GET THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL PACKING LIST! (Yes. It's editable, printable & FREE)

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

 

Not sure what the best travel day bag for your next trip is? There are lots of factors to keep in mind and we happily break down the criteria you should consider when selecting one. Check it out!

 


Best Travel Day Bag


 

 

Table Of Contents

 

 

A day bag for travel is a must-have for any journey you take and an essential part of your capsule wardrobe. However, there are important criteria that you should consider when selecting one:

  • Security
  • Packability
  • Size
  • Weight
  • Functionality
  • Style

 

The right bag will check all the boxes on the above list, and ensure your personal items are kept safe and secure without being clunky and heavy. Below, we cover all these points and more!

 

 

How to Choose the Best Day Bags for Any Trip

 

 

travel-day-bag

Travelon Classic Messenger Bag

 

Security

 

Security is an important factor to consider, especially when choosing the best day bag for European travel where there is a higher occurrence of pickpockets. Even if that’s not the case, you’ll still want a bag with good security features.

 

The security features you should look for are:

  • Locking compartments
  • Slash-proof material
  • RFID-blocking card slots

 

A crossbody bag is a strong choice because you can keep it attached to you, rather than dangling off your shoulder. Make sure the bag part is visible to you (hanging closer to the front of your body) while out-and-about or in crowded areas.

Also, leave your passport or laptop behind at your accommodation in a locked suitcase or safe. That way you don’t have anything vital with you and your bag is lighter to carry.

 

Here are more popular anti-theft crossbody bags readers adore:

 

 

travel-day-bag

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

 

Travelon Double Pocket Anti-Theft Crossbody

 

This popular Travelon crossbody has all the anti-theft features you could need: locking zipper pulls, slash-resistant material, and RFID-blocking pockets. The straps can be locked to stationary objects, too. So, when you sit down for a meal or lounge on a beach chair, you’ll know your bag isn’t going anywhere!

 

 

travel-day-bag

Travelon Double Pocket Bucket Bag

 

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bucket Bag

 

This bucket bag from Travelon features a spacious main compartment and an organization pocket for money and passports, with secure locks. The adjustable strap is comfortable to wear, and users say it holds everything you need for a day of exploring new places. And it’s slash-resistant, too!

 

 

travel-day-bag

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag

 

Travelon Essential Anti-Theft Messenger Bag

 

This Travelon bag gives you that cute messenger bag look while providing you with the utmost security for your belongings. With Travelon’s slash-proof material, lockable zipper, and RFID-blocking features, you’ll be able to focus on the sights around you without worrying about theft. It has great organization, can fit all you need for the day, and is lightweight too!

 

For security-conscious travelers, take a look at the best anti-theft travel bags!

 

 

travel-day-bag

NeatPack Multi Pocket Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

 

Packability

 

Let’s face it: some bags are adorable, but they don’t pack very well. So, when choosing a bag for travel, it’s a good idea to look for one that’s packable. 

Well-made day bags for travel have pockets, zippers, and closures that are necessary for security and help you pack items more efficiently. The key to packing all your necessities is having a well-organized bag where your things are protected yet easy to find. 

The best day bags for European travel (or any other destination) should have pockets to carry smaller items, such as keys or credit cards.  You’ll also want to look for bags with RFID-blocking capabilities, like the NeatPack Crossbody.

Specialized compartments, for things like a water bottle, a hat, sunglasses, a travel scarf, or anything else you want to have on hand, can be useful too!

 

Here are more packable bags readers adore:

 

 

travel-day-bag

Baggallini Hobo Lightweight Travel Purse

 

Baggallini Hobo Tote

 

Baggallini is a huge favorite among TFG readers, and the Hobo tote is one of their most popular styles. It’s cute and uber practical, with a wide assortment of pockets and sleeves that can hold a lot while still being lightweight. A functional option for on or off the plane! 

 

 

travel-day-bag

Baggallini Cross Body Travel Purse

 

Baggallini Criss Cross Crossbody Bag

 

The Baggallini Criss Cross crossbody is lightweight and perfectly compact but has lots of room inside for your things. With so many handy pockets (including a hidden center pocket for valuables), it’s easy to keep daily essentials organized and ready to go. You can choose from a variety of colors and patterns to suit your travel wardrobe!

 

 

travel-day-bag

Kipling Pahneiro Adjustable Travel Purse

 

Kipling Pahneiro Bag

 

Kipling’s Pahneiro bag will fit everything needed for a day of sightseeing without being too bulky. A spacious main compartment holds larger items, while inner and outer pockets are just right for small essentials. It’s super versatile, so it’ll go with anything, and you can wear it as a handbag or crossbody to switch it up!

