The Best Travel Totes, From Structured Carry-Alls To Foldable Bags

Materials: Pebbled leather | Colors: 6 total, including Cappuccino and Dark Olive | Size: 10 x 17.25 x 5 inches | Weight: 1.9 pounds

If you’re looking for a functional and attractive travel bag, Cuyana’s System Tote is extremely well designed. It’s available in two sizes: the 13-inch (pictured above) and the slightly larger 16-inch. This minimalist tote is fully customizable with add-on accessories, including a laptop sleeve, adjustable wide strap and zipper pouch insert; just keep in mind that each piece costs $58 to $198 extra. For $15, you can also get it monogrammed for further personalization. While the stacked costs make this pick an investment, you’ll get your money’s worth thanks to its versatility—it’s a travel bag, crossbody and evening clutch, all in one. 

What our travel experts say: “This leather bag is spacious and durable, and it holds the essentials without being bulky,” says Forbes Vetted contributor Andrea Servert Alonso-Misol. “I also like that the System Tote has a stiff bottom and soft sides. The rigidity of the base keeps items in place and the bag upright when left on the floor, while the soft sides allow bulkier items (like shoes) to fit inside and prevent the bag from looking too slouchy when worn emptier.”

Pros:

• Pebbled leather wears well and holds up over time
• Thick shoulder straps feel durable and less fragile than standard straps
• Easy to customize to organize your accessories

Cons:

• No zip closure
• Add-ons cost extra

Materials: Vegan leather | Colors: 5 total, including Cognac and Mint Green | Size: 7.9 x 14.6 x 12.2 inches | Weight: Not listed

Whether you’re dressed in a classic button-up shirt and sleek trousers or a midi dress with strappy heels, this circle-handle bag from Charles & Keith elegantly elevates any travel look at a wallet-friendly price. The detachable inner pouch gives easy access to your keys and makeup while the shoulder strap provides versatility and comfort.

Pros:

• Strap can be worn over the shoulder or cross-body
• Detachable pouch for separate usage

Cons:

• No zipper closure

Materials: Leather | Colors: 3 total, including English Saddle and True Black | Size: 11 x 12.3 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds

Durable and oversized, this lightweight tote from Madewell is made of semi vegetable-tanned leather that looks just as good after years of wear and tear. Inside, you’ll find pockets for your smaller essentials plus enough room to fit snacks, books and toiletries without looking too bulky. A zip closure on top ensures that none of your belongings will spill out while in transit. By signing up for Madewell’s complimentary perks program, you can get your tote personalized with your initials for free. (Without signing up, customization costs an additional $10).

What our travel experts say: "The Madewell Zip-Top Transport Tote is easily one of my most-used bags to date,” says Forbes Vetted updates writer Claire Epting. “The roomy front pocket and zippered inner pocket keep my essentials easily accessible, while the spacious interior provides enough room for a sweater, book and film camera (my travel must-haves). It's ideal for day trips, but it can easily complement a suitcase for longer excursions. I only avoid using it when it's raining because I don't want the leather to get wet."

Pros: 

• Interior pockets can hold phone, wallet and keys
• Comes with a removable cross-body strap
• Complimentary personalization

Cons:

• Leather material is not spill-resistant
• No laptop compartment

Materials: Organic cotton | Colors: 2 total, including Natural and Onyx | Size: 14 x 11 x 6 inches | Weight: 2.3 pounds

Weighing just 2.3 pounds, this compact tote is a lightweight yet spacious carryall for any trip or day of the week. It has multiple inner and outer pockets, a clean design and a slip compartment with Velcro closure that’s perfect for carrying a 13-inch laptop. The wipeable lining is also great if you’re packing shoes or anything that might spill.

What our travel experts say: “Crafted out of 100 percent organic cotton canvas, it’s a minimalist’s dream, with no major branding, hardware or extra details that might make me tire of it after one season,” says Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung. “The Vida tote also has four exterior pockets and several interior pockets that help organize everything from iPads and books to sunglasses and sanitizing wipes.”

