While some collect passport stamps, for many women, handbags are the ultimate travel companion – and as someone who has a dedicated collection, I can confidently say that nothing works harder than a travel tote bag. Whether you’re navigating a daily commute or embarking on an exotic beach getaway, the right tote bag is essential for keeping your valuables organized, secure, and stylishly within reach. Say goodbye to overstuffed backpacks and flimsy plastic bags; it’s time to discover the world of versatile and chic Travel Tote Bags For Women.
If you’re ready to retire your old canvas tote and invest in an upgrade, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rigorously tested hundreds of tote bags to curate a list of standouts that exceed expectations in capacity, comfort, quality, durability, and organization. From sophisticated work trips to spontaneous weekend picnics, we’ve found the perfect travel tote bag for every occasion.
For a truly exceptional, all-around option, we highly recommend the MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote as our top pick. Its unparalleled durability and seemingly endless space make it a reliable companion for years to come.
Our Top Picks for the Best Travel Tote Bags for Women:
- Best Overall: MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote
- Best Machine Washable: Baggu Duck Bag
- Best Suede: Milaner Woven Handbag
- Best Packable: Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote
- Best Multi-use: Dakine Verge Weekender Tote
- Best With Shoe Compartment: Caraa Sport Tote
- Best Stain-resistant: Naghedi St. Barths Medium Tote
- Best Convertible: Bellroy Lite Totepack
- Most Durable: Yeti Camino 35 Carryall
- Best Zipper Top: Cuyana System Zipper Tote 13-inch
Best Overall
MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote
PHOTO: Nordstrom
$275 at Nordstrom | $275 at Neiman Marcus | View on Maisonette.com
Why We Love It: This travel tote bag for women is exceptionally spacious, incredibly lightweight, and features discreet zippered compartments for optimal organization.
What to Consider: Its unstructured design means items at the bottom might require a bit of digging to reach.
When space is your top priority, the MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote stands out as the ultimate choice. We tested the medium size, which offers an abundance of room, and it’s also available in a large size for those needing serious storage capacity. Despite its generous dimensions, the signature nylon material is remarkably lightweight yet incredibly durable. We know people who have relied on bags made from the same material for a decade or more, attesting to its longevity. The only trade-off for its lightness is a lack of rigid structure. When not filled with larger items to maintain its shape, you might need to reach around to find smaller things at the bottom.
Beyond its durability, the organizational features are what truly make this our best overall travel tote bag for women. It boasts zippered pockets both internally and cleverly hidden externally – ideal for keeping your phone, wallet, Kindle, and passport readily accessible. The interior leashed zip pouch and built-in trolley sleeve on the back are also much-appreciated details. It’s a truly exceptional travel companion, but with its everyday practicality, don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for it daily.
The Details: 11.6 x 9.4 x 12.7 inches | Material: Nylon, Leather
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Best Machine Washable
Baggu Duck Bag
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PHOTO: Baggu
$42 at Amazon | View on Baggu.com
Why We Love It: This women’s travel tote bag is machine washable for easy cleaning, rolls up compactly for packing, and includes an adjustable crossbody strap for versatile carrying.
What to Consider: The top handles were found to be somewhat redundant.
The Baggu Duck Bag is designed for the realities of travel, featuring a machine washable canvas design. This means you can worry less about keeping your bag pristine while you’re exploring. The canvas material is also wonderfully lightweight, ensuring it won’t weigh you down, even when fully packed. During a week-long trip to Portugal, we were impressed to fit a towel, Kindle, water bottle, and a change of clothes inside comfortably. An exterior zip pocket is perfectly placed for stashing smaller essentials like your phone and keys.
Other travel-friendly advantages include the adjustable crossbody strap, a zippered top closure to prevent items from spilling out, and its packable nature – it rolls up neatly to save space in your luggage. We also appreciate the variety of color and print options, from classic black to vibrant and playful designs.
The Details: 15.75 x 11 x 4.75 inches | Material: Canvas
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Best Suede
Milaner Woven Handbag
PHOTO: Milaner
Why We Love It: This elegant suede travel tote bag for women features two spacious zippered compartments and comfortable rolled straps that stay securely on your shoulder.
What to Consider: It lacks a zip-top closure for the main compartment, and suede requires more care to maintain its pristine condition.
For a travel tote bag that effortlessly combines sophistication with practicality, the Milaner Woven Handbag is an exceptional choice. We own the taupe suede version and have found it remarkably versatile, complementing a wide range of outfits. With over a dozen color options available, you’ll easily find one that matches your personal style. While suede demands extra attention, especially for adventurous travel, a leather version is also available and may be easier to keep clean. (Pro-tip: we recommend storing your suede tote in a dust bag during flights.)
