We recently visited New York during Christmastime to experience the magic of the holidays in the big city. I came prepared with a crossbody bag suited for travel (because I’m a nervous traveler) and I’m glad I did. When we walked over to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree and ice skating rink, a very large digital sign warned visitors to watch for pickpocketing. So today we’re sharing a whole bunch of great crossbody bags for nervous travelers that will keep your stuff safe.
If you consider yourself a nervous traveler or not, there is nothing wrong with wanting to protect your valuables. I hadn’t even considered the true threat of pickpocketing until I saw the sign warning tourists of the potential. I was more concerned about losing the contents of my bag as I often leave it wide open.
What to Consider When Choosing a Crossbody Travel Purse
I typically wear a crossbody bag in my everyday life but know my go-to Tory Burch wasn’t going to cut it when we went to New York City. In my research for the perfect crossbody travel bag, I read that my bag should be big enough to hold an umbrella or scarf and gloves – as well as the other things I travel with like a wallet, sunglasses, etc.
The weather was also a consideration on what kind of material I wanted my new crossbody bag to be made of. I knew I wanted something somewhat waterproof and durable but not overly utilitarian.
And finally, I wanted a bag that could be zipped close.
Related: Warm Cold Weather Boots Perfect for Walking
Do Your Bag Have an Anti-Theft Security System?
I ended up choosing a bag from a brand called Travelon which creates durable and stylish bags in an effort to travel easier. I was drawn to their 5-point anti-theft security system – which admittedly was probably not necessary but I was panic shopping and made a quick decision.
The 5-point system from Travelon includes: a slash-resistant body, locking compartments, RFID blocking technology, lock down straps, and slash-resistance straps.
What I bought: Travelon Women’s Anti-Theft Tailored Slim Bag (over 400 5-star reviews)
Our Favorite Crossbody Travel Bags Under $100
While I really liked the Travelon Tailored Slim Bag that I used on my trip, I wish I would have considered one of the following bags. I like the larger size of some and the colors of others. The good thing is that there are so many cute options to choose from. You just need to decide what your needs are.
Travelon Convertible Backpack/Tote Bag ($95)
This particular nylon bag can be worn three different ways: as a tote, crossbody or backpack. Some criticism is that the outer pocket doesn’t have a locking zipper. I love this color and size.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Travel Bag ($57)
I like that this polyester bag is a little sportier. It comes with a zippered mesh water bottle pocket which is a great alternative to stashing a bottle inside your bag. It also has the same 5-point security systems the others offer.
Anti-Theft Essentials Mini Asymmetric Crossbody ($45)
This smaller nylon bag feels very fashion forward (think how many are wearing the fanny pack across the chest). It’s for the traveler who only needs to carry a few little things like sunglasses, phone and credit cards.
Anti-Theft Courier Mini Crossbody ($35)
Our trip to New York also included a NBA game (but it was canceled, thanks to you know what). This cotton canvas and leather mini crossbody would have been perfect because it is a stadium compliant size at 4.5″ x 6.5″ x 1.75″. It fits a phone, keys and has a built-in organizer for credit cards and cash. Plus it’s got the 5-point anti-theft system and comes in two colors.
Anti-Theft Essentials East/West Small Hobo ($70)
The hobo-style shape really appeals to me and it comes in four different colors. Made of nylon, it has a roomy inner compartment big enough for a wallet but also offers interior compartments for stashing small items like lipgloss or sunglasses. The zippered front pockets are great for things you often reach for.
Is a Crossbody Bag Comfortable?
I wear a crossbody bag regularly because I like to be hands free – so I am very comfortable wearing crossbody straps. The length of the strap is most important for me so I lean towards bags with adjustable straps or extra long straps. I like the actual bag part to hit me at the hip.
Some criticism of the Travelon Tailored Slim Crossbody I used while traveling to New York was that the metal buckle used to adjust the strap can be uncomfortable against the body. While it is larger than any of my other crossbody bags, I didn’t find it bothersome at all.
Shop this look:
- The North Face Standard Insulated Parka ($159)
- Dr Scholl’s Women’s Weekend Booties ($57)
- Kut from the Kloth Emelina Frayed Hem Boyfriend Jean (similar style) ($89)
- Travelon Tailored Slim Bag
- Marine Layer Donner Stripe Pom Beanie in Cream/Multi Stripe ($40)
- Women’s Animal Print Cat Eye Plastic Sunglasses from Target ($14.99)
- Gap scarf (super old, unavailable)
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