Top 5 Must Have Designer Bags For Getaways
CHO Fashion & Lifestyle
If you've finally booked that summer trip away, or you're targeting a city break or some winter sun this year, you might be starting to plan what you will take with you. With that in mind, we want to encourage you to start thinking about bags for holidays and the type that will best suit your destination.
Accessories are sometimes the most overlooked when packing and planning your vacation, so we've brought together our top tips on the bags best suited to your next trip. So whether you've got a hot weather commute for a conference abroad on the calendar or just heading off for a well-deserved summer break, we've got your designer bag choice packed and ready to board!
Table of contents:
What kind of bag should I take on holiday?
- City Breaks: A duffle bag
- Shoulder bags: Jet-setting to sunnier climes
- Backpacks: Backpacking and overnight stays
- Wash bags: Perfect for spa breaks
- Tote bags: Stylish overnight commutes
What kind of bag should I take on holiday?
There are no right or wrong answers when choosing the perfect bag to take on holiday with you. The real answer lies in the type of holiday you're having and the destination you're heading to.
A basket bag, for example, is a perfect pick for a trip to a sunny beach. However, it might not be as practical if part of your trip involves working and you need a place to store your laptop!
With this in mind, we've broken down the best bags for holiday locations, with style and practicality considered!
City breaks: A duffle bag
If you're heading to Europe for a luxurious weekend city break, then a duffle bag is the perfect choice for your trip.
With all of the room of a small carry-on suitcase, without the stress of navigating through busy city streets with a case on wheels, a duffle bag is a real game-changer when travelling for a weekend away. There's always the option of packing a smaller bag inside to store your essentials once you've checked into the hotel.
Duffle bags are stylish and practical and if looked after, will see you safely through multiple trips. You could even double yours as a stylish gym bag once you're back on home turf.
If you're looking for a duffle bag to help you brave the elements, we'd recommend RAINS. Each RAINS bag has multiple interior pockets for storing all your essentials and a waterproof PU coating, so if the weather takes a turn, your belongings will stay safe and dry.
Unsure which bag to choose? Browse our duffle bags for men and women to find the perfect pick for your next trip!
Are weekender bags carry-on?
Most duffle bags, also known as weekender bags, are perfect for short-haul flights as carry-on luggage. If your duffle bag is on the smaller side, you may even be able to store it under the seat as hand luggage.
For your duffle bag to be permitted as hand luggage, its dimensions must fit the criteria outlined by your flight operator. Otherwise, you may be charged for cabin luggage. Always check the bag's product description and current flight guidelines before purchasing if in doubt.
Shoulder bags: Jet-setting to sunnier climes
If a week in the sun is on the agenda, you'll probably focus more on day bags for your holiday rather than a practical luggage option. If you're aiming to pack light, it's best to search for the perfect accessory that will work as an evening bag for your holiday and in the daytime.
Search for a piece large enough to fit your essentials, such as your phone, a cardholder or purse if you're carrying one, your hotel key card and any other necessities. You'll also want to choose a colour that's easy to pair with many holiday outfits.
A TED BAKER Stina Women's Double Zip Mini Camera Bag is one of our favourite holiday bags for women this season. Its dusty pink colour pairs beautifully with neutrals and summer brights, whilst its double storage compartment leaves plenty of room for storing your essentials.
Or for something slightly bigger, a TOMMY HILFIGER TH Essential Corp Women's CrossoverBag is a stylish accessory if you need something roomier for your day trips in the summer sun.
Holiday bags for men have seen a real resurgence this summer, so if you've been looking for one for the beach, you're definitely in luck. The BOSS ORANGE Trystan Mens Envelope Bag is a stylish essential that will carry any look effortlessly from day to night, or why not try a GANT Tonal Shield Shoulder Bag to add a preppy finish to your holiday look?
Backpacks: Backpacking and overnight stays
If you're heading away for a little overnight stay somewhere, a backpack is the perfect place to store your essentials. Smaller and easier to transport than a duffle bag, a backpack is great when you need to carry everything with you. If you're backpacking and travelling extremely light, it's all you need to travel!
Fjallraven is always a great option if you're looking for a great, sturdy, fashionable backpack. With options in a range of stunning colours, each bag has multiple pockets for safely storing your belongings and, with Vinylon F fabric, can easily withstand wetness and dirt. Cut to a comfortable fit; you don't have to worry about backache with a Fjallraven backpack; they're created with back comfort in mind!
Another great option for travel is RAINS. These stylish and practical backpacks are fully waterproof to protect your belongings in even the harshest weather conditions. In styles suited for strolling a city or hiking a mountain, RAINS are the perfect pick if you're looking for something hardy and durable that still looks stylish.
Is it better to travel with a backpack or a handbag?
If you're travelling to a crowded city, a crossbody handbag can be a safer option in areas with chances of pickpocketing, as this allows you to keep your belongings close to you and out of reach. Backpacks are a better option if you have a lot to carry, but be mindful to keep your essential items and valuables in the interior pockets for safety or keep them close to your body that isn't easily accessed.
Ultimately, choosing between a handbag and a backpack comes down to personal preference. A backpack is better if you want to take one bag to house everything you need for your overnight stay, but if you're travelling light or seeing the sights, a handbag might be an easier option.
Wash Bags: Perfect for spa breaks
When reviewing the must-have holiday bags, the humble wash bag or cosmetic bag shouldn't be overlooked. We're highlighting this one for spa breaks, as a wash bag is a perfect place to store all of your essentials so you can spritz your aftershave or reapply your makeup post-spa treatment.
A wash bag is perfect for any type of holiday, as it can safely store all your essentials in any bag, preventing spillages and cosmetics from breaking. Remember to check flight guidelines on your liquids and cosmetics if you're carrying yours in your hand luggage so you don't get caught out at the baggage scanners.
Barbour offers a classically stylish collection of wash bags for men, perfect for storing everything you need in style. In contrast, for women, we'd recommend RAINS wash bags for their stylish collection of colours and choice of size.
Tote bags: Stylish overnight commutes
If work has you jet-setting for your next conference, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more practical solution than a tote bag. With plenty of room to store your laptop and your essentials, you’re guaranteed extra style points when you stop to grab that coffee as you're skipping along the streets to get to your conference.
Tommy Hilfiger offers timeless options to suit multiple outfits and destinations, each with plenty of room to store everything you need. Our personal favourite is the TH Monoplay Women’s Leather Tote Bag with its removable laptop pouch. Classic and stylish, it’s the work essential you never knew you needed!
Find the must-have designer bag for your next destination at CHO
Whatever your reason for travelling, why not browse our extensive collection of bags for all occasions at CHO? Our men's bags feature options tailor-made for getaways from stylish designer brands including BOSS Orange and Hugo. Or, browse our women's designer bags and find stylish bags suited to your needs for classic brands, including Ted Baker and Tommy Hilfiger.