couple walking carrying travel bag runway; Courtesy begalphoto/Shutterstock
All Ages

11 Best Women’s Travel Purses and Backpacks 2020

See recent posts by Courtney Elko

Even though we have kids, we still want to look stylish when traveling. We want our purses, handbags or backpacks to be fashionable and functional. They have to look cute on the outside, but can be as organized or disheveled (whatever your preference) on the insideas long as we have everything anyone in the family may need. If you’re jetting off on a plane ride, road trip or hitting the pavement to explore a new city, we have you covered with our favorite travel purses and backpacks for moms.

Travel Purse Kiss Gold Woman's Canvas Hobo; Courtesy of Amazon

Best Overall Travel Purse: Kiss Gold Woman’s Canvas Hobo

This handheld hobo bag is stylish and functional for moms who just want to throw it all in a bag and go. The very large main compartment can fit a tablet or e-reader, books, clothes, magazines, diapers, a wallet, umbrella, snacks and basically anything else. Inside the bag, there’s a small zipper pocket and pouches for a cell phone and credit cards. The main compartment secures with a zipper so everything inside stays safe. A side pocket on the exterior of the canvas bag can fit a water bottle, too. The Kiss Gold Woman’s Canvas Hobo is available in a variety of colors.

Travel Purse Cluci Detachable Shoulder Bag; Courtesy of Amazon

Best Travel Purse for Europe: Cluci Detachable Shoulder Bag

This gem of a bag can be worn as a backpack or a shoulder bag, depending on your needs. The Cluci detachable shoulder bag features a canvas shoulder strap as well as backpack straps on the back. The large main zipper compartment can fit almost everything—books, an iPad, laptopKindlesmall umbrella, diapers and wipes—inside. There are three interior pockets (one with a zipper) for things like a phone, keys or cash. There are two side pockets that can fit a water bottle, two zippered front pockets conveniently to place your boarding pass in, and one zippered pocket in the back. This travel purse and backpack is perfect for plane travel as it could be your carry-on bag or your personal item. It also transitions nicely for everyday use. 

Nanrui Diaper Bag Backpack travel backpack; Courtesy of Amazon

Best Diaper Bag Travel Purse: Nanrui Diaper Bag Backpack

If you’re traveling with a baby in diapers or a little one who still takes a bottle, this backpack is ideal. It looks more like a backpack or tote than it does an actual diaper bag. Inside, it can be filled with three bottles in a front insulated pocket that keeps bottles warm or cold for hours. Side pockets on the outside can hold a water bottleInside the main compartment, you can can fit diapers, wipestoys, snacks or a change of clothesThe Nanrui Diaper Bag Backpack is waterproof, with a waterproof back pocket for wet clothes or diapers. Travel hands-free by carrying the bag as a backpack or use it as a tote with the hand strapswhatever is most comfortable for you.

Related: Best Diaper Bags for Moms 

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bucket Bag; Courtesy of Amazon

Best Travel Purse for International Travel: Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bucket Bag

This bucket bag comes in a wide variety of colors (black, beige, violet, gray, leopard) and includes the Travelon patented anti-theft features. The large main compartment features an RFID blocking pocket and a passport slot. The front exterior pocket and shoulder strap are slash-resistant and the side pockets can easily fit a water bottle or umbrella. This is a great everyday or travel purse since the large main compartment can fit a ton of stuff like a tablet, change of clothes, books and more. The Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bucket Bag is water resistant and can go over the shoulder or across the body.

Business Laptop Backpack Travel Shoulder Bag with Charging Port; Courtesy of Amazon

Best Backpack Purse for Travel: Business Laptop Backpack Travel Shoulder Bag with Charging Port

The Business Laptop Backpack Travel Shoulder Bag with Charging Port is ideal for anyone who travels with a bunch of electronics. The bag comes with its own USB charging port! The bag itself can’t actually charge devices, but if you throw a portable battery inside the bag, the built-in charging cable and USB port located on the exterior makes for easy charging access. The backpack features three large main compartments that can fit a laptop, tablet, books and more. It’s water-resistant, lightweight and features a theft-proof combination lock to keep your valuables safe.

