Which handbag to take when travelling

When you travel, your handbag changes role. It is no longer just a style accessory: it becomes the safe for your papers, money and phone, your companion on long days of walking, your hand luggage on the plane or train. A poorly chosen bag can spoil a trip: too heavy, too open, too small, uncomfortable or impossible to match with holiday outfits.

This article from our "Occasions" series helps you choose which handbag to take when travelling, depending on the type of trip, the transport and your activities once there. For an overview of bags for every moment of life, see our guide which handbag for which occasion.

1. The criteria for a good travel bag

The first criterion is security. When travelling, you often carry your passport, cards, cash and phone: everything you absolutely must not lose. The bag must therefore close completely (zip, flap with a clasp) and be worn against you, within your field of vision. Open totes and bags worn on the back are best avoided in tourist spots.

The second criterion is comfort. You will carry it for hours, walking a lot. It should be light when empty and spread its weight: cross-body carry is the most suitable here. The third is versatility: a bag that goes from sightseeing to dinner without looking out of place saves you from packing several.

Finally, think about durability: rain, sun, sand, rubbing. Well-cared-for cowhide leather, waterproofed before you leave, will hold up very well. Our protection tips are covered in our leather bag care guide.

2. The cross-body bag, travel champion

If you could only take one bag, it would be a small to medium cross-body bag that closes securely. Worn across the body, in front or at the side, it frees your hands to take photos, check a map or hold a ticket, while keeping your belongings safe and in sight.

Choose a style that holds the day's essentials: papers, wallet, phone, sunglasses, small water bottle, sun cream, power bank. SIMEON, semi-rigid and zipped, can be carried by hand, on the shoulder or cross-body; SERENYS closes with a gold buckle and has an adjustable, removable strap. Both adapt as well to sightseeing as to dinners.

To learn all about this format, reread our article on the women's cross-body bag. Also discover our cross-body bags collection.

3. During the journey: plane, train, car

On a plane, your handbag generally counts as a personal item, in addition to your cabin bag. Airlines set maximum dimensions for this item, which vary from one airline to another: check them before you leave. A medium bag that can slide under the seat in front is ideal. It should hold everything you will need during the flight: papers, phone, charger, earphones, tissues, lip balm, a small pouch, snacks.

On a train or in a car, the size constraint disappears, but organisation remains essential: a well-organised bag saves you from emptying everything to find your ticket. We will cover the rules and tips for your cabin bag in a dedicated article in this series.

Many travellers adopt the two-bag strategy: a medium bag for the journey, into which they slip a small cross-body bag to use alone once there. LARA or NOÉMIE are perfect for this role.

4. By type of trip

For a city break (a weekend in Rome, Lisbon, Barcelona), choose a compact, elegant cross-body bag that will follow you from museums to café terraces, with a reliable closure against pickpockets. For a seaside holiday, a large beach tote will complement a small cross-body bag for the evenings.

For a business trip, take a structured work bag that can carry a laptop, like CAMEO L, and a small bag for dinners. For a road trip or a nature break, a soft, durable cross-body bag will be more suitable than a delicate structured bag.

For longer stays, a proper travel bag takes over to carry clothes and belongings; for elegant hand luggage, discover our maxi bags.

5. Colour and style: a bag that goes with the whole suitcase

When travelling, we take few clothes and combine them. The bag must therefore go with the whole suitcase. Neutral colours rule: caramel, black, beige, brown. Caramel is particularly suited to holidays: it goes with white, denim, linen, prints and evening outfits.

If you love colour, choose it according to your holiday palette: a green or apricot for light summery outfits, a wine red for an autumnal suitcase. To find the right colour, reread which handbag colour to choose.

Finally, a convertible bag is your best ally: cross-body by day for sightseeing, by hand or on the shoulder in the evening for dinner. One bag, two looks.

Conclusion: security, comfort and versatility

The ideal travel bag is a small to medium cross-body bag that closes securely, is light, made of durable leather and in a neutral colour that goes with the whole suitcase. If needed, complement it with a larger bag for the journey or the beach, and with a proper travel bag for your belongings. With this duo, you will travel light, safe and elegant. For a selection designed for active days, browse our cross-body bags.

FAQ: which bag to take when travelling

What is the best bag for travelling?

A small or medium cross-body bag that closes securely with a zip or flap, worn in front or at the side.

What size handbag for the plane?

It depends on the airline. In general, the personal item must fit under the seat in front. Check the allowed dimensions before you leave.

How can I avoid pickpockets when travelling?

Use a closed bag worn in front of you, and never leave your bag open or unattended.

Should I take several bags when travelling?

Two are often enough: a medium bag for the journey and a small cross-body bag for days out once there.

Does a leather bag hold up when travelling?

Yes, especially if it is waterproofed before you leave. Just avoid leaving it in the sun or in contact with wet sand.