best travel purse for beach vacation

The 12 Best Beach Bags of 2024

Pack up for your day out on the sand

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Tripsavvy / Chloe Jeong

To prep for a day at the seaside that delivers on the promise of big fun, make sure you have a beach bag that holds your stuff comfortably, tidily, and with style. Everyone’s ideal beach bag will look different. If you’re heading to the beach for a day of solo relaxation, you’ll want a solution that’s streamlined, secure, lightweight, and polished enough to be versatile. If you've got family in tow (whether you're heading straight for the sand or taking a dip in the pool first), you’ll need something large, well-organized, durable, and easily cleaned.

To find the best options for every scenario, we researched and evaluated bags based on size, fabric, pockets, and handles.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, dejaroo mesh beach bag.

Solid organization

The sides aren't structured

Suppose you come to the beach fully prepared for anything and need maximum space for all your gear. In that case, the Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag has a whopping eight pockets: seven external pockets for smaller belongings like electronics, sunblock, and flip-flops, and one interior pocket. There's also a zippered section inside for keys so they don't get buried. 

There's nothing exceptionally creative about the design, but our tester found the bag more convenient for travel than a bulky canvas beach bag. She could fit several towels, extra shoes, large water bottles, and even a big camera or lunchbox in the bag. The woven mesh material is ideal for shaking sand out; however, this also means the bag isn't waterproof, and our tester noted it might not hold up well to keys, a wine opener, or other sharp objects. On the first use of the bag, we noticed fraying on the stitching around the handles, which are double-layered on top to create extra shoulder padding; however, it's held up well since then despite packing it into overstuffed suitcases several times. 

Size: 16.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | Waterproof: No | Closure: Zipper

TripSavvy / Suzie Dundas

Best Budget

Cruise on collapsible travel tote bag.

Compact when folded down

Easy to use and carry

Big enough for large items

Keep your space clutter-free with a collapsible tote bag. The Cruise On Collapsible Tote Bag reduces to pocket size for easy travel, then expands to fit many items. Made from premium nylon for durability and easy machine washing, the bag is also waterproof, making it ideal for long days at the beach. Not to mention, the long straps make the bag lightweight and comfortable for use, so you can enjoy whatever environment you're in without adding stress to your shoulders. One downside of this tote bag is that it does not include a closure to secure your belongings, but your favorite sunglasses won't complain about the extra space.

Size: 16 x 4 x 24 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Closure: None

Best Sand-Proof

Cgear sand-free tote bag.

Lightweight

Packs up well

Sturdily constructed

Only comes in one color

Could use more compartments

After a relaxing day at the right beach , it's frustrating to come home and realize you've brought a whole bunch of sand with you. A sand-proof beach bag can help minimize the mess, both in your house and in your car. The CGear Sand-Free Tote differs from other beach bags because it's made from a patented double-layer mesh weave that allows sand to sift right through. Even if you throw in sand-covered shoes or beach toys, all that grit should fall out of the bottom of the bag the minute you pick it up.

This beach tote is made from water-resistant PVC with reinforced seams for added durability. To clean it, rinse it with water. And it's roomy enough to hold towels and toys alike. The bag has one smaller interior pocket for valuables and comes in an eye-catching blue plaid that'll be easy to spot on the beach. And, as our product tester noted, "it lies entirely flat when empty, so it's very easy to pack and store."

Unfortunately, the CGear bag doesn't totally live up to its sand-free promise due to its lack of zipper closure, allowing sand to enter from the top. Our tester plopped the bag in the sand upon arriving at the beach, and no sand got in from the bottom or the sides throughout the day. However, when a young boy ran by with a soccer ball, he kicked a big cloud of sand directly into the bag. Although it isn't fully sand-free, our tester felt it's still worth buying. 

Size: 17 x 7.5 x 15 inches | Waterproof: Resistant | Closure: None

TripSavvy / Sage McHugh

Best Splurge

Yeti camino carryall.

Multiple color options

Spacious yet easy to carry

Just as tough as their famous coolers, this rugged bag from Yeti is for serious beachgoers and boaters. It's waterproof, super durable, puncture- and abrasion-resistant, and easy to clean. A huge opening and zipped pockets with a molded base keep the bag upright and protect it from water seeping in. Some unique features in this tote are the crossbar handles across each strap for another method of carrying the bag and the hitch point grid that can be used to attach outdoor gear or your favorite beach accessories. It is available in five different colors.

"The straps aren't too long or too short—plus, I love that I can carry it with the big handles and throw it over my shoulder or pinch the parallel bars right above the lip to carry at my side," says our senior commerce editor. "It'll hold everything you need for an excursion to the beach or all the food you need for a day trip—and then some. I also use this bag for my daily grocery run since it keeps things relatively cold, and as I said, you can pack a lot (think a week's worth of groceries, plus some!)."

Size: 18 x 14 x 9 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Closure: None

Best Multipurpose

L.l.bean everyday lightweight tote.

Global LL Bean

Attractive design

Durable, but lightweight

Unstructured

Straps are a little short

For a multi-functional bag that’s great at the beach and for day-to-day use, the Everyday Lightweight Tote by L.L.Bean is an excellent option at a reasonable price. Available in three sizes—medium, large, and extra large—the bag is big enough for beach gear without being bulky, so go ahead and throw in that beach blanket. With several great colors to choose from, including burgundy, navy blue, and sunflower with contrasting stitching, it’s an easy choice for men and women. For storage, there’s a front pocket for quick grab-and-go items, and the interior has a zipped pocket with a key clip. The well-built beach bag has a zipped top, reinforced handles, and a double-layered bottom.

Size: 12 x 6 x 13 inches (M), 15 x 7.5 x 17 inches (L), 17.75 x 7.5 x 18.5 inches (XL) | Waterproof: Yes | Closure: Zipper

OdyseaCo Oahu Mesh Tote Bag

Oversized capacity

Internal organizational features

Material gets hot in the sun

This extra-large mesh bag has enough space to carry everything you need to the beach. Despite its large size, the mesh material folds up so it can easily fit into your suitcase when traveling. An internal carabiner and zippered waterproof pocket keep keys, phones, and jewelry secure. Plus, the mesh material dries quickly and allows air to flow throughout the bag, so your damp towels won't stink after a long day at the beach. However, our product tester thinks "the best feature of the Oahu Mesh Beach Bag is its sturdiness."

When we took this bag to the beach, we were able to shake out excess sand before bringing it back to the car and then the house—eliminating sand lingering on the floor for days. This is also the type of product that can go far beyond beach season and become a staple to keep in your trunk. We found it was large and durable enough for taking clothes to and from the laundromat, going grocery shopping or camping, or even lugging around sports equipment. The reinforced handles and stitching showed no signs of wear and tear after testing.

Size: 18 x 29 inches | Waterproof: No | Closure: None

TripSavvy / Brie Dyas

Best Insulated

Hydro flask 20l insulated tote.

Long-lasting material

Also comes in 35 and 8 liters

Easy maintenance

Hydro Flask's Insulated Tote is your solution to transporting food stress-free. This bag is made from durable polyester fabric and provides lightweight insulation for up to four hours—perfect for those extra-long days at the beach. Its zippers are water-resistant, and the bag's exterior is waterproof to keep moisture out and your contents dry. The collapsible design feature is ideal for travel and quick storage, while the fully lined, welded interior makes for easy cleaning. It's also great for grocery store runs, camping trips, and picnic dates and is available in six shades, including vibrant magenta, gulf blue, and a classic black.

Size: 23 x 14.5 x 5.5 inches | Waterproof: No | Closure: Snap

Best Canvas Bag

Lands’ end natural open top canvas tote bag.

Can be personalized

Comes in multiple handle lengths

Colors will get dirty quickly

Lands' End's quintessential beach bag is ideal for families and is a beloved bestseller. It's made from ultra-durable 24-ounce cotton canvas and has reinforced handles to support a heavy load. It also has a water-resistant base and trims for protection and inside pockets for organization. With size options ranging from small to extra large and with seven color choices, there's a version to suit every kind of traveler. Add a personal monogram or family name and make it your own.

Size: 13 x 5.5 x 9 inches (S), 17 x 6 x 13.5 inches (M), 22.5 x 9.5 x 17 inches (L), 26 x 10.3 x 17.5 inches (XL) | Waterproof: Resistant base | Closure: Zipper or none

Best Oversized

Lucazzi extra large utility tote bag.

Easy to carry

Doesn't zip

It may remind you of something you’d take to the grocery store or laundromat, but these oversized bags are also great to bring to the beach. At 22.75 x 10.25 x 11.75 inches, this tote is large enough to stow away towels, sunscreen, and the kids’ beach toys all in one, but it also easily collapses for you to travel with. The fabric is made from polyester, and the structure is secured with a metal wire frame and velcro straps, so the bag feels durable yet still lightweight when carrying all these items. Plus, it comes in many playful patterns. 

Size: 22.75 x 10.25 x 11.75 inches | Waterproof: No | Closure: None

Best Design

Shylero beach & pool bag.

Fun color options

Extra features

No hard bottom

The Shylero bag works well as a beach bag because it's made of durable, easily washable waterproof fabric and has an interior PVC case that's water-, dust-, and sand-proof to store phones or other valuables. In addition to being convenient, the 17 x 15 x 6-inch bag is super spacious. We also love the range of colors the beach bag comes in, its beachy rope straps, and the built-in key holder and bottle opener.

Size: 17 x 15 x 6 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Closure: Zipper or magnet

Best Backpack

Venture pal lightweight hiking backpack.

Tons of color options

Functional internal storage

Backpacks are a great way to bring towels and food to the beach because they free your hands for carrying extra essentials like a beach umbrella or folding chairs. The Venture Pal Lightweight Hiking Backpack is our favorite option in this category. The pack features a waterproof pocket within the main compartment, perfect for separating wet swimsuits from other items.

The outside is made of durable material with heavy-duty zippers, so it won't fall apart after your first outing. There are also many pockets suitable for storing car keys, sunglasses, or other small items. It measures 9 x 6.5 x 2 inches and has comfortable shoulder straps. Reviewers love how large the bag is: Many reported it could hold towels, shoes, goggles, and snorkeling gear with room to spare.

Size: 9 x 6.5 x 2 inches | Waterproof: No | Closure: Zipper

Best for Kids

Tagitary beach toy mesh beach bag.

Cost-effective

Bold and neutral colorways

Filters out sand

More for beach play than true storage

Young kids and teens will love having their own beach bag to tote around a seashell collection, beach toys, and other beach day essentials. This pack of three is super affordable and offers a range of colors to fit the preferences of everyone, even yourself. The teen size is a bit larger (to fit teen-sized items) and the adjustable strap lets them wear it over the shoulder or crossbody. Though marketed toward young people, the design shows specific touches—like an expandable base, tough, breathable mesh body, and zippered closure—that we'd expect in a bag built for adults. This could easily be used for picnics, pools, and even theme parks

Size: 9.4 x 7.9 x 2.7 inches (kids), 12.4 x 10 x 3.9 (teens) | Waterproof: No | Closure: Zipper

The Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag is our favorite pick because of how large it is, holding all the beach-going essentials, and its ability to pack down small for travel. We like Cruise On's Collapsible Travel Tote Bag for a solid budget pick.

What to Look For in a Beach Bag

Whether you’re looking to bring just a book and a towel or gear for the whole family, you’ll want a bag to haul everything on your packing list . The ideal beach bag depends on your plan and how many people you are accommodating. If you have to hike to the beach or make several other stops that day, go for a smaller backpack or tote that can fit the essentials without weighing you down while providing more versatility. For a larger family and friends affair, look for oversized models with room for all your creature comforts.

The most traditional beach bag material, canvas, is durable and offers a classic aesthetic. If you need a waterproof bag, look for one made of nylon or polyester. Other materials offer additional benefits, such as sand-sifting mesh. Pay attention to the handles as well—braided ones look great but might bite your shoulders or hands if you’re hauling your bag for a long time, while flat cloth or canvas handles are durable and comfortable.

Pockets are a valuable feature in a beach bag. External pockets can hold liquid containers upright and compartmentalize wet and sandy items. Inside pockets can help hide and secure your valuables while keeping them accessible, so you can easily grab your car keys or phone when your hands are full. For added security, consider pockets that zip or at least snap closed.

Some of the most stylish beach bags are carried by hand. However, these aren’t always the most practical, as they prevent at least one hand from carrying other items. If you’re traveling with kids—or clutching an iced coffee or your smartphone—you’ll probably want a tote with shoulder or crossbody straps, or a backpack.

You might be attracted to a mesh bag for its sand-filtering properties, which keep it cleaner in the first place. Many beach bags can be thrown in the washing machine; others should be spot-cleaned using a damp cloth and soap to rub out any stains. More delicate bags should be air-dried. When in doubt, consult the care label or visit the brand's website.

Pack your bag with the essentials: a bottle of sunscreen , sunglasses, water, snacks, a towel, a beach hat, and dry clothes. Stash a plastic bag to keep any wet gear separated. Use your inside pockets to tuck away your keys and phone, but ideally, you’ll bring as few valuables out on the sand as possible to mitigate the risk of theft and increase your peace of mind when you're in the water.

If you’re planning to pack your beach bag in your luggage, look for one that's super light and easily foldable or able to be packed flat, such as a cotton mesh bag. Avoid bulky, rigid bags with lots of structure. Beach bags with a shoulder strap or crossbody option keep your hands free for taking pictures or consulting a map on your adventures.

The author of this article, Amber Nolan , is a travel writer located in Key West with over 10 years of experience in the travel industry. Her work has been published in USA Today, Jetsetter, Cruise Critic, Frommers, and several other travel publications. She is currently covering tourism for the local Key West newspaper, the Blue Paper. In addition to her research, we also sent several of the products to testers for their feedback. 

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16 Best Beach Bags for Women: Totes, Backpacks, Crossbody Styles

Beach , Best Suitcases , FASHION , Handbags , Travel Accessories

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Are you planning on traveling carry-on only for your next sunny beach or poolside vacation? You can grab one of the cute beach bags and totes for the season that are lightweight and packable!

Best Beach Bag and Beach Bag Tote Styles

Table of contents.

A warm-weather destination is a great place to travel carry-on only, but it helps if you choose the best travel beach bag or tote to go along with your swimwear.

Packable beach bags are perfect for stuffing in your carry-on and taking out later for your excursions. When choosing one, keep in mind the type of travel you’re doing. Sometimes it’s better to go for a backpack-style or a crossbody choice depending on your activities and the destination. 

And, as a bonus, you can use these to hold your daily essentials, for shopping, and to bring back extra souvenirs, too! 

With that in mind, check out these cute beach totes , crossbody styles, and backpack options to add to your travel capsule wardrobe , so you can save space, pack light, and still look fab seaside or poolside! 

Best Beach Tote Bags

Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote | Also: Amazon

Top Readers’ Pick: Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Beach Bag

Aim for versatile large beach tote bags that can double as a personal carry-on item, such as the Longchamp’s Le Pliage , which has a well-deserved spot in the “best” category. And it’s not without reason!

The Le Pliage is incredibly stylish but low maintenance and durable. It’s water-resistant and foldable with a snap tab if you want to store it before or after use. And it’s versatile enough to accompany you on your Mediterranean cruise and then have it at your side in Europe’s chic streets. 

With plenty of space to organize your belongings, it has plenty of colors to choose from and is durable on top of a dedicated smartphone pocket. We can see why this is rated best packable beach bag by readers!  

Is Longchamp the best travel handbags? Read this post for our review of these popular totes!

J. Crew Woven Straw Market Tote

J. Crew Woven Straw Beach Bag

If you want stylish beach bags , look no further than J.Crew, a veritable reader favorite! 

This reliable brand’s elegant woven straw handbags have a wide opening and roomy interior to fit anything from a beach towel and flip flops to finds at a local seaside market. 

A classic-looking accessory for a sunny vacation, this J crew beach bag comes in two shades, this cute basic pictured and a black stripe one that’s equally cute!

Banana Republic Paper Beach Straw Bag

Banana Republic Paper Black Straw Tote Beach Bag

This straw tote bag is the perfect summer accessory. It’s stylish, spacious, and it goes with everything. The vegan leather handle adds a touch of sophistication, while the paper straw body is casual and fun.

This bag is perfect for a day at the beach, a picnic in the park, or even just running errands.

Vera Bradley Recycled Lighten Up ReActive Bag

Vera Bradley Recycled Lighten Up ReActive Large Beach Bag

This printed large tote is described as lightweight and versatile by many reviewers. Made from recycled bottles, the fabric is water-repellent, and there’s a handy drawstring to keep things secure, but you can still peek in to grab something small. 

Super roomy with a mesh closure that catches sand, and all you need to do is shake it a bit, and there are enough pockets (one zip; one slip) to store things like lip balm, cash, or a room key. This pretty Vera Bradley beach bag comes in a ton of summer colors too!

The Sak Casual Classics Large Tote

The Sak Casual Classics Crocheted Beach Bag

Talk about adorable! This crochet crochet beach bag is made by hand and is vegan (PETA-Approved), but it’s also well designed so you can organize your things easily for a pool or beach day. There are multi-pockets on the front wall, a zippered back pocket, and a center pocket. 

This woven beach bag works for a day outdoors or as a regular purse and carry-on item. It comes in another cute color with pink and gray shades—choose either to take the summer by storm!

Tumi Voyageur Just In Case® Packable Nylon Tote

Tumi Voyageur Just In Case® Packable Nylon Zipper Beach Bags

If you want some chic and cool beach bags , look no further than Tumi Voyageur. This brand is TFG reader-approved and makes high-quality products to take anywhere!   

This nylon packable beach tote folds up into its own traveling pouch that can easily slip inside a carry-on compartment. It has a durable two-way zip-up and plenty of space to put sunglasses , sunscreen , hat , and beach towel . The stylish carrying handles and range of colors you can choose from make this a smart way to travel light!

Find out what our readers have to say about their Tumi Bags in our review !

ALOHA Collection Day Tripper Tote

ALOHA Collection Day Tripper Extra Large Beach Bag

Touted as one of the best zippered beach bags, ALOHA is a California-based brand that knows the rigors we beach-goers put our accessories through!

This big beach bag has a full zipper top that’s expandable for even more space while you’re traveling, shopping, or hitting the seaside on a sunny day. It has an interior pocket that can hold small essentials like your phone or sunglasses and an outside zipper pocket. Users say this is a great personal item to carry on the plane because of the organizational design, storage space, and sturdiness.

The biggest bonus? It’s designed with a technical fabric to repel splashes, spills, and a little rain shower. Be forewarned the bag is not waterproof, so it’s not a good idea to plunge into water with belongings inside as the zippers aren’t sealed. This comes in a variety of feminine, tropical-inspired prints!

Dejaroo Mesh Bag For Beach Toys /Essentials

Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag

M esh beach bags like the ones by Dejaroo are great for a casual, fun day at the beach with kids in tow. This large tote has multiple pockets to put in anything from flip flops to sunscreen and towels.

This also dries quickly, and any sand or debris just falls through the mesh. There are long comfy straps so easy to carry, and when done using, just fold it up and pack it away. And if you want to bring toys, this is a perfect boy and girl beach bag to carry sand toys too!

Madewell The Open-Crochet Packable Straw Beach Tote Bag

Madewell Boho Straw Beach Bags

This summer straw handbags by Madewell gets a summertime makeover in airy natural straw. It’s lightweight, medium-sized, and one user reports how much this tote can fit!

User says, “This bag is perfect for summer: on the beach or out for dinner. I purchased this bag for a vacation because it is “packable”- easy to fold into luggage. The bag is roomy and has a pocket for smaller items. I wish it had a snap or other type of closure, but overall I’m happy with my purchase!”

LL Bean Beach Bag – Boat and Tote

L.L.Bean Beach Bags – Boat and Tote

The L.L.Bean beach bag is super popular for water activities in general! Whether you’re going boating or pulling up a chair dug into the sand, you can rely on this made in Maine staple. It’s durable and comes in several classic colors.

This beach tote with zipper is made of a sturdy cotton canvas, has handles that can hold up to 500 lb, and has a reinforced bottom to hold all your swimming gear. You can grab this in small, medium, large, and extra-large and choose short vs. long handles. And bonus, you can even personalize it with a monogram!

Tory Burch Ella Recycled Nylon Tote

Tory Burch Beach Bag – Ella Recycled Nylon Tote

The designer beach bag by Tory Burch has a high fashion look that’s still practical, with an easy magnetic closure and interior and wall pocket for storage. You can pair this zippered beach tote with an evening dress just as well as a swimsuit.

This bag is one of the best beach bags and totes because of its easy, packable design and an alluring classic silhouette. You won’t have to sacrifice style for space with this bag! (Learn to Pack Light Stylishly with this guide!)

