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The 9 Best Travel Jewelry Cases of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your jewelry safe with one of these protective and stylish travel cases.

In This Article

Our Top Picks

• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Traveling with jewelry can be risky business, so it’s important to pack your accessories thoughtfully. Sure, you can always use Ziploc baggies and tissue paper, but the easiest and safest way to keep your jewelry safe is by using a handy travel-size jewelry case.

Since travel jewelry cases come in all different shapes and sizes, we tried 25 options from trusted luggage and jewelry brands. After loading the cases up with jewelry, we tossed, dropped, and shook them to see how safe the jewelry would be in situations like traveling where rough handling can be expected. From testing, we selected the winning jewelry cases that will keep your jewelry safe and organized whether you’re a jewelry minimalist or maximalist.

Best Overall: Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case

Best budget: bagsmart jewelry organizer bag.

• Best Roll-Up: Bagsmart Peri Folding Jewelry Organizer

Best Personalization: Mark & Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case

Best large capacity: kendra scott medium travel jewelry case, best for long trips: calpak jewelry case, best compact: vee & co. small travel jewelry case.

• Best for Everyday Use: Levenger Mini Jewelry Organizer

Best Sustainable: Paravel Jewelry Case

The small, oval container is the perfect size for a weekend getaway.

It could use a few more organizational features.

Cuyana’s oval-shaped case is deceptively spacious in comparison to its smaller design. Perfect for minimalist jewelry wearers, the interior has plenty of room and designated spots for several rings and earrings, but there aren’t specific latches for necklaces or bracelets. The two slip pockets on each side of the case can hold bigger or longer pieces of jewelry, but they run the risk of getting tangled without a latch so we wish the organization was a bit better. Made with genuine leather, the case has a protective exterior with a soft suede interior to further guard the jewelry against scratching or other damage. Throughout six months of tests, we loved this case for weekend getaways and longer trips alike and found it to be the perfect size to toss in a backpack or personal item.

The Details: Italian leather | 5 in. x 3.5 x 1.25 inches

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

The bag is spacious yet compact and comes with a handle to carry it easily.

The quality feels a bit lower than other cases we tried.

Designed similarly to a toiletry bag, we love that this wallet-friendly jewelry case comes with a top handle to transport it to and from a suitcase with ease. The compact bag is also a great deal considering how much jewelry it can hold while still being easy to pack. The polyester material is protective and flexible so the bag can pack down to a smaller size depending on how much jewelry is inside. The interior has an earring panel, ring bands, necklace clips, and various zippered pockets for storing all of the jewelry you want to pack for a trip. While we didn’t notice any issues with quality during testing, the materials feel less durable than other pricier cases we tried. We tossed the packed jewelry case around a bit during our tests and the items remained perfectly safe without any tangling or damage. Even after traveling with the case on seven flights, trains, and throughout more than four roadtrips during our six months of tests, nothing became tangled and the case is proving to be durable and sturdy.

The Details: Polyester | 6.1 x 9.8 x 1.9 inches

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Roll-up: Bagsmart Peri Folding Jewelry Organizer

The compartments roll out, which makes it easier to pack jewelry.

It was slightly difficult to put the earrings on the designated card.

Bagsmart impressed us a second time with their roll-up jewelry organizer, which was the easiest bag to pack with jewelry during testing. After six months of use, we love that it can fit a lot of jewelry and has compartments big enough for even the biggest hoops and other dramatic earrings. The envelope-style case unrolls and lies flat so you can easily see all of the pockets, latches, and hooks for storing every piece of jewelry you could ever need for traveling thanks to the larger capacity. We had some slight difficulty getting earrings into the holes in the earring card, but it was just a minor inconvenience, and there are plenty of other spots to place hoops and studs. Made with cotton fabric, the case may feel a bit flimsy, but is soft and protective, and it’s very compact since it can lie fairly flat even after it’s packed with jewelry.

The Details: Cotton | 9.06 x 6.3 x 5.75 inches

Mark & Graham

It comes in 28 color and pattern options — plus it's monogrammable.

After six months of using the case, we wish it had more space for necklaces, bracelets, and larger earrings.

Looking for the perfect gift for a traveler? You can monogram this Mark & Graham jewelry case with up to three letters for a personalized touch that makes the gift all the more thoughtful. The square-shaped case has a sturdy exterior that feels like it will hold up perfectly in a packed carry-on and the pebbled vegan leather gives the box a sophisticated look while sitting on a desk or dresser. The interior is split into two sections with a mirror divider to separate the box, which makes it slightly difficult to fit larger jewelry pieces like a watch or chunky necklace, but after six months of testing, we did like that the separate sections help you access all your items without spilling everything out. We also love that there are tons of ring pillow slots so if you’re a big ring wearer, this jewelry case is an excellent option. In addition, there are several necklace or earring latches as well as a slip pocket and sections for bracelets or broaches.

The Details: Vegan leather, linen | 4.5 x 4.5 x 2.25 inches

Kendra Scott

The large size of this jewelry box makes it useful for heavy packers or at-home use.

It doesn’t have any necklace hooks.

Jewelry maximalists will appreciate the bigger size of Kendra Scott’s jewelry case. It looks like a traditional jewelry box that sits on a dresser, but it’s also very portable thanks to its lightweight materials and design. The interior has four large compartments to easily drop in bracelets, necklaces, or watches without any hassle and there are over 10 ring pillow slots for rings or earrings. To keep all the packed jewelry safe, the case comes with a divider to prevent items from jostling around on the go. The case also comes with a small matching zippered pouch that you can keep in the box or remove for extra storage. We found this separate pouch to be perfect for use on shorter trips when you may not need to bring the full case. While we wish the box had a few more organizational features like necklace hooks or earring holes, the jewelry remained perfectly intact after we shook it around, so we’re confident that the box keeps items safely tucked away. Plus, after six months of use, the stylish case still looks new and is a great option for home storage, too.

The Details: Polyurethane, polyester | 8 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches

After six months of traveling with this case, not one necklace became tangled thanks to the plentiful hooks.

We wish it had more storage options for studs.

If you’re embarking on an international trip that includes a checked bag, we recommend this jewelry case from Calpak to weather the journey. Since the rectangular jewelry case is bigger, it can easily store enough jewelry for several weeks of traveling. The structured design makes it ultra-durable and our favorite part is that it has a built-in drawstring bag that does an excellent job of keeping bracelets, watches, or earrings safely secured in the bottom section of the jewelry case. The top part has a variety of necklace latches and a ring holder for even more security. When we rigorously shook the container, none of the jewelry budged from its original spots, so we feel confident that this case will protect your valuables in a checked bag with no issues.

The Details: Faux leather, faux suede | 7 x 5 x 2.5 inches

The square-shaped box is small enough to easily fit in a carry-on or backpack.

The jewelry might scratch up the mirror on the divider.

The lower price and superior functionality make this petite jewelry case an excellent option for anyone looking for a place to store their accessories. It’s smaller than a lot of the options we tested, so we think it’s ideal for travelers needing to save space in a backpack or suitcase. Despite its compact stature, this jewelry box can fit tons of jewelry from studs to a leather watch. It’s intuitive to pack the case with rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more since there are designated latches, slots, and compartments for virtually everything. When we shook the case, all of the jewelry remained packed away in its original spot without any damage occurring. The box has a divider with a mirror on one side and our only worry is that the mirror could get scratched by the metals or vice-versa, so you may want to put a small piece of fabric between the mirror just in case.

The Details: PU vegan leather | 3.94 x 3.94 x 1.97 inches

Best for Everyday Use: Levenger Carrie Mini Jewelry Organizer

The small design makes it easy to store the case in a purse.

It can’t fit large jewelry pieces.

Jewelry minimalists will love this tiny jewelry case for keeping track of just a few pieces of jewelry while on the go. After six months of use, we love that this Levenger mini jewelry case has latches, hooks, and pockets to protect and organize rings, bracelets, and necklaces. It is on the small side with minimum space for studs, but light packers will appreciate the hard, durable exterior that still looks new after six months. The genuine leather exterior and suede interior feels luxurious and looks elegant, so this also makes a great jewelry case for newlyweds going on a honeymoon . We especially love the tiny zippered pocket in the middle of the case for storing extra small jewelry items like studs or stacking rings.

The Details: Leather, microsuede | 4.25  x 4.5 x 1 inches

All of the materials used to make this case are recycled.

The organizational features could be better and, after six months of use, we think it's a bit too large to pack in a carry-on.

Paravel is one of our favorite luggage brands , so we’re pleased to report that its jewelry case impressed us, too. The circular case is made entirely of recycled materials from post-consumer plastic water bottles and upcycled zippers to create an eco-friendly accessory for travel. Besides the sustainability factor, the case comes with a large drawstring pouch that makes it easy to drop in larger pieces of jewelry like bracelets or watches. The top flap of the case has a ring holder and earring post to store smaller pieces of jewelry, but we wish there were a few more organization features like necklace latches or zippered pockets. However, we love the vintage-style design and, like most Paravel bags, you can monogram the case with initials for a special touch.

The Details: Recycled canvas, vegan leather | 5.6 x 3.6 inches

Other Travel Jewelry Cases We Liked

The jewelry cases below get an honorable mention since they still performed well in testing, but fell slightly short compared to our top performers.

