks after our initial swipes with a box cutter (though it can be cut with more effort). However, buyers should note that there are no zipper locks.

The Details: 17.7 x 11.8 x 4.3 inches | 1 pound, 8 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

We tested 14 of the top anti-theft backpacks on the market for comfort, theft protection, and features. First, we filled each backpack with items we might carry around with us for a day of travel, including a laptop, book, magazine, headphones, phone charger, and water bottle. We observed any special features like organization pockets, pouches, charging capability, etc. Then we strapped it on and carried it around. We took note of how comfortable the bag was, calling out any special comfort features like adjustable straps, compression/weight distribution straps, and padding. We thought carefully about how long we would be able to comfortably carry each bag.

Next we got into the anti-theft portion of the testing. If a bag claimed to have slash-proof material, we took a box cutter to it, giving a couple of quick slashes to see how it held up. If it didn't yield any damage, we tried to really cut through it and see just how durable the material is. Next we evaluated how well compartments and zippers were hidden. For any that claimed to have hidden features, were they actually hidden or easily visible? We also tested the locking zippers on applicable bags (both those that had inherently locking zippers and ones that required us to use separate locks) for ease of use and functionality. For those that required a separate lock, we used this one .

One common anti-theft feature we didn't test for was RFID-blocking. RFID, which stands for radio frequency identification, is a technology used in credit cards, driver's license, and passports to wirelessly transmit information (think tap-to-pay, ID scanning, etc.). Some security experts have expressed concern that thieves could potentially use devices to obtain this information from a few feet away. In reality, theft via this method is rare, and it would be difficult to pull off. Plus, much RFID technology is used to emit one-time wireless signals that become useless after a transaction. All of our research shows that RFID-blocking is not as important as marketing materials seem to claim.

Other Anti-theft Backpacks We Liked

Some of the bags we tested did not make our list of recommendations. They all had positive attributes, but a few things held them back.

Oscaurt Anti-theft Travel Backpack : It looks nice, but the material was extremely easy to cut through, and the laptop slot felt a little insecure.

Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack : Overall, we thought this bag was just fine. No huge defects, but just not quite good enough to make the list.

Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody : While the crossbody option was nice, the straps were uncomfortable and the fabric tore easily—two turnoffs, especially considering the price.

Matein Anti Theft Hard Shell Laptop Backpack 15.6 Inch : Although durable, we found it uncomfortable, and, even worse, the combination lock did not work.

To keep your items safe and secure wherever you go, consider some of these other products that prioritize safety.

Sherpani Espirit AT: If you prefer a sling bag to a more traditional backpack, the Sherpani Espirit AT is a great anti-theft option. It features a slash-resistant bottom, zippers that clasp together, and can be worn on your front or back, depending on your comfort.

Melsbrinna Passport Holder : Any international traveler should invest in a high-quality passport holder to protect their most important document, and this budget item is stylish and durable. It comes in 43 different colors and patterns and, yes, it does include RFID-blocking technology.

Eufy SmartTrack Link : We highly recommend this luggage tracker even if you aren't checking a bag. It's small enough that you can fit it in the pocket of any backpack or purse and the keychain slot even allows you to attach it to other important items like your keys or camera to help you quickly locate lost or stolen items.

Tips for Buying Anti-theft Backpacks

Consider your use cases.

Buying an anti-theft backpack is much like buying any other backpack: Some are best as carry-on luggage, some are better for everyday use, some are better for hiking, etc. So you'll want to be sure to consider size (around 15 liters is a good capacity for everyday use, while closer to 45 liters is better for a backpack acting as a piece of luggage) and interior organization features (are you just tossing in a bunch of clothes, or are you carrying laptops and tablets and wallets?). Beyond that, you'll want to look out for the basic anti-theft properties: hidden and/or lockable zippers, slash-proof exterior, hidden compartments, and other elements that might deter a potential thief.

Think about the materials

Thick and durable materials like polyester are best for anti-theft backpacks as it guards against rips and slashes that may allow a thief to steal your items. In addition to the main compartment, it's important to evaluate the materials of all straps and zippers to be sure they can't be broken or quickly accessed. Anti-theft bags that utilize hidden zippers will also best protect any items in outside pockets, similar to how laptop backpacks protect your laptops and tablets.

Prioritize comfort

A backpack is something you wear, so be sure it's comfortable. Looks for options with padded straps and adjustability. For larger backpacks, chest and hip straps can help reduce strain on your back and shoulders. An anti-theft backpack can have all the security features in the world, but if it hurts to wear, you won't use it.

Think carefully about RFID-blocking

If a bag you like has RFID-blocking, great. But don't fret if it doesn't, and certainly don't skip a bag you like just because it is not RFID-blocking. As mentioned previously, theft through RFID-skimming is rare. While you could purchase a product with RFID-blocking tech for peace of mind, it's really not essential. Think more about your comfort and durable materials when it comes to choosing an anti-theft backpack.

