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28 Best Travel Totes in 2024 That'll Make Jet-Setting a Breeze

These are first class, babyyyy.

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Everyone has travel essentials they absolutely can't live without. Maybe it's an iPad loaded up with all your favorite shows, the novel you currently can't put down, or just a ton of snacks to keep you satisfied during your journey (me). No matter your preference, you need somewhere safe to keep said travel essentials—whether you're on a plane or in the back seat of a car. But before you simply grab the first bag you see (that's probably filled with old receipts and lost chapstick, obviously), might I suggest investing in a travel-friendly, high-quality tote that'll actually keep all your things organized? Because seriously—if there's one thing I've learned after dozens of international and domestic flights, it's that having a great travel bag is life-changing. Investing in one can make or break your time in the security line at the airport.

After all, traveling (and packing, TBH) is hard enough as is. There's typically an endless checklist of things that have to get done—and that's before you even leave the house. So having all your electronics, snacks, and travel skincare products neatly tucked away in a cute weekender bag that can sit by your feet during the whole journey is a major game-changer. Thankfully, all the best travel totes offer this sort of stress-free organization (and more). Not to mention, they're pretty enough to use during your commute to work or sojourn to the gym, or trip to grab groceries, too. We love multifunctionality!

Our top picks for the best travel totes in 2024:

The possibilities? Endless. The functionality? Epic. Your next adventure won't be complete without one of the 28 gorge bags, below.

This cutie right here is ready to make traveling easy-peasy. With an interior zip pocket (!) and the capability to fold flat when not in use (!!), Marc Jacobs' large tote bag is surprisingly spacious—making it perfect for storing all your essentials on the go.

  • Size: 16.5 in. (L) x 13.5 in. (H)
  • Closure type: Zipper

Appropriately named the "kitchen sink tote," this bag can handle anything you throw it's way. It's super lightweight, has a spot to hold your water bottle, a laptop pocket, and a special compartment (so none of your info gets swiped!) Plus, you can wear it as a crossbody if your hands are full. Best of all, it's machine washable, so no need to panic if an eyeshadow palette breaks open while you're on the move.

  • Size: 21 (L) x 9" (W) x 12.5 (H)
  • Closure type: zipper
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best classic travel tote bag

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote

Boat and Tote

Chances are, you've seen this L.L. Bean Classic boater bag for years—especially since last year, the Ironic Boat Tote trend had a huge moment. Whether you choose to monogram it with something ironic or simply your initials, this tote is a staple and has stuck around so long for its great price and even greater durability.

  • Size: Small, 10.5 in. (H) x 9.5 in. (W); Medium, 12 in. (H) x 13 in. (W); Large, 15 in. (H) x 17 in. (W); Extra Large, 17 in. (H) x 19 in. (W)
  • Closure type: Open-top

If you've been looking for your next everyday travel/ work/ everything tote—behold! This pretty rose-colored one by Michael Kors has a removable pouch to keep all your valuables close by, is wide enough to pack as an overnight bag, and can definitely fit your laptop if you wanna wear it to work.

  • Size: 22.5”W X 12.25”H X 9”D
  • Closure: zipper
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From the included laptop sleeve to the extra shoe storage at the bottom, this Beis weekender bag has it all. If you're traveling with a rolling suitcase, it also has a strap that easily slides over your luggage's handle. And, it's incredibly roomy in case you're an overpacker (because same).

  • Size: 18.5 in. (W) x 15.5 in. (H)
  • Closure type: Zipper

It's hard enough traveling with a little bb, but figuring out where to put all their essentials (see: diapers, wipes, extra clothes, etc.) is a whole different beast. Enter: The Dagne Dover Wade Diaper Tote that comes with a million pockets, a changing mat, and so much more. And because mama needs her essentials too, it also has a separate compartment for your laptop.

  • Size: 16.25 in. (L) x 12 in. (H)
  • Closure type: Zipper
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best vegan leather travel tote

Monos Metro Tote

Metro Tote
Credit: Monos

Okay, I took this on a week-long trip to Italy recently, and I've officially fallen in love. So much so, that I've started using it to bring my work stuff to and from the office, as well. This bag is so chic, but also so practical. The vegan leather never scuffs and is super durable, and there are a ton of pockets inside (including one for your laptop and water bottle!) to keep everything organized. I have a feeling I'll be using it for years to come.

  • Size: 15.2 in. (W) x 12 in. (H)
  • Closure type: Zipper
best travel tote for flying

Away Packable Carryall

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Packable Carryall
Now 50% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image

Considering Away is a best-selling luggage brand, it only makes sense they'd make an amazing travel tote. This bag can fold up into a little square (there's an included pouch you can store it in when you're not using it), and has a strap to keep it secure on top of your suitcase. A win-win!!