Benevolence Plush Velvet Travel Jewelry Box Organizer : This jewelry box can fit a ton of items, but you’ll want to make sure everything is secure before traveling since we noticed most of the jewelry became dislodged during testing.

Mejuri Travel Case : The case looks elegant and sleek on the outside, but the interior doesn’t offer much in the organizational department, so it’s best for minimalist travelers.

After thoroughly researching jewelry cases from trusted brands, we selected 25 options to first test out in our New York City lab. We packed each case with every type of jewelry you can think of, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, watches, and more to get a feel for the usefulness of the organization features. Then, we tossed, dropped, and shook the cases (think Kourtney Kardashian level of salad bowl shaking) to see if the jewelry remained safely secured in place or if the pieces moved around. We also examined the cases for any scuffing or damage.

With our lab testing portion complete, we then rated the jewelry cases based on ease of use, capacity, design, and quality to determine the winners. We will continue to test the jewelry cases for an additional six months so we can see how each one performs while traveling in a more natural setting after the lab testing.

Tips for Buying a Jewelry Case

Buy the right size case.

First, you’ll want to think about how much jewelry you travel with to determine the best size for your needs. For those who travel with bigger pieces of jewelry like watches or chunky necklaces, consider getting a more structured case with large compartments. Delicate or minimalist jewelry will pack better in an envelope or binder style of jewelry case. And if your jewelry collection consists of just a few pieces, opt for a mini jewelry case to save space in your luggage.

Consider organization

Most jewelry cases come with latches, hooks, pockets, and pillows to hold pretty much any piece of jewelry you can think of. Like other types of travel organizers , some jewelry cases are more barebones than others, so you’ll want to buy a case according to your organization preferences or based on the type of jewelry you travel most with. If most of your jewelry consists of earrings, be sure to get a box that has pockets and hole cards with spots for hoops, studs, and dangling earrings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to keep your jewelry safe and organized is to use a jewelry case. The best thing about travel jewelry cases is that they often come with designated slots for all types of accessories to make packing intuitive and quick. If you want to add an extra layer of protection, you can always place tissue or fabric between your jewelry to prevent the pieces from rubbing against one another in transit.

Once your jewelry is packed into the case, we recommend placing the jewelry case between soft clothing for safekeeping or in a personal item in case you have to gate-check your bag when flying. It can be risky to place a jewelry case in a checked bag since you may run the risk of the bag getting lost, but it depends on your comfort level for flying with potentially valuable items.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer Anna Popp writes most of the team’s articles where all of the products were tested in our lab or in a real-world setting. She participated in this lab test and is currently testing the Cuyana jewelry case for the next six months. Anna sifted through testing notes and used her expertise of traveling with jewelry to recommend the best travel jewelry cases for all types of trips.

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• Travel & Lifestyle Product Reviews

The 7 Best Travel Jewelry Cases of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Protect your precious gems while on the go.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

Final Verdict

Our testing process.

• How to Shop
• More to Consider

Take Our Word for It

What is real simple selects.

Real Simple / Joy Kim

Stop tossing your favorite jewelry into a bag when you embark on a trip—it can quickly become tangled and scratched, damaging your most delicate pieces. A travel jewelry case solves this problem, offering a secure and stylish way to store your necklaces , earrings, and rings on the go. 

When it comes to buying a jewelry case for travel, look for well-constructed pieces that “have several compartments to keep the pieces from touching each other,” says Bennett Beutel , the product lead at Tiffany & Co. He adds that by separating the pieces, you can limit any damage that may occur from them bumping into each other. 

To find the best travel jewelry cases to suit every type of trip and traveler, we tested 25 options ranging in price and size and filled them with jewelry. We evaluated how easy they were to pack, how well they kept pieces in place, any notable organizational features, and their capacity. Whether you need to stash a few dainty necklaces or protect larger statement pieces, these cases will keep your jewelry in prime condition.

Best Overall Travel Jewelry Case

Mark & graham small travel jewelry case.

Mark & Graham

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Performance 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

This jewelry case can be personalized and has a built-in mirror to use on the go.

We wish the dividers in the main compartment were removable to allow for larger pieces.

This small square case is available in a range of classic and vibrant shades, which you can monogram to add a personal touch (whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for a jewelry-loving jet setter). It has a zip-around opening to glimpse all your pieces at once. Behind the handy built-in mirror, there are three hooks for necklaces or larger pieces—just note that it doesn’t keep them very secure. 

The main compartment is ideal for ring lovers, with space to hold seven rings in the center. We wish the surrounding small compartments had adjustable dividers to fit more of our favorite pieces. The case is sturdy and maintained its shape when we jostled it around, so we feel confident that it would protect our pieces even if it got squished in our suitcase. 

Dimensions : 4.5 x 4.5 x 2.25 inches | Storage Compartments : 6 | Material : Vegan pebbled leather, linen

Best Budget Travel Jewelry Case

Bagsmart jewelry organizer bag.

• Performance 5 /5

It has a convenient carrying handle and ample organizational features.

The panel for earrings is flimsy and can only accommodate hoops along the edges.

At almost 10 inches long, this jewelry case is impressively roomy, with plenty of space for your go-to pieces. It features five compartments: a ring band that snaps on and off, a panel for earrings, five straps to secure necklaces, a zippered pouch for storage, and a side zippered pocket.

For all of its convenient features, the handle was our favorite—we loved that we could carry it like a purse or toss it into our carry-on luggage . This case is lightweight and compact even when filled beyond the recommended capacity. While we struggled a bit with the earring panel, as the holes are very close together and can only accommodate hoops at the edges, the hardware was overall durable. 

Dimensions : 6.1 x 9.8 x 1.9 inches | Weight : 0.55 pounds | Storage Compartments : 5 | Material : Polyester

Best Large Travel Jewelry Case

Kendra scott medium travel jewelry case.

Kendra Scott

It’s spacious and easy to see all of your pieces at a glance.

There aren’t any hooks to hang necklaces from.

Crafted from high-quality PU leather, this elegant case features a removable zippered pouch and several sturdy and cushioned compartments to separate your jewelry, including a central section where you can safely secure rings and earrings. It’s simple and satisfying to pack—just drop your pieces into one of the compartments. 

The clutch-like rectangular shape makes this a bit bulky for a carry-on or weekender bag, but it’s a perfect companion for checked luggage. Since it’s easy to see your pieces on display once you open them, we like this for at-home storage, too. Our only gripe is that there isn’t dedicated necklace storage, but the compartments are large enough to store necklaces in individual pouches. 

Dimensions : 8 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches | Storage Compartments : 6 | Material : PU leather, polyester

Best Small Travel Jewelry Case

Vee & co. small travel jewelry case.

Despite its compact size, this case has a section to store every type of jewelry.

The included display mirror doesn't feel durable.

Travelers will love this case for its extensive organizational compartments, which give every piece its place to minimize scratching and tangling. We like the six plush ring pillows, three necklace hooks, and a built-in earring panel that borders the included mirror, but our favorite feature is the two removable dividers that you can adjust to accommodate delicate or chunky jewelry. The mirror is another convenient addition to this compact case, allowing you to try on different pieces or do your makeup—however, it seems less durable than the rest of the case. 

Dimensions : 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.9 inches | Weight : 0.37 pounds | Storage Compartments : 6 | Material : Vegan leather, velvet

Best Round Travel Jewelry Case

Cuyana travel jewelry case.

The detachable earrings bar is perfect for dangling or hoop earrings.

There aren’t any individual hoops for necklaces, and storing them on the provided detachable bar can lead to tangles.

Toss this pretty, petite pouch into your bag or jacket pocket for your next adventure, whether you're road-tripping or hopping on an international flight. It’s palm-sized and convenient to carry thanks to its ergonomic design, and the soft suede interior will keep your pieces protected on the go.

While there are only a few compartments—two small pouches, plus a detachable bar to store your favorite earrings and another for rings or necklaces—we found we could fit several pairs of earrings, a few necklaces, and nine (yes, nine!) rings, among other small pieces of jewelry. Light packers will love that this space-saving pick weighs less than half a pound and allows you to customize the design, as you can remove the earring and ring bar to free up space for larger pieces.

Dimensions : 1.25 x 5 x 3.5 inches | Weight : 0.33 pounds | Storage Compartments : 4 | Material : Leather, suede

Best Travel Jewelry Case for Maximalists

Calpak jewelry case.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

The generously-sized drawstring offers enough space to store larger pieces, plus it has mini pockets on the inside.

It’s bulky and may be better suited to longer trips than weekend getaways.

Famous for its reliable, attractive luggage and travel accessories, Calpak is a go-to brand for frequent flyers—and this jewelry case is no exception. Jewelry lovers will rejoice at the sight of the drawstring pouch, which features ample space for statement bracelets, necklaces, chunky earrings, or watches. We love that it also has small pockets folded in, which helps to reduce any possible scratching and to maximize the space. 

This large case has enough room to hold several rings on the snap-off ring bar and four necklaces on the detachable hooks—there's even a sturdy earring card ideal for studs and small hoops. Those who don't want to leave their favorite eye-catching pieces at home will appreciate carrying jewelry in this durable, faux-leather case. 

Dimensions : 7 x 5 x 2.5 inches | Weight : 0.9 pounds | Storage Compartments : 6 | Material : PU leather, polyester, ABS

Best Travel Jewelry Case for Minimalists

Levenger mini jewelry organizer.

