When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreGabrielle Chase, Maria Yagoda, Samantha Crozier/Business InsiderTypically, I'm the one rummaging through my travel tote at each TSA checkpoint. Now that I own a designated travel purse, I'm relieved to no longer be that person holding up the lines. Our main takeaway: The Lo & Sons Aoyama 2 is the best travel purse to carry as a personal item. It's a convertible design that packs flat, fits a ton, and pairs well with all of our vacation outfits. A purse can be much more useful than a travel backpack because I can wear it throughout my whole trip, rather than just on the flight. The best travel purses I tested have better storage options for my travel documents, phone, keys, and wallet, offering convenient access in a stylish little package. The 10 best travel purses in 2026Best overall: Lo & Sons Aoyama 2.0 - See at Lo & Sons (on sale for $230.40)Best budget: Baggu Medium Cargo Crossbody - See at Baggu ($56)Best lightweight: Away Featherlight Crossbody - See at Away ($58)Best features: Dagne Dover Micah - See at Dagne Dover ($120)Best phone holder: Bandolier Lily Duet - See at Bandolier ($148)Best anti-theft: Arden Cove Bum Bag - See at Arden Cove (on sale for $239)Best compact: Tumi Tyler Crossbody - See at Nordstrom ($295)Most stylish: Parisa Wang Gabrielle - See at Parisa Wang ($498)Best luxury: Parker Thatch Daily Bag - See at Parker Thatch ($568)How we tested travel pursesFor this guide, our editors tested a total of 34 bags across 3 continents. Our travels included upstate road trips, storing them under seats on the train across 3 European cities in 10 days, and wearing them on a whopping 19-hour flight from New York to Singapore. At home, we tested their function on 20,000-step days around crowded cities and parks.Organization: We took note of how long it takes to reach inside and find what we need. Bags with light-colored interior lining made it easier to locate small, loose items. Vertical exterior pockets helped smooth out transactions at cash registers or while going through customs.Security: For bags with anti-theft features, we tried cutting through their slash-proof straps using a box cutter and ensured they have zippered pockets for storing high-value items, like prescription bottles and passports. Our aim here was to find styles that don't look too matronly, but still feel secure.Comfort: We compared how well these purses distribute weight across the body with a comfortably wide strap, as well as how easily they fit in our laps and under seats. We know comfort and aesthetic value are equally important when planning vacation outfits, so we tested luxe sheepskin and calf leather purses in addition to casual nylon or neoprene styles.What almost made the cutQuince Sloan Shoulder Bag ($124) This is a well-made Italian leather purse that looks a lot like the trendy Clare V. Moyen Messenger ($435). It's comfortable to wear, but the internal organization is somewhat minimal.Cuyana Mini Paloma ($398) It's elegant, compact, and has good organizational features, but was just a bit too small for the average everyday carry. This one's better suited to minimalist travelers.For more on the best personal items we love to travel with, see our guide to the best weekender bags and best carry-on luggage.Meet our travel expert behind this guideMaria Yagoda/Business InsiderMaria Yagoda, travel writer and style contributor: Maria is based in Brooklyn, where she covers travel and culture. It's where these two fields intersect that she's witnessed the latest style trends from across the globe. Whether she's on the world's longest flight or venturing upstate, Maria is intuiting which travel accessories are a worthy investment for most people in terms of convenience, comfort, and aesthetics. Learn more about how the Reviews team tests handbags and accessories at BI.Our top pick: Lo & Sons Aoyama 2Gabrielle Chase, Maria Yagoda/Business Insider Our previous top pick was the original Aoyama. See how it compares in in our guide to the best crossbody bags. Why we love it: A sophisticated, convertible design purse that easily transitions from spacious airport bag to chic night-out accessory. It can also lie flat in your suitcase.Cons to consider: The sheepskin leather can scratch or fade if you're not careful.It's three bags in one. The strap adjusts easily from clutch, shoulder bag, or crossbody, and the width made it so I never felt it dig into my chest or shoulder. The removal of Lo & Sons logo from the strap, which is now all buttery soft sheepskin leather, elevates the overall look of the bag.The interior organization is elite. The Aoyama 2 has many smart internal pockets, including mesh ones so you can see what's inside without rummaging. As an inherently disorganized person, these made it easy to keep everything (lip gloss, passport, pens, a book, gum) in its proper
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