How to Pack
for a Quick Trip

You need a change of scenery (and a luggage update)

Best travel bags in 2022 Best travel bags in 2022

We’ve all been through a grueling pandemic for the past two years and are busy putting winter in the rearview. Which means we're all ready for a reset, right? The best way to do that in our book is to simply change your location—whether it's for a night, a weekend or a full week. A change of scenery helps your mind reset and you're able to come back to your normal routine with a fresh perspective.

We get that packing your bags can be a hassle and you're always asking yourself, “How many outfits should I bring? Am I going to have enough underwear?” These are all valid questions, but we're here to coach you through a successful packing strategy. We don't need to tell you what to pack, but rather remind you to think of it this way: How much time? And what's the situation? To help get you started, we've pulled together three different travel bag categories that will set you up for success no matter how long your trip is.

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For Overnights

The Tote Bag

The tote bag is ideal for a last-minute overnight stay, but it's also the best companion for your carry-on bag as well. This type of bag is just big enough to stash a change of clothes along with your iPad, charging accessories and your dopp kit. It's a bonus if the tote has an adjustable ergonomic shoulder pad, which will come in handy if you're ever in danger of missing your flight.

Troubadour Carrier Tote

Carrier tote,
$375 by Troubadour

Porter-Yoshida & Co Flex 2-Way Nylon-Ripstop Tote Bag

FYI: Can also be
worn as a backpack.

Flex 2-way nylon-ripstop tote,
$195 by Porter-Yoshida & Co

Reiss Elliot Leather Tote

Elliot leather tote,
$495 / $208 by Reiss

Want Les Essentials Ohare Econyl Recycled Tote
Want Les Essentials Ohare Econyl Recycled Tote

O'hare econyl recycled tote,
$295 by Want Les Essentials

For Weekends

The Duffle Bag

Going somewhere for a weekend? A duffle bag makes it simple and casual. Perfect for packing shoes, two outfits, and maybe a book and your camera (leaving room for a souvenir or two). Piece of advice: roll your clothes military style to cut down on wrinkles and place your socks in your shoes to save room.

Krane Design Hovan Duffle

Hovan duffle,
$315.13 by Krane Design

Filson Excursion Bag

Excursion bag,
$325 by Filson

Waxed canvas duffle,
$164.95 by Lands' End

Bellroy Weekender Bag

Weekender bag,
$249 by Bellroy

For the Week

The Carry-On

A carry-on bag is the ultimate security blanket for traveling. People tend to overpack these but remember, it's not what you pack, it's how you pack. If you're going on a week-long vacation, you don't need multiple outfits for each day—edit your picks down to a few essential pieces like a few T-shirts, chinos and oxfords, then a nice jacket and jeans to pair with everything. It's okay to cycle through and wear the same things every day, especially if they're investment pieces.

Floyd Cabin Hardshell Suitcase

Cabin hardshell suitcase,
$385 by Floyd

Rains Travel Bag

Travel bag,
$225 by Rains

Rimowa Essential Cabin Suitcase

Essential Cabin suitcase,
$740 by Rimowa

Away Bigger Carry-On Suitcase

The Bigger Carry-on suitcase,
$295 by Away

FYI

According to a survey from NerdWallet, Americans plan to spend on average $1,817.70 for spring break vacations this year. Families will be spending a bit more, at $1,996.90 to get away.

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