This 1 Travel Mistake Got My Phone Stolen Abroad—and Here’s How I Avoid It Now for Future Trips

You don’t realize how easy it is to lose your phone abroad until it happens in the least dramatic way possible—someone simply reaches into your bag and walks off with it. That’s exactly what happened to me in Barcelona during my study abroad program. No shove, no commotion, no clue. Just a crowded street, an overstuffed tote, and a phone that vanished before I even made it to my next class.

While Barcelona has its fair share of pickpockets, the truth was clear: I made it far too easy. My bag was stuffed to the brim, the zipper barely closed, and my phone sat right on top like it was waiting to be taken. The fix? A compact crossbody bag that keeps my essentials zipped, front-and-center, and easy to manage.

Now I can wander markets, metro stations, and busy streets without constantly checking my bag. If you want the same peace of mind, here are some stylish, travel-ready crossbody phone bags from Amazon starting at just $8.

Overall Best Phone Crossbody Bags

Bostanten Small Crossbody

The Bostanten crossbody bag feels elevated thanks to its gold hardware, but is still totally practical for travel or everyday outings. Despite its compact size, it has three card slots, a phone compartment, a zippered interior pocket, and a hidden back pocket that sits against your body. One reviewer who was pickpocketed in New Orleans said, “This bag is perfect. It’s got plenty of pockets of just the right sizes for everything I need to carry.” With over 7,000 reviews, it’s clearly a traveler’s favorite.

Janks Small Crossbody Bag

At just $8, this lightweight option is perfect if you only need a place for your phone and a few essentials. The adjustable strap lets you wear it tight or loose, and there’s even a little earphone hole for wired headphones. Made from waterproof material, it’s ready for city strolls, rainy commutes, or quick weekend trips.

Bagsmart Small Crossbody Bag

For a casual, on-the-go vibe, this puffer-style crossbody is perfect for pairing with athletic or casual outfits. It features multiple pockets, including a back anti-theft compartment, and RFID-blocking card slots to keep your essentials secure. Functional, trendy, and easy to throw on for a full day of sightseeing.

Bandolier Crossbody Phone Wallet

The Bandolier Crossbody Phone Wallet doubles as a wallet and comes with a secure lanyard, making it nearly impossible for a pickpocket to snatch your phone. Crafted from 100 percent genuine leather, it elevates any outfit while keeping you streamlined—perfect for minimalists who want to carry only the essentials. You can even detach the straps if you want to use it strictly as a phone case. Plus, it makes for a great holiday gift for frequent travelers.

Luckycoin Crossbody Wallet Phone Case

An affordable take on the wallet-phone hybrid, this crossbody keeps your essentials secure while protecting your phone with a raised edge around the screen. It holds cash and cards, so you can travel light without sacrificing organization, and the hands-free strap makes it perfect for sightseeing, errands, or airport days.

Ili New York Mini Crossbody Bag

This fashion-forward option comes in chic wintery shades like black, maroon, and brown, and you can snag $10 off with an on-site coupon. Made from genuine leather with RFID-blocking pockets, it includes a small interior zip and an anti-theft back zip pocket. It’s simple, versatile, and stylish enough for day-to-night travel looks.

Mundi Jacqui RFID-blocking Crossbody Wallet

With generous storage including multiple credit card slots, cash pockets, an ID window, a removable wristlet, and an outer cell phone compartment, this bag is perfect for travelers who want everything organized. One reviewer praised it for keeping phone, passport, and cash all in one secure spot. It’s also an Amazon’s Choice pick, making it a reliable travel companion.

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