News

Jun 11, 2023

The 15 Best Crossbody Bags for Travel of 2023

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Spacious styles that can go from airport to museum to dinner with ease.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Spacious styles that can go from airport to museum to dinner with ease.

Being a tourist is perhaps one of the most stressful parts about traveling (aside from packing, of course!). Between the language barrier and deciphering how to get from point A to B with Google Maps, while also keeping an eye out for pickpocketing, the struggle is real when trying to navigate a foreign city. There is, however, one thing you can take with you to make sightseeing feel less worrying and even more enjoyable than it already is: a crossbody bag.

As is, a crossbody purse is a mainstay in most womens' wardrobes, but having one with you while traveling makes the experience much more pleasant because it's a safe and convenient way to carry all your necessities (your passport, wallet, camera, sunglasses... just to name a few) across your body and at your hip. Not only will all your essentials be at arms length, but it'll be right in your field of vision. Plus, many labels are designing sleek styles that can be worn in numerous different ways, making them versatile and the ultimate pick for every day-to-night event on your itinerary. And because of their smaller size, they can also easily fit in your carry-on suitcase or be used as a personal item bag—it's really the unsung hero of travel.

To help you choose your perfect match, I did some research by testing different options, asking my fellow T&C editors for their go-to picks, and reading reviews to ensure you won't be disappointed. Ahead, 15 of the best crossbody bags for traveling and beyond.

Gucci's iconic Horsebit Bag is certainly a splurge, but a classic you'll get use out of for years to come. It has a structured silhouette that never loses its a shape, a secure frontal flap that allows you to easily access your belongings, and perhaps most importantly, an adjustable strap that can turn the shoulder bag into a crossbody or vice versa. Oh, and how about that discreet gold horsebit hardware? Sleek as they came. As T&C's Deputy Digital Lifestyle Editor Roxanne Adamiyatt puts it, "it's a wear-to-anything-and-everywhere-piece that manages to still feel special every time I put it over my shoulder."

Dimensions: 9.8"W x 7"H x 3.1"D

When we think nylon bags, we think Prada. The label's legendary Re-Nylon crossbody bag is compact yet functional and features an adjustable strap, pockets and zipped compartments galore, and a detachable mini pouch for storing your smaller essentials. It's also ridiculously lightweight—no matter how much you cram inside, it'll be easy on your shoulder all day.

Dimensions: 23cm W x 15cm D x 7cm L

For an option that can go from airport to museum to dinner with a simple change of the strap, Senreve's convertible purses won't disappoint. Beloved by celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Selma Blair, the Aria is a spacious (and lightweight!!!) leather belt bag that can be converted into a crossbody, shoulder bag, sling, and clutch. It comes in various colors and you even have the option to swap in a chain if you want to make it more elegant than it already is. Trust me, it's a one-and-done bag that you'll never think twice about packing with you, because it truly is perfect for everything on your agenda.

Dimensions: 8"W x 5"H x 2"D

Here's a crossbody bag that was made for globetrotting. Crafted of buttery soft leather, this Leatherology pick boasts an exceptionally roomy main compartment with interior pockets and an additional exterior pocket for easy access while on the go. I have taken mine with me everywhere because it fits just about everything (wallet, phone, a book—you name it!) and still manages to feel super lightweight.

Bonus: The color options are pretty amazing—which is a good and bad thing: it's good because you have options; it's bad because you'll struggle deciding on the one to get... which, in the grand scheme of things, isn't so bad after all! On top of that, you can even get your own bag monogrammed or debossed with your initials for a personal touch.

Dimensions: 10.25"W x 4"D x 7.25"H

One reviewer writes: "I got this bag for traveling on my honeymoon and I did the trapunto monogram with my new married initials and this bag was worth every penny. It held so much and yet was compact, traveled well. It’s durable yet soft and supple! I love this bag so so much for traveling and just being on the go and I will be back for more!"

If you happen to run into T&C's Emily Burack abroad, you'll likely find her carrying this Tumi across her body. The small but mighty purse is made from durable nylon and is big enough to hold your phone, passport, cards, boarding pass, and more.

Dimensions: 5"W x 7 1/2"H x 1 3/4"D

One shopper says: "My go to bag. I use this everyday. It’s absolutely the perfect size and holds a lot more than you might think. Love the other back pocket which provides easy access to your cell. The material is fabulous and easy to clean."

MZ Wallace is practically synonymous with travel bags. The brand offers an array of different crossbody styles featuring its signature quilted design (like the fan-favorite Metro Scout), but we're particularly partial to the hands-free sling bag. It's spacious, stylish, and holds a ton—without weighing a ton! It's really a throw-on-and-go kind-of-bag for whenever you're on the move.

Dimensions: 13 1/2"W x 7 1/2"H x 2 1/2"D

One reviewer raves: "This is the perfect travel bag! It lays so well, lots of storage, and such a beautiful buckle. Worth every penny."

