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18 Best Travel Totes: Portable Bags & Carry-Ons

A quality tote bag is an ideal tool for a traveler. Travel totes can easily hold all your stuff and they can fit anywhere.

Most importantly, they come in all shapes and sizes that fit your style. If you need to push the envelope on how large a personal item can be, there is nothing better than a travel tote bag.

Everybody is carrying oversized totes; it is spacious and can add an edge to any outfit. Totes can make traveling a lot of fun and have ample space for all your travel essentials.

A must-have in everyone’s wardrobe, totes can elevate your look within minutes. There are totes for a weekend getaway and totes that can hold all your essentials for a 4-day trip.

Whether you are looking for a bag for a day out at the beach or a stylish bag for a business meeting, you have several tote options.

Totes beautifully expand for those days when you need extra space in the bag for your items. Many totes come with a hidden back section to attach the bag to the trolley luggage, making traveling a lot more convenient.

TL;DR

Here are our top tote bag picks.

Best Tote Overall Michael Kors Jet Set Tote
Best Luxury Tote RIMOWA Never Still Tote
Best Warranty Briggs & Riley Traveler Tote
Best Tote for Business Tumi Voyageur

Best Travel Totes & Tote Bags to Buy

Here are my favorite tote bags for travel that will elevate your style and will come in handy for your next holiday. I tested each type of bag and product based on the available space, additional compartments, ease of use, and weight.

When picking totes, I always look for different compartments to keep my stuff organized; I like lightweight totes when traveling, and if they have additional hidden rooms, even better!

1. Michael Kors Jet Set Item Tote

MK tote

This Micheal Kors Jet Set Tote is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe and is considered one of the best travel tote bags on the market. The leather tote is not just for show; it blends fashion and convenience by offering all your items an additional layer of protection.

The travel tote for women is ideal for the traveler who is not checking a bag and has to fit a few more items. It is perfect for those who carry their gadgets whenever traveling.

One downside is that this bag is not a substantial long-haul shoulder bag, given the shorter straps, and it’s not great for carrying a laptop.

See Related: Best Vacation Dresses

2. Puma Evercat Jane Tote

Black Puma Evercat Jane Tote Bag

This bag from Puma is the perfect bag for your carry-on. It has a modern silhouette and is fun, fashionable, and functional. The carry-on tote for travel has a thoughtful design and features that keep what you need in hand.

It can easily slide over the shoulder or the handle of any suitcase. The bag is ideal for those who are always on the go and is one of the best travel totes available at an affordable price. 

See Related: Monos Luggage Review: Is it Worth it?

3. Coach Town Tote

Coach Leather Town Tote

Nobody does totes like Coach. Coach Town Tote is the only bag you need to paint the city red! The canvas travel tote delivers functionality and is comfortable to carry. It has two comfortable straps and can be easily carried on your shoulder.

The main compartment is spacious and has interior organizational pockets to keep the belongings in place. The tote comes in a range of unique colors and will add an edge to your outfit.

See Related: Best Travel Humidifiers

4. Knomo Luggage Women’s Grosvenor Place

Grovsnor

This travel tote is all about function and form. It has a rectangular shape and a size that is ideal for laptops up to 15 inches. This is a perfect tote bag if you, like me, carry work with you whenever you travel.

It also has a trolley slip sleeve that fits on the handle of the wheeled luggage for convenient carrying. The bag has an RFID-blocking liner that will always protect the passport and credit card. It is one of the best luggage tote bags on the market today.

5. Timbuk2 Convertible Backpack Tote

Timbuk2 tote

When you want to free up your arms or sling the tote on your shoulder, the Timbuk2 Convertible Backpack Tote will do the trick. This minimalist tote has a longer removable strap that is ideal for those occasions. It has tucked-away back straps that add to your comfort and convenience.

The leather travel tote is excellent as a shoulder bag that fits a 15″ laptop and has a chic military look. It has adjustable shoulder straps and can quickly convert into a backpack.

