The Best Personal Travel Bags for 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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Rounding up the best personal travel bags for 2024, was a feat of style, functionality, and personal expression. In this tested and reviewed roundup, we filtered through a handful of bag options to decide which bag is best suited for different scenarios depending on the functionality of each bag. 

Whether you're seeking sleek sophistication or a minimalist bag for only the bare necessities, check out the bags that our team tested and let us know if there is another bag we need to test and add to our list. 


Our Top Picks

Best for Minimalists:

Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack ($46.16)
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Most Durable:

Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag ($52)
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Best for Everyday Exploring:

Lo & Sons Pearl Crossbody Bag ($89.40) Currently on sale!
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Most Stylish:

Lo & Sons The Nouvelle Crossbody Bag ($105)
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Best for Long Trips:

Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L Backpack
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Best for a Bag in a Bag:

Kate Spade Fanny Pack + Lo & Sons Seville Tote
↓Jump to Review

 

Best for Minimalists: Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack

Shop here!

Why we love it: It’s for the minimalist. Small, lightweight, and not overloaded with pockets and zippers, AND you can fold it into itself to be even more compact. It’s versatile – I wear it as a crossbody when walking around the city or as a hip pack on a morning run and it stays put! My favorite feature is the small loop on either side of the pack, perfect for hanging my sunglasses or a water bottle. 

What to be aware of: Pick the right color, it gets dirty easily. 

Tested and reviewed by Carly, Operations Manager

 

Most Durable: Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

Shop here!

Why We Love It: It’s like the Mary Poppins bag of personal travel bags. The bag is large enough to carry more than just the essentials but isn’t abnormally large enough that it starts to hurt your shoulder or get in the way. On one particularly long travel day, I was able to easily fit a water bottle, umbrella, wallet, phone, and more in the bag. It has two interior zipper pockets which makes it easy to keep the little items in your bag organized. It’s also machine washable so it’s easy to clean!

What to Be Aware Of: It’s a very casual bag and it can easily become a black hole that’s hard to find things in if you’re not careful. 

Tested and reviewed by Emme Parrish, Marketing Manager

 

Best for Every Day Exploring: Lo & Sons Pearl Crossbody Bag

Shop here!

Why We Love It: It has lots of pockets to accommodate everything from notepads and receipts to hand lotion and chapstick, ensuring that your essentials are always easily accessible, yet secure. The bag sat comfortably at my hip, eliminating the annoyance of excessive bouncing during walks—a testament to its ergonomic design. Its blend of style and functionality makes it a great day bag for those who crave both fashion and practicality in their bags.

What to Be Aware Of: As a minimalist, I felt like I wasn’t making the most of the space available in the bag. The main middle pocket is kept closed with only snaps, so this section didn’t feel as secure to me as the zipper sections.

Tested and reviewed by Carly Dela Cruz, Operations Manager

 

Most Stylish: Lo & Sons The Nouvelle Crossbody Bag

Shop here!

Why We Love It: This is my go-to everyday bag. I feel like it goes with everything–I wear it with workout clothes on walks, when I want to look cute on coffee dates, and would also wear it on our Italy trips when traveling light. When traveling, I like a bag that zips close on the top so this one fits the bill. It’s also water-resistant, so I don’t think twice about taking it out on rainy days.  The organizational features like the front zipper pocket, inner mesh pockets, and the card holders inside (I like to ditch the weight of my wallet) make it so handy. The bag itself is super light, which is great, and the cushioned strap and hardware have that nice weight to them that feels more luxe. Highly recommend it for those who like a versatile crossbody bag and traveling light.

What to Be Aware Of: To help give an idea of the size, the bag can hold my kindle, a small notebook, phone, sunglasses, keys, chapstick(s), and a granola bar. 

Tested and reviewed by Kathryn Bogley, Experience Advisor and Italy Tour Host

 

Best for Long Trips: Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L

Shop now!

