If you're feeling as optimistic as we are, your holiday will not be subject to lost luggage or endless queues. The only thing to consider, other than where to go first, is what to pack and the right bag to do it with. After all, the best travel and weekender bags will make any trip easier – and more stylish.
Call it what you like, a weekend/holdall/duffle, but a travel bag that has enough space for a few outfit changes, a washbag and a spare pair of shoes is your best bet for mini breaks.
Most of the best travel and weekender bags are cabin-friendly, which gives you a head-start in the taxi queue at the other end, and come in fabrics like leather, waxed canvas and nylon to suit every traveller tribe.
Of course, the best travel bags are now so much more than just luggage – they've morphed into the new status symbols that are every bit as stylish as your actual handbag. Plus, design innovations mean that they can now actually make your trip a whole lot easier thanks to canny packing gadgets, on-the-go chargers and detachable straps.
From high street hold-alls with practicality in mind to super-luxe weekender bags designed to last forever, there is quite literally a travel bag for every single type of trip you're ever going to make.
So whether you're ready for a weekend break, a staycation road trip or something a little warmer, here's our pick of the best travel and weekender bags to see you on your way...
SHOP: The Best Travel and Weekender Bags 2024
Everlanewww.everlane.com
Description
This bag is so good it's practically a Mary Poppins bag. Deceptively large, you'll find you can fit much more in here than you think. It has a padded laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders, an exterior zip pocket, a luggage handle pass-through (that's also a pocket), and multiple ways to carry: crossbody, shoulder, or in-hand. It's also made from recycled polyester.
Antlerwww.antler.co.uk
Description
If you're looking for a bag just for short, overnight stays, this is the one for you. It will fit perfectly under the seat in front of you on a plane, too, meaning you can use it for hand luggage you never have to stow.
Katie Loxtonkatieloxton.com
Description
Katie Loxton has a range of great travel bags, but this one is particularly chic. It's available in different colours and can even be personalised with your initials for just £4.99.
Stubble and Co.www.stubbleandco.com
Description
Stubble&Co. has a range of beautifully crafted luggage options, including The Weekender and The Weekender XL. Made using British Millerain Tekwax® water-resistant canvas, this cabin-sized bag features a 15” laptop compartment, detachable shoulder strap and trolley sleeve. Available in four colours.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Description
For a smart weekend bag that doesn't cost a fortune and fits all of your essentils, this John Lewis option is perfect.
Jacquemus www.mytheresa.com
Description
Spacious and practical but with all the appeal of every accessory Jacquemus makes, this travel bag has a zipped top and an adjustable shoulder strap.
Longchampwww.johnlewis.com
Description
The classic brand has crafted a bag that will fit everything you need for a weekend trip and more. Designed to be light as a feather with sturdy durability, it also folds away with ease for neat storage.
AWAYwww.awaytravel.com
Description
AWAY doesn't just make suitcases; its travel bags are just as appealing. This one features a detachable padded shoulder strap and top handles sized to carry it comfortably. It fits a few days' worth of belongings if you're using it on its own, and it even secures to any AWAY suitcase if you want to use it as hand luggage.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
Description
If you're looking for something slightly more eye-catching, Free People has these artisan-crafted bags, making any weekend break instantly more stylish.