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Best Purse for Travel in Europe: Ultimate Picks for 2025

Planning your first trip to Europe? It’s exciting to think about all the amazing sights you’ll see and do. We’ve found that having the best purse for travel in Europe is so important for navigating the bustling streets of cities like Paris and Rome.

It took us a long time to find the perfect purse that is both stylish and secure, with features like RFID protection and slash-proof straps.

We’ve done the research to help you find that ideal travel companion, so you can travel with peace of mind.

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As you may already know, pickpocketing is a common problem in many European cities. To keep your valuables safe, you’ll want a purse with features like anti-theft zippers, RFID-blocking technology, and slash-proof straps.

After researching and testing several purses, we’ve found the best purse for travel in Europe that meets all these criteria and more.

Best Purses for Travel in Europe Essentials

When packing your must-have items for a small purse on your European adventures, the goal is to keep things light yet sufficient.

Try to pack multipurpose items—they’ll help you handle whatever the day throws at you without weighing you down, especially when you’re wandering through ancient ruins, enjoying a café terrace, or exploring charming villages.

Here’s a list of must-haves we always include, even with the best small purse for Europe:

  1. Wallet: With ID, credit cards, and cash.
  2. Phone: For navigation and photos.
  3. Portable Charger: To stay connected.
  4. Collapsible Water Bottle: For hydration.
  5. Snack: Like a small energy bar.
  6. Mini Umbrella: For sudden showers.
  7. Hand Sanitizer: To keep clean.
  8. Basic First Aid: A few plasters and pain relievers.
  9. Lip Balm and Sunscreen: In travel sizes.
  10. Safety Whistle: For emergencies.

To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the best purses for travel in Europe. These purses are practical and fashionable so you can explore the city in style.

Chic Crossbody by Roulens

We believe this Roulens Crossbody Bag is a stylish and practical pick for anyone traveling through Europe.

Pros

  • Multi-pocket design enhances organization.
  • RFID blocking feature provides security against data theft.
  • Adjustable strap enhances comfort for all-day wear.

Cons

  • Size might be larger than preferred for those seeking a very compact bag.

Just back from our European travels, we absolutely loved using the Roulens handbag. It’s super lightweight, so carrying it through museums and bustling markets was a breeze—no shoulder pain whatsoever! It has a handy anti-theft pocket that kept our travel documents and cash secure, and a front pocket perfect for quickly grabbing our phone to check Google Maps or snap a photo.

The interior is roomy enough for all the essentials but still doesn’t feel bulky. The leather-like PU material even held up well against light rain, and a quick wipe-down was all it took to keep it looking fresh.

Telena Backpack Purse for Women

Find the perfect travel purse for your European vacation. Lightweight and spacious bags that keep your essentials secure as you explore major cities and countryside destinations.

If you’re looking for a stylish and functional backpack purse for your European travels, the Telena Backpack Purse for Women is a great option.

Pros

  • The backpack is made of high-quality PU leather that is soft and pliable, making it comfortable to wear for long periods.
  • The bag is spacious and roomy, with multiple pockets and compartments for all your travel essentials.
  • The backpack can be worn as a handbag or a backpack, depending on your preference and needs.

Cons

  • The backpack may not be suitable for those who prefer smaller bags.

This backpack purse is perfect for travelers who want a stylish and functional bag carrying all their travel essentials. With its soft and pliable PU leather material, the backpack is comfortable for long periods. The bag is spacious and roomy, with multiple pockets and compartments to hold your passport, wallet, phone, camera, and other travel essentials.

One of the best things about this backpack purse is its versatility. You can wear it as a handbag or a backpack, depending on your preference and needs. The backpack straps are adjustable, so you can customize the fit to your body. The backpack also has a sturdy handle on top, so you can carry it as a handbag if you prefer.

Overall, the Telena Backpack Purse for Women is a great option for travelers who want a stylish and functional backpack purse for their European travels. It’s comfortable, spacious, and versatile, making it a great investment for your next adventure.

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack

Find the perfect travel purse for your European vacation. Lightweight and spacious bags that keep your essentials secure as you explore major cities and countryside destinations.

If you’re in search of a practical and stylish backpack for your European travels, the Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Crafted from genuine leather with black shellac hardware, it ensures durability and a sophisticated appearance.
  • Features three compartments and numerous pockets for secure and organized storage, including a discreet back pocket for valuables.
  • Its versatile design allows it to be dressed up or down for various occasions, making it a perfect travel companion.

Cons

  • The backpack’s size isn’t large enough for a weekender bag.

