Solved! We’ve Found the Cutest, Most Spacious Travel Tote Bags Out There

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No matter where you’re heading—be it to the gym or a luxury hotel—having the right travel tote bag can make the difference between a seamless journey and a nightmare. Besides maximizing the amount of stuff you can carry and keeping it all in one handy-dandy place, a proper satchel can elevate your look and function as the ultimate statement piece.

But which option is the right one for you? To get you started on your globe-trotting journey we’ve tested several of the best travel tote bags out there, as well as scoured the web for products with glowing reviews and top ratings from actual shoppers. Additionally, we determined key features to look for including laptop sleeves, convenient exterior pockets, and a few machine-washable options that make maintenance a breeze.

To ensure you’re ready for your next getaway, scroll away to see our top tote picks on the market in 2024. Shop on and take off like never before!

Everyday Large Tote

We love this bright and spacious tote, courtesy of July. Made completely out of cotton canvas, the durable bag is machine-washable and there’s a spot for all your on-the-go must-haves. You’ll find a sleeve for your laptop, which holds an up to 16-inch device, and even a holder for your water bottle. There's also a side band that your luggage handles can easily go through.

A July reviewer says: “Highly recommended. Tote fits everything required for travel with plenty of interior pockets. Great way to travel interstate and overseas with NO checked baggage.”

The Everywhere Tote

Leave it to the beloved travel brand Away to create a versatile tote that complements any adventure. It comes in four sleek colors and is designed with durable, water-resistant nylon and a chic leather strap. You can personalize it, too, and know that if you bundle your tote purchase with a suitcase, you can snag $50 off.

Compact Weekender

This elegant Carl Friedrik bag is the epitome of luxury as it consists of premium quality leather and high-end, custom nickel-silver-finished hardware. It's just the right size for small necessities, a change, of clothes, and a pair of shoes making it ideal for the gym or quick trips.

A Carl Friedrik reviewer says: "I use it as my daily driver. I keep gym clothes, additional layer and shoes along side my MacBook Pro and e-reader. However, there isn't a laptop compartment. The bag usually has about 4-6 kg of weight in it and feels sturdy; and is good to wear with smart and a smart casual look."

Classic Italian Leather Tote

A leather tote for under $100? Now that's a steal. Quince is known for delivering quality essentials at affordable prices. The bag can carry up to a 13-inch laptop with a separate pocket for your phone. You'll be able to take it from the airport to sightseeing in no time!

A Quince reviewer says: “I really love this bag. It’s soft, fashionable, looks luxe and is sturdy. The straps are comfortable and there’s plenty of pockets inside. There’s also a keychain strap so I don’t lose keys in the black hole of a bigger purse.”

The Weekender

Introducing the travel carry-on of your dreams. The Arlo Skye weekender is a lot roomier than it seems as it can fit an array of outfits, a pair of shoes, a water bottle, a laptop, an iPad, and other travel accessories. As an added bonus, it's water-resistant and boasts a two-year warranty.

An Arlo Skye reviewer says: “Pockets in all the right places. Great for a ‘personal item’ to supplement your carry on roller suitcase.”

Wade Diaper Tote

Moms can't get enough of Dagne Dover’s diaper tote. There’s a spot for everything a child (or two) could ever need. Each purchase also includes a mini changing mat and extra storage pouches. It can even clip onto a stroller and there’s a game-changing zipper opening for wipes, so you no longer have to dig around to find some.

A Dagne Dover reviewer says: “I’m not a fan of bookbag diaper bags because I have to search through them to find what I need. This bag is perfect to find things and I can keep it organized. It has enough room for everything for my 3 and 1 year old. I would highly recommend!”

Duck Bag

Calling all snack fiends or anyone with kids who are prone to spills, the Duck Bag is the solution you’re looking for. It's a good-sized bag that’s machine-washable, so you can simply pop it into your machine if anything happens to it.

A Baggu reviewer says: “This is not as flimsy as a regular tote bag. It’s a good quality tote bag... Very spacious and can carry a lot.”

Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag

You can't go wrong with a Lululemon tote bag. It's a classic silhouette made for any outing with plenty of exterior pocket storage, so you can have quick access to anything from a passport to a water bottle.