Pros:

• Can be hand washed with cold water and soap
• Comes with a multiple compartments, including one for a water bottle

Cons:

• No zipper closure

Materials: Nylon, poly jacquard, leather | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Deep Navy | Size: 12.5 x 13 x 5 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds

This travel-ready carrier is a good choice for those who are frequently on business trips. Its built-in outer sleeve easily slides onto any rolling suitcase, while the front pocket comes with multiple compartments in varying sizes to stash and pull your passport, wallet and pens in a cinch. Inside, there’s a dedicated padded sleeve to protect your laptop from damage when you’re inevitably jostled through airport security. If you need a bit more space than the 13-inch size has to offer, there’s also a 15-inch option as well.

Pros:

• Lightweight, water-resistant material
• Available in two sizes (13-inch and 15-inch) for versatility
• Compact size fits under any airline seat

Cons:

• Too many compartments might not offer flexible usage

Materials: Recycled nylon, Saffiano leather handles | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Desert Beige | Size: 13.8 x 11.4 x 6.1 inches | Weight: Not listed

Founded in Milan in 1913, the Prada brand has become synonymous with luxury and innovation. And while many swear by its impeccably crafted leather handbags, it turns out Prada also knows its way around a travel tote. This streamlined bag is constructed out of recycled nylon with Saffiano leather handles, ensuring that it can stand up to regular use. Prada’s signature triangular emblem sits right between its zip-top opening and roomy front pocket.

Pros:

• Iconic, established brand
• Streamlined, classic design
• Sustainably made

Cons:

• No laptop compartment
• Expensive

Materials: Nylon with leather trim | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Steel | Size: 12.3 x 11.8 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 0.7 pounds

A foldable travel tote is a great way to save space in your closet when you’re not traveling. This option from Longchamp has a spacious interior and one smaller pocket for stashing your phone and wallet. The zip-top closure ensures your belongings won’t fall out in transit, and the water-resistant lining means you can safely carry liquids without worrying about spills. The best part? It folds down when not in use so you can throw it in your luggage or backpack without taking up too much space. 

What our travel experts say: “I've had this foldable tote for the past eight years and it's my go-to bag for both weekend trips and longer getaways,” says Forbes Vetted lifestyle editor Katherine Louie. “It fits several days worth of clothing and I love that the lining is water-resistant. I’ve had a few spills over the years and the material is easy to wipe clean.” 

Pros:

• Water-resistant lining
• One interior compartment
• Folds down when not in use
• Secure snap and zipper top closure

Cons:

• No laptop compartment

Materials: Recycled nylon and polyester, leather | Colors: 5 total, including Ranger Green and Melbourne Black | Size: 14.2 x 18.5 x 5.1 inches | Weight: 1.4 pounds

In our review of the Bellroy Tokyo Tote, we declare our love for this pick as a versatile, wallet-friendly work bag for women, but it’s equally great as a weekender bag for trips. Constructed from water-resistant fabric with ethically sourced leather details, the 15-liter zip-top tote offers multiple interior pockets for toiletries and a laptop sleeve for devices up to 13 inches. A zippered pouch on the front allows for easy access to a few small valuables.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Multiple interior pockets
• Water-resistant material

Cons:

• No detachable shoulder strap

Materials: Nylon fabric with vinyl trim | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Navy Blue | Size: 12.5 x 20.5 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 1.2 pounds 

This versatile option from Samsonite offers multiple pockets to stash your daily necessities including a padded laptop compartment and exterior side pockets for a water bottle and umbrella. There’s also an exterior front pocket for items that you might need quick access to and a convenient trolley sleeve. Users love the size and say the nylon construction is strong and durable. (The fabric is treated with a water-resistant coating so you won’t have to worry about inclement weather while traveling.)

