Best Crossbody Purse for Travel in Germany in 2025
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Looking for a purse or bag to use while traveling in Germany (and beyond)? This guide will help you find the best day bag for your trip! I show you the one I’m currently using, as well as several other great options.
What’s one of the most important things to buy ahead of your Germany trip? Your day bag or travel purse!
The purse or bag you take on your trip is one of the few things that you’ll use every single day while traveling. And you’ll enjoy your trip SO much more if you take a little time to select a comfortable yet secure travel purse or bag that’s the perfect size and fit for you.
Take it from me, it totally sucks to realize one day into your dream Germany trip that your purse is uncomfortable, too small, too big, too bulky, or constantly slides off your shoulder.
The best thing to do is to find your perfect travel purse or bag (and the right travel scarf or wrap) before you leave. But…there are so many excellent purses for travel that it can be overwhelming to sort through them all and find the perfect one for you.
In the over three decades I’ve been traveling internationally for work and fun, I’ve tried every type of travel purse, bag, and backpack imaginable. That’s why, when I find one I like, I use it for years.
To help you avoid all of the trial and error I went through (not to mention all of the money spent on purses and bags that didn’t work out), I put together this guide sharing the overall best travel purses, as well as my top tips for choosing the best purse for traveling and packing your travel purse.
Contents
What I Use
My favorite day bag – the one I’ve been using for the past 5+ years and is in a lot of my photos – finally started to wear out, so I spent a couple of months looking for a replacement. I also got a new backpack and wallet, since both were wearing out. Here’s what I’m currently using:
- This day bag / travel purse – I love the pockets, that it’s big enough to carry my essentials but not too big, and is comfortable to carry all day. I also like that I can change out the strap to change up the look. I do wish it had a locking zipper, but since it doesn’t, I use these zipper clips for a little extra security.
- This small wallet with loop – I like that this little travel wallet is big enough for a couple credit cards and a little cash but doesn’t weigh down my day bag. For a little extra security, I attach the metal loop to the key clip in my day bag.
- This backpack – The backpack I’ve used as my personal item on the plane started falling apart after several years use, so I got a new one to try. The one I bought had a cute pattern, has a separate compartment for my laptop, and pockets. I use these zipper clips on my backpack for a little extra security.
What does Aaron use? He loves this backpack as both his day pack and his personal item when in transit.
Quick Answer: Top Purses for Travel
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#1 Top Pick
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Wristlet included!
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Convertable!
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Leather!
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Small!
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Best Travel Purses for 2025
This is the day bag I'm now using! After ordering and returning countless purses, bags, and backpacks, I decided on this one because it's comfortable to carry (both when there's very little and a lot in it), has both inner and outer zip and slip pockets, and I liked the neutral grey color. The strap is adjustable and I like that I can unclasp the strap so I can secure it to my suitcase handle or a restaurant chair for a extra security.
At first I wasn't a fan of the way the flip pocket on the front looks but after using the bag, it's actually handy for things like lipstick or receipts. I also really like the secret cell phone and lined sunglasses pockets, the side water bottle pocket, and the hidden zipper pocket on the other size - it's perfect for stashing my reusable shopping bag. Overall, this is a fantastic travel purse!
- excellent inner and outer pockets to keep you organized
- 2 key clips for keeping your keys and wallet secure
- comfortable to carry
- lots of colors available
- hidden cell phone pocket
- can change out strap for different looks
- Not slash-proof
HAIKU Jaunt Crossbody Bag
This is an updated and slightly smaller version of my favorite Haiku crossbody bag (the one I have is no longer available). It's super comfortable to carry and the pockets make it easy to stay organized while traveling. This bag is sturdy, machine washable, and comes in several colors. What's great about this updated purse is that the main compartment has a toggle-locking zipper for extra security.
- inner and outer slip and zipper pockets
- toggle-locking zipper for extra security
- adjustable crossbody strap
- several colors to choose from
- eco-friendly
- not slash proof
Baggallini Modern Pocket Crossbody
This slim crossbody purse has a great adjustable strap that allows you to comfortably and easily wear it crossbody or over your shoulder.
It also has zippered interior and exterior pockets (perfect for organization and security), and light colored interior lining so you can easily see the contents of your purse.
The outer nylon fabric is easy to keep clean while on the road. It comes in a ton of colors, styles, and fabrics so you can find the perfect companion for your travel wardrobe.