• Capacity 4.5 /5

This compact pick has necklace hooks, an earring and ring bar, and a zippered pouch, making it perfect for just the essentials.

The earring bar isn’t spaced far enough apart for wider studs.

Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, this ultra-lightweight and dainty case is ideal for anyone looking to keep a few favorite pieces from tangling or scratching without adding any bulk to their compact carry-on . Perfect for short trips or minimalists, this mini organizer has two hooks and a catchall pouch for necklaces, a small zippered pouch for bracelets or large earrings, a tiny removable ring bar, and a detachable earring bar that can fit two pairs of smaller earrings.

While we wish the stud holes were farther apart (you can only fit dainty studs or one pair of chunkier earrings), we could store larger hoops in the pouch. It comes in five colorful styles, and we found the leather exterior soft and scratch-resistant, while the suede interior helped protect our pieces. 

Dimensions : 4.25 x 1 x 4.5 inches | Weight : 0.25 pounds | Storage Compartments : 3 | Material : Pebbled leather, microsuede

The Mark & Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case is our top pick thanks to its stylish and sturdy construction, handy mirror, and how well it kept our jewelry secure when we jostled it around during testing. If you're shopping on a budget, opt for the Bagsmart Jewelry Organizer Bag , which has five compartments for all your favorite pieces.

We tested 25 portable jewelry cases for this article, packing up each piece with the same array of jewelry—three necklaces, four earrings, three rings, two bracelets, and one watch—noting if it all fit or if we could comfortably add in even more pieces. 

Next, we tested for durability and protective features by vigorously shaking the cases and throwing them up in the air and onto the ground, checking to see how securely they kept our pieces in place and whether anything became broken or tangled in the process. 

Finally, we evaluated how easy it was to load pieces into the case or remove them, particularly regarding detachable ring rods and earring posters. The jewelry cases that scored the highest across our categories—ease of use, capacity, design, performance, and overall value—earned a spot on this list. 

How to Shop for a Travel Jewelry Case Like a Pro

Depending on the type of jewelry you wear and the trips you expect to take, compare different case types to find the best pick for you. For short weekend trips, a small palm-sized piece should suffice. But if you're spending weeks abroad, you may need a large-capacity jewelry travel case with more organizational features. 

If you have a lot of jewelry or prefer bigger pieces, opt for a case with plenty of compartments. For instance, those who frequently wear hoops might find that a small earring placard designed for studs won’t suffice—you’ll want ample pouches or zippered pockets that could hold your go-to earrings.

If you tend to travel with just the essentials—maybe a few dainty rings, thin necklaces, and small stud or hoop earrings—then a smaller case like the Levenger Carrie Mini Jewelry Organizer will do the trick. For statement jewelry lovers, a larger case like the Kendra Scott Medium Travel Jewelry Case can properly store your hefty pieces.

Storage Compartments

The best jewelry travel cases “have several compartments to keep the pieces from touching each other and to limit as much scratching as possible,” says Beutel. There are several compartment types too, including pockets, pouches, necklace hooks, ring pillows, and more. If you wear a lot of rings, consider a ring pillow or ring bar—the former allows you to remove them individually, while the latter requires you to remove the bar and the rings on it to select the one you want. 

Beutel recommends cases with a hearty, protective exterior—think leather or PU leather—which will keep your jewelry safe in your bag even if it gets tossed around at baggage claim. For the interior, he prefers suede lining, as it’s non-abrasive and prevents scratching or dulling.

More Jewelry Cases for Travel to Consider

Mejuri Travel Case : Mejuri is best known for its dainty, everyday jewelry—and that’s what this tiny, trendy case is designed for. It’s great for minimalists and we love the streamlined design, but the price tag seemed too high for how little space it offers (there’s only room for four necklaces, three pairs of studs, and a few slim rings). 

Bagsmart Jewelry Organizer Roll : This budget-friendly soft-sided case boasts a range of compartments to keep jewelry organized and can accommodate quite a range of pieces, but inherently offers less protection than a sturdy leather case. The inner material is also far less soft than the suede lining. 

Questions You Might Ask

Is it ok to store all your jewelry together when traveling.

“From an organizational perspective, it’s definitely a good idea to have all your jewelry in the same place,” says Beutel, however, “every piece should be separated to a certain degree to avoid any potential scratching.”

Look for cases with hooks for necklaces, pillows or rods for rings, and small compartments or pouches for other large pieces to ensure everything has a designated place.

Can you use a jewelry travel case for everyday storage?

At home, keeping your pieces in their original packaging is preferred. “In an ideal world, one would pack their pieces in the original cases, but of course, that’s normally tough to do traveling,” Beutel says.

However, many travel cases can store your essential pieces at home and on the go, reducing the need to pack and unpack between trips. For extensive jewelry collections or statement pieces, consider a larger storage option designed for everyday use, which can typically accommodate and display more jewelry.

What are some alternatives to travel jewelry cases?

If you can't get your hands on a travel jewelry case before your trip, Beutel suggests rolling your jewelry in a soft cloth. “Nothing abrasive like wool or canvas," he says. "A hand towel or a shirt works wonders.” While these won’t provide as much protection for your pieces as a proper case, they can help prevent your pieces from getting damaged while in transit.

This article was written by Sophie Dodd , a contributing writer for Real Simple who covers travel, lifestyle, and home goods. To write this article, she evaluated our test results, which reflected our experiences with the jewelry cases after packing them with a range of pieces, tossing them around, and exploring how easy or tedious it was to put in and take out different pieces. She also spoke with Bennett Beutel , a product lead at Tiffany’s Jewelry Design and Innovation Workshop , about what to look for when shopping for travel jewelry cases and how to protect your pieces on the go.

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval . Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects , from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

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Travel Ring Case

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Stay stylish and on the go with this chic Travel Ring Case, perfect for storing your favorite rings! Available in either black or rose, so you can mix and match with your outfit. Save time and look great - you can't go wrong!

Materials: Faux leather, microsuede, metal button

Features: 1.5" width x 2.5" length x 1.8" height, 4 slots for rings (or post earrings), metal button closure

ABOUT THIS ACCESSORY

• Available in silver & gold

• Long-lasting .25 micron plating

• Lead and nickel-free

• This piece is backed by a Lifetime Guarantee

• Free US shipping over $100

• 60-day returns

• Hypoallergenic, waterproof and tarnish-resistant

OPRAH’S FAVORITE THINGS BRAND 2022 & 2023

"…styles curated to cover every travel need, from day-tripping to black-tie wedding."

"…whether it calls for something understated or large and in charge. Fun to open and fabulous to wear—a win-win."

• Use a linen-free cloth for light cleaning
• Avoid contact with perfumes and chemicals
• Never use chemical cleaners
• Store jewelry in a cool dry place

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Black Travel Case +

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Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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Product Overview

Description.

• Comes in a quality black PU leather finish. Exquisitely hand-lined in beautiful light yellow suede fabric. Locked with a key to protecting your precious jewelry.
• The top lid has a large beveled glass mirror nestled inside and with a large storage pouch. The top section has 11 compartments. One compartment has 13 suede-lined ring slots. 6 removable earring holders which hold up to 30 earrings.
• 2 swing-out cabinets, each with 4 necklace hooks and 2 storage ledges. Weight: 4.96 lbs. IMPORTANT! The KEY is put in a plastic bag along with the manual. The plastic bag is put between the carton box and the protective foam on the top side of the jewelry box. If opening the carton on the bottom side of the jewelry box, people could overlook it.

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Showing 1-10 of 65 reviews.

Fountain Hills, AZ

Verified Buyer

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Just what I wanted. It holds so much and looks great

I bought this jewelry box for my 15 year old niece and she just loved it. It was very good quality and well packaged. I'm thinking of buying more as Christmas gifts.

HAGERSTOWN, MD

Great jewelry box, just what I needed. It holds quite a lot.

This was my birthday gift and when it arrived, it looked exactly like it does on the picture. Filled up with jewelry right away

La Plata, MD

Bought this for my granddaughter past Christmas. I assume she likes it. She has quite a bit of inexpensive jewelry and it is all fitting in the different drawers and slots. Her mom suggested it and pink is her favorite color.

My eight year old great-granddaughter just loved this. Many compartments for her to put all her stuff in. She was absolutely impressed for a little girl.....

Jacksonville, IL

I really like this product. It is what I expected it to be. Thank you!

Atlanta Georgia

Its nice. It was a gift, and it is loved

This is a sturdy well-made jewelry box. I love the inside and all the storage and the travel case. I was not happy with the pink color, I was expecting a baby pink and it is more of a salmon color.

