There is no denying that your travel companion can weigh heavily on your journey. Pick the wrong travel companion and you’ll be left with mental baggage rather than a suitcase full of beautiful memories.
And because we know we all want the latest, our wanderlust wisdom is simple: pick the right luggage.
Take it from a frequent flyer myself; totes (paired with my favorite designer luggage) are one of the best travel bags out there to carry your world around.
Stylish and stress-reducing, the best travel tote bags are designed for sailing through airport security and breezing through boarding. From luggage sleeves to zipped pockets and padded straps, our favorite totes are the tote-al (sorry I had to) package when it comes to travel. They are spacious when packing, convenient to transport, and double up as a fashionable everyday carry when you arrive at your destination.
Lucky for you, we’ve unpacked a tried-and-tested list of travel companions worthy of hanging with. Because if you are like us, you know there’s no room on the itinerary for bad companionship.
The 11 best travel totes for women
Ready to set up your OOO auto-reply? We tote-ally are.
Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote: Best overall travel tote bag
| Size and capacity | Large |
| Material | Italian Leather |
| Luggage sleeve | No |
| Weight | 1.6 lb (0.7 kg) |
| Colors | Black, Caramel, Dark Olive & More |
Pros:
- Leather feels incredibly soft yet super durable
- Zipped closure for peace of mind
- Customizable with organizational add-ons
- Straps are long enough to wear on shoulders
Cons:
- No trolley sleeve
Our verdict:
The Cuyana Easy Tote is the ultimate nomad dream: featherlight leather that folds flat, zips securely, and adapts effortlessly to any adventure.
After years of living out of a suitcase, trust me when I say I have packing and traveling down to a science. Going places has never been easier with the Cuyana Easy Tote. At a featherlight 0.7kg for a full-sized leather tote, this bag is a packing miracle. Its buttery-soft, unstructured silhouette isn’t just chic; it’s practically a travel hack. Need to tuck it away? Go ahead. This thing is so malleable it can be folded flat inside your luggage as an emergency shopping bag.
While it has the effortless, airy vibe of a carry-all, it doesn’t skimp on security, thanks to a deeply set, sunken zipper. And for those who love order, I recommend adding the removable structured insert—with side slips, pockets, and elastic holders—for added structure and organization. Need to haul a funky-shaped souvenir? Pull the insert out. It’s a travel bag designed to adapt to your life, not the other way around. Yes, it lacks a trolley sleeve, but that’s a small price to pay for a bag that looks this good and works this hard.
Read the in-depth Cuyana Easy Tote review for more.
KAAI Horizon: Best work bag for travel
| Size and capacity | Large |
| Material | Italian Leather or Suede |
| Luggage sleeve | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) |
| Colors | Soft Touch Black, Suede Espresso, Croco Black |
Pros:
- Quiet luxury aesthetic
- Suede lining and tech-specific sleeves safeguard devices
- Protective metal feet keep the bag upright and shield the base
- Ultra-organized interior discourages chaos
- Luggage strap makes it travel-friendly
- Full-length metal zip enclosure to keep your belongings safe
Cons:
- On the heavier side (1.5 kg / 3.3 lb)
- Requires a little TLC prior to first use
Our verdict:
Spacious yet sleek, the KAAI Horizon carries your ambitions (and your large laptop) with style and strength. This is the perfect work bag whether you’re conquering deadlines or departures.
This is a designer work tote so smart and stylish that it’s the ultimate passport to success.
The KAAI Horizon (one of the best designer work totes) perfectly captures the spirit of its namesake. It’s a versatile carryall that adapts to my day, whether I’m crossing a busy city street or charting a brand new professional horizon.
Frankly, this large designer tote is the definition of trustworthy. It’s incredibly robust—strong enough to confidently carry my ambitious workload, including my full 16-inch laptop, without sagging. The peace of mind comes standard, too: it features a padded compartment for the laptop, sturdy metal feet for extra floor protection, and a brilliantly designed removable trolley sleeve that makes airport transit feel easy. It truly is the perfect blend of style and strength, and my favorite shortcut to looking polished whether I’m conquering deadlines or departures.
Read the in-depth KAAI Horizon review for more.
