A tote bag is one of the most essential travel items. The best tote bags are versatile and can usually hold everything you need on your trip. For some travelers, a durable leather tote is a must-have personal item for your flight: It’s larger than most bags and can easily hold a laptop, water bottle, and all your other in-flight essentials. For other travelers, a foldable cotton tote bag can be the go-to item for the road, the beach, or the farmers market.
Whatever your style, a favorite tote bag is a must-have for travel, and we’re here to help you find the right tote. Below, we’ve rounded up the best travel bags—from budget-friendly ones to investment-worthy bags that will last for years—starting with the ones Condé Nast Traveler editors and writers have been swearing by lately.
I’ve never had a briefcase that I really liked; I’ve always used a backpack since high school, but now I’m looking for something that’s more professional but still versatile enough for regular use. My favorite thing about the System Tote is the storage accessories you can purchase to keep the interior more organized. In addition to taking it to and from work every day, I also take it on planes as a personal item and even took it on a trip to Acadia National Park. I’ve found that it’s become my go-to travel companion. The built-in pocket inside is perfect for storing essentials you need to have on hand, like your passport, headphones, or change. And since the bag has a snap closure, you won’t have to worry about things falling out. —Jamie Spann, Travel Booking Editor
The Baggu nylon crossbody bag is more durable than canvas but just as stylish. It’s slightly loose, slightly structured, and features Baggu’s signature print and pattern. The adjustable, quilted shoulder strap makes it easy to wear across the shoulder, which is a must for me when commuting or taking long walks (no one wants a laptop sliding off their shoulder onto the sidewalk). The zip closure and interior pockets keep things organized and prevent spills. Plus, the lightweight material folds up and fits easily into a suitcase. I find myself reaching for this versatile bag on my way to the gym, the office, the farmers market, and the airport. —Hannah Towey, deputy editor
Sentimentality may blind me, since my bag belonged to my late grandmother. When I tell you I often got compliments on this bag while I was in Italy, I mean I wanted to counter fan complaints with this bag: “Wow, is Vera Bradley back?”; “Can you use it backwards?!”; “The fabrics are so beautiful.” I often found myself turning it upside down and doing a “What’s in my bag?” performance and no one would know — the bag was so roomy that I ended up stuffing it with a bunch of novels and rarely remembered to leave my makeup bag on the hotel bathroom counter. The handy pockets on the inside of the bag are just the icing on the cake, and if I ever did turn it upside down, my passport would definitely fit safely inside. –Charlie Hobbs, Deputy Editor
When I travel, I always bring some kind of packable bag. I need them for grabbing snacks at the local market; buying souvenirs without lugging around all those unnecessary plastic and paper bags; especially when my suitcase doesn’t have room for all the souvenirs. This Junes bag is my favorite because even though it’s a little bigger than a nylon shopping bag, I still like to see what’s inside, and the two water bottle pockets are perfect for storing water or separating important things like my phone or keys to my Airbnb. I love their bright colors and brand values ​​(the bags, for example, are made from recycled plastic in collaboration with a women’s sewing cooperative in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico). —Megan Spurrell, Associate Director of Articles
I love tote bags—their size, shape, comfort, and practicality—but the canvas ones I hoard get dirty quickly. And honestly, those are the ones I like the most with logos, but they’re not always the ones I want. I recently splurged on a woven leather bag. It’s pricey (well within my price range for a bag), but I love that it’s handmade by a leather craftsman (each bag is unique). It’s absolutely beautiful, and I plan to use it as an everyday bag. The quality of the leather will develop a beautiful patina over time that will only get better. Plus, it comes with a little medal of St. Christopher; he’s the patron saint of travelers, which definitely makes me think that’s something I want in a bag. —Rebecca Misner, Senior Feature Editor
The highlight of this bag is its pockets. No other bag helps me organize my things like this one from MZ Wallace, a brand known for its signature quilted bags. It has six interior pockets, five exterior pockets, and a removable zippered pocket, giving me a dedicated spot for all my essentials and more. I’m always amazed at how easily it fits an umbrella, my 13-inch laptop, a change of clothes, and my lunch. With super-soft shoulder straps, this Metro Medium Tote is a great choice for roomy personal items on commutes and planes. What I love most about this bag is that it’s lightweight even when fully loaded—it won’t dig into your shoulders or scratch your arms. This roomy bag also features a storage compartment, protective foot pads, and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap, making it a smart choice for travelers. Black looks classy, ​​but there are more than a dozen colors to choose from, including red, bright yellow, moss, blue and white. —Megan Kenny, Business Editor
