A good travel bag should make life easier, not harder. Here are the five things you want in a good travel bag:
1. It needs proper compartments
One large open space sounds good in theory. In reality, it’s chaos. Good organisation means less stress, and at this stage of life, we don’t want to rummage. You should be able to reach for what you need without unpacking the entire bag in public! Look for:
- A secure zip pocket for your passport and wallet (or wear these in a travel belt if you are worried about security) - Internal pockets for toiletries, glasses, medicine, and more- A section that fits a book or tablet, and a laptop if you carry one- Room for a water bottle or a side pocket
- A secure zip pocket for your passport and wallet (or wear these in a travel belt if you are worried about security) - Internal pockets for toiletries, glasses, medicine, and more- A section that fits a book or tablet, and a laptop if you carry one- Room for a water bottle or a side pocket
2. It must close fully
An open tote looks chic, but it is not practical for travel. A proper zip or buckles keep everything secure.
3. The straps have to work!
Thin straps dig in. Short straps slide off your shoulder, or you can't get them over your shoulder. No crossbody option means you’re constantly adjusting it. You want to pull your suitcase, carry a coffee, check your phone and move through security without juggling. The ideal travel bag has:
- A wide, comfortable strap, or back-pack straps!- Adjustable length- A crossbody option depending on the bag, for hands-free movement
Comfort is not optional, it is practical!
- A wide, comfortable strap, or back-pack straps!- Adjustable length- A crossbody option depending on the bag, for hands-free movement
Comfort is not optional, it is practical!
4. It needs structure
A bag that collapses into itself is frustrating. Look for something with gentle structure, that holds its shape but still fits under a plane seat. When you put it down, it should stand up. When you open it, you should be able to see inside.
Structure makes packing easier and prevents that saggy, overstuffed look that feels heavier than it needs to.
Structure makes packing easier and prevents that saggy, overstuffed look that feels heavier than it needs to.
5. Choose a color you love, but one that works
You’ll carry this bag through airports, cafés, in Ubers or taxis, on the train and into hotel lobbies. You’ll set it on floors. It will get handled, bumped and used properly. So, color matters!
Practical choices:
- Tan or cognac- Navy- Deep olive- Charcoal/black- Soft metallics
These colors wear well, work with most outfits, and still look polished. That said, you should genuinely like it!
If you love bright red, buy red. If pink makes you happy, carry pink. Travel is meant to feel good. A bag you love using will automatically feel lighter than one you bought purely because it was sensible (the above points should take care of that!).
The sweet spot is choosing a color that hides life's messes but still feels like you.
Bonus: It should fit what you actually carry! Before buying a travel bag, think about what goes in it:
- Lightweight scarf, a light top, maybe spare underwear or comfy pants- Small toiletries pouch-Refillable water bottle- Snack - A book/ e-reader, laptop- Phone, wallet, glasses, meds, eye mask, earplugs, socks, passport....
The bottom line, a good travel bag should be organized, zip closed, sit comfortably, hold its shape and be a practical color and one you like!
By 45, most women know what works for their body and their lifestyle. The right travel bag supports you. It doesn’t compete for attention, it doesn’t cause pain, and it doesn’t make you stressed. It simply does its job, so you can enjoy the trip. The bag that I love and does the job for me is the Nordace Siena, check it out and shop by clicking any of the images below! I bought my bag two years ago for a 5-week Europe trip and have kept using it for work every day since! It hasn't stained, is comfortable, has heaps of organizational pockets, comes in a range of colors, and is shower proof. And, yes, my two-year-old bag is the one in the image at the top of this blog, and with me below! You won't regret this purchase. Happy travels!
Practical choices:
- Tan or cognac- Navy- Deep olive- Charcoal/black- Soft metallics
These colors wear well, work with most outfits, and still look polished. That said, you should genuinely like it!
If you love bright red, buy red. If pink makes you happy, carry pink. Travel is meant to feel good. A bag you love using will automatically feel lighter than one you bought purely because it was sensible (the above points should take care of that!).
The sweet spot is choosing a color that hides life's messes but still feels like you.
Bonus: It should fit what you actually carry! Before buying a travel bag, think about what goes in it:
- Lightweight scarf, a light top, maybe spare underwear or comfy pants- Small toiletries pouch-Refillable water bottle- Snack - A book/ e-reader, laptop- Phone, wallet, glasses, meds, eye mask, earplugs, socks, passport....
The bottom line, a good travel bag should be organized, zip closed, sit comfortably, hold its shape and be a practical color and one you like!
By 45, most women know what works for their body and their lifestyle. The right travel bag supports you. It doesn’t compete for attention, it doesn’t cause pain, and it doesn’t make you stressed. It simply does its job, so you can enjoy the trip. The bag that I love and does the job for me is the Nordace Siena, check it out and shop by clicking any of the images below! I bought my bag two years ago for a 5-week Europe trip and have kept using it for work every day since! It hasn't stained, is comfortable, has heaps of organizational pockets, comes in a range of colors, and is shower proof. And, yes, my two-year-old bag is the one in the image at the top of this blog, and with me below! You won't regret this purchase. Happy travels!
Inge x
