The best travel purses to use as your personal item on flights, according to a travel writer

Best travel purse overall: Lo & Sons Aoyama 2

Why we love it: A sophisticated, convertible design purse that easily transitions from spacious airport bag to chic night-out accessory. It can also lie flat in your suitcase.

Cons to consider: The sheepskin leather can scratch or fade if you're not careful.

It's three bags in one. The strap adjusts easily from clutch, shoulder bag, or crossbody, and the width made it so I never felt it dig into my chest or shoulder. The removal of Lo & Sons logo from the strap, which is now all buttery soft sheepskin leather, elevates the overall look of the bag.

The interior organization is elite. The Aoyama 2 has many smart internal pockets, including mesh ones so you can see what's inside without rummaging. As an inherently disorganized person, these made it easy to keep everything (lip gloss, passport, pens, a book, gum) in its proper place. Inside are four webbed pockets, one zip pocket, and three card slots. The zippered external pouch for my phone also cut down on rummaging time.

It's lightweight and really comfortable to wear. The Aoyama 2 is an imperceptible 2 ounces heavier than the original Aoyama. still feels like air on my shoulder, even when I've crammed it full of my Nintendo Switch 2 and other random debris I accumulate throughout a vacation.

It has a few new slight tweaks. The key leash is now elastic, for example. Alas, the upgraded feel begets a higher point ($288 compared to $210), but the increased wearability of the bag means I reach for it more frequently, therefore lowering the cost-per-wear. The pivot from an athleisure style to a more sophisticated look means I didn't have to pack a separate bag for nice dinners on vacation.

Best budget: Baggu Medium Cargo Crossbody

Why we love it: It's a spacious and sporty bag for casual sightseeing with cargo pockets for easy access.

Cons to consider: The design's a bit too casual for formal outings.

It's low-maintenance and machine-washable. Made of a durable-feeling recycled nylon, the fabric isn't what you might call "luxury"—rather, it's sporty and lightweight, which is far more important to me when I'm lugging suitcases and spilling coffee. Best of all for a messy, outdoorsy traveler like myself is that this Baggu is machine-washable.

The storage is simple and roomy. The Cargo Crossbody doesn't have as many specialized compartments as the other options I tested. Instead, there's just two exterior pockets and one interior zippered pocket. But the fact that the roomy interior is open gives me the option for all the other stuff I inevitably acquire while traveling. It can comfortably fit a wallet, sandwich, can of Diet Coke, a Nintendo switch, phone and a book, as I learned from my picnic in the park.

It comes in a variety of cute colors. Mine is a French blue, which adds a fun pop of color to any outfit (just because a bag is utilitarian and practical doesn't mean it has to be plain).

Best lightweight: Away Featherlight Crossbody

Why we love it: It's practically weightless and easy to keep clean.

Cons to consider: It lacks structure, so heavier items sink to the bottom.

It's really comfortable. Away's simple design offers just the right amount of structure and slouch. It's made from a water-repellant polyester till feels cushiony and almost quilted. Even when I filled the bag with snacks, a big book, a Fuji camera, and my notebook, the padding around the strap prevented the bag from digging into my shoulders.

It has an impressive capacity. The Featherlight Crossbody weighs just over half a pound, yet has a storage capacity of 10 liters. I wore the bag on a bike trail along the Hudson River, to a Phillies game, and to Brighton Beach, where water and sand slid right off. It's also machine washable.

There are super useful hidden exterior pockets. I used the tiny one on the strap, which is perfect for AirPods or keys, and the other that's ideally sized for a passport and phone. These helped me avoid rummaging around in my bag in front of hotel receptionists and baristas.

Best for organization: Dagne Dover Micah Neoprene Crossbody

Why we love it: A durable neoprene shell with satisfying compartmentalization inside.

Cons to consider: The sporty look reduces its day-to-night capacity.

There are so many ways to store things. I especially loved the convenience of the exterior magnetic-closure phone pocket. It has special compartments like card slots and pen loops, with loads of interior and exterior pockets for easy access to everyday items. I found myself constantly using the little loops for pens — a Godsend as mine are always scribbling on the bottom of my bags.

It looks cool. The Micah crossbody has a really distinctive, athletic look, with fun, chunky zippers. I felt really cool wearing it to yoga class and to the dog park. The 100% vegan material is made from 7 recycled plastic bottles, and it feels durable and sturdy.

It's lightweight and comfortable. It's can easily fit all the items I want while traveling — like documents, tablets, pens, books, and large headphones — but not something as large as a water bottle (for that, we suggest Dagne Dover's Sloan Sling instead).

Best phone holder: Bandolier Lily Duet

Why we love it: A stylish, convenient way to carry your phone like a travel influencer.

Cons to consider: You risk losing both your phone and wallet if it goes missing.

I no longer have to root around in my bag for my phone. Before Bandolier, I'd yet to find an accessory that offers easy, fumble-free, repeated access to my phone, which I use constantly while traveling — checking reservations, looking at Google Maps, or filming my pasta like I'm an influencer.

Bandolier's sturdy leather phone case, which has a handy envelope for cards, upgraded my entire life. I can wearing my phone elegantly as a purse, with the crossbody strap clasped directly to the leather phone case. This made it so easy to grab and then "put away," i.e. drop so it simply drapes across my body. The case clasps easily into Bandolier's expanded pouch, which can fit tickets, a thin wallet, a passport, keys, and a lip balm.

The materials and design feel expensive. Also, it is expensive. Both made of 100% leather, the Expanded Pouch is $98, and the Lily Duet (which is crossbody and wristlet phone case duo) costs $148. The sturdy pouch is a nice addition for a bit of extra storage, but you don't necessarily need to buy both: the phone case and detachable strap are enough.