It’s the best of both worlds for style-conscious travelers who need a refined, fashionable classic beach bag . With its glossy handles and accents, this bag is perfect for your next beachy Hawaiian getaway!

Best Across Body Beach Bag

KAVU Rope Sling Crossbody Bag

KAVU Rope Sling Crossbody Zip Beach Bag  

Perfect for adventurers who want something great for organization but roomy enough to pack a day’s worth of beach exploration, this boho beach bag with pockets is a hands-free crossbody style that has just that, tons of pockets! There are two main compartments to pack more oversized items like a water bottle or a change of clothes, with an inside zip pocket, while two front pockets hold smaller items like your phone or sunscreen. 

The buckles are well made, and so is the rope sling strap. Overall, it’s a sturdy, well-made summer accessory that’s uber cute! You can grab this in SO many different designs; you’ll indeed find one that suits your style!

Lily Queen Tote and Crossbody/Shoulder Bag

Lily Queen Canvas Beach Tote and Crossbody/Shoulder Style

These duck canvas beach tote bags are stylish and have plenty of room for a sun hat, flip flops, a towel, and sunscreen, and more!

They’re very sturdy, easy to wash, and super soft! The versatility is what’s super special about this classic summer beach bag, as you can wear it crossbody but also over the shoulder or carry it by the top handles. It’s available in several muted, soft colors that we love!

Bydenwely Rope Handle Tote Bag

Bydenwely Rope Handle Beach Bag

The best vacation bags should be versatile and usable in many scenarios, including beach or pool outings, all the way to sightseeing. Users think this classically striped beach bag fits that definition! 

You can choose the size you want, either small to medium, and the rope handles are adjustable and coated with leather for durability. The closure is fuss-free too! It’s magnetic, so no big struggle with zippers or snaps. There’s also an internal zippered pocket to store things away from plain sight, like cash or a phone.

Best Beach Bag Backpack

Speedo Unisex Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Equipment Bag

Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Equipment Bag

If you’re into watersports rather than being a beach lounger having this quick drying backpack from Speedo might fit with your activities. It has an open mesh weave, so it’s sturdy, and the shoulder straps are adjustable.

You can use it to store everything from fins to snorkeling gear, along with your beach basics. You can grab this in a bunch of fun prints (or colors) like the one pictured above!

WANDF Drawstring Backpack String Bag 

WANDF Water Resistant Backpack

If you want sturdy water-resistant beach bags, this nylon backpack is durable and has excellent organizational compartments too. With a front pocket, three interior pockets, and a hidden back pocket, you can store immediate essentials and anything you want to hide, such as a phone or wallet. 

The capacity is large, fitting all beach gear easily, and you can adjust the straps and use the drawstring closure to seal your belongings more. This comes in other colors and prints that will make beach time fun and carefree!

Fun Beach Bags and Totes Comparison Chart

The best beach bags and totes are packable, versatile styles. Take all your vacation essentials all in one roomy tote that won’t cramp your style.

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”92″ class=”center-table-align”]

Compass Rose Travel Packing Cubes

How to Organize Beach Bags and Travel Totes

The best beach totes and vacation bags can be used for your personal carry-on item and excursions. And one way to organize your items both on and off the plane is by using packing cubes . If you’re curious about how to use packing cubes, watch the video below.

Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!

I put together a five-part YouTube series showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use this specific packing strategy, they also can compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

A packable beach bag can be stowed on top of, alongside, or even between packing cubes in your carry-on luggage. Or you can use your bag as a carry-on item itself and use packing cubes to organize small essentials, on or off the plane. Check out this post to see how others have used them to keep organized!

What are your favorite beach bags and totes? Share in the comments!

To complete your summer beach look, please read:

• Best Swimsuits for Women: Stylish and Fun Summer Picks
• Versatile Beach Dresses
• Best Swimsuit Coverups
• Cute and Comfortable Beach Sandals

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12 comments.

Love the look of the dejaroo mesh bag – thanks!

Doing carryon so not able to fit my usual beach bag, need options, good choices to check out, thanks!

I love the info I got on TFG planning my last trip, so I knew right where to go to plan our Cancun vacation. Off to shop for a new beach bag and then coming back to find a coverup!

I tried to enter the contest last night unsuccessfully. so this is really a test. I love your advice. Found you last year on a trip to Greece for a wedding. (Sadly, my husbands last before he passed) I needed a packing list and there you were! I love your fresh style, practical with some whimsy. Always on trend. I’m happy for your success, congratulate you on making it happen. It’s inspiring to me as I feel I’m starting over (at 61). All the best to you and your family.

Soooooo, the beach bag has morphed into the ‘it’ bag. Like a statement only more relaxed and I’m loving the new styles. Beautiful!!! I went to Greece last summer and discovered this site. I am a subscriber and am happy. You have evolved as well. Congrats on the birth of your daughter and I’m looking forward to many new adventures. I lost my hubby last october. I discovered your site while looking up “what to pack for Greece”. All the best to you and your family.

My husband just surprised me with a trip to Turks & Caicos. First plane trip since 2019! I am planning on going carry on only and TFG has been a big help.

You might also like our hand-embroidered, ecofriendly totes. They roll down to the size of a coffee cup, and are one of my travel and everyday staples 🙂

They’re lovely!

I carry Envirosax – these nylon bags rolls and fold into almost nothing, but work great as beach bags, shopping bags, laundry bags, extra luggage bags……….and they come in all sorts of colors and patterns. I have three that are about 5 yrs old – easy to wash and dry, and they tuck into my backpack until needed. Love them!

Great addition!

Love Maison Scotch’s Mint Tote–it has a great soft print I adore! Baggu’s Nylon Tote is also great to have on hand, because you never know when you’ll need an emergency extra. A few companies bags I’ve been eyeing are Mar Y Sol. They have great straw beach totes! Mercado Global is another great option and has woven bags with great patterns.

I use the Longchamp’s Le Pliage Large for both the beach and also somethings we I travel. It’s my favorite tote bag.

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The Best Beach Bags to Stylishly Tote Your Vacation Essentials

And by “essentials,” we mean books.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Our Top Picks

Best Neoprene Bag

Qogir neoprene multipurpose beach bag.

Best Waterproof Beach Tote

Steele canvas basket corp waterproof beach tote.

Best Family-Size Beach Tote

Scout four boys extra-large beach bag.

Best Canvas Beach Tote

L.l. bean open-top boat and tote bag.

Best Metallic Beach Tote

Andre assous atlas natural platino raffia tote bag.

Best Printed Beach Tote

Ubuntu life cotton oversize tote bag.

Best Customizable Beach Tote

Mark & graham ribbon straw beach tote.

Best Affordable Bag

Brouk & co capri everyday stripe tote.

Best Canvas Tote

Paravel cabana tote.

Best Insulated Bag

The sak ellen crocheted insulated tote.

Though they may seem basic, the best beach totes actually offer so much more than a simple everyday bag. They can feature extra pockets for moms hauling SPF for the kids , insulated interiors to keep your drinks cold, or allover-mesh designs to help let sand drain out.

From timeless straw totes to canvas carryalls, the best beach bags come in an array of designs for every style and price point. There are clever expandable and compact options you can pack flat in your suitcase or car after a trip. And when the sunny season fades away, many of these functional styles work just as well for running errands or as weekender or carry-on . Here are 19 of our favorite beach bags to tote your stuff in style.

Sporty, quick-drying neoprene makes this expandable tote an ideal beach option. It’s also incredibly versatile: You can style it three ways to make the bag larger or more compact, thanks to the adjustable straps.

Material: Neoprene and polyester | Size: 14 x 12.5 x 10 inches

If you have a large haul, try this durable nylon tote, which can withstand wear and tear. Its boxy bottom helps the bag stand upright, so you can easily load and unload your beach essentials.

Material: Vinyl-coated nylon | Size: 17 x 17 x 7 inches

Besides the fact that this bag is huge and has a zipper top, this nautical carryall makes our list because it's entirely water-resistant and features a "burst-proof" bottom.

Material: All-weather woven polyester | Size: 24 x 19 x 12 inches

Nothing says classic Americana summer like the iconic L.L. Bean boat tote, which is available in four sizes. Handmade from heavy-duty canvas, these were meant for lugging. Add a monogram or cheeky saying to make it uniquely yours.

Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 17 x 19 x 10 inches

Surprised to see Andre Assous in this list of bags? The Atlas raffia tote is one of the select styles part of the beloved footwear brand's inaugural handbag collection launch. The shimmering gold trim looks just as pretty on a sun-kissed shoulder as it does sparkling on your beach towel on the sand.

Material: Straw raffia | Size: 20 x 12 inches

This eye-catching canvas tote is sure to make a statement during your next beach day. It boasts a hand-screen-printed pattern inspired by Kuba cloth, a graphic textile native to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, it has sturdy leather handles for easy transport.

Material: Canvas, cotton, and leather | Size: 19 x 14 x 7 inches

Mark & Graham Ribbon Straw Beach Tote

Not only do you have a wide assortment of colored ribbons to choose from, but you can also get these sweet straw totes monogrammed with your initials.

Material: Unlined paper straw | Size: 19 x 11 x 10.5 x 7 inches

Brouk & Co Capri Everyday Stripe Tote

Elevate your beach look with this shockingly affordable tote from Brouk & Co. “You get a lot of bang for your buck with this cotton canvas tote," Oprah said when selecting it for this year's Favorite Things list . "Doesn’t it look like a more expensive bag? It’s just right for the person in your life who needs to schlep a lot of stuff."

Material: Canvas and nylon | Size: 18 x 6 x 14 inches

Courtesy of editor- and Oprah-beloved bag brand Paravel, this medium-size tote is bound to become one of your new summer staples. It's composed of EcoCraft canvas made from recycled plastic bottles, comes in four bright color ways, and is monogrammable.

Material: Canvas | Size: 18.2 x 15.0 x 9.9 inches

From crucial beach snacks to sunscreen, it's just not worth the risk to have a melted mess ruin your clothes, bag—or your day! Our proposition? The Sak's insulated tote. Don't let the adorable checkered crochet fool you: The inner cooler is fully insulated with waterproof lining for a worry-proof day in the sun. And if you act fast, you can find it seriously marked down at TJ Maxx.

Material: Recycled yarn | Size: 10 x 7 inches

Gap Straw Tote Bag

Gap's classic market tote will only get better with time. Made in woven paper straw with large vegan leather straps, you can carry the bag effortlessly on your shoulder in style.

Material: Straw | Size: 11.5 x 23 inches

Aerie Mesh Beach Tote Bag

Brighten up your beach commute with Aerie's cheery striped mesh tote. It's perfectly oversize to carry your cover-up, towels, and beach necessities, yet lightweight enough not to weigh you down.

Material: Polyethylene | Size: 17 x 15 inches

Shiraleah Formentera Ivory and Tan Striped Woven Tote Bag

How adorable is this versatile bag? Shiraleah's large woven tote has a summery striped pattern that you'll want to sport to the beach and beyond. The interior is fully lined and has a zipped pocket for your important items.

Material: Paper straw | Size: 23 x 12.5 x 7.5 inches

Aloha Collection Lightweight Splash-Proof Tote

Constructed in a technical "splash-proof" material, this lightweight, reversible tote will keep all your belongings protected. It also has an outside zipper pocket for quick access to your phone or keys.

Material: Polyester | Size: 17.3 x 15.7 x 5 inches

Monday Swimwear Large Lake Como Woven Bag

You'll look stylish even when you're schlepping with Monday Swimwear's Lake Como bag. Oversize and structured, it's perfect for toting everything from your towel and sun care to a change of clothes and a wide-brim hat.

Material: Seagrass | Size: 17.5 x 12.5 inches

Rae of Light Parker Lollipop Terry Tote

Maximalists: Forget the neutrals and nautical styles—this beach bag is for you. Made from soft and vibrant striped terry, Rae of Light's oversize tote is like carrying sunshine on your shoulder.

Material: Terry | Size: 16.9 x 15.7 x 5.1 inches

Sagiv & Sahen Waterproof Stripe Beach Bag

With zipped pockets inside and a waterproof lining outside, this extra-large striped beach bag truly does it all. Plus, it’s machine-washable, so you can simply toss it inside your washer to keep it looking good as new.

Material: Cotton | Size: 16 x 7 x 15 inches

Hoxis Mesh Beach Tote

An airy lightweight mesh tote is an ideal beach companion. This Amazon find has a nylon bottom for durability, and it comes in a plethora of fun colors from brights to neutrals.

Material: Mesh, nylon, and polyester | Size: 17.3 x 15.7 x 5 inches

Ivy Cove Canvas and Leather Terre Tote

While this may seem like your average tote bag, it's anything but. Inside, six large pockets keep everything from sunscreen to water bottles and snacks organized. The oversize silhouette makes it perfect for stashing plenty of towels and sundries.

Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 17 x 15 x 9 inches

J.Crew Como Woven Straw Tote

J.Crew's woven market bag is roomy enough for everything from plush towels to beach reads. Thanks to details like premium leather trim, it's also refined enough to carry around town.

Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily . Follow her on Instagram .

Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines; she covers all things home and lifestyle across brands such as Oprah Daily, Cosmopolitan, Delish, and Esquire. Before joining Hearst, she highlighted small business owners, creatives, and the best shoppable content. 

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The 9 Best Beach Bags for Travelers

Looking for the perfect beach bag these haulers are all a shore thing, according to travel experts..

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Sea Bags has repurposed roughly 1.5 million pounds of sailcloth into bags, duffels, and more.

Courtesy of Sea Bags

Beach towels and beach read? Check. Plenty of ice-cold bevvies? Yep. An array of SPF options (plus UPF-50 long-sleeve tees, just in case)? Oh yeah. There’s just one thing missing: The best bag, tote, or pack to haul all of these essentials (and plenty of “just-becauses,” too) from Point A to Point Beach.

In many ways, your stuff-hauler is the unspoken hero of any day in the sand. “Beach bags are essential to a day at the beach because they provide a way to transport, protect, and organize all of your necessary beach gear,” says Kristin Billings , a travel advisor specializing in beach vacations and Disney destinations. “A great bag can make your day easier and more organized, so you can have more fun at the shore.”

So no matter what you put in the bag (and we have lots of helpful suggestions ) and regardless of where you’re going ( Snorkeling off Catalina Island , perhaps? Or sun-worshipping on Maui’s Kāʻanapali Beach ?), make sure you have the right vessel.

Considerations for choosing your perfect beach bag

Of course, the ideal beach bag for parents juggling plastic sand toys and eight hours’ worth of juice boxes is going to be far different than the best tote for a resort traveler who’s only hauling a snazzy pair of sunglasses and a good magazine (after all, the swim-up bar is just a sand mound-away).

Keep these tips in mind as you begin your personal search for “the one”:

• Size matters. When in doubt, go bigger, says Abbey Hester, who co-founded beach-side event company, The VB Picnic Co. , with her twin sister Hayley. “It stinks to invest in a bag,” she adds, “and then go to actually pack it the day-of and realize you can’t fit all of your beach goods.”
• Organization prevents frustration. Whether you choose a larger bag with built-in pockets or use smaller receptacles to keep valuables separate from snacks, you’ll save a lot of hassle and avoid arguments (“I told you to put the keys somewhere safe!”) by staying organized.
• Durability is key. Don’t be the person who yard-sales halfway between the car and their spot in the sand. Or the one who turns buying a new beach bag into an annual Memorial Day tradition. Look for options ready to withstand the sun, saltwater, and sand—even if it means spending a little more money upfront.
• Consider the bag’s cleaning potential. Machine-washable? Ready to be hosed off? Mesh or straw to let sand slide through? Pick a bag you can clean to your own immaculate (or good-enough) standards.
• Match aesthetics to your personality and situation. The Hester sisters prefer neutral-colored bags because they accent the taupes and earth tones of a beach setting. Laura McGee, owner of Fort Myers-based boutique Ives Curated Gifts , on the other hand, looks for “bright and sunny” shades. Beyond color, Billings recommends considering the occasion. “Do you just need something for super casual, family days at a beach?” she asks. “Or are you looking for an accessory to compliment your resort wear?”

Ready to find your perfect beach bag? Here are our top nine picks.

The massive Allpa 60L Gear Hauler Tote - Del Día by Cotopaxi is sustainably made and will brighten any beach day.

Courtesy of Cotopaxi

Allpa 60L Gear Hauler Tote - Del Día by Cotopaxi

Best overall beach bag.

• Buy now : $90, cotopaxi.com
• Pros: Space for everything (and a small kitchen sink), heavy-duty durability, made with repurposed materials, easy to spot even on a busy beach
• Cons: None really, though you might get tired of fielding compliments

Our travel experts agree that when it comes to beach bags, bigger is better. “It needs to be oversized, so you never have to leave the beach once you get there,” says Hayley Hester. “You need to be able to fit your entire life inside of it.”

At 60 liters (in other words, big enough for a toddler to curl up inside its semi-structured walls), Cotopaxi’s Allpa Gear Hauler definitely fits the “go big or go home” bill. But that’s not all this mega beach bag has going for it.

With longer tote handles, shorter side-grip handles, and snatch handles on the sides, users can carry this hauler in a multitude of ways. A ballistic nylon (Read: uber durable), water-resistant exterior laughs in the face of errant splashes, while a bevy of pockets (one on the outside, five on the inside, including the central compartment) keep you organized. Need to batten down the hatches for an especially long cross-beach trek? No problem, thanks to the two top compression straps.

And then there are the colors. We’ve sung the praises of Cotopaxi’s Del Día initiative before—repurposed fabrics mean one-of-a-kind products sewn in fair labor-certified factories—but when it comes to simplifying the process of distinguishing your beach site from all the rest, a king-sized, rainbow-hued beach bag is certainly an asset. On top of all that, the brand backs its products with a lifetime warranty and donates one percent of its revenue (through the Cotopaxi Foundation ) to nonprofit partners helping to fight extreme poverty.

Camp Tough Tote Bag by Mountain Hardwear comes in Hunter Green, seen here, and a beige dubbed “Scout”.

Courtesy of Mountain Hardwear

Camp Tough Tote Bag by Mountain Hardwear

Best beach bag for organization.

• Buy now: $75, mountainhardwear.com ; backcountry.com
• Pros: Lots of pockets, made using recycled materials, comes in neutral tones
• Cons: Exterior pockets mean what you packed is on display

If Marie Kondo ponied up for her perfect beach bag, we’re confident Mountain Hardwear’s Camp Tough Tote Bag would be her pick. Featuring six pockets that circumnavigate a central abyss, this tote bag’s organization-forward design ensures beach days remain care-free rather than stress-full. “You have to have multiple compartments so you can stay somewhat organized within the bag,” Hayley Hester says. Otherwise, your belongings get “all jumbled up on top of each other and become a huge mess. You want to know where to go for all of your items.”

Available in two neutral color ways (Hunter Green and a beige dubbed “Scout”), the Camp Tough Tote is constructed with 1,200-denier, abrasion-resistant, fully recycled polyester by a brand committed to making the world a better place through non-profit partnerships (including its most recent venture with Leave No Trace ) and sustainable practices.

Use the Black Hole MLC Cube by Patagonia to keep wet swimsuits separate from the rest of your beach gear at the end of the day.

Courtesy of Patagonia

Black Hole MLC Cube by Patagonia

Best beach bag organizer.

• Buy now: $65, patagonia.com ; backcountry.com
• Pros: Made from recycled materials by a certified B Corporation, water-resistant, versatile
• Cons: Expensive (for a packing cube)

If your bag doesn’t come with pockets—or perhaps it does but you want even more—it’s worth investing in a smaller container, McGee advises. “Maybe one pouch is for all your wet stuff like the suits at the end of the day; a second pouch is for headsets, phone, and SPF lip gloss; and then another pouch could be for snacks,” she says. “It just makes your day easy if you have separate bags for each.”

Billings agrees, noting, “I really like a smaller interior bag that can hold your keys and sunscreen and smaller items–maybe a little waterproof bag with a zipper.”

Certainly, a gallon food storage bag—or heck, a plastic film grocery sack—could serve this purpose in a pinch; however, while the price is right for those options, their durability likely won’t cut muster, and as single-use items, they’re not sustainable choices.

Instead, check out the options from Patagonia, a certified B Corporation and founding member of 1% for the Planet that distributes all funds not reinvested in the business to initiatives that help fight the climate crisis. All of its Black Hole packing cubes are made from burly, weather-resistant, fully recycled fabric that’s Fair Trade-certified sewn. We’re partial to the new-this-spring MLC (that stands for Maximum Legal Carry-on) because of its two-part design: a compressible, roll-top upper compartment and separate, zippered base. The Goldilocks-approved size is just right no matter how you use it: big enough as a stand-alone beach bag or small enough to toss into the gullet of a larger tote. Consider yourself a minimalist? The 3-liter Black Hole Cube will hold your wallet, keys, and phone (but not much else).

