We’ve got our favorite travel bags to make your next adventure a stylish one. No matter where your travel plans take you or how you get there, we have all the bags you need, plus a few travel tips, too. From carry-ons and rolling bags to totes and clutches, we’ve got the bags to solve every travel need. And, all the links have been updated for 2026!
We hope you’re going some place fun soon. Or, maybe one of these travel bags will inspire you to plan your next getaway!
Happy and safe travels, friends!
Carry-On Travel Bags
MEGAN: The MZ Wallace large Metro tote is my go to carry-on bag. It weighs nothing, fits everything and zippers closed. It also doubles as a great beach bag, lunch bag, and hold everyones “stuff” bag while out and about touring. MZ Wallace bags also come with three different sized pouches that you can use to organize inside the bag. I use mine for a mini-medical kit (band-aid anyone?) and another for chargers.
CHRISTA: I have been traveling with a Tumi backpack for years, but recently switched to the CALPAK Luka duffle and love all the extra room. Along with my BEIS roller bag, there’s no need to check luggage for your next flight. The CALPAK has lots of interior pockets to stay organized, a trolley sleeve to slip over your roller bag handle, and a handy shoe compartment in the bottom (that I use for my T3 blow dry brush and curling iron). Best part is that it fits under the seat so you can use it as your personal item when carrying on. I’m so happy that I upgraded to this bag!
Pro tip: Keep your carry-on packed and ready to go, including an extra set of chargers just for travel. It’s so much easier to pack for a trip when all those little things are already done.
Toiletry Travel Bags
MEGAN: My quest to find the perfect cosmetic travel bag is unending. My current favorite toiletries bag is from Amazon and under $30. I love that the bag lays flat on the counter and there is space for all my potions to stand up. Since I am a connesiour of travel make up bags I have amassed a collection of “almost perfect” bags. I use them as travel medical bags, jewelry bags and charger bags.
CHRISTA: I use two of these toiletry bags (in the “large glam” size) for my travel, one for toiletries and one for makeup. I love that they lay flat so I can see everything easily, and I’m not digging around in the bottom (like a traditional toiletry bag) for my items. Both of them fit nicely in one side of my BEIS roller bag with plenty of room for shoes and other accessories. And they’re TSA-approved when I’m whizzing through airport security!
Pro tip: Buy an extra set of your toiletries and makeup (look for travel sizes of your faves and watch for sales). Keep your toiletry bag packed and ready to go to make packing for any trip a breeze.
Weekender or Rolling Travel Bags
MEGAN: Keeping in the CALPAK family, I have the older version of this carry-on roller. It’s the perfect size for a long weekend (although I did manage 10 days in Paris packed in this exact bag and my MZ Wallace tote). My point is, it can be done — how you ask? The magic is packing cubes! I use these, also from CALPAK, and they are a game changer. I’ve even got my boys addicted to them. Upon further research I now see that they have invented COMPRESSION packing cubes for stuffing packing even more stuff into my carry-on!
CHRISTA: I’ve used an Away rolling suitcase for years, but recently switched to “The Carry On Roller” by BEIS and love it. The dimensions are similar to Away’s “bigger carry-on,” but I feel like the BEIS is somehow bigger. It’s perfect for a 4-5 day trip. It fits in the overhead bin of the airline, so no worries there. With my CALPAK + BEIS combo, I packed for a five day Disney trip, which included 3 sweatshirts, 2 jeans, 2 leggings, 1 sweatpants, 2 dresses, 2 pajamas, 1 sneakers, 1 crossbody bag, 2 toiletry bags, accessories, and undergarments…and I didn’t even have to open up the expansion zipper! And I didn’t need packing cubes either!
Tote Bags
MEGAN: Tote bags are my love language. Seriously I’ve never met one that I didn’t NEED and LOVE. I could never pick just one. However, my favorite for road trips, beach trips or to corral all the essentials you are taking on the plane is a good old LL Bean Boat n Tote. Tried and true, you just can’t beat the versatility and quality of this bag. Or the monogram!
CHRISTA: This is a favorite look-for-less bag from Amazon. I don’t use a tote bag very often since most of my travel is by plane, but when I do need a bag, this is my go-to. It’s very roomy, has a wipeable exterior to keep it clean, and includes a matching zip pouch for extra organization. It’s not just a great travel bag, but a great everyday bag, too!
Pro tip: The logical pro tip for this one is that you can never have too many tote bags!
Crossbody or Belt Bags
MEGAN: I bring my belt bag on vacation, it’s perfect for keeping your hands free. The belt bag is always good for walking with a friend but it’s also handy when you want to keep your valuables close to your body. This one can be worn around the waist or across the chest and is uni-sex so when your husband can carry it too. Pro tip: Uniqlo will monogram your bag.
CHRISTA: I like to be hands free when I’m sightseeing and shopping, so I always bring a crossbody or sling bag. My newest on that I absolutely adore is this bag from Think Royln (comes with two straps to wear as a crossbody or belt bag) is my go to for travel and everyday. It fit’s in my CALPAK carryon bag, and is perfect for sightseeing or amusement park days. It’s surprisingly roomy, too! This bag has traveled with me several times now, and is definitely a favorite.
Pro tip: Crossbody and belt bags are multifunctional. If you are flying to your destination you can toss the belt bag into your carry-on tote and keep things organized.
Clutch/Small Purse
MEGAN: A clutch or evening bag should be a work horse. If you only have one it should be season-less, have a strap but also be converted to a clutch. For the most universal I would go for a soft metallic, but if that’s not an option go with the taupe. It will match your browns, whites and blacks and can be used in any season.
CHRISTA: A small purse barely takes up any suitcase space and is perfect for evenings out. You really only need the essentials: phone, room key, lipstick, and readers. This Gucci Marmont crossbody was a big splurge for me, but it has been so versatile and easy to use, which makes it worth it in my book. (I’m slowly parting with every other crossbody bag I have because this is my go-to for every occasion.) If you are considering an investment bag, try it in-store for size. I literally emptied the stuffing and put in all my everyday items to make sure they fit! And see how it feels – the leather on this one is SO SOFT! You can also find great gently-used options on many resale sites.
Pro tip: When packing your bag/clutch in your suitcase, be sure to fill it with other items you’re bringing, like jewelry or sunglasses, to save space and stay organized.
More Style Among Friends Travel Posts
- The Best Disney Style Guide for Women Over 50
- Travel With Megan for Five Sunny Days in La Jolla, California
- 6 Travel Bags That Work Wherever You’re Going
- Style Guide for 5 Days at Disney World
- Everything You Need to Know About a Sea Island Vacation
- How Megan Went to Paris with Just Her Carry-on
- Christa’s Travel Guide to Aruba
- Cruise in Style with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- 6 Packing Tips to Fit Everything You Need
- How to Pack for an Empty Nester’s Weekend Getaway
- Christa’s 5 Star Vacation in Miami
- Megan’s 5 Star Vacation in Charleston
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