Our favorite aspect is how comfortably it rests on the shoulder without feeling bulky. The inclusion of two large zippered compartments inside is another major plus. We’ve successfully packed a laptop, over-ear headphones, a sweater, and everyday essentials like lip gloss, keys, and a wallet, all at once.
The Details: 20 x 14 x 3 inches | Material: Suede
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Best Packable
Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote
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PHOTO: Nordstrom
$255 at Amazon | $155 at Nordstrom | $155 at Bloomingdales
Why We Love It: This iconic travel tote bag for women folds down to a remarkably small size when not in use, making it ideal for packing in luggage or storing easily.
What to Consider: The straps are unpadded, and it only features a single interior slip pocket for organization.
The Le Pliage is undeniably one of the most classic tote bags you can own, and after putting it to the test ourselves, its enduring popularity comes as no surprise. Its timeless aesthetic is matched by its robust construction, and it’s ingeniously designed to fold into a compact pouch, perfect for stowing within a larger bag. This makes it an excellent choice for both minimalist and maximalist packers alike.
Featuring both a zippered top and a leather snap-flap closure, the Le Pliage provides an added sense of security, particularly when navigating crowded public transport. While we wish it offered more pockets (there’s just one inside), overall, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more reliable and versatile travel tote bag for women.
The Details: 12.2 x 11.8 x 7.5 inches | Material: Recycled polyamide canvas, Leather
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Best Multi-use
Dakine Verge Weekender Tote
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PHOTO: Dakine
$105 $73 at Amazon | $79 at Backcountry | View on Dakine.com
Why We Love It: This versatile travel tote bag for women is perfect for a wide range of activities, from hauling blankets to groceries, making it a true multi-purpose essential.
What to Consider: It can become heavy and cumbersome when fully packed with items.
Sometimes you simply need a large, robust bag that’s ready for any occasion – and this nylon tote from Dakine perfectly fits the bill. We’ve taken it on hikes, to the beach, and countless grocery trips. It’s also become our go-to for transporting food and blankets to outdoor music festivals. While the top handles aren’t designed for over-the-shoulder carry, we value the included detachable shoulder strap, which proves invaluable when the bag is loaded with heavier items. Additional features we appreciate are the protective padding and a luggage sleeve on the back, ideal for pairing with your rolling suitcase. For an oversized tote that truly does it all, this multi-use option is a fantastic choice for both everyday tasks and extended travels.
The Details: 23.5 x 16 x 11 inches | Material: Recycled nylon
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Best With Shoe Compartment
Caraa Sport Tote
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PHOTO: Caraa
Why We Love It: This innovative travel tote bag for women features a separate shoe compartment and an impressive total of 10 pockets for maximum organization.
What to Consider: To fully access the bottom shoe compartment zipper, the bag needs to be laid on its side.
This tote bag boasts an almost overwhelming number of pockets – which is always a welcome problem to have! The bottom zip compartment is initially designed for shoes, but its versatility extends far beyond. It’s ideal for anything you want to keep separate, like a damp swimsuit or snacks. If you prefer to maximize overall capacity, the shoe compartment can be unzipped from the inside, allowing you to utilize the bag’s full volume.
Despite being technically categorized as a gym bag, this tote has been our trusted personal item on numerous plane and train journeys, including a trip across Portugal. The yoga mat straps can also secure a sweater, and the detachable backpack straps keep your hands free while managing luggage. If you prioritize functionality in a travel tote bag for women, this pick will not disappoint.
The Details: 14 x 21.5 x 8 inches | Material: Nylon, Vegan leather
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Best Stain-resistant
Naghedi St. Barths Medium Tote
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PHOTO: Naghedi
Why We Love It: This low-maintenance travel tote bag for women doubles as a stylish work bag and is crafted from easy-to-clean, stain-resistant neoprene.
What to Consider: While it includes a zip pouch, it lacks built-in pockets within the main compartment.
Suede and leather totes are undeniably beautiful, but they may not be the best choice if you’re prone to spills or less meticulous with bag care. The Naghedi tote is the ideal alternative, offering the coveted look of woven leather totes, but constructed from remarkably durable and lightweight neoprene. Beyond travel, we’ve used this tote extensively around New York City and it has remained spotless. Its resilience extends to beach trips too, as you can confidently bring it along without worrying about sand or water damage.
While interior pockets are absent, which might be a deal-breaker for some, it does come with a matching zip pouch for essential items like cash and keys. The extensive range of colors and four available sizes further enhances its appeal, offering plenty of choices to suit individual preferences.