Why We Love It: This backpack has stood the test of time; I took it on my 10-day trip to Cuba (as my only piece of luggage!) and have used it on my travels between Peru and the US. You can fit quite a lot in this bag; it’s roomier than it looks! I love how it opens up like a suitcase - it makes packing easy and I like that I don’t have to take everything out to find the one thing I need at the bottom of the bag. The separate laptop compartment on the back is really handy for quickly pulling out my laptop when going through airport security. It’s really easy to clean and it’s Patagonia, so you know it’s going to last a long time! 

What to Be Aware Of: Depending on the airplane size and how full you stuff the bag, it will sometimes fit below the airline seat in front of you; otherwise, it will have to go in the overhead bin. The straps aren’t as padded as I would like so if you’re planning on wearing the bag for hours on end, don’t pack too heavily. 

Tested and reviewed by Christiana Jones, Administrative Assistant

 

Best for A Bag in a Bag: Kate Spade Chelsea Fanny Pack + Lo & Sons Seville Tote

Shop Fanny Pack here or Shop Seville Tote here

Why We Love It: Call me split personalities - I’m somewhere between a minimalist and a maximalist. I’m also varying on the spectrum of fashion, but I'm ALWAYS high on function. My fanny pack is my go-to travel item where I carry all my valuables. In airports, I can easily clip it around my body, and when I’m boarded on the plane I can slip it into my tote. I love my Seville Tote (which I just took to Costa Rica) because (1) it has a padded laptop compartment and organization pockets, (2) it adds a touch of adultness to carry a proper bag for a nice dinner, instead of my fanny pack, and (3) it has an interchangeable shell which slides over my suitcase handle. These two together make the perfect combo of minimal (grab the essentials in the fanny pack go bag), or maximal (bring the laptop, snacks, charger cords, etc.).

What to Be Aware Of: If you want to look extra chic, the more ‘polished’ leather shell doesn’t have the suitcase handle slot, only the ‘travel shell’ so it’s not quite as convenient. Additionally, if you’re an over-packer like me, there are only so many bulky items you can fit in and be able to still zip it closed.

Tested and reviewed by Annie Sim, CEO & Founder

 
 

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our Travel Coaching and Private Trips with booking service.  

 

No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - which offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy. 

 

More Travel Resources

How to Pack the Perfect Carry-On for a Short Trip

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Is anyone else suddenly paralyzed by indecision when they have to pack for a trip? You’re not alone. There’s something about packing for a short trip that fills me with the undeniable urge to overpack because of the what-if scenarios that circle my mind. However, if your space is limited, then you don’t have the room to pack the shirt you might need that only goes with one outfit. It takes some finessing to really make the most of your carry-on and use your space wisely. 

As someone who travels domestically and internationally with a carry-on, these are my packing tips to help you pack the perfect carry-on and kick your overpacking habits to the curb.

 

Pick the right carry-on for your trip.

Which side are you on for the rolling suitcase versus carrying bag debate? The TTLT team is divided pretty evenly on this one. For longer trips, I’m definitely team rolling suitcase. But for a shorter trip - 4 days or less - I’m on team carrying bag all the way. I love the ease and efficiency. My top weekender bag choice is the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe. (It’s also currently 40% off!)

This bag is the best weekender bag I’ve used. It has great structure and even though I pack it to the brim, it still feels light and easy to carry. The bottom compartment for shoes and other items is a game changer. I love the front zipper pocket for slipping in cords or anything I need easy access to. It fits easily in the overhead bins on airplanes and if you also have a rolling suitcase, it has a side strap to secure it to the handle so it can sit on top of your suitcase. Just to show how great this bag is, the flight attendant on one of my trips stopped me and asked about my bag because she loved how structured it was and said she hadn’t found a bag like that before.

 

Write down the outfits you’re planning on wearing for each day.

I print out my itinerary, old school style, and then based on the activities for the day, I write down what outfit I’m going to wear. That way, I can make sure to pack a dress if I’m going out to a nice dinner or tennis shoes if I know I’m going to do a lot of walking. I plan out all of my outfits and then I start laying out each outfit to make sure I have everything I need before I start packing.

Another way to do this is by making a list ahead of time of each individual item you want to pack. Kathryn, our Heart of Italy Host, makes a list of the items she definitely wants to bring and then checks it off the list once it’s in the suitcase so then as she packs she doesn’t second-guess herself. She’s confident that she packed what she needed. This also prevents any future panicking and unpacking in order to double-check.

