The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

A person standing outside in a light blue short sleeve shirt wears the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack, in black with a gray llama-head logo and aqua accents.

Opening up your favorite carry-on travel backpack—with all of your stuff in the right place and easy to reach—should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk.

This is a moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45L bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35L bags tend to be more manageable.

Clamshell designs open like a book and are easiest to pack, but bags that open traditionally tend to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides, especially the bottom, for pulling it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed on your own with packing cubes.

We spent six months testing 22 bags and flying across the country with all of our picks.

In the end, we chose two as our top picks: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This is not a style of packing that’s for everyone, but once some people try it , they’re forever hooked. However, finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone.

That’s why we have picks that are great for people traveling for work , others designed to be carried over long distances , picks for maximizing your packing space , and budget options for travelers who want to give the one-bag strategy a try.

The research

Why you should trust us, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best bag for document organization: topo designs global travel bag 30l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack 40l, best affordable large backpack: ebags tls mother lode weekender, other good carry-on travel backpacks, who this is for, how we picked and tested, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade and have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. And as members of a remote organization, our editors and writers travel a lot and are continually testing the gear we recommend—our travel gear guide remains a perennial favorite among staff members. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that and another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

In addition to documenting our own experiences, I reached out to experts and writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag. Eytan Levy is the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website, which combines travel guides and tips with in-depth gear reviews. James Feess is the founder of The Savvy Backpacker and author of The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide to Europe on a Budget . And Sharon Gourlay is the writer of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

The shiny, one-piece back of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L on a tester's back

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

Get this if: You want an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag with a rainfly for downpours or you want to support a B-corp and its related social and sustainable missions .

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28 - and 42 -liter sizes. But the 35 liter is, for us, the best. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when its fully packed, and for a bag that big, we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for any shorter trip, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack that’s designed to fit snugly into the Allpa’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

The Allpa has a clamshell design, which means it opens like a hard-sided suitcase: A large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, letting it fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothes (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

The Cotopaxi Allpa open to show the zip-up compartments on both the left and right sides filled with clothes, packing cubes, and other gear.

The Allpa’s hip belt, which can be removed while the bag is on your back, is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa is decently comfortable over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of, unlike the shoulder straps on our other picks, the Allpa’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom, so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer; the other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

The Allpa is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag or the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. The Allpa is the kind of bag you can toss as easily into an overhead compartment as you can into the back of a rusty pickup truck. Uniquely in this category, the Allpa also includes a rainfly.

A person holding a gray Cotopaxi Allpa backpack in front of themselves by gripping the side handles.

Flaws but not dealbreakers The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.

Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but we’ve found after many years of travel with our bag that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots. We’d love to see the all-nylon option return at some point, for people who prefer the added robustness and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of rain coverage.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds, 5 ounces Main compartment access: Clamshell opening Style: Adventurous Colors: Assorted

A person in a gray tshirt and red shorts stands between a solid wooden fence and tall shrubs while wearing the 45 liter Peak Design Travel Backpack.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

Get this if: You travel often with expensive camera gear and need easy access and many storage pockets, or you just prefer a backpack-based packing system with plenty of adaptability and customization.

Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be luggage on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. It will still feel larger than a normal daypack in this configuration, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough, but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa .

The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga ; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in three sizes, and if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (the photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

Peak Design also makes a line of ultralight packing cubes . They’re good cubes, and they compare well to the ultralight Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube set, our pick for light packers . However, the Peak Design cubes are sized specifically for this bag and fit just so inside it, especially when combined with other Peak Design gear cubes and accessories, like the toiletry bag . (Chase Reeves has done an in-depth video review of these cubes; it’s a good resource for anyone who’s on the fence about buying them.) After testing the cubes (and this is not a mark against the Eagle Creek or the Peak Design ultralight cubes, both of which are excellent), I personally still prefer the more-rigid Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal set, one of our longtime picks .

Flaws but not dealbreakers The Travel Backpack has few flaws. It is expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: Black, Sage

A person in a black jacket walks across a brick plaza while carrying the Topo Designs 30 liter travel bag over their shoulder with the optional shoulder sling. The bag is olive green with bright yellow and red accents.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s open interior makes packing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate the Topo’s accessible front pockets and holders for organizing books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

Get this if: You travel often for work and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks. The front panel and assorted pockets are like a small traveling office space.

Of all the bags we recommend, the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L comes closest to the style of an everyday carry backpack, due to its small size and minimal external features. This bag is perfect if you have to travel to a work event, get off the plane, and then use it as a daily backpack without drawing too much attention to yourself. Topo also includes built-in attachment clips, if you want to piggyback a smaller daily-carry backpack to your Travel Bag. I know people who love to do this. I personally do not. But it’s a good feature, especially if you’re committed to Topo gear in general. However, given its basic strap system and flat nylon back, the Topo is not built as well as our other picks for longer hikes.

The Travel Bag is one of the simplest bags we tested, with a main compartment and some basic document organization in the front pocket. This bag is a front-panel loader (which we find very easy to pack), organized around a main pocket that can fit two large packing cubes. Inside, the lid of the bag also has two mesh dividers, for a small amount of organization. Outside, the bag has two small zippered pockets for travel accessories (such as earbuds and a passport) and a larger organizer pocket for books, tickets, and snacks. The Topo is constructed with heavy YKK zippers and, similar to the Cotopaxi Allpa, has built-in zipper security loops (strong loops of fabric that secure your zippers when the bag is shut), if you want a touch more security.

Similar to our other picks, the Travel Bag is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty and repair program from Topo. However, Topo’s gear is made from 1000D nylon (a dense and very tough fabric) and built like a tank; it has rigid padding throughout, and there is an attention to detail (particularly in the stitching around the zippers and handles) that’s a mark of quality to any savvy bag enthusiast. The point is, you would really have to get into some trouble to need the repair program. But it’s there if you do need it.

If you want to carry as much as possible, the Travel Bag also comes in a 40L model . It’s a fine bag at that size, and it does include a small yet stowable waist belt to help carry the weight. But we prefer our larger picks, like the Tortuga (more carrying capacity) or the eBags TLS Mother Lode (less expensive).

The Travel Bag has a built-in laptop compartment that fits most 15-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body. The Topo is well padded on all sides, and it is stitched in a way that keeps the edge of your computer from the bottom of the bag and should protect your computer from all but the worst drops. This bag, like most of Topo’s gear, is designed to work with Topo dopp bags , accessory bags , and packing cubes . Fully packed, it can carry two large packing cubes, two medium accessory bags, and a dopp kit.

Flaws but not dealbreakers Despite its travel-document organization, the Topo bag lacks the large internal pockets of our other picks, and the bag’s main compartment isn’t quite as spacious as that of our other picks. People who like a deeper main compartment might prefer the Cotopaxi or Tortuga bags. The Topo bag’s compartment is a little tight for large laptops, so it isn’t the best when going through security. We’d love to see a little more attention paid to the back contouring and straps of this bag, to make longer walks more comfortable.

Capacity: 30 liters Weight: 2 pounds, 10 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: retro Colors: Navy, Black, Clay, Charcoal, Olive

A tester from behind, wearing the Osprey Farpoint

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, the Farpoint is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world. And it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

travel tourist pouch

Osprey Fairview 40

For smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, the Fairview has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

May be out of stock

Get this if: You’re starting out with one-bag travel and aren’t sure which style of bag is best for you, but you want one that’s easy to carry over long distances.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint applies to the Fairview as well.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

If you’re just starting out with one-bag travel, or you aren’t sure what type of travel bag best suits your needs, the Farpoint is an excellent first choice.

The Osprey backpack opened to show its neon-green interior mesh pocket on one side and a bright red packing cube strapped in to the other side.

The Farpoint is easy to pack. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, without your having to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike packing a bit of sturdy luggage, which is something we love about bags like this—especially when you pack with packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the available space in the Farpoint is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration that Osprey has put into its line of hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint. After more than six years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to put on when it’s fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa is more flexible and lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

A black Klean Kanteen water bottle in the mesh water bottle pocket of an aqua colored Osprey backpack.

As some reviewers have pointed out, smaller individuals may appreciate the lighter weight and more-compact design of the Farpoint or the Fairview (which basically have the same design, but the Fairview is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso). On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

Flaws but not dealbreakers For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little not to like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds, 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds, 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): Gopher Green, Tunnel Vision Grey, Muted Space Blue, Black Colors (Fairview): Winter Night Blue, Zircon Red, Night Jungle Blue, Black

A traveler wearing a black backpack

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

Get this if: You want to maximize your packing space in a bag that’s durable, customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), and water-resistant, and that has organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

When it comes to packing, the Tortuga has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter bag (the max space for a carry-on bag), which we tested, along with the 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

However, the Tortuga is the most adjustable bag we’ve tested five years in a row, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. This design (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best of those we’ve tested at distributing the weight of the bag (4.5 pounds when empty—roughly a pound and a half more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design.) The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

Flaws but not dealbreakers Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the Tortuga’s shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. Personally, it still makes me nervous to see the Tortuga traveling on the luggage belt toward mysterious machines and conveyors beneath the airport—all of which, in my imagination, are waiting to tear the hip belt from the bag or slice open the sailcloth exterior. But the Tortuga appears to shrug it all off with ease. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design Travel Backpack .

We’ve also fielded complaints from some testers that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4.5 pounds, the new Tortuga is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be —the difference is noticeable—and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design . But if you feel like you would struggle carrying this model, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4.5 pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

A person in a gray tshirt and red shorts wears the eBags TLS Mother Lode while walking outdoors next to tall shrubs.

eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender

Affordable capacity and organization.

The Mother Lode offers the organizational features most travelers want, at an affordable price. However, it’s not as comfortable to carry as pricier options, and it can expand well past the limits of most overhead bins.

Get this if: You want an affordable bag with a traditional look, to carry as much as you can—potentially more than you’re allowed by airlines.

If you like the concept of the large Tortuga Travel Backpack but not its price, the eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender is a great option for infrequent travelers who are willing to give up some features, such as a decent hip belt. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve that holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders, and an easy-to-access main compartment. This bag also has the largest capacity of any of those we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s more-casual looks might not be to everyone’s taste.

The Mother Lode is a good suitcase built around a basic (if slightly underwhelming) backpack. That’s the tradeoff you make for its low price, which is less than half that of other models. Unlike our other picks, the Mother Lode is not for carrying over long distances, especially when it’s full. If you know you’re going to be walking long distances (say, over a mile or so) with your pack on, you might want to consider one of our other picks. That said, if you’re carrying your bag only from a taxi to the airport security line but you want to avoid checked-item fees, the Mother Lode might be the bag for you.

The best part of the Mother Lode is the interior layout: It is easy to pack, and it’s smartly organized but still adaptable enough to mold to your preferred style of packing (meaning you can find what you need when you need it). However, the intense design focus that’s evident in the interior of the bag seems to have slipped a bit when it came to the exterior. Compared with those of several other picks in this size, this bag’s slim straps and barely there hip belt are noticeably lacking, especially if you’ve maxed out the bag’s ludicrous capacity.

The clamshell opening of the Mother Lode is similar to the Tortuga’s or the Cotopaxi Allpa’s. This space is augmented by a separate front compartment and organization panel for quick access to mid-size items like a toiletry kit; a top compartment for keys, small books, or sunglasses; and a front pocket organizer for smaller flat items, like travel documents and wallets. The laptop pocket is large and well protected, and it has a strap to help secure and position your laptop’s weight higher up your back if you wish.

Flaws but not dealbreakers There are plenty of flaws with this bag, if you choose to see them as flaws instead of the necessary consequences of the Mother Lode’s inexpensive price. During testing, we packed as much into the Mother Lode as we did in the Tortuga (more, if we expanded the Mother Lode past strict carry-on dimensions). The problem with that much capacity? It becomes an absolute bear to carry. And the flimsy waist belt is almost useless at distributing weight across your hips. Several times during testing I considered just cutting it away. This is a shame, since the bag could go from “decent for the price” to “fantastic, especially at this price” with just a few upgrades.

Capacity: 45 liters (expandable to 65 liters) Weight: 4 pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: casual Colors: Eggplant, Garnet, Slate Blue, Heathered Graphite, Pine Green

If you want to travel like a backpacker but fit in at a board meeting (and have the budget to do so): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 —its reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers, and after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks, and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability, you need to buy the $33 internal frame , the $33 hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the $33 shoulder strap (all prices at the time of writing). This all adds up on a bag that already costs $330. Even though everything about the Tom Bihn (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

Anyone who wants to travel light and stay flexible should seriously consider using a carry-on travel backpack. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey. It’s easy to remain more mobile when you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage and easier still to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. And as airlines charge more and more for checking baggage, traveling with just a carry-on bag (frequently referred to as one-bag travel ) is becoming less of a lifestyle choice and more of a survival skill. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but about yourself and what you really need day to day.

If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags are not carry-on-friendly, though, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them. We also have a guide to wheeled carry-on bags , which are designed to hold a lot of stuff while remaining easy to maneuver around airports. However, wheels, retractable handles, and frames subtract from precious packing space and add weight, and can make a bag difficult to manage on busy city streets.

