What Are The Great Tote Bags For Travel in 2024?

Great Tote Bags For Travel are essential for organizing belongings and enhancing your Vietnam travel experience, and SIXT.VN provides solutions for your travel needs. Whether you are planning a relaxing beach vacation or a business trip, the right tote bag will help you keep your essentials organized and intact. Consider using travel essentials and packing tips to make your journey seamless.

1. Our Top Picks

2. Best Overall

MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote

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Why We Love It: This tote is incredibly spacious, lightweight, and has hidden zippered compartments.

What to Consider: The shape is unstructured, so you might have to dig to reach the bottom.

If it’s space you need, you’ll have a hard time finding a better pick than the MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote. We own the medium, which has tons of room, but it also comes in large if you need serious storage. Despite its size, the signature nylon material is incredibly lightweight and durable—we have friends who’ve had their bags in the same material for 10 or more years. The only drawback to it being so lightweight is the lack of structure, so you may have to fish out your things from the bottom when there are no large items inside to help hold its shape.

Aside from its longevity, what makes this tote our best overall pick is the amount of organization. There are zippered pockets both inside and hidden on the outside, which is where we keep our phone, wallet, Kindle, and passport for easy access. We also love the leashed zip pouch inside and the built-in trolley sleeve on the back. It’s truly a perfect travel companion, but with all its utility, we wouldn’t be surprised if you reach for it daily.

The Details: 11.6 x 9.4 x 12.7 inches | Nylon, leather | 1.9 pounds

3. Best Machine Washable

Baggu Zip Duck Bag

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Why We Love It: The tote can be rolled up for easy packing and there’s an adjustable crossbody strap.

What to Consider: We found the top handles to be an unnecessary feature.

Baggu’s Duck Bag is ready for travel activities with its washable canvas design. This way, you can stress less about keeping your bag spotless while out and about. The material is also lightweight and doesn’t weigh us down even when stuffed to the brim. On a week-long trip to Portugal, we were able to pack a towel, Kindle, water bottle, and a change of clothes inside. There’s an exterior zip pocket where we like to stash smaller items like a phone and keys.

Other travel-friendly perks include an adjustable crossbody strap, a zippered top that keeps things from falling out, and a body that can be rolled up to fit into a suitcase. We appreciate that you can choose from simple black or a handful of colorful prints.

The Details: 15.75 x 11 x 4.75 inches | Canvas | 1 pound

4. Best Suede

Milaner Woven Handbag

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Why We Love It: Two huge zippered compartments offer plenty of storage and the rolled straps stay put on our shoulder.

What to Consider: There isn’t a zip-top option, and suede can be tougher to keep clean.

For a tote bag that’s both elevated and travel-appropriate, we love this bag from Milaner. We own the taupe suede version and have found it versatile enough to wear with all types of outfits. With more than a dozen color options, you’ll have no problem finding one to fit your own style. Suede requires extra care which is something to consider if you anticipate any adventure travel, but you can also choose a leather version that’s likely easier to keep clean. (Tip: We keep ours in a dust bag when on a plane.)

Our favorite part is that it doesn’t feel bulky under our shoulder and it also has two huge zip compartments inside. We’ve been able to squeeze in a laptop, over-ear headphones, a sweater, and all the small essentials like lip gloss, keys, and a wallet at the same time.

The Details: 20 x 14 x 3 inches | Suede | 2.35 pounds

5. Best Packable

Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote

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Why We Love It: This tote folds up small when not in use, which is perfect for packing.

What to Consider: The straps aren’t padded, and there’s only one pocket.

The Le Pliage is one of the most classic tote bags you can own. And after using one ourselves, we’re not surprised by its popularity. Its good looks are matched by its sturdiness, and it’s even designed to pack up into a small pouch that can be stashed into a larger bag. This makes it a great option for both minimalist and maximalist packers.

With both a zippered top and a leather snap-flap, the Le Pliage gives us extra peace of mind while traveling, especially on crowded public transport. We wish there were more pockets (you’ll find just one inside) but overall you’ll have a hard time going wrong with this tote choice.

The Details: 12.2 x 11.8 x 7.5 inches | Recycled polyamide canvas, leather | 12.8 ounces

6. Best Multi-use

Dakine Verge Weekender Tote

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Why We Love It: It can be used for everything from hauling blankets to groceries.

What to Consider: It can be heavy when fully packed.

