To say that I travel a lot is an understatement. Since I’m often catching flights, I have learned to embrace minimalist packing and it all starts with my fanny pack. Whether you call it a fanny pack, belt bag, sling bag, or bum bag, it’s that small pouch worn around the waist or across your chest. While I’m not always a minimalist at home, I love the freedom a belt bag gives me on the road. It is magical. It saves me money for more trips and lightens my load so I do not feel physically or emotionally weighed down by too much stuff.
On most trips, I usually bring only two purses, maybe three if I’m traveling for special occasion like a wedding. My go-to combo is simple: one everyday purse or fanny pack that I wear most of the day, and one small, stylish purse for dinners or photo outings. In case my pretty photos make you think my bum bag is cuter than it really is, let me confess: I borrowed my friends’ bags for a little photo shoot.
To be clear, the “best” fanny pack is not the exact one I carry. I do not own a dozen fanny packs. I am not here to share a specific link to the perfect bag that just happens to make me money. The best bag is one you already own. If you don’t have one yet, the best choice is the one that works for you and your budget. Years later, I am still rocking the same $20 fanny pack. At this point the cost per wear is down to pennies, which makes it one of my best travel investments ever. It is not the cutest accessory, with the dorky plastic buckle, but it gets the job done. It’s a workhorse that is reliable, secure, and makes my life easier, which is the whole point. Whether you spend $20 or $200, the purpose of the bag is the same: to carry your travel essentials and give you peace of mind.
Lately, my everyday purse has been a belt bag or fanny pack, and honestly, I’m obsessed. I wore one back when they were considered dorky, long before they became trendy again, because the convenience is unbeatable. I especially love a belt purse or fanny pack for the airport. Here is why:
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1. I love the convenience of a fanny pack.
I love a fanny pack especially for an airport day because I can fit all my essentials easily right at hand. Mine has several zipper compartments so I always know where to reach for my passport, granola bar, cards, and keys. I even have a dedicated pocket for my sunglasses. On planes and trains l often nap with it on, hands resting over it on my waist. It’s comfortable, secure, and easy.
2. Fanny packs encourage hands free travel.
Traveling is smoother when both hands are open. Through the airport security line, I might juggle a passport in one hand and a water bottle in the other. I pop things in and out of my pack quickly, never stuck balancing a purse on my shoulder. When sightseeing, I can keep both hands on my phone as I check map directions to see where to go next.
As a photographer I love the convenience of being hands free. I can have two hands on my camera quickly and the fanny pack stays on me tight and secure. As a gelato lover, I have definitely balanced a cone in one hand and my camera or phone in the other, snapping a sweet shot. In Italy, a daily gelato somehow sneaks into my routine. Each photo feels like a sweet little memory.
3. I love the versatility of a fanny pack.
It works in so many ways. Buckle it around the waist when I do not want to draw attention to my stuff at a crowded airport or train station. Sling it across one shoulder as more of a fashion statement. I still feel a little silly though, not gonna lie! I can even swing it behind me for a quick photo and it looks like a simple belt.
4. Minimalist packing is my favorite travel style.
The compact size keeps me honest. It forces me to be a minimalist packer. I can only carry what fits. At home in NYC, a bigger purse means more flexibility in what I can toss into it at any moment. When traveling, I go light. More purse space means more things to think about or extra weight to carry. My backpack works the same way. The heavier it gets, the more my shoulders ache. The lighter I pack, the easier it feels.
5. Safety is key for solo travel.
As a woman who often travels solo, I like my passport and phone where I can feel them, not dangling loose. I’ve heard too many horror stories of fellow female travelers getting their bags and phones stolen. So, I always choose the practicality of a fanny pack over a cute purse. It feels safer and keeps me focused on my trip, not my purse.
6. Fanny packs travel with peace of mind.
I don’t have to worry about a thing. No need to stress about putting down a purse just to use both hands while traveling. No risk of leaving it behind or someone snatching it. Maybe I’m overly cautious, but I’d rather be thoughtful than careless. I also value slow travel and peaceful photo walks, where I can carry my camera and focus only on shooting, not on adjusting a purse that looks cute but never stays in place.
So, did I convince you of the magic of the fanny pack? If you are still reading, thank you for coming along for my travel bag rant. Who knew someone could talk about a fanny pack for so many words? The truth is, that bag is not about fashion, it is about freedom. A fanny pack lets me move through airports without stress, wander city streets with confidence, and enjoy the simple joys of travel. Maybe you will never love the look of one. No problemo. If you value convenience, safety, and peace of mind, I believe the fanny pack will surprise you.
Now I would love to hear from you. What is your favorite travel purse or bag? Have you joined team fanny pack, or do you swear by something else? Share your thoughts in the comments on how you carry your essentials when you are on the move.
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