Pros:

• Removable padded laptop sleeve
• Multiple interior and exterior pockets
• Fabric is treated with a water-resistant coating

Cons:

• Limited color options

Materials: Leather | Colors: 8 total, including Black and Bottle Green | Size: 10.8 x 14.6 x 6.1 inches | Weight: 2.4 pounds 

Scottish brand Strathberry is known for its handcrafted leather goods, and the brand’s Strathberry Tote puts both of those features on display with a structured silhouette and the signature bar closure. The design is elegant and ladylike and can easily take you from the office to brunch on the weekends. As seen on the arms of celebrities including Meghan Markle, this bag can be held by the top handle or worn as a crossbody for hands-free ease.

Pros:

• Can fit a 15-inch laptop
• Offers wide range of colors and textures

Cons:

• While the shoulder strap is adjustable, it’s too thin to carry as a shoulder bag

Materials: Water-resistant nylon or vegan leather | Colors: 9 total, including Carbon Black and Oxford Blue | Size: 16.3 x 11.2 x 7.2 inches | Weight: 3 pounds

For a stylish bag that can be tucked under your airplane seat, you can’t go wrong with the Monos Metro Duffel. The spacious interior has plenty of pockets and a laptop sleeve that can fit a 15-inch laptop; the included “metro classic kit” snaps onto the side of your tote and provides extra organization for smaller items like your passport or makeup. You can choose from water-resistant nylon or vegan leather, both of which are water and scratch-resistant.

What our travel experts say: “I'm not overexaggerating when I say that I get compliments on this bag every single time I travel,” says Forbes Vetted beauty editor Neha Tandon. “As a beauty product junkie, I love that this holds a weekend's-worth of skin and haircare products (along with snacks) and by some miracle still seamlessly fits underneath an airplane seat—even on tiny planes. The plethora of internal compartments and the trolley sleeve make my life so much easier. I'm also a sucker for the sleek look.”

Pros:

• Fits underseat
• Adjustable, removable shoulder strap and trolley sleeve
• Provides excellent interior organization
• Durable materials

Cons:

• Could be more exterior pockets

Materials: Polyester | Colors: 17 total, including Gunmetal and Oatmeal | Size: 13.5 x 20 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 1.75 pounds

If you tend to stuff your bags to the brim, having an expandable tote gives you the option to throw in a few extra items should the need arise. This soft, padded tote bag has an expandable bottom that provides up to four extra inches of space, and its polyester body has plenty of “give” to it as well. Other helpful features include a laptop sleeve, interior compartments for smaller items and a trolley sleeve that can slip over your suitcase handle. There are plenty of fun colors to choose from whether you’re looking for a classic color or something a bit more bold.

What our travel experts say: “This bag has a ton of compartments to easily organize travel items, including a bottom pocket for stashing an extra pair of shoes,” says Forbes Vetted editor Sholeen Damarwala. “The material and construction are very lightweight and easy to carry around at an airport. I’ve used this as a diaper bag and personal tote on numerous trips and I'm very impressed.”

Pros:

• Expandable bottom
• Laptop and trolley sleeve
• Plenty of interior pockets
• Fun color options

Cons:

• Soft exterior may not offer protection for items stored inside

Materials: Nylon | Colors: 6 total, including Indigo and Light Mauve | Size: 23 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 0.7 pounds

To keep your bag balanced on your luggage, make sure you opt for a tote with a trolley sleeve, like this option from Tumi. Crafted from durable yet lightweight nylon, the tote folds flat when not in use and can be tucked into the included zippered pouch. There’s no interior organization (aside from the zippered pouch that snaps inside), but the sizable main compartment is ideal for packing clothing, shoes, accessories and more. For a personalized touch, you can add embroidery for an additional $25.

What our travel experts say: "This tote is so convenient and smartly designed. I love that it packs up into a zip pouch—one that also snaps into the tote to act as an interior pocket when the tote is in use,” says Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales. “The tote easily fits into my carry-on when I travel and, if I end up with more things than I left with on my flight back, I just use it as my personal item (it also comes with a luggage sleeve to make lugging it more convenient). I also appreciate how spacious and durable it is.”

Pros:

• Has a trolley sleeve
• Folds up into the included zip pouch
• Durable and spacious

Cons:

• No interior organization or laptop sleeve