- adjustable shoulder strap
- RFID-blocking technology
- pockets to stay organized
- water resistant
- comes in many colors, patterns & fabrics
- not slash-proof
Baggallini Horizon Crossbody
This lightweight crossbody purse features an adjustable strap that's attached to the bag for added security, easy to clean water resistant nylon fabric that comes in a variety of neutral and bright colors and patterns, and light colored interior fabric so you can easily see what's inside your purse.
The zippered exterior pockets are perfect for items you want to keep secure but also access quickly. Interior pockets keep you organized as you travel.
With this purse you've got enough room for your phone and an iPad mini or Kindle but its sleek design makes it hard to overfill. This purse also comes with a wristlet that you could use when going out at night - so you really get two purses in one!
- holds iPad mini or Kindle
- water resistant fabric
- detachable wristlet
- many color options to choose from
- strap is not detachable or slash-resistant
Travelon Anti-theft Cross Body Bag
If you're looking for a mid-size anti-theft travel purse that doesn't look like a travel purse, this is the purse for you.
It has an adjustable, detachable, slash-resistant strap that you can wear crossbody or on your shoulder, a slash-resistant body, locking zippers, and RFID blocking slots for both credit cards and passport.
The 3 locking compartments (2 on the outside, 1 on the inside) offer both security for peace of mind and plenty of room for storing and organizing your things (e.g., iPad/Kindle, water bottle, DSLR camera, etc).
There's also a zippered pocket on the back and a key clip and LED light on the inside of the purse. Plus, it comes in neutral colors that will go with everything in your travel wardrobe.
- stylish and practical
- lots of organizational and safety features
- large enough for a water bottle or DSLR camera
- several color options
- top outer pocket can be hard to access
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
This is another fantastic lightweight travel purse from Travelon. It's on the smaller side but is big enough for everything you need (including an iPad or Kindle). It's also got the safety features you're looking for, such as a slash-resistant strap and body, locking zippers, and RFID pockets.
The adjustable, detachable strap makes it easy to wear this purse both as a crossbody and on your shoulder. There are zippered pockets on the outside front and back, as well as interior pockets to keep you organized.
On the front there's a "quick drop" pocket for your phone that also has a flap to keep it out of sight. The nylon outer fabric is water-resistant and comes in several colors and patterns so it's easy to find the one (or two!) that best complements your travel wardrobe!
- slash-resistant strap and body
- locking zippers
- RFID pockets
- water-resistant
- lots of colors available
- holds only the essentials
Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag
This cute travel purse is another great option if you're looking for purse that's on the smaller side. The outer fabric is cotton canvas and suede, which gives it a different look to other anti-theft travel purses.
There's a zippered pocket on the front and a quick drop pocket with a snap close on the back.
Inside the purse you'll find organizational pockets, an RFID pocket, and a key clip with LED light. The adjustable strap is slash-resistant for added security.
- cute, cotton canvas and suede fabric
- organization and safety features
- packs flat
- only the strap is slash-resistant
Pacsafe Citysafe Anti Theft Convertible Backpack
This sleek practical purse serves as both a backpack and a handbag! You can wear it as a backpack and easily fold it town to small handbag, which makes it perfect for both day trips and night outs.
The interior is roomy with a padded sleeve for your tablet, a RFID blocking front zip, interlocking main compartment, and a back access zipper.
The bag is made of a lightweight, cut-proof steel mesh material to prevent pickpocketing. There's also RFID blocking pockets to keep all your cards safe. Another useful feature are the detachable straps, which come with locks to securely fasten it to tables or chairs while you're traveling.
- slash-resistant straps and body
- RFID blocking pockets
- holds 10" tablet
- detachable strap
- back access zipper
- pockets can be hard to access
Travelon Bag Compact Crossbody
This Travelon crossbody bag is a great option for those looking for something compact, minimal, and easy to carry around all day.
It has an adjustable soft webbing shoulder strap that's made of a mesh, slash-proof fabric. The main body panel is also slash-proof and the interior has locking compartments with RFID blocking interior pockets. For extra space, there's also a front pocket with a zipper to keep small items.
- slash-resistant strap and body panels
- RFID blocking interior pockets
- adjustable shoulder strap
- comes in different colors
- holds only the essentials
Genuine Leather Crossbody Bag
This stylish crossbody bag is made with top quality, sustainable full-grain leather. At this price point, it's a great find for a classic bag that goes with everything, whether for travel or everyday use!
