DESIGN
Large Bags for Easy Summer Travel
These picks will keep you looking polished and put together, no matter where you are.
- The best large bags for travel are versatile, durable and spacious enough to take on whatever warm weather festivities you have planned this season.
- Consider the key features below before choosing your style companion.
- Then, take a peek at some of our favorite large summer bag recommendations.
The handbag you choose for all your summer travel plans needs to be able to take on the heat (both literally and figuratively). From long haul flights to bus or train rides down to the nearest beach, your summer plus-one should blend capacity with style, fitting all your travel essentials while embracing the warm weather vibes.
Here’s how to choose the best large summer travel bag for your personal style, plus picks we recommend depending on your itinerary.
What qualities should I look for in a large travel bag for summer?
Versatility
The beauty of a travel bag that combines both style and utility is that it provides the ability to go from the airport straight to dinner if need be or to hold you over while you explore before checking into your hotel. A versatile summer 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.
Durability
Travel can be unpredictable, which means you should have a bag that can handle the pressure. A sturdy, durable material can make all the difference—consider full-grain leather, high-quality canvas or coated canvas for a water-resistant choice.
Pockets & Compartments
Quick, convenient access to your passport, wallet and phone is essential. Think about interior and exterior pockets and make sure to consider your preference between zippers and snap closures before choosing your travel bag for all your summer vacations to come.
Capacity
Whether you tend to travel light or consider yourself an overpacker, a bag worth investing in should easily fit everything you need for its intended use. In this case, that means beach trips, summer sightseeing and outdoor dinner reservations.
The beauty of a travel bag that combines both style and utility is that it provides the ability to go from the airport straight to dinner if need be or to hold you over while you explore before checking into your hotel. A versatile summer 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.
Durability
Travel can be unpredictable, which means you should have a bag that can handle the pressure. A sturdy, durable material can make all the difference—consider full-grain leather, high-quality canvas or coated canvas for a water-resistant choice.
Pockets & Compartments
Quick, convenient access to your passport, wallet and phone is essential. Think about interior and exterior pockets and make sure to consider your preference between zippers and snap closures before choosing your travel bag for all your summer vacations to come.
Capacity
Whether you tend to travel light or consider yourself an overpacker, a bag worth investing in should easily fit everything you need for its intended use. In this case, that means beach trips, summer sightseeing and outdoor dinner reservations.
What are the best summer travel bags?
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag
With a slouchy silhouette and spacious interior, the Brooklyn is the ultimate grab-and-go bag for effortless style, every day. Embrace the summer vibes with a carryall crafted of multicolor straw, airy woven leather or light denim suede.
Best for:
Style Picks: Brooklyn 34 in Straw, Brooklyn 34 in Woven Leather, Brooklyn 39
Empire Carryall
A vintage-inspired silhouette built for today, the Empire features a roomy open compartment with a zip-top closure, making it ideal for long travel days where security is of utmost importance. Earthy shades like olive make for a sophisticated summer neutral, too.
Best for:
Style Picks: Empire 40, Empire 48
City Tote Bag
Structured without feeling overly stiff, the City Tote will safely take on your laptop, water bottle, snacks (and more) while in transit. Once you arrive at your final destination, simply restyle your tote to fit your itinerary, whether that involves rooftop dinner reservations, trips to the pool or walks along the beach. Bonus points for styles in shades of summer white (like chalk or sand Signature Canvas) or crafted of carefree straw.
Best for:
Style Picks: City Tote Bag in Chalk, City Tote Bag with Gingham Print
Bleecker Bucket Bag
Bucket bags seamlessly blend the grab-and-go mentality of an extra-large tote with the minimalist, polished silhouette of a stylish shoulder bag. With the ability to elevate even the most relaxed travel attire, bucket bags are built for summer travel (especially when you need to go hands-free).
Best for:
Style Picks: Bleecker Bucket Bag 36
Coachtopia Loop Tote
Lightweight, water-resistant and easy to clean, the Coachtopia Loop Tote is a summer travel bag you can rely on day in and day out. Take your tote with on weekend trips to the beach, sunny boat rides or park picnics. It’s always a practical choice, no matter the occasion.
Best for:
Style Picks: Coachtopia Loop Tote
With a slouchy silhouette and spacious interior, the Brooklyn is the ultimate grab-and-go bag for effortless style, every day. Embrace the summer vibes with a carryall crafted of multicolor straw, airy woven leather or light denim suede.
Best for:
- Heading straight from the airport to dinner reservations
- Restyling for everyday excursions
- Doubling as a beach bag when it’s time to relax
Style Picks: Brooklyn 34 in Straw, Brooklyn 34 in Woven Leather, Brooklyn 39
Empire Carryall
A vintage-inspired silhouette built for today, the Empire features a roomy open compartment with a zip-top closure, making it ideal for long travel days where security is of utmost importance. Earthy shades like olive make for a sophisticated summer neutral, too.
Best for:
- Sliding under your airplane seat (or functioning as an overhead carry on)
- Styling as a crossbody for hands-free travel when you need it most
Style Picks: Empire 40, Empire 48
City Tote Bag
Structured without feeling overly stiff, the City Tote will safely take on your laptop, water bottle, snacks (and more) while in transit. Once you arrive at your final destination, simply restyle your tote to fit your itinerary, whether that involves rooftop dinner reservations, trips to the pool or walks along the beach. Bonus points for styles in shades of summer white (like chalk or sand Signature Canvas) or crafted of carefree straw.
Best for:
- Transitioning from bus, car or plane to summer sightseeing or relaxing on the beach
- Adhering to most personal item size requirements on long flights
- Maintaining a structured, wearable silhouette (even when taking on heavier loads)
Style Picks: City Tote Bag in Chalk, City Tote Bag with Gingham Print
Bleecker Bucket Bag
Bucket bags seamlessly blend the grab-and-go mentality of an extra-large tote with the minimalist, polished silhouette of a stylish shoulder bag. With the ability to elevate even the most relaxed travel attire, bucket bags are built for summer travel (especially when you need to go hands-free).
Best for:
- On-the-go access to essentials like your passport and wallet
- Accommodating bulkier items like your laptop, water bottle or umbrella
- Evenly distributing heavier loads across your body
Style Picks: Bleecker Bucket Bag 36
Coachtopia Loop Tote
Lightweight, water-resistant and easy to clean, the Coachtopia Loop Tote is a summer travel bag you can rely on day in and day out. Take your tote with on weekend trips to the beach, sunny boat rides or park picnics. It’s always a practical choice, no matter the occasion.
Best for:
- Summer vacations with beach days on the itinerary
- Traveling in high temperatures where you need a lightweight bag by your side
Style Picks: Coachtopia Loop Tote
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.
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.
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.