 

To be more secure on your next European adventure, use these anti-theft travel accessories!

 

 

travel-day-bag

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack

 

Size

 

Your day bag often doubles as your in-flight personal item, so it’s usually a smaller size than your carry-on. 

The exact dimensions you need to follow will depend on what your airline defines as a “personal item.” To figure this out, we recommend checking your airline’s website. For example, United Airlines’ max measurements for personal items are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).

But beyond meeting the airline’s requirements, a good day bag has to work for you off the plane too. Think about what you’ll be doing during your trip to determine the best size for you! 

 

Here’s the full review of Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack!

 

 

travel-day-bag

Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack

 

You definitely don’t want to be carrying around a big bag or backpack that’s larger than necessary, especially for sightseeing trips where you’ll be doing tons of walking. 

If you’ll mostly be visiting cities, you can usually run back to your hotel during the day to grab a sweater or a change of shoes. So, a medium size bag is usually just right to hold the day’s essentials like a map, your on-the-go cosmetics, and a stylish scarf.

You can also use a packing cubes to keep your belongings organized in your day bag so that you have access to what you need right away!

 

Here are more bags that readers adore for a personal item:

 

 

travel-day-bag

Longchamp Le Pliage Leather Trim Backpack

 

Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

 

The Le Pliage is a chic reader favorite and sells every year in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It’s durable, gorgeous, and spacious enough to easily fit a day’s worth of must-have items. One of the coolest features is that it can fold neatly into itself when not in use!

 

Learn why the Longchamp Le Pillage Backpack is so popular in this review!

 

 

travel-day-bag

Herschel Settlement Day Pack

 

Herschel Settlement Backpack

 

If you need to comfortably carry a good amount of items while sightseeing, check out this stylish Herschel Settlement backpack! With 17L of space, it can hold a camera, a jacket, snacks, and other travel necessities. It’s simple, sturdy, and will hold up well over time, too!

 

 

travel-day-bag

Fjallraven Kanken Everyday Backpack

 

Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack

 

This cute Fjallraven backpack has plenty of pockets, 16L of storage space, and ergonomic shoulder straps for comfortable carrying. Made of a dirt-resistant and water-resistant material, it’s amazing for travel and super easy to clean. It comes in a TON of colors as well! 

 

 

travel-day-bag

Longchamp Le Pliage Shoulder Tote

 

Weight

 

The best travel day bags are not only sized right but are made from lightweight materials, like the Le Pliage shoulder tote

For easier travel, try to avoid bags with unnecessarily heavy fabrics and accents (like buckles, etc.). While you want your small day bag to be fashionable, it still needs to be comfortable enough to carry around during the day! 

 

Here are more lightweight bags that readers adore:

 

 

travel-day-bag

TUMI Voyageur Ruma Lightweight Bag

 

TUMI Voyageur Ruma Crossbody Bag

 

If you like to travel light, it doesn’t get better than this TUMI Voyageur crossbody. Tiny but mighty, this bag offers multiple pockets, card slots, a key clip, and a TUMI tracer just in case it gets lost. Super functional and very stylish! 

 

Find out what our readers have to say about their Tumi Bags in our review!

 

 

travel-day-bag

Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Bag

 

Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Handbag

 

Readers adore Longchamp Le Pliage for their lightweight feel, durable nylon construction, and fashionable look. The Mini Le Pliage handbag is the perfect size for holding just the necessities for day explorations and more!

 

Find out why Longchamp bags are the best travel handbags!

 

 

travel-day-bag

Travelon Mini Sling Tote

 

Travelon Anti-Theft Mini Sling Bag

 

Another small and lightweight option, this Travelon sling bag comes equipped with the brand’s signature anti-theft features to keep your valuables safe and sound as you explore. Inside, there are lots of pockets and RFID-blocking card sleeves, while the exterior has a simple look that comes in a variety of pretty colors!

 

 

travel-day-bag

TUMI Tula Nylon Crossbody Bag

 

Functionality

 

Once you’ve decided on the size and weight of your day trip bag, you’ll need to think about functionality. Consider your destination, what you’ll be doing, and what you’ll need to carry.

After all, this is the bag that you’ll put all of your essentials in for the whole day!

 

 

travel-day-bag

The Sak’s Sequoia Hobo Leather Bag

 

Depending on how much space you have, the best travel day bag may need to double as your purse too. If this is the case, look for a bag with small zippered compartments to hold your bills and loose change, such as The Sak’s Sequoia hobo bag, which has multiple handy pockets. 

