Would you rather save your cash for trips rather than splashing out on designer threads? Shop our roundup of the fifteen best cheap purses for travel!
Cheap Purses for Travel
Written By: Niki Landry
If travel is at the top of your goals for this year, then budgeting that trip should be at the forefront of your mind!
In the spirit of saving, I’ve compiled a list of cheap purses for travel that will look good without blowing your travel savings. They’re perfect for the jetsettin’ girl on a budget.
These bags are fashionable and functional for travel, but also great to keep you on that aforementioned “financial plan”. The less you spend on travel gear, the more you will have to use on your upcoming trip! It’s a win-win situation.
Crossbody
Get Poppin Crossbody | Ring Decoder Crossbody | Faux Leather Crossbody
My favorite travel purse is the cross body bag; I never leave home without one. It’s worn close to the body so it feels more secure than a shoulder bag. The cross body also leaves your hands free while exploring or shopping.
When looking for purses, I like simple shapes with one or two interesting details. I try to stay away from flashy or name brand logos, since I don’t want to call attention to my belongings or myself when on the road.
The styles above are classic shapes–saddle and envelope–but in updated colors. These shades are easy to mix and match with a capsule wardrobe, making them perfect for travel.
Find out why cross body purses are the best travel bags!
Backpack
Faux Leather Backpack Handbag | Kylie Backpack | Mini Velvet Backpack
My second favorite form for transporting my belongings when I travel is a backpack. I go for this style when I need a little extra space for keeping a water bottle, scarf, and umbrella handy.
Very convenient and easy to tote around, a chic city backpack like the ones above are great options for sightseeing.
Take a look at these cute backpacks for travel!
Shoulder
Aldo Casoli | H&M Handbag | Faux Leather Bucket Bag
A classic shoulder bag is one option that I personally don’t find useful when on the road, but ladies with travel styles different from my own may find them essential.
Shoulder bags are big enough to store everything you’d need for a day trip, but are usually compact so they don’t get super heavy. They give you the space and comfort to be prepared for anything your travels may throw at you.
If you’re aiming for style, choose structured bags that can elevate a basic travel wardrobe.
Learn how to avoid handbag theft when you travel.
Tote
Ava Tote Bag | Large Tote Purse | Satchel Handbag
I love packing light and efficiently, but larger bags are sometimes necessary for keeping everything organized and within easy reach. A tote is a nice option for when you’re in transit; think planes, trains, and automobiles.
I place my smaller cross body purse inside the tote and can add other items like electronics, beauty products, and snacks, which are all essential to keeping me comfy and content while on the road.
I especially like the burgundy version above. It’s a classic shape in a popular color with an affordable price tag!
We also love packable totes like these!
Clutch
Suede Clutch Bag | Foldover Clutch | Faux Leather Large Pouch
Clutches aren’t necessary for every trip; however, depending on your activities, they can be a nice additional option to bring along. They pack easily and can be placed empty at the bottom of your luggage.
The options above give you the best of all possible handbag scenarios: a casual suede clutch for a low-maintenance day exploring a new town; a metallic option for a planned event, wedding, or holiday; or a fold-over clutch to provide a little more space for essentials.
A clutch can double as a cosmetic bag, too!
Where do you shop for fashionably cheap purses for travel? Share in the comments below!
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For more travel purses, please read:
- Top 5 Anti-Theft Travel Bags for Women – Best Sellers!
- The Best Purse Organizers
- Cross Body Purses: The Best Travel Shoulder Bags for Women
- Convertible Backpack Purse Styles We Love
I hope you liked this post on cheap purses for travel. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio: Niki is an interior designer and artist from Louisiana. In addition to her design work, she writes for local and online publications sharing her experiences and passion for travel. Niki is currently adding stamps to her passport while building her design practice, Niki Landry Designs.
Piel makes some very nice leather backpack purses that can be purchased on sale through ebags for less than $100. I wore one for a year daily, and it held up well. I still have it, but people should be aware that they are “naked leather”, and they tend to get a little discolored over time, although this doesn’t detract too much from their looks.
I really like the Baggallini purses and own two Chris Crossbody purses, one in beige and one in black. Each was purchased new on sale or on Ebay for under $60. They have multiple, zippered pockets, are very lightweight, can be worn as a shoulder purse, and can be washed in the washing machine. I find they are just the right size, and they’re very durable. People should be aware that crossbody purses feel heavier, since the weight is in the front, and, therefore, a smaller than normal purse is recommended.
Great feedback Sue!
This was one of the best lists I have come across today. Loved them all!!
I’ve been incredibly lucky in all of my travels that I’ve never had anything stolen, but I do generally go for a bag with a zip (rather than a clasp) and something that I don’t have to rummage around in for too long to find what I need. I love the look of the Poppin blue cross body bag, and will definitely try and track one down for my next trip!
Hope you find it 🙂
I am always on the lookout for cute bags. 🙂
Is it excessive to bring more than one type of bag on a three week trip? I was thinking about bringing a large-ish zippered tote for travel days and a smaller crossbody bag for sightseeing and walking around.
That sounds like a good balance of two purses – not excessive 🙂
I love purses, bags, and clutches! The tip to travel with a less expensive bag is a really good idea. No one wants a bag stolen, and also, if it gets wet or damaged while travelling, you’re not going to be too upset.
Good point, glad you like them Jo!
I recently got a faux-Longchamps tote from Amazon in a beautiful royal blue. It was under $15 and will be great for my trip with the toddlers to Paris and Croatia this spring!
Perfect!