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Rebecca Strong
I travel frequently for both work and leisure, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's this: While I can't control potential delays, lost luggage, or screaming children in my row, I can make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable by packing a well-equipped carry-on for the flight. That means having a trusty travel tote that can accommodate my books, earbuds, and laptop so I have plenty of entertainment options — as well as my favorite snacks to fuel me through.
The best travel totes, as far as I'm concerned, are roomy enough to fit all my must-have items, but also comfortable enough to lug around as I'm hustling from one gate to the next. And I'd rather not compromise on style, either. Just as I began to wonder: "Is this too much to ask?" — I found a handful of holy grail totes that I keep reaching for again and again.
What we looked for in a travel tote
Travel totes come in many shapes, materials, and sizes, and with a range of storage features. While evaluating a number of options, there were several key elements I looked for.
First, I tested how easy it would be to carry the bag through an airport. A luggage sleeve is ideal because it allows you to attach the tote onto a wheelie bag, but that feature is harder to find on a tote and it's not make or break for me personally. However, I did make sure the tote could feasibly sit on top of a suitcase while I rolled it, or at the very least was comfortable enough to wear on my shoulder for long stretches.
Second, I made sure it could easily fit all my travel essentials. I considered what types of items I typically travel with — like a water bottle, laptop, a few snacks, etc —and whether the bag would not only accommodate them space-wise but also make them easy to find.
I also factored in whether the bag could feasibly fit under the seat in front during take-off and landing. It would be so annoying to be told to put your bag in an overhead compartment when you need to access your essentials throughout the flight.
Lastly, and most importantly, I only tested zip-top tote bags. The last thing anyone needs while traveling is a lost passport or wallet, and the zipper closure makes it so much easier to keep things secure.
Best overall: Dagne Dover Signature Tote (Legend)This chic structured bag is roomy enough to fit the typical travel must-haves — and comes with some thoughtful extras like an insulated water bottle holder and detachable key leash.
Rebecca Strong
It looks and feels so luxe. Totes don't exactly have a reputation for being the most aesthetically exciting bags, but the Dagne Dover Signature Tote is an exception to the rule. I truly can't believe it's made with 100% vegan materials.
It holds its shape. While I can usually cram more into soft-sided bags, I really appreciate that this tote maintains its structure no matter how little or how much I've packed in it. It looks polished enough that I can confidently wear it straight from the airport to a conference or a meeting.
It fits everything I need and more. I almost always bring my laptop on the plane so I can answer emails, watch my favorite shows, or do a little online shopping — and fortunately, this tote has a padded compartment that can accommodate up to a 15" device. There's also no shortage of pockets to hold my phone, wallet, lip gloss, hair clips, chargers, notebooks, and pens. The insulated neoprene water bottle holder is a really nice touch, too.
It works for under-seat storage. And despite how much it can hold, this tote still fits right under the seat in front of me during take-off and landing — plus, the handles fold down, making it even easier to stash.
Note that this tote comes in two sizes: Classic and Legend. I opted for the Legend, which is bigger and might be better for travel.
Best budget: BAGSMART The Wanderland Travel ToteThis quilted tote is moisture-resistant and machine washable, so it's both made to last and easy to care for — and as an added bonus, it features a luggage sleeve so you can slide it right onto your suitcase.
Rebecca Strong
It's remarkably affordable. At only $36.90, this tote definitely doesn't break the bank. That means more funds to spend on souvenirs, memorable meals, and other travel-related luxuries.
There are ample pockets. I have a hard time staying organized, but the Bagsmart Wanderland Travel Tote definitely makes it a bit easier. There are multiple zipper and slip pockets for all my belongings, a dedicated padded laptop sleeve (which fits up to a 15.6" device), and external zip pouches on the front and back. I use the hidden back pocket with zipper closure to store my keys, phone, and wallet so they're easy to access yet totally secure.
It's easy to care for. I've been hard-pressed to find the best travel tote that you can also toss in the washing machine, but this one fits the bill. If you don't want to fully wash it, you can also spot clean it with a damp cloth. This is a major bonus since my bag can get pretty grimy during travel.
One pro tip: The quilted cotton fabric does seem to sometimes attract lint, hair, etc. — so if that bothers you, consider buying any color other than black so it's less noticeable.
Best lightweight: BUG Lightweight Women’s Laptop Tote Bag
This budget-friendly tote is just as lightweight as it is spacious — and it's versatile, too, due to the crossbody strap and luggage sleeve.
Rebecca Strong
It's remarkably roomy. At first glance, this tote looked pretty modest in size — but I was shocked at just how much I could squeeze in there, including my laptop, tablet, book, planner, umbrella, external charging port, sunglasses, wallet, and even a light sweater. Note: the padded laptop compartment can fit a device up to 15.6".
It's machine washable. Since the BUG Lightweight Tote is 100% cotton, I can also throw it into my washing machine on a gentle cycle.
