The 11 Best Tote Bags for Travelers in 2023 (2023)

A roomy interior and a lightweight build are just a couple of the reasons theL.L Bean Nor'easter Tote Bagtook the top spot on our list. Coming in four color combinations, it also has a water-resistant coating outside and inside the bag, plus crossbody and top-handle straps, too.

We especially love the large zippered opening that makes it easy to access the items stored inside while also keeping them safe on the go. There are smaller interior pockets, a key clip, and an exterior zip pocket for a dose of organization. If you’re looking for something heavy-duty and durable, this bag is definitely worth checking out.

Price at time of publish: $79

Material: Cotton canvas, polyurethane | Dimensions: 16 x 15.5 x 6.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Waterproof: Water-resistant

TheLands' End Natural Open Top Canvas Toteis the perfect pick for a versatile cotton canvas tote. This sturdy bag can handle being stuffed to the brim, whether packed with everything for an afternoon at the beach or even a quick overnight trip. All four sizes feature several interior pockets and a keyring attachment to keep smaller items organized. The standard straps are fairly long (so you can carry it on your forearm or sling it over your shoulder), and there’s another option with extra-long straps, too. These totes can be embroidered with a name, initials, or even a design for personalization, and there’s a wide range of accent colors to pop on the standard cream exterior.

Price at time of publish: $35 for medium

Material: Cotton canvas | Dimensions: 17 x 6 x 13.5 inches for medium | Weight: Not listed | Waterproof: Water-repellent

The gorgeous Business & Pleasure Cooler Tote expertly keeps beverages and snacks cool at the beach, but it also makes a great everyday bag or plane carry-on. Top handles and a shoulder strap provide two comfortable ways to tote it, while soft, pliable fabric makes it ultra lightweight and easy to fold away when not in use.

The Vintage Yellow Stripe version of this bag is actually part of the brand’s Golden Hour collection in collaboration with Basil Hayden, so you know the tote is durable enough to carry everything from a bottle of bourbon to water shoes down to the shore. Two exterior pockets and a spacious main compartment with a waterproof vinyl lining keep all your essentials organized and dry.

Price at time of publish: $99

Material: Cotton, polyester, vinyl, leather | Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 8 inches | Weight: Not listed | Waterproof: Yes

If you’re looking to step up your cotton-tote game, Cuyana's System Toteis for you. Whether using it for daily errands, commuting, or travel, this bag stays stylish the whole time. This bag is made of soft leather and comes in a variety of colors plus two different sizes. Even the smaller size of this fully customizable bag is large enough to fit a 13-inch laptop along with everything else you may want on-the-go, but an attachable laptop sleeve and extra pockets are sold separately and securely snap into place inside the bag.

Price at time of publish: $278 for 13-inch

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 13 x 17.25 x 5 inches | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Waterproof: No

The Mark & Graham x Steele Waterproof Tote comes in a variety of vibrant colors and can be personalized with a full name, initials, or even sports designs from pickleball to skiing. Constructed with sturdy water- and tear-resistant vinyl-coated nylon, sand slips right off the slick material, so it’s a smart choice for outdoor excursions. This bag is handy whether you’re lounging by the pool, grocery shopping, or even doing laundry, as it comes in three sizes with long straps that rest comfortably over the shoulder.

Price at time of publish: $89 for medium

Material: Nylon, vinyl | Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 12 inches for medium | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Waterproof: Yes

The sleek, nylon Away Everywhere Bag is a good pick to keep your laptop and other small electronics protected during flights and daily commutes. There is a padded shoulder strap to keep things comfortable, along with a trolley sleeve for your rolling bag and a padded exterior 15-inch laptop pocket. This water-resistant tote is also full of additional interior and exterior pockets and comes in a range of neutrals from gray to green.

Price at time of publish: $195

Material: Nylon, leather | Dimensions: 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Waterproof: Water-resistant

The super-sleek Dagne Dover Allyn Leather Tote is built with a 13-inch laptop sleeve and plenty of room for books, magazines, or even a change of clothes. The functional pockets keep all your items organized, and we love the built-in cup holder that can even hold a coffee. Use it for travel, work, errands, or nights on the town, but you may want to pre-treat the leather to add some protection, as it can be difficult to remove stains and scratches.

Price at time of publish: $340

Material: Leather, zinc alloy hardware | Dimensions: 12 x 10.5 x 4.75 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Waterproof: No

You won’t have to worry about leaks and weather-related incidents when you’ve got this Orca Waterproof Tote Bag on your arm. The main interior compartment is divided into two sections, which can be particularly useful when transporting wet and dry items, as one side includes a waterproof zippered pocket. The exterior of the bag includes both mesh pockets and a watertight zip pocket, making it a functional bag when carrying electronics, clothes, and other valuables in wet, or potentially wet, environments like on a boat or when camping.

Price at time of publish: $119

Material: Thermoplastic polyurethane | Dimensions: 14.5 x 15 x 8.3 inches | Weight: Not listed | Waterproof: Yes

Béis makesincredible bags, so it’s no surprise that theBéis The Work Totemade it onto our list. It looks sleek but opens up to be spacious with plenty of room for a laptop (in a padded sleeve pocket), along with designed spots for pens, keys, and more. This tote features flat shoulder straps along with a separate, clip-on long strap and a removable zip pouch to grab and go. Choose between neutral colors from smooth beige to a textured cognac croc, and carry it solo, or slip it onto a rolling suitcase for your next trip.

Price at time of publish: $118

Material: Vegan leather, polyester, zinc alloy hardware | Dimensions: 16.75 x 13.5 x 7 inches | Weight: 2.86 pounds | Waterproof: No

If you’re looking for an investment piece, the Chloe Woody Large Logo Canvas Tote Bag immediately stands out. It’s made of a sleek linen canvas with leather detailing that equals a lovely upgrade to a boxy cotton tote. This sturdy, ultra-spacious bag is perfect for carrying everything from laptops and books to clothing and other accessories, especially if you’re looking to catch some eyes at the next event. The lightly padded top handles feature the signature Chloe logo ribbon, and there’s one practical interior flat pocket and a storage dust bag, too.

Price at time of publish: $1,450

Material: Linen canvas, calf leather | Dimensions: 13 x 17.7 x 5.2 inches | Weight: Not listed | Waterproof: No

This versatile bag can be used as a backpack or tote for comfortable travel options wherever your day takes you. It has several interior and exterior pockets to keep important items easily accessible, including a stretch-mesh water bottle pocket that fits all standard bottles. The nylon tote is lightweight and stuffs into its own pocket making this the perfect pick for hikes or day trips before it easily packs back up inside checked or carry-on bags afterwards, too.

Price at time of publish: $99

Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 15.5 x 10.25 x 8 inches | Weight: 13 ounces | Waterproof: No

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are tote bags typically used for?

  Tote bags are versatile and can be carried just about anywhere, from shopping at farmer's markets to a day at the beach. They can be used as travel bags, gym bags, and even purses for everyday use as well.

• Can I use a tote bag as a carry-on?

  Yes, as long as it meets TSA guidelines. Generally, carry-on bags should be less than 22 inches long, less than 14 inches wide, and less than 9 inches high. It’s also possible to use a tote as a personal item on the plane. Either way, check your airline’s exact regulations for overhead bags and underseat sizing as needed.

The 15 Best Crossbody Bags for Travel of 2023