There’s no single backpack that is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it, but unobtrusive when you do not. The best bags are built to survive a lifetime of use and, if cared for properly, should be something you develop a bond with over time.

To compile our list of possible models, we scoured the world of travel blogs and product reviews (most driven by a similar affiliate revenue model to ours), including The Savvy Backpacker , Snarky Nomad , The Travel Hack , Nomadic Matt , The Travel Tester , Where’s Sharon? , Y Travel Blog , Lengthy Travel , and GearLab . Additionally, we lurked on Reddit’s r/onebag  and r/heronebag forums, and emailed and had phone interviews with the moderators of those subreddits, Addison Ryan and Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, respectively. Additionally, we spoke with the prolific travel bag reviewer Chase Reeves to get his thoughts on what most great bags have in common. We ended up with a list of 60 candidates and then narrowed this list down to 22 finalists using the following criteria: capacity, compartment design, aesthetics, reviews, and reported comfort.

There isn’t one perfect bag to please everyone, but there are tools you can use to find what’s best for you. We did a lot of our own research to compare models of travel bags, but r/onebag moderator /u/-Nepherim created one of the best product-comparison spreadsheets we’ve seen . If you want to keep researching your own pick, this spreadsheet is a great place to start.

A graphic comparing 45-liter vs. 35-liter travel bags. The difference in size translates to fitting 4 large packing cubes, 1 medium packing cube, and a toiletry bag (45-liter) vs. 2 large packing cubes, 1 medium packing cube, and 1 small toiletry bag (35-liter)

Even if you aren’t convinced by our picks, we do think we can help you figure out what parameters are best for travel bags of any size. We’ve narrowed down our specifications to the following list of features, ordered from most to least relevant.

  • Panel-loading or clamshell opening for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with these bags, you want to be able to open them and see everything you’ve packed. A panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional top-opening design—lets you pack and unpack these bags just as you would a suitcase.

A graphic illustrating a clamshell bag opening

  • Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
  • Hip belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
  • Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.
  • Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you such exotic, light, and strong materials as Dyneema or sailcloth.
  • Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
  • Stowable straps: These are nice to have but aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
  • Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything, while others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.

During testing, we flew with these bags across the country, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L has an updated design featuring a new hip belt, which brings it back into class with many of its competitors in this category. In the past, the MLC’s straps were too slim and unsupported for the bag’s 45-liter capacity. Also, its lack of any framing gave the bag a soft and unsettling feeling if it was anything but fully packed. We’re looking at the newest model to see if some of these problems have been corrected and if a former champion travel backpack can regain the spotlight.

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack : This mind-bendingly inexpensive bag (which includes three packing cubes, all for $45 at time of publication) is a remarkable testament to the cutthroat logic and efficiency of a globalized free market. Is it attractive? No. Is it comfortable to carry? Not particularly. Is it durable enough to withstand years of travel? Unlikely. Is it $45? Yes! If you want the absolute least expensive carry-on travel backpack we’ve ever seen, this is it. But you’ll get more with the TLS Motherlode , which, although double the price, is still very affordable.

Away F.A.R. Convertible Backpack 45L : A rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Admittedly made of excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

Cabin Max Metz (and the nearly identical AmazonBasics Carry-On ): This cheap, no-frills bag is enticing for the price. But after comparing these bags to the TLS Mother Lode, we think you’re better off paying twice the price for way more than twice the value. The Mother Lode is more reliable and built from stronger materials, and it will hold more stuff comfortably than either of these bags.

GeniusPack Travel Backpack: The GeniusPack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need this, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . (GeniusPack now has a version 2 of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.)

Goruck GR2 : I’m a big fan of Goruck bags, and I use the GR1 regularly as my daily work and travel bag. These bags will last a lifetime. However, the GR2 is too expensive and too large (its 40L size is a true 40L) for many people, especially since none of the three sizes (26L, 34L, and 40L) comes with a hip belt. We wish the GR2 had a removable hip belt, something similar to what’s on the GR3. That said, this bag is simple, sturdy, and stoic. There is a lot to love about it. And if you don’t mind the high cost, this bag will probably outlast your corporeal self.

Goruck GR3 : The GR3 is almost worth the cost for certain people. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear and good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. It’s a good bag. However, after testing it, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, is difficult to keep clean, and clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

Kelty Redwing 44 : When we got our hands on the Redwing, we realized that it was closer to a top-loading light camping backpack than to the panel-loading packs we tested. It didn’t quite fit the scope of this review because of its design.

Hynes Eagle 40L Flight Approved Carry-on : This pack is very similar pack to the eBags TLS Mother Lode and the Cabin Max Metz models. It might be useful as a weekend traveler, but we don’t think it would hold up for longer trips.

MEI Voyageur : There’s a lot to like about this bag, especially for the price. It features 1000D Cordura nylon and YKK zippers, and it has a spacious design and decent shoulder straps. But we’re still on the fence about recommending it. The lack of recent reputable reviews gives us pause, along with the sparse Shopify website, which, the last time we checked, in 2024, wasn’t operational. (The company now appears to be selling directly via PayPal.)

Minaal Carry-on 2.0: This bag was designed to be the absolute best travel backpack for business people. But if you’re a business person, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. Even so, if you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, you should know that many travel writers have spoken highly of this bag, despite its high price. This does look to be a well-thought-out pack, but we think our picks are more versatile for world travel. (Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version ; our thoughts about it remain the same.)

Osprey Porter 46: This was a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint 40 . It’s about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to gate-check your bag at the last minute, this would have been an excellent alternative to the Farpoint 40. (It has since been replaced by the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 ; we may take a look at it.)

Trakke Storr Carryon : Travel-bag enthusiast Chase Reeves used to list this bag as one of his top picks for a medium-size carry-on bag, and it looks very well built . But at $500, plus shipping from Scotland, it is simply too expensive for most people.

We also tested and dismissed The North Face Overhaul 40, which has since been discontinued.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

travel tourist pouch

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

Four Osprey travel backpacks, two blue, two green, sitting next to each other.

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

A person in an outdoor environment wearing one of our picks for best buy it for life backpack with a minimalist look, the GoRuck GR1.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Our picks for best laptop backpack pictured with school supplies.

The Best Laptop Backpacks

by Zoe Vanderweide

A great laptop backpack protects your tech, is comfortable to carry, and looks good, too. These five bags are our favorites for wrangling your workday gear.

A person wearing the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel backpack.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

Protect Your Trip »

The 12 best travel purses of 2024.

From hands-free to anti-theft options, discover the ideal companion for your journey.

The Best Travel Purses

Hands opening a black Lo & Sons The Waverly 2 Small purse on top of a table.

Courtesy of Lo & Sons

When you're planning a trip, a key wardrobe decision is determining what purse works best for your itinerary. You may want anti-theft features and compartments with space for glasses, passports, sunscreen and more – but you can also find plenty of extras like built-in wallets, hidden pockets and key ring attachments. There's a wide range of different styles on the market to suit your travel purse needs.

To help narrow the options, the editors at U.S. News along with travel experts researched and shared their go-to bags for all of life's adventures.

The Top Travel Purses of 2024

U.S. News editors researched dozens of review sites, including Amazon, online retailers, travel industry review sites and more, to come up with this selection of the best travel purses.

Best Overall: TUMI Voyageur Tyler Crossbody

  • Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Crossbody: Lug Skeeter Convertible Crossbody

Best for europe: minooy eirene crossbody bag, best anti-theft: travelon anti-theft crossbody bag, best shoulder bag: vera bradley glenna satchel, best messenger bag: tory burch nylon small messenger, best backpack purse: calpak luka mini backpack.

  • Best Small Travel Purse: Lo & Sons The Waverly 2 Small

Best Packable: LeSportsac Deluxe Everyday Bag

Best belt bag: dagne dover ace fanny pack, best sling bag: cluci small sling bag for women, best clutch: consuela thunderbird uptown crossbody.

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors. We update this article quarterly to ensure the bags we're recommending are in stock and continue to have great overall reviews from consumers, while also considering new product launches. Dimensions are listed in order of length by height by width.)

TUMI Voyageur Tyler Crossbody in black against white background.

Courtesy of TUMI

Dimensions: 10.3 x 10 x 1.8 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Colors: Five, including black with gold hardware and indigo

What sets it apart: This sleek design blends fashion with function. The Tyler Crossbody by TUMI has multiple organizational features, including a spacious main compartment for a passport, camera and other personal essentials; a U-shaped front pocket with a leather card pocket and key leash; two front zippered pockets; and a back slip pocket. The upscale nylon construction is durable yet polished and it can be spot cleaned for when those spills happen. What's more, the detachable leather charm can be monogrammed.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers love this bag because of all the pockets and separate compartments that keep everything organized and quick to find. They say the nylon has an upscale feel, and the overall design works perfectly for travel or daily use.

Price: $295 or less Shop now: TUMI | Amazon | Zappos | Macy's

Dimensions: 6 x 8 x 3 inches | Weight: 0.75 pounds | Colors: Multiple colors and prints, including red with white polka dots and solid options such as black or kelly green

If you love organizational details, the Lug Skeeter is a multicompartment crossbody bag with plenty of potential. You can leave your wallet at home and utilize the front compartment's built-in wallet, with its clear ID window and RFID protection, along with the bungee key ring that allows you to easily find your keys. There's a lined slip pocket with magnetic closure for quick access to your phone − making snapping a selfie oh-so-easy. The main compartment can fit your camera, snacks and personal essentials, with a plastic-lined zippered pocket for sunscreen, lotion or other small liquids. The back zippered compartment is ideal for wipes, a passport or other necessities.

Travelers appreciate: Owners of this style love the material of this bag, which comes in a variety of fun colors and prints. It's wipeable and water-repellent, so that spilled latte or sudden downpour won't be a problem. You can remove the adjustable strap and carry the bag with the top handle, depending on the needs of the day. Plus, the charm bar is a fun way to customize your handbag.

Price: $80 or less Shop now: QVC | Amazon | Luglife

Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.64 x 2.48 inches | Weight: 1.34 pounds | Colors: Black, brown, caramel and coffee

What sets it apart: When traveling abroad, versatility is key, and this chic design by Minooy offers just that. Constructed of high-quality full-grain leather in a choice of four classic colors, this multicompartment travel purse is packed with details. The separate main zippered pocket keeps everything from lipstick to a phone cord in its place. The crossbody bag offers understated luxury, the RFID-blocking internal compartment has six card slots, and the outside zippered pocket can hold up to an iPhone 14 Pro Max or Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Expert review: Marisa Méndez , senior travel editor at U.S. News, adores this purse. "I love how soft the leather is on this bag as well as all of the pockets and loops for organization," says Mendez. "My favorite feature is that the entire bag is RFID-blocking so I don't need to worry about carrying a wallet; I can just use the card slots in the bag."

Price: $159 or less Shop now: Minooy

Dimensions: 11.5 x 13.5 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Colors: Multiple colors and prints, including wine-colored roses and solids like black or spruce

What sets it apart: Protecting your valuables is always important, but when you're traveling it's even more vital. This bag features Travelon's patented five-point anti-theft system, which includes slash-resistant handles and mesh panels within the walls of the bag. The bag also offers RFID protection, a locked main compartment, and the ability to fasten the bag to a chair or post to deter a thief in a restaurant, train station or airport.

Travelers appreciate: The lightweight construction of the bag, combined with the theft-proof security features and multiple pockets, makes this a traveler favorite. Owners of this bag say it holds all of your travel essentials from passports to sunglasses, and that it holds up well after years of use.

Price: $70 or less Shop now: Travelon | Amazon

Vera Bradley Glenna Satchel in floral pattern against white background.

Courtesy of Vera Bradley

Dimensions: 11 x 12.25 x 8 inches | Weight: 0.88 pounds | Colors: Multiple prints, such as paisley and plaid or solids like green and navy

What sets it apart: Machine-washable and available in an array of eye-catching prints to suit your style, the Glenna Satchel is a large shoulder bag ideal for city adventures, day trips, shore excursions and daily activities. The spacious main compartment has a zip pocket and three slips, along with room for a book, tablet, planner, phone and wallet. There are two exterior slip pockets to stow things like maps or handouts, and a hidden zip pocket on the outside as well to secure smaller items. For added options, the drawstring adjusts the size of the bag depending on your needs.

Travelers appreciate: Fans of this bag praise the functionality and the pretty print options of the satchel. Though, some do note that the straps could be longer.

Price: $110 or less Shop now: Vera Bradley | Amazon

Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.1 x 3.9 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Colors: Black

What sets it apart: Constructed with a 100% recycled nylon shell and trimmed in leather, this design gives major '90s vibes in all the best ways. The unstructured messenger bag is perfect for travel with an interior compartment for your wallet, phone, keys and more, plus an interior slit pocket and zippered pocket to keep valuables secured. The front exterior pocket of the bag zips, and the back slit pocket is ideal for your phone or items you want to reach quickly. Finished with a magnetic closure flap and a removable crossbody strap, this bag adds an element of style to your travel wardrobe.