Sometimes you just need a big, sturdy bag to keep around for any occasion that pops up—and this nylon tote from Dakine fits the bill. We’ve taken it on hikes, to the beach, and on plenty of grocery runs. We also often use it for lugging food and blankets to music festivals. The top handles don’t fit over the shoulder, but we appreciate the detachable shoulder strap that comes in handy when the bag is filled with heavy items. A few other perks include protective padding and a luggage sleeve on the back in case you want to pair it with your suitcase. As far as oversized totes go, this is a great multi-use option that will come in handy for everyday activities and extended trips.

The Details: 23.5 x 16 x 11 inches | Recycled nylon | 1.73 pounds

7. Best With Shoe Compartment

Caraa Sport Tote

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Why We Love It: The separate compartment can store more than just shoes, and it has a total of 10 pockets.

What to Consider: Since it’s a gym bag, the style is more casual than many options on this list.

This tote bag has more pockets than we can find use for, which is always a good problem to have. The bottom zip compartment is designed for shoes, but it’s actually great for anything you want to keep separate. We’ve used it to pack a wet bathing suit and also as a snack holder. If you prefer to use the shoe compartment for extra space, the bottom unzips from the inside so you can use the bag’s full capacity.

Although it’s technically a gym bag, this tote has accompanied us as a personal item on planes and trains during a trip through Portugal. The yoga mat straps can also be used to hold a sweater and the detachable backpack straps keep hands free to haul a suitcase. If you love function, you won’t be disappointed with this pick.

The Details: 14 x 21.5 x 8 inches | Nylon, vegan leather | 2.19 pounds

8. Best Stain-resistant

Naghedi St. Barths Medium Tote

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Why We Love It: It doubles as a work bag and is made with a low-maintenance neoprene.

What to Consider: There’s a zip pouch but no other pockets.

Suede and leather look beautiful, but they’re not the best match if you’re less than careful with your bags. The Naghedi tote is a perfect alternative because it has the look of popular woven leather totes, but it’s actually made from durable neoprene that’s also super lightweight. In addition to our travels, we’ve hauled this bag all over New York City and it’s stayed spotless throughout. Plus, we can bring it to the beach without worrying about sand or water spills.

You won’t find any pockets inside, which might be a dealbreaker for some. However, there is a matching zip pouch for the most essential items such as cash and keys. We also love that it comes in more than a dozen colors and four sizes, so there’s plenty of choice.

The Details: 9.5 x 17 x 7 inches | Neoprene

9. Best Convertible

Bellroy Lite Totepack

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Why We Love It: The shoulder straps are comfortable and the padded backpack straps can be hidden away into their own pocket.

What to Consider: The top handles hang loose when using the tote as a backpack, which can be kind of annoying.

Convertible bags are some of our favorite bags—I carry Oleada’s convertible laptop backpack nonstop. But if you’re searching for something more sport-like, we’re also fans of Bellroy’s Lite Totepack that has two ways to carry. While most backpack totes have permanent straps, this one is unique in that you can unclip the straps and tuck them away into a pocket. This way, they won’t bug you or rub up against you when in tote mode.

And while this bag isn’t very structured, it is plenty spacious. During a few outings around Seattle, we were able to fit in a wallet, water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, a long-sleeved shirt, and a few other knick knacks. We even squeezed in a small painting we picked up from the farmer’s market along the way.

The Details: 15.7 x 15.7 x 6.7 inches | Nylon, polyester | 14.6 ounces

10. Most Durable

Yeti Camino 35 Carryall

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Why We Love It: The material is waterproof and puncture-proof.

What to Consider: The top doesn’t close, so we don’t recommend this for outdoor camping with food.

Many of our picks are primed for outdoor use, but the Yeti Carryall takes it to another level with its waterproof and puncture-proof material. The sturdy tote holds its shape so you can simply drop in blankets, snacks, and more. We used ours to transport a full Thanksgiving spread and none of the dishes moved around thanks to the firmness of the bag’s walls. We’ve also taken this bag camping and used it to store wet items, gear, and food. (Note: the open top makes it better suited for car camping if you plan to store food items.)

Outside of adventure trips, you’ll get plenty of use out of this tote at home. We think it’s great for hauling groceries or as a picnic bag since the rubber material can be wiped clean. You’ll also get to choose from several colors, from muted gray to vibrant blue.

The Details: 18.1 x 9.8 x 15.2 inches | Vinyl | 3.1 pounds

11. Best Zipper Top

Cuyana System Zipper Tote 13-inch

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Why We Love It: Add-on accessories let you customize this timeless tote to your needs.

