If you want to qualify as a savvy traveler, there are a few must-haves. Rolling luggage? Check. Packing cubes? Oh yeah. A shoulder bag? Must have! While great for everyday use, shoulder bags are essential for travel. Not only do they keep your hands free – so you can roll around the airport, take selfies and eat gelato with ease – they’re also much harder for pickpockets to hit (unlike backpacks and fanny packs).
Plus, shoulder bags are convenient because they can hold everything from your phone and wallet to lip balm, keys, and other travel necessities without weighing you down, thanks to the shoulder strap that evenly distributes the weight across your shoulder, chest and your back.
Luckily for us, there are plenty of shoulder bags out there, filled with organizational details that are perfect for travel. From stylish options you can take from the plane on a date night, to anti-theft bags that are RFID-protected, anti-slash and armed with locking mechanisms, these are our favorite shoulder bag options for your next trip.
Mini shoulder bags
$68 at Lululemon
Lululemon’s All Night Festival bag has achieved cult-favorite status, which is probably why the brand decided to create this mini version that we can’t get enough of. Boasting an adjustable strap, magnetic closures and a wide zippered opening, the water-resistant mic measures just 7 inches wide and is designed to be taken anywhere.
$145 at MZ Wallace
Teensy weensy, this cute is the smallest bag in MZ Wallace’s beloved Crosby collection and comes with two detachable straps: an adjustable nylon shoulder strap option and a sleek bracelet chain option. Large enough to fit an iPhone 11 Pro Max, the bag has three interior credit card pockets, a top zip closure and an exterior zip pocket.
$228 at Cuyana
Crafted from grained Italian leather, this mini crossbody bag from Cuyana is packed with luxurious details like a suede interior lining and a chic, modern design. We love that despite its small size, the bag manages to accommodate your phone, wallet, and a few extra essentials. An adjustable strap, hidden pockets and a range of universal color options make this the perfect travel accessory that won’t weigh you down.
$115 at Dagne Dover
Known for its neoprene bags, Dagne Dover’s Puff collection includes this small Kitty bag ideal for travelling. Featuring an adjustable shoulder strap and a detachable short handle (which is, by the way, a darling and super cute), the Kitty has two roomy interior pockets in addition to a zippered pocket, key leash, ring in D, elastic loops. and card slots. Available in three colours, the Kitty can also be worn as a clutch and it compresses almost flat making it super easy to pack.
Transparent shoulder bags
$195 $146.25 at Kelly Wynne
Transparent bag, but make it fashionable! Kelly Wynne to the rescue with a clear version of her fan-favorite Mingle Mingle Mini, which combines clear PVC plastic with sleek leather panels. Approved for stadiums and events, the shoulder bag features a chic gold chain strap and is available in five colorways.
$18.99 $12.99 on Amazon
Nearly 2,000 Amazon customers have given this clear shoulder bag a thumbs up, declaring it both the perfect size – it can fit both a full-size mayonnaise and mustard container! — and resilient. Available in six colors, the zippered bag contains an exterior zippered pocket and a detachable shoulder strap. Plus, we’re not mad at that $13 price tag when it’s on sale like it is now.
Luxury/designer shoulder bags
$298 at Nordstrom
The perfect travel bag, the Perry Bombe from Tory Burch is stamped with the brand’s distinguished double T logo and features a double top zip closure, ensuring all your valuables are safely stored inside. interior. We love the detachable shoulder strap (it doubles as a clutch too!), the exterior slip pocket, and that the luxe grained leather and gold hardware make it easy to transition from daytime sightseeing to glamorous night out on the town. .
$645 at Strathberry
A celebrity favorite – Meghan Markle and Katie Holmes are fans – Strathberry’s East/West Mini is utterly chic, thanks to its luxe gold hardware and smooth calf leather. Available in 19 colors and patterns, the bag has two compartments and an inside pocket, and it can be worn cross-body (as the Duchess of Sussex prefers) or cross-body, thanks to the adjustable chain.
$285 at MZ Wallace
Discover our favorite banana-slash-crossbody bag! Both spacious and lightweight, the Crossbody Sling comes with three detachable straps – a thicker nylon option, a chain option and an adjustable waist strap – has a zip closure, four interior pockets and an exterior zip pocket. Perfect for travelling, the bag is packed with high-end detailing, which also makes it chic enough for high-end pit stops.