Travelers appreciate: Lightweight, practical and functional are a few of the words bag owners use to describe this messenger bag. They say it works well for sightseeing, and that the bag can hold a lot without looking clunky or overstuffed.

Price: $248 or less Shop now: Tory Burch | Amazon

travel tourist pouch

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Dimensions: 10.75 x 8.75 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Colors: 16 options, including gold and lilac

What sets it apart : Designed with travel in mind, this mini backpack has a luggage trolley sleeve and matches the duffels and other items in the CALPAK Luka collection. You can put your tablet, wallet and other must-haves in the interior compartment; your cell phone and a travel umbrella in the exterior side pockets; your passport in the hidden back zippered pocket; and other items in the front zippered compartment. The bag's lining is water-resistant, the puffy exterior is soft and comfortable to carry, and the straps are adjustable to suit your needs.

Travelers appreciate: The compact and functional design is a key selling point for owners of this bag. They like that it fits an iPad, reading material, a wallet and even a camera. Plus, it's possible to coordinate your purse with other CALPAK luggage items. However, some note the two exterior side pockets could be slightly larger, as they can't hold a water bottle.

Price: $72 or less Shop now: CALPAK

Best Small Travel Purse: Lo & Sons The Waverly 2 Small

Lo & Sons The Waverly 2 Small in black against neutral background.

Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Colors: More than 25 color and fabric options, including black saffiano leather or cognac cactus leather

What sets it apart: For a compact design with adaptability, this Lo & Sons design checks all the boxes. This convertible style has a two-part strap to transform into a belt bag, crossbody, clutch, shoulder bag or wristlet with ease. The neatly organized interior compartment has space for your phone and essentials with a three-slot zippered pocket, an interior slip pocket, and an exterior card slot ideal for a room key or transit card. Offered in a choice of natural-grain nappa leather, scratch-resistant textured Saffiano leather or plant-based cactus leather, this style can easily go from day to night or boardroom to ballgame.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers of this bag really like the option to adjust the strap to suit the day's events. They compliment the quality construction and overall look, with many saying it's great for travel because it can easily fit into a duffel or backpack.

Price: $210 or less Shop now: Lo & Sons

Dimensions: 14 x 9.75 x 5 inches | Weight: 0.84 pounds | Colors: More than 20 options for solids and patterns, including black and seasonal prints

What sets it apart: Made of recycled ripstop nylon, this lightweight and durable handbag can easily be packed into your suitcase and pulled out for use when you arrive at your destination. It lays flat when not full of your belongings. This roomy travel purse has plenty of space in its two main compartments for a wallet, water bottle, cell phone, on-the-go necessities and a few fun things you find along the way. The front has two exterior zippered pockets, and there's a back zippered pocket as well. With the adjustable crossbody strap, the bag can also be worn as a shoulder bag. What's more, LeSportsac continuously adds to the color and pattern choices in this classic bag with everything from Peanuts characters to florals or plaid.

Travelers appreciate: Handbag owners rave about the pockets, durability and color options for this style. Many note while it is great for travel, it's also ideal for everyday use with plenty of space for everything.

Price: $105 or less Shop now: LeSportsac | Amazon

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack in navy blue color against white background.

Courtesy of Dagne Dover

Dimensions: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 0.3 pounds | Colors: 12 options across neoprene and mesh materials, including black, navy and ube purple

What sets it apart: Offered in a choice of neoprene or air mesh, this versatile option is U.S. News' top fanny pack pick . This hands-free belt bag has an adjustable belt, a small front zip pocket (a great spot to stash cash for tipping) and a back panel exterior credit card. The roomy main compartment comes equipped with an elastic loop, a key clip and a card pocket to keep things easy to find.

Travelers appreciate: Wearers of this belt bag like the quality construction, color options and the overall versatility of the design. They also compliment the fabrication and say it holds the essentials without being bulky.

Price: $95 or less Shop now: Dagne Dover | Nordstrom | Saks Fifth Avenue

Dimensions: 10.6 x 6.5 x 2.95 inches | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Colors: Nearly 20 options, from dark coffee to apricot

What sets it apart: Available in a wide variety of colors, this hands-free crossbody bag is perfect for those on the go. The three zippered pockets are roomy enough for travel essentials like keys, sunglasses, lipstick, wallet and sunscreen. Place your ID and credit cards in the five interior card slots, so you can leave your wallet at home. The back pocket of this sling bag is ideal for keeping important items close to your body to prevent theft, and the adjustable strap makes it comfortable to carry.

Expert review: "My favorite travel purse is the vegan leather crossbody bag by CLUCI," says Sharael Kolberg , a U.S. News travel contributor. "Not only is it environmentally and animal-friendly, it's also stylish and easily fits my wallet, passport, reusable water bottle and snacks. Plus, the front pocket allows easy access to my smartphone."

Price: $25.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

Consuela Thunderbird Uptown Crossbody in antique white color against white background.

Courtesy of Consuela

Dimensions: 8.5 x 5 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Color: Antique white

Perfect for a night out on the town, exploring the city or even running errands, this clutch style is essentially a wallet that can be carried as a clutch or wristlet, or worn as a crossbody. Its eye-catching snake print exterior is trimmed in natural leather and adorned with a hand-woven friendship bracelet, a tassel charm and a hand-painted leather bag tag. There's also an exterior zippered pocket. Open the magnetic closure to reveal two interior zippered compartments for essentials, along with six card slots.

Expert review: "I bought this purse on a whim after seeing it in a Facebook ad, and it's my favorite wallet-style crossbody among all I have owned," says U.S. News travel contributor Holly Johnson .

Price: $215 or less Shop now: Consuela

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood has had a serious love for handbags her entire life. For everything from daily errands to global journeys, she has tried a variety of travel purse styles from an array of brands, discovering the good, the bad and the very best options. For this article, Hood used her personal experience along with retail merchandising background and research expertise to curate this list.

You might also be interested in:

  • Editor Picks: The Top Travel Accessories
  • What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
  • The Top Toiletry Bags
  • The Top Clear Stadium Bags
  • The Top Carry-on Luggage Pieces

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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The Best Travel Organizers for Every Type of Trip

By Meaghan Kenny

A collage.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Packing for a trip requires organization. And there's no better way to keep toiletries, makeup, digital gear, jewelry, and other small travel essentials safe during transit than with the right bag. Whether you're headed on a two-week vacation or a short weekend getaway, durable travel bags, pouches, and cases will always come in handy. We've rounded up a comprehensive list of the best travel organizers for every type of traveler, whether you need a sturdy cosmetic case for makeup products or a smart tech kit for cords and chargers. Below, our tried-and-true travel organizers, from waterproof pouches to essential packing cubes.

Dopp kits for women

Dopp kits for men, makeup bags, packing cubes, jewelry cases, hanging toiletry bags, water-resistant pouches.

Every traveler needs a go-to Dopp kit that will keep small toiletries like contact solution, moisturizer, and sunscreen organized in one place. These roomy and reliable bags also ensure your clothes and other personal items will be protected against any accidental leaks while traveling. The best Dopp kits for women offer enough space for your essentials while still being compact enough to fit in an already-stuffed carry-on or weekender .

travel tourist pouch

Read more : The Best Dopp Kits for Women

There are plenty of great Dopp kits for men on the market—Dagne Dover, Herschel, Rains, and Bagsmart make some of our favorite travel-friendly (and budget-friendly) bags. These options make skincare and grooming products easy to find and easy to pack in your suitcase. No matter where you're headed on your next getaway, a trusty Dopp kit is essential. (Any of these sleek bags would also make a great gift for the travel-loving man in your life, too.)

travel tourist pouch

Read more : The Best Dopp Kits for Men

We've all been there: You're sitting in a small, cramped seat in economy hopelessly searching for your iPhone charger in your under-seat bag. The solution to never-ending bag searching and tangled cords: A smart tech organizer that keeps all of your digital gear neat and tidy. These organizers are a true game changer when it comes packing cords, portable chargers, AirPods, and any other tech essentials you're toting around.

Bellroy Tech Kit

Read more : The Best Travel Tech Organizers

I've ruined a few tote bags by throwing a lipstick or loose powder inside and hoping for the best. You can't always be gentle with your personal item or carry-on while in transit, so a durable cosmetic bag helps protect your makeup products and everything around it. If you want to make getting ready in a hotel bathroom even speedier, opt for a clear cosmetic case or the Lay-n-Go drawstring bag that makes finding all of your products easier than ever.

travel tourist pouch

Read more : The Best Travel Makeup Bags

If you're not already using packing cubes, let this be your sign to start. Our editors swear by packing cubes to keep clothes organized and compressed—meaning you can fit a whole lot more in your suitcase with these. Packing cubes also help you separate clean clothes from dirty ones and help protect special items like dresses and suits from any spilled liquids in your carry-on. Paravel and Calpak make some of our favorite packing cubes, but we also love the more budget-friendly options you can find on Amazon from Bagail and Alameda.

travel tourist pouch

Read more : The Best Packing Cubes

The last thing you need upon arriving to your destination is to find all of your necklaces and bracelets tangled. Or worse, discover that you lost a special (or expensive) piece of jewelry while in transit. A sturdy jewelry case ensures your favorite pieces will be safe and protected from being squashed or broken. And if you're in need of a thoughtful gift , a well-made and sleek jewelry case will be much appreciated.

Mark & Graham Small Cravel Jewelry Case

Toiletries can quickly create a cluttered bathroom counter. The next time you stay at a hotel or Airbnb, consider placing a hanging toiletry bag on the back of the bathroom door. It will help you see all of your products at a glance and limits the need to unpack and repack at the end of your trip. Use these to store anything from skincare and beauty products to jewelry and hair tools .

Image may contain: Bag, Handbag, Accessories, Purse, and Accessory

Sometimes, you need a water-resistant pouch or an extra bag, just in case . Options like the Aloha Collection pouches and Baggu set can hold wet bathing suits, dirty clothes, or sand-filled beach items, making it safe to toss them back in your tote or backpack . These types of bags can also keep your phone and other electronics safe if you're lounging by the pool.

A bag.

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  • People Tested

The 15 Best Travel Purses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These are our absolute favorite purses, belt bags, and totes for travel

Elizabeth Marino is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE, focusing on home products. A lover of all things home and family, she is thrilled to help consumers find the perfect products to fit their domestic needs. In her spare time you can find her traveling to any and all historic sites and museums – and food spots – throughout the country. You can read some of her history-based writing on the Smithsonian Ocean Portal. She holds a BA in American Studies and History from Columbia University.

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In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Our top picks

Our Verdict

  • Things to Consider

How We Tested

Why trust people, what is people tested.

People / Marcus Millan

Whether you’re off to the beach, Europe, or headed out on business and want to put your most professional foot forward, a good travel purse can make your next travel experience easier. What do we mean by a travel purse? Any easy-to-carry purse, belt bag, tote, backpack, or sling bag that's small enough to count as your "personal item" on an airplane. With a seemingly endless collection of different styles, sizes, and materials on the market, finding the right travel purse, tote, or backpack to take on your trip can be an overwhelming task, to say the least. 

We tested popular travel bags on planes, trains, and, yes, automobile rides, and asked our team members to share their favorites. After reviewing 30 different travel purses on their capacity, portability, ease of use, and value, we put together this list of top travel bags.

Best Overall

Cheruty backpack purse.

  • Capacity 5 /5
  • Portability 5 /5
  • Ease of Use 5 /5

It has a large main pouch with a wide zipper flap for easy access.

The opening is on the back (next to your body) to keep your items safe.

There are two sizes and 15 colors available, so you can get exactly what you’re looking for.

There isn’t an easy way to make it stay on top of your rolling luggage.

Earning perfect scores across the board, this elegant travel backpack from Cheruty was our favorite. Featuring water bottle pouches, small interior and exterior pockets for passports and small devices, and soft, adjustable straps, this travel backpack has it all. Our favorite part, though, features a cavernous main pouch (with access only from the back, keeping your items extremely secure!) with a giant flap zipper opening, allowing you to easily pack your bag with all your items, small or large. Plus, it’s made with vegan leather that’s been coated with polyurethane, making it water-resistant. It also comes in two sizes and 15 colors.

It doesn’t include a sleeve to keep it on top of rolling carry-on luggage , but you can keep it strapped on your back while you maneuver your luggage through the airport. While it’s not a name brand, this backpack’s combination of capacity and features for a great price make it a truly fantastic option for a travel bag.

Size: Medium: 12.6 x 12.6 x 5.9 inches, large: 13.7 x 14.7 x 6.3 inches | Body Material: Vegan polyurethane leather | Available Colors: 15 colors and patterns

Best Overall, Runner Up

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Dagne Dover

This bag has a super spacious interior with tons of pockets.

It folds up compactly, which makes for easy storage.

It doesn’t contain any main interior dividers, so it can be easy to lose your things inside.

This duffel tote from Dagne Dover also earned perfect scores in all of our categories. Featuring a long zipper offering an easily accessible wide top opening, a cavernous interior, and various straps that allow you to carry it or wear it on your shoulder or crossbody, this bag has it all. It’s super lightweight and folds into itself, making for efficient storage.

