The Best Crossbody Bags for Travel

I’m guilty of being one of those girls who stuffs her purse to the brim even though I lack the upper body strength to carry it. The other day I actually found 21 lipsticks in one tote (and yes, I’m aware of how bad that sounds) but thanks to a few multi-purpose crossbody bags, I’m de-cluttering and getting organized for my next big adventure.

I should warn you that this article may be a tad bias because two of the four bags are from Poppy & Peonies, a brand I’ve become totally obsessed with! Their collections are bright, fun, flirty, trendy and excellent quality like this beautiful purple crossbody from fall 2017. 

For obvious reasons crossbody bags are great for travel. They sling over your body with ease (hence the name) and can be positioned in front of you for quick access and pick-pocket protection. It is important to keep money and travel documents secure to deter lurking thieves, and these bags are difficult to snatch. 

One of the best things about the crossbody design is that it distributes weight and frees up your hands to take photos, sip cocktails and navigate like a boss. While waiting in long airport lines, there is less strain on my shoulder, back and arms plus the long adjustable strap makes lugging around all my stuff more comfortable. 

1. The Downtown Crossbody

The Poppy & Peonies Downtown Crossbody ($99.00) is a girl’s best friend! It is larger than most bags this style without being bulky and has lots of pockets with sturdy zippers and shiny gold accents. I love the removable tassels and while vacationing abroad it holds my tablet, digital camera, phone, wallet, touristy things and beauty essentials without busting a seam.

The snazzy zippered section around the perimeter is not just there to look stylish (although it totally does). It can be undone to expand the bag and give you more room. On the inside, the purse is divided into sections to keep everything neat and orderly plus I love the wide slip pockets for my phone and other quick-grab items. The front has a large semi-circle pocket secured with 2 heavy- duty zippers making it a perfect place for makeup, passports, and other valuables (yes I grouped makeup in with valuables). And if all that storage wasn’t good enough, you also get a deep button pouch at the back.

The craftsmanship of this bag looks high-end and the soft vegan leather feels amazing (you can just tell it will stand the test of time). It also comes with a shorter strap so you can covert the style and wear it over the shoulder. I use it for pretty much everything - work, running errands and even girl’s night out. This might very well be the perfect everyday crossbody.

On a side note, the Summer Beaded Flip Flops from Avon are also fantastic for jet-setting somewhere topical. The pool-ready platform sole is made of soft, cushiony foam and the geometric studs add a little glam.

2. The Everyday Cognac Crossbody

With autumn just around the corner, color trends will shift to rich shades and the Everyday Crossbody in Cognac ($99.00) is fashionable and practical. This is another uncommonly large, multi-purpose crossbody with the versatility to accommodate your busy life. It features built-in credit card slots and the same expandable outer zipper for a slight increase in size. Poppy & Peonies is all about functionality so they’ve designed this purse with deep pockets in various sizes to help you stay organized.

After you’ve done the touristy stuff downsize your bag and experience the nightlife. Thankfully this beauty comes with a unique insert which you can use as a wristlet, clutch or mini crossbody by attaching the long strap. The inside is designed with several card compartments and a wide slip pocket for money so you can leave your bulky wallet at home. Sometimes the zipper sticks so glide it along gently.

 Poppy & Peonies is available online at poppyandpeonies.com.

3. Mark Tropics Leather Crossbody

When you need something cute and small, the Mark Tropics Leather Bag ($36.00 at avon.ca) is a great option. There is enough room for all the basics and I’ve worn it on date night, trips and to media events. I really like the simplicity; it has a few well placed pockets, adjustable strap and a pebbled finish, which is all you really need for an evening out.

4. Ooobaby Urban Bag

Going from smallest to largest, the Urban Bag ($498.00) transitions from office appropriate to tourist chic and some women even use it as a snazzy diaper bag or school tote. The expensive Italian leather is very durable with large outer pockets for an umbrella or water bottle. The inside features an interior key holder and enough space to store a laptop. I also like that the long, wide strap sits comfortably on the shoulder without pinching into my skin and as a crossbody it is ideal for city life. For more information visit the website at ooobaby.com