 

Here are more functional bags that readers adore:

 

 

travel-day-bag

Baggallini Crossbody Everywhere Bag

 

Baggallini Everywhere Bag

 

The Baggallini Everywhere bag is amazingly practical, with compartments and pockets to keep everything you need organized. More functional features include a removable wristlet, a trolley sleeve, and a comfy, adjustable strap. It’s lightweight and durable, so it can handle any adventure with ease, and the variety of colors and patterns add lots of style!

 

 

travel-day-bag

Vera Bradley Crossbody Hipster Purse

 

Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster Crossbody 

 

This adorable Vera Bradley crossbody is made from soft and washable recycled cotton and comes in a wide variety of fun patterns and colors. It’s the perfect everyday travel bag, with plenty of zippered pockets and a slim silhouette that’s convenient and comfy to carry.

 

 

travel-day-bag

Kipling Alvar Classic Cross Body

 

Kipling Alvar Crossbody Bag

 

A compact crossbody like this Kipling Alvar bag is such a great and functional style for travel! This bag is comfortable to carry and with plenty of compartments and zippered locks, your things will stay organized and are easy to access. This bag is lightweight, of great quality, and has a cute, classic look. 

 

 

travel-day-bag

Fossil Kinley Large Cross Body Purse

 

Style

 

When it comes to style, the best day bags should offer both aesthetics and function. 

After all, day bags are the items you’ll have with you most of the time. So, try to find one that you’ll be happy to see in your travel photos and that you can wear all day long! 

 

 

travel-day-bag

Fossil Fiona Crossbody Purse

  

If you plan on walking around a lot, stay away from a bag that feels heavy or constantly needs adjusting. Your bag has to be functional, first and foremost, and cute or chic second!

A day bag like the Fossil Fiona crossbody definitely has the pretty factor; it’s made from soft leather, is uber comfortable to carry and lightweight, and can easily fit the day’s essentials. 

 

Here are more stylish and practical bags that readers adore:

 

 

travel-day-bag

Deluxity Faux Leather Crossbody Purse

 

Deluxity Faux Leather Crossbody Bag 

 

With dangling tassels and pretty faux leather, this Deluxity crossbody offers both style and function. Wearers say it holds its shape well and can fit a good amount of travel essentials, like a small camera, wallet, sunglasses, and more. It’s available in over 35 beautiful colors and is a very budget-friendly option, too! 

 

This best travel purse post has more choices of budget-friendly purses!

 

 

travel-day-bag

Oak Leathers Sling Crossbody

 

Oak Leathers Crossbody Sling Bag

 

With studded details and gorgeous genuine leather, this Oak Leathers day bag gets major style points. It’ll certainly add flair to your travel look while also providing ample space, interior and exterior organization, a bill compartment, and slots for your phone and sunglasses! 

 

 

travel-day-bag

Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Classic Leather Bag

 

Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Leather Shoulder Bag

 

An elegant choice, the Le Pliage Cuir leather shoulder bag features Longchamp’s top-notch quality and design that TFG readers love. It’s the perfect size to carry everything you’ll need for the day’s adventures, and the removable strap allows you to wear it in different ways. Chic and lovely all around! 

 

 

Best Travel Day Bag Comparison Chart

 