While it doesn’t have interior dividers in the main section, it has a ton of pockets — including an interior laptop sleeve, four small interior side pockets, an exterior phone pocket, and a luggage handle sleeve — and it comes with a key leash, a small mesh pouch, and a shoe bag. Plus, it cleans super well — it looked as good as new after we washed it! We absolutely loved this well-made, well-designed travel duffel for any and all travel.

Size: 16.5 x 11 x 9 inches | Body Material: Neoprene | Available Colors: Neoprene: storm, onyx, heather gray, dune, camel, dark moss, air mesh: onyx, dark moss, warm dust

People / Nick Kova

People / Conor Ralph

The Spruce / Nick Kova

Best Belt Bag

Lululemon all night festival bag micro.

  • Capacity 3 /5
  • Ease of Use 4 /5

It’s a durable, high-quality belt bag.

It has a versatile design and can be worn in several ways.

We wish it included slots to organize credit cards.

This small Lululemon belt bag is the ideal bag for anyone looking to keep their important items accessible and organized without the bag getting in the way. This affordable and high-quality travel purse features a thoughtful design with multiple zip pockets of different shapes and sizes, making it great for many different uses. The front zip pocket is the ideal size for money, a couple of credit cards, and a phone, so you can easily access the things you need in a jiff. (We just wish it had slots to organize the credit cards.) Plus, it’s made of water-repellent nylon (which is super easy to spot clean!) and has held up remarkably well over the year our tester had it.

This bag’s small size makes it a fantastic option if you’re looking to keep your heavy-use items organized and accessible, and it can easily be tossed into a larger bag during travel. It has a versatile design and can be worn as a shoulder bag, crossbody, or fanny pack.

Size: 5.5 x 5.1 x 2 inches | Body Material: Nylon | Available Colors: Twilight rose, allspice, black/silver, black/gold, medium forest

Best Crossbody

Kavu sydney satchel.

  • Capacity 4 /5

It’s a sturdy and well-constructed bag.

It comes in fun colors and prints.

It has a long, adjustable strap.

The style and prints may not be super professional.

This fantastic crossbody satchel from KAVU can accompany you on any trip. With enough capacity to hold even a bulky sweatshirt, this cotton purse is great for any time you want to bring along some belongings without it feeling unwieldy or heavy. It’s super easy to clean and quite sturdy and well-made, so it’s great for trips where you might be doing rough outdoor activities, like hiking or enjoying an amusement park. With a large exterior zip pocket, an interior zip pocket, and two small interior flat pockets, this bag is great for keeping your items organized while remaining easily accessible.

Plus, it has a long, adjustable strap and comes in fun colors and prints, so you can find one right up your alley. The prints are rather bold, so this satchel might not be ideal if you need a more professional-looking bag.

Size: 15 x 13 x 1.5 inches | Body Material: Cotton | Available Colors: Beach paint, got dots, winterscape

Best Medium-Sized

Baggu nylon crescent bag.

  • Comfort 5 /5
  • Value 4.8 /5

This bag is the ideal size to hold everything you might want without becoming cumbersome to carry or stay organized.

It’s machine-washable.

It comes in a bunch of fun colors!

It has two pockets but no interior separators.

If you’re looking for a travel purse that’s not too big or too small, is easy to clean, and is super durable, the Medium Nylon Crescent Bag from Baggu may be the ideal fit. Made of durable heavyweight nylon (which is machine-washable and super easy to spot clean), this stylish bag featuring a variety of funky colors will hold all of your important items, and you can keep the most essential ones like keys and credit cards out of the fray in the interior zippered pouch. It doesn’t have any interior separators, but the pockets can keep most things organized.

Plus, it isn’t too big, so your items won’t be getting all mixed up and lost in a dark corner, either. It also has an adjustable strap, allowing you to hold it close to your body, and it zips shut and has no exterior pockets, so you can rest assured your items will be safe while you wander the airport, the beach, or the streets of Europe. And, if you’re looking for something a bit bigger, Baggu has released a large version as well.

Size: 13.75 x 8 x 4 inches | Body Material: Recycled heavyweight nylon | Available Colors: 11

Best with Multiple Pockets

Multisac lorraine crossbody bag.

  • Portability 4 /5

It’s a great price for such a well-designed vegan leather purse.

It comes in a variety of fun colors.

It’s the ideal size: not too large, not too small.

The narrow top opening can make it hard to find your belongings quickly.

This well-designed vegan leather travel purse from MultiSac is the ideal option if you’re looking to keep many different items organized throughout your travels. It features four exterior pockets — three on the front (two flat, one gusseted) and one on the back (which is extremely secure and can even be a bit difficult to access oneself) — as well as three interior pockets (two small gusseted ones, and one big enough for a small device like a tablet). With this variety of pocket shapes and sizes, you’ll definitely be able to keep all of your important documents organized and accessible. 

Plus, it comes in a variety of fun colors and prints, and the adjustable strap allows you to wear the purse crossbody or on your shoulder. This affordable purse is the ideal size for traveling — it’s not too large or too small. One small drawback: The narrow top opening of the purse can make it challenging to find and access your belongings quickly.

Size: 11 x 12 x 2.5 inches | Body Material: Vegan leather | Available Colors: Beach glass flowers, black (heirloom), gingham/hazelnut, margate floral, Tropicana floral

Best Foldable

Away the packable carryall.

It has a large capacity and is super lightweight.

The bag includes storage pouch which features a loop so you can clip it wherever you need!

It doesn’t contain any interior organizing compartments.

If you’re looking for a bag that will hold a lot but can be easily stored throughout your trip or while you’re home (or is a great “just in case” bag), you can’t do better than this foldable carryall from Away. Made of water-resistant nylon, this bag folds up into a tiny 6 by 4-inch storage pouch with a loop that can easily be tossed anywhere. While it doesn’t feature organizing compartments, it has one flat exterior pocket, one zipped interior pocket, and a whole bunch of capacity — ideal for any trip where you want to fit it all in one bag. It also features a luggage handle strap for easy transport in the airport, and it comes in a variety of beautiful, fun colors.

Size: 19.7 x 15 x 9 inches | Body Material: Recycled nylon | Available Colors: Black, navy, teal, cayenne

Best with Shoe Compartment

Minkars weekender bag.

It’s a phenomenal value for a bag that is so big, functional, well-made, and well-designed.

It features a luggage handle sleeve for easy transport and a USB charging port to use with a portable charger.

There are not a ton of color options.

With a spacious and easily accessible shoe compartment at the bottom, this travel tote by Minikars is great for any weekend trip. It looks a lot like a piece of Béis luggage , but at half price. It has a super wide opening and a sturdy design that holds its shape while you fill it, so you’ll have an easy time packing, unpacking, and accessing items in this bag. Plus, the shoe compartment is super spacious, and easy to access (unlike those dark, tunnel-like, cavernous ones where you have to hope for the best when reaching in to get something out). Plus, this bag comes with a matching toiletry case and a detachable crossbody strap, so you can carry it however works best for you. This thoughtfully designed bag also has a luggage handle sleeve for hands-free rolling through the airport, and a USB charging port that’s available when you need it. This bag is a great value with leather detailing, a thoughtful design, and three elegant color options.

Our team member who has this bag absolutely loves it. She shared, “It truly holds a lot, and it has the quality of more expensive bags that it's a dupe of (specifically the Beis Weekender one). The leather details make it feel more expensive than it actually is. I spent a lot of time scrolling through Amazon and Béis's website trying to compare bags, and I found this one seemed to look the most well-made for the price tag.”

Size: 17 x 16 x 8 inches | Body Material: Waterproof | Available Colors: Beige, black, pink

Best Sling Bag

Patagonia atom sling bag.

It’s made of durable, easy-to-clean, water-repellent material.

It’s ideal if you want to keep your items close to your body.

This bag features several pockets and pouches to keep your belongings organized and accessible.

It’s a casual bag, so it doesn’t have a professional look.

Another travel bag that earned top scores, this crossbody sling bag from Patagonia is excellent for anyone looking to comfortably free up their hands without sacrificing capacity. The bag itself rides on the wearer's back (close to your body), keeping your items safely out of the way without swinging everywhere and becoming a nuisance. Plus, the adjustable strap is padded and designed for comfort — and our favorite part: It features a small zipper pouch on the front for important or heavy-use items like a phone or keys.

We love how spacious this bag is and the fact that it’s water-repellent and easy to clean. The pockets and pouches in this bag are thoughtfully designed. In addition to the strap pouch, the bag features an exterior zip pouch along with the main zip pouch (and inside, there is a separator to keep your items organized), plus straps for carrying something bulkier like a yoga mat. This bag is casual, so it may not be the first choice if you’re looking for something more professional.

Size: 13.5 x 9 x 3 inches | Body Material: Water-repellent recycled polyester | Available Colors: 7

Best Lightweight

Longchamp le pliage filet mesh bag.

This bag can be scrunched up into a really small bundle — or folded up, which makes it easy to travel with and store.

It has more capacity than it may seem!

The contents of the bag are always visible.

If you’re looking for something unique, versatile, and stylish, this mesh bag from Longchamp (in collaboration with FILT) is the ideal option. With a surprisingly high capacity (think towel, sweater, book, sunglasses, water bottle, and more ), this scrunch-upable purse is great for any time you may need an impromptu bag — especially at the beach; no sand getting stuck in the bottom here! And don’t be concerned about your items falling out — we had no issue with this throughout our use. Keep in mind that everything is visible with this bag. It also has both the iconic Le Pliage flap and snap closure and handle as well as a longer set of straps, so you can wear it however works best for you.

Size: 15 x 12.2 inches | Body Material: Cotton | Available Colors: Ecru, tobacco, black, pink, green, lilac

Best Versatility

Longchamp le pliage expandable travel bag.

  • Design 5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5

This bag features a zipper expander, so you can easily switch between a medium and large size tote.

It features Longchamp’s signature Le Pliage foldover closure that allows you to fold your bag up into a small rectangle for easy storage and transport.

The polyamide canvas material is super easy to clean.

There are no interior organizational compartments.

Another one of the travel bags on our list that earned high ratings, Longchamp’s expandable travel duffel is great for so many uses. Even without opening the expansion, this bag already has quite the capacity, but if you’d like some extra space, just zip open the expansion and you’re good to go. Plus, this bag comes with both Longchamp’s iconic leather flap and snap closure and handle, as well as a detachable strap for on-the-shoulder wear. And, like most of Longchamp’s Le Pliage bags, this tote is designed to be folded up into a compact little rectangle, making this the ideal bag for tossing into your suitcase “just in case,” or hiding away in your checked luggage when not in use. It doesn’t feature interior organizational pockets, which would be helpful.

One of our testers shared that she considers this Longchamp “the everything bag.” She uses it as her daily purse and fills it with her wallet, keys, phone, and water bottle, but she also uses it for weekend trips. “I can use it as my laptop carrier on my way to work or on the airplane, and the material makes it so easy to clean up if I spill water, coffee, or food inside."

Size: 17.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches | Body Material: Recycled polyamide canvas | Available Colors: Black, navy, red

Portland Leather Leather Tote Bag

This bag comes in a wide array of beautiful and sophisticated colors.

It’s also available in four sizes, each with an open-top and zipper-top option, so you can get exactly the bag you need.

It doesn’t have interior organizational compartments aside from one small flat pocket.

Tote bag lovers, rejoice: This beautiful leather tote from Portland is a wonderful option for those seeking a travel bag that’s easily accessible while also looking professional and sophisticated. Although it has minimal interior organization, with a deep, wide interior, you can fit so much into this bag (we tested the large size).

We were easily able to fit a laptop, a wallet, a book, a Kindle, and keys (especially easy thanks to the snap-open key loop), and had room for more. Plus, each size and color also comes in open-top and zipper-top options, so you can achieve the level of ease or security you desire. Our favorite part, though: The thick, sturdy, genuine leather doesn’t slouch and has shown no signs of wear in over two years of use, even on the straps and rivets.

Size: Small: 13 x 11 x 4.5 inches, medium: 15 x 12 x 5.5 inches, large: 18 x 12 x 6 inches, oversized: 13.5-21 x 13 x 6 inches | Body Material: Leather (or suede) | Available Colors: Nutmeg, coldbrew, honey, cognac, pebbled black, black, grizzly, Dakota, storm-tan

Best Backpack

Longchamp le pliage original backpack.

It’s super secure with zippers that close tightly and Longchamp’s signature flap and snap.

It folds down to a portable size for easy storage or traveling.

It doesn’t have organizational pockets or compartments.

Another one of our bags that earned high ratings, this elegant Longchamp is great for anyone who prefers a backpack for traveling — and wants to know their belongings are safe. With a zipper closure as well as Longchamp’s famed Le Pliage foldover snap closure, you can rest assured your items will be secure. It also folds down to a portable size that’s easy for storage and traveling. While it doesn’t include organizational pockets or compartments, we were impressed by how much capacity this backpack has — we’ve fit a laptop, makeup, a sweater, a couple of water bottles, and snacks with no issue. Plus, it comes in several bright, fun colors. This Longchamp is a sophisticated way to wear a backpack, wherever you’re headed.

