No one in my life travels more than the other fashion editors I know. The desire to explore and be inspired is in their nature, so naturally, they spend a lot of time wandering, hoping to discover their next headline or interviewee. It’s also a fact that no one has better taste in handbags than a fashion editor, so as I planned for my next trip, I got to thinking about what tote bags my favorite co-workers are carrying for their long-haul flights.
Their answers had me with my card out ready to swipe. Although, I’m deeply in love with my own travel tote of choice at this time. What shocked me the most is that this small sampling of editors is visiting over 19 destinations this summer. Just wow. Anyway, their trips wouldn’t be complete without a tote that does it all, so below, find the five styles they’re obsessed with.
During my previous visit to Barcelona, a local warned me against pickpockets, saying even those who are from the region are having phones and wallets stolen, so a zip-up tote bag was a must. I have loved the classic Cuyana tote that I’ve been carrying for over a year now, so I decided to try its zip-up tote and have been quite impressed. It fits absolutely everything I could need for an entire day, and since I’m spending a lot of my current trip commuting in and out of the city, it’s perfect for me.
This summer, I already have eight destinations I plan on visiting (or already visited). Suffice to say, I travel quite a bit, and therefore, I am very picky about my carry-on travel totes. This DeMellier bag is my work/office bag and my go-to travel bag because it looks nice but also fits a ridiculous amount. I love that it has some internal pockets for storing important documents or essentials and that the straps are thick and leather so they don't hurt my shoulder or elbow, no matter how heavy it gets (and it gets *heavy*).
Although most might think that the best type of travel tote errs on the traditional side, I've found that my oversize hobo shoulder bag from Themoirè is 10 times better than other options. What I've come to love about this vegan leather bag is that its structureless shape allows it to be stuffed to the brim with in-flight essentials—e.g., during my last flight to Milan, it held my laptop, a magazine, a book, a water bottle, snacks, my passport, and my travel-size beauty products. Plus, the silhouette lends itself to being an everyday commuter tote long after you've come back from a trip.
This summer, I will be visiting the Hamptons frequently. Since the trips will be quick, my handy-dandy Béis Weekend tote will be coming with me. It fits everything I need for a weekend away—two to three swimsuits, a few dresses, pairs of pajamas, my makeup and skincare bag, hair tools, and five pairs of shoes because, yes, they're all necessary. Trust me—this is the best overnight bag, and there's a good reason it continues to be a best seller.
I don't remember the last trip I took without this Dagne Dover carryall. It's been years. It's the perfect size, has the right number of pockets, and it's sturdy and easy to clean. Why would I ever switch to something else?
Shop more travel essentials:
This fanny pack is carrying me through my current trip.
Having a lightweight minidress like this is a must.
Packing my sunglasses has become so easy ever since I discovered this.
Yes, I travel with my alarm clock.
I often forget hair ties, so adding this in as a note to self.
This comes with me in travel size on every trip.
I also won’t travel without a button-down shirt.
A good read, this is my current book of choice.
An oversize tee for lounging in a hotel is key.
It truly carries it all.
I need more flats I can really walk in.
An overnight flight requires a sleep mask for me, and this one is so freaking soft.
I insist on feeling moisturized on the flight in every which way.
-
Not Black, Not Brown, But 7 Richer Handbag Colors Only Chic People Care AboutStraight from the runway.
-
I Swear By Elegant Outfits—35 Standout Items That Would Fit Right Into My ClosetHere's to a chicer outfit rotation.
-
These 30 Simple Yet Elevated Picks From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Are Giving Major Rich VibesHello, instant confidence boost.
-
These 31 Classic Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds Are the Key to a Rich-Looking Summer WardrobeImagine the chic outfits.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Amazon Prime Day Sale, She'd Instantly Add These 31 Chic Picks to CartEffortless and affordable? Yes, please.
-
Forget the Margaux—*This* The Row Bag Will Be Carried by Fashion People With Cool Taste in 2025And it won't cost you $5000.
-
I'm Bored With My Closet—These 33 Chic Nordstrom Pieces Have the Power to Turn Things AroundEffortless and expensive looking is the vibe.
-
The 5 Brands to Shop for Beach Bags That You'll Love and Keep ForeverTrust me on this one.