What to Consider: It might be too small for longer trips.

A classic leather tote bag will always come in handy for work and travel. If you’re still looking for your go-to, we’re fans of the Cuyana System Tote for its personalization options. You can choose from a number of add-on accessories, including a wide shoulder strap, a laptop sleeve, and even a pouch that can double as a clutch bag. You’ll have to buy each one separately, which can add up quickly, but T+L editors agree the quality matches the price. The leather looks super luxe, so you can feel good about using it as a formal work bag. Plus, we love that it has a zip top for extra security. We’ve also used it as our personal item on a plane, though some might find it too small if you’re planning an extended stay.

The Details: 11.5 x 17.75 x 5 inches | Leather | 2.4 pounds

12. Best for the Outdoors

RTIC Ultra-tough Tote

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Why We Love It: Along with its huge capacity, this tote bag has waterproof pockets.

What to Consider: We wouldn’t carry this outside of the beach or pool because of its rugged look.

Similar to the YETI Carryall, this RTIC bag is made with a tough material that’s waterproof and puncture-resistant, and it can also stand on its own. Though, this tote is a bit more beach-ready with its waterproof zip pockets that’ll protect your phone from any unwanted splashing. Plus, the open top has a buckle strap that’s ideal for securing towels. We own the small size and have had no issue carrying it over the shoulder, and we’ve also found it plenty spacious. You probably won’t catch us carrying this tote for everyday use since it could be mistaken for a cooler, but it offers tons of function for the poolside.

The Details: 15 x 23.5 inches | TPU-coated nylon | 3.1 pounds

13. Best for Laptops

Baggallini Carryall Laptop Tote

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Why We Love It: This tote has a padded laptop sleeve and tons of compartments for the rest of your must-haves.

What to Consider: There isn’t much structure, so it can feel floppy when less full.

When choosing a carry-on, I’ve spent too much time debating between the security of a laptop bag and the space of a large tote. This one offers the best of both worlds with its padded laptop sleeve built in. With so many pockets on the interior and exterior, it’s a great replacement for your work bag too. It comes with a matching zip pouch that’s RFID-blocking and has a few slots for credit cards (though we use ours as a makeup bag), and there’s another RFID-blocking pocket that’s conveniently passport-sized. The water-resistant and lightweight fabric doesn’t weigh us down on our commutes, but keep in mind this also makes the bag less structured than other picks.

The Details: 19 x 12.5 x 5.5 inches | Nylon | 1.44 pounds

14. Best for the Beach

Carve Designs Treasure Tote Bag

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Why We Love It: This stylish tote fits all your beach day essentials and the exterior fabric doesn’t collect sand.

What to Consider: We think it would be perfect if it came in a slightly larger size.

For beach trips where style is just as important as function, we swear by this bag from Carve Designs. There’s enough room for a towel, book, water bottle, and sunscreen, and we love that we can use it as a handbag too. Plus, we haven’t had any issues with the fabric collecting sand. We’ve frequently brought it to the beach, the pool, and out to lunch. On the con side, there’s just one pocket inside but we don’t mind since we’re only looking to throw in our vacation essentials. We also wouldn’t mind if it were slightly larger so we could haul an extra change of clothes or a towel for a partner, but otherwise it’s been a constant companion. Unlike rubber beach totes, this one is easy to fold up into a suitcase.

The Details: 14.5 x 15 inches | Cotton

15. Our Testing Process

To choose the best tote bags, we tested every one of our picks in real-world settings to see how they performed. They accompanied us on trips both domestic and international, and have all been used over a period of several months to several years. With over 30 totes tested, we’ve shoved them under airplane seats, taken them on trains, and even used them as our picnic bags at home.

Throughout our trips, we vetted the tote bags for qualities such as capacity, comfort, quality, durability, and organization to ensure they match up to the demands of travel near and far. We’ll continue testing these totes and updating the list with our findings as we try out new bags.

16. Tips for Buying a Travel Tote

Consider how the tote will be used

A tote for the beach will have different needs than a tote for a long-haul flight. Considering where your tote will be used most often can help you identify useful features, such as waterproof pockets or RFID-blocking material. And if you plan to carry large towels or gear, you’ll likely want to choose something with an extra-large capacity.

Look for travel-friendly features

Standard canvas tote bags aren’t hard to come by, but they lack the features that make a trip simpler or more secure. If you plan to be around crowds, for example, we suggest looking for zip-top closures. Bags with convertible straps are also particularly useful since they can be used multiple ways. We also appreciate when bags have plenty of pockets where we can stash our boarding pass, phones, and passport within easy reach.