The Details: 9.5 x 17 x 7 inches | Material: Neoprene
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Best Convertible
Bellroy Lite Totepack
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PHOTO: Bellroy
$129 at Amazon | View on Bellroy.com
Why We Love It: This versatile travel tote bag for women offers ample space and cleverly hides backpack straps in a dedicated pocket when not in use.
What to Consider: The top handles tend to hang loosely when carried as a backpack, which can be slightly bothersome.
Convertible bags are among our absolute favorites – I personally rely on Oleada’s convertible laptop backpack constantly. But if you’re seeking a more sporty convertible option, the Bellroy Lite Totepack is an excellent choice with its two carrying styles. Unlike most backpack totes with permanently attached straps, this one uniquely allows you to unclip and tuck the straps away into a designated pocket. This thoughtful design eliminates dangling straps when you prefer to carry it as a tote.
While the bag lacks significant structure, it offers plenty of room. During outings in Seattle, we easily fit a wallet, water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, a light long-sleeved shirt, and other small items. We even managed to squeeze in a small painting picked up at a local farmer’s market.
The Details: 15.7 x 15.7 x 6.7 inches | Material: Nylon, Polyester
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Most Durable
Yeti Camino 35 Carryall
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PHOTO: Amazon
$224 at Amazon | $150 at Dicks Sporting Goods | View on Yeti.com
Why We Love It: This exceptionally durable travel tote bag for women is crafted from waterproof and puncture-proof material, ready for any adventure.
What to Consider: The open-top design lacks closure, making it less suitable for outdoor camping with food items that require protection from the elements or wildlife.
While many of our top picks are well-suited for outdoor use, the Yeti Carryall elevates durability to a new level with its waterproof and puncture-proof construction. This robust tote bag maintains its shape, allowing you to simply drop in blankets, snacks, and gear with ease. We’ve used ours to transport an entire Thanksgiving feast, and the firm walls of the bag prevented dishes from shifting during transport. It’s also proven invaluable for camping, serving as storage for wet gear, equipment, and provisions. (Note: The open top makes it better suited for car camping if you plan to store food items.)
Beyond adventurous excursions, this tote will prove incredibly useful at home. We find it excellent for hauling groceries or as a picnic bag, as the rubberized material is effortlessly wiped clean. You can also choose from a selection of colors, ranging from understated gray to vibrant blue.
The Details: 18.1 x 9.8 x 15.2 inches | Material: Vinyl
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Best Zipper Top
Cuyana System Zipper Tote 13-inch
PHOTO: Cuyana
Why We Love It: This timeless leather travel tote bag for women offers customizable personalization with add-on accessories to perfectly suit your needs.
What to Consider: Its 13-inch size might be too compact for longer trips requiring more packing capacity.
A classic leather tote bag is a timeless essential for both work and travel. If you’re still searching for your go-to, we highly recommend the Cuyana System Tote, particularly for its personalization options. You can select from a variety of add-on accessories, including a wide shoulder strap, a laptop sleeve, and even a pouch that doubles as a clutch. While each accessory is sold separately, potentially increasing the overall cost, T+L editors agree that the exceptional quality justifies the price. The leather exudes a luxurious feel, making it ideal as a formal work bag. We especially appreciate the secure zip-top closure for added peace of mind. While we’ve used it as a personal item on flights, its 13-inch size may be too small if you’re planning an extended trip.
The Details: 11.5 x 17.75 x 5 inches | Material: Leather
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Best for the Outdoors
RTIC Ultra-tough Tote
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PHOTO: Amazon
View on Amazon | View on Rticoutdoors.com
Why We Love It: In addition to its impressive capacity, this rugged travel tote bag for women features waterproof pockets, perfect for outdoor adventures.
What to Consider: Its robust, cooler-like aesthetic might not be suitable for everyday use outside of beach or pool settings.
Similar to the YETI Carryall, this RTIC bag is constructed from a remarkably tough, waterproof, and puncture-resistant material, and it also stands upright on its own. However, this tote leans more towards beach-readiness with its waterproof zip pockets, offering superior protection for your phone and valuables from splashes. Moreover, the open top includes a buckle strap, ideal for securing towels. We tested the small size and found it comfortably carried over the shoulder, with ample space. While its rugged appearance might not be ideal for everyday errands, its functionality around the pool or beach is undeniable.
The Details: 15 x 23.5 inches | Material: TPU-coated nylon
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Best for Laptops
Baggallini Carryall Laptop Tote
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PHOTO: Baggallini
$120 at Zappos | View on Baggallini.com
Why We Love It: This thoughtfully designed travel tote bag for women features a padded laptop sleeve and a wealth of compartments for all your essential items.
What to Consider: Its less structured design can feel somewhat floppy when not fully packed.
