In addition to my love of handbags, I also have an intense love of travel. In the last year, I have had the opportunity to travel to three different continents for work (and luckily tack on a few extra days for sightseeing too). Every person travels differently, but my ideal visit to a new country includes wandering different neighborhoods, seeing the major sites, enjoying local cuisine, and of course, shopping.
It may sound silly to some, but the handbag I bring on a trip is a highly important decision for me. When I travel alone, which I did quite a bit over the last year, my bag becomes my constant companion. Not only does it hold my belongings, but it’s in my photos and is a little piece of home and comfort with me in a foreign place. I’m attached to all of my bags, so it’s nice to have something that feels familiar when I am exploring a new part of the world.
I find that when I am sightseeing I want to be handsfree for optimum comfort. When I’m somewhere new, especially if I’m alone, I pack something obscure, lightweight, and durable. My go-to is a camera bag since they hold more than you would imagine, although you could use a backpack or smaller crossbody as well. I always recommend looking up safety in the areas that you are traveling to and to be mindful of pickpockets as well, especially if you opt to bring a backpack.
Traveling is one of the greatest joys in my life and I love that it can intersect with my love of handbags too. I’ve picked a few bags that I believe would make excellent travel companions. Do you have any trips coming up? I’d love to hear about it!
AllSaints Captain Lea Leather Crossbody Bag ($198)
Isabel Marant Tinsen Bag ($990)
Marc Jacobs Snapshot DTM Camera Bag ($325)
Off-White Diagonal-Stripe Backpack ($1,345)
Mansur Gavriel Calf Leather Crossbody Bag ($595)
Wandler Mini Luna Bag ($720)
Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Backpack ($125)
Coach 1941 Ellie Glove-Tanned Rivets Crossbody Bag ($495)
Rebecca Minkoff Bree Leather Belt Bag- Golden Hardware ($175)
Love the Off-White backpack.
Mansur calf leather bag, “Ginger Approved”. She says she can always eat the thing if there’s nothing else around, otherwise elegantly traditional. (Ginger, our late poodle, adventure hound….)
Longchamp all the way. I’ve owned Longchamp nylon bags for years and they are, to me, the best travel bags. Lightweight, easy folding for stowing, and waterproof.
I agree. I’ve switched to a Longchamp Le Pliage Neo because I finally figured out that the reason why my back hurts when traveling is because of my leather bags with heavy hardware. I’m now on the look out for a good Prada nylon bag in the 2nd hand market as an alternative.
True! Such great bags. I don’t know when was the last time I traveled without at least one Le Pliage bag in tow – probably over 10 yrs ago? There really is very little to no competition for this line.
I am surprised there is no Louis Vuitton in this article. I find their bags to be so durable and travel friendly. Notably the multi-pochette accessories and the flowered zip tote both seem really secure for travel (I picture myself walking the streets of Paris with either one on).