18 Best Travel Tote Bags for 2024

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Whether it's your only bag or a carry-on supplement, a travel tote will take your packing game to the next level.

If stuffing all of your last-minute needs into a tote bag and claiming it as your personal item is wrong, I don't want to be right. Thankfully, its on trend to carry an oversized accessory of your impractical but somehow necessary belongings. Not to mention, there are also those times when you need a tote bag just to store your other small bags—guilty again. Regardless of why you're traveling with a large haul of a bag, let's make sure it's chic and functional.

It can be hard to look for a bag adequate enough to serve as your plus one through the airport and also function as a bag you'll potentially be carrying the remainder of your trip. So, to help us with our big, (emphasis on big) decision, I decided to tap the team at Little Liffner, my current personal favorite for a travel tote to get their POV on how to hunt for the two non-negotiables: style and purpose. Paulina Liffner von Sydow, Founder of Little Liffner, explains that their bags "...add an air of casual luxury to almost any outfit." She goes on to reference the functionality of the bag, which is perfectly structured and aligned with easily accessible pockets, stating "it doubles as a perfect carry on for travel." Personally, I couldn't agree more. Taking notes from our expert and as a travel bag connoisseur myself, see below for our best travel tote bag selections.

As mentioned earlier, the brand that brings a timeless, minimalistic Scandinavian introduction to any wardrobe. My true saving grace right now, and also my biggest conversation starter—I've never received more chatter and compliments on an accessory. After scouring the internet and storefronts to find the perfect go-to tote bag, this is her in all her glory. I personally have (and love) the suede, but it's currently on pre-order. Buy the black while you can.

True L.L. Bean lovers know that the brand's classic Boat and Tote bag is hard to beat—after all, it's been one of their signature styles since 1944. Crafted from rugged cotton canvas, it's tested to hold up to 500 pounds, so no matter how much you manage to overpack, this bag is guaranteed to take it on. And with four sizes and two interior lengths to choose from, as well as a dozen colors, there's a perfect one for all your needs.

Away's luggage is a longtime favorite amongst our T&C team, so it's no surprise that their travel tote is equally impressive. Designed to fit all of your essentials, it's made from recycled, water-resistant nylon and includes a handy luggage sleeve—plenty of options for those trips when you never know what's coming next.

This tote brings two-for-one power with a removable bottom compartment that can be used as is, or as a separate packing cube. Easy to clean polyester and polyurethane make it a cinch to keep looking like new, with a built-in luggage sleeve and removable laptop sleeve give it plenty of function for that rush through TSA.

Some things are classic for a reason. Case in point: this timeless Longchamp tote; just ask T&C's associate shopping editor, Sophie Dweck, who's been carrying hers for over a decade. Made from sleek, easy-to-clean nylon that comes in a cornucopia of colors, it features a simple, spacious interior and strong leather straps that ensure it can stand up to anything your travels throw at it, and look good doing it.

Sleek, simple, stunning: the Maeden Yumi. This is the best-all-around bag award winner, and surprisingly on sale. Envision yourself boarding a flight with just this leather bag and your ticket.

Freja has been buzzing all around my social feeds, and I want to give my personal endorsement. The body of the vegan bags is spacious enough for a laptop, making them perfect for work travel. As for the strap, I love the wider width; it prevents sliding and tugging on your shoulder throughout the day.

A brand new to my roster, Melie Bianco. The price tag for quality exchange has me audibly gasping. The bag is also the ideal shape, size, and color for added personalized touches via keychains and charms.

Fully lined, basket-woven neoprene brings beautiful texture to this travel tote, making it ideal for those situations when you have to go straight from the plane to an event. It also has a zip closure and zippered interior pocket to ensure that your stuff stays in place even on the wildest travel days.

Perpetually trying to find space in your carry-on for one last thing? Meet what one T&C editor calls, "the personal item of every overpacker's dream." Featuring five exterior pockets, plus six on the interior and an detachably pouch, it will keep all of your travel essentials organized while it's sturdy-yet-lightweight construction makes it easy to tuck in "just in case" items to your hearts desire without overwhelming your arms.

The cushy, reinforced straps are easy on the shoulders, but it also has a detachable crossbody strap and a built-in sleeve to slip over the handle of your luggage if you don't feel like toting. It also comes in four sizes (we're fond of the medium for it's ability to hold oodles of stuff while still slipping neatly beneath the seat in front of you on a plane) and a seasonally-refreshed roster of more than a dozen shades, making it as stylish as it is functional.

I've seen this bag amongst my stylish co-workers and always mistake it for The Row. This soft grain leather Madewell tote will be your one-way ticket to chic chaos, disguising all your magazines, hand lotions, and beauty products.

Crossing my fingers this mulled wine color is more than just a trend that only lasts a season. Easy to incorporate into almost any closet, and a pleasant escape from all neutral dressing, I introduce you to this delectable 100% cowhide leather burgundy beauty.

When I sourced my friends' travel tote bags, the common denominator was, in fact, Dagne Dover. Lightweight, and completed with two sets of comfy handles—one for hand-held use and one for shoulder use—plus laptop friendly, it's great no matter your travel style.

Some people pack an extra suitcase when traveling abroad. We propose this packable Tumi tote instead. It folds out to an impressive 8" x 14" x 8 size when fully opened and weighs less than a pound, so you can shop to your heart's content while getting those passport stamps.

More: The 13 Best Luggage Brands for Every Type of Traveler

Type-A packers, take note: this 100% recycled polyester is all about options. Its four colorways can be worn crossbody, carried in hand, or over the shoulder, and include a zippered exterior pocket, a luggage sleeve, two water bottle holders, and a padded laptop sleeve—all with Everlane's signature modern minimalist vibe.

Cuyana bags are a favorite of T&C editors and royals alike (Meghan Markle is a big fan) for their timelessly stylish silhouettes, buttery soft leather, and effortless functionality. This, their latest launch, is made specifically with travel in mind.

Crafted with lightweight, durable pebbled leather (currently available in four colorways) it offers ample interior space (a 37L volume, to be precise) plus two large pockets, a phone slip, and a key clip, as well as snaps for Cuyana devotees who want to mix in their System Flap Bag or System Zipper Pouch.

This goat leather tote holds a special place in my shopping cart. To be honest, it's embarrassing how long I've had my eyes on a Dragon Diffusion purchase, but it wasn't until I felt, carried, and stuffed my belongings into one until I was sold. Don't wait as long as I have. Also, this green is to die for.

This bag from STATE is made of 90% recycled materials. I repeat: 90. Lightweight, easy to clean, and eco-conscious, this tote bag will be traveling with you on road trips, international flights, or weekend staycations.

For more than 170 years, Town & Country has been the trusted source for influence, taste, elegant living, and the finest things in life. We cover everything from the latest and greatest in beauty to luxury travel to the buzziest fashion trends of the season. All of our stories are thoroughly researched, tested, and vetted by T&C editors and industry experts.

Paulina Liffner von Sydow is the Founder of Little Liffner.

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

Payton Pampinto is a contributor at townandcountrymag.com and ELLE.com.

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