7 Functional And Chic Travel Bags For Every Occasion And Every Woman

If you’re looking ahead to Mother’s Day or are a traveler yourself, a great bag – whether it’s a tote, a backpack, or an evening bag – is a fantastic gift. Travelers have a lot to consider when it comes to space-saving bags that are multi-functional and still look good. Below are my favorites for meeting every travel need in style.

A Great Handbag For A Day Trip

When you’re spending a travel day exploring a city, taking a tour, or simply road-tripping through the countryside, you’ll need a bag that can carry all the essentials, deter pickpockets, and handle any weather conditions. The Priana Belt Bag by Patricia Nash Designs covers all the bases, and it does it with major style. You’ll love the front snap-closure pockets for better organization and the large zipped center compartment that will hold a water bottle and whatever you need for the day. And you’ll especially love the water resistant, patina-coated linen canvas decorated in gorgeous designs that really pop against a neutral travel wardrobe. The fact that this bag can be belted or carried as a crossover means it checks all the travel boxes.

A Roomy Tote That Holds Everything (Including Your Hat)

If you’ve ever traveled with a wide-brimmed sunhat, you know it can be a real pain to carry without crushing. The Suncatcher Daytripper Carry-All Tote and Pouch by Sydney Byron has you covered with your hat and so much more. I was blown away by the quality construction of this bag, which comes with a note explaining that it’s handmade by artisans in India. It’s extremely roomy (Note: This tote is too big to be considered a personal item, so consider this your carry-on) and relatively indestructible. You’ll easily fit your laptop, tech pouch, toiletry bag, a book, and more in the center compartment alone. Deep pockets on either end securely hold bottled drinks. One side is a trolley sleeve that slides easily over your suitcase handle. On the other side, an ingenious elastic strap design cleverly holds your hat. The detachable matching pouch provides easy access to your ID and boarding pass.

A Designer Evening Bag For Any Occasion

Wouldn’t it be nice to have an evening bag for any outfit, any season, regardless of where you are? One option is to rent your favorite Prada or YSL bag through Bag Borrow or Steal, an online shop where you can rent a designer purse for a month or longer. Need a winter purse for Iceland, a summer purse for Mediterranean evenings, and the newest fall colors for your trip to Vermont? Peruse the options, choose your purse, and about 5-7 days later, it will arrive to your home. This service is especially good for people who post a lot of travel photos and want to change up their look. And if you’re buying this for your favorite mom, there’s nothing easier than a gift card so she can pick out her own purse for her next trip.

A Super Cute Travel Backpack That’s Super Functional

If you turn your nose up at traditional backpacks – too bulky, too hike-y, too canvas-y – you’ll love the Cirrus backpack by Caraa. This remarkably soft nylon bag comes in beautiful colors and is rucksack style, meaning it is wide and flexible, so no danger of taking out your fellow airline passengers as you make your way to your seat. Thoughtful features include a water resistant shell and inner lining, 11 compartments with a special hidden one just for your passport, a power-bank pocket, and a shoe/wet pouch. This pack is extremely lightweight and comes in two sizes to match your travel needs.

A Belt/Crossover Bag That’s The Perfect Travel Size

There’s a lot of nylon belt bags out there, but while they get the job done, they may not be your first choice in fashion. If you want a stylish, hands-free travel bag with a more business casual vibe, turn to the Katy Mini Belt Bag by Leatherology. Wear it around your waist or as a crossover, or remove the straps entirely for an evening clutch. Gold hardware on the front closure adds elegance to the full-grain leather. This bag is just big enough to hold your ID, cell phone, and a lipstick. Note: I wore this bag in an amusement park and loved that it easily swivels on the waist – I could adjust it for any ride and felt confident the contents were safely secured.

A Waterproof Belt Bag For Beach And Sea Travel

Are your travel plans taking you to the beach for some surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding? Assuming you want to carry your phone, camera, and hotel key with you, you need a bag that is totally waterproof. That bag is the Bote Highwater Belt Pack. The padded hip belt makes it comfortable on bare skin, and lash loops and connectors give you multiple ways to attach the belt to a board, boat, or even a cooler. The bag is fully submersible, so you can even wear it when snorkeling. Note: waterproof zippers can be tough to open and close, so be sure to apply the lubricant before use.

A Lightweight Carry-On Suitcase That Holds Everything

Arguably one of the most important bags for any traveler is the carry-on, and you’ll want one that is lightweight but holds your belongings like a heavyweight champ. The Nomatic Method Luggage Carry-On has 20% more capacity that its same-sized peers. That’s because the rectangular storage space is fully packable – you’re not working around wheel casings and the retracted handle. This hard-sided case is classy, the wheels are whisper-quiet, and the bag moves effortlessly as you transfer from escalator to shuttle to the tarmac. Inner compression netting and compartments keep everything in place and well-organized, making for a well-rounded bag that will serve you – or mom – very well.

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