This backpack is an ideal option for those seeking a secure and stylish travel companion for exploring Europe. Its versatile design allows for easy transition between casual sightseeing and formal occasions, making it a practical and stylish choice for the best purse for travel in Europe.

Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Tour Bag

Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Tour Bag

The Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Tour Bag is a great option if you’re looking for a stylish and secure purse for your European travels.

Pros

  • The roomy compartment with a zippered RFID blocking pocket and padded pocket for an iPad or tablet keeps your belongings safe and organized.
  • Two easy access, locking front pockets, and a rear zippered pocket provide quick access to your essentials.
  • The mesh expansion pocket for a water bottle is a convenient feature for staying hydrated on the go.

Cons

  • The bag may be a bit heavy for some travelers, especially if you’re carrying a lot of items.

Crafted with a durable cotton canvas and rich suede trim, this bag has a classic and stylish look. The matte nickel hardware and pinstriped lining add a touch of sophistication. The anti-theft features, including slash-resistant construction, locking compartments, and straps, provide peace of mind while exploring new places.

The bag’s adjustable strap drop length of 14 to 25 inches makes it easy to wear as a crossbody or shoulder bag. The tethered key clip with an LED light is handy for finding your keys in the dark. The bag’s size of 9 x 11.5 x 3 inches makes it a great size for everyday use as well.

In summary, the Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Tour Bag is a great option if you’re looking for a stylish and secure purse for your European travels. Its roomy compartment, convenient pockets, and anti-theft features make it a practical and stylish choice for any traveler.

Sling Bag

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If you’re looking for a stylish and secure bag to take with you on your European travels, the LATMAP Sling Bag is a great option.

Pros

  • The anti-theft design keeps your belongings safe and secure.
  • The multiple pockets make it easy to organize your items.
  • The faux leather material gives it a trendy and fashionable appearance.

This sling bag is perfect for those who want to keep their belongings close and secure while exploring Europe. The anti-theft design ensures that your items are safe from pickpockets, while the multiple pockets make it easy to organize your passport, phone, and other travel essentials. The faux leather material gives the bag a trendy and fashionable appearance, making it a great accessory to any travel outfit.

Overall, the LATMAP Sling Bag is a great option for those looking for a stylish and secure bag to take with them on their European travels. With its anti-theft design, multiple pockets, and trendy appearance, it’s a great accessory for any travel outfit.

BOSTANTEN Quilted Crossbody

We find this purse to be a chic and practical option for anyone needing a secure and stylish bag while exploring Europe.

Pros

  • Spacious design allows for ample storage within a compact frame.
  • Vegan leather material is durable and easy to clean.
  • Adjustable and eye-catching guitar strap enhances both comfort and style.

Cons

  • May not accommodate larger items due to its small size.

Traveling through Europe, our BOSTANTEN crossbody bag was a perfect companion. Light and easy to carry, it swung comfortably by our side. The main compartment was just right for essentials like a wallet, phone, and sunglasses, and the vegan leather held up against drizzles and busy markets. A quick wipe was all it took to refresh it daily.

The front zipper pocket was super handy for quick phone access to snap photos. Adjusting the strap was simple, allowing us to match the bag with both casual and evening outfits effortlessly. The chic quilted pattern and bold strap also meant plenty of compliments.

For those balancing fashion with function, the BOSTANTEN crossbody is one of the best purses for travel in Europe. It reliably holds up through all our adventures.

S-ZONE Leather Crossbody

We’ve found that if you’re journeying through Europe’s cobbled streets and bustling markets, this S-ZONE Crossbody is a chic and practical companion.

Pros

  • Genuine top grain leather gives a premium feel
  • Triple zip pockets keep valuables organized and secure
  • Adjustable wide strap enhances comfort during extended wear

Cons

  • The compact size may not fit larger items
  • Exterior pockets might be snug for some personal items

The S-ZONE Leather Crossbody was another bag that one of our team members took on their European travels, and we found it to be one of the best purses for travel in Europe.

Its robust, genuine leather and classic design kept us stylish without screaming “tourist” as we moved from cafes to galleries. The bag’s separate zipped compartments were perfect for organizing essentials like passports and sunglasses, making everything easily accessible in crowded places.

Adjusting the strap was simple, letting us switch from shoulder to crossbody style depending on our day’s activities, while the wide strap distributed weight comfortably. However, it’s worth noting that its compact size might be limiting if you carry more than just the basics. Also, the stiffer leather needed some breaking in, and the snug outer pockets might not fit bulky items easily.

Travelon Convertible Clutch

We think this Travelon Convertible Clutch is a game-changer for anyone needing a secure and versatile purse while exploring Europe.

