Anyone who has a decent amount of travel understands the worth of a good travel tote. This travel bag ensemble’s powerhouse, it is the right carry-all for your basics. You can throw everything in one spacious bag from your wallet, passport, phone, headphones, book, sweater, toiletries, water bottle, snacks, and even a travel pillow. But there are also regular totes that appear to have two straps and a central pocket and that’s about it. Although they are just good for daily usage, traveling involves something that is much less susceptible to confusion in the organization.
There’s nothing like getting a vacation holiday to look forward to, but the thought of preparing in the days leading up to your flight can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to smaller things. While it might sound like the most convenient choice to wear a backpack, it isn’t necessarily the most fashionable or even the most accessible. Having a bigger tote to hold everything from your laptop to books and other travel items will ensure you have a sleek, stylish way to keep your necessities on-flight. And after you arrive, it’ll be a perfect idea to bring your tote when you go out sightseeing.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 11 hrs of research
ZOOEASS Women Fashion Large Tote Shoulder Bag – Best Value
Why is it better?
- Looks really good for a large tote
- Can easily pass for a large everyday handbag
- There are pockets everywhere
- The umbrella compartment at the bottom is clever
Michael Kors Jet Set Item East/West Top Zip Tote – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Good for staying organized
- Holds up well to abuse
- Classic look about it without a lot of excessive bling
- Made very well, beautiful durable fabric, zipper and handles and the perfect size
Best Tote Bags for Travel – Overview
Having the best travel tote bag is one of the most important investments in a carrying arsenal for travelers. Travel totes will carry all your things, pretty much everywhere, and available in various shapes and styles to suit you. Plus, should you decide to stretch the limits on how large your personal piece can be, there’s no better rocking bag than a travel tote bag. Below are some of our favorite travel tote bags that will become super useful for your next journey.
Tote Bags for Travel Reviews
1. Knomo Luggage Women’s Grosvenor Place
The Knomo Luggage Women’s Grosvenor Place is a classic tote bag that cleverly expands for those times where you need a little bit of extra room in your bag. With a hidden zipped back section to attach your bag to your trolley luggage, the Grosvenor Place also makes the perfect travel companion. Expandable zip feature zips down the side of the Grosvenor allow for extra space when packing for extended journeys.
With the trolley sleeve pocket, safely and securely attach your carry-on luggage to your suitcase whilst traveling. The RFID protected pocket protects your valuable documents such as your contactless cards and passports from ‘skimming theft’. Water-resistant material is ideal for those wet winter commutes. You may also like our guide on the best travel purses.
Key Features:
- Protects up to 15″ laptop and has multipurpose pockets
- Expandable zip design to fit additional items
- Trolley slip pocket
- RFID protected pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: Knomo
- Capacity: 18.4L
- Dimensions: 12.87″ H x 5.46″ W x 16.38″ D
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- This bag is sophisticated and sleek all at the same time
- Strong enough to comfortably carry everything while still looking professional
- Lightweight and seems very strong
- The straps are butter-soft leather and very comfortable
- The pocket to slide over your carry-on handle should be little bigger
2. Baggallini Avenue Tote Top Handle Bag
Stay comfortable and organize on-the-go with Baggallini Avenue Tote Top Handle Bag. Five slots of credit cards and multiple pockets will keep your most-used essentials ready to go, while a 52″ adjustable strap will help you stay hands-free. Inside, a removable RFID-protected phone wristlet protects against scanning and stolen of your credit cards and ID.
This bag fits seamlessly into any wardrobe with a variety of colors and patterns-perfect for travel, the office, a night out, or an afternoon shopping trip. You won’t be weighted or kept off by super lightweight stuff, and you can get on with your day, easily.
