I don’t know about you, but when I think of holidays, I always think of traveling. I can’t think of a single time that a holiday came around where I was going to be staying put! Crazy, huh? Because I’m always on the go this time of year (and let’s be honest…most other times of the year, too!), I’ve become a master at packing, downsizing and being able to fit what I need into a carry-on sized bag.
If you’re in the market for a new travel tote, I’ve got my five favorites on tap for you today! All five bags are great and I love them for different reasons — namely their compact size!
The secret is out — I love Sea Bags! I got my first Sea Bag in college and it was perfect for weekend trips, especially in the winter time because of the all-weather recycled sail material. The down side was that it was white and it got dirty pretty easily. I love my newest Sea Bag, the striped rugby tote, because it fits everything I need, doesn’t show dirt and wicks away any weather I may run into! The straps are longer than a normal tote, so I can easily throw it over my shoulder, which is great for running through airport terminals to catch connecting flights…not that I know anything about that 😉
Yes, everyone and their mother has the Vera Bradley Large Duffel — and for good reason! It holds a ton of stuff! I can pack for a week in this duffel and still have room leftover to pick up some goodies to bring home. Because it’s cloth it gets dirty pretty easily, but guess what? Just throw that bad boy in the washing machine! Sometimes I think Vera gets a bad wrap for not being trendy, but this bag has lasted me over four years and it still looks brand new. It gets the thumbs up from me!
Most of the time when I’m traveling, it’s with Dane. Spoiler alert: he doesn’t always want to carry a bright pink or patterned bag around. He will, but it’s not his first pick. When I discovered Duluth Pack through a friend of mine, I knew we needed to add one to our suitcase collection. Duluth Pack’s Small Safari Duffel is everything you need in a travel bag — durability, compartments and a removable strap. The best part is that it easily fits in the overhead compartment of an airplane or comfortably on the front seat floor of your car! I think my favorite part is that I don’t every worry about liquids spilling or exploding on the inside, because the canvas is dark in color and easily washable!
I picked this tote up at the Kate Spade outlet on a total whim for a friend of mine…and then I decided to keep it for myself! Don’t worry, she got a different bag, but I’m so glad I kept this one! I’ve taken it on two trips so far and the only thing I have to complain about is that the handles are too short to put over my shoulder. It withstands lots of cramming (I used it for two computers, two iPads, my DSLR and my purse once…!) and maintains it’s beautiful bucket shape. The bright colors never cease to make me happy and it’s a definite conversation starter whenever I use it!
You can never go wrong with a classic and to me, that’s what the Land’s End Canvas Tote is. This tote is my go-to for weekend trips and overnight stays. Like a true classic, it goes with everything and you can even get it monogrammed or personalized. I love that they come both with and without zippers (your choice!) and in many different sizes and colors. Mine is navy (like I’ve said — a classic), but I really love the khaki color, too!
Did I miss a bag or tote that you swear by? I’m always on the lookout for new styles, so let me know your favorites!
A Weekend In Nags Head, North Carolina
Visiting George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Visiting Lucketts Store in Leesburg, Virginia