It's incredibly lightweight. It's pretty important to me that my travel bags are lightweight — I'm not looking to make carrying my belongings around any more strenuous. This tote fits the bill.
Best for traveling with kids: Baggu Travel Cloud BagThere's really nothing this viral travel tote can't accommodate — from snacks and books to an extra change of clothes for both you and your little one.
Rebecca Strong
It fits everything — and I do mean everything. This tote brings new meaning to the term caryall. It's wide, deep, and soft-sided, so I'm honestly not sure there's anything you wouldn't be able to cram in here. I was super impressed that I was able to fit my laptop and charger, several books, a full change of clothes and shoes, snacks, a water bottle, and other smaller must-haves and somehow still had room for more.
The design is foldable. Even though the Baggu Travel Cloud Bag fits everything, it miraculously folds down into basically nothing — taking up no room in my suitcase. I love that I can pack it inside my luggage, fill it with souvenirs on my trip, and then travel with it as a carry-on for the flight home.
It's machine washable. Let's be real: things just seem to get dirty quicker when you have kids (not that I would know from personal experience.) This tote, which is made with recycled nylon material, is not only machine washable but really easy to spot clean. When I accidentally spilled some coffee on the outside of the bag while racing to my gate, I was able to wipe it away in a cinch with just a moistened napkin.
The only thing that could probably improve this tote is some more internal pockets to keep things organized. That said, there is an exterior pocket for any items you need at the ready — like your phone and passport.
Best convertible: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe
It's easy to convert this tote from a shoulder bag to a crossbody because of the removable strap, and with so many pockets and colors to choose from it's just as practical as it is stylish.
Rebecca Strong
It's convertible. As a general rule,I love having options. So, I appreciate that this tote comes with a detachable and adjustable crossbody strap, as well as a luggage sleeve for when I'd rather unburden my shoulders and attach it to my rolling suitcase.
There are so many color options. The ultra-popular MZ Wallace Metro Tote comes in a whopping 21 different colorways, from classic neutrals like black, pearl white, and walnut brown to fun alternatives like cherry red, emerald green, and metallic copper. Literally, there's an option for every mood, vibe, and travel fit.
The pockets are plentiful. Organization definitely isn't an issue with this tote, which fits my 13" laptop perfectly. With six interior pockets and five exterior pockets, I never have to worry about digging into the depths of my bag to find my phone charger, lip balm, or whatever else I might need at any given moment.
It's really comfortable. There's nothing I despise more than the feeling of straps digging into my shoulders, and it's a common issue when I've packed a particularly heavy bag for a long flight. That's never been a problem with this tote, though, thanks to the reinforced and padded handles.
Best for work travel: Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Work ToteSturdy, chic, and surprisingly roomy, this leather bag doubles as an everyday purse and a travel tote that can store your laptop while keeping all your essentials organized.
Rebecca Strong
The quality is undeniable. Quince previously made it onto our list of the best work bags for women, and it's not all that hard to see why. Like many of their other bags, this tote is made with 100% top-grain Italian leather, features protective metal feet, and boasts impressive craftsmanship. Because it's so durable and high quality, I don't have to worry about it falling apart after a few long journeys.
It looks super polished. A lot of totes are made more with functionality in mind than aesthetics. But the Quince Italian Leather Tote is just as pretty to look at as it is practical, so I can proudly wear this straight from the airport to a meeting or conference. Plus, because it's modestly sized, it doubles as an everyday bag that I can wear out to dinner, shopping, or whatever else my travels entail.
It's more spacious than I expected. When I first received this bag in the mail, I was a little skeptical that it could hold everything I'd need on my flight. Alas, though, my MacBook Air fit perfectly in the padded center compartment; my wallet, sunnies, AirPods, and chargers slid easily into the two side compartments; and then I was able to use the other three slip pockets and one zip pocket for smaller items like keys, lip gloss, and pens.
See our full Quince review to hear more about our favorite pieces from the brand.
Best sustainable: Parker Clay Eden Caryall Tote BagIt's easy to convert this tote from a shoulder bag to a crossbody because of the removable strap, and with so many pockets and colors to choose from it's just as practical as it is stylish.
Rebecca Strong
It's made to last. Parker Clay's products are handmade, and the company stands behind the quality — even offering a lifetime guarantee. While I've still never had so much as a zipper break, it does give me peace of mind. This particular tote is crafted from luxe leather and features a natural brass zipper and cotton lining.
The design is sensible yet sleek. I appreciate the no-frills design of this midsized tote — it doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles but it does what it's supposed to do: fit my laptop, keep my belongings secure, and offer storage for smaller knick-knacks in the interior slip pockets.
There's a purpose to the purchase. Part of what sets this Parker Clay Tote apart is that the leather is ethically and sustainably sourced from Ethiopian providers, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the company empowers high-risk Ethiopian women by employing them, paying them fair wages, and providing them with skills training and financial literacy opportunities.
