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Totes are one of the most essential travel items you can own—the best tote bags are endlessly versatile and tend to have room for everything you could need while in transit. For some travelers, a sturdy leather tote is a no-brainer personal item for flights: It's bigger than most purses, so you can more easily fit a laptop, water bottle, and all other plane accessories inside. For others, an easy-to-fold cotton option might be the item you break out mid-trip for a visit to the beach or farmers market.
Whatever your style, a tote bag you love is a must-have piece of luggage, and we're here to help you find the right one. Below, we've pulled together the best tote bags to travel with—from value buys to investment bags you'll get compliments on for years to come—starting with the ones Condé Nast Traveler editors and contributors are carrying these days.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Editors' picks
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that I’ve used this bag every single day since I bought it. I love the quilted design but the real selling point for me was the size; not only can I carry my daily essentials, but I’ve actually used this as a weekender. I enjoy that it looks cool and slouchy when there’s not a lot in it, but even when I over fill it—which I do, regularly—the quilted strap doesn’t dig into my shoulder or slip off constantly. It also has numerous handy compartments; an inside large pocket, an inside zippered pocket, and two more zippered pockets on the outside that are cleverly hidden. To me, this bag is perfect. —Abigail Malbon, global audience development manager
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
I have always traveled with some type of packable tote bag. I need it for snack runs at local markets; for souvenir shopping without all the wasteful plastic and paper bags; and especially if I run out of room to get all my souvenirs home in my carry-on. This Junes bag is my favorite, because even though it’s slightly bigger than a nylon packable shopper bag, I love being able to see what’s inside—plus, the two bottle pockets are great for carrying water around, or just separating out important items like my phone or keys to the Airbnb. I love the bright colors they come in, and the brand values (namely, the bags are made of recycled plastic, in partnership with an all-women sewing co-op in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico). —Megan Spurrell, senior editor
My gym is 10 blocks from my apartment, so I try to make the trek count. On my way back, I like to stop by the grocery store and pet supply shop, or grab a bouquet of flowers from the deli. This huge, floppy tote fits all my workout stuff with lots of room to spare for incidentals, and I love the bright color and cute goat print. —Alexandra Sanidad, research director
I love a tote—the size, the shape, the casual ease, the practicality—but the canvas variety that I seem to amass gets dirty so quickly. And, let’s be honest, the logos most sport aren’t always the look I’m going for. I recently splurged on this woven leather tote bag. It was pricey—in the range of what I’d pay for a handbag—but I love that it’s handcrafted (no two are alike) by leather artisans. It’s gorgeous and I plan to use it as an everyday bag. Because of the quality of the leather, it will patina beautifully and get better with age. Plus, it comes with a little St. Christopher medal; he’s the patron saint of travelers, which of course felt like a sign that it was the tote for me. —Rebecca Misner, senior features editor
I’ve gotten so many compliments on this bag since I started using it on my commute to work last fall. I have the eggplant color, which is a beautiful purple-brownish hue; the leather material is truly buttery soft. It’s smaller than my other work bag (a medium-sized Telfar), but still fits all my essentials—a laptop and charger, planner, Kindle Paperwhite, small toiletry bag, sunglasses, wallet, phone, etc.—and I’ve been appreciating the more streamlined look. I like that there is a key leash and interior compartments (both slip sleeves and a zippered compartment) to keep my belongings organized. The tote doesn’t zip closed, but there is a magnetic button closure that keeps items inside secure. My only slight critique: I wouldn’t mind the straps being a tad thicker, especially when the bag is really full. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor
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, associate commerce editor
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. —M.S.
This is by far the most functional tote bag I’ve ever used. Whether I’m commuting to the office, heading on a day trip, or going to the airport, I never worry about fitting everything I need (and more). The Transform tote keeps my 15" laptop secure in its own compartment, fits my large reusable water bottle in a side pocket, has protective feet at the bottom so my bag doesn’t touch the ground, and has multiple other pockets for keeping small essentials like my sunglasses, wallet, and earbuds organized. The feature that really sets this tote bag apart from others I’ve used in the past? It can be easily adjusted and worn four different ways depending on what’s on your travel itinerary: It can be worn as a shoulder bag using its handles, as a classic tote bag using the longer adjustable strap, or as a backpack; plus, it fits right on top of your luggage, thanks to the trolley sleeve. —M.K.
Read a full review here.
This is my go-to statement tote. Vince Camuto’s bags have special, unique patterns that make them the ultimate statement piece. I usually gravitate toward this one on weekends when I know I’ll be moving around the city and can’t pinpoint one specific atmosphere. The open design allows me to fit my laptop, a change of shoes, a small toiletry bag, and my wallet with ease. Even better, with a flat bottom, I never have to worry about my belongings toppling out, no matter if my bag is filled to the brim or light as a feather. —Paris Wilson, commerce producer
I use this Baggu tote all the time—it's often smushed into my purse or fanny pack when running errands in New York City, and gets tossed into my suitcase on nearly every vacation. It folds up into roughly the size of a deck of cards, but when unfolded, holds a ton; you could put a new stack of books in there or a small load of groceries from a local farmers market. It's great for a day at the beach too, since the material dries quickly and won't be ruined by a wet bathing suit and towel. —M.F.
