29 best tote bags for travel: luxurious, sustainable, and versatile picks our editors love

US brand Away’s diverse range of minimal pieces has long been a celebrity-favourite – recently we’ve especially been loving its cognac aluminium range – and this tote makes a handy addition to complete your set. Designed specifically for travel days, it meets airline sizing requirements for under-seat bags, and comes with a slew of features to make traversing the airport easier: an exterior pocket for your wallet, passport, boarding pass, a key clip, plus an interior padded laptop pocket for easy access at security. It comes in a choice of colours to match your Away suitcase and a handy suitcase passthrough band means you can secure it to your luggage, so whizzing to the gate runs as smoothly as possible.

Nere’s suspiciously reasonably-priced bags and cases help you stand out from the crowd. The nylon outer is seriously sturdy, and it’s super spacious, too, featuring a removable shoulder strap, trolley band and a number of zipped pockets to keep all your bits and pieces safe. I used this tote on a recent trip to Miami where I was travelling carry-on only for eight nights, and it did a stellar job supplementing my suitcase – taking a packing cube full of five pairs of shoes, my laptop and wash bag comfortably, plus all my work items. I was genuinely surprised at how much I could fit in – and with it still squeezing happily under the seat on the aeroplane. Recommended.

A good tote bag should be sturdy enough to support your shoulders, but flexible enough to remain compact – and Horizn’s Sofo Tote nails the sweet spot. This generously sized bag has a lightweight cotton canvas and synthetic wax finish to help with waterproofing – thus readying it to tackle British weather – and, unlike many totes, it has a zippered top for additional security. The handles are a little short for my liking, but this multi-purpose design gives you the option to wear the bag both on your shoulder, and in your hand. There’s also a neat luggage strap inconspicuously attached on the back for looping around your suitcase handles. Layla Quaedvlieg

Can’t choose between a tote or backpack? With this one from The North Face, you don’t have to. The versatile Borealis tote has straps ready to hold in your hands or fling on your back, perhaps depending on how much you pack into it, and there’s potential for that to be quite a lot. Thanks to the compression bungee cords around the outside, you can cinch it in tight to keep your belongings secure or open it right up. If you’re into hiking or you’re traveling in hot countries, you’ll enjoy the two water bottle pockets on either side (or use one as an umbrella or tripod holder), and the water repellent finish, making it suitable to carry in all weather.

There are many destinations where a shower-proof bag is likely to be a necessity, so we’re grateful that this waterproof tote from Rains is one that complements almost every outfit. It’s effortlessly cool, with its minimalistic design (available in an array of colours) and detachable shoulder strap, perfect for grabbing for pretty much every sort of outing. We’ve been taking it everywhere, from the office to the airport and even the supermarket. In terms of function, its attachment rings that stand out for us – handy for smaller items like your keys and a luggage tracker on the handles. It’s available in a larger size as well.

Do you desire a little more organisation in your tote bag? You’ll like this from Bellroy. On the water-resistant exterior, you’ve got two large pockets on the front of the bag with dedicated space for a phone, two pens, a passport and other travel essentials, and a slip pocket with button fastening on the back, to keep valuables secure. In the main compartment, there’s an abundance of packing space, with a selection of separate pockets to keep everything tidy and easy to find. You’ve also got a laptop sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and a smaller mesh pockets, too. Despite all these fancy features, this bag is made out of a woven material that folds up easily so you can pack it away when you want to, making this space saver a travel essential.

Before using this bag, I had the naive impression that all tote bags were born equal – aren’t they all just like the canvas ones you can buy from Sainsbury’s? How wrong I was. The new generation of tote bags are studier, with flat bottoms and stiff fabric, so they keep shape similar to a traditional handbag. Inside there are organisational pockets, so there’s no aimless rummaging at the bottom to find your keys. The July tote is probably the most impressive I’ve seen in this capacity – there are enough internal and external pockets and pouches to make a Monica Gellar-type excited. While July has tote bags in several sizes – the Everyday Small and the extra large Garment Bag – to me, the Everyday Large is the perfect sweet spot. Not too large to be a commuter bag – ideal for the laptop and gym gear juggle – but large enough to replace a carry-on suitcase for a weekend break. Using a couple of packing cubes, I could neatly pack everything I needed for a weekend in Paris, thankfully avoiding the dreaded cobblestone suitcase struggle. See our full review of the July Everyday Tote.