When selecting a carry-on bag, I’ve often found myself torn between the security of a dedicated laptop bag and the spaciousness of a large tote. This Baggallini option beautifully bridges that gap, offering the best of both worlds with its integrated padded laptop sleeve. The abundance of interior and exterior pockets makes it an excellent replacement for your everyday work bag, too. It comes with a matching RFID-blocking zip pouch with credit card slots (though we use ours for makeup), and another conveniently sized RFID-blocking pocket for your passport. The water-resistant and lightweight fabric ensures it won’t weigh you down on your commute, but be aware that this also contributes to the bag’s less structured feel compared to other picks.
The Details: 19 x 12.5 x 5.5 inches | Material: Nylon
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Best for the Beach
Carve Designs Treasure Tote Bag
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PHOTO: Carve Designs
Why We Love It: This stylish beach travel tote bag for women is comfortable to carry and chic enough to double as an everyday handbag.
What to Consider: A slightly larger size option would make it even more versatile for carrying bulkier beach essentials.
For beach excursions where style is as important as function, this Carve Designs tote is our go-to. It provides sufficient room for a towel, book, water bottle, and sunscreen, and we appreciate its dual functionality as a fashionable handbag. We’ve also found the fabric remarkably sand-resistant. It’s accompanied us frequently to the beach, pool, and casual lunches. On the downside, it only features one interior pocket, but this is sufficient for core vacation essentials. While a slightly larger size to accommodate extra towels or a change of clothes would be ideal, it remains a constant companion. Unlike rubber beach totes, this one conveniently folds flat for suitcase packing.
The Details: 14.5 x 15 inches | Material: Cotton
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Our Testing Process
To identify the best travel tote bags for women, we put each of our selections through rigorous real-world testing. They accompanied us on both domestic and international trips, and have been used consistently over periods ranging from several months to years. Having tested over 30 totes, we’ve stowed them under airplane seats, carried them on trains, and even used them as picnic bags at home.
Throughout our travels, we evaluated the tote bags across key criteria such as capacity, comfort, quality, durability, and organization to ensure they meet the demands of travel, both near and far. We are committed to ongoing testing of these totes and will update this list with new findings as we explore additional bags.
Tips for Buying a Travel Tote Bag for Women
Consider How the Tote Will Be Used
A travel tote bag intended for beach outings will have different requirements compared to one designed for long-haul flights. Thinking about the primary use of your tote will help you prioritize essential features, such as waterproof pockets or RFID-blocking materials. If you plan to carry bulky items like large towels or gear, opting for a tote with extra-large capacity is advisable.
Look for Travel-Friendly Features
While standard canvas tote bags are readily available, they often lack the features that enhance travel convenience and security. If you anticipate being in crowded environments, we recommend choosing totes with zip-top closures for added security. Bags with convertible straps are also exceptionally useful, offering multiple carrying options. We highly value bags with ample pockets for easy access to boarding passes, phones, and passports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tote bag count as a personal item on a plane?
Yes, a tote bag is generally considered a personal item and typically must fit underneath the seat in front of you. However, we always recommend verifying specific size restrictions with your airline to ensure compliance.
What fabric is best for travel tote bags for women?
The ideal fabric for your travel tote bag depends on factors like intended use and personal style preferences. For poolside days, durable canvas or splash-resistant nylon are excellent choices. For business trips, leather offers a sophisticated aesthetic, though it may not be as practical for overhead bin storage.
How to pack a travel tote bag efficiently?
To maximize space in your travel tote bag, roll clothing items to minimize wrinkles and save room. Utilize packing cubes to compartmentalize and compress contents. Place heavier items at the bottom for better weight distribution and keep frequently accessed items in outer pockets for easy reach.
How to clean a travel tote bag?
Cleaning methods vary depending on the material. Canvas and nylon totes can often be machine-washed on a gentle cycle, while leather and suede require specialized cleaning products and care. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions. For spot cleaning, a mild detergent and damp cloth can be effective for most materials.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
As a fashion writer with over a decade of experience and a dedicated personal handbag collection, contributor Ashley Phillips possesses high standards for what constitutes an exceptional tote bag. For this article, she collaborated with T+L editors to share insights from testing each of our top picks, including her personal favorite, the Cuyana System Tote, and others from her wish list. She also conducted extensive research on the features of each bag that enhance the quality of your travels.
The 11 Best Convertible Bags, Tested and Reviewed
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Edited by Jasmine Grant
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Jasmine Grant
Jasmine is a Senior Editor at Travel + Leisure, specializing in luggage and travel accessories. Jasmine brings over ten years of experience as a writer and editor in lifestyle and travel media. In her free time, she’s likely planning her next trip to a Caribbean island.
