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Picks from Bottega Veneta, Rimowa, Cuyana, and more Metal Looking Nylon Zipper
The best travel tote bags are an essential accessory for frequent jet-setters and holiday travelers. If, like me, you’ve traversed enough airport terminals and lounges, you know the value of having a reliable, stylish, and functional bag by your side. While your collection might already be enviable—not to boast, but I’m rather fond of my own, ranging from Louis Vuitton to Calpak—surely there’s room for a fresh, standout addition.
Now, aesthetics are undeniably key. Modern silhouettes combining timeless elegance with distinctive touches are what I’m after, as well as flexible designs that more easily tuck under a seat than super-structured versions. I presume you are too. Picture sleek, roomy shapes, which can include traditional market totes, more spacious weekenders, and taller, upright profiles crafted from luxurious leather, suede, and hardworking nylon. For those devoted to luxury labels, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Bottega Veneta make some of the best designer luggage. Of course, functionality and luxury unite in versions from travel brands like Rimowa, Tumi, and Monos. Then, options from labels like Cuyana, Lululemon, Caraa, and Paravel offer options that are trendy, durable, and enduring.
Before booking your next flight, shop the 25 best travel tote bags in every category ahead.
Raise your hand if your packing was flawless en route to your destination, but can somehow barely be contained on the way home. Enter the expandable travel tote bag by Lululemon, featuring an extremely useful zippered gusset to adjust the capacity of your carry-on. Genuinely, so genius.
Dimensions: 20.5" x 7.1" x 12.6"
What reviewers are saying: “I loved this bag so much that I bought one for my cousin, too! I use it as a travel bag, as a diaper bag, and as a tote bag when I am walking around in Rome. It expands the perfect amount to fit more stuff in when I travel home from a destination and it has lots of great pockets for all my Airpods, lip glosses, and ID!”
This packable and incredibly lightweight tote bag is a traveler’s dream. Whether you’ve filled it with carry-on essentials or stowed it for use later (hello, souvenirs), it’s a true hero piece and crafted of recycled materials—we love eco-chic.
Dimensions: 17.9" x 14.7" x 7"
This bag was my introduction to Calpak, and needless to say, I’m obsessed. It’s so lightweight and spacious, with a secure top zipper, side zip pocket, and sleeve to stay put on my roller bag. I tend to be a heavy packer, especially when attempting only to carry on. I can fit so much in this bag, which fits easily under an airplane seat, even when it’s filled to the brim.
Dimensions: 12" x 16" x 7"
Colors: Chocolate, black, rose, oatmeal, and more
What reviewers are saying: “This bag is more spacious than I imagined it would be. I was shocked how much I could pack in it. I love the shape, structure, color, fabric, luggage sleeve, pockets, and how lightweight it is. It’s truly an amazing piece!! My 15 inch MacBook even fits in the outside pocket. It’s a tight fit, but it’s a fit. Worth every penny!!!”
The long, lean profile of this leather travel tote easily slips under a seat without a fight. Even better? The top zipper to secure belongings. Plus, it comes in a range of colors and varying silhouettes to suit all preferences.
Dimensions: 12.3" x 21.6" x 5.1"
Colors: Terra-cotta, black, caramel, dark olive, and more
What reviewers are saying: “I’ve been using the original classic zipper tote for years for travel, and decided to give the new tote a try. I like the new straps, which are easier on the shoulder when I’ve got heavy items to carry, and I love the color (Biscuit). I like having the zipper for keeping my belongings in place when passing through airport security machines and for stowing under the seat in front of me on the airplane.”
This black leather bag maxes out on timeless style and function. Come for the sleek look, stay for the well-thought-out details, including a zip top, multiple pockets, divided compartments, a removable webbed shoulder strap, and top handles. It’s an instant classic you’ll literally hold onto for years.
Dimensions: 13⅜" x 22¾" x 7¼"
What reviewers are saying: “I have been searching for an overnight bag for a while and I have ended my search. The leather is buttery and soft and the inside is super roomy. I’m going to Hilton Head and plan on using this to bring a week full of clothes (which will consists mostly of bathing suits, T-shirt dresses, shorts, tees, and two pair of sandals.) I know I can fit it all. And an extra bonus is that there are metal gold foot beds at the bottom of the bag which isn’t listed in the description! I am in LOVE!!”
There’s no designer tote bag more durable or beloved than Prada’s Re-Nylon. The black is fail-safe and great for travel, no question. But I can’t help but love this beige as a fresh alternative.
Dimensions: 11.4" x 13.8" x 5.9"
This Monos weekender is larger than your average tote, but if you need lots of space, it’s the travel bag for you. The nylon twill fabric offers plenty of flexibility (more so than the beautiful and luxe vegan leather), making it a contender for airplane travel. However, it likely will not fit under a seat and will require overhead bin storage. It’s most ideal for road trips or train rides, where luggage requirements aren’t so rigid. Whichever your method of transport, it has all the details you crave for an organized trip from separate shoe storage to a laptop compartment and multiple carrying straps.
Colors: Gray, black, blue, green
What reviewers are saying: “On my flight this weekend, I decided to try out the Metro Weekender. As I walked through the airport, I was literally stopped and asked, ‘Where did you get that bag, it’s beautiful!?’ While the bag is definitely beautiful, it is also practical. There are lots of useful, easily accessible interior/exterior pockets for wallet, phone, eyeglasses, laptop, so everything was organized inside the bag. I tucked my crossbody purse inside along with a denim jacket and still had plenty of space. I liked the zipped bottom section where I put shoes. My biggest question was…will if fit under an airplane seat…and it did[.]”