6. Briggs & Riley Rhapsody-Essential Tote Bag

Briggs and Riley tote

The tote is made of durable, water-resistant nylon and is ideal when traveling with children or stepping out in the rain. You cannot use a leather bag when there is sleet, snow, and rain; that is when you can put the travel tote bag to use.

Everything is inside the tote- interior and exterior pockets, space for your laptop, zipper, and snap closures to ensure everything is always in place. The travel tote bag with pockets will ensure that everything is well organized. The bag has room for everything, including pens, AirPods, headphones, power banks, sunglasses, chargers, USB cables, laptops, and more.

With these multiple pockets and sleek leather trim, this is a perfect bag for international travel, as you can bring your everyday essentials with you on the go while also looking stylish. This tote bag is soft to the touch and is highly durable.

7. Kenneth Cole Reaction Chevron

Kenneth Cole Reaction

If you are a jet-setter who goes from a meeting to dinner with a client, this bag has everything you need. The bag’s interior has a padded laptop sleeve and slots that allow you to keep your tablet or a laptop. It has additional pockets ideal for the phone, cards, wallet, water bottle, and sunglasses.

The bag is compact and convenient. It will ensure that your most needed items are close at hand. The tote has handles that can be worn over the shoulder and come with a removable crossbody strap 52 inches long.

There is a trolley strap that will fit over most luggage trolleys for easy carrying. This makes this the perfect carry-on bag for frequent travelers.

8. Bluboon Weekender Bag

Bluboon weekender bag

If you pack everything in a personal item whenever you travel, this bag from Bluboon is perfect for you. You will have everything in it for your weekend getaways to the week-long trips. This canvas tote is light in weight and is highly functional with its added shoulder straps.

It has enough space for the laptop and shoes and has several color options to pick from. The bag is the perfect size for clothes and shoes for a short trip. It has ample space for personal items, a yoga mat, and workout gear. You can use it as a gym duffel or for your weekend trips. It will carry everything you need for 3-4 days.

See Related: Best Portable Hair Dryers for Travel

9. Ecosusi Convertible Tote Bag

Convertible tote

When shopping for a convertible travel bag, consider the Ecosusi Convertible Tote Backpack. It has functionality and style. The bag comes with comfortable straps and has organizational pockets. It also has leather handles and several color options.

The bag is light in weight and is made from water-resistant and highly durable material. You can use it as a backpack, shoulder bag, or handbag. This bag is made from soft vegan leather and will add style and elegance to your outfit.

10. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote

Women's LongChamp Le Pliage

Lightweight nylon is ideal for travel tote bags, but it will look great only if appropriately designed. The Longchamp tote is a perfect example of how a brand can do nylon right and make it look stylish and elegant.

This bag is waterproof, and it will fold flat without any wrinkles. The bag has a top zip with a logo and a snap flap closure. It comes with an interior cell phone pocket with a water-resistant lining. This is a popular bag to carry your travel essentials on long-haul trips or trips that have frequent transfers.

11. Ban.do Weekend Tote

Ban.do Lightweight Travel Tote

If you are heading on a short trip, this travel tote will make it as easy and convenient as possible. The bag has a lot of space for all your essentials: a detachable mesh pouch inside and a sleeve on the exterior. It has a strong and stylish luggage handle, making it an ideal carry-on for your next trip.

12. CG Gear Sand-Free Totes

CGear Sand-Free Tote Bag

Irrespective of your love for the sea and sand, there is nothing as annoying as finding sand at the bottom of the bag after a long day at the beach. Pack an extra beach bag for your day out.

The bag has a mesh bottom that addresses the sand issue. It will keep the debris out and is so cute that you can use it throughout the trip. Made from high-grade vegan leather, this bag is durable and high quality.

It has a magnetic snapping top closure that secures the belongings quickly and conveniently. It also has another snap-shut pocket to keep your phone, valuables, and wallet.