Size: 10.2 x 11 x 3.9 inches | Body Material: Recycled polyamide canvas | Available Colors: 7

Best Leather

Portland leather camera bag purse.

This bag comes in a variety of fun colors in pebbled and smooth scales.

Given this bag’s compact size, it holds a lot of stuff.

It only has one interior and one exterior pocket.

Those of you looking for a small bag that’s both sophisticated and stylish, look no further. This beautiful leather crossbody is super spacious for its size, has one interior and one exterior pocket, and will hold all of your essential belongings without becoming a nuisance. With a squared-off design that’s made to hold its form and a zipper that extends an inch or two down the sides, you can fill this belt bag up and still be able to access your items with ease.

It’s available in a variety of colors and finishes, including pebbled and smooth scales. Plus, with an adjustable strap, you can wear it as a crossbody or a shoulder bag — whichever you prefer. This elegant bag is a quality product with a timeless design and is a great choice.

Size: 9.25 x 6 x 2.5 inches | Body Material: Leather | Available Colors: 11

Best Investment

Lo & sons o.g. 2.

Lo & Sons

It has super spacious and well-thought-out pockets that allow (encourage!) you to keep your items organized.

There are different strap options, so you can wear it whichever way works best for you.

It comes in several sophisticated but fun color options — all of which come with gold or silver accents.

We couldn’t find any!

Another product with high scores, this sophisticated, functional, and versatile tote from Lo & Sons is ideal for any trip. With more pouches, pockets, and padding than we could imagine, this overnight bag can hold so much — and keep it organized. “Having a way to secure your travel bag on top of your roller luggage is a game changer, along with having secure but easy-to-access pockets for your passport and important items,” Jan Lo, cofounder and CEO of Lo & Sons shares.

This particular bag features a laptop sleeve, a flat exterior pouch, a shoe compartment, interior water bottle holders, small interior flat pouches, and a suitcase handle sleeve, plus a key leash and a detachable crossbody strap, allowing you to carry or wear it however you like. We also love that the nylon material makes it super easy to clean and that the bag has barely shown any signs of wear after over 4 years of use (just some slight fraying along the strap). Even better, it comes in a wide array of colors.

Size: Medium: 16.5 x 13.75  x 6.75 inches, large: 16.5 x 14.75 x 6.75 inches | Body Material: Nylon | Available Colors: Black, deep navy, grey (with grey, lavender, camel, and azure as interior options)

After considering all of our surveyed results of avid travelers, the Cheruty Travel Backpack is our favorite, thanks to its low price tag, durable material, and clever design.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Travel Purse

“Look for a bag that maximizes the space inside of the bag while not getting too big for the under-seat compartment," says Lo. Also, take into account what you may be using it for, as different types of trips may require different sizes of bags.

For example, if you travel by plane often, you'll want to take note of your favorite airline's specific size constraints, whereas weeklong road trips allow for a little more flexibility.

With many different kinds of travel purses out there, what style will work best for you is worth considering before hitting the stores (online or in person). Our favorites? Backpacks, totes, and small purses, each of which offer different benefits. Backpacks , like the Longchamp Le Pliage Original Backpack and the CHERUTY Women Backpack Purse , are best for keeping your items out of your way and can be great for staying organized as they often have many pouches and pockets of different shapes and sizes.

Totes are best for holding a lot of items and are a great option, especially if you’re trying to get away with just one big bag for your whole trip or just a tote and a rollaboard. We especially loved the Away The Packable Carryall and the Dagne Dover Landon Camel Large Carryall Bag because they can hold a lot but are super easy to store (both at home or during your trip!).

And finally, small purses , like the Lululemon All Night Festival Bag Micro 2L ,are great if you have just a few important/heavy-use items that you want to keep easily accessible (like your phone, wallet, keys, passport, maybe a book or a sweater, etc.) — or if you’re living the high life checking your bags but need to keep some important items with you. Smaller crossbody bags, like the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag , are also great for trips where you may be hiking or going to amusement parks.

Heavily impacting both a travel bag’s style and its functionality is the material the bag is made of. Leather is going to look professional but be hard to clean. Cotton is going to be durable and easy to clean. Nylon is both professional and easy to clean. There are tons of different options out there, and we hope that with our help, you can find just what you’re looking for. In terms of durability, stylist Lindsay Albanese tells us her favorites are leather (we like the Portland Leather Tote Bag ), nylon, or even patent leather, adding that she loves a good print to hide stains or dirt.

Just like with luggage and travel cosmetics bags , travel purses can run the gamut when it comes to price: For this article, we tested bags at every price point, ranging from as low as $14.90 to as high as $396. It’s important to take your budget into account when shopping and try to find a well-made travel bag without being unduly pricey. We believe all of the options on our list of 16 are great choices when it comes to value.

To help find the best travel purses, we surveyed our team on their favorite travel bags, asking them all about their experience traveling with different products. We then had them rate their favorite bag on capacity, portability, ease of use, and value. 

With over 30 products to consider, we narrowed our list down to the best 15 based on value, durability, ease of use, and design features.

This truly depends on what you hope to carry: backpacks are great for keeping many different items organized and out of the way, whereas purses are best for carrying just a few things like your important documents, wallet, and keys.

While this really comes down to personal preference, both Lo and Albanese shared that they prefer to travel with backpacks. Lo shared that, with more compartments, backpacks can hold more contents and are more comfortable and convenient. Albanese said she prefers backpacks for traveling because they’re the most functional kind of travel bag, with many different pouches to keep your items separated and organized.

The best way to keep your valuables safe while traveling is to make sure your bag is fully enclosed and wear it close to your front. Lo suggests a crossbody bag (we like the MultiSac Lorraine Women's Crossbody Bag and the Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag ) to achieve both of these. Lo says that if you need something bigger, choose a fully enclosing tote (which you can keep to your front in crowds) instead of a backpack. (In fact, the reason Lo & Sons originally designed the brand’s Waverley 2 was because their mom’s wallet had been stolen from a backpack while traveling.)

Carry-ons are what go in the overhead compartment (and are usually rollaboards), whereas personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. If your purse is small enough to fit under the seat, it will not count as a carry-on, and you can bring a rollaboard as well. The personal item dimension limits are generally around 16 x 13 x 7 inches, but be sure to check your air carrier’s specific rules.

Larger bags like the Lo & Sons O.G. 2 and the CHERUTY Women Backpack Purse count as personal items (not carry-ons) and are a great choice if you’re hoping to use your travel bag to carry a lot of your stuff. 

In addition, you can also bring a smaller purse, like the Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag , Lululemon All Night Festival Bag Micro 2L , or KAVU Sydney Satchel , to carry important items and documents, which you can easily throw into a larger bag to get around bag number limits — which is one of Albanese’s favorite travel hacks.

Elizabeth Marino is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE, focusing on home products. A lover of all things home and family, she is thrilled to help consumers find the best products to fit their domestic needs. In her spare time, you can find her traveling to any and all historic sites and museums — and food spots — throughout the country. She holds a BA in American Studies and History from Columbia University.

  • Lindsay Albanese , fashion stylist and entrepreneur
  • Jan Lo , cofounder and CEO of Lo & Sons

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

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25 Best Travel Purses That Are Actually Stylish

By Brigitt Earley and Paula Lee

best travel purses  multiple bags on a background

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 featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Athleta All About Belt Bag

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.

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Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

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

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

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 .

By Kathleen Walsh

By Danielle Sinay

GG Marmont Belt Bag

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.

These White Sneakers Go With Everything You Already Own

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.

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Longchamp Le Pliage 21Inch Expandable Travel Bag

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 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 Womens Travel Backpack

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

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 bag

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 CrossBody

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 AntiTheft Classic Messenger Bag

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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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 Crossbody Bag

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

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 F.A.R Messenger 16L

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

Bis Backpack

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

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

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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.

travel tourist pouch

In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Our top picks
  • Other Totes We Liked

Our Testing Process

  • Tips for Buying
  • Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

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

Watch How We Test Travel Products

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.

Carve Designs

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.

Troubadour 

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. 

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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travel tourist pouch

Travel Fashion Girl

Best Travel Pouch to Organize Those Long Flight Essentials

Handbags , Travel Accessories

best-travel-pouch

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Looking for a way to keep everything organized on your next long haul flight? TFG readers share their picks for the best travel pouches so you can have a smooth flight.

Best Travel Pouches

Written By: Tae Haahr

Table Of Contents

Let’s be honest, once you board the plane, it can be annoying to have a bunch of little items with you and not have them organized. TFG readers recommend bringing along a little pouch where you can keep all of your inflight essentials and tuck them into the seat pocket without losing them.

These handy little pouches come in all shapes and sizes, so you can keep track of all of your things. Check out our readers’ awesome picks to make your flight a lot easier!

What’s the Best Organizer Pouch for Your Long Haul Flight Essentials?

best-travel-pouch

Flight 001 Zipper Pouch

Readers’ Top Pick: Seat Pak Travel Zipper Pouch

TFG readers love to be organized during their flight and one of their faves for doing that is the Flight 001 Seat Pak. At 7-inches high, it’s the perfect little seatmate to help you organize all of your important documents, electronic gear, and other travel essentials for long flight trips.

One reader shares, “The flight 101 Seat Pak is awesome—loads of pockets. I have a small carabiner that attaches to the seat pocket.” Big plus is it’s also TSA approved and able to carry travel-sized bottles in case you want to pack light toiletries to refresh yourself.

Another reader shares her experience using them, saying, “I just need to gush about my Seat Pak pouches. They are so useful for long haul flights AND train rides! The different compartments and zippers keep everything organized and secure.”

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

best-travel-pouch

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes

Here at TFG we obviously love the Compass Rose packing cubes . Not only can you pack clothes in them, but many readers also buy a second travel pouch set for other purposes. Because they have a color and numbering system, you’ll know what’s stored in any given cube!

They’re perfect to stuff right in the pocket behind the seat, tucked inside your personal item under the seat, or beside your feet. One TFG reader shares, “I use a packing cube to organize my stuff when flying.”

Here’s an 8 step strategy to learn how to use packing cubes and travel carry-on only!

best-travel-pouch

RuMe Travel Zipper Bags

RuMe Baggie Travel Zipper Pouch

The RuMe Baggie is a little three-tiered pouch set that can store all of your belongings in separate pouches for maximum organization.

One TFG reader shares, “These little bags are great—washable and inexpensive.” Another reader adds, “I have two of these for travel… love them.” It comes in 11 cute colors, so you can get the one that matches your personality best!

Here are the best wristlets for travel that are recommended by our intrepid readers!

best-travel-pouch

Miamica “In Flight” Travel Pouch

Miamica Travel Pouch Organizer

The Miamica is a travel pouch Amazon fave among readers— definitely something simple, cute, and easy-to-use. It’s a clear bag with a zip-top and rose gold outlining and accents. Lots of travelers use it for storing headphones, sunglasses, phone, and anything else you might want on your flight with you.

One reader’s review of this organizer is “I love mine.” It can pack flat, has a durable lining and is easy to clean if it happens to get a little dirty during your trip.

Find the  best travel wallet  for you!

best-travel-pouch

NKTM Traveling Pouch

If you’re looking for maximum organization then the NKTM travel pouch bag might be a winner. With four separate zippered compartments, you can sort all of your items out so they’re easy to find when you need them. It’s made of durable nylon that dries quickly and doesn’t shrink and has an easy-slide zipper.

One reader shares her experience with this organizer. “Although I have the Flight 001 bag, I use this one too—it’s sturdier, and costs about $10 less.” With so many compartments you can hold a lot of items, even your passport as you go through the boarding process.

After your flight, you can also have it double as quick storage in your travel day bag for credit cards, room keys, or more. Another reader shares why this organizer rocks, saying, “Cheaper than some others and very sturdy. I love it!”

Keep an eye on your budget and still find the  best travel purse !

best-travel-pouch

Baggallini TSA Friendly Toiletry Case

Baggallini Travel Toiletry Pouch

The Baggallini is a TSA-friendly case that opens in the middle and holds your items on either side with clear, plastic windows so it’s easy to visually see what you’ve packed. It has two zip pockets, one on each side, and a snap-shut closure.

One TFG reader who recommends the Baggallini says, “I love the fabric on the outside, how it opens and lays flat, and closes with an easy snap. It’s pretty and functional and holds everything I’ll need during the long flight. On one side I put eye drops, moisturizer, and hand cream, and the other side I use for freshening up before landing, where I put face wipes, tinted sunscreen, and mascara.”

Check our post on the  best day packs  for travel!

best-travel-pouch

So-Mine Commuter Organizer

So-Mine Cable Organizer Travel Pouch

The So-Mine small travel pouch bag works much like a portfolio. It has slots for your electronic devices (like your tablet), phone, cables, and even your pens. It can be stuffed into the airplane seat pocket or carabiner to the seat using the handle. And it’s machine washable so you can give it a quick clean when you get home or even during your trip.

