Perfect Travel Bag Guide for Every Budget and Style

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Over the past two years, I’ve taken dozens of trips, from Dubai to Barbados and Orlando. When I began traveling, I would rummage through my bag in a panic, looking for my ID like a total newbie.

What I’ve learned is that the right travel bag, packed correctly, can make or break a trip, whether you’re exploring a new city or settling in for a long-haul flight. With hundreds of bags to choose from, it’s essential to find one with the features you need at the right price.

Here are 12 of the best small travel bags, sorted by style (backpack, cross body, laptop and tote) and price:

Budget-friendly: Under $50
Mid-range: $50 – $100
High-end: Over $100

I’ve noted the best features (and things I’d change) to help you choose the bag you need for seamless, stress-free travel.

Backpacks

If you need your hands free, a backpack is the way to go. They’re loaded with organizational features like zippered compartments and pockets to help you find whatever you need quickly.

Targus Terra EcoSmart® Backpack

Favorite features:

Dedicated laptop sleeve makes it easy to take your computer in and out when going through airport security.
Padded shoulder straps for comfort.
Side water bottle pockets for easy access to water during flights; keeps your water away from electronics.
Pass-through trolley strap to easily attach to luggage.

Best for:

Travelers who need quick access to a laptop mid-flight.
Those traveling with lots of bags or lots of children’s items who need a hands-free option.
Neutral-color preferences (available in Gray or Black).

Wish list/Cons:

Only comes in two colors; no bold, bright or feminine colors are available.

Price:

Budget-friendly.

Shorty Love Ace Small Backpack

Favorite features:

Outside zippered pocket for safe storage of items you need to access quickly.
Stylish two-tone colors are available (I love the army green with bright pink strap).
Extra wide opening so you can see everything at once (no stressing that you lost something).

Best for:

Travelers who need a spacious personal item to hold lots of items, such as books, headphones, etc, for long-haul flights.
Those who want fun, stylish color options.
Modern, sophisticated and feminine backpack.

Wish list/Cons:

More internal zippered pockets.

Price:

High-end.

Fjallraven Kanken No. 2 Backpack

Favorite features:

Great color selection with neutral color scheme
Durable construction will last for years
Made without PFAS, a group of chemicals used in many consumer products that could be linked to adverse health effects

Best for:

Those who like a rugged, sporty look

Wish list/Cons:

More internal zippered pockets

Price:

High-end

If the backpack you crave is out of your price range, check Out&Back for used gear at great prices. Featured brands include Fjallraven, Arc’teryx and Eagle Creek. You can score the bag of your dreams and feel good about making a sustainable purchase.

Crossbody Bags

From day-time excursions to evening dinner reservations, I like to pack crossbody bags because they have multiple purposes, such as keeping your essentials nearby at all times.

Sol and Selene Quilted Nylon Crossbody Bag

Favorite features:

The quilted look adds style and sophistication that sets this bag apart from other crossbody bags.
Range of neutral and bold, fun colors.
Adjustable strap (great for people like me who are very short!).
Two side pockets for quick access to keys and other necessities.

Best for:

The traveler who wants essentials within reach at all times.
Vacations that include a mix of sophisticated and sporty activities (dress this bag up or down).

Wish list/Cons:

This bag doesn’t come in a beige or brown neutral color.

Price:

Mid-range.

Shorty Love Wonder Large Crossbody Bag

Favorite features:

A mix of solid and patterned options is available including camo and bold leopard prints.
Two-toned color options.
Extra spacious messenger-style bag.
Top zip keeps items safe and secure.
Water-resistant and durable.

Best for:

Travelers who have a large amount of necessary items.
Those who seek options as either a crossbody or top-handle carry bag.

Wish list/Cons:

Bag lacks structure.

Price:

High-end.

Athleta All About Vertical Crossbody Bag

Favorite features:

It comes in a bright white (hard to find in bags these days).
Interior organization pockets make it easy to find everything you need.
Made from water-repellent material.
Sporty, all-ages look.

Best for:

The sporty traveler who plans on doing lots of walking, shopping or other outdoor activities.
Holding just the essentials (lip gloss, keys, etc).
Active-type vacations.

Wish list/Cons:

Limited color options.
Not available in any bright colors or patterns.
On the small size and only one size is available.

Price:

Mid-range.

Laptop Bags

Padding to protect my laptop and compartments to store charging cables are two of the things I look for in a laptop bag.

Targus 14″ Cypress Slimcase with EcoSmart®

Favorite features:

Made from recycled water bottles (a choice you can feel good about).
The front stash pocket is great for holding chargers and other accessories.
Soft-touch carry handles to ensure your laptop safety.
Lightweight design doesn’t add extra weight to your bag.

Best for:

The business traveler who needs a simplistic, modern and functional laptop bag.
Travelers who need only their laptop and a few basic accessories.

Wish list/Cons:

The gray color is okay but I wish it came in brighter colors.

Price:

Mid-range.

Dagne Dover Oslo Slim Laptop Bag

Favorite features:

Extra comfort when carrying due to the padded straps.
Neutral, sophisticated colors ideal for personal or work use.
Exterior phone and passport slot.
Adjustable strap allows you to adjust for your height.
Warm Dust color – a personal favorite “mauve” pink for style.

Best for:

Those who want a durable, stylish, slim laptop bag.
An investment piece for travelers who frequently travel with a laptop.
Organization of accessories and chargers.

Wish list/Cons:

No patterns available.
High price point compared to similar laptop bags.

Price:

High-end.

Vera Bradley Laptop Organizer

Favorite features:

Quilted, floral and feminine designs.
Machine washable for easy cleaning.
Top handle for easy carry.
Matches other Vera Bradley travel bags.

Best for:

Those who love floral, feminine patterns.
Placing a laptop inside another bag, such as a backpack.
Travelers who want a matching travel set with a duffel and toiletry case.

Wish list/Cons:

Could use some more protection around the laptop screen.
Limited compartments.

Price:

Budget-friendly.

Tote Bags

A roomy tote can hold everything you need for an overnight trip and then transition into your day bag. Key features include waterproof interiors (because spills happen) and padded handles.