If you’re jet-setting overseas or on a local holiday, there’s a good chance you’ll take just one handbag with you for the entire trip. It’s asking a lot from one little bag.
The perfect-for-travel handbag must match basically everything in your luggage, look chic, fit all the sight-seeing basics, plus your fave lipstick, and be secure enough that you won’t open yourself up to being pick-pocketed
Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you (aka scoured the corners of the internet’s best shopping sites—tough, we know) and found the best travel handbags to shop for your next trip, so all you have to do is add to your cart.
2024’s Top 3 Handbags for Travel
- UNIQLO Round Mini Shoulder Bag, $24.90, UNIQLO
- BAGGU Nylon Shoulder Bag, $81.00, BAGGU
- Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack, $169.95, THE ICONIC
The Best Handbags for Travel Australia 2024
BAGGU Nylon Shoulder Bag
$81.00 at BAGGU
The BAGGU Nylon Shoulder Bag is a TikTok favourite for a reason.
Featuring an interior zip pocket to store all your travel essentials, this bag features ample storage space and a chic slouchy silhouette to help you carry all your souvenirs while still looking stylish.
Need to lug around your tech? No problem! This bag comfortably fits a 14” laptop, and with an adjustable quilted strap, you can easily make room for all your in-flight must-haves.
Available in eight vibrant colours, this recycled heavyweight nylon bag is both stylish and sustainable.
Key Features:
- Interior zip pocket
- Fits a 14” laptop
- Adjustable quilted strap
- Machine washable
- Available in eight colours
- Fabrication: Recycled heavyweight nylon
- Dimensions: H: 26cm x W: 35cm x D: 10cm
Available at:
UNIQLO Round Mini Shoulder Bag
$24.90 at UNIQLO
When it comes to versatile crossbody bags, none are as viral as the UNIQLO Round Mini Shoulder Bag.
Available in multiple trending colours and patterns, this bag features a water-repellent finish and plenty of room for your day-trip essentials without being bulky or cumbersome.
With an adjustable strap and zip-top closure, this rounded crossbody is a must-have for your sightseeing adventures.
Key Features:
- Water repellent finish
- Rounded shape
- Available in nine colours
- Adjustable crossbody strap
- Fabrication: Shell – 100% nylon | Lining – 100% polyester
- Dimensions: H: 17cm x W: 28cm x D: 10cm
Available at:
- $24.90 from UNIQLO
Travelon Anti-Theft Hobo Bag
$179.00 at Strandbags
If you’re on the lookout for a travel bag that is both stylish and secure, the Travelon Anti-Theft Hobo Bag is a great option for your days walking through your new favourite city.
Featuring an RFID-protected pocket, slash-resistant straps, and ample zip-closure storage, this travel bag allows you to keep your travel essentials, such as your passport and credit cards, safe and secure, while also still holding enough free space for your camera and souvenirs.
Key Features:
- RFID-protected pocket
- Slash-resistant straps
- Tethered key clip with LED light
- Five-year warranty
- Dimensions: H: 24cm x W: 32cm x D: 9cm
Available at:
- $179.00 from Strandbags
Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack
$169.95 at THE ICONIC
Launched in 1978, the Fjallraven Kanken range is loved by travellers across the globe for its immense practicality and unique style.
Featuring the brand’s robust Vinylon F fabric, the Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack is a small but mighty version of the cult-favourite travel bag.
With an ergonomic design, dual-zip compartment, and water-resistant fabric, the Mini Kanken is a must-have for any adventurer in need of a robust yet stylish carry-all.
Key Features:
- Water and dirt-resistant
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Dual-zip main compartment
- Twin top handles
- Dimensions: H: 38cm x W: 27cm x D: 13cm
Available at:
- $169.95 from THE ICONIC
- $169.99 from Rebel Sport
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag Large 2L
$69.00 at Lululemon
While the classic bumbag may have been a pinnacle of 90s tourist fashion, the LuluLemon Everywhere Belt Bag is an updated, but still super practical, version of one of the most popular travel bags.
Featuring exterior and interior zip pockets and an adjustable belt, this belt bag holds up to 2 litres – making it a great hands-free option for long days exploring or for a quick grab-and-go adventure.
Key Features:
- Exterior and interior zip pockets
- Two–way zipper
- Holds up to 2L
- Available in six colours
- Fabrication: Body – 100% nylon | Lining – 100% recycled polyester
- Dimensions: H: 14cm x W: 21cm x D: 6cm
Available at:
- $69.00 at Lululemon
What type of handbag is best for travelling?
When it comes to finding the perfect travel bag, it truly depends on what you’re after from your bag, such as whether you need a versatile day-to-night crossbody or just a durable grab-and-go tote.
Where you are travelling and what airline you are flying can also play a part in what bag you shop for, as some airlines have strict limits on the size or pieces of personal luggage you can bring with you on board.
If you’re planning long days of adventuring, backpacks are a comfortable and classic choice to go for, however, some countries recommend crossbody bags to deter from pickpocketing as they are kept closer to the body and can turn off petty thieves.
Nowadays, you can even find bags with anti-theft measures built in, for that added peace of mind whilst you enjoy your travels.
