The Travel Purse That Solo Women Travelers Swear By

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.

But 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 woman stepping into her next chapter.

Why a Travel Purse Is More Than Just a Bag

If you’re traveling alone, your bag becomes your sidekick. It’s with you from your morning espresso run to your evening walk through unfamiliar streets. It holds your essentials, but it also holds your peace of mind.

A good travel purse should:

Protect your essentials from pickpockets and spills.
Work with your outfits, not clash with them.
Be light, secure, and hands-free, so you can focus on exploring — not adjusting your bag every 10 minutes.
Feel like an extension of your style, not an afterthought.

So why do most travel purses make us feel like we’re choosing between looking good and feeling safe?

You shouldn’t have to pick.

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 style that keeps everything close to the body.
Zippers and clips that lock, so nothing "magically disappears."
A clean, minimalist design that doesn’t scream “tourist.”
Room for passport, phone, wallet, and even a little journal.
Something they feel proud to wear — not just practical.

For many women, the emotional part matters just as much as the practical. They want a bag that doesn’t make them look like they’re "surviving solo travel." They want to look like they’re thriving.

If you're curious about features that truly matter in a crossbody travel purse, you'll love our blog: 5 Must-Have Features in a Crossbody Travel Purse for Women.

The Emotional Side of Choosing the Right Travel Purse

Traveling solo can be empowering, but it can also feel vulnerable. The right travel purse can offer more than just convenience. It can offer emotional safety.

You’re no longer clutching your bag with one hand while walking through a busy market. You’re sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafe, confident that your essentials are safe.

You’re not constantly scanning the crowd. You’re looking up at the architecture, the sunset, the moment.

That’s the power of a well-designed travel purse.

Meet the Travel Purse Solo Women Swear By

That’s why we created Thafael — a crossbody bag made for modern women travelers who want to feel safe and stylish.

Designed with feedback from solo travelers, this is a bag that:

Locks in your essentials with clips and hidden zippers.
Feels soft but strong, thanks to premium microfiber vegan leather.
Works with every outfit, from linen pants in Lisbon to dresses in Paris.
Holds what you need — passport, phone, wallet, lipstick, and even a slim travel notebook.

It’s not a bag you carry. It’s a bag that carries you — into your next chapter, with confidence.

Why Thafael Is the Best Travel Purse for Women Over 35

When we designed Thafael, we had one traveler in mind: you.

The woman who booked her flight before telling anyone.
The woman rebuilding after a breakup.
The woman who’s waited until now to put herself first.

Thafael was built to support your journey:

Anti-theft features that give you peace of mind in crowded cities.
A polished, minimalist look that matches your personal style.
Soft but structured material that never looks cheap.
An adjustable strap that keeps the bag comfortably close to you.

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

No noisy logos. No flimsy zippers. No compromises.

Just thoughtful, secure design that makes you feel more like you.

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

What to Look for in Any Great Travel Purse

Even if you’re just starting to explore your options, here are a few things to always look for:

Anti-theft features: Hidden zippers, locking clips, and slash-resistant straps make a huge difference.
Lightweight but durable: Your travel purse should feel light on your body, not like a burden.
Versatile design: A neutral color and sleek silhouette go with everything from jeans to maxi dresses.
Right-sized capacity: Enough room for daily travel essentials, but not so big it weighs you down.
Ethical materials: Opt for bags made with quality vegan leather or recycled materials when possible.

We break this down in detail in our guide: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Crossbody Travel Purse for Women.

Where to Use Your Travel Purse: 5 Ideal City Escapes

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.

Your Journey Deserves More Than a Generic Bag

Solo travel is never just about where you’re going. It’s about who you’re becoming.

And while safety and style may seem like a small detail, it can shape your entire experience.

A bag that keeps your hands free and your mind at ease isn’t just practical. It’s powerful.

So whether you’re healing, celebrating, or simply wandering, don’t settle for a generic travel purse.

Choose one that holds your story.

Choose the one solo women travelers swear by.

Explore Thafael — The Travel Purse Designed for Women Like You

The Travel Purse That Solo Women Travelers Swear By