The bag has a timeless design with a durable finish and a comfortable fit. The strap is adjustable and can be worn as a crossbody or even a shoulder bag.
It comes in both neutral and fun colors and has 2 front zipper pockets, 3 inner pockets, and a back zipper pocket.
- made with quality, sustainable leather
- stylish and timeless look
- lots of extra pockets and storage
- comes in multiple styles and colors
- not slash-resistant
NeatPack Crossbody Bag
This is a cute yet super practical crossbody bag for those looking for a bigger bag with enough space for all your things. This bag is made of a tough nylon fabric that repels stains and moisture as well as high-quality lockable zippers so it can stand up to heavy handling!
Both the inside and outside you'll find tons of useful compartments and pockets. It has a large main compartment that can carry all your personal items, electronics, and other necessities.
There's also an anti-theft RFID pocket for your cards. It even has a special side pocket for your water bottle - perfect for long days of traveling and sightseeing.
- RFID pockets
- has a bottle holder
- repels moisture and stains
- multiple compartments
- not slash-resistant
Baggallini Securtex Memento Crossbody Bag
This is another classic purse by Baggallini. It's made with Securtex, an and slash-proof fabric so it keeps all your belongings safe while traveling. Another one of the anti-theft features is its built-in RFID-blocking technology.
The bag has a sleek design with a variety of colors to choose from. It's also water-resistant, making it easy to clean and care for. It's the perfect bag for those who want something simple and low-maintenance.
- RFID-blocking technology
- water-resistant
- slash-resistant
- lightweight
- comes in a variety of colors
- cards slots are a bit narrow
AOCINA Crossbody Purse
This stylish purse comes in a ton of vibrant patterns and colors, perfect for those looking for a pop of color for their outfits while traveling!
Not only is it cute but it also has a sleek and lightweight design. It has one large compartment, 4 inner pouches, front zipper pockets, and a back zipper pocket.
The crossbody strap is adjustable. You can wear it as a crossbody purse, a shoulder bag, or even as a waist bag since it's small and compact.
- lots of pockets
- compact and lightweight
- comes in different fun colors and patterns
- not slash-resistant
Pacsafe Citysafe Square Crossbody
This cute square crossbody bag is ideal for those who want a sleek and minimal bag. It's made with slash-resistant material that's durable, water resistant and easy to clean.
It has RFID blocking pockets, interlocking zippers, and a clasp locking system with an attachable security strap.
The main compartment has a padded sleeve that can fit a 7" tablet or Kindle. There's enough room for lighter travel days, to carry essentials like your travel documents.
- slash-resistant
- RFID pockets
- padded, detachable shoulder strap
- clasp locking system
- holds only essentials
Travelon Tailored Convertible Crossbody Bag
This bag by Travelon boasts of a robust 5-point anti-theft security system. It has lock-down straps, lockable zippers, slash-resistant straps reinforced with a stainless steel wire inside, a slash-resistant body all around the sides and bottom, and RFID blocking pockets.
This compact bag will keep all your essentials safe! You can also wear it two ways, as either a clutch or wristlet or a crossbody bag.
- slash-resistant
- RFID pockets
- adjustable, detachable shoulder strap
- wearable in 2 ways - clutch or crossbody
- holds only essentials
How to Find the Perfect Travel Purse or Bag
As you look for the perfect travel purse for your trip to Germany, you’ll start to figure out which features are most important to you. They might not be what you initially expect! And they might be different than what you’d choose as your everyday purse at home.
You’ll be carrying your travel purse all day, everyday while traveling, so it needs to be comfortable. You’ll want easy access to things like your phone, wallet, and maybe a water bottle or journal and pen. But you also want to keep those things safe. I’ve never felt uncomfortable while traveling in Germany but it’s a good idea to make sure the important items in your purse can’t easily fall out or don’t make things easy for pick-pockets.
Like I said, I’ve never felt weary of pick-pockets or theft while traveling in Germany, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Spending a little time planning how to safely and comfortably carry important items while traveling is worth the time and money spent.
Types of Travel Purses
The first thing to consider is the type of travel purse that will best suit your needs. You’ll carry your travel purse pretty much everywhere you go while traveling, so you might want a different type of purse than what you typically use at home day-to-day.
Crossbody Purse
Crossbody travel purses have a long strap that enables you to carry the purse across your body (rather than on your shoulder). I love crossbody purses for travel because I find them super comfortable, and I like having my hands free to take photos or eat a chocolate croissant.