Brandon, Ms

I am so proud of my purchase! It was actually better than I expected upon receipt. So very happy with my product and the service received

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Jewelry organizer box rings earring necklace bracelet display case christmas gift with mirror.

by Everly Quinn

Rated 4 out of 5 stars. 10 total votes

Are you still having trouble finding a particular piece of jewelry because you don't have a special storage box for it? Are you looking forward to having a sophisticated, personalized jewelry box? Then look no further than this double drawer jewelry box. With this jewelry box, your jewelry will have a cozy and comfortable home. Notes: Please allow the slight color difference caused by the shooting light and 1-3cm error due to manual measurement. Please make sure you do not mind before you order. 48H Shipping

• High-quality Materials: The box is made of high-quality PU and flocked fabric. The PU surface gives the box a beautiful look and is hard-wearing and easy to clean, giving the box a long life. The soft material of the flocked fabric keeps your jewelry well protected.
• Waterproof Casing: The casing is made of waterproof, mold-resistant PU, so your jewelry is well protected.
• Large Volume: With its double drawer design, this jewelry box can hold more jewelry than those of a single drawer, so you no longer have to worry about storing your many pieces of jewelry.
• Clear Sorted: Each layer of the box has a sectioned divider, which allows you to keep your jewelry in a separate place for easy access.
• Great Look: The dark green casing and gold clasp give the box a stylish, classic look. The white velvet lining of the box complements your jewelry beautifully. Partition Design: The jewelry box has removable compartments, which allows for flexible storage space. Earrings, large earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces all have a special place.
• Wide Application: The stylish appearance and practical design of this jewelry box make it suitable for both home use and gift-giving. The large capacity of the box makes it suitable for all kinds of jewelry.
• Shipping Time: We promise to ship the good as soon as possible within 48 hours when the inventory is sufficient.

Wood Jewelry Box +

by Charlton Home®

Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 190 total votes

Traditional styling and delicate accents give this jewelry box an unmistakable elegance. Its graceful floral inlay motif and seven-hook necklace drop make this jewelry chest an exquisite way to display your treasures.

• Walnut finish
• Lift lid with full interior mirror
• Centralized ring roll section flanked by five sections
• Three drawers arranged in two tiers
• The top tier offers two drawers-one with four sections-one with open area storage
• The bottom tier offers one drawer with open-area storage
• Hand lined in ivory suede fabric
• Antiqued pewter-tone drawer pulls and hardware

Jewelry Organizer Tray +

by Rebrilliant

Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 206 total votes

The Rebrilliant Stackable Jewelry Trays Set holds all of your favorite jewelry and accessories in place nicely. 4 trays, tan exterior, velvet lined interior, 18 total compartments in different sizes. Stack them up to save space or put them in the drawer and table top separately. They are perfect not only for jewelry but also for watches, art, and crafts, money, keys, etc.

• 4 stackable velvet-lined jewelry trays
• Variety size compartment
• High-quality material, durable construction.

Wood Jewelry Box + Drawers

Rated 4 out of 5 stars. 179 total votes

• Drawers are divided into 2 sections

by Mercer41

Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 45 total votes

Are you still worried that you can't find the jewelry you want when you go out in a hurry? This beautiful and practical jewelry box can solve all your troubles. The three-layer storage design allows you to store many different kinds and sizes of jewelry, and helps your jewelry and tabletop keep clean and beautiful! The classic jewelry box with lustrous metal handles showcases its nobility, elegance, and style. It complements your noble temperament while adding elegance to your dressing table. It will be a unique organizer for all your beautiful jewelry!

• Material: Our jewelry box is made of high-quality density board with a painted exterior that is waterproof, wear-resistant, impact-resistant, and long-lasting, as well as very sturdy to provide good support and stability. This box is designed with a plush lining that not only gives you a comfortable touch but also protects your jewelry from scratches and crushing so that your precious jewelry will be well cared for until the next time you use it. The gold hardware of this jewelry box is electroplated for color fixation, which makes it glossy and textured, and also prevents corrosion and rusting.
• Specifications: This large size (11*7.5*7.1in) jewelry box is designed with three layers to give you plenty of storage space. With this large-capacity jewelry organizer, your various jewelry will have a warm and spacious home. The watch compartment size is 5*8.5cm/2*3.3in. The second layer's smaller compartment size is 4.3*4.8cm/1.7*1.9in. The second layer's larger compartment size is 3.5*15.5cm/1.4*6.1in. This jewelry box will keep all your jewelry well organized, neatly displayed, and safely stored.
• Attractive design handle: The hidden handle design is both beautiful and practical. When you need to use it, you just need to press the right end of the pull with your thumb, and then the left end will be raised for successful pulling out of the drawer, which is an innovative and stylish design.
• Unique design: The full pull-out drawer design is convenient for displaying and accessing all jewelry, and you can also rearrange each drawer according to your usage habits. The unique drawer design and lid provide excellent water and dust resistance for jewelry. It has non-slip pads on the bottom for more stable placement. It also prevents the table from being scratched. The cover is specially designed with 5 hooks for the necklace, which can better display the necklace and prevent it from knotting. A pocket is also designed below the hook to fix the necklace or store other items.
• Wide application: This jewelry box has a unique design with a beautiful appearance and a large capacity with practical features. It is an ideal gift for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, and weddings. It is suitable for organizing various jewelry including sunglasses, watches, hairpins, earrings, rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces.

by Alcott Hill®

Rated 4 out of 5 stars. 227 total votes

Want to turn an ordinary house into a home? Start by decorating with pieces that speak to you. Take this jewelry box for example: Keep your favorite baubles proudly tucked away or on display in this smartly styled manufactured wooden jewelry box. Featuring a glass-lidded top compartment that acts as a mirror, you can check your look before you head out, while its lower drawers offer plenty of space to store any and all additional pieces.

• Made of MDF
• Dust with a clean, dry cloth
• First drawer: 21 Compartments
• Second drawer: 10 Compartments
• Third drawer: Open storage

Rated 4 out of 5 stars. 107 total votes

Add style to any room with this sleek wooden jewelry box. Include 4 drawers, a lift top mirror, 2 chain compartments, and multiple storage sections with mirror and ring holder.

Leather Jewelry Box +

by Latitude Run®

Rated 3 out of 5 stars. 2 total votes

This mirrored jewelry box comes with a built-in large mirror on top lid, makes it easier for you to dress up. It could make sure your fine jewelry have enough storage space , cause this jewelry case have 6 layers and 5 multifunction drawers . Jewelry organizer with Mirror on Top , and it have 2 Hidden Side Cabinets , each side have 8 stronge hooks , to make sure they will not mix and sturdy to hold heavy jewelry .You can DIY it , just need remove all the dividers , customize the partition according to your personal habits and preferences .It could used for a small to medium jewelry collection , if you're a jewel lover. It is equipped with a delicate metal buckle for easy opening and closing, It can store all your Jewelry, beautifully placed on your dresser, bedside table, bathroom counter or dresser, saves a lot of space and makes your dresser and room look neater.

• PREMIUM MATERIALS:Interior used softy velvet , to protect your fine jewelry very well. It keeps you in a good mood .
• Durable:Sturdy Jewelry organizer made from wood , covering elegant PU leather , it makes your box more durable.
• Easy to clean:Jewelry organizer made from wood , covering elegant PU leather ,easy to clean , you can wipe it off effortlessly with a damp cloth .

Ring Holder

by Red Barrel Studio®

The premium glass top ring display box is beautifully designed to showcase rings and make them stand out. It comes with high-quality metal clasps in the front and hinges in the back as well as a black velvet tray liner. The dense insert has 72 slots for storage and display. Ideal for travel as the latch will hold the box together, and keep your rings secure and dust-free.

by Darby Home Co

Rated 4 out of 5 stars. 221 total votes

Keep your jewelry stowed in style with this must-have box. The perfect addition to traditional aesthetics, it brings both storage space and classic appeal to your ensemble. It showcases an espresso-finished frame with a clean-lined top and arched sides with polished silver hardware and engraved details. More than just stylish, it features two shaped swing-out doors with necklace hooks and four drawers. Try setting it on your master suite dresser or bathroom vanity, then fill it with all your necklaces, rings, bracelets, and any other jewelry.

• Gray lining
• Lift top with mirror
• Sectioned compartments in top
• 2 Shaped swing-out doors with necklace hooks
• Hooks on doors can be used to hang chains

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21 Best Travel Jewelry Case Organizers to Keep Your Pieces Protected and Put Together

Don't let a mess of necklaces start your trip off on the wrong foot.

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

MATEIN Jewelry Travel Organizer

Benevolence LA Plush Velvet Travel Jewelry Box Organizer

BAGSMART Travel Jewelry Organizer Case

As with most things in life, not every jewelry organizer is right for everyone. Evaluate your collection and what you most often reach for when traveling before you purchase anything. Do you gravitate toward just a handful of studded earrings but love statement necklaces? Then make it a priority to find an organizer that's vertically-oriented with clasped necklace loops and elastic security bands. Or, on the flipside, if you prefer your dangly earrings but could forgo most necklaces, then opt for a case with a large earring grid. And if you're just trying to save the most space as possible while not leaving your favorite pieces at home, not to worry: there are tons of options available to you.

There are a few features you'll want to familiarize yourself with before you start shopping for a travel jewelry organizer:

• Necklace loops—these are small tabs that you loop a necklace onto and let it hang down. They can come with a security clasp as well as elastic bands and elastic pouches to keep them in place to avoid tangling.
• Earring grid—this small panel has holes for you to pierce your earrings through and store them conveniently.
• Ring cushion—small cylindrical pillows bunched together make this cushion a secure spot to stash your rings.
• Ring band—this band usually has one or both sides clasped, so you can unclasp and slip your rings onto it for a secure hold.
• Zippered pouches—these are ideal for storing bracelets, but they can also work well for earrings and rings if your organizer doesn't have a grid, cushion, or band. We don't recommend storing necklaces in pouches due to the potential for tangling.

And, with that, you've got everything you need to get shopping. Your organized travels await!