 

Pack your clothes tightly.

I like to roll my clothes instead of folding them because it gives me more room in my bag and keeps my clothes from wrinkling. I often use packing cubes to help keep my clothes organized as well. Another tip from Kathryn is she puts her clothes in dry cleaning bags and then rolls them which helps keep her clothes from wrinkling. 

If you are packing a carry-on and are worried about not having enough clothes, my ultimate tip is to do a load of laundry in the middle of your trip. Pack a few Tide pods in a ziploc bag or pick some up when you get to your destination. It makes all the difference and it extends your outfit options without having to bring a bigger or heavier bag.

 

Written by Emme Parrish, Marketing Manager

 

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our Travel Coaching and Private Trips with booking service.  

 

No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - which offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy. 

This page is in partnership with Lo & Sons. TTLT earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small business!

 

More Travel Resources

International Travel Packing Tip : Pack for Japan like a Pro

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Steal my international travel packing tips. This is EXACTLY what I bring on every single trip to Japan.

When traveling to Japan, whether it’s your first time or your 20th time, there are five small items that can make a big difference on your trip. I never leave them behind because they make my trip that much more effortless.

The best part is you probably already own all of these items! In case you don’t, we linked a couple of our go-to items that are easy to get ahead of time. 

 

Slip-on shoes & socks without holes

Japanese people always remove footwear when entering a new space. You’ll be taking your shoes on and off A LOT. You’ll want to make sure you’re presentable, so holes in socks are a no-go. This custom of removing footwear and such is a sign of respect. Fun fact, you’ll find entire stores dedicated to socks in Japan. So if you’re in need of a pair while on the go, finding one will be no problem! 

Small hand towel

Bathrooms rarely have paper towel dispensers. Most Japanese people always have a small hand towel with them specifically for this purpose. 

Souvenirs from your hometown/country

I do this on every trip I go on as it’s one of my Love Languages, but gift-giving goes a long way, especially in Japan. On my last trip, I brought chocolate-covered macadamia nuts from Hawaii, because who doesn’t love a sweet morsel?!

Cash & a coin purse

Japan is still largely a cash-based economy. Although there are many places that take credit cards, there are still many instances where cash comes in handy. For example: mom-and-pop shops, vending machines, temples, shrines, etc. It’s handy to have something that is convenient for holding coins since the yen coin denominations go up to 500 JPY (approx 4 USD). 

Reusable water bottle

Japan tap water is typically safe to drink so it’s easy to fill up just about anywhere. While there are vending machines and convenience stores everywhere, why not save on plastic waste and save some extra cash to spend on a couple of onigiri or a bento instead?

Bonus: What NOT to bring to Japan - an umbrella

If you’re worried about rain, don’t be. Umbrellas are extremely inexpensive and conveniently found throughout most cities. When you leave Japan, you can typically leave it behind at an establishment by asking. Someone will find it handy. 

 

Travel with us to Japan on our 11-Day Inside Japan Trip. Check out our itinerary and let us know if you’re interested in coming with us! We’ll be visiting tea farms, sushi classes, and walking tours of some of our favorite cities in the whole country.

If you’re traveling to Japan on your own and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our customized travel coaching and optional booking service.  

 

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, TTLT earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small business!

 

No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - who offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy. 

 

Written by Carly Dela Cruz, Operations Manager & Inside Japan Tour Host

 

Don’t forget to pin this article for future reference!

 
 
 

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3 Favorite Crossbody Bags for Effortless Travel

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Settle this debate: If you wear a fanny pack as a crossbody bag, is it still a fanny pack?

Either way, it doesn’t change our opinion that we love fanny packs for effortless travel, whether worn around your waist or slung over your shoulder.

We’ve dabbled with some other bag options from time to time, but we’ve always come back to fanny packs.

We love that they don’t get in the way and that they’re just small enough that they’re often overlooked as a personal item while getting on a plane. Most of the time, we can get away with wearing it onto the plane along with our backpack and carry-on suitcase. That’s a win-win.

