26 Best Tote Bags for Every Travel Need

I've received so many compliments on this gorgeous structured bag from Cuyana—it's been a great work bag, with plenty of space for my laptop, planner, Kindle, chargers, and other day-to-day essentials. I wasn't sure how well it would function as a personal item as there's not a zipper to fully close the bag, but on a recent flight trip to Aruba, I made use of the leather ties to keep items contained, and found it well-sized to slip under the seat in front of me, even with my toiletry bag and a sweatshirt stuffed inside. I'm also a big fan of the snap-to-close key leash, and the interior slips pockets and zipper pocket. —Madison Flager, associate commerce director

After passing the gauntlet of a last-minute trip to the British Virgin Islands, I always keep the Foldie Travel Bag on me, whether it’s riding in my backpack during my daily commute or stuffed into my suitcase on longer hauls. The front pocket easily held my thick reading list and two Moleskine classic notebooks; the full 40 liters of space in the main compartment (with the expansion unzipped) fit a week’s worth of clothes, chargers for four different devices, and another bag filled with toiletry bottles, plus room to spare for souvenirs. Another perk: the two inner pockets and wet pocket proved useful in sorting out the bag’s increasingly chaotic contents.The luggage sleeve was a relieving bonus that allowed me to transfer the hefty weight of my zealous packing to my roller bag. —Kat Chen, editorial assistant, destinations

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I've never really had a work bag that I truly loved; I've always opted for a backpack that I kept from my time in school, but I'd been eager to switch over to something that looked more professional, but was still versatile enough that I could use regularly. What I appreciate about the System Tote are the additional organizational accessories that you can purchase to add a bit more structure to the interior. Aside from lugging it to and from the office each day, I use this tote as a personal item on the plane and brought it with me on a road trip to Acadia National Park, and have found it to be the ultimate travel companion. The built-in interior pocket is perfect for storing essentials you need to reach easily, like your passport, earbuds, or some petty cash, and since the bag can be snapped closed, you don't have to worry about anything flying out. —Jamie Spain, travel bookings editor

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This bag is all about the pockets. No tote has ever kept me quite as organized as this one from MZ Wallace, a brand known for its signature quilted bags. It offers six interior pockets, five exterior pockets, and a detachable pouch, giving me a dedicated space for all of my essentials plus a whole lot more. I’m always impressed at how much this thing fits; an umbrella, my 13-inch laptop, a full change of clothes, and my lunch. The Medium Metro tote features ultra-soft shoulder straps, making it a go-to for commutes to the office and as a spacious personal item on flights. My favorite thing about this bag is how lightweight it feels even when full—it never digs into my shoulders or hurts my arms. More features that make this roomy tote a smart choice for travelers: a luggage sleeve, protective feet, and a detachable and adjustable crossbody strap. It looks so sleek in black, but it’s also available in over a dozen colors, including red, bright yellow, moss, blue, and white. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor

Baggu’s Nylon shoulder bag is more durable than its canvas tote bags but equally as stylish. It’s slightly slouchy, slightly structured, and comes in the signature Baggu colors and patterns. The adjustable quilted shoulder strap allows for a crossbody fit, a must-have for me when I’m commuting into the office or walking longer distances (nobody needs their laptop sliding off their shoulder onto the sidewalk). The zip closure and interior pockets are handy for organizing miscellaneous goodies and preventing spillage. Plus, the lightweight material can easily be flattened to fit into my suitcase. I find myself continuously reaching for this multipurpose tote on my way to the gym, office, farmers market, and airport. —Hannah Towey, associate editor

Sentimentality may cloud my vision, for the tote in my possession belongs to my late grandmother. And when I tell you I was complimented frequently for it while in Italy, I mean I felt I needed to use the bag to beat back admirers waxing: “Wow, is Vera Bradley back?”; “Is it reversible?!”; “The textiles are so beautiful.” I often caught myself fantasizing about dumping it upside down to perform a “What’s in my bag” for nobody in particular—so capacious is the tote that I was needlessly carrying multiple novels within and rarely remembered to leave my toiletry kit on the hotel bathroom counter where it belonged. Handy pockets ringing the interior are just icing, and would have kept my passport safely inside had I ever been moved to act on the aforementioned dumping. —Charlie Hobbs, associate editor