Key Features:
- Zippered pockets
- Lightweight and water-resistant
- Polyester lining
- Adjustable and removable strap
Specifications:
- Brand: Baggallini
- Dimensions: 13″ H x 12″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 1.25 lbs
- Looks very professional
- Handles are long and comfortable
- Pockets is able to fit a water bottle
- Material is easy to clean
- Laptop pocket is on the same side as the zippers for the luggage handle which takes up space
3. ZOOEASS Women Fashion Large Tote Shoulder Bag – Best Value
The ZOOEASS Women Fashion Large Tote Shoulder Bag is made of waterproof material, and stain-resistant nylon fabric that is durable, lightweight, high quality, easy to care for wipe clean or machine wash. It comes with a multi-pocket design with classic zippers that are easy and smooth to open and close.
This travel tote bag makes a great general-purpose cargo bag or carryall, for use in the gym, travel, work, beach bag, carry-on bag, hiking, and camping. In terms of pockets, it has a zipper pocket, mezzanine bag, cell phone pocket, and document bag. Check out our guide on the best camera bags for women.
Key Features:
- Waterproof zip pocket
- Made of nylon
- Phone pocket
- Laptop pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: ZOOEASS
- Dimensions: 11.02″ H x 5.51″ W x 18.89″ D
- Weight: 1.25 lbs
- Looks really good for a large tote
- Can easily pass for a large everyday handbag
- There are pockets everywhere
- The umbrella compartment at the bottom is clever
- There is only one zipper directly below the handles
4. Herschel Strand Tote Bag for Travel
The Herschel Strand Tote Bag for Travel features a snap-down design with robust handles and an easy-access main compartment for weekend getaways. It features side and center-access external storage sleeves for your wallet, passport, and other travel necessities.
The handles are reinforced and articulated for better durability. In terms of its zippers, it comes with a two-way zipper with pebbled leather pulls and snap-down extensions
Key Features:
- Side and center-access external storage
- Carrying handles
- Signature striped fabric liner
- Two-way zipper
Specifications:
- Brand: Herschel
- Capacity: 28.5L
- Dimensions: 12″ H x 5.5″ W x 17″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Stylish and sturdy
- The three outside pockets are perfect for stashing an umbrella, water bottle or even your wallet
- The color is very nice
- Large main compartment inside which allows you to organize on your own
- It does not have pockets inside
5. Fjallraven – Totepack No. 1
The Fjallraven – Totepack No. 1 is a lightweight, convenient companion that can be used as a shoulder bag or a backpack and is perfect for stashing essentials. Made from a more durable version of the G-1000, it has double layers of fabric at the bottom for extra durability. Zippered opening keeps the contents in place and a small safety pocket on the inside holds keys, a wallet, and anything else you want to keep an eye on.
There is also a zippered pocket on the outside. Long, textile shoulder straps and short leather handle. The shoulder straps can also be converted to carry the bag as a backpack. Practical for traveling, will last forever and takes up minimal space when empty.
Key Features:
- Double layer of fabric at the bottom
- Zippered opening
- Long handles
- G-1000 heavy-duty material
Specifications:
- Brand: Fjallraven
- Capacity: 14L
- Dimensions: 15.3″ H x 4.3″ W x 12.6″ D
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
- Organization without too many compartments to lose track of things
- Spacious without weight or bulk
- Versatile strap options
- Professional looking
- The straps are thin so it can get heavy
6. Michael Kors Jet Set Item East/West Top Zip Tote – Premium Pick
Michael Kors is a world-renowned, award-winning designer of luxury accessories and ready-to-wear. His namesake company, established in 1981, currently produces a range of products under his signature Michael Kors Collection and MICHAEL Michael Kors labels.
This sophisticated, multi-tasking Michael Kors Jet Set Item East/West Top Zip Tote is the ultimate travel accomplice. Crafted from Saffiano—a matte leather that’s both distinctive and durable—it sports a look that’s chic yet understated. A multitude of pockets keeps you organized, while the top-zip design ensures your essentials stay put, wherever you may go.