One reader gives a detailed review of her So-Mine pouch saying, “I hate sticking stuff in the seat back pocket because it’s not the cleanest. I’m always worried small items will get left behind, plus I hate constantly pulling out my backpack from under the seat to grab something. So, I bought this and it works very well for flat things like an iPad or kindle. It has a nice pocket to store small things like tissues, chapstick, and earbuds. I didn’t have to move it out of the way when my neighbor needed to get out.”

You’ll want to tote these  cute backpack purses  everywhere!

best-travel-pouch

Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Mini Cosmetic Makeup Bag

Travel Makeup Pouch Organizer

The Vera Bradley bag is a great little bag for those long flights. It’s 4.75 inches high and 6.5 inches wide, and can carry all of your favorite travel toiletries, whether you need lip balm, a sleep mask , eyeliner, and even earbuds . 

One TFG reader shares, “I have this one and love it and use it for my fights, I often use it in my purse too!” It’s a cute little number with an outside pocket in addition to its zippered pocket.

Take a look at these travel cord organizer options and tips for how to pack them!

best-travel-pouch

Genius Pack High Altitude Flight Bag

Genius High Altitude Flight Bag

Genius has a highly organized design, is extremely lightweight, has a padded compartment, and is made of water-resistant material. Its multi-pocket set-up is designed for ease of use. Readers love this one ahh lot!

One TFG reader says, “I always fly with this,” while another one adds that they “travel with this bag on long haul flights.”

 It’s a great little travel companion with sections built for everything you need like headphones, notebook, and your charger. Another reader commented that it’s “so useful, it just hooks onto the seat.”

Here’s the list of the best hanging toiletry bags for women loved by TFG and our readers!

best-travel-pouch

Onwon Aluminum Carabiner D-Ring Locking Key

Carabiner Clips

Many readers echoed that seat pockets are not the most sanitary so they recommend bringing a carabiner clip to attach your pouch to the seat instead of stuffing it into the seat pocket.

One reader shares, “I used something similar for the first time this week and loved it. I bought double-sided carabiners and hooked my pouch to the seat pocket. It held my iPad, earbuds, kleenex, small lotion, hand, and Clorox wipes, and lip balm.”  

One reader shares a secondary tip. “ Binder clips are also golden. Then you can clip it to the seat pocket if there’s not a lot of room.”

Take a look at these 15 travel necessities !

Product Comparison Chart

Why use a travel pouch inside your airline seat pocket.

A pouch for your next long haul flight is super useful because often a purse or personal carry-on item is generally stuffed under a seat and pouches give immediate access to essentials in one place. Having your things in one place also ensures that you won’t leave anything behind.

One reader shares, “It was so easy when deplaning to just pull my bag out of the seat back pocket and stuff it into my backpack after my 7-hour flight.”

If you’re looking for an easy way to keep all of your small items together so that you can have a smooth flight, then a pouch is a smart travel accessory!

What’s the best travel pouch you’ve used during a flight? Share your experience below!

For more packing help, please read:

  • Packing Cubes: This Video Will Change the Way You Travel
  • The Best Toiletry Bags for Travel: Which will you choose?
  • Packing Organizers: These Luggage Accessories Help You Travel Carry-on
  • Packing Cubes vs Packing Folders: What’s Best?

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15 of the Best Travel Bags You Need for Your Next Vacay

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PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

Whether you’re a first-time or frequent flyer, the right bags can mean all the difference. Is your carry-on too big? Is your dop kit leak-proof? Is there enough room in your purse for all-day adventure? To help you get ready to take off—and thereafter—we went ahead and compiled a list of 15 of the best travel bags around, from hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases to weekend duffles and toiletry bags . So get those passports ready and read on to find your next favorite travel bag. Bon voyage!

How To Choose The Best Travel Bag

Domestic vs. International Travel Carry-Ons

We know that you’ve probably gotten away with taking a suitcase that definitely was not regulation carry-on size. Typically, domestic flights are a bit more lenient with your luggage dimensions, but a good rule of thumb for domestic flights is to make sure your carry-on bag fits within 22-inches by 14-inches by 9-inches. This size ensures that your bag—along with everyone else’s—is going to fit in the bins overhead on your flight. If you’re flying internationally however, these airlines are more likely than not going to be stricter. We suggest finding a carry-on that is 20 inches or shorter to take on your international flights. And always check with your airlines.

Soft Shell vs. Hard Shell Luggage

If you’re a no-fuss kind of traveler, a soft-shell suitcase is for you. They’re able to withstand a bit more wear and tear whether you’re taking it glamping or stuffing it in the overhead compartment. On the other hand, if you are packing items that need some added protection (think: a pair of heels you don’t want to break or a beloved designer bag), we suggest going with a hard-shell suitcase so that none of your valuables sustain any damage.

Two-Wheel Luggage vs. Four-Wheel Luggage

If you have ever been down-to-the-last-second late for a flight and almost missed it because you had to drag your heavy suitcase behind you, we suggest you get a spinner suitcase. A spinner has four wheels, which tend to be multidirectional, helping you not only have full control over your bag, but also allowing you to comfortably glide your luggage alongside of you as you maneuver through security to your gate. On the other hand, two-wheeled suitcases typically have wheels that are inside of the main compartment and required being tilted on their side to drag through the terminal.

Best Travel Bags At A Glance:

  • Best Overall: Calpak Hue Luggage
  • Best Checked Travel Bag: Béis Check-In Roller
  • Best Carry-On Travel Bag: Away The Carry-On
  • Best Backpack Travel Bag: Rains Waterproof Backpack
  • Best Duffle Travel Bag: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag
  • Best Laptop Travel Bag : Lo & Sons The Seville Aire Tote
  • Best Purse Travel Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag
  • Best Eco-Friendly Travel Bag: Paravel Aviator
  • Best Soft Shell Travel Bag: Yeti Crossroad Luggage
  • Best Travel Bag Set: Samsonite 3-Piece Luggage Set
  • Best Budget-Friendly Travel Bag: Amazon Basics Spinner Suitcase
  • Best Splurge-Worthy Travel Bag: Rimowa Cabin Suitcase
  • Best Toiletry Travel Bag: Everlane The ReNew Catch-All Case
  • Best Weekend Travel Bag: Baboon to the Moon Small Go-Bag
  • Best Customizable Travel Bag: Roam the Jaunt

9 Best Travel Pants (Tested by Our Comfort-Obsessed Staff)

calpak suitcase

1. Calpak Hue Luggage

Best Overall

She’s sleek, she’s stylish and she has a little bit of everything: A TSA-approved lock that keeps your valuables safe in transit, multi-directional wheels for back-ache-free transportation, interior compartments for peak organization, a large front pocket to stow any essentials you need in close reach and a price tag that won’t make too big a dent on your checking account.

beis suitcase

2. Béis Check-in Roller

Best Checked Travel Bag

You get to the airport, lift your suitcase onto the scale, stare in horror as the red numbers flash “58 lbs” and proceed to spend the next five minutes on the floor, suitcase open, stuffing as much as you can into a spare bag. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. So while this bag has all of your usual perks, the red light that turns on to indicate it's over the 50-pound weight limit makes this guy unbeatable as a checked suitcase.

away carry on hard shell suitcase

3. Away The Carry-on

Best Hard Shell Suitcase

This is one of our tried-and-tested favorites. We love how protective its sleek styled shell is and it earns extra points for having a security lock for extra safety. Plus, it has a USB charging port so no more desperately searching for an outlet that’s close to your gate.

rains waterproof backpack

4. Rains Waterproof Backpack

Best Travel Backpack

This is made of durable, waterproof neoprene and has enough room to fit all your gadgets and gizmos. Bonus points for its hidden back pocket to help keep your valuables safe and secure.

dagne dover duffle

5. Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

Best Duffle Travel Bag

Whether you’re taking this by bus, train or plane, this duffle’s expandable design offers ample room so you’ll have a spot for literally everything. Case in point: the pocket specifically made for holding your phone and interior compartments for storing water bottles, shoes and everything else in between.

lo and sons laptop bag

6. Lo & Sons The Seville Aire Tote

Best Laptop Travel Bag

Cushioned padding protects the thing most precious to you: your laptop. Plus, the thoughtful pockets keep things organized while you're on the go—no more franticly digging through your bag for your AirPods for a Zoom you have to join in two minutes.

longchamp purse

7. Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag

Best Purse Travel Bag

This cutie is going to keep you looking stylish whether you’re grabbing after-work drinks or jet-setting to Europe. It’s the ideal size if you’re searching for a style-savvy carry-on that can easily stow your laptop alongside other daily essentials and makes for a roomy tote even when you’re not using it for travel.

paravel suitcase

8. Paravel Aviator

Best Eco-Friendly Travel Bag

Looking to get your hands on a sustainably sourced option? This fashion-forward carry-on may be easy on the eyes, but it's entirely made up of recycled material—from the interior lining and exterior polycarbonate shell to the zippers.

yeti suitcase

9. Yeti Crossroad Luggage

Best Soft Shell Travel Bag

Yes, Yeti delivers some of the best on-the-go travel mugs, but did you know Yeti produces some stellar luggage, too? This one in particular is especially worth the investment, thanks to its durable hard-shell exterior, 70/30 split dividers for keeping all your things secure, packing cubes for added organization and front pocket for stashing all the things you need to keep within close reach.

samsonite suitcase set

10. Samsonite 3-piece Luggage Set

Best Travel Bag Set

Durable hard shell? Check. Spinner wheels? Check. Three different sizes? Also check. This set comes in three different sizes, with one carry-on and two checked size suitcases.

amazon basics suitcase

11. Amazon Basics Spinner Suitcase

Best Budget-Friendly Travel Bag

Luggage is notoriously expensive, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t budget-friendly options out there to help you glob trot and save some money. Case in point: Amazon Basics’ travel bag line. This one in particular caught our eye, thanks to the durable hard shell, multiple packing compartments, TSA-approved lock and array of pretty colors.

rimowa suitcase

12. Rimowa Cabin Suitcase

Best Splurge-Worthy Travel Bag

Before luggage brands started producing aluminum suitcases by the dozen, there was this one. The first of its kind, the Rimowa Cabin Suitcase’s iconic silver exterior is made from anodized aluminum and built with ball-bearing mounted wheels. Translation: this durable workhorse is going to last you for years to come.

BUY IT ($1,200)

everlane toiletry bag

13. Everlane The Renew Catch-all Case

Best Toiletry Travel Bag

Don’t be fooled, this toiletry bag might not be massive, but it can fit way more than you think. It’s got interior pockets to keep products nice and tidy, low maintenance fabric that’s easily cleaned and an expandable design that can handle being packed to the max with your skincare and beauty goodies.

baboon to the moon small go bag

14. Baboon To The Moon Small Go-bag

Best Weekend Bag

We love this guy for more reasons than we can list. Not only is it TSA-approved for carry-on size, but its water-proof shell has backpack straps, different sized handles, an over-the-shoulder strap, a lockable zipper, comes with four different pockets and easily stashes three-to-five day’s worth of your gear.

roam the juant suitcase

15. Roam The Jaunt

Best Customizable Travel Bag

If your goal is to avoid mixing up your suitcase with someone else's, having a personalized travel bag is where it’s at. From the option to monogram the exterior shell down to custom colors you can select from, you can personalize this puppy in a myriad of ways for luggage that matches your vibe perfectly.

The 17 Best Luggage Brands For Your Long-Overdue Trip

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Commerce Editor

The Best Crossbody Bags for Easy Travel

Keep your belongings safe and accessible while traveling with these lightweight, stylish purses.

best crossbody bags for travel

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

When it comes to carrying a purse while traveling, a crossbody bag is your best bet to stay hands free while keeping your belongings secure on your body. But not all crossbody travel bags are the same, and it's important to consider what matters most to you, whether that's style, accessibility, safety, spaciousness, comfort or other factors.

The good news is that we've rounded up the best options for every style preference, budget and travel need.

Our top picks

Everywhere Belt Bag Large 2L

Best Overall Crossbody Travel Bag

Lululemon everywhere belt bag large 2l.

Round Mini Shoulder Bag

Best Value Crossbody Travel Bag

Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag.

Featherweight Crossbody Purse

Best Lightweight Crossbody Travel Bag

Vera bradley featherweight crossbody purse.

Central Park Sling Crossbody

Best Sling Crossbody Travel Bag

Baggallini central park sling crossbody.

Meadow Large Satchel

Best Leather Crossbody Travel Bag

Leatherology meadow large satchel.

Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

Best Anti-Theft Crossbody Travel Bag

Travelon anti-theft classic mini shoulder bag.

Runoff Waterproof Hip Pack

Best Waterproof Crossbody Travel Bag

Nite ize runoff waterproof hip pack.

Revive Modular Crossbody Bag

Best Modular Crossbody Travel Bag

Athleta revive modular crossbody bag.

The Sport Sling

Best Crossbody Travel Bag With Bottle Holder

Beis the sport sling.

All Night Festival Bag 5L

Best Spacious Crossbody Travel Bag

Lululemon all night festival bag 5l.

You can learn more about how we chose these styles and what to consider as you shop at the end of this article, but first, here's everything you need to know about the best crossbody bags for travel.