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Madewell's classic leather tote bag is one of the brand's bestsellers—and it's easy to see why. The thin but sturdy body is made of leather with a lightly waxed finish, so the bag can both fold beneath the seat in front of you and stand up on its own. It has top handles as well as an adjustable shoulder strap. This tote doesn't have a zip closure along the top, but there is an inner pocket perfect for storing valuables (and the large outer pocket is perfect for items you want to take in and out often, like sunglasses). The bag comes in several sizes, but I love how the medium easily converts from a work bag (most laptops can fit inside) to a casual purse you can use every day. —Megan Spurrell, associate articles director

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This is hands-down my most complimented accessory—and it’s easy to see why. The Grecian inspired print on the bag serves Art Nouveau elegance rather than cheugy floral and leaves a striking signature. I find that it really elevates outfits put together from the basics, and it’s been a wardrobe-saver whenever I’m struggling to find a bag to tie it all together. Beyond aesthetics, I love the artisanal, almost vintage quality of the craftsmanship. The bag’s exterior is 100% full-grain leather that feels smooth and the main pocket is clasped by two magnetic gold closures that make closing the bag feel seamless and secure. The faux suede lining on the inside just hits that textural sweet spot almost reminiscent of comfy sheets from your favorite luxury hotel. And it does all this with plenty of room to spare. On a recent last-minute trip, I found that I could carry a week’s worth of clothing, an umbrella, and my laptop, and iPad in it with no strain. If you’re looking for utility that comes hand-stitched and gold-burnished, this is just the bag to deliver style with reliability and a Mary Poppins-esque amount of room. —K.C.

With its rich caramel tone, iconic gold Cassandre clasp, and effortlessly slouchy shape, the Le 5 à 7 Bea tote is equally at home poolside in Palm Springs as it is browsing markets in Marrakech. Roomy enough for your in-flight essentials, but sleek enough for a nice dinner, it’s a splurge that pays off in polish and versatility—two things no tote bag should be without.

The Loewe Flamenco has been a staple for the brand since the 1980s. It’s come in many sizes and colors since its debut, but the XL Clutch offers the most space, easily holding a 15-inch laptop, water bottle, phone, passport, and a compact makeup bag. The bag is crafted with soft calfskin leather with an interior made from durable cotton canvas lining. The iconic cinched design is finished off with delicate knots at the end.

The Book Tote is a Dior classic that's been revamped several times over the years. This iteration of the embossed tote with the macro-cannage motif gives it an almost quilted appearance. In true Dior fashion, the bag has a bit of bling with two gold-finish metal “Dior” charms on one of the handles. The bag comes with a detachable strap so it can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag.

A more subdued version of the classic Louis Vuitton monogram, the OnThe Go tote adds a chic, sleek spin to any travel outfit. The Twin Toron top handles and two shoulder straps offer extra versatility and comfort.

Fashioned from water- and scratch-resistant Italian leather, the Kaai Midi Pyramid tote is designed to handle the rigors of daily commutes and international layovers alike. A padded laptop sleeve, interior pockets, and zip-top closure keep essentials secure and organized, while its sleek, architectural shape ensures you’ll look polished from gate to boardroom.

This is the first tote bag the popular luggage brand, SteamLine, has released. Though new to the tote game, SteamLine has crafted an incredibly roomy carry-all with a structured silhouette made from plant-based canvas and metal-free leather. If you're mixing a bit of business with pleasure, it’s an ideal choice for family travel; it’s spacious, deep, and can store Kindles, gaming systems, coloring books, and diapers inside. The detachable pouch alone can easily fit up to six passports.

This sleek, sophisticated tote bag has plenty of room, with a deep, wide interior and side gussets that give you even more interior space. The bottom of the bag is outfitted with metal feet, allowing the bag to stand on its own and keep the fine leather surface protected. Want to customize it? Leatherology will monogram the bag, if you like. Seen here in camel, the classic tote is also available in versatile neutrals including dawn, navy blue, and black onyx.