Sleek, stylish, and efficient? We're sold. This organizer is the definition of small but mighty, able to fit an incredible amount of jewelry with great design that will protect your precious pieces. It has five clasped necklace loops with an elastic security band and five individual elastic pouches; three large, clear zippered pockets; an earring grid able to fit 13 pairs; and two ring bands. And all of that fits into a case the size of a small clutch. Absolutely no complaints.

This small jewelry box is perfect starter for the gals who are just beginning their collection. It has three necklace loops, a ring cushion, and three small compartments for earrings and bracelets. There's also a divider panel that has a mirror for quick makeup touch-ups. It's the perfect piece for a weekend getaway or to toss in your purse and go. Our one complaint: the necklace loops don't have security clasps.

This wallet-sized organizer packs quite the punch with three zippered pockets, a ring band, and an earring grid suitable for up to nine pairs. This probably isn't an ideal option if you travel with plenty of necklaces as there's no way to keep them untangled, but if you're okay with that, then this sleek organizer will save you plenty of luggage space.

Hatori Travel Jewelry Box

The layout of this beautifully designed jewelry box is what really got our attention. The top easily stores necklaces with five loops and an elastic pouch, and then an earring grid panel separates the other compartment that contains a ring cushion and three small divided sections.

While we love the design, we don't love that this organizer relies on a clasp and not a zipper for closing, and that the necklace loops don't clasp for extra prevention of tangling.

ProCase Travel Size Jewelry Box

A similar design to the clasped jewelry box above, this semi-circle option provides a bit more room, with a large earring grid panel and ring cushion as well as an additional storage compartment. It also has a zippered exterior. It is worth noting, though, that this organizer also doesn't have clasps on its necklace loops.

Nelonis Transparent Jewelry Storage Book

Binder-style jewelry storage can get a bad wrap for being bulky, but that couldn't be farther from the truth for this mini book. It has a whopping 50 zippered pouches that are great for storing earrings, rings, and bracelets. While most necklaces would fit, we don't recommend binder storage like this for them as they're prone to tangling.

BAGSMART Hanging Jewelry Organizer Storage Roll

This jewelry roll truly has more compartments and holders than we can count, so we'll let the visual speak for itself. One side has clear pouches while the other uses a loop system and elastic bands to hold necklaces, and the entire organizer rolls or folds up to the size of a small clutch.

One thing to note about this organizer is that the pouches aren't zippered. So while your earrings, rings, and bracelets are most likely okay when the organizer is rolled up, there's no guarantee that one or two won't fall out.

storageLAB Travel Jewelry Organizer

Minimalist jewelry lovers, this is the organizer for you. Ten necklace loops with two elastic security bands, an earring grid that holds nine pairs, a ring band, and four zippered pouches provide tons of free space for the dainty jewelry you love. While this organizer doesn't provide a lot of room for big earrings or long necklaces, it's the perfect option if you love to make a statement with layering your jewelry rather than wearing large pieces.

NISHEL Travel Jewelry Organizer Roll

If packing light is the name of your travel game, then you're going to love this organizer. It has a slim design but packs a punch with how much it can hold, with three zippered pockets, a ring band, an earring grid that holds eight pairs, and four necklace loops with clasps and elastic band and pouch. It should have more than enough room for even a week-long trip without taking up way too much space in your luggage.

Vlando Small Jewelry Case

This small jewelry case is great for sectioning out your jewelry options per outfit when traveling. With three different tiers, there's plenty of room to plan an entire outfit's accessories for a short trip.

Vlando Jewelry Roll

Storing your jewelry is as easy as throwing your wallet in your purse with this organizer. It's small but mighty, with an earring grid that can fit five pairs, a ring band, three necklace loops with two elastic pouches, and a zippered pocket. Because it's so small, this organizer might not be ideal for longer necklaces, but we wouldn't fear them getting tangled too much thanks to the dual elastic pouches for storage.

Vlando Jewelry Box

Don't want a jewelry case specifically for traveling? If you've got a small collection then this beauty might be the new piece of functional dresser décor you've been looking for. It's chic but practical: lift the lid to find two earring grid bands that fit 12 pairs, a ring cushion, a 4-way divided compartment, and a single compartment for bracelets.

WILLOWDALE Jewelry Storage Book

Binder jewelry organizers aren't for everyone, but those who have them LOVE them. They're easy to lay flat in a suitcase or toss into a carry-on bag and allow you to easily see each and every piece you brought thanks to the individual clear pouches. These are also great for the gals who buy way more jewelry than they can ever wear—but, hey, they can dream, right?

LAEDO Travel Jewelry Organizer

Bringing the convenience of the binder organizer to the traditional case is this magnificent jewelry stash. It has six transparent pages of pouches combined with 12 necklace holders with an elastic band, elastic pouches, and an earring grid for nine pairs. Bracelets and rings can easily store away in the pages and be seen quickly.

There's one feature we're hesitant about with this organizer: the necklace holder. It's not a traditional loop, but more a cutout in a piece of leather. The elastic band would most likely be all the security you'd need against tangling, but it's an important note to make if you're necklaces tangle easily.

Dual Travel Organizer

One of the easiest ways to save space when traveling is picking products that can play double duty like this organizer. The top compartment functions as a makeup bag while the zippered bottom portion is a jewelry case. There's a large and small option, and while both have a ring cushion, covered compartment, and mirror, the large size has a second covered compartment.

travel Medium Travel Jewelry Case

Perfect for the gal who can live with just a few pieces of jewelry, this medium sized case has an earring grid that can hold six pairs, a ring band, three necklace straps, three elastic pouches, and a removable double sided zippered pouch for any extras. We especially love the clasps for the necklace straps to make sure your jewelry stays in place.

The only negative with this jewelry case is that there's no elastic holds for your necklaces, so they run the risk of possibly getting tangled.

Pocmimut Makeup and Jewelry Bag

Another makeup/jewelry bag duo, this option is slightly larger than the Mark & Graham version. It also has a special pouch for makeup brushes, making it great if you don't think the large Mark & Graham bag will be enough room for you. The jewelry case has an earring grid, ring band, necklace loop, and two elastic pouches. We really love the design of the necklace loops on this one. Not only do the loops clasp, but there's also an elastic band to keep them totally in place.

While this organizer gives you more room for your makeup and jewelry, that also means it'll take up more space in your luggage. If you like to pack light, then this is not the option for you.

Do you prefer to section your jewelry out by individual pieces or even coordinating for an outfit? Then this is the case for you. It has six small, clear, zippered pouches that are perfect for setting aside a day of jewelry or individual pieces if you worry about tangling.

KAMIER Travel Jewelry Case

This jewelry case might be small, but it can pack quite a bit inside. It includes a removable earring grid that can hold six pairs, a ring cushion, four additional compartments, as well as four necklace loops with an elastic pouch.

As with most small jewelry cases, this one isn't ideal for bangles or other stiff bracelets. Another downside is that it lacks clasps for the necklace loops. Additionally, the exterior is sealed using a clasp and not a zipper, an outlier in comparison to the rest of the cases on this list.

UnionPlus Roll Bag Organizer for Necklaces

Mainly into necklaces? Then there's definitely no need for you to have a large jewelry case with all the fixings. This roll bag has nine compartments so your necklaces to lay individually and you won't have to worry about them getting tangled.

Hannah Jones is the Commerce Editor for Country Living. Her eye is always on the next up-and-coming products to include in gift guides and she's ready to test everything from dog beds to garden tools for product reviews. When she’s not scoping out the latest and greatest items on the market, you can find her hanging with her two rescue dogs.

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Golden Ring

Touring the Golden Ring, a string of medieval towns northeast of Moscow, is like settling into the comforting arms of Mother Russia: it's a bucolic realm of whitewashed churches with golden onion domes, rippling meadows blanketed with flowers, and samovars bubbling away in colourful gingerbread cottages. In contrast to Moscow's cosmopolitan chaos, these ancient towns are a cultural salve for the Slavic soul: you'll find the spiritual heart of the Orthodox Church here, as well as historic architecture, religious art, traditional cooking and time-honoured handicrafts. Centuries ago this was the power core of eastern Kyivan Rus, but it declined as Moscow took political centre stage. Largely untouched by Soviet industrialisation, it now attracts flocks of Russian tourists searching for a lost idyll.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Saviour Monastery of St Euthymius

Founded in the 14th century to protect the town’s northern entrance, Suzdal’s biggest monastery grew mighty in the 16th and 17th centuries after Vasily…

Church of the Intercession on the Nerl

Tourists and pilgrims all flock to Bogolyubovo, just 12km northeast of Vladimir, for this perfect little jewel of a 12th-century church standing amid a…

The grandfather of the Moscow Kremlin, this citadel was the 12th-century base of Prince Yury Dolgoruky, who ruled the vast northeastern part of Kyivan Rus…

Old Vladimir Museum

This red-brick former water tower contains a multistorey exhibit of everyday objects from Vladimir's history (no English signage); the display of old…

Assumption Cathedral

Set dramatically high above the Klyazma River, this simple but majestic piece of pre-Mongol architecture is the legacy of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, the…

Trinity Monastery of St Sergius

Sergiev Posad

In 1340 St Sergius of Radonezh founded this lavra (senior monastery), which soon became the spiritual centre of Russian Orthodoxy. St Sergius was credited…

Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour

Founded in the 12th century, the Unesco-listed Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour was one of Russia’s richest and best-fortified monasteries…

Rostov-Veliky Kremlin

Rostov-Veliky’s main attraction is unashamedly photogenic. Though founded in the 12th century, most of the buildings date to the 1670s and 1680s.