Key Features:
- Outer: 100% Saffiano Leather
- Lining: 100% Polyester
- Adjustable double straps
- Full top zipper closure
Specifications:
- Brand: Michael Kors
- Dimensions: 10″ H x 4.5″ W x 15″ D
- Weight: 1.25 lbs
- Good for staying organized
- Holds up well to abuse
- Classic look about it without a lot of excessive bling
- Made very well, beautiful durable fabric, zipper and handles and the perfect size
- A bit pricey but you get what you pay for
7. CAMTOP Canvas Travel Weekender Bag
The CAMTOP Canvas Travel Weekender Bag comes with canvas with PU leather trim & handles & good hardware decoration is good looking, substantial, and lightweight to carry. The thick PU leather strap is very comfortable, easily adjustable and detachable, not easy to slip when carrying a heavy load.
The tote bags come with a durable adjustable shoulder strap which can relax your hands if you prefer to carry it over the shoulder as a shoulder weekender bag. Reinforced bottom design for set down on the ground, it also has the feet on the bottom to protect the PU leather. For more great bags like this, check out our guide on the best weekender bags for women.
Key Features:
- 3 inner pockets
- Reinforced bottom design
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- It fits nicely in the overhead or under the seat
Specifications:
- Brand: CAMTOP
- Dimensions: 14.5″ H x 8″ W x 16.2″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Very roomy, plenty of packing space
- The handles are strong
- The back sleeve opening works great
- Fits under an airplane seat
- The white stripes are more of a cream color, not pure white
8. Riavika Canvas Weekend Tote Bag Shoulder Bag
The Riavika Canvas Weekend Tote Bag Shoulder Bag is a perfect gift for full-time moms, excellent for shopping, traveling, and working. it has a great storage room with 1 secure zipper closure in the large main compartment, and a punch inside for a cell phone, 2 big side pockets perfect for bottles and umbrella, 2 large front pockets.
The material of this bag is made from durable and light canvas with solid stitching. The handles are wide and long enough to carry it as a shoulder bag. The zipper on top keeps content inside secure and the outer pockets are deep enough to prevent the items in them from falling out.
Key Features:
- Durable and light canvas
- Zipper closure
- Side pockets for water bottles
- 2 large front pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: Riavika
- Dimensions: 14.17″ H x 6.69″ W x 19.68″ D
- Weight: 1.39 lbs
- 4 side pockets are roomy
- The gray color is in a nice medium hue, not too dark not too light
- This bag stands on its own
- Zipper is nice and sturdy
- The bottom is not supported
9. Kenneth Cole Reaction Women’s Runway Tote Bag
Perfect for packing business essentials or basic carry on necessities, this Kenneth Cole Reaction Women’s Runway Tote Bag will have you strolling in style. Constructed with split leather trim exterior body material, a fully lined interior, and sturdy bottom molded feet help keep the bag upright. Holds most laptops with up to a 17-inch screen and a padded tablet pocket compatible with most tablets.
The main compartment includes a padded computer pocket, a padded tablet pocket, a full-length zipper accessory pocket, a business organizer, and a removable accessory pouch connected to an internal key ring. Interior business organizer includes two open-top slit pockets, three card slots, and two pen holders. Don’t forget we also have a guide on the best women’s backpack for work.
Key Features:
- Laptop pocket is padded to fit most laptops with up to a 17.0” screen
- Padded tote style handles with 9-inch drop
- Wrap buckle to secure for easy lifting
- Comes with a removable pouch
Specifications:
- Brand: Kenneth Cole Reaction
- Dimensions: 15″ H x 6″ W x 16″ D
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- The handle functions well and is not flimsy at all
- Wheels are great and roll smoothly
- Nice in appearance and very practical
- Laptop fits nicely and is protected
- There are no other pockets except the one on outside and the center one
10. Ensign Peak Shoulder Tote Bag for Travel
Ensign Peak Shoulder Tote Bag for Travel is spacious and versatile. It is large enough to hold a laptop computer, books, lunch bag, umbrella, jacket, and other items. The full-length top zipper keeps your items safe and secure, making sure nothing will fall out. The bag is made of super-strong Polyester Ripstop fabric, which is surprisingly lightweight. The fabric has a water-resistant lining making wiping up spills a breeze.
