Traveling to Europe can be an exciting experience. As you journey through the continent, you’ll get the chance to visit some of the world’s most exceptional landmarks.
From the Pantheon in Rome to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the destinations are endless. However, while experiencing the thrill of exploring cobblestone streets and bustling marketplaces, it’s essential that you come prepared with the right gear.
You want a bag that will carry all your belongings without clashing with your outfit. If that’s what you’re after, we can help.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some options for the best travel purse for Europe. We’ll cover the features you should look for in a bag and how to choose the ideal design that matches your preferences.
We’ll also explore the items you can keep in your purse as you navigate the continent.
Choosing the Best Purse for Traveling in Europe
Before we jump into the best travel purses on the market, there are a few factors you should be aware of. These will help you choose a bag that works well for your needs.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the key features you should keep an eye out for.
1. Quality
Right off the bat, the first aspect of the purse you have to pay attention to is quality. You should remember that the trip to Europe can be exceptionally rough on your bag.
You’ll need to put your purse down and pick it back up several times along your journey. This can take a significant toll on the handle, straps, and the bottom of the purse.
Besides that, if you’re traveling through all of Europe, you’ll end up using your purse for quite a long while.
Because of that, you need a heavy-duty bag that can handle a lot of wear and tear. So, be sure you pay close attention to the construction.
Double-check that the zippers are sturdy. Plus, check that the purse material is durable and can last a while.
2. Security
Even though Europe is among the safest destinations in the world, the region isn’t free of crime. There are countless instances of petty theft and fraud across the continent.
For that reason, safety is crucial. You need to make sure that you can keep your belongings secure while you travel through the region.
That’s why it’s a good idea to ensure that your purse comes with the latest safety features. For instance, you want a bag that’s equipped with sealed zippers, locking compartments, secure credit card slots, and a tight crossbody strap.
Besides that, buy a purse that’s made out of slash-resistant materials. That way, no one can separate you from your bag, even with a sharp weapon.
Plus, ideally, you need a bag with short straps so you can keep it close to your body. This should deter criminals from snatching your purse.
Finally, you may want to consider traveling with a purse that has radio frequency identification (RFID) blocking. This will jam your credit card’s electromagnetic signals to prevent burglars from copying your private banking information.
3. Design
While your purse needs to be durable and secure, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on aesthetics. It should still match your style preferences.
Europe is well-known for its exciting and lively fashion scene. For instance, England, Italy, and France are home to three of the world’s most incredible fashion capitals.
So, if you’re going to blend in the region, you need a stylish bag that’s on trend. This will help you integrate with the locals and ensure you don’t look like a tourist.
Plus, you may want to look for a purse that can transition from day to night seamlessly. That way, you won’t have to keep going back to your hotel every night to switch out bags.
Moving on, avoid purses with heavy embroidery or particularly intricate design elements like embossing. These elements can snag on sharp objects and ruin the look of your bag.
Because of that, go for a plain design that doesn’t come with many extra frills.
Lastly, when it comes to the color of your purse, it’s best practice to opt for darker shades. These can hide stains and early signs of wear and tear.
4. Functionality
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time with your purse on the trip, you have to make sure it provides all the functionality you need.
There’s nothing worse than spending several minutes trying to fish out a specific item from your bag. For that reason, you need a purse that comes with plenty of internal compartments.
That way, you can divide your belongings into categories to make retrieving items much easier.
5. Construction Materials
The weather can vary greatly depending on where you are in Europe. For instance, some regions are stormy, while others are dry and warm.
So, your purse needs to reflect the environment. That’s why you have to pay close attention to the construction materials of the bag.
Aside from the durable fabric, you should ensure it can withstand the elements.
If you’re going to a rainy area like Norway or the United Kingdom, you want a waterproof purse. However, when navigating the deserts of Poland, a lightweight, breathable material is the way to go.
6. Size
The last feature on our list is size. Your purse should be large enough to fit all your belongings without hindering your movements.
