We’ve got the six travel bags you need 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 for you, 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.
We hope you’re going some place fun this summer. Or, maybe one of these travel bags will inspire you to plan your next weekend 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 my Tumi backpack for years and never leave home without it. It holds everything — chargers, iPad, crossbody bag, headphones, phone, light sweater, and snacks. It fits under the airplane seat easily, has the “trolley strap” to slide over my luggage handle, and has lots of pockets to stay organized. It’s definitely an investment, but totally worth it for something you’ll use often and keep for years and years.
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. Plus, it’s come in handy on a quick trip to the ER!
Toiletry Travel Bags
MEGAN: My quest to find the perfect cosmetic travel bag has finally ended. Sarah and Missy from My Sister Made Me Buy It influenced me to try this CALPAK bag and it’s been a game changer. There are two sizes, I have the large, in retrospect the smaller would have been sufficient. But this self proclaimed pack rat couldn’t take a chance. I love it so much I gave it to several of my friends as gifts. First of all I love that it is clear and I can see exactly what’s in it. I use one side for make up and the other as a mini medical kit. Pepto – don’t travel without it!
CHRISTA: This year I started using these clear bags from Amazon for my toiletries and I like it so much better than using one big one. Three separate bags makes it much easier to maximize every inch of space in a small suitcase. I use one for makeup, one for liquids and one for other random stuff. And they’re only $12 for all three! I also need to mention (again) my Kitsch travel containers (a 3 pack is under $10) for your shampoo/conditioner/body wash. Each holds enough for 4-5 days, they pack easily since they’re flat, and they never leaked.
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 have 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! These are my people.
CHRISTA: I’ve used an Away rolling suitcase for years now. I have the “bigger carry-on” size and it is perfect for a 4-5 day trip (I have not tested it for more than that like Megan’s 10 day trip – not sure I could do it!). I did originally start with Away’s regular carry-on size, but trust me when I tell you it’s too small. Opt for the bigger-sized carry-on for only $20 more and you’ll be so glad you did. It fits in the overhead bin of the airline, so no worries there. While you’re buying your carry-on, be sure to also include the Away packing cubes with your purchase — as Megan said, packing cubes are a game changer to maximize your bag’s capacity! Pro tip: When my suitcase is looking a little beatup from travel, a little Magic Eraser helps clean it, and it’s good as new!
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. Here is a round up of my current favs. And yes, I use them ALL. They have different roles and functions but they are all in current rotation.
- The Goyard St. Louis tote is a legacy bag, a gift from my husband and parents.
- I’ve always been a huge fan of the LLBean boat and tote bag. It served as my school bag all the way through elementary school, then I used one as a diaper/travel bag for kids and now it’s my beach bag.
- The MZ Wallace (see above) is my go to carry-on.
- I love this neoprene camo bag. A friend gifted it to me a few years ago and I in turn have given it to many others. It’s the perfect road trip bag; fits your small purse, sweater, snacks, chargers, water bottles, headphones, book, magazine. Ya know, just the essentials.
CHRISTA: When I’m traveling by car, I like to bring my Tory Burch tote bag (similar). Having a tote in the car makes everything easy to get to. I love the TB tote because it’s stylish enough to also use while you are out and about — let your travel bag double as your day-to-day bag.
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. Mine is a few years old from Lululemon – here is the current version.
CHRISTA: I like to be hands free when I’m sightseeing and shopping, so I always bring a crossbody bag. I’ve used this crossbody for years, and it’s perfect for days you’re out sightseeing or in the amusement park. You don’t need a wallet because the front pocket has all the credit card slots for extra organization. It slim so it stashes in my carry-on backpack easily, but it’s surprisingly roomy. This bag has traveled with me on many vacations, including several trips to DisneyWorld.
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: My current “clutch” or evening bag is a small rattan woven purse from Nordstrom Rack. I like a neutral bag for evening (especially when traveling) because it will go with everything, fancy enough but not too fancy. Sadly mine is sold out, but I found this little cutie that I like even better. Perhaps it’s time for an update?
CHRISTA: A small purse hardly takes up any room in your suitcase, and it’s nice to have for an evening out to dinner or sightseeing. It doesn’t need to be very big — a lipstick, readers to see the menu, the room key and my phone are the essentials for a vacay night out. This little crossbody by Michael Kors is a favorite bag of mine, and it comes in so many colors. I have this yellow bag which is perfect for a sunny destination!
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 and Guides
Now that you packed your travel bags, you need someplace to go!
- Travel With Megan for Five Sunny Days in La Jolla, California
- Christa’s Travel Guide to Aruba
- 6 Packing Tips to Fit Everything You Need
- Christa’s Travel Guide to Sea Island
- How Megan Went to Paris with Just Her Carry-on
- Megan’s 5 Star Vacation in Charleston
- Christa’s 5 Star Vacation in Miami
Interested in seeing how we pack our travel bags to maximize the space? Would a packing guide help for different destinations? Want to know our must-haves in a carry-on bag? Drop us a note and let us know what travel posts you’d like to see!
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Looking for more travel posts?
- 6 Packing Tips to Fit Everything You Need
- Packing for a Weekend Getaway
- #OOTD…Weekend Getaway
- Christa’s Travel Guide to Sea Island
- Shop Our Favorite Travel Gear
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