Tom Clovers Summer Casual Canvas Crossbody Messenger Bag; Courtesy of Amazon

Best Crossbody Travel Purse: Tom Clovers Summer Casual Canvas Crossbody Messenger Bag

This large crossbody messenger bag is big enough to fit almost everything a mom may need while on a family vacation. The one large center compartment can fit a tablet, computer, diapers, change of clothes and so much more. There is an external zipper, too, making it easy to access your stuff. The long adjustable strap allows the bag to go over the shoulder, across the body or be hand held. So many options!

Related: Best Crossbody Bags for Travel

Small Vintage Canvas Travel Crossbody Purse; Courtesy of Amazon

Best Small Travel Purse: Small Vintage Canvas Travel Crossbody Purse

This small purse packs a big punch with what it offers to moms. The front zipper pocket conveniently fits your phone and allows for quick access. The main zipper compartment can fit a Kindle or iPad mini, wallet, sunglasses and small accessories. When you want to listen to your music, but want to keep your device safely in the bag, there are small holes that allow for earbud cords to run safely and efficiently from the inside of the bag to your ears. This canvas purse is durable and super sturdy so moms can throw it on and head out the door without a worry. This purse may be best suited for moms who are traveling with kids who can carry some of their own stuff. You won’t be able to fit everything in the Small Vintage Canvas Travel Crossbody Purse, but you’ll be able to fit a lot!

Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Tote Bag; Courtesy of Amazon

Best Anti-Theft Travel Purse: Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Tote Bag

The patented anti-theft qualities to this large purse are perfect for moms who want to keep everything inside the bag protected. The shoulder strap and mesh body panels are slash resistant. There are locking and zipper straps and compartments and an interior RFID blocking pocket for credit cards and more. The large interior main compartment can fit books, an iPad, computer and so much more, and it’s lined with open interior pockets for things like cell phones and sunglasses. One of the best crossbody, anti-theft bags for travel, the Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Tote Bag is the purse you’ll want to bring along on your travels.

Fabuxry Women's Shoulder Bag; Courtesy of Amazon

Best Travel Purse for Organization: Fabuxry Women’s Shoulder Bag

This messenger crossbody and shoulder bag has tons of pockets. There are three, front exterior pockets (zippers and Velcro) for easy access to phones, sunglasses or passports. The large main compartment can fit a laptop, diapers, change of clothes, toys, umbrella, magazines and wallets. And there’s a back, exterior zipper pocket that can fit an iPad or eReader. The Fabuxry Women’s Shoulder Bag is sturdy, too, so it won’t collapse in on itself, and it can be a shoulder bag or a messenger bag, with the adjustable straps.

Vbiger Vintage Canvas Backpack; Courtesy of Amazon

Best Travel Purse for Everyday Use: Vbiger Vintage Canvas Backpack

This rucksack-type backpack purse for travel is great for carrying it all on a trip and can still fit under the seat in a plane. A mom can easily fit a laptop, tablet, books, camera, headphones, toys, diapers, snacks and much more inside the main compartment of this bag. A drawstring and a hook buckle fastens the main compartment, keeping everything secure inside. Inside the bag, there are a few smaller zipper pockets as well. There is a front flap pocket that snaps shut and can hold a phone or sunglasses, and there are two side pockets for water bottles.

Maria Tote by M. Gemi Travel purse; Courtesy M. Gemi

Best Designer Travel Purse: The Maria Tote by M. Gemi

This luxury travel purse by M. Gemi is called The Maria Tote, named after the brand’s co-founder. The oversized leather tote bag comes with a small, matching zip pouch inside. It has shoulder straps and a magnetic closure. The interior of this handmade Italian travel purse is one large compartment so it can literally fit everything for your trip. The included pouch (which can be used as a wristlet for nighttime) is the perfect place to keep money, a phone, passport and keys.

Related: The Ultimate Beach Bag: Best Beach Bags for Moms and Families 

What to Pack for Your Next Trip

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