Madewell’s classic leather tote is one of the brand’s best-selling items, and it’s easy to see why. The body of the bag is slim but durable, crafted from leather with a lightly waxed finish, so the bag can be folded to fit under the seat in front of you or set on its own. It features top handles and adjustable shoulder straps. This bag doesn’t have a top zipper, but it does have an internal pocket that’s perfect for storing valuables (the larger external pocket is great for items you need to access often, like sunglasses). This bag comes in a few sizes, but my favorite is the medium size, which easily transforms from a work bag (it fits most laptops) to an everyday bag you use every day. -RS
This is, by far, the most practical bag I’ve ever used. Whether I’m commuting to work, taking a day trip, or heading to the airport, I never have to worry about not being able to bring everything I need (and more). The Transform Tote features a separate compartment that safely holds my 15-inch laptop, a side pocket that can hold my large reusable water bottle, protective feet on the bottom to keep the bag off the floor, and multiple pockets for smaller essentials like sunglasses, a wallet, and headphones. The biggest difference between this bag and other bags I’ve owned before? It can be easily adapted to your itinerary and carried in four different ways: as a crossbody bag using the handle, as a classic tote using the extended, adjustable shoulder strap, or as a backpack; plus, thanks to the included wheeled case, it can be placed right on top of your suitcase. —MK
I use this Baggu a lot — I often throw it in my purse or fanny pack when I’m running errands in New York City, and I carry it in my suitcase on almost every vacation. When folded, it’s about the size of a deck of cards, but when unfolded, it can hold a lot of stuff; you could throw in a stack of new books or some small groceries from the local farmers market. It’s also perfect for the beach, since the material dries quickly and doesn’t get dirty from wet swimsuits and towels. —MF
If you want to treat yourself after landing a new job, getting a promotion, or completing a big project, consider investing in a work bag that will serve as a constant reminder of your accomplishments. The Salvatore Ferragamo Firenze Flap Tote is slim but roomy enough for your laptop. This bag can also fit a pair of flats if you’re planning a quick bar crawl but don’t have the comfortable heels to wear to work.
During the colder months, it is advisable to choose more comfortable and soft materials, such as suede. The Bea YSL Cabas Tote is made of a thicker material, but still remains lightweight. It can be easily combined with both formal and casual outfits, and will go well with blue jeans, a button-down shirt, a sweater or trousers.
The Loewe Flamenco has been a staple of the brand since the 1980s. Since its introduction, the clutch bag has been available in many sizes and colors, but the XL Clutch model is the roomiest and easily holds a 15-inch laptop, a bottle of water, a phone, a passport, and a small cosmetic bag. This bag is made from soft calfskin leather and lined with durable cotton canvas. The signature drawstring design is finished with a delicate knot at the end.
Don’t hesitate when choosing this Christian Louboutin tote bag. Its 12” x 19” dimensions mean you won’t have to sacrifice anything essential. The bottom of the bag is made of rubber, so you can rest assured that it will be safe even if you have to put it on the floor, in the back of a car, or under the front seat of an airplane. Plus, it comes with a small wrist strap, so you can keep everything you need with you even if you decide to stow the bag in the trunk or boot.
The Book Tote is a Dior classic that has seen many iterations over the years. This textured tote features a large cannage pattern that gives it an almost quilted look. In true Dior style, one of the handles features two gold-tone metal “Dior” studs for added sparkle. The bag has a detachable shoulder strap and can be worn over the shoulder or crossbody.
An understated take on the classic Louis Vuitton monogram, the OnThe Go Tote adds a touch of elegance to any travel outfit. Dual Toron handles and two shoulder straps provide added versatility and comfort.
This is the first tote bag from popular luggage brand SteamLine. Although new to the tote market, SteamLine has created this large tote bag with a sophisticated silhouette using plant-based canvas and metal-free leather. Whether you travel for business or pleasure, this bag is perfect for family trips; it is spacious and deep enough to fit a Kindle, a gaming console, coloring books, and diapers. The removable interior pocket easily holds up to six passports.