Lux & Nyx is a small, woman-owned business that makes a range of stylish and functional bags (backpacks, crossbody, clutches), but it’s the Origami Tote that’s the clear winner for travelers. It comes in three different sizes, and the large (15"L x 11.5”H x 6.5”W) is the perfect personal item companion for frequent fliers. The bag is roomy, and the interior construction makes organization easy. The padded laptop sleeve fits my 13-inch computer as well as my 11-inch iPad and even a paperback book. On the opposite side of the bag, two interior pockets are great for smaller items like keys, a portable charger, or a wallet—things you don’t want getting lost in the deep main compartment. There’s another small interior side pocket for your water bottle, too. Both sides of the exterior have a crossed, origami design (hence the name!), and the bottom of one pocket can be unzipped to convert into a trolley sleeve. The bag only comes in one color, black, but there is an option to select silver or gold hardware. —Patrice J. Williams, contributor
Cuyana's ethos centers on owning fewer, more high quality things, and this pebbled leather bag is the perfect example of the only tote you'll ever need. A go-to of associate commerce editor Meaghan Kenny's, it's made of beautiful Italian leather with a microsuede interior, and comes in a handful of neutrals that'll go with everything. It's soft and malleable when you need it to be and fits plenty of essentials. And though the bag comes with just one interior pocket, the brand sells an organization insert that has four pockets, and will ensure you can always find what you need, right when you need it. (Prefer a zipper? You're in luck.)
Splurge-worthy totes
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.
If you’re looking for a statement tote, look no further. The eye-catching design has a likeness to origami and comes in a range of crisp pastels. It features adjustable handles that can be shortened or lengthened and one main compartment is closed by a zipper.
The Prada triangle is recognizable and so chic as it's laid out as an embroidered pattern onto the large tote. The bag comes in four contrasting colors that offer an elevated look to the more minimalistic design. It's made from the brand's iconic Saffiano leather and has a removable leather keychain on the exterior.
Woven from natural palm leaf with a spacious silhouette, this straw tote has vegan leather trim, hand-stitched detailing, and slim braided top handles. The colorful Watermill straw tote brings an elevated, playful look to any beach day with more than enough space for a book, towel, and water bottle.
There is little hesitation when choosing this Christian Louboutin tote bag. Its 12" x 19" dimensions mean you don’t have to sacrifice any of your essentials. The bottom of the bag is made of rubber so you can have some peace of mind when you inevitably need to place it on the floor, in the back of the car, or underneath the seat in front of you on a plane. And with a small wristlet attached, you can keep necessities close if you choose to throw the tote in an overhead bin or trunk.
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.
Business trip–friendly totes
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.)
For straightforward, luxurious leather pieces—all of which you can customize with monogramming and a hearty selection of color options—Leatherology is the place to go. Though the brand makes several larger totes (including zippered options), the vertical bag is a standout. The full-grain leather tote is incredibly versatile so you can use it from day to night. Plus, it's perfect for those who want something more compact: It'll fit your laptop, but maybe not your reusable water bottle, umbrella, and stack of in-flight reading materials.
This gorgeous tote is made of pebbled Italian leather—the kind you just want to run your hand over again and again. It’s got several compartments and pockets, snaps closed, and has lateral ties for additional security. It comes in five core colors, plus rotating seasonal hues. In addition to choosing your color, you can also choose between two sizes so you get the bag that best suits your needs. As for the name, the tote is called the “system” tote because it's made to pair with Cuyana's add-on accessories, including interior flap bags, additional inserts, and a laptop sleeve. These add-on components can be used interchangeably with other Cuyana bags, including satchels, crossbody bags, and more.
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.
Packable totes
A packable tote is a must-have when traveling, but landing one as cute as this leather tote is hard to find. The large triangular bag is made from durable faux leather and has a soft velvet interior. It can easily be folded and stored in a carry-on or backpack and won’t take up noticeable space. The slouchy bag is the perfect minimalist design that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The tote comes with a slim pouch that holds smaller necessities like a passport, lip balm or sunglasses.
The Catalina Deluxe tote can be many things: a gym bag, diaper bag, or beach bag to name a few. Highlights of this popular tote include a separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, and long adjustable straps.
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.
Finally, everything has a place. With this Bellroy tote, you can avoid the dreaded rummaging around moments by utilizing all six pockets and the laptop sleeve found inside. The water-resistant, woven material folds up easily too, making this space saver a travel essential.
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.
With the option of being carried as a backpack or tote, the Borealis tote is a go-to for outdoor adventures. The interior houses a laptop sleeve while the exterior offers two deep water bottle pockets; store drinks, umbrellas, or even a small tripod in there. The durable, water-repellent finish seals the deal for this tote.
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.
This extra-large tote is big enough to house all your daily essentials and then some. The handmade bag features a cotton lining, one zipped pocket, and one wall pocket, which makes it easy to organize your belongings within. The bag, which is handmade in Bangladesh, is Fair Trade-Certified, too.
Everyday totes
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.
With a 15-liter capacity, the Executive Work tote is large enough to fit all of your office essentials. Inside you’ll find a laptop compartment and a water bottle pocket while the exterior has a zippered pocket and double drop-in pockets on the back.
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.
Peak Design recently revamped its Everyday Tote, but kept the clean aesthetics. Its thoughtful functionality protects, organizes, and offers quick access to your everyday essentials. Made from an 100 percent recycled weatherproof shell, unexpected showers won’t automatically ruin your commute. Another perk: You’re able to customize the storage inside with stretchy internal FlexFold dividers.
Rag & Bone creates timeless pieces that are built to last, and this Logan leather tote is no exception. Made from imported pebbled leather, the bag is incredibly soft and spacious, with a height of 15 inches and a width of 22 inches. Although roomy, the size doesn’t limit its versatility—the bag is equipped with two sets of handles so it can be carried both over the shoulder or on your forearm.
