How on Earth Do I Take My Bags on Holiday?

Start with three bags

For most holidays, three bags are enough. The travel bag: a large tote that holds your documents, headphones, charger, sunglasses, cardigan and everything you need during the journey.

The day bag: a secure crossbody or shoulder bag for walking, shopping and sightseeing. The evening bag: a smaller bag that works with every dinner outfit. If you are going somewhere coastal, add a fourth: a beach bag. Choose a lightweight raffia, canvas or nylon tote that can handle towels, sunscreen, sand and damp swimwear. That is the complete holiday bag collection.

Wear the largest bag

Do not waste suitcase space on your biggest bag. Carry it during the journey. A large leather tote, nylon carry-all or structured canvas bag can hold your personal items while leaving room in your luggage for smaller styles.

If the tote does not close securely, use a zipped pouch inside for your passport, wallet and valuables. Never place important items loose inside an open bag.

Pack bags inside other bags

Smaller bags can sit inside larger ones, but only if you protect them properly. Place the evening bag inside its dust bag, then tuck it inside your beach tote or another larger bag.

Fill empty space with soft items such as swimwear, scarves, T-shirts, socks and fabric pouches. This helps the bags maintain their shape without adding weight. Avoid stuffing structured bags too firmly. Pressure can distort the leather and leave permanent marks.

Protect the shape

A bag that looks flexible can still become badly creased in transit. Lightly fill the body of each bag so it holds its natural form. Pay particular attention to corners, flap edges and structured bases.

Do not use newspaper, as the ink may transfer. Do not use heavy objects to fill the bag. Do not force a bag into a suitcase space that is slightly too small. If you have to squash it to make it fit, leave it at home.

Deal with the straps

Loose straps create scratches, dents and tangled chaos. Detach removable straps and place them inside the bag or in a separate fabric pouch.

For fixed straps, wrap them loosely around the bag or tuck them inside. Never bend a leather strap sharply or place a heavy suitcase layer on top of it. Protect chain straps with tissue paper, a soft cloth or their original felt covering. Keep metal hardware away from exposed leather.

Use the dust bag

This is exactly what the dust bag is for. It protects the leather from rubbing against zips, shoes, toiletries and the inside of your suitcase.

If you no longer have the original, use a clean cotton pillowcase or soft fabric bag. Avoid plastic storage bags. Leather needs to breathe, particularly in warm climates. If you are taking your bag on board with you, take its dustbag to put it in, rather than placing it directly on the plane floor or in the overhead.a0

Think about security

The most beautiful holiday bag is useless if carrying it makes you nervous. For crowded cities, airports and markets, choose a bag with a zip, flap or secure clasp. A crossbody strap is useful, but the bag should sit close to your body rather than swinging behind you.

Avoid placing your phone in an open external pocket. At restaurants, keep the bag on your lap, beside you or on a secure bag hook. Do not hang it over the back of a chair where you cannot see it.

Consider the climate

Heat, humidity, rain, sunscreen and salt water are not kind to luxury bags. Suede is risky in tropical weather. Pale leather can pick up colour from denim and dark clothing. Patent leather may become tacky in extreme heat. Raffia can lose its shape if it becomes wet.

For humid or unpredictable destinations, grained leather, nylon and coated canvas are often the most forgiving choices. Keep sunscreen, perfume and hand sanitiser inside sealed pouches. One loose bottle can ruin far more than the holiday.

Do not take your most precious bag

A holiday should not involve monitoring a handbag every five minutes. If a bag is extremely rare, sentimental, delicate or difficult to replace, leave it somewhere safe at home. Take bags you love but are willing to use. A little wear is part of travelling. Constant anxiety should not be.

Choose one colour story

The easiest way to avoid overpacking is to keep your bags within one colour family. If your holiday wardrobe is mostly white, cream, chocolate and denim, take a chocolate travel tote, a tan or burgundy day bag and a raffia evening pouch.

If you wear mostly black, white and brighter colours, take a black travel tote, a neutral crossbody and one colourful evening bag. Every bag should work with at least three outfits. If it only works with one dress, that dress probably does not need its own bag.

What goes in hand luggage?

If you are flying, expensive and sentimental bags should travel with you in the cabin. Do not place a valuable designer bag in checked luggage. Checked bags can be delayed, damaged, opened or lost. Travel insurance may also have limits on claims for luxury items.

Keep receipts, photographs and identifying details stored digitally before you leave.

The best holiday bags

The best holiday bags are not necessarily the most expensive ones in your collection. They are the bags that carry what you need, work with multiple outfits and allow you to enjoy where you are. Pack fewer. Protect them properly. Then stop worrying about the bags and get on with the holiday.

Bag Guides / Travel / Packing / Care / Holiday / Tote / Crossbody