The Sandy Tote by Clare V. comes in natural cotton rope (seen here), as well as black, green, and yellow.

Courtesy of Clare V.

Sandy Tote by Clare V.

Best stylish beach bag.

• Buy now: $145, clarev.com
• Pros: Double-take-worthy style, sand easily filters out
• Cons: Sand easily gets in

“My top recommendation for a beach bag is to choose something that allows the sand to filter through, so it doesn’t collect at the bottom of the bag,” Billings says. “That might be a straw bag or a mesh bag that can fit a good amount of stuff.”

If you share Billings’ aversion to taking the beach back home—and most of us do—then the Sandy Tote from female-founded fashion brand Clare V. may well be your holey grail. Designed specifically for days lounging along the coast, the Sandy’s loose weave construction effortlessly filters out stray sand particles with just a few easy shakes. We also love how the braided, cotton rope construction provides a stylish twist on the typical tote silhouette.

Measuring 16 inches wide and 12 inches high, this chic sack can easily hold your book, sunglasses, and even a towel, but you might want a bigger option if you’re stocking up for an all-day beach outing. You’ll also want to store items that shouldn’t get wet or sandy in a separate, smaller bag.

Sea Bags’ 96-ounce Beverage Bucket has a half-dozen interior pockets for drinks. Just fill with ice and go.

Beverage Bucket by Sea Bags

Best beach bag to carry a six-pack.

• Buy now: $75, seabags.com
• Pros: Made from repurposed sailcloth, handmade, more than 20 designs to choose from
• Cons: Single-purpose design

Trips to the beach often yield lasting memories: A question popped at sunset that left only one knee sandy; your child’s first splash in the ocean; a wish-you-could-forget-it sunburn. In a way, your beach bag facilitates this memory-making process. Invest in one from Sea Bags, and your handmade tote will bring along a deck log’s-worth of history all its own.

Each of the brand’s products is made from sailcloth that formerly propelled a vessel along the waterfront of Portland, Maine. Most of these sails end up in a landfill when they get too tattered and worn to fulfill their purpose; Sea Bags ensures that at least some get a second life. To date, the woman-founded business has repurposed roughly 1.5 million pounds of sailcloth into duffels, diaper bags, and a variety of home decor items and accessories.

Candice Thiele, the top salesperson at Ives Curated Gifts in Fort Myers, Florida, says she loves how products from Sea Bags are both durable and easy to clean. Plus, “they’re vintage,” she says. “They’ve been places.”

Sea Bags’ 96-ounce Beverage Bucket features a half-dozen interior pockets perfectly sized to hold your six-pack of choice. (Just remember: Most beaches don’t allow glass bottles.) Then simply fill up the central pocket with ice, use the trendy hemp rope handles to carry your thirst-quenchers to the beach site, and enjoy. A grommet on the bag’s bottom lets the ice-turned-water drain out. Spill a little soda on the bag? No worries. The Beverage Bucket is machine-washable.

The Virginia Beach Tote by North End Bag Company is made in a beach town, but would look good on the streets of New York, too.

Courtesy of North End Bag Company

The Virginia Beach Tote by North End Bag Company

Best multipurpose beach bag.

• Buy now: $185, northendbagcompany.com
• Pros: Versatile, timeless styling, hand-made, water-resistant
• Cons: Expensive

Plan on flying to your beach destination? Billings advises looking for a versatile beach bag that can serve double-duty as both a seaside companion and trusty carry-on. Lovingly hand-crafted in a shop just four blocks from the Virginia Beach oceanfront, North End Bag Company’s signature Virginia Beach Tote is one great option. It pairs a handsome, water-resistant, waxed canvas exterior with leather straps to create an aesthetic that’s rugged enough for everyday use but refined and ready for first class. The sleek slip pockets ringing the exterior could house flip flops or plane snacks, while inside, additional compartments offer storage for goggles or electronics.

The Hester sisters are huge fans of this tote in particular—and not just because it shares a name with their favorite beach destination. “They’re handmade bags, so obviously they’re going to be a little pricier, but they last years,” Abbey Hester says. “You’ll be able to use it summer after summer.”

Made with recycled, water-resistant nylon, Away’s Packable Backpack folds down into an included pouch when not in use.

Courtesy of Away

The Packable Backpack by Away

Best compressible beach bag.

• Buy now: $75, awaytravel.com
• Pros: Hands-free carry option, lightweight, compressible
• Cons: Material wrinkles easily

At first glance, Away’s Packable Backpack looks like any other lightweight backpack—albeit one made entirely of recycled, water-resistant nylon. Wide, lightly padded shoulder straps ensure even heavy loads carry comfortably, while a top handle provides grab-and-go functionality. Its size and durability impressed one verified buyer who raved, “It’s much larger than expected and was really easy to get in and out of (which was frequently the case handing out sunscreen, phones, and everything else my family needed). Love the color, style, and material. I’ll be buying more for holiday presents.”

But wait—with a crease here and a squish there, voilà! Your hands-free beach bag becomes roughly the size of a tofu block (or for you carnivores, a sizable filet mignon). In true Houdini fashion, the Packable Backpack stuffs into a small zip pouch for easy, out-of-sight transport. It’s also a bag from a brag-worthy brand. A female-founded business, Away is a member of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association and partners with travel-focused nonprofits like Global Glimpse , as well as Foster Love (formerly Together We Rise), which provides assistance to those in and involved with the foster care community.

Sand slides out easily from the mesh Alder Lake Tote by Kavu.

Courtesy of Kavu

Alder Lake Tote by Kavu

Best mesh beach bag.

• Buy now: $55, kavu.com ; rei.com
• Pros: Sand easily slides out, family-owned and operated business
• Cons : Not made from sustainable materials

It seems only fitting that fun-focused outdoor brand Kavu—whose name draws inspiration from the aviation acronym “clear above, visibility unlimited”—would offer a sun-and-sand-ready stuff-hauler. Enter the all-new Alder Lake Tote. Loaded with storage spots (five pockets outside, plus a hanging zip pocket and another slip pocket inside, not to mention the large, central compartment), this see-through beach bag lets sand organically slide out through its mesh exterior. Plus, if one of the littles drips mint chip on the bag, simply hose it off when you return home.

While Kavu overall has sustainability initiatives in place—the brand works with some bluesign-approved suppliers and sources some earth-friendly fabrics—the Alder Lake Tote specifically doesn’t highlight them other than in its hang tag (made from recycled paper and printed with vegetable dyes) and the biodegradable bag the tote ships in.

The insulated R-Jaunt 20L Cooler by Icemule has room for up to 15 standard, 12-ounce cans (plus ice).

Courtesy of Icemule

R-Jaunt 20L Cooler by Icemule

Best insulated beach bag.

• Buy now: $170, icemulecoolers.com ; rei.com
• Pros: Impressive insulation, hands-free carry option, made of recycled ocean waste
• Cons: Minimal storage compartments

Hot days call for cold beverages. And if there’s nary a tiki hut in sight, then it’s up to you to bring the party—and by party, we mean Icemule’s all-new R-Jaunt 20L, which is made using recycled rPET ocean waste nylon and fully recycled plastic components. Fully waterproof and boasting dual foam and air insulation, this sizable beach bag (it’s available in 15-liter and 9-liter versions too, though they aren’t made from recycled materials) promises more than 24 hours of ice retention.

Inside, you’ll find a single, cavernous hole ready to store up to 15 standard, 12-ounce cans (plus ice), while outside, a single external zip pocket can store credit cards or earbuds away from the wetness. Best of all, the Jaunt’s backpack-style carrying system (complete with padded shoulder straps) means your hands are free to hold your kiddo’s hand or to flag your buddies over to the party site.

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The 11 Best Beach Bags for Travelers

Adele Chapin

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You’ve got all your swimsuits, flip-flops, and beach essentials packed in your suitcase for a summer getaway. Now you just need a bag to haul everything to the shore. Here are 11 of the best beach bags for travelers, including totes that would fit right in on the beaches of Bali or the boardwalk. You’ll also find practical options that are waterproof, fold flat, and feature tons of pockets for valuables.

1. Sea Star Beachwear Small Voyager Tote

The Sea Star Beachwear Small Voyager Tote is designed with water in mind: made of lightweight neoprene, it even floats if you drop it in the ocean. The roomy bag zips close and features interior pockets for cards and keys. Opt for a preppy navy or a floral print collab with Frances Valentine.

2. Ban.do Deluxe Reusable Canvas Tote

Whimsical Los Angeles brand Ban.do makes the most cheerful products, like this sunshine yellow canvas tote printed with the words “Make time for sunshine.” This Ban.do Deluxe Reusable Canvas Tote snaps down if you want to adjust the size of the tote, with yellow nylon straps to schlep flip flops and towels.

3. Boden Olivia Large Canvas Tote 

The shape of Boden’s Olivia Large Canvas Tote is so classic, with cotton handles that wrap around the entire bag for extra reinforcement. The beach bag comes in three patterns spanning flowers to pineapples, but we’re partial to the bold rainbow stripes.

10 Best Packable Women’s Sun Hats for Travel 2021

4. Hat Attack Anya Tote 

This neutral beach bag made entirely from raffia will match every swimsuit you throw into your suitcase. The Anya Tote by Hat Attack is lined in cotton and outfitted with leather handles so you can wear it as a shoulder bag.

5. The Beaded Crochet Tote Bag

With wooden beads, a nearly 12″ drop handle, and a spacious interior, The Beaded Crochet Tote bag can handle your beach gear and will compliment any summer outfit.

6. Mercado Global Blanca Tote

There’s a feel-good backstory behind this handcrafted colorful bag from Mercado Global, a brand that employs female artisan weavers in Guatemala. The Mercado Global Blanca Tote is made of canvas and roomy enough for all your beach essentials.

9 Lightweight Summer Sandals Perfect for Packing

7. L.L.Bean Boat and Tote

The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote canvas bag goes all the way back to 1944, and it still looks as fresh as ever. It’s still made in Maine as well. Customize the beach tote by choosing between four different sizes, two handle lengths, and five handle colors (then add your monogram, of course).

8. Scout La Bumba Large Tote Bag

D.C.-based company Scout makes cult-favorite bags that are stylish, lightweight, and easy to clean.The Scout La Bumba Large Tote Bag folds flat for easy packing, and you can zip up the top or use it as an open tote bag. There’s an inside zippered pocket for valuables too. 

9. Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag 

Need to see exactly what’s in your bag? The Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag is made of see-through mesh, which means it’s no big deal if the bag gets wet. There are a ton of pockets too, so you can corral all your stuff. The bag is sold in 11 different color combinations.

8 Essential Items to Pack in Your Beach Bag

10. Genovega Extra Large Waterproof Canvas Beach Bag

The Extra Large Waterproof Canvas Beach Bag from Genovega looks extra nautical thanks to stripes and oversize hemp rope handles. Other fun features include a drink holder and a built-in bottle opener and keychain. 

11. Upper Canada Reusable Organic Cotton Mesh Bag

Want to save on a beach bag and spend that vacation money on margaritas? This organic cotton bag from Old Navy is only $6. It’s not a big bag, but there’s room for sunscreen and sunglasses and a few more essentials — and the mesh shape is timeless and easily packable.

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• Accessories

The 17 Best Travel Purses of 2024 for the Stylish Jetsetter, Tested & Reviewed

Including crossbody bags, shoulder bags, and RFID-protected options.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

What to keep in mind, your questions, answered, why shop with us.

InStyle / Alli Waataja

Your favorite shoulder purse might be perfect for brunch or wearing out for drinks with friends — but would you take it on a plane? The answer might be “no,” because while aesthetically pleasing, not all purses have enough useful features to work well in transit.

“For me, a great travel purse has a balance of organization, durability, and design ,” says travel creator and digital storyteller, Alexa Moore , who has traveled to 49 countries. “Travel takes you often through different environments, from sightseeing in a quaint city to rushing through an airport, and everything in between,” which is why having something that can withstand it all is important. And this is not to be mistaken with a travel bag , which is slightly bigger and can hold a few outfits. It’s all about purses here, namely ones vetted by editors and travel experts . Find the best in show here and add one to your cart ahead of your summer holiday.

Best Overall

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

What We Love: It’s durable, organized, and sold in five sizes, so if you want to match your purse to your duffel, you can.

What We Don’t Love: The neoprene needs to be reshaped if you wash it.

We’re big fans of Dagne Dover at InStyle, having written about the backpacks and weekend bags many times over. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the brand tops this list, too. Even though the viral Landon bag comes in five sizes (and eight colors), for a purse, we recommend going for the XS or S sizes because it will hold all your essentials — and work as a personal item on the plane — without being too cumbersome. It can be carried by its top handles or adjustable, detachable crossbody strap , giving you that much-needed versatility while on the go. Both sizes offer plenty of space with organization capabilities and an exterior pocket for storing your phone; however, the small size might be a touch more useful because it specifically features an added tablet sleeve, a large interior zip pocket, a mesh pocket on each end of the interior, and a detachable key leash connected to an included Air Mesh Pouch — all of which proved necessary when traveling.

Like all of the Dagne Dover products, the neoprene, while durable, still needs to be reshaped if you plan to wash it, and if not stored properly, it can gain permanent wrinkles in the fabric. And if you need a little less room, say, for a quick weekend flight or a road trip, New York City-based fashion stylist Audree Kate López , also recommends The Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody , which is a more traditional purse silhouette and more slender.

Material: Neoprene | Dimensions: 14 (W) x 9 (H) x 4.5 (D) inches | Colors:  4

Best Budget

Lands' end all purpose messenger bag.

What We Love: There’s a padded laptop sleeve in the interior.

What We Don’t Love: The material felt a little thin.

Traveling is already expensive as is, so we completely understand if you want to save where you can. We originally tested this bag for our crossbody bags story and quickly learned it doubles as a great traveling companion. The main compartment closes completely with a zip but opens up wide so it’s easy to pack . Inside there was a padded laptop pocket with a velcro security strap. On the exterior two pockets, we kept some of our essentials, but the simple snap-button closure made us worry sometimes for their security. The bag was lightweight and easy to carry around, particularly due to its cushioned shoulder strap. It’s not the most stylish option of them all, but it has plenty of features and comes with an affordable price tag.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 14.75 (W) x 11 (H) x 5.5 (D) inches | Colors:  1

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

Cuyana Sling Bag

What We Love: It’s made of recycled plastic bottles.

What We Don’t Love: There isn’t a ton of structure to the bag.

If you’re only allowed two personal items on the plane, you may as well get something large enough to fit a few vacation outfits. We tested this sling bag by stuffing it with a bunch of essentials, and it kept giving way to more space and consuming whatever we placed into it. A jacket was easily folded into the pouch alongside our laptop and the bag was still able to fully zip . Because the canvas material was so lightweight (not to be mistaken with flimsy, quite to the contrary it was very strong ), no matter how much we stuffed into the bag it didn’t weigh us down. We love that it’s knitted from recycled landfill plastic as well.

Material: Global recycle standard-certifies landfill plastic | Dimensions: 12.5 (W) x 18 (H) x 6 (D) inches | Colors:  2

Best Water-Resistant

The north face base camp voyager.

What We Love: The exterior is abrasion-resistant, on top of water-resistant.

What We Don’t Love: It’s not particularly stylish.

Rain or shine, you want to go sightseeing in your new town. If you’re carrying around some valuables, it’s important to keep them dry and safe while on the move. Enter this Base Camp messenger bag. It has a water and abrasion-resistant exterior that protects not just what’s inside, but the outside from looking worn down. We found the strap to be very wide and distributed the weight equally on our shoulders. It had just the right amount of compartments that allowed us to organize without feeling overwhelmed by the pocket options. We especially loved the key strap!

Material: Recycled polyester tarpaulin | Dimensions: 16.5 (W) x 10.8 (H) x 4.5 (D) inches | Colors:  4

Best for Organization

Bellroy tokyo work bag.

What We Love: There’s even a little water bottle holder on the side.

What We Don’t Love: It’s not water-resistant.

Anyone privy to losing all their stuff in the black hole that is their purse will benefit from this work bag. While not technically a purse, the Tokyo Work Bag was too good of a travel bag that we had to include it here. There was a compartment for absolutely all our needs , including a padded laptop sleeve, tablet slip, pockets for notepads and sunglasses, and a water bottle holder on the exterior. If we needed to find something, it never took more than three seconds to do so. We continued to be impressed with the capacity and comfort of this bag, making it an excellent travel companion.

Material: Recycled polyester | Dimensions: 17.3 (W) x 14.2 (H) x 6.3 (D) inches | Colors:  3

Best Splurge

Milaner woven handbag.

What We Love: It has the design and quality of a designer bag but for a fraction of the price.

What We Don’t Love: The snap closure feels a little less safe during travels.

If you want the quality of a designer leather bag but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars, we found this option to be equal in style and luxury but for a fourth of the price . The woven bag (which is both chic and trending right now) is handcrafted in Italy using genuine leather. The interior features a deliciously soft suede which not only looks opulent but protects our belongings from scratches as well. We’ve used this bag as a personal item to Palm Springs and got an incredible amount of use out of it. Because it carried just about anything including laptops, books, cameras, change of clothes, and all our other essentials, it functioned both as a carry-on bag and a sight-seeing purse. Unfortunately, it has a snap closure instead of a zippered closure, which makes things feel slightly less secure during trips. But if you’re confident in your ability to keep everything safe, the bag is well worth the splurge.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 20 (W) x 14 (H) x 3 (D) inches | Colors:  9

Best for International Travel

Athleta all about crossbody.

What We Love: The crescent shape is spacious and comfortable to carry under your arm for safe-keeping while traveling abroad.

What We Don’t Love: It has no outside pockets.

When we traveled internationally, we turned to this Athleta crossbody bag. Its lightweight nature made it easy to move through busy airports and unfamiliar cities without weighing us down. “This is a fanny pack meets crossbody — it’s spacious, close to your body (so it’s no-fuss while walking around) and lightweight, so you can roll or fold it into luggage,” López says. The bag, which is made in part with recycled water bottles and comes in three versatile neutrals, features a wide adjustable strap, a key leash, and a spacious interior to easily store a phone, wallet, passport, hotel key, and more.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: ​​12.25 (W) x 7.5 (H) x 4 (D) inches | Colors:  3

Best Backpack

Paravel mini fold-up backpack.

What We Love: The lightweight backpack is made sustainably using water-resistant nylon.

What We Don’t Love: It costs extra to get it customized.

You would think just any backpack would do for travel, and then you try this option from Paravel and realize you’ve been mistaken all along. This backpack is made of ultra-lightweight durable nylon that not only feels as light as a feather but has a water-resistant finish to it. So even if you’re schlepping your way through the rain to your Airbnb, you don’t have to worry about your essentials getting soiled. On top of that, it comes with a convenient little pouch that you can fold the backpack into, making it extremely easy to transport when not in use. It hardly takes up any space, so you could even keep the pouch in your purse if you know you’ll need an extra bag (say for groceries) while out and about. It fits an impressive amount of items into the bag, including a change of clothes, water bottles, passports, and more. The fact that you can customize it to include your initials is just the icing on the cake, although it will cost you an extra few dollars.

Material: Recycled plastic bottled nylon | Dimensions: 10 (W) x 12 (H) x 6 (D) inches | Colors: 6

Best Anti-Theft

Arden cove crissy full crossbody.

What We Love: The waterproof bag not only has a lot of room for essentials, but an RFID-blocking wallet built-in and locking zippers for additional security.

What We Don’t Love: The straps feel flimsy and thin.

If you’re super worried about being pick-pocketed (or losing anything), we recommend the Arden Cove Crissy Full Crossbody. The waterproof, slash-proof bag is designed with a large main zip compartment with a smaller front zip compartment. The main compartment contains two additional slip pockets and a key ring for easy organization, while the smaller one offers a built-in wallet made of RFID-blocking material, which accommodates eight cards and a few bills. Additionally, the zippers on this bag lock together, so nobody will be able to slyly steal your belongings. It comes in eight different colors, including neutrals and some punchy jewel tones.

Material: Waterproof nylon | Dimensions: 8.5 (W) x 6.5 (H) x 3.5 (D) inches | Colors:  8

Nomatic Navigator Sling

What We Love: There is anti-theft protection on it with ample amounts of organizational capabilities.

What We Don’t Love: The hard shell makes it less flexible and hard to pack when not in use.

We were incredibly impressed with this thoughtfully designed sling bag. This was truly made with the traveler in mind, with anti-theft protection , organizational features, and a water-repellent exterior . There was ample space, pockets, and hidden slits to carry just about everything we could need on a day out, including our 17-inch tablet, makeup, sanitizers, wallets, passports, and keys (in the keyholder). There’s even a water bottle holder on the exterior of the bag, which turned out to be an appreciated feature that allowed us to maximize the space inside the bag. There’s an RFID front card pocket which, although unlikely, is designed to protect our contactless credit cards from being accessed. And thanks to the charging cable hole, we could charge our electronics while on the go and still use our devices.

Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 9 (W) x 13.5 (H) x 4 (D) inches | Colors:  2

InStyle / Hang Pham

Best Belt Bag

Calpak luka belt bag.

What We Love: It’s spacious, organized, and sold in a bunch of colors.

What We Don’t Love: The lighter colors stain easily.

InStyle contributor Rebecca Norris owns this belt bag in six colors — that’s how much she loves and uses it. Most recently, it accompanied her on a 12-day trip through Europe, allowing her to zip through the airport and explore new cities without any trouble. But at home, she still uses it for casual errands, shopping trips, and gym seshes, so trust us, it’ll be useful even when not in transit.

We appreciate how roomy it is compared to other belt bags. The spacious bag features a trendy puffy exterior with a back zip pocket that can sit on our chest or waist. Inside, there’s a front mesh zip pocket and a back opaque zip pocket, which makes grouping items a cinch. The bag is sold in 15 colors, as well as a new miniature size if you prefer something a bit smaller (and something more in line with the often sold-out Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag.) Both sizes, though, work with the Luka key pouch, an additional accessory that clips onto the band for a smidge more storage — we recommend it for items that get easily lost in a purse or you wouldn’t want to be mixed with other items (i.e. dog treats). Just be careful with the lighter colors as they tend to stain easily.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 11 (W) x 5.5 (H) x 3.5 (D) inches | Colors: 15

InStyle / Taylor Calta

Béis East To West Tote

What We Love: There are ample amounts of compartments for perfect organization.

What We Don’t Love: The top zip doesn’t close all the way.

The Beis East to West Tote was our favorite travel tote in our tote bag roundup , so it only makes sense to reiterate all the reasons why we loved it here. This bag was intentionally designed for the aesthetically inclined traveler. We were met with every compartment we could want without it being overwhelming — a laptop sleeve, passport slot, water bottle socket, and even a key strap helped to keep everything organized. And still, there was enough space in the middle for spare clothes, snacks, books, and more.

We could carry it on the top handle or the detachable shoulder strap, but even more impressive was the sleeve intended for suitcase handles. We simply plopped the bag on top of our suitcase and it remained flush against the handle without falling off.

Material: Nylon, recycled polyester | Dimensions: 17.13 (W) x 14.17 (H) x 9.06 (D) inches | Colors:  2

Best Shoulder Bag

Polène numéro dix.

What We Love: You can wear it as a shoulder or crossbody bag.

What We Don’t Love: The hard cover makes it more difficult to pack in suitcases.

We’re going to take a wild guess here and assume you’d like to travel in style, in which case we recommend this gorgeous shoulder bag from Polène. The Parisian label has become somewhat of a superstar on social media, thanks to its luxurious materials (in this case, Italian textured calf leather) and designs. Author of this roundup Bianca Kratky owns this bag and has been using it non-stop for adventures where she needs to carry her essentials, keep her hands free, and look chic. Despite its crescent shape and smaller size, the bag fits an impressive number of items in it. Valuables like phones, wallets, AirPods, keys, chapstick, and hand cream fit in like a dream. She can wear it over the shoulder, or extend the strap to become a crossbody bag. While its hard cover makes it a little more difficult to pack, Kratky’s tip is to stuff it with socks and underwear before placing it in the suitcase.

Material: Italian pebbled calf leather | Dimensions: 9.4 (W) x 7.9 (H) x 3 (D) inches | Colors: 17

Best for Work

Everlane luxe italian leather tote.

What We Love: The sleek Italian leather still looks luxurious after three years of use.

What We Don’t Love: The top can’t be closed.

We’ve used this tote for the office as well as on business trips because its sleek exterior and spacious interior make it ideal for such occasions. And of course, knowing that style icon Meghan Markle is out there somewhere carrying the same bag makes us feel pretty cool. It’s made of smooth Italian leather and features one slip pocket on the interior. It’s big enough to fit our 15-inch laptop, a sweater, books, snacks, a toiletry bag , and more , which is why it’s been so useful during our long hauls across the country. It’s weathered the last three years pretty well, despite our not-so-gentle handling.

Material: Italian leather | Dimensions: 20.8 (W) x 12.8 (H) x 7 (D) inches | Colors:  3

Best Crossbody

Fossil carlie leather satchel bag.

What We Love: It zips completely closed and fits an impressive amount of items in.

What We Don’t Love: When the bag isn’t full, the shape isn’t as rectangular and folds in softly.

Kratky’s first big-girl purchase was this bag from Fossil (or at least an earlier version of it from six years ago). She intended it as her travel bag while she rucksacked her way around the world. For 365 days, this was the bag she used to carry her passport, camera, snacks, tickets, phone, and notepad . It was ideal because it came with both a top handle and a crossbody strap , making it cute for strolls into cities and practical when her hands needed to be free.

It closes completely with a zip , making it safe from any theft. The bag opens up impressively wide as well — Kratky never had to leave anything behind as everything always miraculously fit. When it’s half empty, however, the bag looks less rectangular, collapsing into itself a little. Because the leather weathered all the hustle and bustle so well, it's still in great condition. She’s keeping it to hand down to her children one day, when they’re ready to go off and explore the world, too.

Material: Leather, polyurethane | Dimensions: 10 (W) x 8 ( H) x 5.5 (D) inches | Colors:  2

Best Convertible

We the free soho convertible sling.

What We Love: It has various compartments and can be worn as a sling or backpack. 

What We Don’t Love: The non-traditional shape might be a bit oblong for larger items.

While many bags these days are convertible from crossbody to shoulder iterations, fewer can be worn as a sling and a backpack. But that’s exactly what this rugged leather convertible sling from Free People can do. “I love the zippered details and all the color options,” says travel content creator Alli Talley . But aside from looks, the bag has three compartments , so you can easily keep your items organized. The vaguely triangular shape might make storing larger items inside a bit more challenging, but we promise it is still a roomy bag — and it allows you to easily go hands-free.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 10 (W) x 14 (H) x 5.5 (D) inches | Colors:  7

Best Lightweight

Baggu fanny pack.

What We Love: Despite how lightweight it is, it’s extremely durable.

What We Don’t Love: The strap is a little slim, and a bigger version would have felt more secure on the body.

We’ve tested a bunch of bags from Baggu thus far, and their materials always impress us with how durable yet lightweight they are. This one has the bonus of being extremely spacious, despite its compact size. Not unlike a Mary Poppins bag, you can keep placing items in it and it always seems to be able to take in more, be it books, notepads, wallets, snacks, makeup, chapstick, and more. The fanny pack can be worn across the hips, chest, and over your shoulders, all of which leave your hands free for exploration.

Material: Nylon, recycled nylon | Dimensions: 8 (W) x 6.5 (H) x 2 (D) inches | Colors: 16

Our editors evaluated their go-to bags on ease of use, transportability, safety, compartmentalization, and quality of material . To cover all of our bases, our team also called in a variety of internet-popular bags for testing. Bags with thoughtful design features, like a waterproof exterior or a packing pouch, received high remarks.

• Size: Purses come in all shapes and sizes, and if you need to carry a lot of items while traveling, a clutch isn't going to work. With this in mind, it’s important to consider your essentials while traveling to determine what size works best for you. If you plan on carrying no more than your phone, wallet, and keys, a laptop bag or a smaller bag works great. Anything more, like a laptop or water bottle, a larger silhouette makes more sense. No matter what your needs, López says to avoid micro bags, as they’re just not realistic while traveling.
• Material: The material of your travel purse can determine two things: how durable it is and how formal it looks. Generally speaking, Moore says that leather is the most durable — and it’s arguably the most professional in appearance, too, hence why we love the Everlane The Luxe Italian Leather Tote and the Polène Numero Dix bags. She also recommends nylon, which is renowned for its weather-resistant finish. “Leather or nylon will always fare best,” she assures us. That’s because in addition to being strong materials, they’re harder to scuff or stain, and they’re easy to wipe down.
• Functionality: We love a pretty purse but when traveling, function is of the utmost importance. “As far as design, a good travel purse is something crossbody — it allows you to keep the bag close to your body and makes it far more difficult to be taken off,” Moore says. But that’s not all it takes to be a travel-friendly bag in her book. “A great travel bag has organization, specifically a great pocket system,” she says. “One of my big travel tips is to never have all of your important or high-value items in the same bag, or even in the same pocket. I like to keep my phone in one compartment of my bag, and money and IDs in different pockets.” Re-touching on the crossbody feature, it’s not just great for security’s sake. “A crossbody will help with weight distribution on your shoulders during long travel days,” López says. This makes for more comfortable wear and a smoother, more positive travel experience overall. For Talley, comfort and pockets, in addition to a low-maintenance material, are important factors. “Those long-haul travel days can be brutal — the last thing you want is an uncomfortable purse that's always falling off your shoulders or giving you back pain," she says. As a mom of two active toddlers, she uses her bag's pockets for snacks, sunscreen, pacifiers, and chapsticks. A full zipper close is always a bonus. It secures your items when storing the bag under the seat in front of you.

Do I need to use an anti-theft purse while traveling?

As many pick-pocketing horror stories as there are swirling around social media, Moore says that anti-theft purses are great but not necessary. “I think it’s better to know how to protect your purse and belongings no matter the bag you decide to bring,” she says because “a lot of the anti-theft bags are just not the most attractive,” she admits. Doing things like not leaving your purse on the back of the chair, on the seat next to you, or at a table — especially in situations where you’re easily distracted, like a restaurant or nightclub.” She says it’s also important to be mindful of how you’re carrying your bag. While it may be more comfortable to sling it over your shoulder, on your back, or behind your hip, keep a purse tucked under your arm or held closely to your body in front. Even just choosing something that zips will help you avoid getting pick-pocketed since it makes getting into your bag more challenging.

Is a travel purse considered a personal item while flying?

Generally speaking, a purse is often considered an item in itself. If you’re not checking a bag especially, it’s important to find a silhouette that can easily fit into a larger personal item (not your carry-on), to maximize your packing imprint.

Still, it depends on the airline and who’s working the desk when you start to board. “I travel with both a backpack and a purse/crossbody bag on every trip, and I’m not usually stopped on standard airlines like Delta or United for having too many personal items,” Moore shares. “If I’m flying one of those budget airlines that are pretty strict, my little secret is ditching traveling with a handbag altogether and rather opting for a cute crossbody sling bag. Those bags lay flat against your body, and are rarely seen as ‘extra baggage.’"

Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer with three years of experience covering fashion and beauty. She’s also an avid traveler, having wandered around the world by herself for a year, and therefore knows a thing or two about smart packing. Rebecca Norris has covered women’s lifestyle content for the past 10 years. For this roundup, they spoke to the below experts.

• Audree Kate López is a New York City-based fashion stylist.  
• Alexa Moore is a travel content creator.
• Alli Talley is a travel content creator and owner of the account @traveling_newlyweds .

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• Travel Products
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• Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags

The 15 Best Travel Tote Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Totes from Away, MZ Wallace, and Quince came highly recommended by T+L editors and travel experts.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Totes We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

While many travelers opt for a backpack as a trusted travel companion, we think tote bags offer similar (if not better) features for certain travelers. Tote bags are convenient for quickly accessing items like a phone or wallet since your belongings are kept closer to the body. 

It’s important to invest in a tote bag (or any piece of luggage for that matter) that fits your needs as a traveler. There are tons of different bag styles out there, so we pulled recommendations and notes from seasoned travelers and Travel + Leisure editors to crowdsource the best tote bag options from travel experts. Plenty of packable, convertible, weekender, and leather tote bags came highly recommended, and we highlighted why each bag earned praise so you can make the most informed decision whether you’re a frequent flier, road tripper, or office commuter.

Best Overall

Mz wallace deluxe tote.

The large storage capacity and efficient organization make it an excellent personal item for flying.

The laptop pocket isn’t padded.

This quilted MZ Wallace tote bag earned major points for having a spacious capacity without feeling bulky or weighted down when it’s packed full. An ideal bag for air travel, it can fit carry-on essentials while still being able to fit underneath an airplane seat, and the zippered top keeps everything safe and sound. There are tons of pockets for storing items, including a 13-inch laptop pocket (unpadded) and five other smaller pockets for lip balm, phone chargers, and wallets. Although we found this tote bag to be exceptionally lightweight, it boasts a trolley sleeve to secure the bag to a suitcase to give your shoulder a rest when needed. It also comes with a detachable shoulder strap to carry the bag as a crossbody when desired. 

This bag came highly recommended after thorough testing and the only slight inconvenience we ran into is that the tote is unstructured so if there isn’t a laptop in it, the items sag at the bottom. However, the variety of pockets help to distribute the weight, so we still think this bag is the ultimate travel companion for storing the essentials. 

The Details: 11.6 x 9.4 x 12.7 inches | Nylon, leather | Trolley sleeve | 13-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Overall, Runner-up

Quince revive nylon large tote.

It conveniently folds up for packing and is impressively lightweight.

There isn’t a top zipper. 

The Quince Revive Nylon tote bag was praised by our experts for its lightweight material and portable design for traveling. The bag is made with durable nylon, it never feels cumbersome to carry, and the fabric design makes it easy to fold up the bag to place it in a carry-on or backpack without taking up much space. With designated pockets for a laptop, water bottle, and smaller items, we love that there is a spot for both everyday and travel essentials for supreme versatility. If the tote gets dirty while traveling, you can spot-clean the nylon fabric with soap and water, and it comes in Oxford blue, olive, and black color options that easily hide wear and tear over the years. Because the tote bag doesn’t have a top zipper, it scored slightly lower than our top pick, but we still think the flexible fabric and slim design of the tote helps keep it close to your body while walking through a crowded airport or down busy streets.

The Details: 17 x 13 x 7 inches | Recycled nylon | Water resistant | 15-inch laptop pocket

Best Open-top Canvas

L.l.bean boat and tote bag.

It can accommodate bulky items thanks to the wide-mouth opening.

It doesn’t have any organizational features, so you’ll want to use packing cubes or pouches.

Beach days, picnics, and road trips are the best uses for this spacious canvas tote from L.L. Bean. Made from heavyweight cotton canvas, the tote was originally designed to carry ice from a car to an ice chest back in 1944, and it still boasts the brand’s impressive 500-pound weight capacity (though we hope your travel essentials will never weigh that much). While we’d normally be wary of a travel bag without any pockets, the bag has a generous capacity, which makes it ideal for blankets, lunch boxes, shoes, or any other bulkier item needed for a day or road trip. And when it comes to durability, you can’t beat a tote bag constructed with enough reinforcement to carry over a dozen cinder blocks.

The Details: 13  x 12 x 6 inches | Cotton canvas

Best Machine-washable

Baggu duck bag.

The cotton is machine-washable, and it comes with a crossbody strap.

The top has a magnetic button closure.

Traveling can be hard on luggage, so we love that you can toss the Baggu Duck Bag in a washing machine to prolong the life of the tote. It came highly recommended after one of our team members spilled an entire burrito inside, and all it took was one rinse cycle to get it looking good as new. The canvas material is made with 65 percent recycled cotton from pre-consumer waste like old socks or T-shirts. In addition to the tote handles, the bag also comes with an adjustable crossbody strap to carry the bag over the shoulder. It has enough room to carry a laptop up to 15 inches long, and there is a small zippered pocket on the inside for a wallet or earbuds. One thing to note is that the top has a magnetic button closure instead of a zipper. 

The Details: 15.75 x 11 x 4.75 inches | Recycled cotton canvas

Best Open-top Leather

Milaner woven handbag.

It’s big enough to be an overnight bag if needed. 

There isn’t a laptop pocket.

This woven Milaner leather tote bag is the ultimate tote bag for flying, commuting, or an overnight trip . The larger size can accommodate bulky items like clothing, shoes, or a laptop, and there are two small zippered pockets for wallets and phone chargers. Thanks to the structured design of the woven Nappa, suede, or Vachetta leather, this bag is super easy to pack with travel essentials without feeling cumbersome to carry. It doesn’t have a top zipper, but it does feature a slim shape so the bag is kept close to the body. We also recommend using the dust bag it comes with when placing the bag under an airplane seat to keep the contents from spilling out or getting the bag dirty from the airplane carpet.

The Details: 20 x 14 x 3 inches | Nappa leather

Best Sustainable

Béis east to west tote.

It’s made with 100 percent recycled material. 

It only comes in two colors, and the white could get dirty quickly.

We’re big supporters of eco-friendly luggage that is still just as durable as this tote bag from T+L-loved brand, Béis. Made with 100 percent recycled polyester and recycled faux leather trim, the bag comes in simple black and white shades. There is a padded laptop pocket for laptops up to 15 inches long, two water bottle pockets, two slip pockets, and one zippered pocket so there’s a spot for everyday and travel essentials. Other helpful features for travelers include a trolley sleeve for carrying it on a suitcase, a key leash so you won’t have to dig around to unlock the door (plus you can attach an AirTag holder to it), and a zippered pocket in front. We can’t forget to mention the two lengths of tote handles and a detachable crossbody strap. 

The Details: 17.13 x 14.17 x 9.06 inches | Recycled polyester, vegan leather | 15-inch padded laptop pocket | Luggage sleeve

Best Lightweight

Longchamp tote bag.

It folds into a fraction of the original size for superior packability.

The leather straps aren’t padded.

This lightweight tote bag is ideal for both maximalist and minimalist packers since it folds into itself and can easily be stored in a larger bag without taking up valuable space. Despite the featherlight design, the bag is made with a hardy recycled polyamide canvas that can withstand the test of time. Besides the excellent portability, we love that the tote bag has a zippered top  with a large leather flap that closes over the zipper to give peace of mind that items are safely tucked away while traveling. There’s only one small zippered pocket inside the bag, which could be a slight drawback for some, but we think the packable design is well worth the lack of pockets. The bag comes in seven colors ranging from neutrals hues to bolder tones, and the leather straps, though unpadded, give the bag a chic look to complement any outfit. 

The Details: 12.2 x 11.8 x 7.5 inches | Recycled polyamide canvas, leather | Packable

Best Convertible

Caraa studio tote.

It has a convenient modular design to carry the bag as a tote or backpack.

The exterior shoe pocket can only accommodate smaller shoes.

Can’t decide between a tote or backpack? This Caraa Studio tote bag has a two-in-one design to carry it as either, offering the best of both worlds. With detachable shoulder straps, the leather tote bag can be converted to a backpack in seconds or carried over one shoulder if you’re in crowded areas like a subway or sidewalk and want to keep the bag close. Best of all, there is tons of built in storage to stay naturally organized while traveling. Our favorite features include the 17-inch laptop pocket and shoe compartment on the side of the bag to separate footwear from the rest of the main compartment. Although the pocket can only hold smaller shoes, it can be a game-changer for certain travelers. And there are eight other pockets built into the interior anti-microbial lining to store phone chargers, wallets, passports, and more when you’re en route to a destination.

The Details: 18 x 13 x 7.5 inches | Italian leather | 17-inch laptop pocket

Most Durable

Carhartt legacy east/west tote.

This bag is made to last with a sturdy design and hardy fabrics.

The ends of the zippers don’t connect to the fabric, so small items could escape.

Camping, ski trips, beach days, and other outdoor activities can sometimes speed up the wear and tear on a tote, but that’s not the case with Carhartt’s Legacy East West Tote. We’re confident this bag is built to last due to the heavy duty 600 denier polyester and DWR coating to keep the elements from seeping into the tote. After four years of our constant use while traveling and commuting, the tote earned high praise for not showing any signs of letting up on quality anytime soon. With a zipper top and several slip pockets on the interior and exterior, there are spots to store a phone, keys, and wallets safely in the bag. There are gaps on each end of the bag because the ends of the zipper aren’t sewn to the fabric, so watch out for smaller items in the bag since they could fall out. 

The Details: 16.5 x 13.5 x 7.25 inches | Polyester | Water resistant

Best for the Beach

Carve designs treasure tote bag.

It's the perfect size to fit everything you need for a beach day (including small towel.)

We wish it had some small pockets for storing accessories.

Whether you’re en route to the beach on foot or airplane, this tote bag is specifically designed for tropical vacations. While this tote is essentially one large pocket (without smaller areas to store accessories or essentials), it's the perfect size to take with you to the beach and to lunch afterward without lugging too much around. It's stylish enough that light packers may even use this as their main vacation purse and, paired with the matching treasure clutch , everything you need will be kept organized and ready to go. We love the white cloud texture of the outer materials paired with the stylish brown straps that are both comfortable and durable.