Because of that, a giant tote bag may not be the ideal choice for your journey through Europe. The purse will move around as you walk and bump into your legs and the objects around you.
This can become frustrating after a while. For that reason, make sure you choose the smallest purse that can fit all your essentials.
Yet, don’t forget to leave a little extra room in your purse to fit souvenirs and small gifts.
Items That Should Be in Your Purse While Traveling Through Europe
Now that you know what features to look for in a purse, we can look at the items you should bring with you on your trip.
Here’s a quick list of all the must-haves on your journey through Europe:
- Phone: To keep in touch with your travel buddies and facilitate navigation
- Portable Power Bank: To keep your phone charged throughout the journey
- Wallet: Including all your IDs, passport, credit cards, and a little cash for emergencies
- Safety Whistle: To call for help in case of an urgent situation
- Mini First-Aid Kit: Pack a few band-aids and pain-killers
- Hand Sanitizer: Keeps your hands clean to reduce the chances of catching infections
- Self-Care Products: Pack a moisturizer, lip balm, and sunscreen to protect your skin
Besides that, it may be a good idea to carry a light snack in your purse. This will ensure that you always have a little pick-me-up in case your blood sugar levels drop as you explore the region.
Finally, a collapsible water bottle can be a lifesaver. It won’t carry that much liquid, but it’ll contain enough water to keep you hydrated in a pinch.
Best Purses for Traveling Through Europe
With the buying guide out of the way, we’re ready to dive into some of the best purses for traveling through Europe.
In this section, we’ll cover a few of the most durable and stylish bags on the market.
1. Telena Backpack Purse
If you’re looking for an affordable backpack that can carry many items, the Telena purse may be ideal for you. It’s roomy, durable, and, most importantly, stylish.
The bag features several compartments that all come with secure zippers. So, you’ll be able to carry countless items and keep them all safe.
That makes this backpack the perfect purse to carry if you’re traveling with kids.
Moving on, the straps on the bag are completely adjustable. You can choose to carry the Telena as a backpack or a purse. For that reason, the bag can blend with many outfit styles.
Besides that, the Telena backpack consists of PU leather. This material is highly durable, slash-resistant, and looks shiny and luxurious.
Pros
- Made of high-quality PU leather that’s durable and comfortable to wear for long hours
- Several zippered pockets and compartments allow you to organize your belongings
- You can wear it as a backpack to free up your hands
Cons
- May be too spacious for some people
- Requires regular maintenance to keep the leather looking shiny and new
2. Mark & Graham The Essential Crossbody
When looking for a classic, elegant purse that can help you stand out in a crowd, The Essential Crossbody may be the bag for you.
This purse consists of fine, soft leather that’s both stylish and durable. Besides that, the straps are adjustable so the bag will work for people of all shapes and sizes.
Moving on, the Mark & Graham Crossbody is compact. The bag is only around eight inches wide, six inches high, and two and a half inches deep.
As you can tell, this is on the smaller side for bags. However, the Crossbody can still fit many items. You’ll be able to squeeze in more objects than you think in this tiny purse.
Lastly, you can customize this bag in several ways. You may choose between a foil-debossed or a printed finish.
Plus, both options come in several shades and patterns.
Pros
- Sleek design and compact size means the purse can work with many styles
- Since it’s on the smaller side, you should have no issues carrying around the bag for long periods
- You can choose between countless designs and colors
Cons
- Only one large compartment, which will make organizing your purse a chore
- Your storage space will be a little limited with this purse
3. Arden Cove Anti-Theft Purse
As we mentioned, security is an essential factor when it comes to choosing a purse. So, if you’re worried about keeping your belongings safe, the Arden Cove Anti-Theft purse is the way to go.
This bag is lightweight, spacious, and comes with several compartments. Yet, the best feature of this bag is the material.
Arden Cove makes these purses out of the same fabric used in bullet-proof vests. That means thieves will have a hard time separating you from your bag.
Other than that, this purse comes with an RFID-blocking feature. Because of that, you can roam around Europe without worrying about anyone copying your credit card information.
