Best Travel Bags for Safe International Travel

Types of travel bags

There are hundreds of different day bag options in varying styles, sizes, colors, and types, but for our purposes, they generally fall into one of three categories:

Backpacks

This familiar type of bag has (as you may expect) a strap for each shoulder and rests on your back. Backpacks are generally a little bigger and can hold more or larger items than some of the other bags.

Crossbody bags

This category includes anything with a single strap that can go over one shoulder and across the body. We broke down this broad category into three groups: messenger bags, which are generally a little larger; standard crossbody travel bags; and purses with crossbody straps.

Waist packs

Waist packs, also known as belt bags or fanny packs, have a strap that goes around your waist with a small bag that can be worn in front, in back, or on the side of your body.

Deciding what type of bag to get will depend on where you are going and what types of excursions you will be using the bag for. You’ll also want to consider what you’ll be carrying around with you to make sure you get a bag that will accommodate everything and still be comfortable.

Already know what type of bag you’re looking for? Jump ahead to see our recommendations!

• Backpacks
• Messenger bags
• Crossbody bags
• Purses
• Waist packs

What makes a travel bag secure?

Keeping your personal belongings secure is a top priority, especially when you’re traveling. No matter what type or brand of bag you end up using, there are a couple of things to look for to make sure your belongings will be safe.

Zippers. It’s a simple thing, but having zippers on all your bag openings will help deter pickpockets. Avoid bags with snaps or that only partially close; it’s too easy for thieves to slip things out of them. Zippers that lock or clip together are your best option, and if a bag doesn’t come with locks, you can use hooks, S-biners, or even twist ties if needed to make it that much harder for a pickpocket to get your bag open.

Inside pockets. Look for bags with interior pockets and compartments, especially ones that zip, to keep your most important documents, cards, and valuables doubly safe.

Crossbody strap. A bag that hangs off of one shoulder can be pulled off easily, whereas a bag that hangs across the body is much harder to snatch. Ideally, look for an adjustable crossbody strap that is wider than one inch and made of a strong, thick material. Some companies even insert wire into the straps to prevent them from being cut.

Manageable size. Make sure your bag is not so big that it’s hard to protect with your hand or arm. Besides, a bag that big will probably be uncomfortable to carry around all day.

Inconspicuous. Carrying a bag that’s particularly large or bright will mark you as a tourist and attract more attention, so look for bags that are subdued in design and color.

Sturdy material. Some thieves will slash open a bag and steal the contents as they fall out, so choose a bag made of thick, sturdy fabric. Nylon is a popular choice for travel bags, as it is durable and water-resistant. Leather, mock leather, or even canvas bags are good choices as well, and some companies even make bags with a slash-proof mesh lining.

RFID protection. Some passports, credit cards, and even ID cards have RFID chips that contain your personal information, and it is possible that identity thieves could access this information from a distance with an RFID reader. Chances of this happening are slim, but many companies have RFID-blocking pockets for your cards as an extra security measure.

We’ve researched and compared the security and functionality features of the many travel bag options on the market to bring you the best of each category in terms of safety and convenience. There’s a wide range of prices, features, and styles represented here, so take a look and consider what will work best for you and your travels.

As a general rule of thumb, any type of bag from Pacsafe is going to be high quality and extra secure, and the Venturesafe 25L GII Anti-Theft Travel Pack is no exception. Pacsafe packs their products with all the specialized anti-theft features you could hope for, including Slashguard material, zipper security hooks, and RFID-blocking material to protect your data. It is roomy, with a large internal sleeve that can hold either a 15-inch laptop or a 3-liter hydration pouch; however, the big drawback to all of these great features is the high price. If it fits in your budget, though, this is a fantastic backpack for any destination.

The Osprey Daylite Backpack is a lightweight backpack that is about half the price of the Pacsafe Venturesafe pack, though is also about half the size. The Daylite is meant to attach to a larger hiking backpack but is perfect for day trips or hikes with its adjustable shoulder, chest, and waist straps. It does not include the specific anti-theft features of the Pacsafe products, such as RFID blocking pockets and slash-proof material, but all of the zippers can be locked easily. The Daylite is a high quality pack with lots of very positive reviews and would be a solid choice for a travel backpack.

The New Outlander Packable Lightweight Travel Backpack is pretty basic, but its low cost and compact folded size give it an advantage over many other travel backpacks. The whole backpack can fold up and fit into a zippered inner pocket so you can take it with you on your trip and pull it out only on an as-needed basis instead of as a dedicated carry-on bag. It has two large-capacity sizes, though keep in mind that you won’t want to have a full, heavy backpack on your back for an extended period of time.

Although the New Outlander Packable Lightweight backpack is missing most of the anti-theft features of other travel backpacks like the zipper locks, slash-proof meshing, and RFID protection, this is one of the top-rated travel backpacks on Amazon—over 90% of the 3,500 reviews are positive. And in case you need one more reason to consider it, it also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Travelon is another highly reputable travel bag company, and you can be sure that any bags or packs from Travelon are going to be high quality. Their Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag is a popular choice (as evidenced by the number of positive Amazon reviews). The bag has an adjustable strap, plenty of inside and outside pockets and compartments, plus all the anti-theft features that you could want, including RFID protection, slash-proof material and straps, and locking zippers. It is on the smaller side, so you won’t be fitting any laptops in it, but it will definitely keep your personal belongings safe while you travel.