The Details: 14.5 x 15 inches | Cotton

Best for the Office

Bandolier tote bag.

It has various pockets for a laptop, sunglasses, and a water bottle.

The tote straps could be more comfortable. 

A day in the office is like a mini trip, so it’s important to be organized and have plenty of space for items when you’re away from home. The Bandolier tote bag offers a spot to pack office essentials like a laptop, a water bottle, a phone charger, snacks, a wallet, and more. The laptop pocket can fit technology up to 15 inches wide, and there is a leather sunglasses sleeve to protect fragile eyewear en route to the office. There are several other zippered and slip pockets to organize smaller items or a water bottle, and the D-ring loop on the tote handle is designed to hold other Bandolier accessories like a keychain or earbud pouch. The entire bag is made with a sleek pebbled leather, including the leather tote straps, which could be more comfortable with padding. It also comes in black, brown, and gray colorways. 

The Details: 18 x 12 x 6 inches | Leather | 15-inch laptop pocket | Sunglasses pocket

Best With Shoe Compartment

Minkars weekender bag.

The bag comes with a separate shoe compartment, toiletry case, USB port, laptop pocket, and plenty of other thoughtful features for travelers.

It can get heavy when packed full.

A dupe of the iconic Béis weekender bag, this wallet-friendly version has similar features for a fraction of the price. While it’s jam-packed with helpful features for travelers, it received the highest praise for the separate compartment at the bottom of the bag that can store shoes, toiletry cases, hair tools, or any other item you want to keep separate from the main compartment. The structured bag has a wide-mouth opening and is super easy to pack thanks to the 15.6-inch laptop pocket, included toiletry case, and various other pockets for staying organized. Plus, the weekender comes with convertible straps to carry it as a tote or crossbody bag as needed, and it comes in pink, black, or cream color options.

The Details: 17 x 16.5 x 8 inches | 15.6-inch laptop pocket | Shoe compartment | Toiletry bag includes | Trolley sleeve

Best Multi-use

Dakine verge weekender tote.

It’s useful for the outdoors or traveling.

It might get heavy when it’s packed full.

This spacious tote bag from Dakine is equipped for everything from camping and beach days to trips to the office and air travel. When it comes to traveling, the bag features a padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 16 inches; a handy trolley sleeve; and a separate zippered compartment in the bottom of the bag to organize items like shoes, toiletry cases, or clothing as desired. Made with durable recycled nylon and polyester, the tote looks rugged and works well as a weekender bag for camping or for packing beach day essentials like towels and snacks. Travelers can carry the bag as a tote with the top handles or it also comes with a detachable crossbody strap.

The Details: 23.5 x 16 x 11 inches | Recycled nylon | 16-inch padded laptop pocket | Trolley sleeve

Best Organization

Troubadour carrier tote.

It has tons of pockets to stay naturally organized while traveling.

The bag might be too large to fit underneath an airplane seat. 

Minimalist and practical, Troubadour’s Carrier Tote is our favorite bag for packing efficiently and staying organized on the go. The designated laptop pocket is padded and can fit devices up to 17 inches in width — the largest pocket size for laptops of all the bags recommended. In addition to the protective laptop pocket, the tote features a quick-access phone pocket; a medium-size zippered pocket for an e-reader; and several other slip pockets for items that can easily get lost at the bottom of a bag like charging cords, lip balm, and keys. The only possible downside to this sleek bag is that the 24-liter capacity and stiffer fabric makes it difficult to fit it underneath an airplane seat. 

The Details: 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches | Recycled polyester, vegan leather | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best Foldable

Away the packable carryall.

It’s a very spacious tote that comes with a stuff sack to pack it away in a backpack or suitcase.

It has a flimsy shape, so small or heavy items fall to the bottom of the bag easily.

Away’s The Packable Carryall is the perfect packable tote bag to toss in a purse whether running errands or sightseeing in a city. The tote bag is incredibly spacious when it’s folded open, but it compresses down to a mere fraction of its usual size thanks to the lightweight recycled nylon material and stuff sack. Sometimes packable bags can lack travel-friendly features, so we love that the bag features a zippered top for security; a trolley sleeve for portability; and an interior zippered pocket for storing phones, wallets, and keys while on the go. To keep track of the stuff sack, there’s also a loop to secure the zippered pouch on the inside of the tote. The unstructured design of the tote means that small or heavy items with a pool at the bottom of the bag, but beach towels , jackets, or any bulkier items will fit perfectly and provide some structure to the bag. 

The Details: 19.7 x 15 x 9 inches | Recycled nylon | Water resistant | Trolley sleeve

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Other Travel Tote Bags We Liked

The tote bags below still came highly recommended for travelers, but didn’t quite make our list of winners. 

Portland Leather Tote Bag : It’s a very portable tote bag due to the smaller size, but it isn’t the most practical for long trips with less storage and organizational features.

Bellroy Tokyo Tote : This bag has tons of pockets and storage for just about anything you would need while traveling, but it’s on the smaller side, so it could fill up quickly. 

Ogio Rise Tote : The bag can be converted from a tote to a backpack, which can be helpful for travelers, but the drawstring opening is a slight drawback for security reasons.

To create this list of the best travel totes, T+L editors and trusted travel experts recommended their favorite bags they have tested on their own travel adventures. With over 30 totes tested, we whittled down our list of the best bags for any and all travelers based on capacity, portability, ease of use, and overall value. From sleek leather totes to convertible weekender bags, we handpicked various bags that we can’t recommend enough for outdoor activities, air travel, or commuting to the office. 

Tips for Buying a Travel Tote

Buy for your intended activity.

Not all tote bags are best for certain types of travel, so it’s important to invest in a bag that meets your needs. Traveling somewhere wet and rainy? You’ll want to opt for a more rugged tote bag that features waterproof or resistant materials like nylon or polyester for protecting items. Leather tote bags work well for air travel or office days, but you’ll likely want to skip bringing it to the beach or for camping where a canvas tote will hold up much better to wear and tear.

Consider organization and size requirements

When it comes to traveling by air, you’ll want to look at dimensions, organization, and other helpful features like trolley sleeves, USB ports, and convertible straps. For outdoor activities like camping and beach days, a spacious and flexible tote bag can be helpful for packing bulky items. We recommend packable or foldable tote bags for travelers looking for a backup bag to keep in a purse or suitcase, rather than using it as a bag to commute or fly with since they can lack structure and organizational features.

Prioritize comfort

Tote bags can be hard on the shoulders and hands when carried for long periods of time (i.e., navigating an airport or while out and about), so we recommend looking for lightweight materials and padded straps to reduce the possible strain. Some tote bags come with convertible straps to carry the tote as a crossbody or backpack, so be sure to look for bags with modular designs or trolley sleeves to place the bag on a suitcase if you’re looking for better portability and versatility in a tote. 

Frequently Asked Questions

While it depends on the size of a tote bag, more often than not, it will count as a personal item or possibly a carry-on bag if it’s large enough. A personal item usually has to fit underneath an airplane seat and if it doesn’t, it could qualify as a carry-on bag, so you’ll want to double-check the size restrictions of personal items for your specific airline since it varies greatly depending on the carrier. 

Tote bags offer the ability to quickly and conveniently access items like a phone and wallet since the bag is kept closer to the front of your body compared to a backpack. Backpacks distribute the weight of your belongings better, but a comfortable tote bag should never be too cumbersome to carry. Look for features like padded handles or a convertible crossbody strap for comfort. Tote bags are also easier to take on and off while traveling, which is convenient when you’re on the go and maneuvering tight places such as airplanes, trains, and cars. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer, Anna Popp , writes nearly all of the team’s Travel + Leisure Tested articles and participates in product testing from luggage and shoes to outdoor gear and apparel. Anna combed through recommendations from over 30 tote bag survey submissions from travel experts and used her knowledge as an expert product tester to put together this list of the best travel tote bags. 

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16 Essential Beach Bags for Every Type of Beach Vacation

From workhorse totes to chic statement bags, these carriers have your next beach day covered.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

From waterproof carriers that double as coolers for your family's drinks and snacks to elegant straw totes for your day-to-night transitions to sand-banishing solutions for keeping your car pristine on the way home, here are the best beach bags to schlep to the shore this summer.

Large Beach Bag

Scout bj bag.

Best Waterproof Beach Bag

Ledaou large beach waterproof sandproof zipper beach tote.

Best Mesh Bag

Hoxis mesh beach tote womens shoulder handbag.

Packable, tricked out with pockets, and water-resistant, this lightweight jumbo tote is the beach bag you've always dreamed of.

Dimensions: 8.5 x 14 x 8.5 inches

Material: Polypropylene

Taking the whole family to the shore? This nautically striped bag not only has enough pockets and pouches for everyone's essentials, it also has a separate waterproof section for storing phones, wallets, and other surf-averse must-haves.

Dimensions: 15 x 8 x 17 inches

Materials: Polyester, Cotton

If sand is your enemy, look no further than this mesh bag that's got a cool boho vibe, has plenty of space for your stuff, and effortlessly shakes free of sand.

Dimensions: 17.3 x 15.7 x 5 inches

Materials: Nylon, Polyester

Mark & Graham Ribbon Straw Beach Tote

With a wealth of personalization options and adorable ribbon handles, this tote is more than just a beach bag, it's a day-to-night must.

Dimensions: 11"W x 7"D x 10.5"H

Material: Paper Straw

Bluboon Mesh Beach Tote Bag with Cooler Compartment

Make your bag do double-duty with this tote, which has a mesh upper to banish sand as well as a detachable bottom cooler compartment for snacks and drinks.

Dimensions: 15.5 x 5 x 18.5 inches

Material: Polyester

L.L. Bean Waxed-Canvas Tote Bag

L.L. Bean's Boat and Tote bag is iconic for beaching, but they took things to the next level with this waxed canvas version which add an extra dose of water resistance.

Dimensions: Starting from 12"H x 13"W x 6"D

Material: Waxed Canvas

Terrain Market Tote

If you're more of a picnic-on-the-beach type, this tote is your essential. Surrounded by six side pockets (each big enough to hold a bottle of wine, if you were so inclined) and with a large interior space, it makes packing up your afternoon snacks easy.

Dimensions: 13"H x 11"W x 11.5"L

Material: Canvas, Leather

DeMellier Santorini Raffia Basket Bag

If your beach day is a little more French Riviera than french fries on the boardwalk, this sleek raffia tote blends upscale chic with laidback cool.

Dimensions: 22"W x 10"H x 6.25"D

Materials: Raffia, Leather

TOURIT Cooler Backpack

This leakproof insulated backpack is perfect for chilling (literally) on the beach, with an easy-to-carry style and plenty of interior space (it holds up to 30 cans).

Dimensions: ‎13 x 7.5 x 15.8 inches

Materials: 600 Oxford, High-Density Foam, PEVA

Rothy's The Essential Tote

Made with fibers crafted from recycled marine plastic, this tote is not only thematically appropriate for a day appreciating the ocean, it's also washable, to get rid of any beach day grime.

Dimensions: 13.4"H x 12.7"L x 6.7"D

Material: Marine Plastic

btb Los Angeles Salty as a Beach Straw Tote

Add a little whimsy to your beach look with this playfully embroidered straw tote .

Dimensions : 17"W x 14"H x 6 1/2"D

Materials: Paper Straw, Polyester

Hat Attack New York The Original Straw Traveler Bag

The genius of this beach bag? It has a special built-in spot for carrying your sun hat .

Dimensions: 20" x 14"

Material: Raffia Straw

Kule The All Over Striped Tote

Make a fashion impact with the graphic stripes of this maximalist tote.

Dimensions: 25"W x 17"H

Material: Cotton Canvas

Clare V Sandy

This Clare V bag was made for the beach with its braided design and spacious interior for fitting all your seaside essentials. Oh, and the color? Fun as can be.

Dimensions: 16" W x 11 1/2" H x 1" D

Material: Cotton Rope

Cult Gaia Mini Ark Handbag

Hitting the sand for a soiree? This woven purse still brings the beach vibes but with an elegant twist.

Dimensions: 1 1/4"W x 6 1/4"H x 2 1/2"D

Material: Bamboo

Se Balader The Classic

The aptly named Se Balader tote is quite literally made to galavant in. With every detail well thought out, from the interior tie and zipper pocket closure, the exterior pocket, and extra strap, this carryall was made to carry everything. It holds up and it holds everything. Basically it's the best of both worlds.

Dimensions: 14.5"H x 17.25"W x 8"D9"H x 9.25"W interior pocket

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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25 Best Travel Purses That Are Actually Stylish

By Brigitt Earley and Paula Lee

Your go-to tote bags and carryalls may be perfect for every day, but when you’re on the road, the best travel purses can make a world of a difference. Dedicated travel bags come in all shapes and sizes— fanny packs , laptop backpacks , cross-bodies , work totes , anti-theft purses, and more—but generally feature multiple compartments (hi, mesh pocket) to keep your essentials organized, a usually convertible or detachable strap that’s comfortable enough to wear all day, and even anti-theft features to secure your things against pickpockets.

Whether you’re traveling internationally (finally taking that long-awaited trip to Europe?) or planning a short weekend getaway, we typically find that the best travel bags are those that you can wear close to your body, such as a cross-body, a sling, or a belt bag . When you have a bigger haul or need a convenient carry-on, you can’t beat a smartly designed backpack or packable travel handbag.

If this sounds like the stereotypical tourist bag with a less-than-flattering design, though, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. From top-rated anti-theft purses that leave your hands free for a day of sightseeing to mom-approved diaper bags and water-repellent backpacks that’ll see you through any adventure, we’ve rounded up the most reliable and stylish travel purses that will take you from the house to the airport to your destination—and back.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Lululemon Mini Belt Bag , $38
• Most Versatile: Athleta All About Belt Bag , $35
• Best Backpack: The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
• Best Anti-Theft Bag: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag , $75
• Best Cross-Body Bag: Dagne Dover Micah Water Resistant Cross-Body Bag , $110
• Best Luxury: GG Marmont Belt Bag , $1,700
• Most Lightweight: Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag , $20
• Best for Airport: Cincha Travel Belt Bag , $60

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Athleta All About Belt Bag

Fanny packs are great travel companions—they're unassuming yet have space for all the essentials you don't want to lose at the bottom of your tote. We've used this one from Athleta for running, but it's just as clutch for traveling since the front zippered pocket can hold passports, sanitizer, and other documents needed for the trip. The adjustable strap is great for converting into a waist bag when your shoulders get tired—although it's so lightweight you won't even notice it's there. The DWR finish also means you can safely wear it in the rain. Yay!

• Pros: Lightweight; adjustable strap, easily accessible front zipper, water-resistant material
• Cons: Small sizes makes it better suited for holding just the essentials.

Save when you shop on the best running fanny packs with these Athleta promo codes .

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

If you’re flying, this water-resistant backpack makes a great carry-on. You’ll breeze through security, thanks to a TSA-friendly 15-inch exterior laptop pocket and a catchall zip pocket to keep your passport and ticket at the ready. Of course, there are multiple compartments inside for everything else you need to tote: a spacious main area, a magazine and notebook pocket, and two water bottle holders. It also has a pass-through strap that attaches to rolling luggage.

• Pros: Spacious interior plus exterior laptop pocket, side water bottle holders; can be slipped onto the luggage handles of a carry-one.
• Cons: Water bottle pockets don't fit containers of 32 ounces or more; some reviewers say the color isn't as pictured.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

This waist bag, which comes in an impressive array of colors, keeps your hands free for navigating the ticket counter, shopping for souvenirs, or touring museums. It has an interior pocket that’s roomy enough for the essentials—a wallet, keys, and your cell phone—plus an exterior zippered pocket that’s sandwiched between you and the bag to protect any valuable personal items from pickpockets.

• Pros: Comfy to wear, versatile; comes in many colors; can fit a charger
• Cons: There are none.

Save when you shop on the best running fanny packs with these Lululemon promo codes .

Kate Spade Sam Icon KSNYL Nylon Medium Belt Bag

Wear it as a belt bag or a cross-body—either way, this small nylon and leather bag is the perfect solution for day trips and other small excursions. Pop larger items like your wallet into the main compartment, and stash smaller items like keys in the exterior pocket.

• Pros: Compact; various zippered compartments
• Cons: Expensive

Save when you shop the best travel purses with these Kate Spade promo codes and Nordstrom promo codes .

GG Marmont Belt Bag

If you’re on the hunt for a stylish but still relatively affordable designer bag , Gucci’s GG Marmont Belt Bag is a worthy investment you’ll have for years to come. The soft quilted leather bag with its resin strap and black brass hardware isn’t just head-turning; it’s also highly versatile. Wear it as a belt or shoulder bag.

• Pros: Sleek design, convertible strap
• Cons: Small; doesn't fit a ton.

Dagne Dover Micah Water-Resistant Cross-Body Bag

Dagne Dover

Made from a unique and highly durable neoprene-like fabric, this roomy cross-body is as hardworking as they come. With three main compartments—one of which is on the backside of the bag to keep valuables safe—this purse has more space than most comparable options. It’s also water-resistant, so you won’t have to make a mad dash when the skies open up.

• Pros: Water-resistant, roomy for its size, easy to wipe clean
• Cons: Some reviewers say the strap is too short and they don't love the boxy shape.

Save when you shop the best travel purses with these Nordstrom promo codes .

Longchamp Le Pliage 21-Inch Expandable Travel Bag

A classic for a reason, Longchamp’s Expandable Travel Bag is both stylish and ultra functional. The durable water-resistant nylon bag features a one-of-a-kind zip inset that expands to meet your needs. Open it all the way to use it as a carry-on for your flight; once you’ve unpacked, size it down to hold as a purse while you tour.

• Pros: Water-resistant, expandable
• Cons: Some reviewers say the size is too big when unzipped; heavy to carry.

Tumi Just in Case Nylon Travel Backpack

Tumi calls this the Just in Case backpack, because you can fold it flat and stash it in your suitcase—just in case you need extra space to bring a few souvenirs home. This particular feature also makes it easy to store when you’re not traveling. We don’t see that happening, though. The sleek bag has a roomy interior, a sizable exterior pocket, and attractive gold hardware that makes it hard to resist for everyday use.

• Pros: Packs flat; back sleeve for slipping over suitcase handles.
• Cons: No padded laptop pocket

Charmore Women’s Travel Backpack

For proof that budget-friendly can be just as functional, peep this backpack. The faux leather looks a lot like the real thing but is fully water-resistant. It’s packed with compartments too. Inside, there are dedicated spots for documents, keys, glasses, your phone, and more. Outside, two water bottle holders serve as a home for your favorite beverage or a compact umbrella.

• Pros: Water-resistant, wallet-friendly
• Cons: Not super sturdy

Fjallraven Women's Kanken Mini Backpack

Available in a whopping 45 colors, there’s something to suit every personality and style. But it’s not all about aesthetics. This compact backpack is super lightweight, so you can carry the essentials in one of four compartments—a main pocket, a zippered exterior pocket, and two side pockets—on an all-day tour without growing tired and sore. As a nice bonus, the durable canvas-like fabric is dirt- and water-resistant and wipes clean.

• Pros: Popular style, great gift for teens ; lots of colors, durable canvas
• Cons: Not super big

Coach Kitt Messenger Cross-Body

If your travel plans include concerts, sporting events, and other venues that don’t allow large bags, make sure to pack a compact purse like this one. Not only does this leather option look great; it has two convenient compartments, including an outside open pocket for easy access to your tickets.

• Pros: Compact; easy access to essentials

Rebecca Minkoff MAB Cross-Body

A fantastic day-to-night option, this cross-body is made of buttery-soft lambskin that looks super sophisticated and features multiple pockets inside and out as well as an adjustable strap for continued comfort.

• Pros: Adjustable shoulder strap, versatile design

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag

If you’re worried about security, you can’t beat Travelon’s anti-theft features. The bag has a hidden slash-proof chain link construction and a cut-proof shoulder strap, plus a locking zipper to keep your wallet and travel documents as safe as can be. There are plenty of organizational features to love too: slots for credit cards, pockets for notebooks and documents, a water bottle holder, and an expansion pocket for larger items like a camera or sunglasses.

• Pros: Anti-theft design; utilitarian
• Cons: Smaller than expected; water bottle pocket doesn't hold larger sizes.

Cuyana Recycled Overnight

It may be made out of recycled plastic, but this travel purse is as easy on the eyes as any. Available in two sophisticated shades—cappuccino and black, both with brass hardware—the bag is constructed with three spacious compartments, protective metal feet, sturdy handles, and cross-body straps for versatility.

• Pros: Comes in two sizes; convertible straps, eco-friendly design.

