Which Affordable Crossbody Bags Are Best for Travel
Fly With Your Bags
Published on Jan 22nd, 2026
Bags
Your crossbody bag can make or break your travel experience. After testing 23 budget options across Europe and the United States, the sweet spot sits between $25 and $200. Travel style experts have championed these affordable alternatives, proving designer prices don't guarantee better performance.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, 74% of Americans flew. Consumer Reports found 67% of travel bag failures stem from zipper malfunctions and strap breakage, not material quality. Budget brands often use industrial-grade YKK zippers, matching luxury alternatives.
Many affordable brands prioritize eco-friendly materials without a luxury markup. McKinsey research reveals 43% of millennials prioritize sustainable purchases.
Why Affordable Crossbody Bags Outperform Luxury Options
I tested a $45 Bagsmart bag alongside a $380 designer bag through Rome's crowded metro stations and Barcelona's busy La Rambla. Guess which one performed better for security and organization? The budget option.
Security features like RFID blocking and slash-resistant straps aren't exclusive to expensive bags anymore. You'll find identical quality in well-chosen budget options.
Weight is another game-changer for all-day exploring. The American Chiropractic Association recommends keeping your bag under 10% of your body weight. Most affordable crossbodies weigh 8 to 12 ounces, while leather designer bags typically hit 16 to 20 ounces. That difference matters when you're walking 20,000 steps through a new city.
8 BEST Budget Friendly CROSSBODY BAGS for Travel
1. Strathberry Mini Mosaic Bag ($195)
This Scottish-made beauty weighs just 11 ounces. The metal bar closure lets you open it one-handed while juggling coffee and a map. The vegetable-tanned leather actually gets better-looking over time.
Inside you'll find two card slots, one zippered pocket, and a 1.2L main compartment that fits your passport, iPhone 14 Pro Max, sunglasses, and small wallet.
Strathberry sources leather only from certified tanneries. The trade-off? That 7-inch width means no room for water bottles on longer trips.
Best for: European city breaks, museum hopping, dinner dates
Skip if: You're planning full-day hikes.
2. Longchamp Le Pliage Energy XS Handbag ($12
At 6.3 ounces, this bag practically disappears when you wear it. The 100% recycled polyamide canvas is seriously tough. Longchamp claims it cuts carbon footprint by 34%, and I tested that durability through three weeks of tropical downpours in Southeast Asia. Everything stayed dry.
The 2L capacity is surprisingly roomy. The catch? No RFID blocking, slash-resistant straps, or locking zippers. Save this for safer destinations.
Best for: Eco-conscious travelers, anyone who hates heavy bags, low risk areas
Skip if: You're heading to pickpocket hotspots.
3. Aspinal of London Camera Crossbody Bag ($175)
Three separate compartments mean you can organize instead of digging through chaos. Tech in one section, documents in another, personal items in the third. The front pocket is perfect for boarding passes and hotel keys.
Italian pebbled leather from Gold-rated tanneries looks sharp and resists scratches. I took this through Paris and Amsterdam, and it looked good in both.
The downside? That 8.5-inch width barely fits larger smartphones with cases.
Best for: Fashion lovers, photographers needing organized storage, European adventures
Skip if: You need something for rugged outdoor use.
4. Le Tanneur Pia Small Shoulder Bag ($168)
French craftsmanship with over a century of experience shows in-every stitch. The front flap hides a secure zippered pocket that's perfect for your passport and cards. Behind that, a magnetic closure main compartment holds everything else you need.
The full-grain French leather improves with age instead of cracking like cheaper bags. I tested this from Norwegian fjords to Spanish beaches. Minor scratches? They rubbed right out. The structured shape survived countless overhead bins and tight under-seat spaces.
One thing to watch: the 0.75-inch strap can dig into your shoulder if you're carrying heavier loads all day.
Best for: Lovers of timeless European style, moderate packers
Skip if: You prefer super lightweight synthetic bags.
5. Ralph Lauren Polo ID Leather Mini Chain Bag ($178)
This bag plays double duty beautifully. Use the detachable chain strap for elegant evening vibes, then switch to the longer leather strap for daytime crossbody wear. The premium pebbled leather comes in colors that work with everything, and the branding is subtle enough that you won't stand out as a tourist.
Six built-in card slots mean you can leave your wallet behind. One zippered compartment keeps things secure and organized. I tested this on a two-week Mediterranean cruise, and it transitioned seamlessly from casual port exploring to fancy dinners.
Fair warning: the 6-inch width only fits the smallest smartphones, or you'll need to ditch the phone case.
Best for: Cruise travelers, anyone wanting one bag for multiple occasions, style-focused packers.
