STYLE
Best Bags for Quick Day Trips
These style picks can handle a jam-packed schedule with ease.
- The bag you take with you on day trips should be comfortable, versatile and roomy.
- Here are the best day trip bags, depending on what you have planned and what you’ll need to carry.
From sunny beach days to outdoor music festivals, the summer season is full of quick day trips (with very full itineraries). Without an overnight stay, the handbag you carry with you as your plus-one matters even more. Not only should your bag have the ability to take on everything you need for the entirety of the day, but it should also be able to stylishly adapt from one activity to the next.
Here’s what to consider before committing to a style companion for all your quick day trips to come, plus a few of our go-to recommendations.
What should I look for in day trip bag?
Lightweight
Because there’s no overnight stay involved, day trips often involve popping around from one place to the next (sometimes without ever stopping to put your bag down). Lightweight bags won’t weigh you down on the go—think materials like Natural Grain Leather, Signature Canvas and denim.
Versatile
Whether shopping around a new city or hiking through a state park, day trips require a decent amount of walking. Carry your bag over your shoulder for a few hours before distributing its weight across your body when you need a little break. Versatility is key when you’re on the move.
Spacious
The best bags for quick day trips are spacious enough to carry everything you need for the entire day. Stash the essentials like your phone, keys and wallet plus a few extras like your latest TBR, makeup pouch and an extra sweater.
Because there’s no overnight stay involved, day trips often involve popping around from one place to the next (sometimes without ever stopping to put your bag down). Lightweight bags won’t weigh you down on the go—think materials like Natural Grain Leather, Signature Canvas and denim.
Versatile
Whether shopping around a new city or hiking through a state park, day trips require a decent amount of walking. Carry your bag over your shoulder for a few hours before distributing its weight across your body when you need a little break. Versatility is key when you’re on the move.
Spacious
The best bags for quick day trips are spacious enough to carry everything you need for the entire day. Stash the essentials like your phone, keys and wallet plus a few extras like your latest TBR, makeup pouch and an extra sweater.
What are the best bags for day trips?
Beach Days
Day trips to the nearest beach call for a plus-one that can handle your summertime essentials—think coverup, sunglasses, water bottle and more. Choose a spacious carryall or tote in a breezy wooden beaded or straw style for a look that feels effortlessly beachy.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 with Wooden Beading, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 in Straw, City Tote Bag with Gingham Print
City Sightseeing
The perfect plus-one for city sightseeing will serve as an extension of your own personal style, all while securely holding everything you need to take on a long day in a new city. Embrace your main character energy with a style companion in dark fuchsia or light blue—and don’t underestimate the power of gleaming chain accents.
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 with Quilting, Teri Shoulder Bag
Parks & Hiking
Whether visiting a nearby park or hiking through nature, active outdoor pastimes call for durable, practical and lightweight bags that aren’t too precious, meaning you can place them on the ground next to you while picnicking in the park (without having to worry about any damage).
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Cargo Tote Bag
Music Festivals, Concerts & Sporting Events
Concerts, festivals and sporting events are often all-day endeavors. Sing, dance or watch along in style (just make sure to check your venue’s bag size policies). Carry an iconic shoulder bag crafted of straw or wooden beading for a statement-worthy plus-one, or choose a transparent bag for a look that’s always clean and polished.
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 with Wooden Beading, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 in Straw, Nolita 19 in Straw, Stadium Swinger Bag
Day trips to the nearest beach call for a plus-one that can handle your summertime essentials—think coverup, sunglasses, water bottle and more. Choose a spacious carryall or tote in a breezy wooden beaded or straw style for a look that feels effortlessly beachy.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 with Wooden Beading, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 in Straw, City Tote Bag with Gingham Print
City Sightseeing
The perfect plus-one for city sightseeing will serve as an extension of your own personal style, all while securely holding everything you need to take on a long day in a new city. Embrace your main character energy with a style companion in dark fuchsia or light blue—and don’t underestimate the power of gleaming chain accents.
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 with Quilting, Teri Shoulder Bag
Parks & Hiking
Whether visiting a nearby park or hiking through nature, active outdoor pastimes call for durable, practical and lightweight bags that aren’t too precious, meaning you can place them on the ground next to you while picnicking in the park (without having to worry about any damage).
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Cargo Tote Bag
Music Festivals, Concerts & Sporting Events
Concerts, festivals and sporting events are often all-day endeavors. Sing, dance or watch along in style (just make sure to check your venue’s bag size policies). Carry an iconic shoulder bag crafted of straw or wooden beading for a statement-worthy plus-one, or choose a transparent bag for a look that’s always clean and polished.
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 with Wooden Beading, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 in Straw, Nolita 19 in Straw, Stadium Swinger Bag
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
How important is organization when choosing a travel bag?
How important is organization when choosing a travel bag?
Design elements like spacious interiors with keychain clips will keep your belongings easily accessible, while pockets with snap or zip closures will keep smaller essentials secure. For an additional layer of organization, look for zip pouches or cosmetic cases that can be carried within a larger bag.
Does a travel bag need to be versatile?
Does a travel bag need to be versatile?
The beauty of a bag that combines both style and utility is that it provides the ability to go from the airport straight out to dinner if need be, or to hold you over while you explore before you can check into your hotel. A versatile travel bag also means that you can pack less while maximizing styling options; for example, bags with convertible straps that can be worn either as a shoulder bag or crossbody.
Is a luxury travel bag worth the investment?
Is a luxury travel bag worth the investment?
Yes, a luxury travel bag is worth the investment, because you're investing in quality and craftsmanship that you can trust. Your travel bag won't just be coming along for the ride, it will be responsible for carrying your most important possessions. And if you're traveling to another country, essentials like travel documents, IDs, cash, and passport—items you won’t be able to get home without. Look for a bag crafted from ultra-durable, high-quality leather; the material will withstand years of use and only get better with time as it develops a luxe patina and character.