20 Bags That Are Ideal for Summer Travel Plans

2 min read

Packing for vacation can be a daunting task—so much to squeeze in, so little room. While you might have the wardrobe part worked out (I swear by a travel capsule), accessories are a different story. Do you have to wear your sunhat on the plane? Which shoes will you travel in? And does your carry-on backpack double as your day bag? I could talk at length about what defines a good summer travel bag, so indulge me for just a moment.

First things first, it needs to be packable. Importantly, it should be multi-use. It has to go with several outfits for various occasions and maybe even multiple climates. There are four categories to pay attention to: crossbody, tote, shoulder, and evening bags. Before you start to spiral, fear not; you don’t need to pack one of each, although you would be well-prepared if you did.

Your specific needs depend on the kind of trip you’re taking—and the kind of traveler you are. Ahead, dive into some of the best summer travel bags this season.

Crossbody Bags

Crossbody styles are an obvious choice when traveling because of the hands-free convenience they offer. These are especially well-suited to traveling with kids or sightseeing-oriented trips. If you want to lean into the season, go for Hat Attack’s raffia or Clare V.’s woven leather. For more timeless options, black leather will never steer you wrong, and burgundy should carry you well into the fall. Here at ELLE, we love Parker Thatch’s leopard-print tote, so the smaller sling version makes the cut, too.

Tote Bags

Let’s talk totes. I love traveling with a tote bag because it can double as your personal item. If you’re headed to a beach town or poolside resort, these are great options. Canvas works year-round, yet somehow feels light and summery. Gucci’s Giglio is a celebrity favorite, while Alex Mill’s is tried-and-true among editors. Personally, I’m loving Naghedi’s net bag in cherry red for the season.

Shoulder Bags

As for me in daily life, I’m typically a shoulder bag gal. I like to set it (high atop my arm) and forget it. For utilitarian travel purposes, I really recommend Baggu’s nylon offering. But if you’re going for more style over function, try Miu Miu’s sequined mesh for something that feels summery. While blacks and creams are always safe, primary colors will look intentional year after year.

Evening Bags

Evening bags are, no doubt, the trickiest, as their uses tend to be limited. That said, drawstring styles are having a moment right now, as are all things beaded, shelled, or tasseled. Kate Spade’s convertible shoulder bag can be worn around the wrist by its bangles, or Freja’s clutch will work with nearly every outfit.

Why Trust ELLE

Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.