Bellroy Tokyo Tote: Best value women’s travel tote
| Size and capacity | Small and Medium |
| Material | Recycled Fine Weave |
| Luggage sleeve | No |
| Weight | 1.2 lb (650g) |
| Colors | Black, Navy, Beige + More |
Pros:
- Made from water-resistant, recycled fabric
- Zip closure for added security
- Padded straps make it comfortable on the shoulders
- It also comes in a bigger size for the not-so-light packers
Cons:
- The straps are too short to convert to a crossbody
- No luggage sleeve means you have to carry it around the airport
Our verdict:
If you aren’t a frequent traveler and just want something that gets the job done without costing the earth, this Bellroy Tokyo tote is excellent value. Plus, it also makes an excellent everyday tote so you’re guaranteed to get ample use out of it.
If you’re familiar with our best tote bags for women, you’ll know our affiliation with Bellroy and the Tokyo Tote in particular. And while it remains one of the best utility totes for everyday use—from college strolls to office commutes to beach days—it also deserves to be mentioned as one of the best travel tote bags out there.
With plenty of padded pockets, including one big enough for a 13” laptop, one perfectly suited to a water bottle and even one big enough for a change of shoes (a travel essential), this compartmentalized tote is the ultimate travel companion. The only thing missing is a luggage sleeve, but the padded shoulder straps and lightweight materials make this travel tote incredibly comfortable to carry. And for only $119, that’s a price we’re willing to pay for seamless airport trips.
Away The Everywhere Tote: Best nylon travel tote
| Size and capacity | Large |
| Material | Nylon |
| Luggage sleeve | Yes |
| Weight | 1.57 lb (0.7 kg) |
| Colors | Black, Navy, Salt White + More |
Pros:
- It’s very lightweight despite its 21L capacity
- Made from water-resistant nylon, keeping your contents dry
- The trolley sleeve slips over your luggage for seamless airport trips
Cons:
- The design is more functional than fashionable
Our verdict:
It may not be the most fashionable travel totes on the market, but it has to be one of the most functional. The luggage sleeve makes it equally easy to roll through the airport. And the water-resistant silhouette makes it a must-have for coastal getaways and pool resorts.
Look, I’ll be honest: The Away Everywhere Tote isn’t going to win any avant-garde fashion awards. But for the seasoned traveler, this tote is the ultimate lesson in function over flash.
This travel tote holds a serious amount—it easily handles my laptop (up to $16″), plus the extra food, snacks, and “emergency” shoes I inevitably squeeze in. Made with water-resistant nylon and smart leather trim, it absolutely does not need babying.
Best of all? It boasts the kind of thoughtful utility we actually need: it secures seamlessly to my suitcase (no more sliding!) and fits perfectly under the seat on nearly every airplane.
For a reliable, comfortable to carry, zippered personal item that genuinely follows you everywhere (it’s in the name!), it makes for a perfectly seamless travel experience.
Horizn Studios SoFo Vertical Tote: Best compact travel tote
| Size and capacity | Medium (15L) |
| Material | Water-sealed cotton canvas |
| Luggage sleeve | Yes |
| Weight | 1.17 lb (0.5 kg) |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Light Grey |
Pros:
- Made from recycled, water-sealed canvas that is impervious to water and heat.
- Luggage strap perfectly secures the tote to your rolling carry-on.
- Stylish vertical design with a luxurious lining and clever snap closures.
Cons:
- You may be looking for something more stylish
Our verdict:
If high-performance gear gets you going, you won’t be able to stop speaking (or using) this travel tote by Horizn Studios. Featuring a water-repellent exterior, plenty of slips and a luggage sleeve, we can’t fault it.
The Horizn Studios SoFo Vertical Tote is where style meets genuine travel comfort. Designed to be carried neatly on the shoulder or by hand, this bag doesn’t just look good—it convinces you with its flawless performance. When I’m gearing up for a longer journey, the dedicated luggage strap means it sits perfectly and securely on my Horizn carry-on.
Every detail feels intentional, from the luxuriously finished lining of the zipped main compartment to the internal extra pocket for small essentials. The design even features clever snap closures to secure the ends to the side, streamlining the silhouette.
The recycled, water-sealed cotton canvas is incredibly durable and, thanks to its high-density weave and synthetic wax finish, it’s completely impervious to water and heat.