On one side of the bag, it has an easily accessible zippered pocket to hold sunglasses, sunscreen, passports, or other important items. A mesh pocket on the other side can fit a water bottle lotion or thermos. The main front open pocket is great for paper and other smaller items. The inside key hook keeps your keys out of the way, secure, and easy to reach.
Key Features:
- Full-length top zipper
- Lots of pockets
- Inside metal key hook
- Side mesh pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: Ensign peak
- Dimensions: 15″ H x 5″ W x 20″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Has an adorable drink holder on the outside & the key holder inside
- It is sturdy and well made
- The handle is secure and long enough to drape over your shoulder
- Zip main closure
- Not a lot of pockets on the inside
Buying Guide
Price
This tote might well be your new best mate, but if it’s going to be your regular travel carry it’s worth investing a little bit extra on anything that’s high quality that can last. If you just need something at the beach for an odd day out — or something that could get dirty and broken up with kids – going a little bit further on the budget side of things might be the best decision.
Size
If you pick one that’s too small, you ‘re going to find it hard to fit everything you need for the day inside, but if you pick one that’s too large, you may be tempted to overpack for the day. See what bags have performed well in the past for you, determine your present desires whether they have shifted, and go from there.
Durability
Traveling can put your luggage through the rough patch really. Think about carousels at the terminal, roof racks for the bus, and normal wear and tear. On or after a flight, we’ve all found new cracks, rips, bruises, and stains on our loved luggage. While anything like a tote can not be tossed around as violently as a suitcase or a travel bag, you do want to invest in something you know can last – that’s why goods with materials that improve durability are a must.
Style
Finding the right middle ground between practical and stylish may be difficult but we’ve done our utmost to pick a range of the best travel totes in both camps. Although they’re great jet setting choices all over the planet, they’d look almost as dapper when you’re back home and off on weekend errands! Elements such as sleek design and monochrome coloring make our ten picks available among the best travel totes. And they’ll never feel out of place, regardless if you’re breezing down a beach street or enjoying old haunts with your mates at home.
Pockets
If you are not familiar with it in a city, it’s also better to be prepared for specific situations; often packing extra important implies you need more space or unique compartments. Look for bags that have one or two (particularly hidden) added pockets for things like a passport, cash, or credit cards. Including stuff like a spare pair of shoes, a lightweight rain jacket to unexpected conditions, or certain odds and ends including a journal, a travel guidebook, or a novel, getting a little extra space is often a bonus while you’re on the path.
Frequently Ask Questions
Are tote bags good for travel?
A travel tote bag is one of the most useful items in your carrying arsenal of a traveler. Travel totes will carry anything you need, match pretty much anywhere, and available in various shapes and sizes to suit your style. They are like crossbody bags which are great for travel.
Can you use a tote bag as a carry on?
Carry-on provisions vary from airline to airline, but most travelers are issued one carry on bag and one personal item. A tote bag is definitely appropriate as a carry-on, even as a personal item if it’s small enough, in that way you can bring a duffel bag or backpack as a carry-on.
What do you carry in a tote bag?
Items you should carry in your tote bag are your phone, hand sanitizer, shades, makeup, some first aid kit, wallet, and your keys.
What are tote bags good for?
Aside from travel, tote bags are perfect for day trips to the beach as a way to carry anything that is important to the beach such as your towel and sunscreen. You can buy cool, graphic designs with variations in the handle, such as chain, to serve as your new beach bag.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best tote bags for travel as well as our guide on features to look for in a tote bag for travel. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.