Dagne Dover makes some of the best duffel bags around (I never fly without the Landon Carryall!), but its crossbody bag is just as impressive. Frequent travelers will love it for its durability, the fact that its water-resistant, and how it conveniently carries your travel necessities over your shoulder. If you ask me, my favorite part is the front zipper pocket and slip back pocket for retrieving my cards and lip balm with ease.

Dimensions: 8 1/2"W x 7 1/2"H x 3 1/2"D

One reviewer writes: "The perfect crossbody for travel or everyday. I bought it for a recent trip and it was exactly what I wanted. The bag was big enough to fit sunglasses, camera, wallet, and the front pocket was perfect for chapstick, keys, and other small travel items. The storm (navy) color is beautiful, also bought the large Landon carryall duffle to match."

Prefer keeping your things to a minimum? A crossbody phone bag is exactly what you need. It's designed to hold just your phone and cards across your body and a no brainer when you don't want to schlep a bunch of things around.

Dimensions: 43" - 49” strap

One reviewer writes: "Did some traveling and I wanted to go out and about with not a lot of baggage with me. All I had was my phone and some credit cards with the use of the bandolier. Will purchase more of these in other designs."

Nothing says summer more than a raffia bucket bag. Consider this boho-chic option from Loewe that comes in crossbody form. It's functional as it is fashionable, lightweight and airy, and the perfect choice during summer travel.

Dimensions: 11"W x 7.5"H x 7.1"D

Take a look at any T&C's editor's bag collection and you'll likely find a bag or two from Cuyana. We're obsessed. For traveling, we love this minimilist crossbody because it's perfectly sized to fit all your daily belongings and it has three small exterior slip pockets for storing your phone, keys, or anything else. Another plus: the flap opening. There's a hidden magnetic closure that keeps all your valuables safe and sound.

Dimensions: 8"H x 9.5"W x 5.5"D

Does it get more iconic than the Dior Lady D-Light? Anyone who's anyone has the larger canvas tote version during the beachy getaways, but it also comes in a conveniently-sized crossbody form with a detachable strap. Whether you wear it across your body or carry it by hand, this is bag you'll want to take with you when you're jet-setting across Europe this summer. Pro tip: Get yours personalized with your name to make your bag extra special.

Dimensions: 9.5" x 8" x 4.5"

T&C's Digital Director Caroline Hallemann has sworn by this leather Coach bag for traveling for years, but it also makes for a great everyday option. The polished and posh design boasts a spacious main compartment with a front slip pocket that securely closes with a turnlock, as well as an exterior zip pocket for even more essentials.

Dimensions: 10 1/2"L x 9 3/4"H x 2 1/4"W

One shopper says: "Absolutely adore this bag it is a great size and will be good for traveling on holiday. Plenty of space for all the essentials and the outside pocket is handy... Really beautiful quality."

This isn't your ordinary travel crossbody bag, but it's one that shouldn't be overlooked either. The cylinder shape is designed in a way to hold everything you need smartly, while the zipper enclosure ensures your things are out of harms way.

Dimensions: 4.5" x 6.5" x 4.5"

One shopper raves: "This cylinder bag is to die for! I wore it in southern Italy and received loads of compliments. It works great and looks fabulous while storing valuables - passport, phone and small wallet. No one is getting into this purse. The zipper keeps your stuff inside and the bad guys out. And you don’t look like a tourist walking around with a fanny pack."

Just as its name suggests, this is a crossbody bag that was designed for adventures. Made from a water-repellent fabric, this durable bag that can comfortably hold your phone, wallet, passport, and other small things will be your new favorite travel companion. It has interior pockets for extra organization and exterior pockets that will make your life a whole lot easier when you need to grab for an essential quickly.

Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.2" x 6.9"

One reviewer writes: "I've been searching for a smaller crossbody bad to use while traveling and this definitely fit the bill! It's a great size, and was enough to fit my essentials, while still offering a bit of organization on the inside. It was comfortable to wear and did not dig into my shoulder, and the fabric was easy to wipe clean. I look forward to using it more on my future trips, and otherwise!"

Taylor Swift is one of the many celebs who's been spotted with this boxy crossbody recently, and suffice to say, we're obsessed. It's the perfect sweet-spot size: not too big, not too small, just right. We also love how easily it can be dressed up or down, and isn't that what we all want in a travel crossbody bag at the end of the day? You won't regret it.

Dimensions: 8.9"W x 6.3"H x 2.17"D

One reviewer writes: "This bag is summertime perfection—the canvas keeps it casual and summery, while the leather trim and boxy shape dress it up just enough. It’s a great size too—big enough for a smartphone, card case, small makeup/toiletry pouch, keys, etc, while staying on trend with small bags. Goes with everything. Love it!"

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.

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