BRAND | MODEL FEATURES | REVIEWS RATING | PRICE
Security
Travelon Classic Messenger Bag Security is an important factor to consider, especially when choosing the best day bag for European travel where there is a higher occurrence of pickpockets. Check Price
Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag This popular Travelon crossbody has all the anti-theft features you could need: locking zipper pulls, slash-resistant material, and RFID-blocking pockets. Check Price
Travelon Crossbody Bucket Bag This bucket bag from Travelon features a spacious main compartment and an organization pocket for money and passports, with secure locks. Check Price
Travelon Essential Messenger Bag This Travelon bag gives you that cute messenger bag look while providing you with the utmost security for your belongings. Check Price
Packability
NeatPack Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag The best day bags for European travel (or any other destination) should have pockets to carry smaller items, such as keys or credit cards.  Check Price
Baggallini Hobo Tote It’s cute and uber practical, with a wide assortment of pockets and sleeves that can hold a lot while still being lightweight. Check Price
Baggallini Criss Cross Crossbody Bag The Baggallini Criss Cross crossbody is lightweight and perfectly compact but has lots of room inside for your things. Check Price
Kipling Pahneiro Bag Kipling’s Pahneiro bag will fit everything needed for a day of sightseeing without being too bulky. Check Price
Size
Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack Your day bag often doubles as your in-flight personal item, so it’s usually a smaller size than your carry-on. Check Price
Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack You definitely don’t want to be carrying around a big bag or backpack that’s larger than necessary, especially for sightseeing trips where you’ll be doing tons of walking.  Check Price
Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack It’s durable, gorgeous, and spacious enough to easily fit a day’s worth of must-have items. One of the coolest features is that it can fold neatly into itself when not in use! Check Price
Herschel Settlement Backpack With 17L of space, it can hold a camera, a jacket, snacks, and other travel necessities. It’s simple, sturdy, and will hold up well over time, too! Check Price
Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack This cute Fjallraven backpack has plenty of pockets, 16L of storage space, and ergonomic shoulder straps for comfortable carrying. Check Price
Weight
Longchamp Le Pliage Shoulder Tote The best travel day bags are not only sized right but are made from lightweight materials, like the Le Pliage shoulder tote.  Check Price
TUMI Voyageur Ruma Crossbody Bag Tiny but mighty, this bag offers multiple pockets, card slots, a key clip, and a TUMI tracer just in case it gets lost. Super functional and very stylish!  Check Price
Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Handbag The Mini Le Pliage handbag is the perfect size for holding just the necessities for day explorations and more! Check Price
Travelon Anti-Theft Mini Sling Bag There are lots of pockets and RFID-blocking card sleeves, while the exterior has a simple look that comes in a variety of pretty colors! Check Price
Functionality
TUMI Tula Nylon Crossbody Bag This is the bag that you’ll put all of your essentials in for the whole day! Check Price
The Sak’s Sequoia Hobo Leather Bag The best travel day bag may need to double as your purse too. Check Price
Baggallini Everywhere Bag It’s lightweight and durable, so it can handle any adventure with ease, and the variety of colors and patterns add lots of style! Check Price
Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster Crossbody It’s the perfect everyday travel bag, with plenty of zippered pockets and a slim silhouette that’s convenient and comfy to carry. Check Price
Kipling Alvar Crossbody Bag This bag is comfortable to carry and with plenty of compartments and zippered locks, your things will stay organized and are easy to access. Check Price
Style
Fossil Kinley Large Cross Body Purse The best day bags should offer both aesthetics and function. Check Price
Fossil Fiona Crossbody Purse A day bag like the Fossil Fiona crossbody definitely has the pretty factor; but i it’s made from soft leather, is uber comfortable to carry and lightweight, and can easily fit the day’s essentials.  Check Price
Deluxity Faux Leather Crossbody Bag  Wearers say it holds its shape well and can fit a good amount of travel essentials, like a small camera, wallet, sunglasses, and more. Check Price
Oak Leathers Crossbody Sling Bag With studded details and gorgeous genuine leather, this Oak Leathers day bag gets major style points. Check Price
Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Leather Shoulder Bag It’s the perfect size to carry everything you’ll need for the day’s adventures, and the removable strap allows you to wear it in different ways. Check Price

 

 

 

 

 

Editor’s Pick: Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack

 

The TFG editor-in-chief shares her top choice for a bag that’s stylish, comfortable, and super practical. Watch the video or read her entire Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack review! 

 

 

How TFG Editor Rocks Her Favorite Travel Day Bags

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Got to put SO many TFG favorites to use while exploring Europe! There was comfort for all day walking in my @skechers Pureflex slip ons, anti-theft protection thanks to my @travelonbags messenger bag and lightweight layering in my @anatomiestyle Kenya jacket (it even folded up perfectly in the Travelon bag when I wasn’t wearing it!) plus the Anatomie Skyler pants, too. Last but not least, my favorite @ospreypacks Ozone 35 Liter backpack allowed me to pack carry-on only for 12 days (with the help of my Compass Rose packing cubes inside, of course ?) I was so happy to curate a look that ended up doing it all – have YOU tried any of these TFG approved items? Let me know in the comments below! #TravelFashionGirl #TFGonthego

A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on





 

 


What do you think is the best travel day bag? Share in the comments!


 

For more travel bags, please read:

 


 

LIKE THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

best-travel-day-bag

 


Hope you liked this post on how to choose a travel day bag. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!


Author Bio: After three exciting years in New York, Claire Gros left the big city in pursuit of the alluring unfamiliar.  She now finds inspiration in the traveling summer solstice and the affordable flights that keep the sun in her sky. Follow her journey on instagram: clurrgros.