LeSportsac x Warm & Wonderful AEC Shoulder Bag

Rowing Blazers

A nod to Princess Diana’s iconic black sheep sweater, this limited edition mini hobo is part of a LeSportsac and Warm & Wonderful collaboration (designed by the Rowing Blazers ’ creative director Jack Carlson). The adjustable strap converts it from shoulder to cross-body, the ripstop nylon is durable, and there are pockets aplenty—in short, it’s a charming take on a classic travel purse.

• Pros: Durable material, convertible strap, interior and exterior pockets
• Cons: On the smaller size

Calpak Luka Belt Bag

With a matte puffy look, this adjustable waist bag is stylish, practical, and comfortable against the body. It’s generously sized and features a hidden outside pocket to fit a passport or a phone. Pair it with the coordinating duffel for a sleek set.

• Pros: Lightweight, versatile; scratch-resistant material

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

This best-selling half-moon bag from Uniqlo is deceptively large (I’ve fit a water bottle and Kindle in it, along with my other essentials) and has interior slip pockets. It’s also very lightweight, packs flat, and will serve you long after you return from your trip.

• Pros : Lightweight, affordable, roomy; seven colors
• Cons : No interior zip pocket

Free People Movement Renegade Sling

Free People

Sling bags lend themselves very well for a day of exploring. This thoughtful, sporty design has multiple compartments, a front pocket to stash your phone, and a padded strap for comfort.

• Pros: Lots of convenient compartments, padded strap, seven colors
• Cons: Side water bottle holder fits only smaller sizes.

Save when you shop the best travel purses with these Free People promo codes .

Aloha Collection Pinstripe Mini Hip Pack

Aloha Collection’s bags are all “splash-proof” and water-resistant, ideal if you’re headed to a rainy destination, beach locale, or even a theme park. This belt bag is super lightweight (clocking in at a little over three ounces), so you won’t be dragged down when wearing it for extended periods of time.

• Pros: Water-resistant, lightweight; packs flat
• Cons: Small

Baggallini Pocket Crossbody Travel Bag with RFID

No need to worry about identity theft with this cross-body that will keep you safe on the go. Stash your credit cards and ID in the removable wristlet with built-in RFID blocking technology. Plus, there’s a back pocket for quick phone access.

• Pros: Anti-theft RFID technology, removable wristlet, organizational features; machine-washable
• Cons: Compact size; some reviewers wish the shoulder strap were more substantial.

Mali + Lili Mackenzie Water Resistant Nylon Cross-Body Bag

A cute and colorful take on the trendy nylon bags, this affordable cross-body version is perfect for a city escapade. The little detachable pouch is useful for AirPods or lip balm, and there’s a back slip pocket for other items you want easily accessible, such as a transit card.

• Pros: Water-resistant material, clip-on pouch, printed lining so you can see your things
• Cons: Available only in green

Madewell The Transport Camera Bag

Prefer a leather bag? This vintage-y structured camera bag style gets better with age and embodies that life-well-traveled feel. It has an exterior front pocket and an interior slip pocket and also comes with interchangeable strap options (leather and webbed) so you can switch up the looks. Opt for the larger size if you want to fit an actual camera in your purse.

• Pros: Two straps; available in a larger size
• Cons: No inside zip pocket

Away FAR Messenger 16L

Throw everything into this roomy yet lightweight messenger bag, from snacks and a water bottle to a tablet or even laptop (there’s an interior slip for it). There’s also a hidden side pocket on the outside so you can easily get ahold of your phone or passport without having to frantically dig around.

• Pros: Lightweight, durable; trolley sleeve

Béis Backpack

This cotton backpack with faux-leather trim has dedicated space for almost everything to keep you organized: padded laptop sleeve, inside elastic compression straps, water bottle holders, key leash, and inside zip compartments. We also appreciate the full zip opening that opens flat and lets you easily find what you’re looking for.

• Pros: Full zipper opening, minimal and versatile design, lots of pockets, cushioned straps
• Cons: Some reviewers note that the water bottle pockets don’t expand when the bag is full.

Cincha Travel Belt Bag

When you’re wrestling with multiple bags at the airport (guilty), it’s helpful to have a belt bag on you. This one pulls double duty: In addition to being worn as a sling, it functions as a clever travel belt to keep your personal bag fastened on top of your roller suitcase—no more slipping or sliding around when you’re in a rush.

• Pros: Versatile design, secure zipper closure, back exterior pocket; water-resistant

By Jake Henry Smith

By Brigitt Earley

By Talia Abbas

By Andrea Navarro

The Best Travel Purses For 2024 [Crossbody, Tote, Anti-Theft, Vegan, Fanny Pack]

• Post last modified: January 1, 2024
• Post author: Katie Seemann

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When I started making this list of “Best Travel Purses” I knew I wanted it to be different. You see, I’m a bit of a handbag junkie, so you won’t find me carrying an ugly purse just because it’s functional. So many “traveling purse” lists are full of fantastically functional bags…that are super ugly. This is not one of those lists.

Here you’ll find purses and handbags that strike a nice balance between functionality and style . It’s true that when you’re traveling, you’ll need a purse that can handle it all, but it can still look good too!

This list of travel purses is broken down into sections so you can easily jump to what you’re looking for:

• The Best Crossbody Bags for Travel
• The Best Anti-theft Purses for Travel
• The Best Belt Bags and Fanny Packs for Traveling
• The Best Travel Tote Bags

The Best Beach Vacation Purses and Bags

The best vegan travel bags.

Legal Stuff (aka if I don’t write this the internet gods will not take kindly to me): This post may contain affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I’m just a simple girl, trying to make a living off the internet…thanks for your support!!

The Best Travel Purses and Bags

When it comes to choosing a travel purse, there are many things you might want to take into consideration. You’ll need one that’s big enough to hold your essentials but that’s also lightweight . You might want to consider a purse with anti-theft features or one that’s water-resistant. In addition, if you prefer to pack light, you’ll want a purse that goes with everything.

There are also lots of styles to choose from. A crossbody bag will allow you to be hands-free while keeping your items close. A tote bag or shoulder bag will allow you to carry more while a belt bag might be perfect if you only need to bring a few essentials.

I’ve got it all for you here. These purses and bags are just what you need for your next vacation.

The Best Crossbody Bags For Travel

Lesportsac classic deluxe everyday bag.

If you want a durable crossbody bag that goes with everything, then the LeSportsac Classic Deluxe Everyday Bag is for you. This classic crossbody purse is stylish but also great for traveling with zipper pockets and easy-to-clean material.

Kate Spade Crossbody Bag

If a classic style in a neutral color is your thing, this Kate Spade Sadie crossbody is perfect. This purse will keep your essentials handy for a day of exploring, but you’ll still look chic and classy. You can’t go wrong with a Kate Spade bag.

North Face Jester Crossbody Bag

This sporty crossbody holds all of your essentials for a day out exploring a new city, hiking through the woods, or catching a flight to your next destination. The zip-top, internal organizer, and adjustable strap make it super practical.

Kipling Arto Crossbody Bag

Kipling makes a good, affordable purse for travel and it’s a brand I personally use on my trips. The Kipling Arto Crossbody Bag is small enough to comfortably carry around all day but enough to hold all of your essentials like money, your passport, a phone, lip balm, etc. Plus this great neutral metallic color goes with everything without being boring! It’s similar to the Kipling Livie Crossbody which I used during my summer cruise in Europe a couple of years ago. This one might just be the perfect travel purse!

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a purse to use for exploring an area like the Caribbean where you’ll be wearing sunscreen, avoid leather. Sunscreen, especially mineral-based sunscreen , can rub off on leather and damage it. So, for a tropical trip, opt for a purse that’s made of something like water-resistant nylon that can be easily cleaned.

The Best Anti-Theft Purses For Travel

Many travelers prefer an anti-theft bag when they are out exploring a new city or country. Baggallini is a brand that makes some of the best anti-theft purses for travel in lots of different styles, so that’s what we’re going to focus on here.

Baggallini RFID Cross City Bagg

The RFID Cross City Bagg from Baggallini is perfect for a day of sightseeing. Made of water-resistant nylon, this anti-theft crossbody purse has wallet organization including RFID-protected credit card slots . A quick-access phone pocket plus other multi-functional sections will keep all of your essentials handy.

Baggallini Madras RFID Crossbody Bag

I like this Madras RFID crossbody bag for a couple of reasons. First, it’s an anti-theft purse, but it doesn’t look like one. It comes with RFID-protected card slots so you’ll have peace of mind. Second, it’s great for traveling. Made of water-resistant nylon, it’s durable and easy to clean. Plus the zip-top, adjustable strap, and quick access phone pocket make this purse a very functional, but still stylish, option for those on-the-go days.

Baggalini Chloe Crossbody Bag

The Chloe Crossbody purse from Baggalini is a great small anti-theft bag for traveling . It’s got RFID-protected credit card slots, 2 zip-top compartments, and a cell phone pocket. Plus the water-resistant nylon ensures it can stand up to the elements.

The Best Belt Bags (aka Fanny Packs) For Traveling

Yes, we are all going to pretend that these belt bags aren’t actually just fanny packs with a fancier name. But they are totally fanny packs. They are making a comeback and being re-branded as waist packs, waist belts, or belt bags, and are actually considered kind of cool now. Plus, they are so convenient when you’re traveling!

I loved using my fanny pack on my African safari and I was totally kicking myself for not bringing it on my Galápagos Islands cruise . Fanny packs are perfect for adventure trips like these.

Herschel Belt Bag

This belt bag from Herschel is a great and inexpensive accessory to throw on for a day exploring a new city. It will keep the essentials like money and your phone within easy reach without the added bulk of a large bag. Plus it comes in lots of fun colors and patterns .

The North Face Jester Belt Bag

This inexpensive belt bag from The North Face is perfect for a day hike or to throw on at the airport or while exploring a new city. Plus at only $25, this belt bag is a great way to see if a fanny pack belt bag works for you without too much of a commitment.

Leopard Print Fanny Pack

This fun fanny pack will keep all of your essentials handy while you’re out and about and the leopard print adds a touch of style to your travel wardrobe (plus I’m obsessed with leopard print, so I had to include it). While this is a bold print, the neutral colors make it really versatile (hint: this bag will go with any solid color you can throw at it). But if you’d prefer, this bag comes in solid colors as well.

Adidas Waist Bag

How cool is this fun waist bag from Adidas ? This would be amazing on a summer trip or beach vacation. Don’t worry, this ain’t your mama’s fanny pack — the fun colors and sporty style make this fanny pack totally modern and cool.

The Best Tote Bags For Travel

A travel tote bag is great if you’ll be exploring all day and need to carry a lot of stuff with you. Or it can be handy if you’re planning on buying souvenirs. In addition, a tote bag is a great extra bag to pack with you on a trip — it can come in handy if you bought too much and need some extra luggage space on the way home.

Kipling Foldable Tote Bag

Sometimes you need something a little larger than a crossbody bag, and that’s where a great tote bag comes into play. This Kipling tote bag has enough room to carry extras with you plus the zip-top closure keeps your things secure. The classic black and white design goes with anything so it’s perfect when you’re traveling and don’t want to pack multiple bags. It also folds up into a travel pouch , and of course, it comes with the iconic Kipling monkey keychain .

Baggalini Avenue Tote Bag

The Baggalini Avenue Tote is a great bag for a long day of exploring or it can be used as a carry-on purse for flying. It’s made of water-resistant nylon and comes with lots of pockets for organization plus a padded laptop pocket. This tote bag easily attaches to your rolling carry-on luggage for maximum comfort.

Nautica High Dive Tote Bag

If your style is more sporty, check out this bag from Puma . This large tote has dual top handles, a front slide pocket, and a zip closure. It’s perfect when you need to carry a lot.

Kate Spade Tote

This cute striped canvas tote bag from Kate Spade is so adorable for a vacation purse. You can carry this around an island destination as a day bag, use it on the airplane as a carry-on tote, or you can even use this as a beach bag. That makes it a perfect pick for your next tropical getaway. While you’re packing, don’t forget these summer travel essentials.

Straw Beach Bag

If you want a fun purse that’s perfect for a beach vacation, check out this straw purse with pom poms . While this isn’t a purse you’d want to carry around exploring a city all day, it’s great for a beachy vacation. You can carry this around your resort or out to dinner in the evening.

Adidas Festival Bag

Perfect for more than just festivals, this multi-color Adidas bag , is perfect for a care-free summer vacation. The adjustable strap and zip closure make it a practical way to carry your essentials with you all day long.

Vegan Leather Hobo Bag

This large crossbody bag is made of beautiful vegan leather . It comes with 2 different straps and has plenty of room to carry all of your essentials. Plus, the soft vegan leather is foldable so it packs easily, and it comes in multiple colors.

Vegan Leather Crossbody Bag

This awesome vegan leather crossbody bag is perfect for travel. It’s got a large zip pocket and 2 outside pockets plus an adjustable and removable guitar strap. Plus it comes in tons of fun colors as well as neutral options.

Final Thoughts

When you’re shopping for a purse or handbag for travel you’ll want to look for a few key features. Something that’s lightweight and durable is a must if you’ll be walking around all day. Sometimes you might need room to hold extra items or souvenirs so a tote bag will be what you need. Other times, you’ll want to just stick to the essentials so a crossbody or belt bag will be in order. If you’re trying to pack light, you’ll probably want to stick to a neutral color that goes with everything or a bag that can do double duty (use your beach bag as a carry-on for your plane flight, for example).

I hope you found something on this list that suits your personal style and will still provide the function you need for your upcoming travels.

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15 Best Beach Bag Totes to Store Your Vacation Essentials

Straw, canvas, mesh, jute, and more!

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Our Top Picks

Best Waterproof

Waterproof tote.

Best Canvas

Large canvas striped beach bag.

Rip Curl Hacienda Bag

Some of these beach totes have special features, like a padded laptop compartment so you can safely take your tech to the beach, or a built-in bottle opener for when you want to crack open a cold beverage on a hot day. Other bags are fully waterproof or have a waterproof lining, so you'll be able to toss in your wet bathing suit or favorite sandals without worrying about ruining your brand new beach bag. Once you find your perfect tote, there will only be one thing left to do: Start packing for the beach vacation of your dreams!

This waterproof and tear-resistant beach bag is fully customizable. You can choose the size and color, and add your initials for a classy personal touch. You'll also enjoy the comfortable straps and inside pocket for your phone, keys or sunscreen. Plus, all it takes is a simple shake to get rid of all that unwanted sand.

This spacious canvas tote will hold all of your beach essentials and then some—then easily folds up when not in use. It features cotton rope handles, a waterproof lining, and two inner zippered pockets to store all of your valuables. A top zipper even keeps the bag closed to ensure all of your stuff stays inside.

This 100% jute bag will give you a vintage beach vibe. It's the perfect medium size for those carefree beach days when you want to travel light. No closure allows for super quick access to all of your beach belongings.

Mesh Beach Tote Womens Shoulder Handbag

This cute mesh bag comes in 13 different colors and features a sleek and simple yet spacious design with no closure and one large inside pocket. It's a great breathable and quick-drying fabric for wet towels or bathing suits.

Pacific Tote

You can go right from the airport to the beach with this stylish 100% organic cotton tote that features pockets on pockets on pockets—including one that fits most 13-inch laptops so you can keep your tech safe from the sand. It also has a wipeable interior for quick cleanup.

The Beach Bag

Interior zip pocket, cute vintage print―this of-the-moment striped bag is sure to turn heads on the beach. It's made from a sturdy canvas that can be spot cleaned as needed. You can also buy a matching cooler, beach chair, and umbrella to complete the look.

Packable Beach Tote

This brightly patterned bag is big enough to hold essentials like your beach towel, sunscreen, water bottle, a good book, and more. It's lightweight and flexible-yet-sturdy with a reinforced handle for extra strength. Best of all, it packs flat for easy storage in your suitcase.

Colorful Stripe Straw Tote

These vibrant striped totes with a playful pom pom tassel were just made for fun in the sun! Made of a raffia-like paper straw with an open crochet construction means any sand that gets in will stay at the beach with a simple shake when you leave. The vegan leather handles make for comfortable carrying while an embroidered monogram of your choice makes it one of a kind.

Wellington Cabana Tote

You'll always be able to find your stuff in this stylish clear tote featuring a large main compartment, detachable pouch for valuables, and soft webbing straps. A spacious design also means you can carry anything from a towel to portable speakers.

Mesh Beach Bag

When you're trying to stay organized, you never can have too many pockets. This mesh tote has eight for storing towels, water bottles, sunglasses, toys, sunblock, and more. Better yet, it's made of a lightweight yet sturdy material that sand will easily shake off of. It can also be thrown in the washer after a day at the beach.

Water Resistant Large Tote Bag

A pineapple print is perfect for the beach, but if that's not your style, this oversized bag offers 30 (!) other options. The thick material is also water resistant, crease resistant, and washable so you'll be able to reuse it season after season.

Linen Tote Bag

This bag is sold by a company called "The Beach People," so you know it's perfect for all of your days spent by the sea. It has an unstructured design and is made with a breezy 100% soft linen fabric and sized just right to fit your daily essentials. It has an interior pocket, lined base, and is even machine washable!

Chevron Beach Bag

This cute tote has it all: a phone case, a built-in key holder, a bottle opener, a magnet clasp, and even a water/dust/sand proof PVC pouch. Not to mention, it's made of durable waterproof fabric with an inner lining, has sturdy rope handles, and can be thrown in the wash. Basically, it will be your new BFF on the beach!

This innovative bag is made from flexible, biodegradable EVA material that's waterproof and resistant to UV rays. It also features a lightweight design that can fit everything you could need as well as durable handles for easy carrying.

Macrame Beach Bag

This trendy macrame bag will take you from the beach to brunch or the farmer's market. Did we mention it's handmade? The wooden bead handles and fringe trim gives it a boho touch, but you can als0 reverse it and carry the bag without the fringes showing. Either way, it's lightweight and easy to store your beach necessities.

Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.

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Beach packing list: 33 essentials for your 2024 trip.

Get ready for seaside, lakeside or poolside fun with this list of must-pack items.

Beach Packing List

There's a lot that goes into planning a beach vacation, even after you decide where you're going and settle on a hotel , resort, vacation villa or condominium. You also have to create a packing list that has everything you need – including items for the beach you may not have even thought about.

Obviously, your beach packing list can be more extensive if you're driving to the beach and you have room in your car. In that case, you can bring along items to make your beach trip more comfortable, like beach chairs and beach umbrellas. If you're flying, on the other hand, you'll need to stick to beach essentials like sunscreen, sun hats, rash guards and of course your favorite beach bag. You can also look into travel-size items that pass muster with TSA for travel in your carry-on.

To help you decide what to pack for your beach vacation, U.S. News has compiled a list of essentials below. You can also download the beach packing list here .

Beach trip packing list

Beach pillow, water shoes, beach chairs, beach wagon, beach towels, beach umbrella or tent, bathing suits, beach blanket, reef-safe sunscreen, flip-flops or pool slides, beach cooler, rash guards, underwater camera, packable jacket, portable speaker, waterproof phone case, reusable water bottle, first-aid kit, baby powder, after-sun lotion, leave-in conditioner spray, toiletry organizer.

Your beach trip packing list should definitely include a beach bag. After all, you'll need something to carry your beach essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses and a beach read. If you have kids, you'll want extra room for snacks, toys and maybe even a change of clothes.

The Becokan Large Waterproof Beach Tote Bag is our top beach bag pick for its large capacity and lightweight waterproof construction. For beach picnics, consider a combination tote and cooler bag like the OdyseaCo Beach Bag with Cooler Compartment . It keeps cold beverages, sammies and more chilled and separated from your towels, magazines and other necessities – plus, the cooler part is fully detachable for when you don't need it. There's also an endless number of beach bags on Amazon . Be sure to browse U.S. News' list of the best beach bags .

Courtesy of Ballast

A beach pillow is great for those times when you want to lay in the sun in comfort, and maybe even take a nap with the sounds of the waves crashing in the background. The best beach pillows are easy to transport, don't take up a lot of space and make your beach time even more relaxing.

One great option is the Ballast Beach Pillow because it's inflatable and made of weather-resistant fabric. It also attaches to beach chairs and comes with a compact carrying case for storage and transport.

You'll also want to have water shoes packed for everyone in your crew, or else you could live to regret it. Kids may want water shoes on as they venture into the ocean where they can't see the bottom, and parents may want them to protect against rocks, shells, coral and ocean creatures, too. Bringing water shoes is an easy way to protect feet from painful scrapes and cuts that could literally cut your fun time at the beach.

You can buy basic water shoes in a local store at home or find a range of water shoe options online at Amazon for women , men and kids .

If you're looking for beach essentials to bring in your car for a weeklong beach trip, don't forget to look for styles that fold up easily. A good beach chair can make your day on the beach considerably more comfortable, especially when you consider the toll that sitting on the sand for several hours can take on your back and neck.