The pockets ensure that all your belongings stay in place, and with ample space, you can accommodate clothes, towels, and toys for your children. 

13. Btoop Travel Weekender Bag

Btoop Travel Weekender Bag

This modern travel tote is for the fashionista. It is a beautiful tote that will fit your laptop, a change of clothes, shower essentials, and anything from books to shoes. Indeed, it is one of the best tote bags for travel. The travel tote bag with a zipper has a shoe compartment at the bottom that can hold two pairs of shoes.

Additionally, it has an inner zipper pocket for all your valuables and an internal pocket for your phone. That is not all. A zipper pocket is at the back of the bag, which becomes a trolley sleeve.

The bag can serve as a carry-on for airlines and can also be used as a duffel bag for the gym. Made from high-quality material and available in a stylish design, this tote is a must for all women. 

14. Tumi Business Tote

TUMI tote

When traveling for business, you need a business travel tote you can take straight from the plane to the meeting. Tumi makes some of the best women’s travel totes for business trips.

The tote is waterproof and a stain-resistant bag. It will make a strong impression with a simple design. The bag comes with exterior sleeves, which lets you quickly attach it to the handle of the wheeled luggage. The Tumi tote is practical and purposeful.

It has a water-resistant water bottle pocket, several organizational pockets, and convertible shoulder straps. The bag will keep everything in place and well organized. It also has a phone pocket with a magnetic snap. You get to choose from the several color options available for you. 

Love Tumi products? Check out these best Tumi travel kits.

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15. Logan + Lenora Weekender – Waterproof Travel Tote

Logan + Lenora Weekender - Waterproof Travel Tote

If you are investing in a travel tote to save you on a rainy day, check out this stylish tote. It has a classic look with multiple compartments, including a padded pocket for the tablet. The elegant tote will keep you organized in any weather.

It has three rear open pockets and one middle pocket that can be converted into a trolley sleeve. The bag also has waterproof zippered inner and outer pockets. This travel tote bag is available in a range of colors. 

16. Vera Bradley Microfiber Tote

Vera Bradley

Show your style and personality with a classic tote. It is available in different patterns and colors. This tote bag is perfect for those who often overpack. It has a padded exterior that will give your belongings additional protection from drops and bumps.

Made from lightweight microfiber, the bag is ideal for any occasion. It has six interior slip pockets that will keep everything well organized, from the lipstick to your laptop. The exterior has a front slip pocket, a hidden top pocket, and a zip pocket. It is perfect for your phone, wallet, books, or valuables that can be easily accessed but remain out of sight. 

See Related: Best Gifts to Buy for Travel Lovers

17. Bostanten Leather Tote Bag

Bostanten Leather Tote Bag

Here is an elegant and affordable travel tote bag for you. The bag has a simple design, several pockets, and ample room for miscellaneous items. It has excellent built-in functionality with extra-long straps, making it more comfortable to wear on the shoulder for long periods. The internal structure has one main compartment and one removable pouch.

There is a zipper pouch with one pocket, two slip pockets, and an inner zipper pouch. There are two side slip pockets and two magnetic buckle pockets on the exterior. 

18. S Zone Vintage Leather Tote

S-Zone Cowhide Leather Tote Bag (Brown)

If you want a no-fuss, simple, and straightforward tote bag, check out the S Zone vintage tote. It is functional and stylish. The bag has one main compartment and a removable zipper pouch. It is big enough to hold your devices as well as other items.

It is made from sturdy leather and has many pockets to keep you organized. The bag can also hold a 15-inch laptop. The right travel tote is crucial for comfort, convenience, and style. 

Things to Consider When Buying a Travel Tote Bag

The main aspects to consider were size, materials, security, and other valuable features.

Size

Women’s travel totes come in different sizes and shapes. You should find one that is the right size for you or your needs. There are travel tote bags with compartments to help with organization.