  • Size: 15 in. (L) x 19.7 in. (W)
  • Closure type: Zipper
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Small but mighty, this tote packs a punch—and all your essentials with two cell phone pockets, two water bottle pockets, a separated padded laptop pocket, and one large pocket to hold everything you might need on your next trip.

  • Size: W 13.39" x H 15.16" x D 4.72"
  • Closure: Zipper
best travel tote with extra space

Calpak Luka Duffel

Luka Duffel

At first glance, this tote seems like it would hold a modest amount of stuff, but it's actually super spacious! Believe it or not, it has NINE pockets (yes, nine)! BTW, if you always have to have an extra pair of shoes with you at all times, this bag has a compartment just for shoes so they don't get dirt on anything else.

  • Size: 12" x 16" x 8"
  • Closure: zipper
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best travel tote with compartments

Lux and Nyx Origami Large

Origami Large

Need a tote bag that has every feature you could possibly imagine? This right here is your best bet. Including a padded laptop compartment, convertible trolley sleeve, expandable design, key leash, removable cross-body strap, and legit so much more, you'll have everything you need for traveling.

  • Size: 16 in. (L) x 12.5 in. (H)
  • Closure type: Zipper

This sleek leather tote is made of luxe pebbled leather, has four total pockets plus one large laptop compartment. Think of this as your fancy designer travel bag!

  • Size: 11.4" (29cm); L: 14.2" (36cm); D: 5.3" (13.4cm)
  • Closure: zipper
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best summer travel tote bag design

Vince Camuto Orla Canvas Tote

Orla Canvas Tote

Imma say it: I love Vince Camuto tote bags. There are seriously a million design options—each crafted with either durable canvas or terry cloth—and they're all really freakin' cute, especially for summer getaways.

  • Size: 12 in. (W) x 8 in. (H)
  • Closure type: Open-top
best travel tote splurge

Strathberry Mosaic Tote

Mosaic Tote

This Meghan Markle-approved brand is a splurge, yes, but it also has just about the chicest construction you've ever seen. The signature bar gently folds over the top, which keeps your things secure while also looking chic as hell.

  • Size: Depth: 14cm W: 35cm H: 25cm
  • Closure type: bar and magnetic closure.
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Consider this one to be your holy grail tote when it comes to nylon. Not only does it have three exterior back panel pockets, it also has a center back pocket that's convertible!

  • Size: 14.5H x 21.5W (at top), 14.5W (at bottom)
  • Closure type: Zipper

Bring a piece of the '70s everywhere you go with this retro-inspired tote bag from Herschel, made in collaboration with New York artist Jade Purple Brown. It's made with recycled water bottles so you won't just look good wearing it, you'll feel good, too!

  • Size: 15.25' (H) x 15' (W) X 6' (D) 39cm (H) x 38cm (W) x 15cm (D)
  • Closure type: Zipper
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best travel tote for food

Modern Picnic The Tote

The Tote
Credit: Courtesy Image

Modern Picnic makes the lunchbox of your dreams (it looks like a chic crossbody, but is actually insulated on the inside). This tote has a snap-in removable pouch that performs that exact function, storing your food until you're ready to eat it. It's vegan leather, too!

  • Size: 16 in. (W) x 13 in. (H)
  • Closure type: Zipper
most durable travel tote

Rothy's Essential Tote

Best Seller
Essential Tote
Now 64% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image

My Rothy's bags have lasted me for-ev-er, which is already a huge point in their favor (since I have a tendency to throw around my luggage). Beyond the obvious—it holds a lot, it's got a pocket, it's made of ocean-bound plastic but feels super-soft—and it's also *machine-washable*.

  • Size: 12.7 in. (L) x 13.4 in. (H)
  • Closure type: Zipper
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I'm officially declaring this bag the prettiest tote of the year. Made from handwoven leather, this tote is handcrafted in Italy, and is legit the prettiest thing I've ever laid my eyes upon.

  • Size: 22 in. (L) x 16 in. (H)
  • Closure type: Open-top
best monogrammed travel tote

Paravel Cabana Tote

Cabana Tote
Credit: Courtesy Image

Take this tote from the plane to the beach with ease! You can even get it monogrammed for an extra $25 (which I think is totally worth it).

  • Size: 23.75 in. (L) x 7.5 in. (W) x 14.5 in. (H)
  • Closure type: Open-top
Headshot of Hannah Chubb
Hannah Chubb
Lifestyle Editor
Hannah Chubb is the lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can't afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram.
Headshot of Belle Bakst
Belle Bakst is a NYC-based fashion editor and content creator. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Harper's Bazaar, Brides, and more. When she's not researching this season's best shoes, you can find her vlogging a sample sale, or thrifting in Manhattan. Follow @littlefashionstylist on Instagram and TikTok for outfit inspo, vintage jewelry hauls, and the occasional Bergdorf Goodman selfie.
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