Some of the best beach chairs – like the Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair , the U.S. News pick for top beach chair – have a drink holder, an insulated pouch and a zippered storage compartment. These features make it easy to relax, unwind and have everything you need.

Courtesy of Whitsunday

Hauling all your beach gear through the sand can be taxing and difficult. To make it easier, consider a folding option with large wheels designed for sand, like the Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon , chosen by U.S. News as one of the top beach wagons . A foldable style can easily go in the trunk when you're done at the beach.

While resorts and rentals may have towels to use during your stay, having a dedicated beach towel for everyone can be quite useful. It'll help avoid kids or teens arguing over which towel belongs to who, especially when they're wet.

You can pick up beach towels almost anywhere, but a large Turkish towel can make your vacation much more sand-free. The Sand Cloud beach towels on Amazon are quick-drying but also naturally repel sand. Or, let everyone express their personality with a lightweight microfiber beach towel in fun prints like flowers or sea turtles.

A beach umbrella or tent is another must-have item if you plan to spend the day on the sand. The best options easily anchor in the ground and are adjustable so you can move them with the sun's movements throughout the day.

There are numerous beach umbrellas you can buy online . Choose a design that works for your beach day style or – depending on the amount of shade you may want – consider one of our picks for the best beach tents . Whichever you choose, make sure you also have a beach umbrella anchor , if the umbrella you select doesn't already include one.

A beach trip requires everyone in the family to have a bathing suit, but you may even want to bring a few extra suits along. This is especially true if you have kids who like to swim several times a day. Having a few bathing suit options means they won't have to constantly put a wet swimsuit back on, and that you can have suits not in use hanging to dry while you're out for the day.

To find an array of styles and range of sizes for the whole family, shop for bathing suits on Amazon .

Courtesy of Wekapo

If you want to host a picnic or have little kids who like to play the day away in the sand, a beach blanket is another must-have. You may spend the bulk of your family beach vacation watching the kids make sand castles or play in the surf, yet they'll want a sand-free place to sit from time to time. A beach blanket provides exactly that, and the best ones fold up easily for transport in your beach bag.

Check out the Wekapo Beach Blanket , which is sand-free and comes with six stakes and four built-in corner pockets. For more options, consult our list of the top beach blankets .

Maybe you don't want to sit in just your swimsuit all day, or perhaps you want something you can quickly throw on over your suit to go to breakfast or head back to your room to grab snacks and drinks. Either way, swimsuit cover-ups for the whole family (or at least those who want them) are always a good idea.

As you look for the right cover-up , remember that they come in different colors and styles. Some are dress-like or shirt-like styles, such as the Coolibar UPF 50+ Palma Aire Beach Shirt , which can provide additional sun protection. Others are sheer or made of netting like the Eomenie Contrast Lace Bathing Suit Cover Up .

You'll also want to bring sunscreen on your beach vacation, but not just any kind: Reef-safe sunscreen keeps your skin safe from the sun's harmful rays, yet it doesn't hurt the ocean, coral reefs or the animals that call the sea home.

While there are many reef-safe sunscreen brands, one top option is the Blithe Honest Sunscreen for its hydrating effect and pH balance. This reef-safe sunscreen is also made without oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can hurt coral reefs and sea ecosystems.

Courtesy of Green Sprouts

A good beach hat can keep your face protected from the sun, but it can also provide you with some much-needed shade. Of course, you can just pack a hat you have at home – or splurge on a style that coordinates with your swimming attire.

From straw brims to packable options, there are a lot of beach hat choices . To narrow the options, consider the activities you'll be doing. For lounging by the pool, this Lanzom straw hat is a top option, as is the Quiksilver Men's Pierside Straw Lifeguard Hat .

For those who love wearing a ponytail, Ponyback hats have a built-in hidden slot for a ponytail. If you're bringing little ones to the beach, the green sprouts Baby Flap Sun Protection Swim Hat is perfect for infants, and the Sunday Afternoons Kids' Play Hat is ideal for protecting young children's skin. Check out all of U.S. News' top beach hat picks .

Protecting your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun is good for everyone. Choosing a timeless, full-coverage style like Ray-Ban Wayfarer Polarized or Ray-Ban Classic Polarized Aviator sunglasses will shield you from the sun, minimize squinting and maybe even help avoid a headache. For the kids, check out a variety of children's sunglasses on Amazon.

Another essential for your family beach trip is flip-flops or pool slides, and you may want to have more than one pair. Women may want a set like the Clarks Breeze Sea Flip-flops or the Cole Haan Findra Pool Slides for the beach, but you may also want a slightly more dressy pair of slides like Kenneth Cole REACTION Glam-athon sandals for dinners out and trips to the store.

For men, the Reef Rover Sandals are available in four colors, while the toddlers and kids can pick a pair of KRABOR flip-flops with back straps in a fun print or color.

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Maximize the fun in the sun and waves with fun floating swim noodles , or use one to create a floating sling chair . Of course, the kids will want to play in the sand, so grab a castle mold set for creativity by the sea (or lake). If floating is the name of the game, release your inner mermaid with a mermaid tail pool float or consider inflatable flamingo and unicorn floaties from Jasonwell.

Courtesy of YETI

You will absolutely want a beach cooler that's easy to carry so you can keep food and beverages cold for your time on the sand. After all, having a beach cooler in tow means you won't have to head back to your room to get drinks and snacks, and that you can pack what you need for the day and bring it along.

Popular cooler brand YETI offers beach coolers in several sizes, including coolers with shoulder straps and backpack straps for hands-free carrying. One top option is the YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Soft Cooler since it holds up to 18 cans (or fewer cans and some food) and comes with a built-in strap that lets you carry it like a beach bag. Our list of top cooler bags offers even more options.

Rash guards offer extra sun protection since they cover more of your skin without keeping you out of the water. The best ones offer SPF protection of some kind, while also being comfortable and cute. You can find rash guards in every size , color and design on Amazon.

Whether you plan to go on a snorkeling trip or you just want a dry place to store some items at the pool or the beach, a dry bag can help. These bags offer a waterproof escape for items you want to keep safe and dry, and they come with enclosures that ensure water can't accidentally seep in.

There are many dry bags you can buy online, including this top-rated pack of three from Outdoor Products . Not only are these dry bags waterproof, but they come in three sizes and have a roll-top enclosure that keeps your items safe from exposure.

Courtesy of GoPro

If you're planning a snorkeling or diving session and you want to capture images of life underwater, a waterproof camera should make your beach packing list. Having this kind of camera along can be a fun way to capture the moment, and it can also a creative activity for the kids.

The most popular underwater camera by far is the GoPro Hero 11 , and it's easy to see why. This underwater camera takes pictures and records video, and you can buy additional accessories to make the camera even more user-friendly. For example, you can purchase a floating hand grip that ensures your camera won't accidentally end up on the ocean floor.

The beach may be a hot place to be during the day, but temperatures always drop when the sun goes down. Depending on where you are, you may even find that your beach destination is downright cool at night – especially when the ocean breeze is in full force.

With that in mind, you'll want to bring a packable jacket along on your trip. Highly rated options include the Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket for women from Cotopaxi since it's stylish but also folds up easily, plus this lightweight men's jacket from Amazon Essentials . For options that can withstand all kinds of weather, check out our top packable jacket choices .

Bringing paper books on your family beach vacation may be your best bet, but you can also add an e-reader to your packing list. Having an e-reader can help you bring more books along without taking up any extra space, and most are compact and light as well.

If you have an e-reader already, make sure to bring it along on your trip. If not, you can buy Kindles and other e-reading devices online. You'll find some are even waterproof, including the Kindle Paperwhite .

There's nothing like some good tunes to add to fun at the beach. Consider something compact, portable and waterproof like the Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth speaker . This product is small enough to toss in your beach bag, and you can take calls on the speaker or stream your curated playlist.

Courtesy of Anker

Make sure you have a power bank with you on your beach trip, especially if several members of your family all have their own devices. While you can always charge your phones, cameras, laptops and tablets in your vacation rental or hotel room, a portable power bank lets you charge up items wherever you are – even on the beach.

There are numerous portable power bank options online, but make sure you compare them based on their charging capacity and battery power. This Anker portable charger from Amazon is powerful enough to charge up to three devices at once.

Sure, you may be out of office, but you'll be using your phone to snap pics, share your photos on social media and stream your playlists. But days at the beach can be hard on your phone, so a waterproof phone case can help protect it from liquids, sand and sunscreen. The Vera Bradley waterproof phone pouch includes a lanyard and lets you use your phone without removing it from the case, while the Rifle Paper Co. style from Case-Mate has a watertight seal and floats.

Bringing a reusable water bottle along on your trip lets you avoid the environmental impact of single-use plastic while ensuring you always have something to drink. You can use your own water bottle and fill it up for each trip to the beach.

If you don't have a reusable water bottle at home to add to your beach packing list, consider purchasing a water bottle online so you can use it over and over again and avoid buying bottled water for the long haul. Consider this reusable water bottle from Amazon .

Courtesy of Welly

A first-aid kit is a must-have when you're traveling to the beach with kids. After all, one of them is bound to get a cut or bruise an elbow when they're out playing all day, and you'll want to be prepared.

Bandages from Welly are popular because they come in fun colors and designs that kids love. Welly even refers to some of their bandages as "bravery patches," which can give kids' self-esteem a boost after they're hurt.

Don't let pesky flies, ticks and other bugs ruin your beach day. Bring along some Babyganics natural insect repellent spray , which is DEET-free. Or, for easy transport, consider Repel insect repellent wipes .

Fun in the sand is what makes a day at the beach, but bring along some Johnson's baby powder to help remove that sand when it's time to pack up. It'll help get the stubborn sand off your skin so you don't bring half of the beach into your hotel room or vehicle.

From cleansing before you eat to getting the extra sunscreen off your hands, wet wipes – like travel-size Wet Ones – are a must-have for beach days. In addition to wiping your hands, you can use them to clean up spills or wipe something off your shirt before it becomes a stain.

After-sun lotion can soothe aching skin after you've spent too much time outside, but it can also ensure your skin stays hydrated and healthy. Some after-sun lotions come in the form of body butter, while others are made of specific ingredients like aloe vera.

Sun Bum Cool Down lotion is popular because it's made with aloe vera and cocoa butter. Not only does this lotion help heal sun-damaged skin, but it instantly nourishes too.

Courtesy of Carmex

Lip balm is a must for long days at the beach, and some products even come with SPF protection. This ensures your lips won't get burned like your skin can, all while keeping your pout moisturized from morning until night.

Carmex Weather Guard lip balm is popular because it's affordable (around $6 each), and it automatically has SPF 30 protection built in. You can also check out Rubber Ducky lip balm with SPF 44 protection, which is waterproof and comes in a three-pack on Amazon.

The hot sun can wreak havoc on your hair, but you can get it back in shape with the right leave-in products. Some leave-in conditioner sprays are specially formulated to protect against the sun, and even to enhance the color of your hair after sun exposure.

For example, Sun Bum Blonde Tone Enhancer nourishes dry hair while using violet extract and blue spirulina to bring out your hair's natural highlights. Meanwhile, Revitalizing 3-in-1 Detangler Leave In Conditioner from Sun Bum conditions and protects hair while also serving as a detangler.

Browse our list of the best toiletry organizers if you don't have one already. This item makes it easy to pack all your beach-related toiletries like sunscreen, bug spray and lip balm in a single space. You'll be able to quickly locate beach necessities when you need to reapply your sunscreen or freshen up.

There are many toiletry organizers online in different shapes and sizes. The traveler-favorite Peak Design Small Wash Pouch is a top U.S. News pick, and there's a wide variety of toiletry bags on Amazon as well.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a veteran travel writer who has visited more than 50 countries and many of the top beach destinations in the world. She frequently heads to Florida beaches with her family, and they also love taking cruises and spending time at all-inclusive resorts. Johnson's favorite beach destination in the U.S. is Destin, Florida.  

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The Best Travel Tote Bags Stylishly Hold It All

Picks from Bottega Veneta, Rimowa, Cuyana, and more

Plane, train, or automobile—however you’re planning to head out of town for the weekend, you’ll need the best travel tote with you, to house the essentials. Having used a tote as a carry-on to load up my headphones and neck pillow, and another as my only bag for a long weekend away, I can vouch for the versatility tote bags can provide when you’re on the go. Look in my closet and you’ll find a handful of options, ranging from a luxury Celine carryall to a practical Cuyana bag.

Best Top-Zip Leather Travel Tote Bag

Cuyana classic easy zipper tote.

Best Black Travel Tote Bag

Caraa nimbus medium.

Best Natural-Fiber Travel Tote

Hunting season the tote in woven natural fiber.

With a range of sizes, strap lengths, and materials, the list ahead offers a comprehensive set of options for weekend trips, longer getaways (with a designer suitcase , of course), and anything in between. With summer getaways on the horizon, you’ll be ready to travel in style, without having to worry that your bag will slide under the seat in front of you.

The long, lean profile of this leather travel tote easily slips under a seat without a fight, and it has a top zipper to secure belongings. Plus, it comes in a range of colors and varying silhouettes to suit all preferences.

Dimensions: 12.3" x 21.6" x 5.1"

Colors: Terra-cotta, black, caramel, dark olive, and more

What reviewers are saying: “I’ve been using the original classic zipper tote for years for travel, and decided to give the new tote a try. I like the new straps, which are easier on the shoulder when I’ve got heavy items to carry, and I love the color (Biscuit). I like having the zipper for keeping my belongings in place when passing through airport security machines and for stowing under the seat in front of me on the airplane.”

I fell in love with Caraa’s durable-yet-sleek recycled nylon bags while trying out stylish diaper bags , and ever since, I’ve been a devotee. I love the rounded silhouette of this spacious but not overly large tote. It feels unique, is super luxe-looking, and offers tons of function, from its lightweight padded design to the 10-plus compartments and multiple straps.

Dimensions: 12.5" x 15.75" x 7"

Colors: Black

What reviewers are saying: “Excellent travel bag. I took it on a recent trip and it was perfect. Love the mesh pockets, the passport pocket and lab top pocket. Just a perfect travel companion!”

“Woven by hand and accented with one-of-a-kind tagua seeds, the tote is a master class in modern travel style,” says Corona. The fiber material is lightweight yet durable, great for days when you’re packing relatively light and need a bag that can make it through work and travel with you.

Dimensions: 19.6" x 11.8" x 7"

Colors: Stripe, brown, natural

Paravel Weekender

Timeless elegance meets modern durability and function in Paravel’s consciously crafted canvas carryall. (Note the protective feet.) It’s monogrammable too—so you’ll never mix it up with another traveler’s bag.

Dimensions: 15" x 15" x 8"

Colors: Tan, black, blue

What reviewers are saying: “This bag looks like the Hermès garden bag. I took it to Sardinia and Sicily and was stopped repeatedly to ask who makes it!”

Calpak Luka Duffel

This bag was my introduction to Calpak, and needless to say, I’m obsessed. It’s so lightweight and spacious, with a secure top zipper, side zip pocket, and sleeve to stay put on my roller bag. I tend to be a heavy packer, especially when attempting only to carry on. I can fit so much in this bag, which fits easily under an airplane seat, even when it’s filled to the brim.

Dimensions: 12" x 16" x 7"

Colors: Chocolate, black, rose, oatmeal, and more

What reviewers are saying: “This bag is more spacious than I imagined it would be. I was shocked how much I could pack in it. I love the shape, structure, color, fabric, luggage sleeve, pockets, and how lightweight it is. It’s truly an amazing piece! My 15 inch MacBook even fits in the outside pocket. It’s a tight fit, but it’s a fit. Worth every penny!”

Prada Re-Edition 1978 Large Re-Nylon and Saffiano Tote

There’s no designer tote bag more durable or beloved than Prada’s Re-Nylon. The black is fail-safe and great for travel, no question. But I can’t help but love the beige as a fresh alternative.

Dimensions: 11.4" x 13.8" x 5.9"

Colors: Black, navy, cork beige

Naghedi St. Barths Large Tote Bag

Flexible and elegant, Naghedi’s woven neoprene tote is a stunning-yet-durable bag for travel and comes with a coordinating pouch for small essentials. Spacious enough for plenty of snacks, a backup layer, and a travel pillow, it’s a year-round winner and can double as a water-resistant beach bag—a true do-it-all wonder.

Dimensions: 22" x 12.5" x 8"

Colors: Olive, black, white, tan, pink, and more

What reviewers are saying: “I purchased this bag one week ago in the Olive large size, and have not put it down since. It is beautiful and gets many compliments. Perfect bag at a great price.”

Dior Large Toujours Bag

Dior’s Toujours bag was a practical standout on the Spring/Summer 2023 runway, making it the ultimate travel companion. The thoughtful details start with the spacious interior compartment and a matching pouch to organize essentials, and end with a leather strap closure to keep items secure, plus adjustable handles for versatile carrying by hand or over the shoulder.

Dimensions: 14.5" x 10.5" x 7.5"

Métier Incognito Cabas Large Suede Tote

Métier is the ultimate for premium suede and leather travel bags. Thoughtfully designed, each bag (like this rich tan version) features multiple interior compartments with a minimal, elevated aesthetic.

Dimensions: 9.4" x 13" x 15.7"

Colors: Brown

Dagne Dover Kal Drawstring Tote

Talk about utility. This drawstring tote bag is not only on-trend with the padded design, but also seriously pocketed, with a perfect spot for every one of your travel essentials. Computer? Check. Wallet and ID? Yep. A water bottle? Oh, yes. (Obviously, staying hydrated in flight is crucial.)

Dimensions: 15" x 4.5" x 16"

Colors: Cream, black, olive, violet, and more

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM

Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull monogram tote bag is iconic in every sense of the word. I love this new khaki-green iteration—it comes with a removable pouch—as a standout update to the spacious, side-laced silhouette.

Dimensions: 12.2" x 11" x 5.5"

Colors: Khaki, cream, black

Lululemon City Adventurer Tote Bag 27L

Raise your hand if your packing was flawless en route to your destination, but can somehow barely be contained on the way home. Enter the expandable travel tote bag by Lululemon, featuring an extremely useful zippered gusset to adjust the capacity of your carry-on. Genius.

Dimensions: 20.5" x 7.1" x 12.6"

Colors: Trench, black

What reviewers are saying: “I loved this bag so much that I bought one for my cousin, too! I use it as a travel bag, as a diaper bag, and as a tote bag when I am walking around in Rome. It expands the perfect amount to fit more stuff in when I travel home from a destination and it has lots of great pockets for all my AirPods, lip glosses, and ID!”

Bottega Veneta Large Flip Flap

Is this the most functional travel tote out there? Perhaps not. But it’s one of the most gorgeous. Crafted from soft nubuck leather, it’s incredibly spacious inside and completed with a brand-signature Intrecciato leather zippered pocket—perfect for your ID, wallet, and phone. (P.S. There should be even bigger Bottega travel bags available this spring.)

Dimensions: 12" x 14.9" x 11"

Colors: Green, brown

July Carryall Tote

I love the ease of a tote that sits comfortably on my shoulder and stays put while I’m dashing through airports. And this one checks so many other boxes, too: from the zippered top to the padded laptop sleeve compartment and hidden passport pocket with a magnetic closure.

Dimensions: 16.5" x 13" x 6.3"

Colors: Black, navy

What reviewers are saying: “This versatile tote has been an absolute game-changer for my daily activities. The design is not only fashionable but also incredibly functional, providing ample space to carry all my essentials effortlessly.”

Rimowa Vertical Tote

Business trippers and light travelers, this upright tote is for you. It features an easy-access external pocket for laptops or other electronics (so key for getting through security), as well as a roomy interior and travel strap for securing it to a roller.

Dimensions: 5.75" x 14.96" x 1.97"

Colors: Black, petal pink

Celine Cabas Drawstring Cuir Triomphe

If you favor elegant leather totes, look no further than this drawstring style by Celine for travel. It’s the type of tote that transitions seamlessly from the workweek (with polished dresses and tailoring) to weekend getaways (with a matching sweatsuit and sneakers).

Dimensions: 17" x 11" x 7"

Colors: Tan

Antler Chelsea Weekender in Woodland Green

This minimal weekender tote bag is spot-on for unfussy travelers. It’s made of water-resistant nylon, with well-considered details like a separate shoe storage compartment, detachable shoulder strap, and a padded pocket to keep a laptop accessible yet well protected.

Dimensions: 20.87" x 12.6" x 9.06"

Colors: Green, navy

What reviewers are saying: “A useful shapes and size bag with handy pockets and slot to fix soundly onto my luggage. I have just used it for the first time and was very pleased.”