This convertible bag can be carried as a messenger bag, as a backpack (straps included), or by the sturdy handle at its top. It's a good bag for travel, since all its pockets are zippered, allowing for safe closure. All its interchangeable straps are adjustable, and there is a padded internal sleeve that can hold a 17-inch laptop. It is a great price compared to similar products since it feels like three bags in one, plus it comes in almost eleven different color options.

This Classic Messenger Bag from Timbuk2 is sturdy and durable and has been produced by Timbuk2 for over 18 years. It is more of a classic messenger bag design without travel-specific features, so there are no anti-theft aspects and it is a bit pricey; however, it is a high-quality bag made with heavy-duty yet stylish materials that will last you a long time. It is available in four different sizes (from x-small to large), so you can choose the bag that will accommodate your travel needs best.

With all the quality and anti-theft features you expect from a Travelon bag, the Classic Crossbody Bag is an excellent choice for traveling abroad or as a day-to-day bag. (If you’re looking for something more compact, the Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Slim Pouch has all the great safety features of the other Travelon bags, but it is smaller, very lightweight, and less expensive on Amazon.) The RFID-blocking pockets, the slash-proof material, and the locking zippers are all there, plus a removable LED light inside the bag so you won’t ever need to hunt through your bag in the dark. The slash-proof strap can also be detached and looped around something secure if you need to leave your bag for a moment. The Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag can fit an iPad or tablet, and over 85% of the 1,200 reviews on Amazon were positive, making it the top-rated Travelon bag on Amazon

You can’t get much safer than a bag from Pacsafe. With a slash-proof strap and bag material, RFID protection, and zipper locking mechanisms, the Citysafe LS200 Anti-Theft Travel Handbag has everything you’d need in a completely secure bag. Pacsafe makes a wide range of anti-theft crossbody bags, including a smaller version of this bag, the Citysafe LS100. We chose to highlight the LS200 because its larger size makes it ideal for carrying all the items you may need while you travel, plus every point of access has a locking zipper so you know that your valuables are safe.

Although the Tom Bihn Cafe Bags are not specifically designed for travel, they are durable, high-quality crossbody bags that would be great for traveling. These bags come in three different sizes and lots of colors so you can find just what you want. There are additional features that can be purchased separately (if they fit into your budget), like a protective laptop sleeve, an additional organizer for small items, a waist strap, and a padded shoulder strap. They also come with a limited lifetime warranty.

If you are looking for an everyday purse that can double as a travel bag, or if you want something stylish as well as functional, the Fossil Morgan Traveler Bag is for you. While not specifically slash-proof, the 100% leather exterior and strap will be difficult for thieves to cut through. The strap is adjustable as well as detachable, and there are several pockets on both the outside and inside of the bag. Fossil is known for their high-quality products, which accounts for the extra high price, but it’s an excellent bag that many travelers recommend. And without being designed as a tourist bag, it will help you blend in wherever you go, whether you’re shopping around your hometown or exploring new places.

The Baggallini Everywhere Shoulder Bag is another day-to-day purse that would make a great travel bag and has tons of positive reviews. As with the other crossbody bags, the shoulder strap is adjustable up to 52 inches so it can be worn over the shoulder or across the body. There are several pockets and compartments, including a side zippered compartment for quick access to a water bottle or sunglasses. It also has a detachable coin purse and comes in several sizes so you can pick the size you’ll need. The biggest drawback is the lack of specific anti-theft features like the slash-proof meshing or RFID protection, but even without those, this is a great day-to-day travel bag.

Best secure travel waist packs

The Eagle Creek Tailfeather RFID Medium belt bag is one of Eagle Creek’s All Ways Secure products and a great option if you are looking for a waist pack. The RFID blocker pocket protects your personal information (passport, credit cards), and the lockable zippers keep everything secure, so you can carry your most important items close to you all the time. The strap is adjustable for a comfortable fit, and there are several pouches and zippered pockets (including a lined electronics pocket) to give you multiple storage options.

This Pacsafe Venturesafe 100 GII Anti-Theft Hip Pack offers you several zippered pockets for storing your travel essentials right at your fingertips. All of the zippers can be locked, and the bag is made from Pacsafe’s Slashguard material. The strap is slash proof, adjustable up to 45 inches, and has a dual release button on the buckle for an extra layer of security. The RFID blocking pockets protect your personal information from being stolen so you can securely carry your personal documents and cards with you as you travel from place to place.

Travel Safely

When selecting a day bag to take with you on your international adventures, take where you’re going and what you’ll be using it for into consideration, as well as your personal style preferences. Decide if you’ll be most comfortable with a backpack, a crossbody bag, or something that just goes around your waist. Then look for a bag that has at least basic security features, like a crossbody strap and zippered pockets, to protect your personal belongings as you travel. If you can pay a little more, look for a bag that has specific anti-theft features to give you an additional advantage over anyone who might try to steal from you.

That being said, keep in mind that it isn’t necessary to find a bag with specific safety or anti-theft features in order to carry your personal items securely while you travel. There are many ways to stay safe while traveling, and the biggest thing that will protect your belongings is using common sense when wearing, accessing, or setting down your bag. Pickpockets and thieves look for those moments when bags and purses are unattended or your money is easily accessible, so don’t give them the opportunity. Once you’ve picked a bag and know how to stay safe in general, you can enjoy your trip even more, knowing you’ve got the best bag for your travel situation.