Any frequent flyer will know maximising carry-on bag space is a must on a long-haul flight, so swapping out your tiny handbag for a spacious designer tote is a no-brainer.
If you’re living out our dreams of heading on an overseas vacation, packing the essentials, particularly for the flight itself, is of the utmost importance. After all, there’s nothing worse than paying $15 for a lip balm at the airport after realising you left yours at home.
The perfect travel tote is chic, easy to carry (preferably coming with a cross body strap) and has plenty of room for a change of clothes, travel documents, a book and everything in between.
If you’re looking for inspiration, a favourite of the celebrity set when flying, including Sofia Vergara, Jessica Alba, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez is the iconic Dior Book Tote.
But, there are endless options when it comes to finding a designer tote bag for travel, so we’ve narrowed down a few extra favourites (including the aforementioned), below.
Best Designer Tote Bags For Travel
Mar Tote Raisin
$1,050 at Staud
Quiet luxury without the ludicrously capacious price tag, this sleek tote with dual metal top and leather strap handle makes practical look oh-so sexy.
Key Features:
- 100% leather
- Burgundy colourway
- 50 x 30.5 x 20 cm
Large Book Tote
$5,000 at Dior
An iconic bag silhouette for the brand, Dior’s Book Tote has become the travel companion of choice among the celebrity set. The Denim Dior Oblique jacquard brings a luxe utilitarian feel, making this a timeless addition for any collection.
Key features:
- 42 x 35 x 18.5 cm
- Denim jacquard
- Top handle design
Zimmermann Tasseled Crochet Tote
$445 (usually $967) at The Outnet
If you’re heading somewhere tropical for your holiday, opt for a travel tote that can double as a beach bag. This crochet style from Zimmermann is the definition of low-key luxe.
Key features:
- 40 x 72 x 0.5 cm
- 100% cotton
- Lined interior
Leopard Large Canvas Tote Bag
$255 at Ganni
Thanks to the viral Mob Wife Aesthetic trend on TikTok, leopard print is making a bold comeback, the best looks of which are incorporating the pattern through accessories like this edgy tote from Scandi label, Ganni. As well as looking on-trend, it’s made from a travel-friendly and durable canvas fabric.
Key features:
- Canvas fabrication
- Embroidered Ganni logo
- 40 x 31 x 17 cm
The Row Margaux 17
$11,843 at Net-A-Porter
In a somewhat surprising departure from popular miniature styles, The Row’s Margaux has become the it-bag of 2024. Luckily for those in search of a travel-friendly tote, it’s newly minted cult-status will see it double as your everyday handbag (if you can get your hands on one, that is).
Key features:
- 42 x 31 x 23 cm
- Black calf leather
- Lobster clasp at opening
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
$895 at Coach
This super-sized shoulder bag is about to be everywhere. With room for a 15″ laptop, this sleek hobo-inspired silhouette can double as a workbag for everyday use. The natural grain leather has a soft hand feel that will slouch beautifully with use.
Key features:
- Natural grain leather
- Magnetic snap closure
- 39 x 43.5 x 12 cm
Are Tote Bags Good For Travel?
The tote is the perfect bag for travel. Spacious enough to carry all your essentials and easy to riffle through while in a mad dash to the airport, the oversized shape of the tote bag lends itself to travel. It’s not just the transit period where the tote bag shines—once it’s done its duty as your carry-on it makes for the ideal shopper and beach bag while on your trip.
What Bag Is Best For Carry-On Luggage?
Depending where you’re going, and how long for, will determine how much luggage you need. A quick weekend away might only require a carry-on suitcase or overnight bag. If your travels take you further afield, opt for luggage that can double as a daytime bag once you arrive at your destination. A tote or shopper in leather or canvas is a perfect in-flight companion.
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This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
