My Favourite Travel Bags

It’s been a Euro summer full of flights that’s about to turn into an autumn packed with an entire Fashion Week schedule. Translation – I travel a lot. I’ve been on the go for so many years that I like to think I’ve mastered the perfect travel look. Whether it’s a low-effort, high-impact airport fit (you guys know I love a good IG post on my busy travelling days), or simply a super casual ensemble that I’ll be comfortable wearing for extended periods of time. 

And, of course, no travel look is complete without the perfect travel bag. Here is my curated edit of some favourites – from big Birkins and The Row icons, to newer supersized designs from Bottega Veneta, and plenty more. 

It’s no secret that I love my small Hermès bags – my Mini Kellys, Kelly Pochettes, compact Constances. But when I’m on the go and have lots to lug around, there’s only one Hermès bag on my mind … and it is SPACIOUS. My Hermès Birkin 40 is a mainstay within my rotation of travel bags. It literally holds a ton – laptop, agenda, headphones, all my travel beauty essentials etc – and I love the chic finish it gives to any travel look. 

I feel like people don’t tend to think of Magda Butrym as a bag brand but they have so many slept on designs. The Brigitte bag is one of my absolute favourites. I have the large size in a rich chocolate brown suede to give it a gorgeous autumnal feel. It’s always a September favourite that makes it onto my list of most worn accessories during my Fashion Month travels. 

Perhaps my all-time favourite carry-all, The Row Margaux, particularly the largest 17 size, has proved my ultimate travel companion for so many years now. I take this bag with me on about 70% of my trips so my Margaux has really been around the world with me. I like a travel bag that I can bundle everything into without even having to think which makes the Margaux’s design perfect. The gussets on either side that allow the bag to expand are a key part of what makes the Margaux so practical – it essentially allows me to pack plenty more inside.  

Since the Bottega Veneta Andimao bag debuted as part of Matthieu Blazy’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection for the house, it’s been steadily garnering a reputation as one of fashion’s most popular spacious totes. The maxi version is quite literally SUPERSIZED (it’s one of the biggest  bags I’ve ever owned). This makes it ideal for longer travels, or it would actually work great as a weekender bag if you don’t plan on packing a full suitcase. The huge shoulder strap makes it surprisingly easy to carry for such a humongous bag, and it’s made from canvas with a leather trim that feels very casual yet chic. 

I also love my classic Andiamo in the large size. It’s also spacious (although not supersized), and can double as a great work bag, too. The shoulder strap on this size is a lot skinnier than the maxi so I prefer to double up the strap and wear my large Andiamo as a classic tote. 

Of course a pick from luxury’s OG luggage brand had to make this list! And the Louis Vuitton Neverfull is a true icon for us bag lovers. The classic LV Neverfull has been a favourite carry-everything kind of tote since its release in 2007, and it was actually my first ever big luxury purchase so this bag will always hold a special place in my heart. As the name suggests – it really is never full so it’s great for throwing everything in when you travel. 

It’s been dubbed as one of the best alternatives to fashion’s (and my) beloved The Row Margaux. But, to me, Khaite’s Maeve bag is so much more than that. It’s more structured with a boxier shape, and it’s more geared towards being a top-handle style. The duffle-esque design feels super timeless and is easy to style with everything – no matter the kind of airport fit I’m opting for. 

What’s your favourite travel bag from this list? And which style are you planning to take on your next trip? 

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