Best Travel Backpacks | Best Luggage | Best Carry-On Luggage | Best Underseat Luggage | Best Tote Bags | Best Weekender Bags | Best Duffel Bags | Best Fanny Packs | Best Packing Cubes | Best Travel Gear

This fan-favorite belt bag has a loyal following of both men and women (including several GH staffers!) thanks to its comfortable fit, lightweight materials and spacious interior — all for a reasonable price. The nylon fabric is water-resistant, while the strap is fully adjustable so you can get a close fit around your torso (or waist if you prefer to wear it as a fanny pack).

Just note that unlike some crossbody bags that sit at the hip, this one lies flat against your torso, so it's not quite as easy to access the contents. Though its smaller 1L version is more popular, we think this larger size is great for travel because it can hold more while you're on the go.

Dimensions: 8.3" x 2.2" x 5.7" | Colors: Over 15 options

Despite its low cost, this bag wowed our experts and consumer testers with its comfort, style and spaciousness. In fact, it can even hold a water bottle along with a phone, wallet, keys and other essentials — all with room to spare.

One tester told us, "I love how lightweight it is and how much I can fit inside it!" Beyond that, the curved shape helps it feel comfortable at your side, even when you're walking for miles. Though its materials aren't quite as luxe as pricier bags, it still looks sleek and neutral enough to wear with a variety of outfits.

Dimensions: 11" x 6.7" x 3.9" | Colors: 7 options

Though the style looks and feels substantial, it's s urprisingly lightweight thanks to its performance fabrics that also happen to be water-repellent. Each bag features a quilted design and is easily packable so it doesn't take up valuable space in your suitcase.

The bag is on the larger size for a crossbody with one big main compartment, plus a small zippered pocket in the front so you can quickly find your essentials. It's also worth noting that the adjustable strap is longer than some other crossbodies, meaning it can also be carried as a low-hanging shoulder bag.

Dimensions: 12" x 122" x 4" | Colors: 7 options

Sling bags are ideal for anyone who wants the functionality of a backpack with the wearability of a crossbody bag. This one in particular is made with smart travel features, including RFID protection and an extra strap to stop pickpocketing.

It also has plenty of compartments, including ones on the back (facing your body) and an easily accessible pocket in the front. One GH staffer that swears by this bag saying, "It's super comfortable and feels secure to wear while in big cities or crowded areas."

Dimensions: 7" x 12" x 2.5" | Colors: 10 options

For those who prefer leather bags over ones with synthetic performance fabrics, this fashion-forward pick is great for a more elevated luxury look, especially when you're dressed to impress on vacation.

While most stylish leather crossbodies have sky-high designer price tags, this one is on the more affordable end. Worn by celebrities like Serena Williams and Kristen Bell, it's not as lightweight as other travel crossbodies, but our testers say it's not too heavy, either. It has two zippered pockets, each with organizational compartments inside. It's also available in smaller sizes at lower costs.

Dimensions: 10.25" x 7.25" x 4" | Colors: 9 options

If safety is a big concern for your trip, consider a bag that has smart features to keep your belongings protected. This one in particular is equipped with five standout anti-theft features , including zippers that clip closed to prevent pickpocketing, slash-resistant fabric, slash-resistant straps, RFID-blocking pockets and a strap clip that lets you secure it to a chair when you're dining.

Travelon makes a variety of anti-theft crossbody bags , but this one is Amazon's Choice with nearly 10,000 reviews and an average 4.6-star rating. It has a slim design with interior pockets to carry essentials like your passport, phone and wallet, though it doesn't hold quite as much as other styles.

Dimensions: 8.5" x 8.5" x 2" | Colors: 15 options

If you'll be traveling in wet conditions — including going underwater — consider a waterproof pouch that you can wear as a crossbody. This one even has a waterproof zipper and is designed to keep your contents dry ; you can even carry your phone and money into a pool while wearing it! A clear front screen allows you to use a touch-screen phone without taking it out. Plus, the crossbody strap can adjust to be worn as as a belt bag.

Dimensions: 8.58" x 4.92" x 1.77" | Colors: 2 options

If you prefer a smaller crossbody but worry that it's not big enough, consider this unique style from Athleta that has add-on compartments in the strap.

The main pouch is a foam-like material with a water-repellent finish and it lies flat against the body. The strap contains pouches designed to hold sunglasses and AirPods. As an added bonus, the strap is removable and can be attached onto other bags, while the pouch can be used as an organizer inside larger purses.

Dimensions: Not listed | Colors: 2 options

For those that always carry around a water bottle, this sporty sling bag has a hidden bottle pouch that you can tuck away whenever you don't need it.

Besides its two zippered compartments, it also has a microfiber-lined pocket in the front for your cell phone or sunglasses. Plus, there's a small zippered compartment in the back in case you need your phone or other essentials kept safe. It's not super spacious, but it has card organizers inside a zippered pocket in case you just want to bring a credit card and ID without a full wallet.

Dimensions: 6.7" x 8.2" x 2.7" | Colors: 3 options

Like a modern-day messenger, this style has a wide opening so you can easily sift through everything you packed inside. Once it's zippered shut, the top folds over and secures with a magnet. (Just note that Lululemon warns the magnet can interfere with certain electronic devices and bank cards.)

One GH staffer said she uses it every day and noted that the flap "feels secure while commuting or traveling and allows for a quick retrieval for items inside." Like other Lululemon bags , it has a lightweight and water-resistant performance fabric.

Dimensions: 7.9" x 3.9" x 8.3" | Colors: 3 options

Dange Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag (Extra Small)

Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag (Extra Small)

Available in five sizes, this style's largest options make perfect weekender bags while the smaller ones are more ideal as crossbody purses. This extra-small size still has a five-liter capacity, making it spacious enough to carry on-the-go essentials, even holding a small tablet or notebook.

We especially love this one's organizational features: inside the main zippered compartment are three pockets and a key leash, while the outside has a phone sleeve for easy access (though keep in mind: It's not zippered, so it's less secure). We also love its soft neoprene fabric and wide straps to support a heavier load.

Dimensions: 9" x 4.75" x 6.25" | Colors: 9 options

MZ Wallace Crossbody Belt Bag

Crossbody Belt Bag

When fashion is the first and foremost priority, consider a splurge-worthy style like this quilted belt bag. Despite its large size, it's still fairly lightweight thanks to its nylon material. It's also functional for travel with two zippered compartments and built-in pockets for organization.

We love its versatility thanks to its three detachable straps: Two wide ones for your waist or across the body and one chain strap to dress it up. Online reviewers call it "perfect for international travel," with one saying she found it especially useful on a trip to London and Paris.

Dimensions: 10" x 8.5" x 2" | Colors: 4 options

Bandolier Crossbody Bag

Crossbody Bag

For a simple, chic and timeless style, this small crossbody is described as a "sleek look with a ton of functionality packed in" by one GH analyst who personally uses it. For starters, the adjustable strap can be swapped for other straps from the brand , plus the bag can expand a bit to pack in more when you need it. The flap secures with a magnet (there's no zipper) and it's made with real pebbled leather for an elegant look that can be dressed up.

Dimensions: 8" x 6" x 3" | Colors: 3 options

Madewell The Medium Transport Tote

The Medium Transport Tote

Combining the capacity of a tote with the convenient strap of a crossbody, Madewell's bag is a tester favorite thanks to its supple leather and spacious interior.

A GH analyst that carries this bag while traveling said it's especially useful if you're going to be shopping so you don't have to carry around extra bags as you explore new cities. It's also ideal if you need to carry a bulky load, like an umbrella, water bottle and layers of clothing, but be aware that there's no zippered closure for protection.

Dimensions: 12.25" x 11" x 5.5" | Colors: 2 options

Coach Willow Bucket Bag

Willow Bucket Bag

If you're willing to invest in a well-made crossbody, this luxury bag from Coach looks stylish and uses high-end construction. One GH staffer that recommended this style said, "I own a variety of Coach bags and they continue to stay in great condition," adding that the Coach Outlet is a great option for more affordable versions.

She likes this bag in particular because of how roomy it is, calling it "just the right size." Just note that it has multiple sections, some of which are unzippered, making contents less secure while traveling.

Dimensions: 9.25" x 8.75" x 4.25" | Color: Black

How we chose the best crossbody travel bags

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The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab are passionate about finding the best products at the crossroads of fashion and function, constantly testing to find apparel and accessories that perform well, feel (and look) great and last for years to come.

To find the best crossbody bags for travel, we considered our staff's personal favorites from the dozens of styles that we've tested in our Lab and personally tried out in real life. We also asked other Good Housekeeping editors and analysts to weigh in with their recommendations, plus we performed market research using our product expertise to find new and popular styles from brands we know and love.

How to shop for travel-friendly crossbody bags

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The one thing all crossbody bags have in common is that they're worn across your body. Other than that, here's what to consider when choosing the best crossbody bag for your next getaway:

  • Size: Smaller dimensions typically mean the bag is more totable, but will hold less. Alternatively, larger bags may fit more inside but can be cumbersome to wear, depending on your type of travel. Besides the dimensions, also consider the capacity: 1-2 liters will be smaller, while 5 liters will be more spacious yet still comfortable to wear.
  • Compartments and pockets : Some crossbody bags have one main compartment, while others have several compartments to help you stay organized. Also check for pockets inside the compartments, including pouches to hold your phone, keys and cards for easy access.
  • Closures: Most crossbody bags for travel have zippers to keep everything safe and secure inside. However, some have magnet closures and others have no closures at all. Consider how secure you need your belongings to be and whether you'll be at risk for things falling out or being pickpocketed.
  • Materials: Many styles are made of synthetic performance fabrics (like nylon and polyester) because they're lightweight and water-resistant. If you prefer a more luxurious bag, opt for leather (or even faux leather). Also keep in mind that bags with metal hardware will be heavier to carry around.
  • Adjustability: To ensure your crossbody bag will fit comfortably around your torso, check for an adjustable strap so you can find the right fit. Some crossbody bags are also convertible, meaning you can change the straps or change how you wear them on your body.
  • Packability: If you'll be packing your crossbody bag in your suitcase, consider opting for a lighter and thinner style instead of one that's more structured. If you do prefer a structured bag for style, consider wearing while en route to your destination or filling it with smaller items (like socks and underwear) in the suitcase so you don't waste valuable packing space.
  • Safety features: Certain trips require you to pay closer attention to the risk of people that prey on tourists. In these cases, look for anti-theft features like secure zippers, straps that can attach onto your seat and RFID-blocking technology.
  • Appearance: Last, but certainly not least, it's okay to choose a travel bag based on how it looks without sacrificing other important features. Consider what you'll be doing and wearing throughout your trip. Some of our recommendations are especially good at transitioning from daytime exploring to nighttime dining while matching a wide range of outfits.

Why you can trust Good Housekeeping

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Lexie Sachs is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has been reviewing travel bags for over 10 years. Lexie also oversees the annual Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards and regularly reports on categories like the best luggage and the best backpacks . She has personally used many of the crossbody bags featured in this article.

Headshot of Lexie Sachs

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

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best travel tote bags

The 9 Best Travel Tote Bags to Take on the Go, According to Experts

They're both stylish and durable.

Jonathan Alder, a Winter Park, Florida-based luxury travel advisor and founder of Jonathan’s Travels , has plenty of practice testing totes. He’s visited all seven continents across 72 countries personally, and has planned more than 30,000 client trips to date (advising them how and what to pack before departure).

“To steer clear of an unorganized inconvenience during a trip, a good travel tote bag must have spacious compartments that are easy to access and repack for built-in organization,” Alder says. “Being able to bring all essentials on the go while keeping everything organized is the ultimate goal. Durability is also important for a bag that can keep up with you!”

Mary Helen Law, a Rome, Georgia-based founder of Law Luxury Travel has six years of experience professionally planning trips in her role as a luxury travel advisor, and echoes those sentiments, noting that “functionality is key.” She adds, “I keep all of my most important items with me at all times: wallet, keys, chargers, laptop, travel toiletries, and medicine.”

This way, you’re prepared if your checked bag doesn’t make it quite as quickly as you do. It’s also wise to pack a change of clothes in a tote or weekender, Law says, just in case. The best luxury tote bags for travel align with the vibe of your trip and your wardrobe. Seek out a sportier option if you’re taking an active vacation. Or if it’s a business trip, a tailored and chic design might be best. For a solo vacation or a mother-daughter trip , a versatile weekender can be ideal.

Regardless of where or why you’re traveling, the best travel totes and weekenders come with ample pockets that allow for easy access to the essentials. Comfortable straps and/or handles, laptop pockets, pass-through bands that attach to luggage handles (AKA a “trolley sleeve”), and secure closures all earn bonus points in our ratings system.

Shop the Best Travel Totes for 2024

Béis The East to West Tote

Best Large Travel Tote Bag

Béis the east to west tote.

July Carry All Weekender

Best All-Weather Travel Tote Bag

July carry all weekender.

Away The Everywhere Tote

Best Commuter Travel Tote Bag

Away the everywhere tote.

Dagne Dover Daily Tote

Best Eco-Friendly Travel Tote Bag

Dagne dover daily tote.