Everlane The Luxe Italian Leather Tote

Sometimes, all you need or want is a beautifully crafted leather tote bag without too many bells and whistles. Everlane has you covered with this roomy and sleek leather tote, featuring two over-the-shoulder straps, an interior slip pocket (to cradle your phone, ID, and lip balm), and a leather-covered metal snap button closure.

Dimensions: 20.8" x 15.3" x 7"

Colors: Beech, cognac, black

What reviewers are saying: “Love the size! Fits everything I need be it work or for traveling. The leather quality & workmanship is top notch! Exactly what I was looking for!”

MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote

MZ Wallace is a go-to for well-made tote bags like this quilted nylon style. Perfect for travel, it’s fitted with several interior and exterior pockets, reinforced padded handles, an adjustable crossbody strap, protective feet, a luggage sleeve, and three detachable pouches.

Dimensions: 14.5" × 11" × 14.5"

Colors: Metallic, black

What reviewers are saying: “I own a couple of these bags in different colors and I find them to be the perfect gift for friends and family who are traveling. They are always blown away by the quality, looks, and functionality! The three extra travel bags are a fun surprise too!”

Chanel Large Deauville Tote

If luxury is your game, is there any other option but a Chanel shopper tote bag? Complete with a spacious interior, coordinating pouch, and interior zip pocket, this beautiful blue bag will stand out in any setting, from exotic beaches to snow-capped mountains. Choose your adventure.

Dimensions: 11.7" × 19.5" × 8.6"

Colors: Beige

Aemilia Madden is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. She’s written for publications including Vogue , Harper’s Bazaar , W , and Fashionista . Previously, she was the senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report . In her time away from the internet, Aemilia is probably out on a hike.

The Edit: Fashion

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12 Best Beach Bags and Totes for Summer 2024 to Stylishly Carry All Your Vacation Essentials

Bag one of these handy beach carryalls for the pool or sea.

Summer has officially arrived, bringing with it the eagerly-anticipated days of lounging at the beach or pool. Instead of stuffing all of your essentials into a free-giveaway tote bag or even your -- gasp -- purse, treat yourself to a dedicated beach bag this year. 

Beach bags are made to withstand a day in the sand and look good doing it. Plus, they can offer some really helpful features that your standard tote bag can't. Some offer water repellency or drainage holes at the bottom, so you don't haul sand back home. Others can unfold into a beach towel or even have holding straps for your sun hat . 

We've found the cutest and most helpful beach bags from L*Space , Yeti , Free People and more brands below. Store your essentials, from your beach towel to your sunscreen , in one of the bags ahead. There's an option that won't ruin your beach pics here, no matter your budget, style or needs.

Sunnylife Twin Beach Towel 2-in-1

No more stuffing bulky beach towels in your bag: This cool tote transforms itself into a beach towel. But that's not all: It can also become a pillow.

L*Space Moonlight Bag

This large jute tote features beach-ready colorful accents.

HOXIS Mesh Beach Tote Womens Shoulder Handbag

This lightweight mesh beach tote is designed with a spacious pocket that's perfect for stashing your phone, sunglasses and other beach day essentials.

Vitamin A Amalfi Woven Beach Tote Bag

Make a statement with this adorable straw beach bag featuring handwoven handles.

Yeti Camino 35 Carryall Tote Bag

Yeti's High Desert Clay hue is fun for the beach. This waterproof tote can hold your drinks, towel and more.

Free People Mega Jute Tote Bag

Crafted from durable jute fabric, this oversized tote bag is the perfect companion for your next beach trip.

Freie Liebe Straw Beach Bag

Head down to the beach in style with this on-trend beach bag. Crafted from lightweight and durable straw, it provides ample space for all of your essentials, including sunglasses, sandals, cosmetics and more.

Brouk & Co The Capri Everyday Stripe Tote - Brown

Effortlessly stylish, Oprah's favorite tote is the perfect companion for your everyday adventures.

BAGGU Horizontal Zip Duck Bag

This beach-ready tote is available in numerous colors and prints. Carry it by its handles or shoulder strap for easy wear. 

Hat Attack Portia Luxe Tote

This raffia bag won't take away from your 'fit. It also comes with a detachable leather strap. 

J.Crew Como Woven Straw Tote

With metallic gold leather straps, this woven straw tote is sure to add a stylish touch to your beach look.

Dagne Dover Pacific Tote

A plethora of pockets makes this tote bag especially practical.

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If you haven’t noticed, it’s hot outside. We’re headed to the nearest pool. Are you coming?

While you may be pickier about the bikini you wear or the beach cart or wagon you buy, selecting a chic and practical beach bag isn’t something to gaze over.

To offer you the hottest lookbook for summer, we’ve hand-picked the best beach bags across different categories to ensure you’ll find one (or two, or three) that you’ll want to sport all season long.

Much to our delight, they come in a wealth of styles, sizes and shapes that don’t all fall into the stereotypical wicker-leaning carry-all (though we love those, too).

Best Overall Beach Bag: Aloha Collection Holo Holo Monstera Beach Bag

Best woven beach bag: mark & graham sayulita woven beach tote, best with pockets: lululemon daily multi-pocket tote bag 20l.

• Best Family Beach Bag : Yeti Camino 35 Carryall Tote
• Best Designer Beach Bag : Tory Burch Ever-Ready Zip Tote

Best Waterproof: LMYYG Waterproof Beach Bag

Best beach bag with zipper: becokan waterproof beach tote, best stylish beach bag: petal & pup bodie beach bag, best mesh beach bag: hoxis mesh beach tote.

• Best Rubber Beach Bag : BOGG BAG Original Beach Tote Bag

Plenty of our picks are budget-friendly from retailers like Amazon and Target while some others are more designer-backed for a sweet splurge.

While you’re at it, make sure to pick up one of our recommended outdoor coolers or backpack coolers and a beach umbrella to create a makeshift oasis on the sand.

• Available in a wide selection of prints
• Easy to clean
• No zippered pockets

Aloha! This Aloha Beach Bag is sure to pair well with the other vacation outfits you have on deck thanks to its pastel-touting exterior. Its comfortable shoulder straps are a nice touch, too, and it’s one of the most stylish waterproof totes out there (in our humble opinion).

• Made with water-resistant woven fabric
• Available in three colors
• Customizable for those looking for a personalized beach bag
• No inner pockets for extra storage

What’s great about the Mark & Graham Sayulita Woven Beach Tote isn’t just its colorful, summertime-stylish design. This tote makes the perfect gift, too, as you can opt to personalize the carry-all. Its super stretchy, water-resistant bag features a spacious interior and comfortable design that makes it a winner in our books.

• Made of water-repellent fabric
• Exterior drop-in pockets
• Snap closure
• Interior pocket for keys, cards, and other small items
• Available in seven different styles
• The handle has no texture, so it tends to slide down the arm

This lululemon tote is not only good for the beach but for everyday use! It has lots of pockets, as well as a large main compartment to carry everything from a beach towel to flip-flops. Ideal for both women and men, it’s available in several different styles and is made with water-repellant material. It’s exactly what you need for days spent by the pool.

Best Family Beach Bag: Yeti Camino 35 Carryall Tote

• Can be carried like a tote, as well as a duffle bag
• EVA molded bottom
• Puncture-resistant shell
• Bag doesn’t have a zip closure

Ready for a day out and about? Not unless you bring this Yet Camino 35 Carryall Tote with you. It’s an awesome choice for families, thanks to its large size, multiple interior compartments, and overall design. Some of the features that we love best include its thickskin shell, waterproof material, and deployable dividers, so you can organize accordingly. It will easily carry all of the essentials come beach day, and then some!

Best Designer Beach Bag: Tory Burch Ever-Ready Zip Tote

• Interior pocket for makeup, phone, or house keys
• Classic monogram print
• Available in four styles
• Not waterproof

We recently gifted the Tory Burch Ever-Ready Zip Tote to a loved one and it’s one of the most unique and versatile beach bags out there. It doubles as a work tote , too, but has enough give to function as the tried-and-true option you bring to the sandy shore.

• Available in large and extra-large
• Flat bottom, so bag won’t topple over when set on the floor
• Machine-washable
• Does not collapse as easily as the product photo indicates

For a beach bag that’s closer to a bucket-style cooler, the LMYYG Waterproof Beach Bag is the hidden gem on Amazon we’re happy we found. Specifically, this tote features an easy-to-fold design — perfect for your car or luggage — and is built with thick neoprene to help prevent tearing. When beach season is through, use it for groceries, a fun work bag, or even a diaper bag!

• Side pocket for smartphone or water bottle
• Inside zip pocket, as well as zippered closure
• Available in eight styles
• Material is on the thin side

If you love a wider beach bag that’s still waterproof and comes with chic rope handles, look no further than the Becokan Waterproof Beach Tote. For just $20 right now, it comes in other striped colors to choose from, is adored by nearly 1,500 beach-goers for its large capacity and is one of the most practical ones to add to your online shopping cart.

• Durable twin leather straps
• Button closure
• Large enough to carry a swimsuit, books, a towel, snacks and other summer must-haves

Meet the beach bag we personally use on the regular: Petal & Pup’s Bodie Beach Bag. Just shy of $40, its multi-colored print and durable straps make it the soft-structured bags of our dreams. The twin leather handles add to its quality charm, along with top tassel detailing to complete the look.

• Interior pocket
• Lightweight and packable
• Available in 14 colors
• Budget-friendly

Hello, lightweight packable beach bag. We’re recommending the HOXIS Mesh Beach Tote because it’s available in practically every color and is seamless to carry around. With more than 6,000 positive reviews for its durable yet simple design, it’s fully worth the $15 price tag.

Best Rubber Beach Bag: BOGG BAG Original Beach Tote Bag

• Available in more than 20 colors
• On the heavier side

Meet the Bogg Bag. Heard of it? The TikTok famous tote is popular for a variety of reasons, including its extra large size, durability, and waterproof material. We love its flat bottom, which makes it virtually topple-proof, as well as the massive compartment for carting beach toys, swimsuits, and sunscreen in.

Best Straw Beach Bag: Trifabricy Woven Straw Beach Bag Tote

• Water-proof lining
• Reinforced siding for better durability
• The handle is on the shorter side

With a boxy design and tropical resort-inspired tassel detailing, the Trifabricy Woven Straw Beach Bag Tote is less than $25 on Amazon , making it a great option for those looking for an inexpensive beach bag. It’s large enough to hold clothing and your beach towels and made of 100% natural jute fiber with a clear coating of PVC for a fully waterproof design. What’s not to love?

Best Beach Bag for Moms: Fit & Fresh All the Things Weekender Bag

• Holds up to 50 pounds
• Long, thick strap that won’t roll down the shoulder
• Elastic pockets, zipper closure, and zippered interior pocket
• Available in seven styles
• Can feel clunky when loaded with a lot of stuff

Mamas of the world, we’ve found the bag for you! The Weekender Bag from Fit & Fresh has plenty of room (50 pounds of it, in fact) to carry all the things you need. We’re talking towels, swimsuits, extra clothing, food — do we need to go on? Almost 3,000 Amazon customers give it a five-star rating, and we’re in total agreement. The budget-friendly find has so much to offer, including multiple compartments for organization, a long and short handle, plus an extra-long zipper closure. The canvas-based tote is also water-resistant. See? We told you this was one of the best beach bags around!

Best Beach Bag Cooler: Sunnylife Drinks Cooler Bag

• Keeps drinks cool for up to 4 hours
• Webbed interior
• Internal divider to keep beverages from colliding
• Not much extra room for food or glassware

A day at the beach wouldn’t be a day at the beach without some drinks. And of course, you need a cooler for that. Rather than carry a beach bag and a cooler, why not grab a design that combines the two necessities? This one from Sunnylife is our favorite. Along with being super cute, it comes with a freezable gel divider and has enough room for not one but two bottles of wine or champagne.

What material is best for a beach bag?

If you’re heading seaside or to the pool, the best material for a beach bag is going to be waterproof.

Although that may sound less than stylish, there are lots of beach-appropriate bags that can handle the waterworks while remaining fashion forward.

True, we’re fans of the Bogg Bag , but there are other choices if that doesn’t meet your needs. Look for bags made of cotton canvas, nylon, or vinyl, which are light, easy to clean, and don’t require things like dry cleaning. Who has time for that?

If you want to keep things even simplier, scan the design features. Most bags, like the ALHOA Holo Holo or the lululemon Daily Mult-Pocket Tote , will specify if they’re water-resistant or not.

What is similar to a Bogg Bag?

If you’re lusting after this viral beach bag but don’t want to shell out the money, you’ve come to the right place. There are some beachy alternatives similar to the Bogg Bag, and the Crocs Classic Tote is one of them.

Consider it a favorite Bogg Bag dupe, especially since it’s about $20 less, and can fit all your beachy essentials without issue.

If you can’t grab that on time (stock is limited, so hurry while you can), try something like the Simple Modern Getaway Tote . It’s not as large but will still get the job done, which is what counts most. It’s also made of durable rubber, is 100% water resistant, and has the signature side holes we’ve all come to love.

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance . We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products , and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.

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NBC Select Travel Awards 2024: The best duffels, backpacks and weekenders

At NBC Select, we spend hours researching and testing products so you can be more selective with your purchases. For our first-ever NBC Select Travel Awards, we spent months thoroughly testing numerous products covering a variety of travel categories.

We flew across the globe to Japan and Paris with suitcases , took train rides around New York City with weekenders and duffels in tow and packed bags full of packing cubes , toiletry bags and noise-canceling headphones to road trip across the East Coast. After all that testing, our editors sat down to choose products deserving of NBC Select’s stamp of approval.

Below are our award-winning duffels, weekenders and backpacks , plus information about how we evaluated each product.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best bags | Best duffel bags | Best backpacks | Best weekender bags

select We tested over 50 travel accessories for our first ever Travel Awards — these are our favorites

How we picked the best travel bags .

The backpack, the weekender and the duffel are all bags that need to serve multiple functions while on a trip. We fill them with whatever we can’t fit in our suitcases, throw our essentials inside them for overnight getaways and use them to carry our laptops and water bottles on planes, trains, and automobiles. They are versatile and multipurpose, making it useful to keep at least one at home when traveling. Here’s how we evaluated travel bags to find NBC Select’s 2024 Travel Award winners.

• Zippers, handles and straps : To ensure zippers glide smoothly and don’t get stuck at any point, we opened and closed each bag numerous times when it was empty and full. We also considered how strong the bags’ handles and straps were, including how they felt when we held or wore them on our bodies.
• Structure and organization : We assessed how each bag’s structure impacted our ability to pack it easily — for example, whether it stayed open while we added clothing or flopped over and whether it was too stiff to overstuff or just flexible enough. We counted how many outfits (and, if applicable, how many pairs of shoes) fit inside the bags, plus what type of organizational features they offer, including built-in dividers, pockets, and pouches.
• Comfortability : After filling our bags to the brim, we ensured they felt comfortable carrying for long and short periods. We carried them as the brand intended: on our backs or over our shoulders.
• Durability : We noted the material each bag is made from and how well it withstands being tossed around during travel. We also considered water resistance.

The best duffel bags

Best overall: calpak luka duffel.

Calpak Luka Duffel

With its spacious main compartment, exterior and interior pockets, exterior shoe compartment and trolley sleeve, this bag makes for the perfect travel and daily duffel. “I love that I can use this bag for trips as well as in my everyday life as a gym bag. I didn’t find that with the other duffels I tested, so I appreciated this,” says Zoe Malin , NBC Select associate updates editor. “The size of this bag and how lightweight it is makes it a perfect workout bag for me. I put my sneakers, a change of clothes, weights, a towel, toiletries and a water bottle inside it to go to yoga after work.”

The soft and puffy polyester bag is also durable, easy to clean and water-resistant. “I had to walk to the train in the rain with this bag and everything inside was totally dry,” says Malin. “I just wiped water off the bag in the bathroom of the train station with paper towels.”

Best large capacity: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel comes in four sizes — 40L, 55L, 70L and 100L — so you can choose the capacity that’s best for your travels. The duffel is made from 100% recycled fabrics, plus it has a durable and weather-resistant exterior.

On the inside, this spacious bag has interior pockets that are similar to a carry-on suitcase. It also closes and opens easily since the zippers glide easily, says Mili Godio , NBC Select updates editor. “The only thing I wish is that it had more pockets, especially for smaller items like my wallet and keys, but the ones it does have are super spacious.”

The best backpacks

Best overall: calpak laptop backpack.

Calpak Laptop Backpack

This Calpak backpack is great for frequent travelers looking for a large, durable bag to hold essentials of all sizes, as well as a laptop. The backpack has exterior and interior pockets, a water bottle holder and a trolley sleeve so you can slide it onto your luggage. “Calpak’s backpack has completely changed how I travel,” says Bianca Alvarez , an NBC Select associate reporter who’s a super commuter . She travels from Virginia to New York City every week for work. “I tossed my old backpacks after using this one because it makes my travel days easier,” she says.

Alvarez says storage and space are a guarantee with this bag due to its plethora of organizational features. She especially loves its interior pockets. They’re located near the top of the bag rather than the bottom, which prevents her from having to rummage through everything packed inside to find what she’s looking for.  Alvarez says the bag’s main compartment can easily fit clothes, shoes and cosmetics bags, and there’s a separate compartment for her laptop and notebooks.

Best for commuting: Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Dagne Dover’s Dakota Backpack is ideal for commuters, like NBC Select staff who brought it back and forth to the office. “I’ve been using this backpack for two months as my work bag and it’s been a major upgrade from my last situation,” says Rebecca Rodriguez , NBC Select editorial projects manager. The backpack has padded straps, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and it has compartments and pockets to store whatever you’re traveling with.

Whether you’re commuting in the rain or accidentally spilled your morning coffee , no worries — this backpack will keep your items protected. “The backpack got dirty a couple of times while I used it, but the neoprene material was super easy to clean with soap and warm water,” says Rodriguez.

Best outdoors: Orvis Trekkage LT Adventure

Orvis Trekkage LT Adventure

While the Orvis Trekkage backpack is specifically designed for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping, it has features that allow you to use it in everyday life, including a laptop pocket and a hidden security pocket for valuables. The bag is made from heavy-duty recycled, water-repellent fabric, and its main pocket is lockable making it easier to protect your items while outdoors camping or just traveling. There are also expandable side pockets and a built-in hydration reservoir.

“This bag is big without looking like it belongs on the 'Amazing Race,'” says Rosalie Sparaco, NBC senior social media editor. “It has a ton of space, although it could potentially use more internal pockets since it was easy to lose stuff.” She also says the backpack is comfortable to carry thanks to its padded back panel and curved ergonomic shoulder straps. If you need extra support, you can use the bag’s adjustable sternum strap and adjustable, removable waist strap. The backpack also fits under the seat of a plane.

The best weekenders

Best overall: dagne dover landon carryall.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall

The magic behind Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall lies in its structure, says Malin: “It has shape, so it stays open while I’m packing and never flops over, yet it’s flexible and soft, so I can overstuff it without any issues.”  The bag is also expandable. “You can unsnap the sides of the bag to make it bigger, which is such a great option,” says Malin. “I expand it for longer trips, but leave it snapped for overnight trips when I don’t need a ton of space.”

The organizational features this bag offers vary by size. It’s available in extra small, small, medium, large and extra large options — the bigger the bag, the more extensive its organization features are. Because of this, we recommend the medium, large and extra large options for traveling (the extra small and small Carryalls function more as everyday handbags, based on our testers’ experiences). They’re designed with a laptop carrier, an exterior phone pocket, interior side pockets, a key leash and an attached zip-top pouch. The larger bags also come with a shoe bag and a detachable adjustable crossbody strap.

Best for a long weekend: July Carry All Weekender Plus

July Carry All Weekender Plus

If you need a weekender bag that fits enough clothes and toiletries to last you a few days, this one from July is exactly what you’re looking for. “I’m very impressed by how incredibly spacious this bag is,” says Ari Night, NBC Select editorial assistant. “Not only does it fit multiple outfits, but it also has segmented pockets that keep everything organized inside.” The bag’s clamshell opening allows it to lie flat making it  easier for packing, and there’s a padded pocket in the center to put delicate items like a laptop or tablet . This weekender also has a hidden internal pocket with a magnetic opening for valuables like jewelry, an exterior zip pocket and a luggage sleeve. It also  comes with a detachable adjustable shoulder strap.

Why trust NBC Select?

Products underwent an eight-week trial before being selected as our favorite in their respective categories. We utilized our editors as shopping and trying experts. Each editor was given the same criteria during the testing period to ensure each item was held to the same standards and procedures. We looked at spaciousness, durability, comfort, zippers and much more. You can read more about our process here .

What our badge means

When a product carries the NBC Select badge, you can trust that our team of editors as shopping experts and professionals vetted the item thoroughly. First and foremost, we are journalists, so we will always do our research and reporting.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Select Staff on NBC News