From the minute our annual leave is approved till the second that we step off the plane, we go into fully-fledged holiday planning mode.
Travelling to any destination, be it for a weekend break or jetting off to the other side of the world, requires admin. You need to book a hotel or Airbnb, research restaurants to maximise the country’s culinary delights and, of course, pack.
You may be the sort of organisational pro that we can only aspire to with detailing packing lists made weeks in advance. If that’s the case, you’ll likely employ the use of packing cubes with each day’s outfit pre-selected and ready to go, taking any sort of stress out of your well-deserved time off. Or you may be like me, who waits until the night before and throws any old thing into a bag with immediate regrets on arrival.
No matter which camp you fall into, but especially if it’s the latter, having a handbag with pockets galore will help with the stressy task of packing. Firstly, you’ll see if the designated areas for your passport, wallet or laptop are empty and thus will be encouraged to fill it, rather than leaving those essentials in the drawer at home. But where they really shine is once you arrive at your destination.
Exploring uncharted territory, you’ll want your prized posessions on hand and easily accessible. See messenger bags that keep valuables where you can see them and enhance your overall look while city breaking. Or a tote bag may be more your speed if your prone to the overpack and need to house the spill over from your overweight checked bag. Shoulder bags that fold up into a compact square are great to have on hand if a shopping spree is on your vacay itinerary or you may just find a beach-ready straw basket bag will feel most appropriate for the pool to sand rotation.
So whether you’re sight-seeing or sun-soaking, see the best handbags for travelling below.
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LOEWE Puzzle Fold tote
It may have only formed part of the Spanish luxury label’s collection back in 2014 as creative director Jonathan Anderson’s first bag, but the LOEWE Puzzle bag has earned cult status in that short time. The hero silhouette is beloved for its origami-inspired design and functional spacious interior. Two attributes that remain with its new tote sister.
New for autumn/winter 2023 and ready to solve your packing stresses, the Puzzle Fold tote has been cut to fold and unfold flat and with just a flick of the wrist. The versatile design is a mere packable square thanks to architectural and geometric design details, yet is capacious when standing. It is fit with slim handles but has the option of D-rings to add a shoulder or crossbody strap. There are two sizes; medium and mini and five colourways; Black, Warm Desert, Dark Khaki, Bright Ochre and Sunrise Orange.
Buy now £1350.00, LOEWE
Away F.A.R Messenger 16L
From the travel expert Away comes this messenger bag with a slick, sophisticated look that packs an impressive 16L capacity inside. The hard-wearing accessory is created with a high-strength polyester that should be able to withstand the knocks and bumps of a globe-trotter, while also being sourced from recycled materials.
Whether you’re hopping around art galleries in a European capital or reaching new heights literally on a hike, it will stash away all the essentials to hand - think your phone, camera, wallet or water bottle with zipped interior pockets for the most precious. It can fit a laptop of 15” within the designated laptop pocket and there’s an exterior pocket too for speedy access.
Buy now £70.00, Away
Longchamp Le Pliage Original Large Shoulder Bag
The Longchamp Le Pliage is legendary in the travel community for its foldable form and many different size options. Little, original, large and XL, the possibilities are endless - and if you’re looking for more comfort than a shoulder strap may provide, there’s even a backpack option too.
Each style offers the origami four-way folding capabilities that have earned the silhouette its cult status, a lightweight design and durable construction achieved through the combination of nylon and Russian leather and a rainbow array of colourways to suit your travelling aesthetic.
Buy now £110.00, John Lewis
adidas by Stella McCartney tote
From the vibrant orange colourway, to the XL size, this tote bag is one that will have others stopping you in your tracks to find out where it is from - and handily, this is adorned clearly at the base of the bag. This travel-ready accessory is the definition of a ludicrously capacious style and could fit a whole weekend’s worth of clothing in the roomy interior. Beyond travelling, the recycled polyester plain weave is ideal for gym kit, commuting and anywhere you require lots of stuff.
Buy now £45.00, Adidas
July Everyday Tote - Large
July has made a splash on UK soil, bringing with it Australian expertise of travelling with lightweight designs that combine function and fashion in equal measure. This tote is one such product where the brand has thought of the finest details to improve the jet-setting experience.
There’s a sleeve for your laptop, a holder for your water bottle (or wine, we don’t judge) and a sleeve to slot it on your wheelie bag handle. The design is machine washable, there’s multiple straps so you can wear it as a shoulder or crossbody bag and a sizeable front pocket to slot in those items you need on hand, whether it’s your boarding pass or passport. The interior is lined with a wipe-clean finish and it’s personalisable!
Buy now £125.00, July
Carl Friedrik Ashby Women’s leather tote
The slick leather exterior of this tote bag makes it versatile enough for work or first class travel alike. But while it may look like a fashion style from the exterior, the interior ensures it’s kitted out with ample functionality. The spacious main compartment fits micellaneous items but you can also get hyper organised with a tech pocket for a laptop or tablet, a zipped pocket for smaller valuables and even a place to stash pens or a lippy if you’re that way inclined. Cut by a team of artisans in Italy, it is of the utmost quality to see you through trips for years to come.
Buy now £495.00, Carl Friedrik
Dior Book Tote
Spotted on flights as far flung as the Maldives or close to home as Ibiza or Mykonos, the Dior tote makes for the ideal hand luggage option for logomaniacs. It’s emblazoned with the Italian fashion house’s name but it can be personalised with your name, initials or you can get creative with a symbol or number. Interestingly, this is a free service. There are many different colourways, patterns and sizes of the tote. If the design pictured is not for you, see the classic CD in a repeating embroidery or opt for an even more eye-catching pattern in yellow, fuschia or blue.
Buy now £2450.00, Dior
Maje Striped Raffia Basket
With an irregular striped design in pops of green, pink and yellow, this raffia basket bag will make a lively accessory to complete your holiday wardrobe. It’s fairly sizeable in design but not extremely oversized so should remain lightweight and easily transportable. There are two ways to fashion the staps, either as a shoulder or a handheld with the green leather lined holes built into the design and adorned with the brand’s name in a subtle gold hue.
Buy now £271.20, Maje
Personalised Straw Shopping Or Beach Basket
Basket bags are synonymous with the summer season and this is a style you will cherish with its customisable design. Ideal for gifting, hen party or wedding favours, the accessory can be adorned with a maximum of three characters and different coloured tassels. The straw construction ensures it’s long-lasting.
Buy now £54.00, NOTHS
Rains Tote Bag Rush
Created to withstand mercurial weather, the Tote Bag Rush from Rains will keep your contents dry and protected no matter the level of downpour. Much like the rest of the rain-ready collection, it is made from a specialised PU fabric that is waterproof and durable. Inside, the brand has kept it simple with just a main compartment and inner pocket. The bag is finished with smooth comfortable shoulder straps that have been created with a webbing construction. A mini version is also available.
Buy now £45.00, Rains
