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11 Of The Best Weekend Bags For A Chic City Break
When it comes to travelling in style, it's what's on the outside that counts.
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Whether you've planned a European-city break, are heading to the countryside for some downtime, or keen for the perfect carry-on, a good weekend bag is an essential in any jet-setter's arsenal.
When shopping for the perfect travel companion, consider practical styles with luxe details. A separate, water-wicking compartment is key for those impromptu trips to the beach when you need to store a damp swimsuit without getting it on your other possessions. If that's what you're after, then bags made with shell fabric are a must. Elsewhere, our favourite carry-alls have smart storage solutions for a pair of shoes, a water bottle, or ergonomic leather-trimmed straps.
Meanwhile, cotton canvas is beautifully lightweight and embodies the insouciance of balmy summer days. For something a bit more elevated that can easily transition between work and a weekend getaway, then a leather tote will add effortless polish to even the most casual looks. And when longer stays are on the agenda, opt for a chic carry-on for luxury and ease.
Here, we've found the 11 best weekend bags – from sleek, top-handle totes to elevated carry-ons – that ensure you travel in style.
The best weekend bags and carry-ons for 2024:
Away's weekender is one of the brand's best-sellers for a reason. It opens flat to easily access your clothes, comes with a separate compartment for a laptop, and a back sleeve that easily slots over your suitcase handle. Plus, it's water-resistant.
Longchamp's Le Pliage bag is truly a classic, thanks to its minimal design, leather-trimmed details, and wide array of colourways. The same consideration has been applied to the brand's capacious travel bag. It's undeniably chic (and affordable).
It doesn't feature Anya Hindmarch's signature eyes motif, but there's something about the labelled compartments that is equally as playful. With ample room for a couple changes of clothes, and a separate pull-out pouch for liquids – you'll easily find your travel essentials while en route.
For longer stays – or the perfect cabin bag – you can't go wrong with Antler's carry-on. It comes with interior compression straps so you can fit a little bit extra without struggling to zip close your suitcase. Plus, the lightweight shell, ergonomic handle, and ultra smooth 360 wheels glide through security with minimal effort.
Paravel's cream-coloured, canvas duffle bag is not only water-resistant, but it's also consciously made from recycled materials and vegan leather. There's a internal zip-pocket for smaller valuables, and a two-way zip fastening along the top.
A supersized version of Métier's much-loved 'Market' tote, the 'Weekend' is roomy enough to hold all your travel essentials. Inside the zip closer is a detachable pouch that can be worn as a shoulder bag, while the ergonomic, top-handle straps sit comfortable on your shoulder.
There's a bygone elegance that's captured in Globe Trotter's carry-on suitcase. Crafted from the brand's patented vulcanized fibreboard that's lightweight and durable, the case is finished with sophisticated leather accents and carbon-steel locks for added security.
Rains' minimal weekend bag goes with absolutely everything. It's made from a waterproof fabric that easily wipes clean, and features side compression straps and a handle wrap for comfort.
If you're keen for a luxury statement, then Gucci's logo-covered weekend bag is the one for you. Printed with the brand's iconic monogram and finished with leather trims and a luggage tag, it also comes with a removable shoulder strap for hands-free travel.
Smythson's weekend bag is consciously made from Econyl regenerated nylon and finished with luxe leather trims. It comes in two sizes to suit overnight or weekend stays, and features an external zip pocket to easily access your passport, phone, and AirPods on-the-go.
The suitcase that needs no introduction, Rimowa's polycarbonate cabin bag is instantly recognisable. The multiwheel system effortlessly glides through security, and the interior features adjustable dividers with the brand's patented compression system.
Kara Kia is Hearst UK’s Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor, working across ELLE, Red, Harper’s Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, and Esquire to create shopping content, style advice, and beauty reviews on skincare, makeup, and curly hair. Kara’s most popular guides include ‘Affordable Jewellery Brands to Know’, ‘The Best Lingerie Brands’, and ‘How to Build a Holiday Capsule Wardrobe’, while she also covers deals events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Since starting her career as a journalist in 2018, she has held the role of Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER’s Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and written for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine, where she reported on fashion and beauty news, trends, and features. An experienced interviewer, Kara has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles, and Tyla about life, work, and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Kara lived in Toronto, Canada before moving to London.
Follow Kara on Instagram at @kara.kia
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