There are a few factors that make a backpack "anti-theft," and all of them are primarily aimed at deterring, if not offering full protection against, thieves. First, most anti-theft backpacks appear to have no visible access points, as zippers and pouches are hidden by flaps. Many will also have zipper "locks," which are often clasps that the zippers attach to so that a would-be robber faces a delay in trying to open the bag. Second, anti-theft backpacks are usually made with slash-proof material so that a person cannot simply slash open the bag with a knife or box cutter. Many anti-theft backpacks also come with additional security features like combination locks, cables for tying the bag to fixtures, and hidden compartments. Finally, many anti-theft backpacks are made with RFID-blocking (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to guard against any possible data theft including debit card numbers and passport information.

For the most part, anti-theft backpacks are only a bit more expensive than regular backpacks. You're usually paying for slash-proof material and a bit of extra hardware. But if you are the type of person who prefers a backpack for your work bag, your carry-on, or your sightseeing tote, you should consider an anti-theft model. If you're going to have a bag on you that often, the peace of mind is worth it.

Because of their safety features, most anti-theft backpacks should only be spot cleaned. Many anti-theft backpacks include built-in USB cords and locks that you wont want to submerge in water. The best way to clean your backpack would be to follow all of the manufacturer's instructions, which usually includes using a warm, soapy cloth to dab at stains.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Chris Abell has been a travel writer and editor for several years. He and a team of travel editors planned this test; they researched to find what appeared to be the best anti-theft backpacks available and then designed a testing methodology. A team of editors then spent a full day in our onsite lab testing the 14 backpacks, with each one thoroughly vetted for comfort, organizational features, and anti-theft performance.

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The 15 Best Travel Purses for Your Next Vacation

The hack for easy, breezy adventuring.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Don't underestimate the power of a good travel purse. The best ones make your trips all the more seamless, whether that means easier access to essentials in security lines or less spillage of snacks. While these bags are as practical and functional as it gets, they can also be stylish. And that's where we come in.

Keeping all of that in mind, we found the 15 best travel purses that eagerly await your next adventure. And if you don't have a trip planned, well, this is your excuse to satiate that wanderlust.

JW PEI Aylin Canvas Crossbody Bag

This Oprah-approved crossbody is perfect for the person who's looking to carry their phone and a few credit cards. It doesn't hold much, but it holds all your bare essentials. Perfect for quick trips out and about.

Longchamp Le Pliage

Made from recycled canvas, you've surely spotted Longchamp's signature style at the airport or train station before. The exterior wipes clean, while the interior features two slip pockets for organization. One of the best things about this bag is that it can be folded into the size of a paperback book.

Mansur Gavriel Vegan Apple Leather Mini Crossbody

While we love Mansur's totes, here the brand takes its thoughtful craftsmanship to the crossbody silhouette. The Italian apple-based material (yes, you read that right) keeps the style sustainable so you can shop this bag with a clean conscience.

Golden Goose Star Shoulder Strap Bag

For a travel bag that's ultra-cool and undeniably unique, look no further than Golden Goose. With an adjustable shoulder strap, inside pocket, and external pocket for your phone, this bag was made for travel and weekend wear. The playful pops of color and sneaker keychain make this a standout select.

Paravel Mini Cabana Tote

Sustainability is at the core of Paravel's collections, constructed from plastic water bottles. Attach the crossbody strap for hands-free carrying, or keep as a top-handle top. Multiple pockets stow your smaller accessories.

TUMI Asra Shoulder Bag

It's to no surprise that Tumi, a purveyor of high-quality travel products, has just delivered one of the chicest purses for your next trip. The nylon construction is super easy to clean, and multiple pockets (including a zip one) make for ample storage.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

Lululemon's convertible belt bag style can be worn as a fanny pack or crossbody, making this petite purse incredibly versatile. Featuring a water-repellent fabric, an exterior zip pocket, and a few interior ones, this bag packs a punch.

Baggallini Take Two Bryant Crossbody

Stay protected on the go with a crossbody that gives you two RFID-protected card slots. This will prevent anybody from scanning your cards and stealing your personal information as they pass by.

Dorothee Schumacher Raffia Shoulder Bag

If you're headed on a beach vacation, this raffia bag from Dorothee Schumacher brings the boho chic vibes in functional fashion. The adjustable shoulder strap makes for easy carrying, and concealed magnetic fastening keeps your possessions secured.

Travelon Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

For a bag that foils the pickpockets, this simple shoulder bag is a solid choice. From the slash-resistant construction to the locking compartments to the RFID-blocking card and passport slots, it's as secure as it gets.

PAK Rêve The Origin PAK Backpack

You can rest assured that this nylon backpack, founded by a travel writer, was essentially made for any and all trips. Between the front pocket that unzips into a jacket sling and oversize side pockets for extra-large water bottles, every detail that went into this bag aims to make your life easier.

FP Collection Hudson Sling Bag

Free People's sling bag is beloved by many, and for good reason, too. Choose from seven different hues for a bag that suits you, with an adjustable woven strap and exterior zip pockets for practicality.

Alo Yoga Utility Crossbody Bucket Bag

Exterior mesh pockets make for quick access to your belongings, while a drawstring cinches for security. Zippered pockets and an adjustable carrying strap finish off the features of this bucket bag.