Travel tip: look for an adjustable strap so you have the option to carry it as a should bag in addition to across your body. Crossbody purses offer increased security because they can’t be yanked off of you as easily as a purse that you carry on your shoulder.
Anti-theft Travel Purse
You’ve probably heard about the various anti-theft travel purses that are available today. These purses come in all sizes have features such as safety clasps on zippers, lightweight wire mesh in the purse straps and lining, and RFID blocking pockets. Anti-theft purses often cost a little more but if increased security is important to you, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
I have an anti-theft travel purse in my collection and what I like most about it is the ability to easily unhook the shoulder strap so I can wrap it around the arm of the chair I’m sitting in. I still keep an eye on my purse (as I do when I’m at home) but I like knowing it’s not as easy to grab and run off with while I’m sitting in a cafe, on a train or in the airport.
Small/Lightweight Purses
If you carry a small or lightweight purse in your day-to-day life, that may be all you need while traveling. The benefit of carrying a small travel purse is that you won’t be tempted to bring more than you need and you won’t lug around a heavy bag all day (been there, done that, not fun).
Plus, on transit days you can easily stash a small purse in another bag. I often bring a small, lightweight purse with me for evenings out when I don’t want to carry my larger crossbody or anti-theft purse.
Large Shoulder Purse or Classic Messenger Bag
On the other hand, you might prefer to travel with a large purse! Large purses can come in handy if you’re doing a lot of day trips and want to bring along things like a laptop or ipad, a water bottle, a notebook, an umbrella, a jacket, etc.
Large purses can be comfortable to carry all day if you don’t overpack. When I take a large purse on an international trip (usually when I need to bring my laptop) I opt for a messenger style. I also bring a wristlet or small purse for evenings out or when I just want to run to the corner market.
What to Carry in Your Travel Purse
The next thing to consider is what you’ll carry in your travel purse while abroad. There’s a fine line between being prepared and over packing, and it’s a line that’s super easy to cross!
One way I avoid overpacking my travel purse is by gathering the items I think I’ll want to carry while still at home. Doing so helps me decide on the size and type of travel purse that’s best for my trip.
What’s in my travel purse? Here’s what I typically carry:
- Small make-up bag
- Small wallet
- Cell phone & back-up battery
- Journal & pen
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm or lipstick
- Passport (sometimes)
- Keys
- Tin of Altoid mints
- Snacks (small bag of nuts, an apple, power bar, etc)
- Small roll-up bag (for groceries)
Here are additional items you may want to carry in your purse:
- Ipad/Kindle
- Book/map/magazine (if you prefer hard copies)
- Sweater, long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Glasses (case)
- Medication or other health-related items
- Sunscreen
- Umbrella or rain jacket
- Items your kids or travel partner will need (if you’re traveling with others)
Take a look at what you typically carry in your everyday purse at home. Is there anything in there not mentioned above that you want to take with you on your international trip?
Travel tip: anti-theft purses make great camera bags!
What Makes a Good Travel Purse?
Here’s what I look for in a travel purse:
- A comfortable, adjustable shoulder strap
- Interior and exterior pockets (I like one or two on the outside and one on the inside–too many pockets and it’s easy to forget where you put everything!)
- Sturdy zippers (I only travel with purses that have a zippered main compartment, and ideally one exterior and one interior pocket also has a zipper, both for security and organizational purposes)
- Security features, such as locking clasps, slash-resistant strap and body, and RFID pockets for credit cards and passports
- Light colored lining (or even an LED light!), so it’s easy to see what’s inside your purse
- Outer fabric that’s easy to clean
- Balance of function and style
- A color that complements my travel wardrobe
Travel tip: Practice packing your travel purse ahead of your trip so you’re sure it will hold everything you want to take with you. Then wear it on a long walk around your neighborhood so you can be sure it’s comfortable to carry all day. Also check the purse against your travel wardrobe so you can make sure the the color and style goes with your travel wardrobe.
Here’s how we can help you plan your perfect trip in 2025
GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER: Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our Germany Travel Planner answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!
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ACCOMMODATIONS: We recommend using Booking.com since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our accommodation guides for specific recommended hotels.
WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter, this power bank, and this wrist strap. They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials posts at 15 Items We Take and Germany Packing List.
TICKETS & TOURS: For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets, Get Your Guide is our go-to!
TRAINS & BUSES: To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System) website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at FlixBus, which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.