I have a fun international trip coming up next month, and instead of making sure my passport isn't expired and my ground transportation is booked, I'm over here thinking about what handbags I'm going to pack. As you know, travel is stressful, but providing you with packing tips to make the occasion a breeze is one of my constant missions. Today, I'm focusing on a little something we all take for granted but can be easy to neglect in the hectic planning and packing haze before any trip. In my opinion, it's one of the most crucial accessories when traveling, whether for business or pleasure—your handbag.
Not to bring up any overused Goldilocks connotations, but handbags for travel can't be too big or too small, should be versatile enough to go with all your outfits (no small feat), need to keep your belongings secure and your hands free, and, of course, have to be durable enough to withstand planes, trains, and automobiles. With all of this in mind, I scoured the internet and, believe it or not, found 29 handbags that fit the bill.
Madewell
The Dakota Saddle Bag
The flat shape means it won't take up that much room in your suitcase.
H&M
Oblong Shoulder Bag
I'm honestly shocked this isn't sold out.
THE ROW
Half Moon Leather Shoulder Bag
This bag is such a classic, and it's perfect for day or night while traveling.
St. Agni
Woven Mini Tote
A great price for a beautiful, elegant bag.
Prada
Re-Nylon Pouch
This compact-yet-roomy Prada pouch is the perfect size. Bonus: It fits over the shoulder and is made of durable nylon.
Reformation
Dimitra Pouch Bag
If you're someone who likes to pack a separate bag for evenings out, this is a good one.
Coach
Brooklyn Bag 28
This lightweight, slouchy bag is wildly popular for a reason.
Dragon Diffusion
Rosanna Tote
This is kind of the only bag you need to pack.
MANGO
Cow Leather Shoulder Bag
A navy-blue calf-hair bag for $100? Sign me up.
Staud
Harlow Bag
Love the buckle detail and the slim profile on this one.
TOTEME
T-Lock Textured-Leather Clutch
I love that it can be a crossbody, shoulder bag, or clutch.
COS
Tome Mini Crossbody Bag
There's something to be said for a hands-free bag.
Tory Burch
Romy Pebbled Small Bucket Bag
You can adjust the strap to make this cute little bucket bag crossbody.
Miu Miu
Nappa Leather Pouch
In case you couldn't tell, I love a cylindrical bag for travel.
Mansur Gavriel
Gaia Shoulder Bag
Small but mighty.
BOTTEGA VENETA
Andiamo Small Intrecciato Leather Tote
She's pricey, but she travels well.
DeMellier
Tokyo Croc-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag
This will make all of your travel outfits look expensive.
ZARA
Woven Effect Bucket Bag
The beauty of a bag like this is that you don't have to worry about it getting squished in your suitcase—it'll be just fine.
Gucci
GG Emblem Super Mini Shoulder Bag
Just big enough for all the essentials.
BALENCIAGA
Bel Air Small Leather Clutch
This bag is perfection, and it's going to sell out. You've been warned.
J.Crew
Berkeley Small Shoulder Bag in Handknotted Straw
A future best seller if I ever saw one.
FERRAGAMO
Hug Soft Leather Convertible Bag
This is such a great bag for sightseeing around Europe.
Prada
Crochet Tote Bag
She's a well-traveled icon.
COACH
Empire Leather Carryall East/West Satchel
Coach's newest It bag is getting amazing reviews, and it'll fit everything you need and then some.
Bottega Veneta
Medium Dustbag Intrecciato Leather Shoulder Bag
This genius little bag is practically flat when you fold it. Plus, you can carry it in several different ways.
Marc Jacobs
The Dual Chain Strap Mini Bag
The chain strap makes this chic mini bag look rich.
Alaïa
Curve Medium Leather Shoulder Bag
Love an It bag that'll take up minimal suitcase space.
STAUD
The Dude Leather Shoulder Bag
In my opinion, cream bags are as versatile as black ones.
Allyson is a senior editor forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.