We're Collectively Visiting 19 Destinations This Summer—5 Travel Totes We Vouch For
No one in my life travels more than the other fashion editors I know. The desire to explore and be inspired is in their nature, so naturally, they spend a lot of time wandering, hoping to discover their next headline or interviewee. It’s also a fact that no one has better taste in handbags than a fashion editor, so as I planned for my next trip, I got to thinking about what tote bags my favorite co-workers are carrying for their long-haul flights.
Their answers had me with my card out ready to swipe. Although, I’m deeply in love with my own travel tote of choice at this time. What shocked me the most is that this small sampling of editors is visiting over 19 destinations this summer. Just wow. Anyway, their trips wouldn’t be complete without a tote that does it all, so below, find the five styles they’re obsessed with.
During my previous visit to Barcelona, a local warned me against pickpockets, saying even those who are from the region are having phones and wallets stolen, so a zip-up tote bag was a must. I have loved the classic Cuyana tote that I’ve been carrying for over a year now, so I decided to try its zip-up tote and have been quite impressed. It fits absolutely everything I could need for an entire day, and since I’m spending a lot of my current trip commuting in and out of the city, it’s perfect for me.
This summer, I already have eight destinations I plan on visiting (or already visited). Suffice to say, I travel quite a bit, and therefore, I am very picky about my carry-on travel totes. This DeMellier bag is my work/office bag and my go-to travel bag because it looks nice but also fits a ridiculous amount. I love that it has some internal pockets for storing important documents or essentials and that the straps are thick and leather so they don't hurt my shoulder or elbow, no matter how heavy it gets (and it gets *heavy*).
Although most might think that the best type of travel tote errs on the traditional side, I've found that my oversize hobo shoulder bag from Themoirè is 10 times better than other options. What I've come to love about this vegan leather bag is that its structureless shape allows it to be stuffed to the brim with in-flight essentials—e.g., during my last flight to Milan, it held my laptop, a magazine, a book, a water bottle, snacks, my passport, and my travel-size beauty products. Plus, the silhouette lends itself to being an everyday commuter tote long after you've come back from a trip.
This summer, I will be visiting the Hamptons frequently. Since the trips will be quick, my handy-dandy Béis Weekend tote will be coming with me. It fits everything I need for a weekend away—two to three swimsuits, a few dresses, pairs of pajamas, my makeup and skincare bag, hair tools, and five pairs of shoes because, yes, they're all necessary. Trust me—this is the best overnight bag, and there's a good reason it continues to be a best seller.
I don't remember the last trip I took without this Dagne Dover carryall. It's been years. It's the perfect size, has the right number of pockets, and it's sturdy and easy to clean. Why would I ever switch to something else?
Shop more travel essentials:
Packing my sunglasses has become so easy ever since I discovered this.
I often forget hair ties, so adding this in as a note to self.
An overnight flight requires a sleep mask for me, and this one is so freaking soft.
I insist on feeling moisturized on the flight in every which way.
Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, trying the latest fitness craze in New York City, or exploring luxury vintage boutiques.
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