Best Travel Bags for Women 2026: 12 Editor-Tested Picks

Fashion Jackson Travel Bags

I’ve always been a self-proclaimed jetsetter, but I feel like my travel has really picked up a lot this first half of 2026. I’ve been go-go-going, which has allowed me to edit and refine my jetsetting methods as well as the most important part of any trip — the packing. Packing (and packing well) is a passion of mine; when you travel as often as I do, you learn pretty quickly that there’s no “winging it” when it comes to buying the right travel bags and organizing them the right way so I have some strong opinions and suggestions to share with you today.

What Makes a Travel Bag Worth It

I definitely have certain criteria. Every travel bag I own serves a specific purpose whether it’s a piece of luggage, a carry-on tote, or one of the many beauty and accessory cases in my arsenal. I’ll be going into specifics throughout this post, but to give you a high-level overview of what I look for in a travel bag, it’s all about durability, lightness, organization, and versatility. 

Durability. You want your travel bag to hold up and stand the test of time (not to mention countless TSA lines, overhead bins, and sometimes rough handling with checked bags). 

Lightness. This is imperative because packing and hauling all your things from one state or country to another is already a lot, so the bag itself being heavy is a hard no from me. 

Organization. If a bag doesn’t have all the right compartments, zippers, and slots to make your travel life easier, then it shouldn’t even be considered.

Versatility. This is part of my overall style philosophy and when it comes to travel bags, it’s no different. We don’t want something loud and trendy. Classic, modern, and goes-with-everything is always the answer.

So with all that in mind, let’s chat about the 22 tested and approved travel bags that I legitimately use and swear by.

Best Luggage for Every Type of Trip

Best Carry-On Totes & Personal Item Bags

Best Travel Cosmetic & Vanity Cases

Best Hair Tools Travel Bag

Best Travel Jewelry Organizer

Team Favorites

I asked the Fashion Jackson team what some of their favorite travel bags were, here's what they said:

1. No surprise here, everyone is a fan of the Goyard tote!

2. This tote. It zips, which is great to ensure nothing spills out. It fits my 16" laptop and sits perfectly on top of my carry-on luggage.

3. The Luka Duffel from Calpak in the original size. It comes in tons of colors, the puffy material is so cute, and the inside is very spacious. Most importantly, it fits over the handle of my roller luggage perfectly and, yes — it fits underneath the seat! It also tons of compartments so you can really organize your stuff.

4. I asked for the oversized carry-on roller from Away for Christmas, and I’m so excited about it. I love that you can customize it with a fun monogram, and I'm hoping I find one under the tree!

5. My favorite tote for travel is the Isabel Marant Yenky Tote (regular size, not the small size). The material is very thick and high quality with thick barrel sewn straps, which I love because when I carry my laptop in my Goyard, I always get so nervous about the straps snapping! This bag, though, easily carries a LOT of weight. Plus, the Amazon insert from my Goyard fits perfectly inside so there's plenty of organization opportunity. The height also makes it easy to stash my purse or thick scarf on top for boarding the airplane. I have the black/black colorway.

6. My husband has a Halfday Garment Bag Duffle and uses it ALL the time for his overnight trips now. Would make a great gift for a husband/dad/FIL, etc!

Shop the Post

read more banner divider

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

 

 

Leave a Note

Load All 2 Comments

  1. Patricia Kaelin said:
    Posted 12.15.23 · Reply

    Where did you get the perfume atomizer you used to get perfume from your main bottle? Thank you.