A Lululemon reviewer says: “I purchased this for my new job at a hospital. I tend to carry a lot of stuff and this bag couldn’t be more perfect. Lightweight but sturdy and stylish.”

Le Pliage Original Large Tote

On the hunt for something that can hold a lot, but won't take up much space when you're traveling? Enter: Longchamp's Le Pliage tote. It weighs less than a pound and can be folded into the size of a paperback book in a flash.

An editor's review: “I've been carrying my laptop around in this tote since college. Since then, it has made it with me to several countries because of its lightweight structure and it doesn't hurt that it pairs well with any outfit.”

Never Still Tote Large Bag

For a timeless buy, go with the Never Still Tote. It can slide right onto a carry-on suitcase, thanks to its unique strap embroidered with Rimowa’s Cologne, Germany coordinates. You can rest easy knowing that it has a two-year warranty and has been created with top-notch canvas and leather.

An editor's review: “I grabbed this bag in yellow to match my carry-on suitcase and it basically doubles the amount of storage I have when I travel. The spacious tote also has a separate interior pocket for my laptop and then, I use the rest of the space to house my skincare routine, toothbrush, change of clothes, and more during a flight.”

Classic Easy Tote

Next up is a buttery, soft tote with space for a laptop as big as 16 inches. The bag is available in a range of colors including new hues like Biscuit, Sage, and Terracotta, and also comes in three different sizes. You can keep it casual for vacation, but most shoppers love dressing it up for the office. To keep all your work stuff organized, grab the useful tote insert starting at $98.

A Cuyana reviewer says: “Absolutely perfect bag for everyday, for work, and for weekends. It holds EVERYTHING!”

The Reversible Summer Tote

Rothy's has a reversible, rope tote made from an eco-friendly hemp blend that couldn't be a better fit for a day at the beach. It could also work as a night bag when you head back out after the sun goes down. The best part? This tote is machine-washable, but just make sure you let it air dry.

The Work Tote

It's no secret that BÉIS is leading the charge in luggage innovation and this work tote is proof. As soon as you open up the bag, you'll see that there's a place for everything and given the headache of traveling, you'll breathe a sigh of relief when your stuff is organized.

An editor's review: “When I'm out and about, I'm usually searching for my Airpods, a pen, my water bottle, or my keys. This work tote has cut out the stress of feeling like I've misplaced something because there's a pocket for my water bottle, a leash for my keys, and a removable pouch where I keep all my small must-haves.”

Boat and Tote, Zip-Top (Medium)

Nothing beats L.L. Bean's canvas tote. It started as a bag to haul ice and over the years, it has been tested and the brand has found that it can carry up to 500 pounds. In short, it can handle anything.

An L.L. Bean reviewer says: “I’ve been buying these bags since middle school in the late 70s/early 80s and they’ve always exceeded any other brand’s bags. I’m just glad they finally added a zip top years ago...”

Sporty Spice Pickleball Bag

Impress your pickleball group with this tote that can carry it all. You can even remove the paddle cover portion and use it as a casual travel or day-to-day bag. Our only advice? Act fast as it looks like there are only a few left in each color.

An editor's review: “Pickleball paddle covers are everywhere, but it took me a while to find a sturdy bag to house my paddle and other essentials. Think Rolyn's Sporty Spice is spacious, stylish, and works well as a carry-on and a gym bag.”

The Canvas Small Tote Bag

This Marc Jacobs tote’s both stylish and on sale for a limited time. It's available in an endless amount of colors and the zip closure up top ensures that it will keep all your small items you pack in place.

An editor's review: “My best friend gave this to me as a maid of honor present and I've been obsessed ever since. It's eye-catching, adorable, and thanks to its small size, I've become much more intentional with what I bring with me. I highly recommend it to adventurers who are trying to pack lighter.”

Why Trust Us?

For more than three decades, ELLE DECOR has covered stylemakers, trendsetting interiors, and must-have home furnishings. With a focus on the latest design trends and ideas about how to incorporate them into improving your own space, we’re your go-to resource for elevating and beautifying your home. Our team of editors and interior design pros research and review every new article we publish to ensure you have the most up-to-date, expert-approved information.

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