Nice question — “best” depends on the kind of travel you do. Below are the top travel-handbag types and my favorite models for each (options across budgets), plus what to look for when you buy.

Top picks by travel need

1. Best anti-theft day bag (city sightseeing)

• Travelon Anti‑Theft Classic Messenger (and Travelon Mini): slash‑resistant straps, lockable zips, RFID pockets — very budget‑friendly and designed for tourist-heavy cities. (nationalgeographic.com, forbes.com)

2. Best secure crossbody (high-end anti‑theft)

• Pacsafe Citysafe CX: stainless‑steel mesh panels, locking zippers and reinforced strap — made specifically to resist cuts/pickpocketing. Great when you want very secure hands‑free carry. (nationalgeographic.com)

3. Best everyday travel crossbody (roomy + stylish)

• MZ Wallace Metro / Small Sutton Deluxe: lightweight, water‑resistant fabrics, multiple pockets and zip top closure — roomy enough for passport, camera, power bank and small water bottle. Recommended widely as a top travel crossbody. (cosmopolitan.com, forbes.com)

4. Best leather crossbody (more polished / evening)

• Quince Italian leather crossbody or similar leather triple‑compartment styles: leather looks dressier but pick one with a full zip or secure closure for travel. Forbes and other editors recommend Quince as a value leather option. (forbes.com, instyle.com)

5. Best carry‑on tote / weekender (for short trips or as a second bag)

• Béis Weekender or Arlo Skye The Weekender: roomy compartments, shoe/dirty pockets, trolley sleeve — ideal as a carry‑on or weekend bag. Condé Nast Traveler calls these top weekender picks. (cntraveler.com)

6. Best lightweight, packable tote (everyday + airport)

• Longchamp Le Pliage: classic nylon tote that packs flat, roomy, stylish and easy to clean — a perennial favorite for travel. (Often on sale; widely recommended.) (people.com)

7. Best convertible/versatile bag (one bag for many uses)

• Lo & Sons Waverley 2 or similar convertible crossbody/fanny/wristlet — can be worn multiple ways, compact but organized. Good if you want one bag for day and evening. (forbes.com)

8. Best sling / belt bag (active days, festivals, hikes)

• Nomatic Navigator Sling or Lululemon belt/hip packs — very hands‑free, low profile and practical for active itineraries. Forbes/Cosmopolitan roundups highlight sling/hip packs for active travel. (forbes.com, cosmopolitan.com)

What to prioritize (quick checklist)

• Closure: full zip or locking zips (safer than open top). (nationalgeographic.com)
• Carry style: crossbody or sling for security; tote/weekender for packing capacity. (forbes.com, cntraveler.com)
• Anti‑theft features: slash‑resistant straps, RFID lining, locking zippers, hidden pockets. (nationalgeographic.com)
• Material: durable, water‑resistant fabrics for weather resistance (nylon/recycled fabrics) or treated leather if you prefer upscale looks. (cosmopolitan.com, forbes.com)
• Organization: separate passport/wallet pocket, phone pocket, easy access exterior pocket for boarding passes. (cosmopolitan.com)

Budget guidance

• Under $75: Travelon basics, LeSportsac, simple Le Pliage styles. (nationalgeographic.com, nymag.com)
• $100–300: MZ Wallace, Lo & Sons, Béis weekender, many quality leather crossbodies. (forbes.com, cntraveler.com)
• $300+: Designer or high‑end leather (Coach, Tory Burch, luxury brands) or premium anti‑theft models with advanced tech. (harpersbazaar.com, forbes.com)

Quick packing tips

• Keep essentials in the front zip pocket for security and speed at checkpoints.
• Use a small pouch for chargers, earbuds and adapters to avoid rummaging.
• If you’ll be in crowded areas, wear the bag across your body and keep zips facing you.

If you tell me what kind of trip you’re taking (urban sightseeing, long haul, active/outdoor, business) and your budget, I’ll narrow this to 3 specific models to buy and give links and current price ranges.