Skip if: You have a larger phone or need exterior pockets.
6. Ateliers Auguste Mini Monceau ($145)
Parisian artisans handcraft this minimalist beauty from vegetable-tanned leather. The clean design features a magnetic flap with an interior zippered pocket for double security. What makes it special is how the soft leather molds to your body as you wear it, getting more comfortable over time.
Ateliers Auguste ships carbon-neutral and uses leather from food industry byproducts. Each bag has a unique serial number and comes with a care guide. At just 7 ounces, it was perfect for tackling Lyon's steep hills during testing.
The minimalist vibe means minimal organization, though. Without interior dividers, items can mix.
Best for: Minimalist travelers, sustainable fashion fans, active city exploring
Skip if: You need lots of pockets and compartments.
7. Songmont Luna Crossbody ($32)
For under $35, this bag packs security features you'd expect in bags costing $150 or more. Anti-theft zippers with interlocking teeth, RFID blocking material, slash resistant straps. It's all there. The vegan leather has a water-resistant coating that handles surprise rainstorms.
Organization is excellent: main zippered section, front zippered pocket, back anti-theft pocket against your body, plus four card slots. I deliberately tested this in Barcelona's pickpocketing zones and around Rome's Trevi Fountain. The security features work.
After six months of regular use, I noticed some corner stitching starting to fray. But at this price, replacing it every year or so still beats buying one designer bag.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, destinations with pickpocketing concerns
Skip if: You want something that'll last a decade.
8. Tory Burch Romy Small Crossbody ($198)
This sits at the top of the affordable luxury range, and it shows. Travel style experts love featuring this bag because it genuinely works for both casual sightseeing and upscale dining. The signature double T hardware is recognizable without being flashy, and the structured shape looks professional.
Pebbled leather handles scratches and water spots like a champ. I took this through Dubai's luxury shopping districts and Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. Even with all that humidity, the hardware showed zero tarnishing. Nice touches include protective feet on the bottom and an interior clip for keys.
The structured design is great for maintaining shape, but won't squish down flat in your luggage.
Best for: Business travelers, anyone wanting designer quality without designer prices, and versatile trips
Skip if: You need something ultra compact for packing.
What to Look for When Buying
Security Matters: The Overseas Security Advisory Council reported a 34% jump in pickpocketing across major European cities in 2024. Look for lockable zippers, RFID blocking, and slash-resistant straps.
Stay Organized: Dedicated pockets for passport, cards, and phone make airport security less stressful. Best setup: one exterior pocket, one body side pocket, divided interior.
Comfort Counts: Wide padded straps (minimum 1 inch) distribute weight better. The American Chiropractic Association recommends keeping bags under 10% of body weight.
Weather Protection: Look for water repellent coating or waterproof zippers, especially for rainy destinations.
Airline Rules: Most airlines allow personal items around 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Your crossbody should fit these limits while holding essentials.
FAQ's
What is the best crossbody bag for travelling?
The Tory Burch Romy Small Crossbody ($198) hits the sweet spot for designer quality, versatile styling, and practical travel features with great organization. If you're on a tighter budget, the Songmont Luna ($32) delivers impressive anti-theft features and RFID blocking for incredible value.
Are crossbody bags good for traveling?
Absolutely. Crossbody bags keep your hands free while securing your valuables against your body, which cuts pickpocketing risk by up to 70% compared to backpacks or shoulder bags. They also distribute weight evenly across your torso so that you won't get that one shoulder ache during long days of sightseeing.
What size crossbody bag is best for travel?
Go for bags between 8 and 12 inches wide. This size fits airline personal item requirements (18 x 14 x 8 inches) while holding your passport, phone, wallet, and other essentials. You get maximum capacity without the bulk that makes navigating crowded airports and tourist spots harder.
Which is the most affordable luxury bag?
The Ateliers Auguste Mini Monceau at $145 delivers genuine luxury with French atelier construction, vegetable-tanned leather, and carbon-neutral shipping at the lowest price point in this category. The Strathberry Mini Mosaic ($195) and Le Tanneur Pia ($168) also offer authentic luxury materials and European craftsmanship at accessible prices.
Making Your Final Choice
Think about what matters most: security versus style, capacity versus weight, eco-friendliness versus budget. Many travelers find it works better to have different bags for different trips.
Start with one versatile bag in neutral colors like black, tan, or navy. Spending $150 to $200 on a bag that lasts ten years costs less per year than replacing $40 bags every 18 months.
Pick based on actual features you'll use rather than trends. The right bag becomes your trusted companion from weekend getaways to bucket list adventures.
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