Sometimes, all you need or want is a beautifully crafted leather tote bag without too many bells and whistles. Everlane has you covered with this roomy and sleek leather tote, featuring two over-the-shoulder straps, an interior slip pocket (to cradle your phone, ID, and lip balm), and a leather-covered metal snap button closure.
Dimensions: 20.8" x 15.3" x 7"
What reviewers are saying: “Love the size..! Fits everything I need be it work or for traveling..! The leather quality & workmanship is top notch! Exactly what I was looking for!”
I fell in love with Caraa’s durable yet sleek recycled nylon bags while trying out stylish diaper bags, and ever since, I’ve been a devotee. I love the rounded silhouette of this spacious but not overly large tote. It feels unique, is super luxe-looking, and offers tons of function, from lightweight padded design to the 10-plus compartments and multiple straps.
Dimensions: 12.5" x 15.75" x 7"
What reviewers are saying: “Excellent Travel Bag. I took it on a recent trip and it was perfect. Love the mesh pockets, the passport pocket and lab top pocket. Just a perfect travel companion!”
I love the ease of a tote that sits comfortably on my shoulder and stays put while I’m dashing through airports. Beyond that, this one checks so many boxes, from the zippered top to the padded laptop sleeve compartment and hidden passport pocket with a magnetic closure.
Dimensions: 16.5" x 13" x 6.3"
What reviewers are saying: “This versatile tote has been an absolute game-changer for my daily activities. The design is not only fashionable but also incredibly functional, providing ample space to carry all my essentials effortlessly.”
This Béis tote is a sleek choice for those seeking a slimmer upright travel bag. It features top handles and an optional adjustable strap for convenient carrying options. Plus, it folds flat if you’re the savvy type and pack an extra carryall when traveling.
Dimensions: 12.5" x 15" x 5"
What reviewers are saying: “Compact and great as an airplane personal item. A lot of well thought out pockets. Looks chic on.”
Timeless elegance meets modern durability and function in Paravel’s consciously crafted canvas carryall. (Note the protective feet.) It’s monogrammable too—so you’ll never mix it up with another traveler’s bag.
Dimensions: 15" x 15" x 8"
What reviewers are saying: “This bag looks like the Hermes garden bag. I took it to Sardinia and Sicily and was stopped repeatedly to ask who makes it!”
Flexible and elegant, Naghedi’s woven neoprene tote is a stunning yet durable bag for travel that comes with a coordinating pouch for small essentials. Spacious enough for plenty of snacks, a backup layer, and a travel pillow, it’s a year-round winner and can double as a water-resistant beach bag—a true do-it-all wonder.
Dimensions: 22" x 12.5" x 8''
Colors: Olive, black, white, tan, pink, and more
What reviewers are saying: “I purchased this bag 1 week ago in the Olive large size, and have not put it down since. It is beautiful and gets many compliments. Perfect bag at a great price.”
Dior’s Toujours bag was a practical standout on the Spring/Summer 2023 runway, making it the ultimate travel companion. The thoughtful details start with the spacious interior compartment and a matching pouch to organize essentials, and end with a leather strap closure to keep items secure, plus adjustable handles for versatile carrying by hand or over the shoulder.
Dimensions: 14.5" x 10.5" x 7.5"
MZ Wallace is a go-to for well-made tote bags like this quilted nylon style. Perfect for travel, it’s fitted with several interior and exterior pockets, reinforced padded handles, an adjustable crossbody strap, protective feet, a luggage sleeve, and three detachable pouches.
What reviewers are saying: “I own a couple of these bags in different colors and I find them to be the perfect gift for special friends and family who are traveling. They are always blown away by the quality, looks, and functionality! The 3 extra travel bags are a fun surprise too!”
If luxury is your game, is there any other option but a Chanel shopper tote bag? Complete with a spacious interior, coordinating pouch, and interior zip pocket, this beautiful blue bag will stand out in any setting, from exotic beaches to snow-capped mountains. Choose your adventure.
Colors: Blue tweed, floral velvet
Talk about utility. This drawstring tote bag is not only on-trend with the padded design, but also seriously pocketed, with a perfect spot for every one of your travel essentials. Computer? Check. Wallet and ID? Yep. A Water bottle? Oh, yes. (Obviously, staying hydrated in flight is crucial.)
Dimensions: 15" x 4.5" x 16"
Colors: Cream, black, olive, violet, and more
Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull monogram tote bag is iconic in every sense of the word. I’m loving this new khaki-green iteration—it comes with a removable pouch—as a standout update to the spacious, side-laced silhouette.
Dimensions: 12.2" x 11" x 5.5"
Is this the most functional travel tote out there? Perhaps not. But it’s hands down one of the most gorgeous. Crafted from soft nubuck leather, it’s incredibly spacious inside and completed with a brand-signature intrecciato leather zippered pocket—perfect for your ID, wallet, and phone. (P.S., there will be even bigger Bottega travel bags available by spring 2024.)
Dimensions: 12" x 14.9" x 11"
Business trippers and light travelers, this upright tote is for you. It features an easy-access external pocket for laptops or other electronics (so key for getting through security), as well as a roomy interior and travel strap for securing it to a roller.
Dimensions: 5.75" x 14.96" x 1.97"
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