We love that they’re hands-free. Sling it over your shoulder or clip it around your waist and it basically disappears. It’s not slipping off your shoulder or weighing heavily on your back. This comes in handy when juggling lots of luggage.

We love that their super versatile. You can wear them anywhere and everywhere. Walks through the city, on a hike, out for dinner. They’re great for a trip that covers a wide variety of activities.

As the three fanny pack/crossbody bag users on the team, we’re sharing our tried-and-true bags.

 

Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack

“It’s for the minimalist. Small, lightweight, and not overloaded with pockets and zippers, AND you can fold it into itself to be even more compact. It’s versatile – I wear it as a crossbody when walking around the city or as a hip pack on a morning run and it stays put! My favorite feature is the small loop on either side of the pack, perfect for hanging my sunglasses or a water bottle. Plus, it comes in my favorite color.”

- Carly, Operations Manager

 

Kate Spade Chelsea Belt Bag Waist Fanny Pack

“Perfect size to carry essentials while traveling. I put my chapstick & hand sanitizer in the front pouch. In the main pouch, I put a small wallet, passport, travel size hand lotion, sunglasses, mask, cell phone, tide pen, and writing pen. It’s easy to throw in a tote bag or backpack if I’m carrying something large or a carry-on for the plane, but it also means I have my essentials & valuables right in front of me when I’m just going out for a quick coffee walk, etc.”

- Annie, Founder & CEO

 

Baggu - Fanny Pack

“This is the bag I use daily, and it’s also the bag I immediately grab while packing for a trip. I like that it’s big enough to fit a water bottle in it if I need to, but still small enough that it doesn’t feel clunky or get in the way. The front zipper provides easy access to items I pull out a lot, like my phone or mask. There is an inside zipper in the bigger pocket that is perfect for storing my passport. On top of that, it’s really durable and doesn’t stain easily.”  

- Emme, Marketing Manager

 

If you love the idea of a fanny pack but are worried about needing extra space, the solution our team came up with is packing a canvas tote bag. These fold up really small so they don’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase, but they provide extra room to store things during the day if you need it.

You can find some cute canvas tote options in our brand new Etsy Store!

 

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our customized travel coaching and optional booking service.  

 

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, TTLT earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small business!

 

No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - who offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy. 

 

More Travel Resources

5 Life-Changing Items We Can't Travel Without

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There are over 1,000 trips taken between the five team members of TTLT. 

We’ve got loud opinions on rolling suitcases versus backpacks, a strategy for sourcing laundry detergent for late-night sink washings, and airplane rituals for the smoothest travel day. Being travel experts isn’t something that came on the first trip. 

We know the struggle of figuring out exactly what to bring on a trip and what’s worth leaving behind. To be honest, sometimes the brain freeze still comes back before a trip.

Right there with you, we’ve been in the same spot (usually around 1 a.m. the night before a trip) beseeching the internet for answers on what to pack in a carry-on and which headphones are the best for planes and how can I get them overnighted. 

After many, many, many domestic and international trips. Packing way too much and not packing enough. Forgetting items and investing in new life-changing products, we created a list of the items we refuse to leave on a trip without. 

Read our “can’t-travel-without-them” recommendations and kiss those 1 a.m. aimless googling sessions goodbye. (The best part? They’re all easily sourced from Amazon.)

 

“This see-through, TSA-approved toiletries carrier must be like Mary Poppins’s bag. Because of the shape and structure, I can fit way more mini bottles in here than in a normal quart ziplock. And if there's a liquid explosion, it’s easy to clean and hang to dry.”

- Annie, Founder & CFO

 

“Noise-canceling headphones – an investment I made back in 2015 that I still use today! Living in Hawaii means when I travel, my average flight path includes 2 layovers and 12+ hours of flight time. These little guys help keep me entertained the entire way and they’re perfect for getting a good night’s sleep when unknowingly booking accommodations near noisy areas. But my favorite use is that they’re fantastic for taking a moment to drown out noise when I feel overstimulated while traveling, allowing me to stay grounded and present throughout the rest of my trip!”

