14 Travel Totes That Do the Most

A good tote bag is one of the most versatile tools in a traveler’s packing arsenal. Travel totes can hold all your stuff, fit pretty much anywhere, and come in all shapes and sizes to suit your style. Plus, if you need to push the envelope on how big your personal item can be, there’s no better bag to rock than a travel tote bag. Here are some of my favorite tote bags for travel that will totally come in handy on your next trip.

Betabrand Big Travel Tote

For a travel tote bag that can do the heavy lifting for you, look no further than Betabrand’s Big Travel Tote. This three-in-one bag can convert from tote to crossbody to backpack and has eight pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve and shoe compartments. Despite how big it looks, you should have no problem fitting this bag under the seat in front of you, so all you maximalists out there can still count on your carry-on for the rest of your stuff.

Sutton Shoulder Tote

Puffy bags like the Sutton Shoulder Tote are not just for show; they blend function and fashion by offering your items a little extra protection. This travel tote is the best choice for the traveler who isn’t checking a bag and needs to fit stuff a few more pieces of clothing in their personal item. 

Lo & Sons Overnight Bag

If you’re packing as much as possible into your personal item, the Overnight Bag from Lo & Sons will have your back on everything from weekend trips to weeklong vacations. Lightweight and super functional, it has a place for your laptop, shoes, and more with plenty of color options to choose from.

Amber and Ash Convertible Tote Bag

 

For another choice when shopping for a convertible travel tote bag, the Totepack from Amber & Ash has function (organizational pockets and convertible straps) and style (multiple colors and leather handles) all in one. It is also super lightweight and made from a water-resistant and durable material.

Longchamp Le Pliage Tote

Nylon is an incredibly useful material for travel bags, but unless it’s designed thoughtfully, it doesn’t always look great. Longchamp’s Le Pliage Tote is a great example of how to do nylon right. It is waterproof and folds flat without wrinkling, so you can rock the signature style of a Longchamp.

Ban.do I Am Very Busy Tote

Want people to stop chatting you up at the airport when you’re trying to get work done? The I Am Very Busy Tote from ban.do may be just a simple canvas tote with a single pocket, but I promise its cheeky messaging will be effective.

CG Gear Sand-Free Totes

No matter how much you love the beach, there’s nothing worse than finding sand at the bottom of your tote bag long after the fun in the sun has ended. Rather than pack an extra beach bag, opt for CG Gear’s Sand-Free Tote IV. It addresses the sand issue with a mesh bottom that will keep the extra debris out, and is cute enough to use throughout your trip.

Jemma Poppins Backpack Tote

 A modern travel tote for the fashionista, the Poppins Backpack Tote from Jemma is a beautiful bag made of Italian calf leather with adjustable straps that let you wear it as a backpack, crossbody, satchel, or tote bag. It’s only large enough to hold a 13-inch laptop, but it comes with multiple pockets in different sizes to keep everything from your lipstick to your external battery organized.

Tumi Business Tote

 

Traveling on business? You’ll need a business travel tote you can take straight from the plane into your big meeting. The Nylon Business Tote from Tumi is a waterproof and stain-resistant bag that makes a strong impression with a clean and straight design. Plus, the exterior sleeve lets you easily attach it to the handle of your wheeled luggage. 

Briggs and Riley Sympatico Tote

For a tote bag with a classic look, check out the Sympatico Tote from Briggs and Riley. With multiple compartments, including a padded pocket for your tablet and a double-zip closure, this fashionable tote will keep you organized on the go.

Vera Bradley Iconic Vera Tote

Express your personality with the spacious Iconic Vera Tote. Available in multiple colors and patterns, this large tote bag is great for travelers who tend to overpack their personal item. Plus, its padded exterior will offer your belongings a little extra protection from bumps and drops.

The Fix Preston Leather Travel Tote Bag

For an elegant and expensive-feeling (but affordable) tote, the Preston Leather Tote Bag is a great option. Its design is simple, but with three pockets and plenty of room for miscellaneous items, it’s got built-in functionality. The straps are also extra-long, which makes it more comfortable to wear over your shoulder for long periods of time. 

Jack & Chris Women’s Leather Work Tote

If you’re just looking for a straightforward tote bag, the Work Tote from Jack&Chris is a simple and functional option. It has two compartments big enough to hold your devices and other items, is made of sturdy leather, and has lots of pockets for keeping organized.

Dagne Dover Legend Tote

An elegant travel tote available in basic colors and fun patterns, the Dagne Dover Legend Tote is a functional work bag that can hold a 15-inch laptop and a pair of shoes at the same time. It’s designed for long days, which means it will be the perfect companion for travel.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 11 Most Stylish Laptop Bags for Travel
• 8 Great Crossbody Bags for Travel
• 10 Underseat Carry-On Bags You Can Take on Any Flight

Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer always looking for her next adventure. Follow her on Instagram @jamieditaranto.

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