Say hello to your new business trip tote. This elegant bag is made of leather with a fully lined interior. There are two open compartments and one zip compartment. And if you're looking for both function and form, know that the contrasting luggage tag is an eye-catching addition. Shop the tote in black, tan, gray heron, calendula, shell pink, and brilliant red. (And, if you prefer a more petite bag, the Perry tote comes in a smaller version, as well.)

Renowned French brand Delsey made this tote with travelers who love to shop in mind. It can easily be folded up in your suitcase or carry-on, so won’t have to limit the number of souvenirs you bring back. Made from recycled water bottles and vegan leather, this bag will come with you on vacation for years to come.

Made from durable, high-quality distressed leather, the Scarlett distressed leather tote from Noir Vére is designed to withstand the wear and tear of frequent trips. Its spacious interior easily accommodates everything from laptops to travel essentials, while the sturdy leather handles and adjustable shoulder strap provide comfort and convenience. Whether for a weekend getaway or a business trip, this tote ensures you travel in luxury without sacrificing practicality.

The Tulum medium tote by Naghedi is sleek, lightweight, and made from handwoven neoprene that’s both durable and water-resistant. Roomy enough for your in-flight essentials or a day of exploring, it features a matching zip pouch and easy-access magnetic closure. With its subtly frayed handles and minimalist design, it’s the kind of carryall that moves effortlessly from airport lounge to beachfront restaurant.

Just when I think I’ve run out of room, I haven’t. The expandable bottom of this Calpak laptop tote adds an extra four inches, allowing me to add last-minute essentials or souvenirs mid-trip. Like all products in the brand’s Luka collection, it’s made of a lightweight, ultra-soft, puffy exterior that makes carrying its handle easy. The material is also easy to clean—simply wipe away dirt or spills without a worry. Inside, there’s a padded 15" laptop sleeve, multiple side pockets, and a zippered section to keep smaller items organized. Another feature I love: There’s a zippered pocket on the outside that keeps my phone or passport secure, while still being easy to access. It’s a great tote for commuters and thanks to its luggage trolley sleeve, an ideal carry-on bag for travelers. —M.K.

Most people who grew up on the East Coast know the Boat and Tote—it's an L.L. Bean classic that's been around for decades. (Some have even described it as more of a household object than a bag, noting how much of a mainstay its become, and not just with the boat-loving crowd it was initially geared toward.) And what's not to like? These totes are spacious, the design is classic, and they start at $25, maxing out at $40, depending on which size you go for. The open-top option is great for day trips when you might have beach towels poking out the top, but the zip-top version will hold up best on longer hauls (or if you're traveling with kids who might be prone to tipping the whole thing over). This tote comes in a natural canvas color, with the option to monogram and customize the color on the straps.

Some of the best tote bags serve as a solid backup when you don't want to use your everyday purse or backpack. This minimalist leather and nylon tote from Longchamp comes in several neutral colors. Since it's water-resistant, it's a great bag to bring along if you suspect inclement weather. But the best part about this bag? You can fold it up into a tiny square and snap it closed, making it an easy choice to toss into your checked luggage.

Effortlessly polished and endlessly practical, The Sak’s Los Feliz large leather tote offers the longevity that seasoned travelers seek out. Crafted from responsibly sourced leather with a roomy, unlined interior, it strikes the perfect balance between form and function. Multiple interior pockets keep your passport, tech, and travel-day needs organized, while the flexible structure slips easily under a plane seat or over your shoulder for city wandering. Understated and versatile, it’s the tote that goes wherever your itinerary takes you.

The classic canvas tote can be carried in hand or over the shoulder with its 40-inch adjustable straps. It has taped seams in the interior to help combat spills and everyday wear and tear.

The Augustnoa tote makes a difference in your life and for the earth; Each bag has been upcycled from 12 cotton shirts to craft the canvas exterior, plus six plastic bottles for the expansive lining. It features two adjustable shoulder straps, a slim laptop pocket, interior water bottle holders, a luggage sleeve for seamless suitcase attachment, and a convenient key leash.

Modern Picnic is known for its chic lunch bags that look like handbags. The Tote is made from vegan leather that is incredibly easy to spot clean. It features a removable insulated pouch that keeps your food cool and separated from the rest of your essentials.