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May 29, 2015 • 4 min read

East of Moscow lies the land of small historical towns, ancient onion-domed churches, gingerbread cottages and largely unspoilt countryside, all in sharp…

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Golden Ring and beyond

Russia’s Golden Ring Cities: the best 10 day itinerary

Due to the current situation, I advice against travel to Russia at the moment. All affiliated links related to Russia have been removed. But I have decided to keep my posts about Russia as it remains a beautiful country. I hope that circumstances change and that travel is possible again in the near future.

In this post about Russia’s Golden Ring cities I will share the ultimate golden ring itinerary. One of the most picturesque and historic parts of Russia. This is the Russia you imagine, with rural villages, wooden houses and onion domed churches set amidst picturesque landscapes.

Russia’s Golden Ring cities are a world away from Moscow. The capital is there to impress you. Sometimes in a good way and sometimes less so. However, Moscow is only one face of Russia. 

Around Moscow you will find Russia’s Golden Ring. A circle of ancient towns from the medieval period that played an important role in the development of the Russian state and the Russian orthodox church. Most of them are on the UNESCO world heritage list because of their ancient monasteries, cathedrals and kremlins. 

Some of Russia’s Golden ring cities are possible to visit as a day trip from Moscow. Others are a destination in itself. They are all connected by public transport and traveling in between them is pretty straightforward and easy.

This Golden Ring itinerary will be a highlight of your trip to Russia and will bring you to the most beautiful Golden ring cities. 

Russia’s Golden Ring cities

There has been a big debate which cities are included within Russia’s Golden Ring. Therefore the Soviets made an official list with Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Vladimir and Suzdal.

Some Golden ring itineraries also include smaller towns like Uglich with its ancient Kremlin or Alexandrov, the former residence of Russian princes.

Although each Golden Ring city has its own charms, the architecture is somewhat similar. You will see colorful onion domes, intricate frescoes, and ornate decorations, showcasing the unique Russian style. Therefore it would not make sense to include all of them in your Golden ring itinerary.  

After some background research I decided to focus my own Golden Ring itinerary on the Golden Ring cities of Sergiev Posad, Yaroslavl, Vladimir and Suzdal.

Russia’s Golden Ring itinerary   

Day 1 – 4: moscow.

Any Golden ring itinerary starts in Moscow. Russia’s crazy and chaotic capital. Personally, I didn’t particularly like Moscow, yet it is fascinating and has lots of interesting things to do. 4 days in Moscow would be enough to see its major attractions like the Moscow metro , the Red square and the Kremlin . 

Moscow offers a great introduction to Russia and it is a good way to start your Golden Ring itinerary.   

Day 5: Sergiev Posad

Sergiev Posad is either an easy day trip from Moscow or a stop over on your way to Rostov Veliky and Yaroslavl.

Sergiev Posad is probably one of the most important Golden Ring cities, because it is the seat of the Russian orthodox church. In other words, it’s like the Vatican of Russia. It all started with Saint Sergius. He was a hermit that lived in the forests around Sergiev Posad.

Other monks joined him and soon Saint Sergius became their spiritual leader. He built a small wooden church in 1337 and this is how the holy Trinity monastery started. Later Saint Sergius was declared the patron saint of Russia. After that the monastery grew into one of the most important monasteries of Russia. 

The complex has several churches and cathedrals. Each with beautiful and ancient frescoes. It still is an active place of worship and even if you are not religious, watching a Russian orthodox mass is an enchanting experience.

Although this is not included in this Golden Ring itinerary, Sergiev Posad is also a good place from where you can make day trips to the other Golden Ring cities of Alexandrov and Pereslavl Zalessky. 

Alexandrov is where tsar Ivan the terrible lived for 16 years and has an ancient Kremlin with a dark history. It was the center of Ivan’s state policy to repress the elite. Pereslavl Zalessky also has some ancient churches and monasteries. Both are connected by train or bus from Sergiev Posad within an hour. 

Logistics     

How to get there : The easiest way to get from Moscow to Sergiev Posad is by train. I recommend taking one of the frequent local trains that leave almost every hour from Moscow’s Yaroslavsky train station. The journey takes 1.5 hours.

You can continue continue from Sergiev Posad by train to Pereslavl Zalessky (1 hrs), Rostov Veliky (2 hrs) or Yaroslavl (3 hrs) or return to Moscow on a day trip. 

Day trips : Alexandrov, Pereslavl Zalessky

Where to eat : Varenichnaya 9

Day 6 – 7: Yaroslav

Yaroslavl is a rather big town with a scenic location on the Volga river. It’s history goes far back to the 11th century when it was an important economic center in the region. Ivan the Great loved Yaroslavl and the town joined the Moscow state in 1463.  

It’s historic center is on the UNESCO world heritage list , because it is a good example of the city reform plans of Catherine the Great. Although some of its churches and monasteries are older, most buildings are from the 18th and 19th century. 

Therefore Yaroslavl is an interesting mix reflecting different time periods. Most important, it has a variety of things to do that go beyond its ancient churches and monasteries. Although they are well worth a visit, you might by now, already suffer from an overdose of religious monuments on your Golden Ring itinerary.   

Highlights of Yaroslavl include the scenic walks you can take along the Volga river embankment, feasting on dumplings in the first Soviet pelmeni restaurant (Podbelka) and filling your stomach with delicious Russian pies at Shtolle. For Soviet enthusiasts, there is also an impressive House of Soviets, a Lenin statue and a small monument to Tereshkova, the first woman in space.   

Yaroslavl is also a great base to make some day trips to the more scenic and rural Golden Ring cities. Rostov Veliky and Kostroma with its picturesque ancient kremlins are about an hour away by train or bus. A bit further is Uglich. 

Sights : Walking along the embankment, Church of Elijah the prophet, House of the Soviets, Annunciation cathedral, Saint john the baptist church, Tereshkova monument, Lenin statue, Monastery

How to get there : Yaroslavl and Moscow are connected by train in 3 to 4 hours. 

Day trips : Rostov veliky, Kostroma, Uglich

Where to eat : Buffet number 1, Shtolle, Podbelka

Day 8: day trip to Rostov Veliky

My time was limited and therefore I could only make one day trip from Yaroslavl. I chose Rostov Veliky.

Together with Suzdal it was one of the most picturesque places on my Golden Ring itinerary. Even better, it lacks the touristy atmosphere from Suzdal and its Kremlin was one of the most beautiful I have seen. Add the scenic location on the Nero lake and the picture perfect image of Rostov Veliky is complete.

Rostov Veliky is small though. Outside of its Kremlin and the nearby Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery there isn’t much else to do. Which makes it perfect as a day trip from Yaroslavl or even Moscow (3+ hours by train). 

The 16th century Kremlin is somewhat of an anomaly. Most Kremlins were built to protect the city’s most important buildings. Rostov’s impressive Kremlin walls were made more for show than anything else. The wide gates would allow any enemy to enter easily. 

The kremlin has several ancient cathedrals, a courtyard and a peaceful garden. From the Kremlin it’s a scenic walk along lake Nero to the Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery

How to get there : From Yaroslavl it is about 1 hour by train or bus to get to Rostov Veliky. From Moscow it will take more than 3 hours to get there. 

Where to eat : Alyosha Popovich near the Kremlin serves delicious traditional Russian food for reasonable prices.     

Day 9 – 10: Vladimir and Suzdal

Vladimir and Suzdal both developed in the 13th century. Vladimir as an administrative and economic center and Suzdal as the religious heart of the region. Together they are on the UNESCO World Heritage list as the white monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal .  

Vladimir is one of the oldest cities in Russia’s golden ring and was founded by prince Vladimir. It soon became the capital of Russia and enjoyed great wealth and prosperity. It was a golden age in which most of Vladimirs white stone cathedrals and palaces were built. That was until the Mongols destroyed Vladimir in 1238.

Nearby Suzdal is slightly older, but lost its political power to nearby Vladimir. It remained an important religious center though with more monasteries and churches than any other town near Moscow. 

Personally, I found it to be one of the most picturesque places in Russia’s Golden Ring. There is a rural rustic atmosphere that makes it feel like you are travelling back in time.

However, something needs to be noted here. It’s partly a Soviet creation. As they wanted to focus on Suzdal’s tourist potential the Soviets did not allow the construction of new or high rise buildings. They even moved wooden structures from other parts of Russia to Suzdal.

The result is that Suzdal is very touristic, but also very pretty. Furthermore, the historical significance of its 11th century Kremlin and 16th century monasteries is no less. Suzdal’s Kremlin is even older than the Moscow kremlin . 

Suzdal has enough things to see and do for a full day trip from Vladimir or Moscow. A lot of people skip Vladimir, but its historic center is also well worth a visit. Some of its ancient cathedrals survived the Mongol invasion.

Logistics Vladimir

How to get there : From Yaroslavl to Vladimir there is no direct train connection. You could either take two fast trains (Yaroslavl – Moscow, Moscow – Vladimir) or a direct bus. There are only a few direct buses and the journey takes 5 hours.

