If like us, you have a particular affinity for handbags, your collection will cater to every outfit, event and colour combination. But when it comes to travel, only a few handbags styles fit the bill.
If you’re going on vacation, it’s likely suitcase space will limit you to just one or two travel-approved handbags, making it essential to choose wisely.
So, what should you look for in the perfect travel handbag? We recommend crossbody styles that free up your hands for navigation and taking holiday snaps. If you prefer a tote or shoulder bag, consider styles that have zippers or fold over the top to help keep things secure. It’s also ideal to keep the size small enough so it won’t weigh you down, but also big enough so it can fit everything you need for the day (or night).
It’s a lot to ask from one accessory, so we’ve done the groundwork for you and found the best travel-approved handbags that combine practical features with style and designer flair.
Best Stylish Handbags For Travel
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Versace Barocco Athena Tote Bag, $2,880 from Versace
Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag, $5,200 from Gucci
Sam Icon Nylon East West Medium Crossbody, $529 at Kate Spade
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Patch Mini Tote Bag, $249.95 at MIMCO
Parker Extra-Large Leather Shoulder Bag, $429 – $1,089 at Michael Kors
Tabby Chain Clutch, $595 at COACH
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Box-Trot M Crossbody Bag in Cognac-Canvas, $1,290 at Longchamp
Tamarama Bag in Blanc, $235 at Poppy Lissiman
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Florence Small Shoulder bag, $399 at Oroton
LOEWE Paula’s Ibiza Pochette, $1,170 at Net-A-Porter
Paloma Shoulder Bag, $69.95 at Peta And Jain
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Electra Purse in Pink, $449 at Respiro Studio
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Sybil Crossbody Bag, $358 at Cult Gaia
Marc Jacobs The Snapshot, $630 at THE ICONIC
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Mediuma Lady D-Lite Bag, $8,100 at DIOR
PRADA Medium Saffiano Leather Prada Panier Bag, $5,900 at Farfetch
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Ferragamo Iconic Top Handle Handbag in Red, $3,950 from Ferragamo
Box-Trot Crossbody Bag in Black Leather, $1,290 from Longchamp
Fiamma crossbody bag, $3,250 from Ferragamo
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Pré-Saint-Didier Crossbody Bag, $169 from The Wanderers
Charming Tote, $2,250 from Ferragamo
After studying a Bachelor of Journalism at The University of Wollongong and Fashion Business at FBI Fashion College, Maddison began her now decade-long career in the media industry. She’s worked across print, digital and affiliates at some of Australia’s biggest entertainment, lifestyle and fashion titles (ELLE, Marie Claire, The Australian Women’s Weekly, Who, Girlfriend and more) covering the latest trends, cultural moments and celeb news. Currently the Senior Shopping Editor at Marie Claire and ELLE, she combines her digital expertise and ability to scroll through endless online shopping sites without tire to help fashion-devotees like her find the perfect item. From trying on countless pairs of jeans in the name of research to dissecting the latest runway shows and trawling through TikTok trends for hours on end, her obsession with finding the next must-have buy—whether it be in fashion, beauty, travel or homewares—knows no bounds.