$139.99 on Amazon
Meet one of Kate Spade’s most beloved bags. The Harlow is a streamlined shoulder bag that can fit all your needs, minus the bulk of a larger bag. Available in four colours, the Harlow grained leather has a zip closure, two inside pockets and a concealed outside pocket, perfect for keeping your hotel room key close at hand.
$275 on Amazon
No surprise here: luxury luggage maker Tumi knows its way around a travel bag, and this shoulder bag is proof. Available in black, red and blue hues, the nylon bag features an adjustable shoulder strap and two main compartments filled with every type of pocket including zip, media, map, pen and leaflet pocket. We love the key ring leash and the customizable leather key ring.
$335 $234.50 at Kelly Wynne
Trust us, you’ll get what you pay for with this versatile bag from Kelly Wynne that lives up to its Multiway name. Available in eight shades, the genuine leather bag features an interior zip pocket, an exterior patch pocket and a snap button closure to the front. Its main selling point, however, is that it can be worn four ways – as a crossbody, over the shoulder, as a clutch or as a crossbody bag with the included mini chain link shoulder strap.
Anti-theft shoulder bags
$42 at target
Protect your credit cards and passports with this Made By Design bag from Target. Fitted with RFID blocking pockets that ensure your information isn’t electronically slipped, the bag’s cut-resistant design will also keep pickpockets at bay, as will clip-on zippers that deter thieves.
$50 $39.20 on Amazon
More than 5,400 Amazon reviewers rave about this Travelon anti-theft shoulder bag, citing it as having all the organizational details of a larger bag minus the weight. Benefiting from an interlocking mesh barrier located under the surface material and a steel cable concealed in the webbing, the construction of the bag is designed to prevent a blade from snipping, while the main compartment locks will prevent a pickpocket from slicing through. quickly reach inside the bag. More to know: RFID blocking pockets will keep your cards and passports safe from ID scanner theft.
Shoulder Travel Handbags
$99.99 at Faon Design
Big news, folks: Beloved baby bag maker Fawn has gotten into the sling bag game in a big way with this super ingenious clutch bag. Featuring two detachable pouches that can be worn together or alone, the faux leather bag also includes an adjustable shoulder strap with a removable coin purse. Perfect for mixing and matching on your vacation, the Pouch Bag is available in four colorways.
$119 From $74.99 at Mark & Graham
One of accessories maker Mark & Graham’s best-selling bags, the Essential Crossbody is exactly that: essential! Perfectly sized – it’s neither too small nor too big, but rather just right – the bag has two main zipped compartments, which include zipped and slip pockets for all your travel gadgets. Available in seven colors ranging from neon pink to camouflage, the bag can also be monogrammed for an additional $12.50.
$128 at Lululemon
Soft and supple, Lululemon’s Embrace bag can be bought for travel – but trust us, you’ll be using it every day in the future. It’s big enough for your smartphone, wallet, passport and snacks, and it also has a hidden zippered exterior pocket that’s really handy for keeping your travel documents close by. The quilted bag is water resistant and has fun zippers that we’re slightly obsessed with.
$15.95 on Amazon
Look, we understand if you don’t want to go broke with a shoulder bag, but want quality and functionality. The answer? Check out this beloved Amazon option that has over 3,000 positive reviews and costs just under $16. The zippered bag features three exterior zippers and an interior spacious enough to accommodate an iPhone 11 Pro Max. Available in 14 colors, the vegan leather bag is a great washable option for travelers on a budget.
$49 From $17.99 at Mark & Graham
For your next trip, we suggest you create the personalized shoulder bag of your dreams with Mark & Graham. First things first: choose your square color (choose between camel, camouflage or black grained leather) and choose to personalize the bag with a fun monogram. Then: choose a matching twill suspender (or two!), which can also be personalized with a monogram. The result is something totally personal to you that will stand out on your travels near and far.
$245 at MZ Wallace
Boasting the best of both worlds – it can literally function as a traditional tote or as a shoulder bag – the Small Sutton Deluxe is the roomiest bag on our list, with plenty of room for your water bottle, extra layers and all the keepsakes you can choose from down the road. In addition to six interior zip and slip pockets, the bag also comes with a removable pouch for your essentials. Available in four colors, the bag also has two exterior pockets and a removable shoulder strap.
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