These Travel Bags Offer Innovative Function and Effortless Style On-the-Go

Abbey Listo, Founder of Smart Birdy with Deluxe Birdy luggage at The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Whether you're jetting across the globe or heading out on a weekend getaway, the right bag can make all the difference. A thoughtfully-designed piece that suits your needs and your style not only adds comfort to your travels, but can also complete your ensemble. 

From chic carry-ons to versatile crossbodies, these bags combine function and fashion to help you travel smarter and look great while doing it.

Smart Birdy Deluxe Birdy

Smart Birdy Deluxe Birdy [Image courtesy of Smart Birdy/Lindsey Birch Photography]

“I used to have a circular travel bag that I took everywhere. Every single time I took it out I would get compliments, and it wasn't just from women. Many men (especially in the travel industry, taxi drivers, airline, and hotel workers who see so many bags every day) would tell me my round case reminded them of hat-boxes their moms would carry,” says Abby Listo, Founder of Smart Birdy. After receiving that feedback for four years, Abby knew there was something special about the circular shape and decided to design a smart and functional hat-box-inspired suitcase.

Smart Birdy suitcases will bring instant chicness to your travels. The Deluxe Model is a stackable round suitcase available in nine colors. Featuring 360 degree spinner wheels, they conveniently transition from over-the-shoulder personal bags to roller suitcases. Features include a computer sleeve, passport pocket, shoe compartment, and much more.

Baggallini Central Park Sling

Available in over 20 colors, Baggallini’s Central Park Sling is an easy and effortlessly cool way to stay organized on-the-go thanks to multiple zippered pockets and compartments. Wear it as a backpack or in the front. This ergonomic bag is designed to have a place for all your essentials, with a phone pocket in the front for quick access, a lipstick loop, and a key leash. The adjustable strap is padded for comfort. 

Arden Cove Bum Bag

Arden Cove is a small business founded by two sisters who are passionate about exploring, Karin and Carmen Yuen. Their secure anti-theft Bum Bag was funded on Kickstarter in just five hours. Available in three colorways, this versatile bag can be worn as a belt bag, fanny pack, or crossbody. Bum Bag is slash-resistant and water-resistant with lockable zippers to keep your essentials safe. It features RFID-blocking card slots and hidden pockets to safeguard valuables. 

WanderFull Hydrobag

If you’re like me and constantly carrying a water bottle everywhere you go, WanderFull Hydrobag will help save you from awkwardly juggling your essentials and your water. I’ve personally enjoyed using WanderFull Hydrobag during my summer travels, and found it to be an ideal on-the-go bag for exploring and staying hydrated.

Selected for Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2024, the patented design has water resistant pockets that will store your water bottle, phone, keys, wallet and more without sacrificing style. The waterproof main compartment fits a water bottle of up to 32 oz. (There’s also a Hydrobag Handle model that can fit a Stanley Cup.) A large front zipper pockets is perfect for storing your your phone, while an inner pocket is designed to fit credit cards and your passport.

Oliver Thomas Tennis Backpack

It’s easy to stay organized on and off the court with Oliver Thomas’ 24 + 7 Tennis Backpack. In addition to holding 2 standard size tennis rackets, this lightweight tennis backpack has large side pockets for balls or water bottles, a secret internal pouch, padded laptop sleeve, large secure zipper pocket, and 2 slip pockets. 

[Images courtesy of the brands]

A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy.