Vacations are all about relaxing and enjoying yourself to the fullest. The last thing you want to think about is the chance of something going wrong. But the reality is: Bad things can happen, even in the most beautiful places.
And while there are some negative travel situations you can’t control — flight cancellations, for instance — you do have control over how prepared you are for pickpockets and identity thieves. Making sure your money, valuables, and personal information are safe while traveling should be on the top of your list, and that’s where a good anti-theft bag comes in handy.
Thankfully, a lot of travel bags and wallets offer protection against RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) reading devices, so your personal information can’t be shared without your consent.
If you are heading to a particularly crowded tourist attraction like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Colosseum in Rome where risk for theft is higher, opt for a handbag made from anti-slash fabric or wire webbing. It’s always a good idea to have a couple of hidden pockets to store your cash and phone. And many come with have a locking system, both for zippers and straps, so that you can chain your bag to your chair if the patio you’re enjoying a coffee on is close to a busy sidewalk.
And don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to strap on a money belt. We found 17 theft-proof bag options equipped with both security and style.
Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack
The roomy main compartment of this cool pack has RFID-blocking card and passport slots and there’s a hidden slash-proof pocket under the flap, perfect for your smartphone.
To buy: amazon.com, $55
Lug Adagio Destination Tote
With plenty of secure pockets for all of your valuables and RFID protection against identity theft, this tote is the ultimate travel companion.
To buy: amazon.com, $80
Lodis Stephanie Under Lock & Key Amaris Laptop Brief
This multifunctional shoulder bag is not just chic; it also offers RFID protection and lots of space to store your belongings.
To buy: ebags.com, $294
Access Denied Cross-body Purse
This pebbled leather purse has a double top secure closure, a built-in wallet organizer, and it’s protected against electronic theft.
To buy: ebags.com, $181
Royce Leather RFID Blocking Convertible Backpack
This luxurious slim handbag quickly turns into a backpack thanks to a pair of removable straps.
To buy: ebags.com, $174
Anuschka RFID-blocking Double Zip Cross-body Organizer
This Aztec-inspired cross-body bag will add an artistic vibe to your outfit while keeping your passport and credit cards safe from electronic pickpocketing.
To buy: ebags.com, $247
Boconi Kylie Mini RFID Cross-body Bag
Make a bold statement with this fiery red cross-body bag crafted from Italian calfskin leather.
To buy: ebags.com, $138
Eagle Creek Emerson Carry-all
This casual bag that will fit all your travel essentials plus a 17-inch laptop, and it has a secure zip toggle closure and plenty of storage inside.
To buy: eaglecreek.com, $160
Travelon Shoulder Bag
This bag has a slash-proof construction, two locking compartments, and RFID blocking card and passport slots at the front.
To buy: ebags.com, $55
Lodis Stephanie RFID Trisha Double Zipper Cross-body
This sleek cross-body features three main compartments that are all RFID protected.
To buy: ebags.com, $153
Fossil Emma Heart-print RFID Large Zip Clutch
Perfect for a night out, this stylish clutch will fit your phone, cash, and cards while protecting your personal information from identity theft.
To buy: dillards.com, $75
Vera Bradley Mini RFID Saddle Bag
How cute is this little fruit slice of a leather bag? It’s lightweight and has two interior pockets and one exterior that are all RFID-safe.
To buy: zappos.com, $160
Suvelle RFID Expandable Travel Convertible Cross-body Bag
This classic cross-body conveniently expands with a zipper along the bottom to fit more of your travel valuables, or, let’s face it — new souvenirs and gifts. The strap is adjustable so you can wear it as a shoulder bag, too.
To buy: ebags.com, $34 (originally $100)
XD Design Bobby Anti-theft Backpack
We have to admit the cool, minimal design of this unisex backpack first caught our eye, but there’s a lot more going on inside. Its key features include: slash-resistant material, hidden zipper closures, and illuminating safety strips.
To buy: amazon.com, $95
Lewis N. Clark Secura Anti-theft Commuter
This waterproof bag is made from slash-resistant fabric and has 7 RFID-blocking card slots and locking zippers. It’s also available in black, but we like the bright athletic vibes of this ember orange.
To buy: amazon.com, $45
Pacsafe Citysafe CX Tote
This stylish, water-repellant tote is packed with anti-theft features — it has slash-proof carry handles, RFID-safe pockets, and a quick-access front pocket secured with smart zipper technology.
To buy: zappos.com, $140
