You’ve meticulously booked the flight, selected the perfect hotel, and curated a packing list filled with your most vacation-worthy essentials—well done! Now, let’s talk about how to carry them in style. Choosing the right travel bag is more than just practical; it’s a chance to enhance your out-of-office aesthetic with a chic and functional companion.
As someone who adores a good tote, I know it’s not just about having a bag; it’s about finding the perfect one. A great travel tote isn’t just roomy—it’s a marvel of design, balancing lightweight construction with spacious interiors and a flair for the fashionable. Bonus points if it folds neatly and travels with ease, ready to accompany you wherever your adventures take you.
To help you elevate your travel game, here are six impeccable tote bags that combine functionality and style. These are the ultimate companions for your next getaway—don’t jet off without them!
The iconic one
Neverfull MM, Louis Vuitton.
Since its introduction in 2007, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull has been a bestseller. Available in three sizes (PM, MM and GM), and three signature LV canvases, the most popular for jetsetters are the medium and large versions. It’s miraculous how much you can comfortably pack into these open-top totes – you could easily use the large one as a weekender. Louis Vuitton MM Neverfull in Damier Azure
The ultra-portable one
Courtesy Le Pliage
Made from durable polyamide canvas, the Le Pliage weighs next to nothing and neatly folds down to the size of a small paperback book. I have a few Le Pliage bags I have had for years that I have taken around the world – they show no signs of wear. These travel totes come in a range of shades including staples like black, red and bone, with fresh colourways introduced seasonally. Longchamps Le Pliage
The logo-stamped one
Photo: Marc Jacobs
If you want designer coolness for an incredible price, Marc Jacobs’ The Tote Bag is a chic and smart buy. The canvas edition of the TikTok viral tote comes in four sizes and an ever-changing lineup of fashionable shades. And, you can use the top handles or wear it cross body, thanks to a removable strap. Marc Jacobs The Medium Tote
The unstructured one
Photo: CUYANA
Not only do Cuyana’s bags have a breezy and beautiful aesthetic, but most are customizable and monogrammable – we love a bespoke touch! Cuyana also makes clever tote organization inserts, which you can drop into this bag to keep all your things in order. Cuyana System Tote 16”
The oversize one
Photo: Gucci
This is a statement bag! Gucci’s GG large leather tote is oversize and patterned with Gucci’s double G logo, lined in canvas, and comes with a handy little zip pouch. Consider this deluxe of travel totes an investment piece that’s worth the splurge because it will last a lifetime. Gucci Ophidia Large Tote
The classic one
Photo: L.L. Bean
The LL Bean Boat and Tote bag is almost 80 years old, and every tote is still handcrafted in LL Bean’s home state of Maine. Available in a few different sizes, you can customize your natural canvas tote with handle length and colour, as well as your monogram. Take it to the beach, on a grocery run, or on the plane. LL Bean Boat and Tote open top bag