From Moscow to Vladimir there is a high speed train to Vladimir that takes less than 2 hours. 

What to see : Golden gate, Old Vladimir museum (water tower), Borodin blacksmith workshop, Annunciation church, Demetrius cathedral

Where to eat : Mint owl, Pelmenj

Day trips from Vladimir : Suzdal

Logistics Suzdal

How to get there : To get from Moscow to Suzdal you first need to get to Vladimir. In Vladimir you can go to the bus station that is conveniently located across the train station. There is a bus to Suzdal every 30 minutes and the journey is little less than an hour

What to see : Deposition of the robe convent, Alexander male monastery,Monastery of Saint Euthymius, Pokrovski monastery, Kremlin

Where to eat : Chaynaya, Gostiny dvor

After Russia’s Golden Ring cities

This Golden ring itinerary of Russia stops in Vladimir. After that you can either return to Moscow or continue your journey in Russia.

From Vladimir it is only 3 hours to Nizhny Novgorod. It is not part of Russia’s Golden Ring cities, but also has an old Kremlin and is nice to visit.  

Russia’s Golden Ring cities Travel Tips

When to visit.

Russia’s Golden Ring cities are so scenic that every season has it’s own charms. I was there in winter and the thick blanket of snow only made it more like a fairytale.

Obviously spring is lovely with its blooming flowers and autumn brings beautiful colors in the trees. Summer is the peak tourist season in the Golden Ring cities, as the weather is generally warm and pleasant. However, it can get crowded, especially in July and August. This is also when many festivals and events take place, providing an opportunity to witness traditional celebrations and cultural performances.

Accommodation in Russia’s Golden Ring cities

Where to stay in moscow.

Hostels Rus : Hostels Rus stand for clean and professional hostels with a mix of dormitories and a limited number of double rooms for good prices. They are often located close to one of the Moscow metro stations making travel in Moscow easy. There is one near Kurskaya and one near Paveletskaya (dorms only).

Vinegret hostel : Vinegret hostel is a clean and nice budget hostel with an excellent location in the heart of Moscow. It is right near Arbatskaya metro station on the famous arbat street. From there you can walk to the red square in only 30 minutes.

Axel hostel : Axel hostel has great budget dormitories with lots of privacy. It has a central location within walking distance of Kitay Gorod.

Where to stay in Sergiev Posad

Hostels Rus : Hostels Rus is one of the few hostels in Sergiev Posad. It has clean dormitories and double rooms. It’s a great budget option, but a bit far from everything. That said, it is still within walking distance from the center.

Guest house Shishkina : If you have a bit more money I can recommend the central Guest house Shishkina. The double rooms are lovely and still in the budget category.

Where to stay in Yaroslavl

City hostel : I stayed at City hostel. It’s a great budget place that is centrally located. The rooms were clean and the people were very helpful, despite the language barriers

Zolotoye Koltso : Zolotoye Koltso hostel has great reviews for its small, but clean and cheap rooms and dormitories in the centre of Yaroslavl.

Where to stay in Vladimir

Hostel Belyy Topol : I stayed in hostel Belyy topol. Although the staff didn’t really speak english, they were very helpful. The rooms were clean and the location was very convenient near the train station and in walking distance of the historic sights. 

Hostel Vishnya : Hostel Vishnya is another hostel with good reviews near the train and bus station. It has both dormitories and private rooms for reasonable prices. 

Samovar hostel : Samovar hostel has a scenic location within Vladimirs historic center. It has good reviews because of their clean and spacious dorms and private rooms. 

Where to stay in Suzdal

Suzdal has lots of accommodation options. There are no real backpacker hostels, but you will find some budget guesthouses. 

Patchwork guesthouse : Patchwork guesthouse is a simple guesthouse with a couple of small, but clean double rooms. It is within walking distance of the main sights and has a very friendly and helpful owner

Viktoria Guest house  : Viktoria guesthouse is a good budget option not far from the center with clean rooms

Disclaimer : This post about Russia Golden ring cities with a Russia Golden Ring itinerary contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

Due to the current situation in Ukraine all affiliated links related to Russia have been removed

5 thoughts on “Russia’s Golden Ring Cities: the best 10 day itinerary”

Wow these photos are like looking at one fairytale castle after another! Love the Russian cultural architecture.

Wow- Russia is definitely one of those countries you need to visit in the winter! The architecture is just so stunning with the white snow!

So interesting so see these Russian cities. We visited Moscow and thought it was incredible but clearly we have much more to see and explore in the future. Visiting in the winter really adds to the atmosphere of these places and a topping of snow is the icing on the cake. Thank you for sharing.

Another great article, thanks for sharing ❤️

Thank you for this very thorough blog. This will be so helpful in Russia trip planning. Saving it for later for when we can finally travel freely again!

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Ukraine war latest: Ukraine 'destroys Russian Black Sea minesweeper'

Ukraine's navy says it has destroyed a Russian Black Sea fleet minesweeper. Meanwhile, an attack on a residential area in Kharkiv left six civilians injured - with Ukraine saying it is investigating the bombing as a potential war crime.

Sunday 19 May 2024 17:40, UK

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• Six killed - including pregnant woman - in strikes on Kharkiv recreation area
• Ukraine investigating 'potential war crime' after civilians wounded
• Ukrainian soldiers reveal how they were secretly moved ahead of Russian invasion
• Russia takes control of village in Kharkiv - defence ministry

We're pausing our coverage of the Ukraine war for the moment.

Scroll through the blog below to catch up on today's developments.

Russian forces likely intend to launch the second phase of their offensive following their anticipated seizure of Vovchansk, three miles from the Russian border, according to the latest analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said yesterday that Russian forces advanced between five and 10 kilometres in the northern Kharkiv region before Ukrainian forces stopped Russian advances.

The ISW says Russian forces are currently prioritising the seizure of Vovchansk because it is likely one of the remaining tactical objectives of the first phase, noting it is the largest settlement immediately on the border that would provide Russian forces with a staging ground to prepare for and launch the second phase.

The Russian objectives of the second phase are not yet clear, the ISW says. It could be to expand the "buffer zone" further in width along the border, or to advance closer to Kharkiv city.

Russian forces have also recently intensified efforts to seize the operationally significant town of Chasiv Yar, the ISW says, seeking to exploit the pressure on stretched Ukrainian forces. 

The number of people killed in Russian strikes on a Kharkiv recreation area has risen from five to six, with an employee of the resort still unaccounted for. 

At least 27 people were injured in the two airstrikes, which came about 20 minutes apart, according to an update from the Kharkiv regional prosecutor's office on Telegram. 

The missing employee was fishing by a reservoir when the attack happened, the update said. 

Two police officers are among the injured, it added. 

The UK's defence secretary has confirmed the military aid that has been "rushed" to Ukraine. 

Grant Shapps said the "world cannot wait" as he urged nations to "step up" and support Kyiv's fight against Russia. 

Among the items sent by the UK are 80 defence missiles, one million rounds of ammunition and 20 Viking amphibious protected vehicles. 

Mr Shapps' tweet comes after he urged allies to give permission to Ukraine to use the weapons they have supplied against targets in Russian-annexed Crimea.

"We have been very, very clear with the world and helpful to Ukraine - for example, providing permissions for our weapons to be used throughout the whole of Ukraine ... that includes Crimea, which was taken by Putin in 2014," he told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: 

"Now, we do not get into how we would allow targeting with our weapons to be used outside of that. But we do provide our weapons to Ukraine in order for them to defend their country."

Pressed on Volodymyr Zelensky's calls for weapons to be available for strikes inside Russia, Mr Shapps said: "I can't go into the specifics of those private conversations about how the weapons are precisely used."

Finland will propose a law that would see it turn back migrants to Russia without processing their asylum applications - despite this potentially breaching its international human rights commitments.

Finland shut its border with Russia last year to stop a growing number of arrivals from countries including Syria and Somalia.

It accused Moscow of weaponising migration against Finland and the European Union, an assertion the Kremlin denies. 

"As this phenomenon is in Russia's hands - who comes, where from and when, to Finland's border - we cannot permit it," Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters.  

"Therefore we have to augment our legislation." 

The bill would allow border authorities to turn back asylum seekers who cross from Russia, with or without using force. But it would not apply to children and disabled people.

The proposal will go to parliament next week, where it will be submitted to the constitutional committee for review. It will need five-sixths of votes cast in parliament to pass - the high bar required for constitutional matters - and success is not certain. 

The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces have published their daily operational update... 

It says "intense" fighting is ongoing along almost the entire frontline, with 78 "combat clashes" already today, compared to 110 for the entirety of yesterday. 

The Russian forces became increasingly active on the Kharkiv front, with seven clashes reported so far today.

The situation in Kharkiv is "dynamic", it says, with Russian troops trying to push back the Ukrainian units near Vovchansk, Starytsia and Lyptsi.

Russia said on Saturday its forces had captured the village of Starytsia, bringing the total number of villages it has taken in the Kharkiv region to 13.

Russia has been pushing ahead with a ground offensive in recent days that opened a new front in northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region and put further pressure on Kyiv's overstretched military. 

Russian forces have also increased their activity on the Siversk front and are attempting to break through Ukrainian defences in Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamianske and Rozdolivka, the update says. 

Oleksandr Usyk defeated British boxing star Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world on Saturday night.