Cuyana: Best overnight women’s travel tote
| Size and capacity | Large |
| Material | Italian leather |
| Luggage sleeve | Yes |
| Weight | 3.8 lb (1.7 kg) |
| Colors | Black and Cappuccino |
Pros:
- Spacious interior for all the overnight essentials
- Internal zip pockets for effortless organization
- Protective feet on the bottom
- Recycled plastic option available for vegans
- Luggage sleeve
Cons:
- May be too bulky for everyday use
Our verdict:
Cuyana is our queen of elevated essentials and this one is extremely difficult to fault. Featuring zipped pockets, protective feet, a luggage sleeve and plenty of space, this travel tote is a guru in effortless overnight getaways.
In order to bring you the most objective review possible, we tried to look for faults in this overnight bag, but Cuyana made it almost impossible. As an overnight bag, this illustrious leather tote has thought over everything. From a spacious, compartmentalized interior to protective feet and a luggage sleeve, we really felt the difference sailing through the airport with this tote in tow.
As one of the most sustainable luxury brands, Cuyana even has a recycled plastic option available for vegans and its leather option is responsibly sourced and LWG certified. If we had to find a downfall to this powerhouse travel tote, it would be that it’s slightly heavy for everyday use, but a lightweight packable tote or backpack solves that problem easily.
Beis The East To West Tote in Black
| Size and capacity | Large |
| Material | Recycled materials |
| Luggage sleeve | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2lb (1 kg) |
| Colors | Black, Beige, Olive + More |
Pros:
- Maximum organization with dedicated pockets (laptop, water bottle, phone).
- Exterior front pocket is perfectly sized for passport/wallet (quick TSA access).
- Features a Trolley Pass-through and fits neatly under an airplane seat.
Cons:
- Made from recycled material, may lack the traditional feel of leather.
Our verdict:
The East To West Tote is the recycled carry-all that utilizes every inch of space, proving that maximum organization and chic style can absolutely coexist. From the perfect passport pocket to the integrated bottle sleeve, this bag was clearly designed for discerbing travelers.
If you’re like me, you believe a carry-all should utilize every single inch—not waste it. That’s why the East To West Tote feels like it was designed just for seasoned travelers. This is the recycled tote that finally gets organization right.
Every travel pain point is accounted for: dedicated interior pockets for my laptop, phone, and yes, a dedicated space for my LARQ water bottle. It’s exactly the personal item size you need, tucking neatly under the seat in front of you.The exterior front pocket is the exact right size for my passport and small wallet, making the frantic airport-to-TSA dash genuinely painless. Throw in the Trolley Pass-through and integrated key leash, and you have a tote that proves maximum efficiency and style can totally coexist.
Calpak Luka: Best laptop tote for women
| Size and capacity | Medium |
| Material | Polyestester |
| Luggage sleeve | Yes |
| Weight | 1.75 lb |
| Colors | Black, Beige, Pink + More |
Pros:
- Ultra-light with padded shoulder straps for easy carrying
- Padded laptop sleeve big enough for a 15” laptop
- Expandable bottom for added volume
- Luggage sleeve
Cons:
- Once expanded, the laptop sleeve becomes slightly lopsided
- Interior pockets don’t have closures
Our verdict:
It’s not a business bag, but if you need to take your 15-inch laptop on holiday, you won’t have to worry every time you put down your bag, the ultra-padded silhouette provides ample protection.
Looking for an ultra-organized laptop tote bag for your next trip? This one by Calpak is the total package. With a total of nine pockets, there’s a specific spot for every device, document and travel snack. Made from polyester, the lightweight exterior is water resistant (no need to worry about unexpected rain showers) and comfortable to carry with a removable shoulder strap. And while functionality is the bag’s priority, we also love how the leather accents add a touch of sophistication.
But the real hero here is this Calpak travel tote’s ability to expand when necessary. We so appreciate that the medium sized bag isn’t too bulky to carry around from day to day, but when you need to pack in that extra pair of shoes or a change of clothes, the added expandable bottom compartment is ready and waiting to take the load off.
Longchamp Le Pliage Tote: Best packable travel tote
| Size and capacity | Large |
| Material | Canvas |
| Luggage sleeve | No |
| Weight | 0.64 lb (0.3 kg) |
| Colors | Beige, Black and Navy + More |
Pros:
- Incredibly lightweight and packs completely flat for easy stowing.
- Timeless, polished style and durable recycled canvas material.
- Zipper top and leather snap flap offer excellent security in transit.
Cons:
- Limited interior organization (only one small pocket).
