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.
Related: The 15 Best Tote Bags for All Your Travel Needs
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 the 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 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 tons of 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, $85
Pacsafe Stylesafe Anti-theft Tote
This roomy and lightweight tote is perfect for the traveler who tends to carry (or shop) a lot. It has a secure zip closure that locks to the zip clip and plenty of pockets for everything from an umbrella to your keys.
To buy: zappos.com, $110
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
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: walmart.com, $40
Lodis Pismo Pearl Kay Accordion Cross-body
This chic cross-body with an adjustable shoulder strap has plenty of pockets for all your belongings — an exterior cut-out pocket, an interior back zipper pocket, three interior slide pockets, and three gusseted pockets. The best feature of this bag is that it is completely RFID protected when closed.
To buy: ebags.com, $198
Knomo London Mayfair Luxe Audley Leather Handbag
This bowling bag–style handbag crafted from smooth, full-grain leather is the epitome of urban chic. It is spacious enough to fit a 14-inch laptop in one of the two padded compartments (the other is perfect for a tablet) and it also has an RFID-blocking pocket for your cards and phone.
To buy: zappos.com, $240
Royce Leather RFID-blocking Convertible Backpack
This luxurious slim handbag quickly turns into a backpack thanks to a pair of removable straps. It features a built-in RFID shield to prevent identity theft as well as GPS tracking technology to help you track it if it gets lost or stolen.
To buy: walmart.com, $150
Lodis Los Angeles Nelly RFID Medium Leather Tote
We have to admit that the pretty lavender shade of this minimalist tote is what grabbed our attention but it’s just as functional as it is pretty. It has a padded laptop compartment, a separate RFID zip pocket, and plenty of other pockets and slots for your belongings.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $378
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: amazon.com, $96
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, $52
Fossil Emma RFID Clutch
Perfect for a night out or brunch with friends, this cool leather clutch can fit your phone, cash, and cards while protecting your personal information from identity theft.
To buy: fossil.com, $63
Kah&Kee Travel Backpack
This backpack has a 12-inch padded laptop compartment that protects your electronics from bumps and falls. There is also a secure back pocket where you can store your wallet, phone, and other important items.
To buy: amazon.com, $30
Vera Bradley Carson RFID Mini Crossbody
This quilted, mini cross-body in a vibrant floral pattern will liven up any outfit.
To buy: zappos.com, $68
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: amazon.com, $28
Cole Haan Cassidy RFID Pebbled Leather Bucket Bag
Stay stylish on the road with this bucket bag with a studded shoulder strap. In addition to the top-zip closure, it features interior card slots with RFID protection.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $348
