How To Pack a Purse for Travel: 5 Tips for a Good Trip
by Sara Wennerstrom / Aug 16, 2022
Not all travel is about week-long vacations jet-setting off to tropical islands. Sometimes, getting away means escaping the city for the weekend in a quaint cabin or traveling for a short business trip. Whatever the reason for your overnight stay, don’t weigh yourself down with unnecessary baggage — consider packing a larger purse for your luggage needs.
It can double as your travel gear and your everyday handbag when you arrive at your destination. Think of the freedom that comes with minimalist travel and perfecting the art of the Mary Poppins-inspired weekend bag. That can be in reach for you, too.
But you might be wondering, how can I possibly make my plane personal item my only travel bag? Well, with a few tips and tricks, we’ll show you how to pack a purse for travel like a pro. If you’re a woman on the go, you won’t want to miss this tantalizing read.
How to pick the right purse for travel
Before we can get into what to pack in your travel purse, let’s explore what makes a handbag the right fit for overnight or weekend travel.
Consider size. It’s important to look at the size of your bag because the last thing you want is to carry around something too bulky. Also, airlines tend to have rules for the size requirements of a personal item. Usually, the item can’t weigh more than 22 pounds, and it shouldn’t be any larger than 18” by 14” by 8”. But this can depend on the airline, so make sure to always check in advance.
With the Gemelli Tote, you’ll have plenty of room for your overnight gear alongside your laptop and charger. Its built-in organization enables you to seamlessly navigate the day with your every essential within arm’s reach. If you’re looking for a smaller option, the Doctor bag is still roomy enough to pack a change of clothes and toiletries, with seven interior compartments and two exterior compartments.
Functionality. Crossbody bags, shoulder bags, and backpacks work well for the multipurpose needs of a weekend bag. Consider how well your bag can transition from acting as travel gear to strolling around a destination to take in the sights. The Fiore Bucket bag can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag, and it has just the right mixture of texture and structure to elevate your look with function and beauty.
Contemplate trip length. It’s easy to get swept away by the notion that you can survive solely with the clothes on your back, but most of us aren’t quite there yet. If you’re going away for a night, you can probably get away with a smaller bag with just a single change of clothing. For these excursions, try the Midi Maestra, which holds an iPad or Surface Pro alongside a few select extras. And this convertible handbag can be worn four ways: as a backpack, crossbody, satchel, or tote.
For two to three nights, go with her older sister, the Maestra bag — she’s stunning, sleek, and capable of anything.
Pick a bag that goes with everything. For a larger bag that can double as a travel bag, it’s best to go with a neutral color or a color that matches the majority of the pieces in your wardrobe. This will help aid in the bag’s ability to transition seamlessly between occasions. A larger tote in a bright purple hue is tempting, but will it effortlessly suit any situation? Only you can be the judge of that; just take a minute to consider the versatility of your selection.
Examine its durability. Anyone on the go knows that a travel bag has to be durable. It has to withstand the constant movement of travel. A quality leather bag can last years when properly cared for, but be mindful with your bag. Treat it well so that it can take you from business trips to London or that unexpected Las Vegas adventure.
The Doctor bag in Dolce Butterscotch
What to pack in a purse for travel
Now that you know what to look for when finding your trusty travel bag — here are some tips for how to pack that crossbody bag or shoulder bag successfully.
Essential documents. Make sure you have all of your necessary documents on hand in your bag. This usually includes identification, your boarding pass, or a transportation ticket. Also, don’t forget your wallet, credit cards, or cash.
If you’re looking for a safe way to store your passport or other important ID cards, consider a passport holder. Made with Senreve’s classic Pebbled Leather, it has a supple finish, and it’s scratch-resistant.
Toiletries. A good rule of thumb, especially when you’re working with limited space, is to not overdo it with the toiletries. Keep it simple with a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, deodorant, the smallest possible size of essential skincare products, and then any necessary medications or period care products.
Only the clothing you need. When traveling this light, you can really only get away with two outfits in your purse — plus the outfit you wear while traveling. For sizable items, like a jacket or boots, consider wearing them on your journey to the destination.
Shoes. Ideally, you can make do with a pair of versatile shoes that work well with your travel outfit, but if you need an additional pair, stick to flats or sandals that take up as little room as possible in your purse.
Laptop and charger. Bring along your laptop for work-related overnight trips, and slide it into a large interior compartment for safekeeping. If you need a laptop or tablet, don’t forget the charger and the adapter, if necessary.
Phone and charger. Your phone is your source of connection and communication, and it’s become quite popular to store important documents, like your boarding pass. So make sure you don’t leave for your destination without your phone and its charger.
The Fiore Bucket Bag in Pebbled Merlot
Cut down on the baggage
When you’ve mastered packing a weekend getaway bag, nothing can stop you from traveling with ease. While it’s tempting to overpack, remember that a shorter trip doesn’t require the same level of preparation. So keep it simple — the necessities are vital, but the extras shouldn’t make the cut. And with the right bag, you’ll have plenty of room and compartments to keep everything organized. Explore Senreve’s collection of bestsellers designed for the multifaceted, modern woman on the go.