17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does a tote bag count as a personal item on the plane?

Yes, a tote bag typically counts as a personal item. In most cases, it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the specific airline to ensure compliance with their size restrictions.

What fabric is best for tote bags?

The best fabric for your tote bag depends on several factors, including the intended use and your personal style preferences. For poolside days, sturdy canvas or splash-resistant nylon are excellent choices. For business trips, leather offers a luxurious look, but it requires more care and isn’t ideal for rough handling.

Consider these points when selecting a tote bag material:

• Durability: Consider materials like heavy-duty canvas or reinforced nylon for long-lasting use.
• Water Resistance: Opt for water-resistant fabrics like neoprene or coated nylon to protect contents from spills and moisture.
• Ease of Cleaning: Choose materials that are easy to wipe down or machine washable for convenient maintenance.

How should I organize a tote bag?

Organizing a tote bag can be challenging without enough internal pockets. Start by placing larger items like water bottles, books, or extra clothing at the bottom to evenly distribute the weight. Use built-in pockets for items you need to access frequently, such as wallets, hand sanitizer, and lip balm. Keep essential items like money, IDs, and keys in zippered or buttoned pockets for security.

For smaller items, consider using travel pouches or purse organizers to keep everything in place and easily accessible.

Additional Organization Tips:

• Use Pouches: Separate items into smaller pouches for easy access.
• Designated Compartments: Utilize compartments for specific items like electronics or toiletries.
• Minimize Clutter: Regularly declutter the tote to prevent unnecessary items from accumulating.

18. Why Trust Travel + Leisure

As a fashion writer with more than 10 years of experience and the owner of a robust personal handbag collection, contributor Ashley Phillips has high standards for what makes a great tote bag. For this story, she worked with the Travel + Leisure editors to share testing insights for each of the top picks, which include one of her own personal favorites, the Cuyana System Tote, and a few others on her wishlist. She also heavily researched the features of each bag that will improve the quality of your next trip.

19. SIXT.VN: Your Travel Partner in Vietnam

Planning a trip to Vietnam can be exciting, but it also comes with its challenges. SIXT.VN is here to ensure your travel experience is smooth, convenient, and enjoyable. We offer a range of services tailored to meet the needs of international travelers, ensuring you can focus on exploring the beauty of Vietnam.

Challenges Faced by Travelers

• Detailed Planning: Creating a detailed itinerary for your trip to Vietnam can be time-consuming and overwhelming.
• Language and Cultural Barriers: Navigating a new country with a different language and culture can be daunting.
• Reliable Services: Finding trustworthy and high-quality travel services can be challenging.
• Local Transportation: Getting around and exploring local attractions efficiently requires reliable transportation.
• Accommodation: Finding suitable and affordable accommodations that meet your preferences.

SIXT.VN Solutions

SIXT.VN offers comprehensive services to address these challenges and enhance your travel experience:

• Tailored Travel Itineraries: Our expert consultants create personalized itineraries based on your interests and travel duration.
• Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport pick-up and drop-off services.
• Hotel Bookings: We provide a variety of hotel options to fit every budget and preference.
• Tour Bookings: Discover Hanoi and its surrounding areas with our engaging and professional tour services.
• Flight Assistance: We assist in booking flights at competitive prices with convenient schedules.

Benefits of Choosing SIXT.VN

• Convenience: Simplify your travel planning with our all-in-one services.
• Reliability: Trust in our reputable services for a seamless travel experience.
• Expert Support: Benefit from our knowledgeable consultants who understand the needs of international travelers.
• Time-Saving: Save time and reduce stress with our efficient booking and support services.
• Personalized Experience: Tailor your travel plans to match your unique interests and preferences.

SIXT.VN is committed to providing exceptional travel services that ensure your trip to Vietnam is memorable and stress-free. Whether you are a solo traveler, a family, or a business professional, we have the expertise and resources to meet your needs.

Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358
Website: SIXT.VN

Call to Action

Ready to explore Vietnam with ease and convenience? Visit SIXT.VN today to discover our comprehensive travel packages, airport transfer services, hotel bookings, and exciting Hanoi tours. Let us handle the details so you can enjoy the journey!

By choosing the right tote bag and partnering with SIXT.VN, your travel experience in Vietnam will be both organized and unforgettable. Embrace the adventure with confidence, knowing every detail is taken care of.