Pros

  • Versatile design allows for use as a wristlet, clutch, or crossbody bag.
  • Features full anti-theft properties, including RFID protection.
  • Compact yet spacious enough to organize essentials for a day out.

Cons

  • Limited storage space may not suffice for those needing to carry more items.

Perfectly sized for daily excursions, it holds a wallet, mobile phone, and a few other essentials without feeling bulky. An added bonus is the LED light on the key clip inside, which has come in handy illuminating keyholes during late-night returns to our accommodations.

What really sets this purse apart is its versatility. It starts as a wristlet, ideal for a quick morning croissant, then effortlessly transitions to a crossbody for hands-free exploration of museums and shops. Despite its compact size, the clever internal organization makes it feel like a compact treasure chest, keeping all travel essentials neatly arranged and accessible.

Crossbody with RFID

Discover the best purse for travel in Europe and make your adventures stylish and convenient. Choose a travel purse that combines fashion and functionality to enhance your European experience.

If you’re looking for a lightweight and water-resistant purse for your travels in Europe, the Baggallini Pocket Crossbody with RFID is a great option.

Pros

  • The built-in RFID protection will keep your credit cards and passport safe from electronic pickpocketing.
  • The quick-access pockets make it easy to grab your phone or boarding pass without having to dig through your bag.
  • The adjustable shoulder strap allows you to wear it as a crossbody or shoulder bag, whichever is more comfortable for you.

Cons

  • The size is relatively small, so it may not be ideal if you need to carry many items.

The Baggallini Calais Crossbody Bag for Women is a great choice for those who want a stylish, lightweight and functional purse for their travels. The built-in RFID protection is a nice added bonus, and the quick-access pockets make it easy to keep your essentials within reach.

However, the material may not be as durable as some other options, and the size may be too small for those who need to carry a lot of items. Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and practical travel purse, this one is definitely worth considering.

Small Sling Bag Crossbody

INICAT Small Sling Bag Fanny Packs Crossbody Bags Gifts for Women Men No Touchscreen-brown

If you’re looking for a stylish and practical bag for your travels, the INICAT Small Sling Bag is a great option.

Pros

  • The bag is made of high-quality faux leather and comes in a stylish brown color that will match any outfit.
  • It has ample pockets to keep your items organized and separated, including a special spot for your cell phone and passport, making it easy to access when going through security.
  • The bag is designed to be worn across your body, making it a safe and secure option for your travels.

Cons

  • The bag may be too small for those who like to carry a lot of items with them.

The INICAT Small Sling Bag is a great option for those who want a stylish and practical travel bag. Its high-quality faux leather and ample pockets make it a great choice for keeping your items organized and accessible, making it one of the best purses for travel in Europe. The bag’s crossbody design is also a safe and secure travel option.

However, those who like to carry a lot of items may find the bag too small, and some users have reported that the hardware is silver in color, rather than gold. Additionally, the lack of a touchscreen window may be a drawback for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish and practical bag for your travels, the INICAT Small Sling Bag is definitely worth considering.

Small Crossbody Bag

Discover the best purse for travel in Europe and make your adventures stylish and convenient. Choose a travel purse that combines fashion and functionality to enhance your European experience. Browse top-rated travel purse options for a European vacation. Durable, stylish bags suitable for carrying daily necessities through multiple destinations without sacrificing comfort or appearance.

Need a stylish crossbody bag for your next European adventure? Consider the EVVE Small Crossbody Bags.

Pros

  • The bag is made of high-quality vegan leather that looks and feels like real leather.
  • It has a trendy flap saddle design with tassel that adds a touch of fashion to your outfit.
  • The bag is lightweight and compact, yet spacious enough to hold your essentials such as phone, wallet, and keys.

Cons

  • The size might be too small for those needing more than just the essentials.

This crossbody bag is perfect for those who want a stylish and practical bag for their travels. The vegan leather material looks and feels like the real thing, making it a great option for those who want to be eco-friendly. The trendy flap saddle design with tassel adds a touch of fashion to your outfit, making it a versatile bag easily dressed up or down.

Overall, the EVVE Small Crossbody Bags for Women is a great option for those who want a stylish and practical travel bag for Europe. It is perfect for those who want to travel light and keep their belongings close to them. If you are looking for a small and trendy crossbody bag, this might be the perfect fit for you.

Wristlet Clutch Crossbody Bag with Chain Strap

Explore the ultimate guide to finding the best purse for travel in Europe and make your trip hassle-free.

A versatile and stylish purse that is perfect for traveling light.