Our verdict:
The Le Pliage is an undisputed travel icon: lightweight, polished, and durable enough to handle years of wear. It’s the ultimate blank canvas tote that packs flat and goes everywhere.
If there’s one bag that defines timeless travel staple, it’s the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote. It has earned its global reputation honestly: it’s effortlessly stylish, incredibly lightweight, and endlessly versatile.
The Longchamp Le Pliage is designed to facilitate a life-in-motion. The real genius here is the design for digital nomads and seasoned travelers. This tote packs down flat—small enough to tuck into another bag—yet it expands into a deceptively spacious carry-all. It can handle everything from your daily essentials to a last-minute change of clothes. Crafted from recycled polyamide canvas, the material is hardy enough to withstand years of use, while the leather trim gives it that instantly polished look. The zippered top plus the leather snap flap offer crucial added security.
Bear in mind that the simple silhouette means the organization is limited, with only one small interior pocket. But the open design makes it a blank canvas you can tailor with your pouches. Loved across the globe, it’s a travel tote bag that feels equally at home on city streets, at the beach, or tucked neatly under an airplane seat.
Bellroy Totepack: Best convertible travel tote bag
| Size and capacity | Large |
| Material | Recycled materials |
| Luggage sleeve | No |
| Weight | 01.87 lb (0.8 kg) |
| Colors | Black, Khaki, Navy + More |
Pros:
- Converts quickly and comfortably between tote and backpack modes.
- Tuck-away straps allow it to adapt seamlessly on the go.
- Sleek design fits essentials (laptop, clothes) without feeling bulky.
Cons:
- Minimal structure means hard items can poke your back when heavily packed.
Our verdict:
A masterclass in shapeshifting, the Bellroy Totepack converts instantly and comfortably between a sleek tote and a hands-free backpack. It’s the ultimate flexible carry for days that require effortless transitions.
When your day involves a flight, a meeting, and a market visit, you need a bag that can shapeshift. That’s why the Bellroy Totepack has earned its “Best Convertible” title. It truly does it all, thanks to a genius design that converts quickly and comfortably between a sleek tote and a hands-free backpack.
The transformation is seamless: the padded backpack straps tuck away neatly into their own dedicated pocket when not in use. This lets the bag adapt on the go as fast as I move throughout my day. It holds everything—wallet, water bottle, snacks, and a change of clothes—all without feeling bulky.
The one authentic caveat? Its lightweight, minimal structure can feel uneven when heavily packed. Still, for the sheer versatility, comfort, and sleek design it delivers, this is a smart, flexible option I grab constantly.
Anine Bing Rio: Best beach travel tote for women
| Size and capacity | Large |
| Material | Woven Seagrass |
| Luggage sleeve | No |
| Weight | 1.4 lb |
| Colors | Natural, Black and Black & Natural Stripe |
Pros:
- Timeless, sophisticated and incredibly stylish
- Woven seagrass fabric is light and breathable
- Spacious interior to fit all the essentials and more
Cons:
- No pockets
- Woven seagrass fabric needs to be left to dry if exposed to excessive moisture or liquid
Our verdict:
As major advocates of internal pockets and compartmentalization, we would only forgo this for an absolute showstopper, which this is. So we say go for it. Just add a zippered pouch to organize smaller essentials.
Usually, we’re all for prioritizing function, highlighting features such as pockets, zips and luggage sleeves. But for this Anine Bing Rio beach tote, the fashion-forward aesthetic is the real hero and should not be overlooked.
Don’t get us wrong, it holds up well as a beach bag, with ample space for books, towels and a change of clothes. However, it’s the tote’s timeless yet on-trend style that has us summer lovin’ this season. So much so that we’re prepared to overlook the lack of pockets and luggage sleeve. With an oversized logo and minimalist hues, this is one of the most stylish women’s travel totes. And one that we’re proud to carry around the airport, to the beach and around the rooftop bar.
Buying guide: Tips to buy the right travel tote
While there are a couple of general requirements that make up a quality travel tote, the best travel tote for you will depend on exactly what your trip requires. To get a handle (pun intended) on what you’re looking for exactly, here are a few things to consider:
Type of travel
Are you traveling for work? If so, it’s imperative that your travel tote has a secure place to hold a laptop, looks professional and is highly organized.
Traveling for leisure? You may want to prioritize space for books and other relaxation essentials, as well as style.
