Before you head out on that vacation or business trip, think about getting yourself a good travel purse. Handbags designed specifically for travelers can store everything from your passport and guidebooks, to toiletries or an ipod, and they are designed to help you keep your essential belongings organized and secure. What do you need to know before you buy a travel purse, and how can you make sure that you get one that's right for you?

No matter where you are, there's a chance that you may be targeted for a purse snatching or pickpocketing, but without a doubt, some destinations are much more risky in this respect than others.

Good travel purses can help you beat this trend by having special security features built in. This could include stainless steel wire mesh in the bottom of the purse, or steel cables in the strap. These items make it difficult for a thief to cut through the bottom of the purse to get your wallet, or slice through the strap to grab your purse and make their getaway. Some purses also have latches for the zipper pulls for extra security against pickpockets.

Next, think about what kind of material you want your travel purse to be made of. Light weight materials make your travel purse easier to tote around, but the trade-off is sturdiness. A more durable material like leather will weigh a bit more, but leather travel purses can last for years. Some common materials for travel purses include nylon, suede and leather.

In addition to weight and durability, you'll also want to find something that feels good to you. Then think about the weather, and where you'll be using this. Will you be outside a lot, perhaps carrying it in the rain? If so, think about some water-proofing. How about setting it on the ground, or the floor of a train, where it could get dirty? Will it be washable?

Having a bag with one enormous compartment is simple -- until you try to find something in it! You'll be more organized if your travel purse has separate compartments on the inside and outside. Some excellent travel purses have pockets for everything that you need, whether it's passports and boarding passes, wallets, cell phones, makeup or medication.

In addition to keeping you organized, and helping you find what you want without a lengthy process of digging through your purse, it's more secure. With multiple pockets, if your purse does get slit, having your goods neatly zippered away will make it more difficult for someone to come up behind you and pluck out your wallet without you noticing.

One of the most important factors in selecting a travel purse is choosing one that fits your personal preferences. Perhaps you don't like the idea of slinging the purse from shoulder to opposite hip, even though you know this is more secure than dangling from one shoulder.  Why not consider one that you could carry around the waist, or that has an extra security strap across the chest? Also make sure that your travel purse will fit your build -- this can especially be an issue if you are very short or tall.

Finding a travel purse that fits your personal style and preferences can help you greatly enjoy your vacation.  Keeping your belongings organized will make the trip go more smoothly, and prevent that last-minute moment of panic when you fear you lost your hotel key.  And having a security purse can mean a great deal when it comes to protecting yourself and your belongs. And that can make the difference between a great vacation, and a travel disaster!