There are different types of travel totes for other trips. You should know how much you will need before deciding which one you want.

Travel handbags with smaller dimensions, like the travel tote by Baggalini, are great if you don’t travel often. Some offer locks and other features too! Tote bags come in different sizes, so decide how much you want to carry and find one that suits your needs.

Materials

Travel totes are made from many different materials. The type of material will depend on the kind of travel tote you want. Leather tote bags are great for longer trips, but not if you only travel by car.

Security

it’s essential to find a travel tote bag with numerous pockets to keep your belongings safe. Some travel totes come with built-in locks for increased security., security, and several other features.

Durability

Travel bags are made to last, but consider the construction of the travel tote you want. Some brands do not construct bags that are meant to last forever.

Plus, you never want your only bag to break while traveling. Designer travel totes are often much more expensive than regular ones but last much longer.

Weight

Lighter travel tote bags will be easier to carry for extended periods and in those long, boring security lines. Size, materials, and security are critical to purchasing and maintaining your luggage. It depends on who is traveling and what you plan on using in the bag.

See Related: Essential Women’s Travel Accessories

How to clean a travel tote

You can wash the tote regularly, which is very easy. You can pass a tote bag in your machine, as most loads are machine washable. If the tote is dyed, you must ensure it is colorfast before you wash it. If the bag has embellishments, you need to pass the bag with your hand only. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best travel tote bags?

There are many travel totes on the market these days. Some are specifically designed for travel, while others are larger versions of everyday tote bags; here are some of the best on the market: the Michael Kors tote, Longchamp, and the Vera Bradley weekender bag.

Which tote bags are travel-friendly?

Melissa’s Large Ostrich Bag is the travel tote with the best design and functionality. It has a few pockets built in for travel necessities like your passport or tablet, and it locks closed so that there is no mistaking that your bag will stay closed during travel. It also features a spacious main compartment with an insulated sleeve, making this an excellent carry-on tote for long flights.

Why do you need a travel tote?

A travel tote is a bag for travelers to store items needed. A travel tote can also contain medication, a first-aid kit, and travel documents. It comes in many styles and sizes. Some options include gym travel totes, beach bags, diaper bags, and laptop carry-on tote bags.

The best travel tote bags are functional to use while traveling but still look great. Luxury travel tote bags should be lightweight yet large enough to carry all your travel necessities without breaking your back, whether a laptop or toiletries.

What is an ideal size of travel tote to carry a laptop?

The ideal tote for business depends on the items you carry. If you have a 13-inch laptop, it will fit in a medium-sized tote; if you use a 15-inch laptop, you will need a large-sized bag to ensure the computer fits in easily. 

What is the best type of material for a tote?

Choose sturdy fabrics for your travel tote bags like denim, canvas, outdoor fabric, twill, or upholstery fabric. It ensures that the bag remains durable and is not damaged in a few dumps and bumps. A quality tote will have high-quality material like canvas or denim, which is also washable. 

How to tell the difference between an authentic Michael Kors tote and a fake tote?

With increasing fakes in the market, it has become essential to be aware of the difference between an authentic product and a fake handbag.

Regarding Michael Kors, you need to learn to identify the Saffiano leather. It has become synonymous with the brand. Saffiano is calf leather with a criss-cross pattern pressed on it. When you look at an original piece, it will look rigid and well-structured, but a fake will look soft and floppy. 

Additionally, the original leather will have a gloss to it. MK has two different logos-an expanded logo and a circle emblem. You must check that the logo is cut correctly and the letters are evenly spaced. In an inauthentic version, the logo will not look very clear. Logo hardware is heavy in an authentic bag and plastic coated in a fake tote. 

What is the best way to store a tote?

The best way to store the handbag is to use a purse insert for support and a dust bag cover. Many bags come with their dust bag cover, which you can use. You can also keep tissue paper inside the handbag to maintain its shape. 

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