Pros
- One of the best purses for anti-theft
- Durable materials, which means it can last you for many years
- Works well for all environments because of the waterproof exterior
Cons
- One of the most expensive purses on our list
- May be prone to staining depending on the color and finish you choose
4. Lo & Sons O.G. 2
If you’re traveling to Europe on a business trip, you may want to consider buying the Lo & Sons O.G. 2. This bag is sleek, stylish, and roomy.
For starters, the purse has three main compartments. The center one is the largest and contains several tiny pockets.
That means organizing your purse should be a breeze. Besides that, it has handles and an adjustable shoulder strap to make carrying it around easier.
Plus, the purse comes in black and gray, which are perfect for any formal setting. On top of that, it has a designated laptop compartment.
Lastly, the O.G. 2 material is exceptionally lightweight. So, even if you fill the bag to the brim, it shouldn’t get too heavy.
Pros
- Simple to organize thanks to the countless compartments
- Comes with many travel features like a water bottle pocket and a trolley sleeve
- Lightweight and can even fit a laptop
Cons
- May be too large for a shorter or day trip
- Laptop compartment is only big enough for a 13-inch screen
5. Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack
When packing for a solo trip, people typically only want to bring the essentials. This will free them up to explore their destination without worrying about lugging around a heavy bag.
If that sounds like you, then consider getting the Rebecca Minkoff Julian purse.
It’s a travel-size backpack that comes with three zippered pockets and a small flap that can keep your belongings safe in transit.
Moving on, the bag design is simple and elegant, and it’s made out of leather. Plus, you’ll find many black shellac hardware pieces on the bag that give it a more interesting finish.
This means you can wear it with a T-shirt and a pair of jeans, or dress it up for a classic evening look. Because of that, you may not even need to pack another purse for your trip.
Pros
- Perfect for a solo trip through Europe
- Simple design can transition from morning to evening seamlessly
- Ample storage and pockets for organization
Cons
- Leather is a bit stiff, which means it may get scratched or scuffed easily
- Isn’t ideal for longer trips across Europe
6. LATMAP Sling Bag
The LATMAP Sling Bag is the best companion for anyone with an adventurous heart. So, if you’re planning a particularly active trip with plenty of physical exertion, like hiking or skiing, consider buying this purse.
It’s a combination of a backpack and a crossbody. That means it’s small enough to carry around easily, while still being spacious.
On top of that, because of the strap design, this purse will sit flush with your back or abdomen. This will ensure you keep your purse safe from any wandering hands.
Moving on, this purse comes with adjustable straps that are durable and comfortable to wear for long periods.
Pros
- Best companion for the active traveler
- Many zippered compartments to ensure your belongings stay put
- Faux leather fabric gives it an edgy, fashion-forward look
Cons
- Only large enough to fit your phone, passport, and a few other essentials
- Can be bulky depending on how you organize the bag
7. Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag
Traveling through Europe can cost an arm and a leg. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your expenses low, this Travelon Anti-Theft messenger bag may be just the ticket.
It’s one of the most affordable purses on our list. Yet, that doesn’t mean you’re giving up quality. In fact, this is arguably the most secure travel purse.
It comes with a five-point anti-theft security system that’ll ensure all your items stay in the bag, no matter what happens.
Pros
- The messenger style ensures the bag doesn’t get in your way as you walk around
- Locking zippers and slash-proof material keep your belongings safe
- Straps are replaceable, so you can use the bag even after the handle degrades
Cons
- Compact size, which means it can only accommodate a few items
- Water bottle net is a little flimsy, which makes it difficult to use
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for the best travel purse for Europe, there are a few features you have to keep an eye out for. Right off the bat, you want a bag that’s high-quality and can handle a lot of wear and tear.
Besides that, you should take into account the safety features, construction materials, and the size of the purse.
If you’re after a durable, spacious purse, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2 may be the best option for you. Yet, when looking for a compact bag that can fit many items, the Arden Cove Anti-Theft purse is the way to go.