Traveling for bleisure (a mix of business and pleasure)? Make sure your tote hits that elusive sweet spot between function and fashion—always a requirement with us, but even more so if you have client meetings in between your poolside cocktails.
Destination
It goes without saying that your destination plays a big role in the type of travel tote you need. This can be tricky if you’re planning on buying a tote for multiple vacations. Think of the places you usually go. Are you more of a city-break kind of traveler? Beach babe? Or adventure enthusiast? This will help determine which features to prioritize: durability, water resistance, comfort, style, or a combination of everything.
Size
Travel totes come in a huge range of sizes. And while you don’t want one that you have to squeeze everything into, you also don’t want to carry around a bulky bag all day. To pick the right size, think about the length of your stay and how often you intend to use the bag. Is it an overnight or weekender tote? Or do you plan to use it daily while at your destination?
Material
Like all things, the material you choose for your bag is all about balancing function and fashion. While some materials such as a durable canvas, lightweight cotton and water resistant nylon are more functional, other materials like Italian leather are more sophisticated and stylish. Also think about colors, patterns and logos—are you going for a timeless aesthetic or trendy aesthetic?
Things we specifically looked for in the best travel totes
These are the general requirements that make up the best travel totes for women. Of course, not every bag has all of them but we tried to find travel totes that highlighted organization and comfort.
Organization
The true functionality of a stellar travel tote comes down to genuinely smart design. Look for multiple compartments, padded sleeves for electronics, and zippered interior pockets to make keeping your essentials in order and within easy reach effortless. If you’re a devout user of packing cubes and pouches, you might manage with a simpler open-design tote, but ensure it’s roomy enough to fit your whole system.
Comfortable to carry
The best travel totes are also effortless to tote around. To ensure that this is the case, most of the tote bags on our list include straps that are padded and adjustable, as well as luggage sleeves that hook onto your favorite carry-on.
Secure closure
Whether you’re navigating packed airports in Bangkok, sardine-packed metros in Tokyo, or endless street markets in Marrakech, the last thing you want is a wide-open bag leaving your valuables vulnerable. A zipper top closure is the absolute gold standard for security. Not only does it prevent items from spilling out if your tote tips over, but it offers a critical extra layer of defense against pickpockets. While magnetic snaps or simple clasps might work for casual outings, trust me, for high-stakes travel moments, a fully zipped tote is non-negotiable for keeping everything locked down against sneaky thieves and accidental tumbles.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? As travel enthusiasts and frequent flyers ourselves, we know a thing or two about luxury travel (Hint, hint: journey through our sister site Luxa Terra for luxury travel inspiration). All year long, we rigorously test and review elevated essentials, and go the extra mile to unearth gateway-ready gears that go the distance and brands that we believe will go places.
See how we test products and learn more about our HAPPY philosophy (read: Honorable Craftsmanship, Aesthetic Design, Positive Impact—on People and the Planet, Purpose and Function, and Yielding Value) for buying luxuries. You can also read our travel tote buying guide to learn more about our methodology to pick the best ones.
Frequently asked questions about the best travel totes for women
Whether you choose to carry a backpack or tote bag ultimately depends on the occasion or destination. While backpacks are heroed for their unparalleled practicality, tote bags are usually considered to be more stylish and versatile. Therefore, if you’re planning a hike or adventure vacation, we would recommend a backpack. But if you’re planning a stylish city break or relaxed coastal getaway, a tote is usually preferable. Of course, you could also opt for a hybrid totepack, like the one by Bellroy.
A travel tote is simply a tote bag that is designed for travel. A good travel tote usually includes things like a luggage sleeve, plenty of pockets for effortless organization, padded handles for added comfort. If you ask us, a travel tote with a zipper is preferable for long journeys where you tend to leave your bag unattended for extended periods.
Absolutely! A tote bag is arguably the best choice for your personal item. The perfect travel tote offers enough generous space to hold all your flight essentials—think books, tech, snacks, and an extra layer—while still sliding right under the airplane seat in front of you. Once you arrive, it transforms into a day bag for exploring your destination.
For a tote to qualify as a personal item, it generally must fit completely under the seat in front of you. While dimensions vary slightly by airline, the common range is typically around 16 to 18 inches wide, 12 to 14 inches high, and 6 to 8 inches deep. Always check your specific airline’s exact rules. If your tote exceeds those limits, you risk having to stow it in the overhead bin.
