A Handbag Can Make or Break a Stylish Travel Wardrobe—10 Our Editors Always Pack
Who What Wear editors spend a lot of time traveling. Whether it's jetting off to a fashion week across the Atlantic, heading somewhere warm for a much-needed vacation, or escaping the city for a long weekend upstate—they always manage to look impossibly chic while doing it. Naturally, I was curious about what actually makes it into their suitcases, particularly when it comes to handbags. I'm not talking about the oversized totes and carry-ons that get them through the airport, but the bags they pack to wear once they've arrived. After all, suitcase space is precious, and a handbag has to earn its place alongside an already carefully considered vacation wardrobe.
I put the question to our editors, and the responses started rolling in. Some swore by the same tried-and-true crossbody they've taken on countless trips, while others made a convincing case for a roomy tote or a compact evening bag. What struck me was how little fuss everyone wanted from their vacation handbags. They needed to be easy to pack, comfortable to carry, and versatile enough to work with several outfits without feeling like an afterthought. After comparing everyone's picks, I've come away with a pretty convincing list of the best travel bags worth making room for.
Below, the 10 styles our editors actually pack, wear, and love.
Shop our Editor-Approved Best Travel Purses
Bottega Veneta Andiamo Bag
"For travel, I love my Bottega Veneta Andiamo bag. It's in the small size, but randomly fits far more than you'd expect it to. It has multiple compartments inside, one of which has a zipper for VIP items, like a passport or wallet. It also can be carried three+ ways—crossbody, shoulder, or top-handle—making it extremely versatile and safe to carry. Highly recommend." —Eliza Huber, Associate Editorial Director
Coach Tabby Bag
"f you need to bring only one handbag on your adventures, this Coach Chain Tabby is a solid option. It's been everywhere from Houston to Madrid! I like that it goes with my outfit when I'm wearing something casual like jeans or sweats. It can also be dressed up with a cute skirt and heels." –Chichi Offor, Fashion Editor
Strathberry Mosaic Bag
"I bring my Strathberry bag absolutely everywhere I go, most recently to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It goes with everything I own and is so chic. I wear it year-round, but it's great for cold weather because shoulder bags tend to frustratingly slide off when I'm wearing a lot of layers, and a crossbody strap always gets stuck in my hoodie when I take it off. The solution? A top handle that I can wear in the crook of my arm! This does have a crossbody strap too, though, which is great for sightseeing if I don't need to take it on and off constantly." —Erin Fitzpatrick, Associate Fashion News Director
The Row '90s Bag
"The Row 90s bag always finds a way into my suitcase whether I'm heading to my hometown or on a vacation abroad. The leather is butter soft, but I don't have to worry about it being smashed in my suitcase during a flight. It's also easy to pack because weighs virtually nothing and takes up a minimal amount of space. There's always going to be a place for a colorful, embellished vacation bag, but this neutral 90s-inspired style truly goes with everything I usually pack." —Natalie Herder, Senior Commerce Editor, Branded Contenr
Freja Christie Bag
"I have The Freja Christie Bag in Oat which i find surprisingly versatile (vulnerable to scuffs and marks, though). I love her because she's egregiously roomy and has pockets all along the inside compartment of the bag, which allows me to somewhat organize despite the gaping interior. I've fit my Kindle, copious amounts of protein bars, thick portable chargers, gloves, the works. Mary Poppins bag but chic." –Alyssa Brascia, Associate Beauty Editor
Khaite Simona Bag
"I often pack a lot of neutrals when traveling so I can mix and match my outfits easily, which means I rely on a fun handbag for making my outfits more interesting. This burgundy east-west bag from Khaite comes on nearly every trip with me. The color? Gorgeous and versatile. The size? Perfect for carrying all the things I need in a day without being too heavy. The compliments I constantly receive on it are just a bonus." –Michaela Bushkin, Fashion Director, Branded Content
Cuyana Classic Easy Tote
"This one has been my travel bag for years, we've been around the world together. It's the perfect bag to throw everything into, it works as my plane bag, and it transitions right into exploring the city. It looks luxe without screaming designer, which is exactly what I want when I travel and want to avoid pickpockets. The only catch is there’s no zipper, so I think twice before bringing it to busier cities." –Sierra Mayhew, Fashion Editor
Bottega Veneta Mini Wallace Bag
"No matter what type of trip I'm going on, my Wallace bag is coming with me. It's black and doesn't have any prominent hardware or logos so it goes with just about everything I pack. Plus, there's an adjustable strap so if I need to carry it on my shoulder for running around exploring and then turn into a top-handle bag for a chic dinner. My mom has forever put the fear in me that I'm going to get pickpocketed while I travel, so I do appreciate that this one has a zipper that keeps it more secure." –Anneliese Henderson, Associate Director of Branded Content
Are Studio Francis Baguette Bag
"I always pack a small black bag that easily can go with everything and works day-to-night. I like it to be a shoulder bag so it's lightweight and easy to carry around. For the past few trips I've gone on—from Miami to Joshua Tree—I've brought the Frances Baguette from the L.A. brand Are Studio." –Audry Hiaou, Associate Shopping Editor
Verafied Hobo Bag
"It's a nice size to fit my phone, wallet, the seven lip products I have on me at all times, and a compact mirror, has an adjustable strap (I wear mine as a short shoulder bag), and a detachable lock to secure the zipper while traveling. It's literally the Swiss Army knife of handbags. So versatile." –Jamie Chevron, Senior Beauty Editor