Calpak Stevyn Mini Crossbody Bag

You have probably seen Calpak's carry-ons, but don't sleep on the brand's mini bags. This one has a water-resistant exterior and zippered pockets to safely store items.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall

Dagne Dover's neoprene duffel is a durable, lightweight design that will go everywhere and anywhere with you. Aside from being entirely vegan (which we love), it also has some hidden assets. Think: laptop sleeve, dust bag, shoe bag, and more. Pick from a variety of sizes and colors.

Gaby Keiderling is a New York–based writer working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features. She also covers celebrity style for Esquire 's “Get Ready with Me” franchise. Her work can also be seen in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar , and more. Sometimes you can spot her around the West Village, out on a walk with her dog, Sneakers.

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Is It Safe in Moscow?

Stanislav Solntsev / Getty Images

When you visit Moscow , Russia, you’re seeing one of the world’s largest, and most expensive, capital cities . While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern. Visitors should stick to the principal tourist areas and abide by the local security advice.

Travel Advisories

• The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."  
• Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping,   and   risk of civil unrest." Also, travelers should stay away from "Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory   and   abuses by its occupying authorities."  
• Canada states travelers should use a high degree of caution in Russia due to the threat of terrorism and crime.  

Is Moscow Dangerous?

The Moscow city center is typically safe. In general, the closer you are to the Kremlin , the better. Travelers mainly need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for petty crime. Be especially careful in tourist areas such as Arbat Street and crowded places like the Moscow Metro transit system. The suburbs are also generally fine, though it is advised to stay away from Maryino and Perovo districts.

Terrorism has occurred in the Moscow area, leading authorities to increase security measures. Be more careful at tourist and transportation hubs, places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, crowds, open markets, and additional tourist sites.

Pickpockets and purse snatching happen often in Russia, perpetrated by groups of children and teenagers who distract tourists to get their wallets and credit cards. Beware of people asking you for help, who then trick you into their scheme. Don’t expect a backpack to be a safe bag bet; instead, invest in something that you can clutch close to your body or purchase a money belt . Always diversify, storing some money in a separate location so that if you are pickpocketed, you'll have cash elsewhere. Keep an eye out for thieves in public transportation, underground walkways, tourist spots, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes, restaurants, and markets.

Is Moscow Safe for Solo Travelers?

Large cities like Moscow in Russia are overall fairly safe if you are traveling alone, and the Moscow Metro public transit is a secure and easy way to get around. But it is still a good idea to follow basic precautions as in any destination. Avoid exploring alone at night, especially in bad areas. You may want to learn some basic Russian phrases or bring a dictionary, as many locals don't speak English. However, in case you need any help, there are tourist police that speak English. Also, exploring with other trusted travelers and locals or on professional tours is often a good way to feel safe.

Is Moscow Safe for Female Travelers?

Catcalling and street harassment are infrequent in Moscow and the rest of Russia and females traveling alone don't usually have problems. There are plenty of police officers on the streets as well. Still, it serves to stick to Moscow's well-lit, public areas, avoid solo night walks, and use your instincts. Women frequenting bars may take receive some friendly attention. Females can wear whatever they want, but those entering Orthodox churches will be required to cover up. Though women in Russia are independent, domestic violence and other inequality issues take place regularly.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Russia is not known as a gay-friendly country. However, Moscow is one of the more welcoming cities with a blooming LGBTQ+ community and many friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, and other venues. Hate crimes in Russia have increased since the 2013 anti-gay propaganda law. Openly LGBTQ+ tourists in this conservative country may experience homophobic remarks, discrimination, or even violence, especially if traveling with a partner. Also, while women hold hands or hug publicly—whether romantically involved or not—men should avoid public displays of affection to prevent being insulted or other issues.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Moscow  and other big cities in Russia have sizable populations of various cultures, so discrimination against BIPOC travelers is rarer than in other parts of the country where it can become dangerous. Some people living in Russia who are Black, Asian, Jewish, and from other backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination and violence. Tourists won't usually experience overt racism but may be the recipients of some stares. If anyone should bother you, be polite and resist being taunted into physically defending yourself.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Travelers should consider the following general tips when visiting:

• It's best not to drink the tap water. If you do, boil it before drinking, though showering is safe and the amount used to brush teeth is generally not harmful. Mineral water is widely drunk, especially at restaurants, and if you prefer not to have it carbonated ask for “ voda byez gaz” (water without gas).
• If you need emergency assistance in case of fire, terrorism, medical issues, or more, dial 112 in Russia for bilingual operators.
• Be judicious about taking photographs, especially of police or officials. This can potentially bring unwanted attention to yourself by members of law enforcement who won’t mind asking to see your passport. Also avoid snapping photos of official-looking buildings, such as embassies and government headquarters.
• Carry your passport in as secure a manner as possible. If you get stopped for any reason by the police, they can fine or arrest you if you don't have the document with you. Also, keep photocopies of your passport, the page on which your travel visa appears, and any other documents that relate to your stay in Russia.
• Use official taxis only and steer clear of illegal taxi companies, especially at night. Ask your hotel to call a reputable taxi company.

U.S. Department of State. " Russia Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 19, 2020.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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