DESIGN
The Fall Travel Bag Guide
Everything you need to know before choosing your trusty travel companion for the season ahead.
- With cooler weather, colorful foliage and few crowds, fall is one of the most scenic seasons for a quick getaway.
- Here, we dig into all things fall travel bags (from what to look for to practical—yet still stylish—recommendations).
From chasing colorful fall foliage on the road to spending cozy cabin weekends upstate, there are plenty of autumn getaways to look forward to once that chill hits the air. And whether you’re planning on traveling via plane, train or car, the bag you take with you can make a huge difference in convenience, comfort and style throughout your trip.
Read on for the ultimate fall travel bag guide—including what to look for in your trusty travel companion and our top Coach recommendations.
What should I look for in a travel bag for fall?
Capacity & Organization
The travel bag you take with you needs to fit all your trip necessities with ease (like your laptop, latest to-be-read and headphones, for example). Whether you’re heading out of town for the weekend for a quick upstate getaway or planning a week-long vacation in a cozy cabin far away, consider what you plan to use your travel bag for and how much you need to fit. From there, think about organizational features—if quick, convenient access to your passport, wallet and phone is essential, go for a style with interior or exterior pockets.
Comfortable Wear
A wide, comfortable shoulder or crossbody strap is especially important if there’s a considerable amount of walking in your upcoming itinerary. From long-haul travel days to trips that involve hiking or other outdoor activities, the bag you take with you shouldn’t weigh you down—it should make your entire getaway run smoother.
Secure Closure
While zippers might offer more protection for all your belongings, snap closures usually provide easier access on the go. Consider what you prefer depending on your typical travel habits and priorities.
Fall Style
What differentiates any travel bag from a fall travel bag is style. While there are plenty of travel bags that will last you year-round and year after year, there’s nothing wrong with having a few bags in your capsule wardrobe that are dedicated for certain seasons or moods. And when it comes to fall, there’s nothing more in season than an ultra-soft suede bag or a rich, supple leather bag. Bonus points for styles rendered in rich autumnal shades like chocolate brown and maple.
The travel bag you take with you needs to fit all your trip necessities with ease (like your laptop, latest to-be-read and headphones, for example). Whether you’re heading out of town for the weekend for a quick upstate getaway or planning a week-long vacation in a cozy cabin far away, consider what you plan to use your travel bag for and how much you need to fit. From there, think about organizational features—if quick, convenient access to your passport, wallet and phone is essential, go for a style with interior or exterior pockets.
Comfortable Wear
A wide, comfortable shoulder or crossbody strap is especially important if there’s a considerable amount of walking in your upcoming itinerary. From long-haul travel days to trips that involve hiking or other outdoor activities, the bag you take with you shouldn’t weigh you down—it should make your entire getaway run smoother.
Secure Closure
While zippers might offer more protection for all your belongings, snap closures usually provide easier access on the go. Consider what you prefer depending on your typical travel habits and priorities.
Fall Style
What differentiates any travel bag from a fall travel bag is style. While there are plenty of travel bags that will last you year-round and year after year, there’s nothing wrong with having a few bags in your capsule wardrobe that are dedicated for certain seasons or moods. And when it comes to fall, there’s nothing more in season than an ultra-soft suede bag or a rich, supple leather bag. Bonus points for styles rendered in rich autumnal shades like chocolate brown and maple.
What are the best fall travel bags?
Expandable Carryalls
An expandable carryall works before, during and after your flight. Look for a style that’s made to move with you—our Brooklyn collection is roomy, slouchy and easy to carry (basically everything you want in a travel bag). Plus, you can choose between a style with a zip-top closure (like the Pillow Brooklyn) or one with a magnetic snap closure (like the Brooklyn 39).
Style Picks: Pillow Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Classic Totes
Totes are considered a classic travel bag for good reason. Simple, spacious and always in style, tote bags are easy to organize with all your trip necessities like your laptop, book, toiletry bag and more. They’re easy to wear—simply throw them over your shoulder and go. For extra fall flair, go for a tote in warm brown suede or maple Signature Canvas.
Style Picks: City Tote Bag, Station Tote Bag
Roomy Crossbodies
If going completely hands-free is of utmost importance to you while catching the train or navigating through the airport, a roomy crossbody is the way to go. Keep all your belongings snug against your waist while on the move. And once you arrive at your final destination, a convenient crossbody will also come in handy while sightseeing, shopping or leaf-peeping.
Style Picks: Bleecker Bucket Bag
An expandable carryall works before, during and after your flight. Look for a style that’s made to move with you—our Brooklyn collection is roomy, slouchy and easy to carry (basically everything you want in a travel bag). Plus, you can choose between a style with a zip-top closure (like the Pillow Brooklyn) or one with a magnetic snap closure (like the Brooklyn 39).
Style Picks: Pillow Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Classic Totes
Totes are considered a classic travel bag for good reason. Simple, spacious and always in style, tote bags are easy to organize with all your trip necessities like your laptop, book, toiletry bag and more. They’re easy to wear—simply throw them over your shoulder and go. For extra fall flair, go for a tote in warm brown suede or maple Signature Canvas.
Style Picks: City Tote Bag, Station Tote Bag
Roomy Crossbodies
If going completely hands-free is of utmost importance to you while catching the train or navigating through the airport, a roomy crossbody is the way to go. Keep all your belongings snug against your waist while on the move. And once you arrive at your final destination, a convenient crossbody will also come in handy while sightseeing, shopping or leaf-peeping.
Style Picks: Bleecker Bucket Bag
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
Should a travel bag be classic or trendy?
Should a travel bag be classic or trendy?
If you're planning to invest in a luxury travel bag, you'll want to choose a timeless silhouette that transcends trends. Considering that a high-quality, durable leather bag will last for years (and years), it not only makes more sense from a cost-per-wear perspective—a classic travel bag will also pair well with your evolving personal style and moods, no matter how often they change. Plus, there's something about a luxurious travel bag that makes you look polished and pulled together no matter what country or destination you're in; a classic silhouette is a style language understood by everyone.
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.
What size bag is best for travel?
What size bag is best for travel?
The best bag size for when you're traveling really comes down to what your itinerary looks like. Compact crossbodies are the perfect counterpart to days spent exploring when you'll want to keep your hands free, while larger carryalls are ideal for carrying everything you want easy access to—like tech or extra layers—while on long haul flights. It's about traveling smarter, while matching your bag's style to the occasion.