Any frequent flyer will know maximising carry-on bag space is a must on a long-haul flight, so swapping out your tiny handbag for a spacious designer tote is a no-brainer.
If you’re living out our dreams of heading on an overseas vacation, packing the essentials, particularly for the flight itself, is of the utmost importance. After all, there’s nothing worse than paying $15 for a lip balm at the airport after realising you left yours at home.
The perfect travel tote is chic, easy to carry (preferably coming with a cross body strap) and has plenty of room for a change of clothes, travel documents, a book and everything in between.
If you’re looking for inspiration, a favourite of the celebrity set when flying, including Sofia Vergara, Jessica Alba, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez is the iconic Dior Book Tote.
But, there are endless options when it comes to finding a designer tote bag for travel, so we’ve narrowed down a few extra favourites (including the aforementioned), below.
Best Designer Tote Bags For Travel
01
Mar Tote Raisin
$1,050 at Staud
Quiet luxury without the ludicrously capacious price tag, this sleek tote with dual metal top and leather strap handle makes practical look oh-so sexy.
Key Features:
- 100% leather
- Burgundy colourway
- 50 x 30.5 x 20 cm
02
Large Book Tote
$5,500 at Dior
An iconic bag silhouette for the brand, Dior’s Book Tote has become the travel companion of choice among the celebrity set. Their new multicolour embroidery with the Dior 4 Saisons Automne Soleil motif by Pietro Ruffo, makes for a truly magical addition to any collection.
Key features:
- 42 x 35 x 18.5 cm
- Floral embroidery
- Top handle design
03
Marla Tote
$455 at Aje
For a designer buy that won’t break the bank but doesn’t sacrifice style you can’t go past this stunning tote from Aje. Generously sized in a softly sculpted shape and complete with statement gold curved handle, it’s a bag you’ll never tire of carrying.
Key features:
- 34 x 22 x 10 cm
- 100% leather
- Organic gold handle
04
Leopard Large Canvas Tote Bag
$195 at Ganni
Thanks to the viral Mob Wife Aesthetic trend on TikTok, leopard print is making a bold comeback, the best looks of which are incorporating the pattern through accessories like this edgy tote from Scandi label, Ganni. As well as looking on-trend, it’s made from a travel-friendly and durable canvas fabric.
Key features:
- Canvas fabrication
- Embroidered Ganni logo
- 40 x 31 x 17 cm
05
The Row Margaux 17
$11,843 at Net-A-Porter
In a somewhat surprising departure from popular miniature styles, The Row’s Margaux has become the it-bag of 2024. Luckily for those in search of a travel-friendly tote, it’s newly minted cult-status will see it double as your everyday handbag (if you can get your hands on one, that is).
Key features:
- 42 x 31 x 23 cm
- Black calf leather
- Lobster clasp at opening
06
Spade Flower Jacquard Denim Manhattan Large Tote
$859 at Kate Spade
Neutral shades always make sense when searching for investment pieces, but black, white and tan can quickly grow tiresome. So, we’re huge fans of the return of denim handbags. A nod to the Y2K resurgence, this denim tote with signature Kate Spade floral pattern is as fun as it is timeless.
Key features:
- Denim with leather trim
- Interior pockets
- 34 x 42 x 18 cm
Are Tote Bags Good For Travel?
The tote is the perfect bag for travel. Spacious enough to carry all your essentials and easy to riffle through while in a mad dash to the airport, the oversized shape of the tote bag lends itself to travel.
It’s not just the transit period where the tote bag shines—once it’s done its duty as your carry-on it makes for the ideal shopper and beach bag while on your trip.
Wanting to find a tote bag at THE ICONIC? You can use an exclusive discount code from here.