The Perfect Crossbody Bag for Travel

When it comes to travel, having the right bag can make all the difference. A versatile and functional crossbody bag can be the perfect companion for any journey. Whether you're exploring a new city, embarking on a day trip, or navigating through bustling airports, a well-designed crossbody bag can keep your essentials organized and easily accessible while offering comfort and style. If you're in search of the perfect crossbody bag for travel, here are some key features to consider.

For the last seven years I have used my Travelon crossbody bag (reviewed on the blog here) for all of my travels and I'll be honest it has really been one of my favorite bags for travel. But after thousands of miles, a number of trains, plane rides, and ALL the sightseeing, it started to show some wear and tear and needed replacing so I started the online hunt for a replacement.

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1. Size and Capacity: The ideal crossbody bag for travel should be compact and lightweight while still offering sufficient space to hold your essentials such as a wallet, passport, smartphone, sunglasses, and a small water bottle. Look for a bag that strikes the right balance between being spacious enough to accommodate your belongings and compact enough to carry comfortably for extended periods.

2. Security Features: Safety and security are paramount when traveling. Opt for a crossbody bag with additional security features such as anti-theft zippers, RFID-blocking pockets, or slash-resistant straps to deter pickpockets and keep your belongings secure in crowded or unfamiliar environments.

3. Versatility: A good travel crossbody bag should be versatile enough to adapt to different travel scenarios. Look for a bag that can be worn in multiple ways, such as across the body, over the shoulder, or even as a waist pack, providing you with flexibility and convenience during your travels.

4. Durability and Weather Resistance: Travel can be unpredictable, and your bag should be able to withstand various conditions. Choose a crossbody bag made from durable and water-resistant materials to protect your belongings from the elements and ensure the bag can endure the rigors of travel.

5. Organizational Features: An efficient travel crossbody bag should offer multiple compartments, pockets, and organizers to help you keep your belongings neatly arranged and easily accessible. Look for features like interior and exterior zippered pockets, dedicated slots for travel documents, and padded compartments for electronics to keep everything well-organized.

6. Style and Comfort: While functionality is essential, the aesthetic appeal and comfort of the bag should not be overlooked. Find a crossbody bag that aligns with your personal style and offers adjustable, padded shoulder straps for comfortable wear, particularly during long days of sightseeing or exploring.

7. Lightweight Design: Travel often involves a fair amount of walking and navigating through crowded spaces, making a lightweight crossbody bag a practical choice. A lightweight design can reduce the strain on your shoulders and back, making it easier to carry throughout your travels.

8. Compatibility with Travel Essentials: Consider whether the crossbody bag accommodates your specific travel needs. If you plan to carry a camera, tablet, or other gadgets, ensure that the bag provides adequate protection and storage for these items, without adding unnecessary bulk.

9. Brand Reputation and Warranty: Prioritize reputable brands known for their quality and attention to detail. Additionally, check if the bag comes with a warranty, which can provide assurance and protection against potential defects or issues.

By considering these key features, you can find the perfect crossbody bag that aligns with your travel style and meets your specific needs. Whether you're exploring urban landscapes, trekking through nature, or embarking on international adventures, a well-chosen crossbody bag can be a reliable and stylish companion, enhancing the convenience and enjoyment of your travel experiences.

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I found this crossbody option from Arden Cove and was pleased with its size.  

The thing I like most about this bag is that it doesn't look like a "travel bag" but it has all the perks needed to make traveling a breeze.

It is completely waterproof and comes in black which helps avoid/conceal stains. And it just looks like a regular cross body purse rather than a "travel bag". 

It has one main compartment and one front pocket. 

You have your choice of a regular strap or a strap with a chain.

The main compartment has a zippered pouch at the back and two pockets at the front. Other than that it's a decent size bag. It won't fit a tablet or full size water bottle but it had no problem carrying around my souvenirs, coin purse, travel umbrella, and packable reusable bag. And for anything that didn't fit (large souvenirs or water bottles) that's what I had my reusable bag for! 

The front pocket has a large slip pocket along the back and four card slots that fit standard credit cards. It also fit my cell phone.

The straps are also removable and have security features of their own. 

So if you are at a cafe in a main square (I wouldn't recommend) and you don't want anyone to grab your bag you can loop the strap around the chair arm or table leg. For even more security the clasps have a locking sleeve so you can avoid unintentional unlocking.

Each of the zipper pulls have a clasp that you can secure, which avoids unintentional access to the bag.

It also has some metal feet on the bottom of the bag to help avoid contact with dirty surfaces. 

I really enjoy using this bag when I travel. It was slightly smaller than my previous option but it works out perfectly. And honestly, it's cute enough to use even when you are not traveling!

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