Monos Metro Tote

Best Small Travel Tote Bag

Monos metro tote.

Solgaard Voyager Weekender

Best Travel Tote Bag That Can Double as Luggage

Solgaard voyager weekender.

Signature Weekender Bag

Best Budget Travel Tote Bag

Open story signature weekender bag.

Rimowa Never Still Vertical Tote

Best Luxury Travel Tote Bag

Rimowa never still vertical tote.

Bottega Veneta Medium Andiamo

Best Designer Travel Tote Bag

Bottega veneta medium andiamo.

Constructed with recycled polyester and a recycled faux leather trim, this travel tote comes in black, beige, maple, and atlas pink colorways. Inside the tote, you’ll find two water bottle pockets to help you stay well-hydrated, as well as a 15-inch padded laptop pocket so your tech tools can come with you anywhere. Outside, you’ll find a handy zipper pocket and a trolley sleeve that easily slides over your roller bag’s handles for convenient carrying.

You’ll likely be charmed by all of the thoughtful details and the clever construction of this water-resistant weekender. While it looks compact and tucks nicely atop your carry-on or checked luggage (via a trolley sleeve), the interior has plenty of space for a 16-inch laptop, dividers and zippered pockets for easy access to all of the essentials, and an internal key hook so you won’t have to dig through the bottom of the bag. Bonus: This, like all July bags, comes with a 100-day return policy so you can test it out to confirm that you love it.

Choose from jet black, salt white, navy blue, or coast blue, then add a monogram for just $35 more. Then your zipper-topped, pocket-packed Away tote is ready to join you as your flight carry-on or commuter bag to and from the office (or to run errands). A snap-secured padded pocket fits up to a 15-inch laptop, and the bag is made with water-resistant nylon and leather trim.

Structured, chic, and practically runway-ready, this travel tote proves that Dagne Dover can excel at much more than fanny packs and backpacks. (Those are among their most popular bestsellers .) Mother Nature will approve of this vegan leather tote, too. Open the zipper top and you’ll spy the recycled REPREVE® lining that’s made from six recycled plastic bottles, along with several pockets, a vegan leather key chain, and a small padded laptop pocket.

Featuring scratch-resistant vegan leather on the outside, a sturdy zipper top, and a soft cotton twill fabric interior, the Metro Tote is available in four timeless hues: carbon black, ivory, saddle tan, and mahogany. The long tote handles can be carried by hand, of course, but they also are spacious enough to slip over your shoulder. Inside, a water bottle pocket, a small laptop sleeve (14 inches), and several small pockets await to help corral your wallet, pens, passport, keys, and other staples.

If Alder could only choose one travel tote to be his plus one on all of his global adventures, it would be this Solgaard weekender. Available in Baltic black, Galway green, or Atlantic navy durable Shore-Tex fabric, Alder—who “travels nonstop for work”—has taken this bag on all of his trips for the past year.

“It works as my main piece of luggage for short trips due to the amount of clothing it can fit, and its compact size makes it a perfect carry-on,” Alder tells us. The built-in shelving makes it sneakily spacious, Alder adds, and it has plenty of interior and exterior pockets that are easy to access, including a fleece-lined 16-inch laptop sleeve and two expanding side pockets that are ideal for toting an umbrella and a water bottle.

As for Law, she was shocked by this budget bag. The trolley sleeve initially lured her in, and the price point made her think that she had nothing to lose. “I've had this bag for 2 years, and I use it almost every time I travel (which, as a travel advisor, is frequently),” Law says.

One huge highlight? “So. Many. Pockets,” she says, including a fleece-lined one for jewelry and a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve. The water-resistant nylon exterior makes this ideal to double as a gym bag, Law adds. “This is, by far, the most functional bag I have ever owned.”

You can feel like you’re in the Mediterranean every day with this stylish made in Italy bag. Thoughtful details like the bespoke logo-emblazoned metal handle clips and the grooved leather external laptop pocket are the epitome of quiet luxury . For shorter excursions, such as to the office and back or for a flight where you checked a bag, this efficient travel tote could be a stellar travel companion. The spacious leather straps are ideal for sliding over your shoulder or carrying by hand. Choose from black or petal pink.

Made in Italy from Intrecciato nappa leather and finished with brass detailing, this luxe bag is a must for the traveler who appreciates the finer things in life. A leather top handle and cross-body strap allow you to carry the bag two ways, and an interior zipper pocket keeps valuables secure while traveling.

Headshot of Karla Walsh

Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer, editor, freelance writing coach and level one sommelier who balances her love of food and drink with her passion for fitness (or tries to, at least!). She has over 15 years of professional experience covering food, wine, travel, nutrition, health, fitness, psychology, beauty, relationships and beyond. 

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Is It Safe in Moscow?

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Stanislav Solntsev / Getty Images

When you visit Moscow , Russia, you’re seeing one of the world’s largest, and most expensive, capital cities . While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern. Visitors should stick to the principal tourist areas and abide by the local security advice.

Travel Advisories

  • The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."  
  • Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping,   and   risk of civil unrest." Also, travelers should stay away from "Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory   and   abuses by its occupying authorities."  
  • Canada states travelers should use a high degree of caution in Russia due to the threat of terrorism and crime.  

Is Moscow Dangerous?

The Moscow city center is typically safe. In general, the closer you are to the Kremlin , the better. Travelers mainly need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for petty crime. Be especially careful in tourist areas such as Arbat Street and crowded places like the Moscow Metro transit system. The suburbs are also generally fine, though it is advised to stay away from Maryino and Perovo districts.

Terrorism has occurred in the Moscow area, leading authorities to increase security measures. Be more careful at tourist and transportation hubs, places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, crowds, open markets, and additional tourist sites.

Pickpockets and purse snatching happen often in Russia, perpetrated by groups of children and teenagers who distract tourists to get their wallets and credit cards. Beware of people asking you for help, who then trick you into their scheme. Don’t expect a backpack to be a safe bag bet; instead, invest in something that you can clutch close to your body or purchase a money belt . Always diversify, storing some money in a separate location so that if you are pickpocketed, you'll have cash elsewhere. Keep an eye out for thieves in public transportation, underground walkways, tourist spots, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes, restaurants, and markets.

Is Moscow Safe for Solo Travelers?

Large cities like Moscow in Russia are overall fairly safe if you are traveling alone, and the Moscow Metro public transit is a secure and easy way to get around. But it is still a good idea to follow basic precautions as in any destination. Avoid exploring alone at night, especially in bad areas. You may want to learn some basic Russian phrases or bring a dictionary, as many locals don't speak English. However, in case you need any help, there are tourist police that speak English. Also, exploring with other trusted travelers and locals or on professional tours is often a good way to feel safe.

Is Moscow Safe for Female Travelers?

Catcalling and street harassment are infrequent in Moscow and the rest of Russia and females traveling alone don't usually have problems. There are plenty of police officers on the streets as well. Still, it serves to stick to Moscow's well-lit, public areas, avoid solo night walks, and use your instincts. Women frequenting bars may take receive some friendly attention. Females can wear whatever they want, but those entering Orthodox churches will be required to cover up. Though women in Russia are independent, domestic violence and other inequality issues take place regularly.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Russia is not known as a gay-friendly country. However, Moscow is one of the more welcoming cities with a blooming LGBTQ+ community and many friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, and other venues. Hate crimes in Russia have increased since the 2013 anti-gay propaganda law. Openly LGBTQ+ tourists in this conservative country may experience homophobic remarks, discrimination, or even violence, especially if traveling with a partner. Also, while women hold hands or hug publicly—whether romantically involved or not—men should avoid public displays of affection to prevent being insulted or other issues.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Moscow  and other big cities in Russia have sizable populations of various cultures, so discrimination against BIPOC travelers is rarer than in other parts of the country where it can become dangerous. Some people living in Russia who are Black, Asian, Jewish, and from other backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination and violence. Tourists won't usually experience overt racism but may be the recipients of some stares. If anyone should bother you, be polite and resist being taunted into physically defending yourself.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Travelers should consider the following general tips when visiting:

  • It's best not to drink the tap water. If you do, boil it before drinking, though showering is safe and the amount used to brush teeth is generally not harmful. Mineral water is widely drunk, especially at restaurants, and if you prefer not to have it carbonated ask for “ voda byez gaz” (water without gas).
  • If you need emergency assistance in case of fire, terrorism, medical issues, or more, dial 112 in Russia for bilingual operators.
  • Be judicious about taking photographs, especially of police or officials. This can potentially bring unwanted attention to yourself by members of law enforcement who won’t mind asking to see your passport. Also avoid snapping photos of official-looking buildings, such as embassies and government headquarters.
  • Carry your passport in as secure a manner as possible. If you get stopped for any reason by the police, they can fine or arrest you if you don't have the document with you. Also, keep photocopies of your passport, the page on which your travel visa appears, and any other documents that relate to your stay in Russia.
  • Use official taxis only and steer clear of illegal taxi companies, especially at night. Ask your hotel to call a reputable taxi company.

U.S. Department of State. " Russia Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 19, 2020.

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Guía turística de Moscow

Planning a trip to Moscow? Our travel guide contains up-to-date, personal information on everything from what to see , to when to visit , where to stay , and what to eat !

  • General Information
  • What to see
  • How to get to Moscow
  • Where to stay
  • Where to eat

Why visit Moscow?

Majestic churches, impressive historic fortresses, and palatial buildings: Moscow is a fascinating city whose emblematic architecture reflects the turbulent history that has defined Russia throughout the centuries.

The traces of the USSR can be found around every corner of the city , side by side with the iconic relics of Imperial Russia , like the mythical Red Square , the imposing Kremlin , and the beautiful  St Basil's Cathedral . 

Discover a fascinating world of Cold War bunkers, golden-domed basilicas, world-class art museums, and the legendary "palace of the people,"  as the Moscow Metro has been nicknamed. Whether you fancy watching a classical Russian ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre , perusing the fine arts at the Pushkin Museum , or marveling at the sheer size of the monuments to the Soviet state's achievements at the  All-Russia Exhibition Centre , this travel guide will help you on your way!

Where to start?

If you're going to travel to Moscow and you don't know much about the city yet, the first thing to do is to dive into its legendary history - understanding the past will help you understand the present. Next, check out our practical hints and tips on traveling to the city before discovering which of its most important museums , monuments , and attractions pique your interest.

Looking for a place to stay?

Booking your accommodation in advance is the best way to get great discounts. Our detailed guide on where to stay in Moscow  will help you decide which neighborhood you'd like to look for hotels or apartments in, and our hotel search engine will find you the best deals!

Why is our Moscow travel guide the best?

Introducing Moscow is a  city guide written by travelers for travelers  and contains personalized advice to help you make the most of your trip to the city.

All the information in this guide is valid as of December 2022. If you find any errors or have any comments, please feel free to contact us .

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

when to visit moscow

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

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With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

where to stay in moscow

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

moscow itinerary

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

moscow itinerary

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

moscow itinerary

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

moscow itinerary

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

  • Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
  • Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
  • Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The Red Square

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

  • Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
  • Cost: USD $15.00
  • Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The Moscow Kremlin

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

  • Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
  • Cost: Free!
  • Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Lenins Mausoleum

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

  • Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
  • Cost: USD $8.00
  • Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

St. Basils Cathedral

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

  • Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
  • Cost: Free to enter
  • Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

GUM Department Store

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

  • Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
  • Cost: USD $5.00
  • Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Novodevichy Convent

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

  • Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
  • Cost: Free! 
  • Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

  • Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
  • Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The State Tretyakov Gallery

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

  • Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
  • Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

All Russian Exhibition Center

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

  • Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
  • Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
  • Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Bolshoi Theater

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

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Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

  • Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

  • Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
  • This museum is fun for both adults and children!
  • Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

  • A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
  • Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
  • The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

The Alexander Garden

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

  • Television and radio tower in Moscow
  • Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
  • Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

Ostankino Television Tower

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

  • The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
  • Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
  • Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Izmaylovo District

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

  • Closed on Mondays
  • Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
  • The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

Sergiev Posad Golden Ring

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage and Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

Trip to Kolomna - Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

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And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

Alya and Campbell

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    Cons. Smaller capacity than some other travel totes (21 liters) Choose from jet black, salt white, navy blue, or coast blue, then add a monogram for just $35 more. Then your zipper-topped, pocket-packed Away tote is ready to join you as your flight carry-on or commuter bag to and from the office (or to run errands).

  20. Is It Safe to Travel to Moscow?

    Travel Advisories . The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."; Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping, and risk of civil unrest."

  21. Moscow

    Introducing Moscow is a city guide written by travelers for travelers and contains personalized advice to help you make the most of your trip to the city. All the information in this guide is valid as of December 2022. If you find any errors or have any comments, please feel free to contact us. Moscow travel guide with everything you could ...

  22. EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024 Guide)

    EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024) Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit! Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city ...

  23. Moscow.Info

    Full and accurate online information and travel services to help plan any trip to Moscow, Russia. Find everything you need to know about Moscow here. HOME: ABOUT US: PARTNERSHIP: SITE MAP: FAQ/HELP: CONTACT US: CALL US @ 7-812-303-8647: ... Start your sightseeing tour of Moscow here. ...