Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: The Crossbody Travel Purse That Solo Women Travelers Swear By

The Crossbody Travel Purse That Solo Women Travelers Swear By
Updated: Dec 8, 2025

The Crossbody Travel Purse That Solo Women Travelers Swear By

SO… you’re finally doing it.
Booking that ticket.
Going somewhere new — maybe for the first time alone.

It’s not just a trip. It’s a shift.
A declaration.
A quiet kind of power.

And with that freedom comes one big question:

What kind of travel purse will actually make you feel safe and stylish out there — solo?

Because let’s be honest:

Most “travel purses” look like they were designed for a hiking dad, not a stylish woman stepping into her next chapter.

Crossbody travel handbag worn across the body for safety while visiting a church in Madrid, Spain

Why a Travel Purse Matters So Much for Solo Women Travelers

When you’re traveling alone, your bag becomes your constant companion. It’s with you from your morning espresso run to your evening walk through unfamiliar streets.

A truly great crossbody travel purse should:

  • Keep your passport, cards, and phone safe

  • Help you feel confident (not cautious every minute)

  • Stay comfortable all day

  • Match your outfits — not clash with them

  • Free your hands so you can explore with ease

Solo travel already makes you brave.
Your bag should make your day easier, not heavier.

If you’re wondering which features matter most, read: 5 Must-Have Features in a Crossbody Travel Purse for Women.

Secure travel crossbody bag worn by a woman during city exploration in Madrid

What Solo Travelers Say They REALLY Need in a Travel Purse

We asked women who travel solo — for joy, for healing, for adventure — what they actually want in a travel purse.
Here’s what came up again and again:

✔ A sleek crossbody silhouette

Something that stays close to the body and doesn’t swing around.

✔ Lockable zippers and hidden pockets

Because nothing should “magically disappear.”

✔ A minimalist, elegant design

So you don’t look like a tourist — or like you're carrying travel gear.

✔ Just enough space for essentials

Passport, phone, cards, sunglasses, lipstick, maybe a small journal.

✔ Something they feel proud to wear

Not sporty, not bulky, not outdated.

For many women, how the purse makes them feel matters just as much as how it functions.

Collage of anti-theft crossbody travel bag featuring lockable zippers and slash-resistant strap

 

The Emotional Side of Choosing the Right Travel Purse

Solo travel is empowering — but it can also feel vulnerable.

The right travel purse gives you:

  • Emotional security: You stop clutching your bag in crowds.

  • Mental freedom: You’re looking up at the architecture, not checking your zipper.

  • Presence: You’re enjoying your cappuccino, not staring at your belongings.

This is why choosing the right purse isn’t “just shopping.”
It’s choosing how you want to feel on your trip.

For more safety tips, read: How to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling.


Meet the Crossbody Travel Purse Solo Women Swear By

Olive green anti-theft crossbody travel bag with slash-resistant strap and lockable zippers

This is where Thafael comes in — a sleek, secure, anti-theft crossbody bag designed specifically for modern women travelers.

Crafted with feedback from real solo travelers, Thafael offers:

  • Lockable zippers & hidden pockets for theft protection

  • Slash-resistant strap & interior lining

  • Premium vegan microfiber leather that feels soft yet strong

  • A minimalist, chic silhouette that matches everything

  • Enough space for daily essentials without feeling bulky

It’s not just a bag you carry.

It’s a bag that carries you — into your next chapter.

Diagram showing La Trotteuse anti-theft crossbody bag with detailed security features

 

Why Thafael Is the Best Travel Purse for Women Over 35

We created Thafael with a very specific woman in mind:

The woman who booked her flight before telling anyone.
The woman rebuilding after a breakup.
The woman rediscovering her confidence through travel.
The woman who takes herself out for dinner now.

Thafael supports that journey through:

  • Anti-theft features that give peace of mind

  • A polished, modern aesthetic

  • Soft but structured vegan leather

  • An adjustable strap that keeps the bag secure and comfortable

  • RFID-blocking pockets for digital safety

Want a deep dive into anti-theft features that actually make a difference? Read: Are Anti-theft Bags Worth It?

Me , in the heels of Florence, Italy , with my Thafael bag

 

What Travelers Are Saying About Their Thafael Travel Purse

“It gave me so much peace of mind on my first solo trip to Lisbon. It felt sleek, safe, and like something I’d wear at home too.”
— Vanessa, 47

“After my divorce, I booked a trip to Rome alone. I was nervous — but having a bag that felt secure and beautiful helped more than I expected.”
— Nandita, 39

“I’m not a typical traveler. I go slow, journal a lot, and find beauty in everyday things. My Thafael bag felt like it was made for that kind of travel.”
— Meena, 41

Me , in Madrid's streets (Spain) with my Thafael bag

 

What to Look for in Any Great Travel Purse

Even if you’re still exploring your options, make sure your travel purse includes:

  • Anti-theft features (lockable zippers, slash-resistant strap)

  • Lightweight structure

  • A versatile, minimalist design

  • Room for essentials but not too oversized

  • Durable vegan leather or quality recycled materials

We break these down in our main guide:
How to Choose the Perfect Crossbody Bags for Travel (2026 Guide).

A minimalist vegan leather crossbody travel bag with travel essentials

 

Where a Travel Purse Makes Your Trip Effortless: 5 Ideal Solo Destinations

Here are some destinations where your travel purse becomes a true travel partner:

  • Porto, Portugal: Wandering Ribeira with pastel tiles all around, hands free to take photos.

  • Copenhagen, Denmark: Biking to a museum or sipping wine by the canals — your purse close and secure.

  • Bologna, Italy: Pasta in your stomach, gelato in your hand, and no worries about your belongings.

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: Street markets, trams, museums. A secure crossbody is non-negotiable.

  • Paris, France: You’re dressed effortlessly chic — your purse should be, too.

Explore dreamy summer destinations perfect for solo women travelers and safe, welcoming cities for solo adventures in our other guides.


Me , visiting Toledo, Spain with my Thafael bag

Your Journey Deserves More Than a Generic Bag

Solo travel isn’t just about where you’re going — it’s about who you’re becoming.

A bag that keeps your hands free, your essentials safe, and your style elevated isn’t just practical.

It’s powerful.

If you’re stepping into a new chapter, don’t settle for a generic travel purse.

Choose the one I swear by.
Choose confidence.
Choose elegance.
Choose safety.

👉 Explore Thafael — The Travel Purse Designed for Women Like You

Read more

How I Pack for a Vacation to France: Travel Essentials You Won’t Want to Forget 🇫🇷 - Thafael

How I Pack for a Vacation to France: Travel Essentials You Won’t Want to Forget 🇫🇷

Planning a trip to France? You're so lucky! this country is a dream. But let’s be honest—packing for France can be overwhelming. You want to feel stylish , be comfortable walking around all day, an...

Read more
What I Pack for a Fall Trip to Italy: Travel Essentials for Women Who Love Style & Security - Thafael

What I Pack for a Fall Trip to Italy: Travel Essentials for Women Who Love Style & Security

  This September, I went to Italy for a mix of love, family, and cozy fall vibes. My cousin was getting married in Siena, a small town in Tuscany that felt like it came out of a movie. And since I ...

Read more