TALA is a brand already dearly loved by Conde Nast Traveller editors for their comfy activewear (perfect for long haul flights), so it’s a joy to complete our airport outfit with this organic cotton tote bag. It’s roomy enough to fit in all your essentials with ease, while also fitting the Ryanair personal item allowance restrictions (no mean feat!) and has a secret zipped pocket inside, too.

Editor review: This is a really great all-round tote. I needed a slightly bigger one than normal because I have the 14-inch MacBook Pro, plus I often have to cart around a whole host of treats, toys and other paraphernalia when taking my dog into the office. I love the two handle option, and I’m a big fan of the inner compartment, which makes for easy phone or key access. I’m not a huge fan of big logos on my bags but the stitching does make it look more like design than branding. I was originally hesitant about the material – I tend to overfill my bags and end up buying so many because the handles rip – but this one has held its own so far. Olivia Morelli, senior digital writer

Constructed with durable 475gsm cotton, this huge tote bag won’t be splitting any time soon. Antler’s tote is light on features, as in it’s just your basic sort of cotton tote – no pockets or zips. But if you’re just looking for something massive you can use as a shopping bag, a beach bag or for an impromptu picnic, this will do the job nicely. If you’re thinking about your tech, you can fit an 18″ laptop in here, whereas many other bags only go up to 16”. It’s one of the roomiest totes around but up folds up small so you can pop it in your suitcase until you need it, and it’s a bargain at only £35.

Damson Madder’s cool reversible designs have taken over London – there was at least one Liu raincoat on every high street at any one time throughout the winter – and this leopard print tote is set to be another staple for commutes and flight days alike. It’s made from 100 per cent organic cotton, with a trendy quilted finish and signature dark leopard colouring. An internal slip pocket keeps your phone, Kindle or passport to hand, and a full zip adds additional security. Finally, tassel details and a bright red interior elevate it further from functional tote to statement piece in its own right. There’s no suitcase passthrough band to attach to your case, but that’s our only note.

Weaved bags were everywhere in 2025 and the trend is set to continue into 2026. Dune’s reasonably-priced Deliberate tote has a slouchy design that feels more effortless than traditional structured work bags without losing any of the space or functionality in nine versatile neutral shades. There’s no passthrough band, but there is an adjustable strap that can be added, for times you need to go hands-free.

Editor review: I’ve been on the lookout for a travel bag that carries my essentials but looks chic for the longest time, and this Dune one definitely fits the bill. I love the dark green colour, which is a little bit more fun than a plain black style, and appreciate that it comes with a short and long handle, depending on whether I want my hands-free or not. It fits a laptop and more travel essentials, and has a handy little zip pocket inside to store things I need to grab quickly, like my passport. Abigail Malbon, Global audience development manager

It got into our best waterproof tote round up, and it’s a top pick for best quilted tote too! The Dickies’ unisex quilted tote can stand up against a light rain shower and gentle knocks and bumps thanks to its slimline padding. Being quilted makes it more comfortable to carry, keeping the body slightly protected from any jutting out laptop corners and the like! As mentioned in the best waterproof tote section, the nylon material is sturdy, so this should last you a while, and we love the effortlessly cool look of it.

Time for a luxury entry – the MZ Wallace Metro tote is a gorgeous, lightweight nylon design with a zipped up main compartment, and an impressive six internal pockets for all your bits and pieces. It’s available in a range of lush colours, from magnet grey to peony pearl. The Conde Nast Traveller team are generally big fans of the MZ Wallace brand, which is known for chic handbags and accessories, and even though a tote is usually fairly pared back, it’s a spacious and well thought out design. As well as the six pockets inside, there’s also a phone compartment and key ring strap, so you won’t have to rummage around on your doorstep.

Time and time again, London-based luxury luggage brand Carl Friedrik finds itself in our shopping guides. On this occasion, we’re recommending its Ashby tote, whose simple exterior belies the organisational prowess inside. Handcrafted from 100 per cent Italian vachetta leather, this beautiful tote has a spacious, zippable main compartment, plus a dedicated tech pocket for your laptop and Kindle (handy for fishing items out swiftly at security), plus a third interior pocket with multiple compartments and two pen slots. Finally, a key holder ensures you’ll never be left rummaging at the door. Overall, this is a perfect do-it-all tote in a top quality leather that will look beautiful with any outfit for years to come.