Pros

  • The purse can be used as a clutch, wristlet, or crossbody bag, giving you multiple options for carrying it.
  • The chain strap is the perfect length for wearing the purse on your shoulder or across your body.
  • The purse is roomy enough to hold your essentials, such as your phone, wallet, and keys, without being too bulky.
  • The chain adds an extra level of security as it’s harder to cut vs leather straps.

Cons

  • The purse may not be large enough to hold larger items, such as a tablet or book.

The purse is a great option if you’re looking for a versatile and stylish purse for traveling light, and it’s one of the best travel purse for Europe from the list- based on style. Versatile and spacious, this purse is great for a night out or sightseeing.

The purse has a chain strap and faux leather finish. Its magnetic closure is easy to use but less secure than a zipper.

One potential downside to this purse is that the inside may have a strong smell upon first opening it. However, this should dissipate over time. Additionally, the purse may not be large enough to hold larger items, such as a tablet or book.

Overall, this purse is a great choice if you’re looking for a stylish and versatile purse for your travels in Europe.

Peak Gear Hidden Travel Money Belt

Whether you're backpacking through multiple countries or taking a grand tour of Europe's top cities, the right purse is essential for holding all of your travel essentials in a secure, stylish package. Here are some of the best purse options for traveling throughout Europe.

No, it’s technically not the best travel purse for Europe. Still, if you’re looking for a secure and comfortable way to keep your valuables safe while traveling, then the Peak Gear Hidden Travel Money Belt is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • The moisture-wick backing keeps you cool and comfortable, even in warm climates.
  • The RFID block protection means you don’t need to worry about electronic theft.
  • The theft insurance and lifetime recovery service provides peace of mind.

Cons

  • The two compartments may not be enough for those who need to carry many items.

This money belt is perfect for those who want to keep their valuables safe while traveling and should be considered in combination with the best purse for travel in Europe so you can have the best time. The moisture-wick backing ensures that you stay cool and comfortable, even in warm climates, while the RFID block protection means you don’t need to worry about electronic theft.

The belt is light, comfortable, and slim, making it the perfect travel accessory whether you’re an occasional airport traveler or an avid backpacker. The unique strap adjusts snugly around the waist. The two compartments and pockets inside the hidden pouch fit multiple US passports and keep credit cards organized.

If you’re looking for a secure and comfortable way to keep your valuables safe while traveling, then the Peak Gear Hidden Travel Money Belt is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide: Best Purse for Travel in Europe

When looking for the best purse for travel in Europe, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Here are some features to consider:

Size

Choose a purse that’s spacious yet easy to carry. You’ll need room for your passport, wallet, phone, and essentials.

Security

When traveling in Europe, keep your belongings secure. Choose the right purse for travel. Look for a purse with a secure closure like a zipper or snap. This will prevent pickpockets from stealing your valuables.

Comfort

You’ll be carrying your purse with you all day, so choosing one that’s comfortable to wear is important. Look for a purse with adjustable straps that can be worn cross-body or over the shoulder, depending on your preference.

Material

Choose a purse made from durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Leather and nylon are both good options, as they’re durable and easy to clean.

Organization

The best purse for travel in Europe will have multiple compartments and pockets to help you stay organized. This will make it easier to find what you need quickly without digging through your purse.

Style

Finally, choose a purse that fits your personal style and the type of travel you’ll be doing. A classic, understated purse might be appropriate for visiting museums and historical sites. A more fashionable purse might be a better fit if you explore trendy neighborhoods. There is no best purse for travel in Europe when it comes to style, this part relies on your personal tastes.

By considering these features, you can choose the best purse for your travel needs, ensuring that you’re comfortable, organized, and secure throughout your trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a secure travel purse for European trips?

Security should be your top priority when choosing the best purse for travel in Europe. Choose a purse with anti-theft features like slash-resistant straps and RFID-blocking technology to protect personal information. Choosing a purse that can be securely closed with a zipper or lock is also important to prevent pickpocketing.

In addition to security features, consider the size and style of the purse. Use a compact crossbody or shoulder bag for hands-free convenience in crowded areas. Look for a purse with multiple compartments to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.

WHAT SIZE PURSE IN RECOMMENDED FOR TRAVEL IN EUROPE?

It’s best to opt for a medium-sized purse that is spacious enough to hold essentials like a wallet, passport, phone, and camera but not too bulky to carry around comfortably, although there are some really great small purses as well.

WHAT MATERIAL IS IDEAL FOR A TRAVEL PURSE IN EUROPE?

Durable and water-resistant materials like nylon or leather are often recommended for best travel purses in Europe as they can withstand various weather conditions and provide added protection for your belongings.

Finally, choose the best European travel purse that fits your personal style and preferences. Choose from classic leather or modern designs for secure and stylish European travel.

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