- Carly, Operations Manager

 

“I know what you’re thinking, “Really, a water bottle? That’s so basic.” Basic, but essential! I love having my water bottle on hand, especially at airports around the US that offer free water refill stations since it helps cut down on single-use plastic. I'm quite picky about the type of water bottle I use, and I’ve enjoyed this one for the last few years since it meets my personal criteria: flip-top straw, easy to clean all parts, and has a handle for easy carrying.”  

- Christiana, Administrative Assistant

 

“I always bring my current pair of white tennis shoes. (These are my newest pair that I wore on our Mexico Team Trip.) I love Nikes because they’re comfy for all-day exploring. Most of my travels include lots and lots of walking and I’ve never gotten blisters before. They’re great for any weather AND they’re very easy to pair with shorts or a dress. We love shoes that can do it all!”

- Emme, Marketing Manager

 

“This mask is key to getting some shut-eye on long flights! So comfortable and blocks out any light. I’m now at the point where I can’t sleep without it even when I’m not traveling.”

- Kathryn, Experience Advisor

 

If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our customized travel coaching and optional booking service.  

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

 

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, TTLT earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small business!

 

No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - who offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy. 

 

More Travel Resources

7 Packing Tips for International Travel

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I know a lot of you already have big plans for travel this year and are starting to plan for 2024. (Psst, we are too!)

With all that jet-setting on the horizon, I’m sharing my tried and true recommendations and suggestions for making airport travel as easy as possible. If you can master the art of packing, your travel experience will improve tremendously. 

Here are the top 7 international travel tips I share when friends and family ask for guidance. 

 

1. Use packing cubes because they’re an easy way to stay organized.

The linked option above is my personal favorite and the one I use on all my trips (Two other TTLT team members have these cubes too, so they’re definitely TTLT approved.)  

2. I try to carry three items with me when bringing a carry-on.

Hear me out. I know they say two, but I’m rarely stopped if I go with these three items. 

The first item is a carry-on roller bag. 

The second item is a BIG backpack that can be squeezed under the seat. I like this bag in particular because it has a luggage sleeve to go over the handles of my roller bag, laptop space, and plenty of pockets for organizing.

The third item is a small fanny pack where I can keep my airport essentials like my phone, ID, medicine, passport, etc. 

On the rare occasions that they do require me to throw my fanny pack in a bag, it’s so small that there is usually enough space in the backpack that I can squeeze it in or stuff it in a side pocket. 

3. Liquids that are small enough are always an issue for me.

I like silicone travel-size bottles for things I can't buy in travel size. If you’re traveling with liquids, I recommend packing them in this clear pouch versus a ziplock bag because it’s more spacious and easier to open. Take my word for it, always pack your liquids in a separate little bag. Save yourself the headache of possible leaking liquids getting on everything after your flight.

4. I usually wear my most bulky & heavy shoes on the airplane so that I don’t have to fit them in my carry-on.

I always pack three pairs of shoes. First, one versatile tennis shoe that can be dressed up or down. They’re usually white-ish and basic. Second, a pair of sandals that can also be dressed up or down. Third, a pair of flats that are easy to compact and fold. 

5. I always wear my jacket and a scarf on the plane because planes are a little chilly.

I recommend packing puffer coats and jackets that are super lightweight and compact when traveling. Check out Mountain Hardware and Uniqlo for some options.

6. Deciding which clothes to pack is usually what stumps people the most.

In order to prevent under-packing or, worse, overpacking, I plan out my outfits before I go and never bring a clothing item that can’t go with more than three outfits. This makes it really easy to dress up or down, warm or cold, with or without layers, etc. These are a few pieces I love and come with me on almost all of my trips.

7. My last parting words of advice - Do laundry when you're traveling.

If you don’t have a laundry machine in your Airbnb or hotel, then find a local laundromat. It makes a world of difference and only takes an hour or two.

 

Written by Annie (Cheng) Sim, Founder and CEO

 

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our customized travel coaching and optional booking service.  

 

This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, TTLT earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small business!

 

No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - who offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy. 

 

More Travel Resources