Conde Nast Traveller editor, Lauren Burvill, has chosen this elegant tote to be her go-to bag, both for daily life and when travelling. She rates it for being sizeable enough to comfortably slot in her laptop and everything else she needs, while still maintaining its streamlined, handbag style.

Editor review:“The sturdy shape means it’s really easy to see inside and grab things quickly, while the gold clasp can keep the bag secure and safe. Inside the bag itself is relatively simple in terms of storage – there’s a single pouch on the side for a card holder or phone, while the bottom is big enough to store a wash bag or keep a water bottle upright. I really love the detachable pouch accessory, as it’s so easy-to-spot and acts as very secure place to keep your passport and any other valuables. The bag also has an external luggage sleeve too so it can easily be zipped around an airport.” Lauren Burvill

Harber London are renowned for high quality, handmade goods, and this one, available in three colours, did not disappoint. This tote has a 16L capacity, so it’s a great size for bringing on a flight as a light cabin bag for all your travel essentials. The style is timeless, and decidedly unisex, crafted using butter-soft leather and suede for the interior leather, making this a really luxurious purchase. There’s a detachable strap, too, which allows you to make this your own – wearing slung over your shoulder or carried in hand. Thanks to its decent size and interior pocket, we’ve found it possible to easily carry a 16” laptop, travel cosmetics, a flask, phone and chargers with room to spare. It’s worth noting that this bag has an open design with no zip, so if a secure closure is a must for you this might not meet your needs.

If you’ve been searching for a chic bucket tote, look no further. This stunning bag is perfect for day-to-night wear, elevating your look whether you’re in the office or out on the town. In our minds, this makes the ideal business trip tote, with its two open compartments and one zip compartment you can slip your laptop into for safe keeping. This bag is well beyond your average tote and has clearly been crafted for form and function. We love the Italian pebbled leather choice of colours, the included bag charm and the optional contrasting luggage tag. If you prefer a more petite bag, the Perry tote comes in a smaller version, as well.

This ultra-minimal bag, crafted from ethically-sourced European leather, is versatile enough to suit most outfits and generously sized for all your daily essentials. We’ve comfortably fit a laptop, water bottle and gym kit inside for work days, plus a spare jacket and camera for days sightseeing on holiday. The front flap pocket is just the right shape and size for your passport and phone and the interior is made from bright organic cotton, which makes it easier to see what you need at a glance. There’s a keychain so you don’t lose your house keys, and a suitcase sleeve to attach it easily to your carry-on in the airport. I genuinely love this bag – I’ve used it every day since it landed on my desk. Recommended. Charley Ward

With a look this minimal, you may be surprised how capacious this bag is, but you should be pleasantly surprised: it’s a solid, classic choice for your commute, from a company that champions British style and craftsmanship. Inside, there’s more than enough room for your laptop, water bottle and daily essentials, plus an internal pocket to keep your wallet and phone safe and easily accessible. The handles are sized so as to be able to use the bag on your shoulder or in your hand. It’s not the best choice for an underseat bag – we’d prefer something larger for all your duty-free buys and just-in-case items – but for day-to-day use, this is an elegant option that goes with everything.

Sometimes you just need a bag that you fold up in your luggage and pull out when you need it, whether for city tours, beach trips or pool side. This tote, made by French brand Delsey, offers a zipped pocket, a trolley strap, and padding on the top of the handles for comfort when carrying. This is great to use as a carry-on bag, or as a compact extra to pop into your suitcase, so won’t have to limit the number of souvenirs you bring back. We love this the lining is made from recycled water bottles and vegan leather, too.

There are many tote bags that are big enough to hold a 16” laptop, but this one is! This recycled canvas, water-resistant bag is lovely to look at, with its leather trim and gold fittings making a sleek, minimalist look. But it’s sturdy too, of solid construction that can hold out even when packing to the brim. If you’re ready to swap out your backpack, this could be a great alternative. Longchamp offers the bag several colours, ranging from ‘tomato’ red and ‘eucalyptus’ green, to neutral ‘paper’ and black. There’s a lot to love about this tote bag, but our favourite feature? The fact that you can fold it up into a tiny square and snap it closed, making it perfectly portable for every adventure.