The phone case itself is amazing. The back pocket card holder has a snap closure that keeps my credit card and ID secure and hidden. It's much safer than the exposed card holders I had before. I've made this my permanent phone case, whether traveling or not.

Best anti-theft travel purse: Arden Cove Bum Bag

Why we love it: The anti-theft features give you peace of mind when traveling with medications or irreplaceable items.

Cons to consider: It's too bulky to lie flat in a carry-on.

There are so many security features. The locking clasp straps are secure — they even take me a moment to undo when I'm just alone in my house, so I can't imagine how a thief would pull it off. I wore this bag through Times Square to get to a gynecologist appointment, and not for a second did I fear for the precious contents inside it (which included my anti-anxiety meds). Arden Cove makes it with "slash-resistant lining" and a hidden back zip pocket where I put my passport.

It can be worn in four ways. This Bum Bag's adjustable straps let me wear it as a belt bag, fanny pack, chest bag, or crossbody, which is ideal for crowded, high-traffic areas when I want my belongings as close to me as possible. The structure of the bag itself is less flexible than other options, but it allows you to keep everything close to the chest.

The storage is elite. I'm obsessed with its storage options, which includes two card holders that are perfect for subway cards, business cards, credit cards, IDs, and small tickets.

Best compact: Tumi Tyler Crossbody

Why we love it: It's super slim and

Cons to consider: The slim profile makes it hard to fit bulky items.

It has a slim profile with a deceptively spacious main compartment. "I toted it for a long day in New York City, and I appreciated that all my items were secured, but I knew exactly where to find them when I needed to," writes style contributor Talia Ergas.

There are eight pockets total, "with organizational features galore designed with neat freaks like me in mind," says Talia. "On the exterior, it has a front U-shaped pocket that offers a perfect compartment for stowing my cash and credit cards (in the leather card pocket), keys (via an easy access key leash), a pen (which stays secure thanks to a leather pen loop), and other quick-access items like a passport or tickets."

Its lightweight design packs flat. Say you're wearing a backpack on the plane, but still want your Tumi Tyler Crossbody once you reach your destination. You can simply empty out the contents and the water resistant nylon exterior won't crumple, even if you have to smoosh it beneath the rest of your belongings.

Most stylish: Parisa Wang Gabrielle Shoulder Bag

Why we love it: It's a chic shoulder bag that's deceptively spacious.

Cons to consider: The structured leather means it won't lie flat in a suitcase.

It makes a trendy handbag into a practical purse. East-West bags — the long, skinny silhouette popularized by Alaia's $2,950 Le Teckel — can be horribly impractical. The slim body might be the trendiest shape right now, but I can't imagine squeezing travel essentials like sunscreen or snacks into a purse built like a pencil case. But the Gabrielle Shoulder Bag from Parisa Wang makes this purse trend practical. Not only is it supremely roomy, but it also has lots of functional features like quick-access pockets and handles that feel comfortable enough on your shoulder for all-day wear.

The elongated shape makes the purse incredibly spacious. I fit a hard-shell sunglass case, a 3.4-ounce bottle of sunscreen, a granola bar, a wallet, a pack of Band-Aids, two lipsticks, a claw clip, and all my little essentials like keys and AirPods in the purse with lots of room to spare. It also has two exterior pockets on either side of the bag, which are perfect for storing quick-access items like tickets or travel documents.

It works from day trips to dinner reservations. Lots of practical purses tend to lean too heavily into function at the cost of form. But this bag, with its smooth leather and minimalist look, would be chic enough for a stop at a Parisian wine bar after your walking tour. We all know the look of a tourist with their many-pocketed fanny pack, but this purse won't make you look like you came straight from a survivalist retreat. — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews

What to look for in a travel purse

Storage capacity: You want a travel purse that's small enough to not add bulk, but still has room inside for an umbrella, book, or souvenirs you pick up along the way. I found the ideal liter capacity for travel purses to be around 10 liters.

Security features: Look for RFID-blocking compartments to protect your credit cards, and zippered closures. Crossbody bags offer a more secure fit that's harder to swipe off your person.

Weight and adaptability: The more lightweight a travel purse is — and the more ways you can adjust its wide strap to distribute the weight — the more comfortable you'll be throughout your trip. Look for travel purses that weigh between 8 to 10 ounces.

Durability: Look for machine washable, water-resistant materials (like nylon) especially if you'll be doing outdoorsy stuff.

Compartments: Look for travel purses with horizontal and vertical zippered pockets on its interior, exterior, or even carrying strap.

Other travel purses we tested

KAAI Rebel Crossbody ($575) This sporty, luxury-grade sling bag has a cool asymmetrical shape and is lined with a beautiful blue suede. Unfortunately, it was too narrow and structured to fit anything bulky.

Quince Italian Leather Convertible Crescent Shoulder Bag ($119) This is a well-made Italian leather purse that looks a lot like the very trendy Clare V. Moyen Messenger ($435). It's comfortable to wear, but the internal organization is somewhat minimal.

Cuyana Mini Paloma Bag ($398) It's elegant, compact, and has good organizational features, but was just a bit too small for my everyday carry. This one's better suited to minimalist travelers.

Caraa Nimbus ($190) Design-wise, this bag has a very distinctive, cool look. It's kind of fluffy and cloud-like, so it could be used as a travel pillow if you're desperate. The storage space is really flexible and can accommodate quite a lot, but it only has three interior pockets.