Travel Gear

Travel Like a Star with 17 Perfect, Simple Totes for the Airport

I’m headed out of town for a visit with family tomorrow, and naturally, that got me thinking about what I’ll be carrying to travel and what the best options are. Air travel is an unglamorous activity that requires careful accessories planning and maximum functionality, but the best inspiration for solutions comes from an unlikely spot: celebrities.

Usually, I’m very much against the idea that celebrities are somehow “lifestyle” experts. I don’t want to hear a supermodel’s skincare or fitness tips because they’re not applicable to my life, in which I am not particularly rich or genetically gifted and do not have the luxury of spending time to stay perfectly fit and laser-smoothed as part of my job. Travel, though, is the great equalizer: celebrities go through the same airport security, boarding procedures and airplane storage situations the rest of us do, and they do it far more than the average person. When it comes time to choose a carry-on, their choices are worth noting.

Because of massive paparazzi presences at LAX and JFK, we have a pretty good idea of the kinds of bags frequent-flying celebrities use when they’re in the air, and the most popular, by far, is a simple, large, lightweight tote bag that fits on the shoulder easily. I’ve always looked for zippers and pockets in my travel gear, but most celebs don’t seem to care much for those features, which makes me wonder if I’m overthinking their necessity. If I’m being honest with myself, I usually just end up throwing everything inside and leaving the zipper open anyway.

With all that in mind, I went to some of our favorite online retailers and picked out the best of the best when it comes to choosing a travel bag like your favorite star.

Alexander McQueen Skull Nylon Shopper Tote
$1,245 via Nordstrom

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Balenciaga A4 Papier Zip Tote
$1,835 via Balenciaga

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Chloé Keri Tote
$1,550 via Neiman Marcus

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Coach Gotham Tote
$595 via Coach

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Elena Ghisellini Miky Tiger Shopper Tote
$650 via Neiman Marcus

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Gucci GG Blooms Leather Reversible Tote
$1,250 via Gucci

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Kara Tie Tote
$495 via Net-a-Porter

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Lanvin Shopper Tote
$1,550 via Net-a-Porter

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Liberty London Marlborough Tote
$595 via Neiman Marcus

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Loeffler Randall Tasseled Suede Tote
$450 via Net-a-Porter

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Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote
$1,340 via Louis Vuitton

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Madewell East-West Transport Tote
$178 via Nordstrom

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MCM Kira Medium Visetos Shopper Tote
$690 via Neiman Marcus

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Prada Baiadera Stripe Tote
$1,990 via Neiman Marcus

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Saint Laurent Shopping Tote
$995 via Net-a-Porter

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Tod’s Gypsy Tote
$1,425 via Net-a-Porter

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Tory Burch Kerrington Stripe Tote
$295 via Tory Burch

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