If you’re looking for iconic, The Tote Bag is the pick for you. This one is huge, providing enough space to serve as a compact weekender or ultimate beach bag. It’s an essential travel item due to its versatility, goes-with-anything aesthetic, three internal storage compartments and zippered closure. Despite its generous size, you can easily fold up this cotton canvas tote if needed. Shop the bag in black, beige, seafoam green, blue shadow, and more.

Is it possible to buy an heirloom tote? Why yes, it is! Gucci is unrivalled for timeless decadence, with its legendary logo emblazoned over its canvas exterior and gold-toned hardware. The leather handles and trim add an extra level of luxury, but not at the expense of the planet, as this leather has been tanned using a chrome-free process for a reduced environmental footprint. Even though this is an investment piece, it still stands up in terms of function, with loads of space to fit in everything you need. If you love matching your luggage and accessories, make sure to pick up the pouch and purse to complete the set.

With its shocking red lining and studded accents, everyone will know from a distance that this is a Louboutin. If you’re ready to splash out, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s 100% leather and fastens with a delicate silver-toned clasp, and despite being quite clearly fashion forward, it’s also exceptionally roomy, measuring an impressive 12″ x 19″. Not all good things come in small packages. We really appreciate the smart attention to detail with the rubber bottom of this bag, which allows you to set it down when you need to without having to worry about scuffing up the leather.

If you’ve stocked up on the Louis Vuitton luggage set for your travels, you must treat yourself to this dainty tote, too. Unlike the usual Louis Vuitton print, this one is a more subtle version of the classic monogram, embossed into the leather for a subdued yet striking effect. This one may not offer much in the way of space (it’s not really one for chucking all your stuff into for a big day out), but its compact style does make it ideal for carry-on essentials and daily use.

If you want to be mistaken for a fashion editor, reach for the Dior Book Tote – an eye-catching design first imagined by Marc Bohan in the 1960s, with an embroidered Dior motif and a striking floral design and Mary Stuart quote, chosen to pay homage to Scottish heritage. This is no doubt a cult bag, and our Fashion Editor Charlotte Davey, loves it. When taking it with her on recent travels, she found that it was incredibly versatile, sturdy and an ideal size for travel.

Editor’s review: “For the airport, it sits neatly atop a suitcase, its handles perfect for being looped around a carry-on handgrip, and it can be neatly packed with all your airport essentials. It was also really handy for travelling with a child. All those extra bits and pieces (bottles, snacks, toys, books, etc) can be thrown in before boarding without repacking nappy bags or ensuring you have everything ready for take off. There’s just one central compartment, so you can instantly see (and find) everything. It fits seamlessly underneath a seat – everything you need in flight is right there at the reach of a baby-laden arm,” Charlotte Davey, fashion editor

From Antler’s classic Icon luggage range comes its complementary tote bag, available in three neutral shades to match your Icon suitcase. The exterior is crafted thoughtfully with a smart, structured design made from 100 per cent recycled water-resistant fabric. While it’s not overly huge (you’d still need a weekender to pack for overnight stays), there’s an impressive eight internal pockets for organising everyday items, plus a water bottle holder to keep liquids upright. It means a rummage-free time from here on out: the brand has done all it can to ensure you’ll not lose your passport and boarding pass. An external front pocket gives you space to keep your liquids, purse or headphones handy and we like that it zips up securely, which deters pickpockets and provides some peace of mind.

Not all totes are specifically designed for travel, but this one is. The selection of pockets makes staying organised a breeze, with compartments, pockets and attachments for your phone, water bottle, keys, laptop and more crafted into the design. You can wear this tote as a cross-body bag thanks to the removable strap, or pop it onto your trolley with the handy back sleeve. We’ve chosen this one as our best sustainable tote due to the fact that it’s made from recycled plastic, though you’d never know to look at it! The luxury finish looks effortlessly chic, too, in keeping with Beis’s signature minimal styling we know and love and comes in five different colours.

Here’s Sweaty Betty’s take on the padded tote bag trend, made from eco-friendly 100 per cent recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish. It has both grab handles and a cross-body strap, plus a handy front pocket for your passport and boarding pass. In addition, like the brand’s popular leggings, small reflective details on the exterior help keep you safer while heading out and about after dark. With a 20 litre capacity, It’s plenty roomy to use as your personal item on a plane, but do note that there’s no suitcase passthrough band, so it can’t be attached to your case.