This sleek, sophisticated bag is roomy, with a deep, wide interior and side gussets for even more storage. The base of the bag features metal feet that allow the bag to stand on its own and protect the delicate leather surface. Want a custom bag? Leatherology can print letters on the bag to suit your preferences. This classic tote is available in camel, as well as a variety of versatile neutrals, including dawn blue, navy blue, and black onyx.
Meet your new business travel bag! This elegant bag is made of leather and has a lined interior. It has two open compartments and one zipped compartment. If you’re looking for something that’s both practical and stylish, the contrast luggage tag will definitely stand out. The bag is available in black, brown, taupe, tan, pink, and bright red. (If you prefer a smaller bag, the Perry bag is also available in a smaller size.)
Renowned French brand Delsey created this tote bag for travelers who love shopping. It’s easy to fold and fit in your suitcase or carry-on, so you don’t have to worry about the number of souvenirs you’ll take with you. Made from recycled water bottles and faux leather, this bag will last you through future vacations.
A portable bag is essential when traveling, but cute bags like this leather tote are hard to find. This large triangle bag is made from durable faux leather and lined with soft velvet. It can be easily folded and slipped into your carry-on or backpack without taking up too much space. This tote features a minimalist design that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The bag features a slim organizer pocket for small essentials like your passport, lip balm, or sunglasses.
The Catalina Deluxe Tote is versatile and can be used as a gym bag, diaper bag, beach bag, and more. This popular tote features a separate shoe compartment, luggage compartment, and a long, adjustable shoulder strap.
Just when I thought there wasn’t enough space, I found out there wasn’t. The expandable bottom of this Calpak laptop bag gives me an extra 4 inches of space for essentials or souvenirs when I’m on the go. Like all of the brand’s Luka line, it has a lightweight, fluffy outer shell for easy portability. The material is also easy to clean — dirt or stains can be easily removed by simply wiping it off. Inside, there’s a padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop, side pockets, and a zippered compartment for storing smaller items. Another feature I love: There’s a zippered pocket on the outside that can hold your phone or passport while still keeping them easily accessible. It’s perfect for those who frequently commute to work, and since it has a trolley compartment, it’s also the perfect carry-on bag for travelers. —MK
Most people who grew up on the East Coast know about the Boat and Tote, a classic from LL Bean that’s been around for decades. (Some even describe it as a houseware rather than a bag, noting that it’s become more mainstream than just the boat-crazy crowd it was originally aimed at.) What’s not to love? These bags are roomy, have a classic design, and cost between $25 and $40 depending on the size you choose. The convertible version is great for day trips, since you’ll likely be able to clip a beach towel to the top, while the zippered version is best for longer trips (or if you’re traveling with kids who could easily tip the entire bag over). This tote bag comes in a natural canvas material with a monogram and a custom strap color of your choice.
Some quality tote bags can serve as a reliable backup bag when you don’t want to use your everyday purse or backpack. This minimalist leather and nylon tote from Longchamp comes in a variety of neutral colors. Since the bag is waterproof, it’s a great option if you’re worried about bad weather. The best part about this bag? You can fold it into a small square and zip it up, making it easy to pack in your checked luggage.
This tote bag is roomy enough to hold all your everyday essentials and more. This handcrafted bag features a cotton lining, a zippered pocket, and a wall pocket to help you organize your items. The bag is handcrafted in Bangladesh and is Fair Trade certified.
This classic canvas bag features a 40-inch adjustable strap so you can carry it by hand or over your shoulder. Taped interior seams protect against leaks and everyday wear and tear.
Augustnoa bags are not only life-changing, but they’re also good for the planet; the exterior of each bag is made from 12 recycled cotton shirts, while the lining is made from six plastic bottles. The bag features two adjustable shoulder straps, a slim laptop sleeve, a built-in water bottle holder, a luggage cover that easily attaches to your suitcase, and a handy key lanyard.
Modern Picnic is known for its unique lunch boxes that look like handbags. This bag is made from vegan leather and is super easy to clean. It comes with a removable thermal bag, allowing you to keep your food cool and separate from other essentials.
The Executive Work Tote has a capacity of 15 liters, which is enough to store all the necessary office supplies. There is a laptop compartment and a water bottle pocket on the inside, and a zipped pocket on the outside and two patch pockets on the back.
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