But Fury says the outcome was down to the Ukraine war. 

He disputed his loss after the match, saying: "I believe I won that fight. I think he won a few rounds but I won the majority of them.

"His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion."

In response, Ukrainian Usyk said he was "ready for rematch," but later added: "I don't think about rematch now, I want to rest."

After today's attacks President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again called on Western allies to supply Kyiv with additional air defence systems to protect Kharkiv and other cities. 

He said there were reports "every hour" of fresh attacks. 

"Missiles, bombs, artillery are the only things that allow Russia to continue its aggression," he said on Telegram. 

"The world can stop Russian terror - and to do so, the lack of political will among leaders must be overcome."

"Two Patriots for Kharkiv will make a fundamental difference," he said, referring to Patriot missile defence systems. 

Air defence systems for other cities and sufficient support for soldiers on the front line would ensure Russia's defeat, the president added. 

This morning, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the delay in giving aid to Ukraine gave Russia a window of opportunity for its new offensive. 

Five people have died in strikes on two villages in the Kupiansk district in Kharkiv, local officials say. 

It brings the number of people killed in the Kharkiv region today to 10, after five people died in strikes on a recreation area in a northern suburb of the city of Kharkiv.

Local governor Oleh Syniehubov said Russian forces shelled two villages with a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher. 

At least nine people were injured in the attacks. 

We're getting photos of the aftermath of strikes on a recreation area just outside Kharkiv which killed five people and left at least 16 injured. 

The pictures show a lakeside resort, where shortly before the attacks local residents were "resting, enjoying a normal way of life", according to a local police inspector (see our 11.54 post).

Parademics and police tend to the wounded, but were also caught up in the second strike, which came about 20 minutes after the first. 

These are known as "double tap" strikes, which kill or injure emergency workers at the scene of strike impacts. 

Here are the latest photos from the scene...

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Credit cards are getting smarter

How banks are using huge amounts of data to separate legitimate purchases from scams

In mid-March, a scammer in California tried to buy $150 worth of Wingstop using my debit card. Aside from being impressed at the sheer size of the order, I was relieved because Citibank, which issued my card, declined the transaction on the spot and alerted me to the fraud. In minutes I was able to shut off my card, heading off any more purchases by the scammers, and order a new card. All's well that ends well.

When I went to Buenos Aires in April, I figured I might run into a similar situation . Sure, the banks say you don't have to call ahead when you travel anymore, but I assumed I'd still have some purchase flagged as potential fraud, as had happened in past trips abroad. Miraculously, everything went off without a hitch. I don't know how JPMorgan Chase knew that I would spend $200 on Botox in Argentina, but it did. (No, I didn't book my flight on the same card, and whatever, everybody gets Botox now .)

It's great that banks and credit-card companies are getting better at discerning which payments are fraudulent and which are legit. Many people have some horror story about having their credit card stolen or having their own legitimate transactions flagged as suspicious. And it's nice not to have to spend 20 minutes on the phone before a vacation explaining where you're going and when. Credit-card fraud protection is still far from perfect, but there's no denying that the technology is improving. On the flip side, it's also kind of wild to consider just how much financial institutions must know about you to make the right calls.

I was curious about how it all works — and, frankly, a little creeped out. So I reached out to some credit-card companies and academics to learn more. Why don't people have to alert their credit-card companies about travel anymore? And, more broadly, just how have banks gotten so good at figuring out what's normal about our spending habits and what isn't?

The Federal Trade Commission receives thousands of card-fraud complaints each year. The Nilson Report, which tracks the card industry, says payment-card fraud resulted in $33 billion in losses worldwide in 2022 and $13.6 billion in losses in the US. As such, credit-card issuers and banks are keen to do what they can to spot fraud. They want to keep their customers happy, and, more importantly, they want to stem their losses. In the US, the major credit-card issuers and banks generally have a zero-liability policy , which means that when a customer gets scammed, the organization, not the customer, has to eat the cost.

Years ago, whether a transaction went through was based on things like whether a physical card was present, whether you had enough money to make the purchase, and (if the cashier wanted to look) whether your signature on the receipt matched the one on the back of your card. In some cases, the cashier may have even asked for ID or called the bank to verify the funds. We've come a long way from those bad old days by using the same tools that power most innovations: data and computers. Credit-card companies and banks know a lot about us — where we shop, when we spend, and how much we're usually willing to pay for things — and they're getting better and better at turning that knowledge into action.

The models are evaluating a trillion dollars' worth of transactions a year.

While it's all the rage to talk about newfangled forms of artificial intelligence , fraud detection owes a lot to machine learning, a field within AI that's been around for years. A bunch of data gets dumped into computer systems, and algorithms figure out patterns and relationships. The algorithms create decision trees to predict the likelihood of different outcomes and identify what may be considered normal or fishy. It's not that your credit-card company knows that you, specifically, would blow a bunch of cash on A and not on B — it knows that customers with your profile are in the "likes A" camp and not the "likes B" one.

"It's looking at what's happening that is very much out of the ordinary for your general behaviors," said Tina Eide, an executive vice president of global fraud risk at American Express. "And when I talk about general behaviors, it is generalized, right? It is not down to the specific purchase or to the specific merchant." Eide added, "The models are evaluating a trillion dollars' worth of transactions a year."

The machines know more now than ever. Mike Lemberger, Visa's regional risk officer for North America, said that over the past five years the number of data points people generate with their credit cards has grown tremendously. People are increasingly using cards over cash. And they don't just have a physical card they're pulling out at the store — they've got their card credentials in their Amazon account, Netflix account, iPhone, etc. The more purchases the card issuer can analyze, the more accurate the fraud detection will be.

"Visa, we don't have consumer information — that's your financial institution that has that — but what we have is this triangulation of all these data points," Lemberger said. "We can create more and better scores, layer on top of that machine learning and AI abilities, and it becomes a much, much more powerful predictor, which we then feed into all of our partners to say, 'Hey guys, if you want to make the best decisions, here's a whole bunch of really good information.'"

Visa isn't going to block your card directly, but it'll alert your bank that your purchase looks suspicious or that fraud has been detected at the merchant you're dealing with.

This all seemed pretty simple until I talked to Yann-Aël Le Borgne and Gianluca Bontempi, a pair of researchers at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium who work on machine learning and card fraud . They emphasized the vast scale of this fraud-detection technology. Companies and their algorithms are ingesting millions of transactions and creating so many decision trees to categorize certain activities that it can defy human logic, they said. Basically, the computer may be right that your transaction looks funky even if it's made in your home city at a fairly innocuous vendor, or it may be right that the transaction is fine even though it's made in a faraway place — but when humans try to figure out what did or didn't sound the alarm, nobody will really be able to pinpoint why.

"Machines can consider many more features, and at the end of the day it's not clear if all those features have meaning for humans," Bontempi said. "Humans are used to working with two, three features, at most five features, while machines can work with hundreds of features. So there are really different levels between what a machine can do."

There are human-written rules, which are generally interpretable, and there are machine-written rules, which can be a black box. They're more accurate, but they may be harder, if not impossible, for people to reverse engineer. And banks may be using several different algorithms, making this even more complicated. Data scientists are the ultimate decision-makers, but the information they're dealing with is based on highly complex tech.

Humans are used to working with two, three features, at most five features, while machines can work with hundreds of features.

When I explained to experts my somewhat embarrassing wings-versus-wrinkles conundrum and asked what may have triggered one alert and not the other, they offered up different explanations. Eide, from American Express, said that even though I hadn't booked my trip to Argentina with the credit card I used to buy the Botox, something else had probably tipped off the system that I was there. I realized I'd also bought a package of spin classes in Buenos Aires on my phone with the same card. I had also paid for a meal in the city. Lemberger, from Visa, emphasized that it's about all the data and spending patterns and said that given my spending patterns, the Botox likely matched my profile more than the massive delivery order.

"I hate to say this to you, but at the end of the day, all these data points build personas. Just like in marketing somebody would use personas to market to you, we're using that same technology to protect you," he said. "And the fact is that we use those data points to not just secure you but the whole ecosystem."

At some point it occurred to me that the supercomputers that credit-card companies and banks are working with could know more about me than I even know or understand about myself.

"It's probable that the exact reason why a transaction caused your card to be blocked has no straightforward interpretation," Le Borgne said.

I also asked whether there was a big difference in credit-card protections and debit protections and was told not really — maybe banks will be a little more restrictive about credit because they're technically lending you money that's not limited by your actual cash balance. I also asked if companies don't worry about preclearing travel because they don't care as much about losing money to fraud anymore, to which the answer was a hard no.

"At the end of the day, somebody's got to pay for the fraudulent activity," Lemberger said. Credit-card companies will give you your money back if you're a victim of fraud, but they'll find another place to recoup that money, just as they always do .

Instinctually, I am not a technology-is-awesome person — if the AI really is going to kill us, I feel like we should unplug it. I'm not super freaked out about the privacy stuff, but I also don't love the idea that AmEx and JPMorgan and Citi have me so pegged. But it's cool that companies really are making fraud detection better, especially in a world where fraudsters themselves are constantly getting better. I don't want to be like "Yay, banks!" but maybe here the answer really is a little "Yay, banks!" At least that's the case until the next major data-privacy breach, at which point I will regret everything.

Emily Stewart is a senior correspondent at Business Insider, writing about business and the economy.

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