The last two years somehow feel like they’ve gone by in the blink of an eye yet also feel like an eternity ago at the same time. Now more than ever, I feel the fatigue of what we’ve collectively gone through as a society over the last two years. I find myself longing for summer and the getaways that come with it.
I want to feel that rare, easy, and carefree mood that only comes when one is miles away from home and all their responsibilities. I long for the days when my only worry will be what time dinner is and whether I want a frozen margarita or one on the rocks.
The Perfect Vacation Bag?
As life has begun to transition little by little towards some degree of normalcy, travel has become possible again, and many of us are cashing in on airline vouchers or choosing to finally take that much-needed trip. This summer, I’ve got two trips planned, and as I begin to mentally plan for things I want to bring or buy. I’ve started to wonder, is there such a thing as the perfect vacation bag?
I’ve not been on a big trip in some time, and I’m excited to be visiting Tel Aviv, Israel, in June and Lisbon, Portugal, in September. Both trips will bring a warm-weather climate with both city and beach outings in the plans. I’ll need something that’s both versatile and practical, and while I’ll probably bring along one or two of my nice bags for dinners, for daytime, I’ve got my eyes set on something new.
Longchamp’s Le Pliage Filet
Introduced last year, Lonchamp’s Le Pliage Filet just might be the perfect vacation bag. It’s not only stylish and incredibly chic, being the lovechild of two iconic French brands, but it’s also easy to pack, taking up very little space. The Le Pliage Filet was created by Longchamp in partnership with FILT, France’s oldest manufacturer of net shopping bags.
With both practicality and style in mind, the bag has two sets of handles, allowing for top handle and over-the-shoulder wear. A sophisticated twist on sustainable market shoppers, the partnership is a very fashionable ode to two must-have classic French bags. The Le Pliage Filet retails for just $110 too, making this bag a vacation must that won’t break the bank. Now if only I could decide which color to buy…
What’s your ideal vacation bag?
I dont bring my designer handbags on vacation. Its a huge risk taking them to the beach with sand and water in the midst. And if i go abroad im usually in a rush to get through the airport so il never let them sit on those trays for the xray machines and i dont like grabbing their handles haphazardly. Im good with a jansport backpack or the longchamp nylon bags if i travel haha its easy to just throw them around and not care about scratching any leather. Its relax mode for me and i dont want to worry about my designer handbags getting damage or getting a scar from the trip.
I also don’t bring designer bags or expensive jewelry, including my wedding ring. Instead, I wear a $25 “travel ring”, Traveling is stressful enough, especially in Europe where I’m unfamiliar & there are cautionary signs warning of thieves & pickpockets. Also, having been mugged once before I quickly learned how to be a better traveler. Therefore, all of my “fancy” stuff stays at home so I can focus on my trip.
I’ve adopted the same mindset in the post-COVID travel world. When I think back to a two week Mediterranean cruise we took in late 2019 I laugh at all the jewelry and handbags I packed. But it is also different if you’re wearing valuable things within the relative safety of a small luxury ship and not walking around cities.
OMG yes and it’s my husband’s vacation nightmare. It’s a cult gaia roksana “beach bag” and it is SO big and I get endless compliments on it but it doesn’t really fit in the overhead bin or under the seat of a plane. So i usually push it behind my legs for takeoff and landing and drap my cardigan over my lap and pretend like my legs are cold and hope the flight attendants dont notice. One did, the others either didn’t care or admired the bag lol. After Hawaii he IMPLORED me never to take it on a plane with him ever again. That’s not happening, I love it too much.
Gotta do what you gotta do!
I’d bet the flight attendant could shove it into the overhead bin! 😂 I’ve watched them push carryon’s in thinking they’d never fit, but they do every time. I’m a rule breaker like you, but then weren’t rules made to be broken? 😉
My faithful standbys are the Longchamp Le Pliages and Prada nylon crossbody messenger purse. Both are light Mary Poppins bags and low key (if I prefer not showing the Prada logo I flip it around or fold the flap over).
They’re not super exciting but they’re care-free, hardy, and the right amount of “practical chic” for me!
You are my twin! I’m currently in Europe with my go-to small black Prada nylon messenger that I bought in 2018 for a trip to Paris. Best bang for the buck out of any of my handbags. For this trip I also packed my Le Pliage for day trips and a smaller black Loewe bag for dinner, but they have yet to leave my suitcase.
Prada Nylon does sound like a good idea! I’ve been debating selling my Prada Nylon belt bag and trading for a messenger. Maybe I should before this summer.
I just got the Dior Book Tote Small for vacation in Hawaii and it’s great to take to dinner. For the pool I use my Goyard tote. And for outings I use my Northface backpack.
I went on a Caribbean cruise last November and the mini Chloe marcie (top handle version) in ivory went along with me. It was perfect for touring port destinations and while bumming around on the ship. I did have an MZ Wallace mini metro deluxe tote for beach days and a generic bumbag for going to the gym. For evenings, I used my Chanel WOC 🙂
I travel alot and I always use my LV Artsy in leather as a carry on bag. I can fit loads of stuff in it including whatever crossbody bag I intend to use for the trip. For the evenings I bring along a black clutch and a pop of colour depending on the outfits and shoes I have packed. I transport them in my hand luggage. The bags are all designer bags and I’m not afraid to carry them as I have insurance incase of theft.
I love a larger hobo/slouchy crossbody or tote for traveling. Must be able to hold water bottle, snacks, and umbrella and fit under the seat. Nothing that retails over $500. My most used for travel are a Henri Bendel crossbody, a Rebecca Minkoff hobo with optional crossbody strap (pictured here — so awesome to be able to wear it 2 ways while traveling!) and a coated canvas Ted Baker tote bag. I will pack a nice clutch in my suitcase for dinner out or something like that.
This is a cute bag and the first time I am seeing it. Question – is the bag lined? in terms of which bag I bring traveling. I always have my Longchamp Le Pliage. It carries my entire house and then some. And if I am brave enough to bring one of my other designer handbag, I can have the piece of mind of placing it inside the Le Pliage for safekeeping if I end up near water or sand.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I take my red Gucci Soho which looks like new as I never smoosh the frame when I pick it up. It looks great when I go out in the evening and I wear it crossbody when walking around. And it fits easily in my under-the-seat tote on the airplane.
Mine is the LV Neverfull GM It’s the perfect bag, because it holds a TON of stuff!