Travel is one of the great joys of life. We love traveling with our girls. For a short period of time, we take a break from our normal routines, we experience life in a new destination, and we make lifelong memories. When I share our travel journeys on Instagram, one of the questions I’m asked most frequently is HOW we pack and WHAT we take with us!
Traveling, especially traveling with kids, can feel overwhelming. But I believe that by tidying up the planning process AND how you pack, you can joyfully anticipate your trip and more fully enjoy your trip!
Most airlines have also changed pricing details on reservations and now charge extra for EVERYTHING including seat selection, carry-on bags, and number of checked bags. We’ve completely tidied up how we pack for trips by choosing the best travel bags and saving money by packing light.
When we fly as a family, we pack a large duffel bag backpack and smaller day trip bags. This allows us to travel hands-free and help our kids through the airport. Here’s some of the best travel bags for families!
We reached out to a few companies to partner with us for this best travel bags roundup. We were gifted some of the items. This post also contains affiliate links. We may make a small commission for purchases made through these links. Some of the brands also set us up with discount codes for your purchase!
Duffel Bag Backpack
Duffel Bag Backpack
Tobiq Duffel Bag Backpack: This duffel bag (which also doubles as a backpack!) has replaced our carry-on rolling luggage! It meets airline personal bag sizing requirements, and can also be worn as a backpack. It is divided into 4 small compartments and also includes a padded laptop section. This is a great bag for families, and you can pack each section by person, by category or by day of the trip. So many great options! Plus you can use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order.
Detachable Waist Belt
Tobiq Detachable Waist Belt: If you’re concerned about the weight of carrying backpack luggage, this is a great add-on item! The detachable waist belt can be added to the duffel bag and helps distribute weight from the shoulders to the hips, which makes carrying the duffel backpack much easier. It is also adjustable, fitting waists ranging from 24″ to 54.” It has mesh fabric and a foam insert for added comfort. You can use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order.
Nylon Laundry Bag
Tobiq Nylon Laundry Bag: It can be really helpful to bring a laundry bag along while traveling, so that you can keep dirty clothes separate from clean clothes. This nylon laundry bag is waterproof and has a seam-taped roll-top closure. It also easily fits into one of the compartments of the duffel bag backpack. Use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order!
Colored Zipper Pulls
Tobiq Colored Zipper Pulls: These sets of zipper pulls include multiple colors that allow you to color code the compartments of the duffel bag backpack. They are easy to attach and have a secure grip. This helps create an organization system that children and adults can easily understand! Use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order.
Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes
EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes: Each person in our family has their own set of EzPacking clear packing cubes. The four-piece set includes a variety of sizes to accommodate anything we want to bring on our trip. The smallest cube is TSA approved for toiletry items. The sets come in a variety of colors which helps to distinguish one person’s items from another! The clear top makes it easy to see inside while packing and unpacking. These can be organized by person or category or day, and then stacked inside a larger bag for travel. If you order from the EzPacking website you can use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order! (also available on Amazon)
Holographic Clear Pouch
EzPacking Holographic Clear Pouch: This holographic clear pouch is the perfect size to store toiletries, accessories, or colored pencils. Our girls each have one and love the stylish design! It comes in lilac and mint. If you order from the EzPacking website you can use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order! (also available on Amazon)
Nylon Laundry Bag
EzPacking Nylon Laundry Bag: This nylon laundry bag is another great option for a travel laundry bag. It can be folded into a compact size when not in use. You can fill it with dirty clothes, and keep them separate from clean clothes within your larger bag. This also makes it easy to quickly pull out laundry when you get home, and get started with that chore while you unpack the rest of your bag. If you order from the EzPacking website you can use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order! (also available on Amazon)
Tote Bag & Laptop Case
Tote Bag
Solo Tote Bag: If you need to bring your laptop on a trip, this tote bag will keep it safe, with its padded compartment and water-resistant fabric coating. It is made from recycled bottles and can be easily wiped clean. It also has two front zippered pockets to hold a pen, cards, keys, phone, and any other small items you may need.
Laptop Case
Solo Laptop Case: This padded laptop case has a front zippered pocket and a back slip pocket for chargers, notepads or pens. Like the tote bag, it is also made from recycled water bottles and has a water-resistant coating on the fabric that provides an extra layer of protection.
Organizational Accessories
Small Travel Tray
Tom Bihn Small Travel Tray: When you’re staying away from home, it helps to have a designated location to drop small items like your keys, coins, wallet, and cell phone. This travel tray is designed for on-the-go convenience. It is perfect for keeping small items together so you can easily find them. Packing is also made easier by the cinchable drawstring opening and closing. You can pack small items inside and cinch it up and be on your way!
Large Travel Tray
Tom Bihn Large Travel Tray: This is the larger size of the small travel tray. It offers the same functionality and features as its smaller counterpart, but with more storage capacity.
Freudian Slip
Tom Bihn Freudian Slip: If you need more pockets and storage for your bag, this is the perfect solution! It has lots of organizational pockets in different sizes that can hold your iPad, phone, notebooks, snacks, chargers, pens, and more. Your gadgets and gear go in the Freudian Slip, and then it goes into your backpack or tote bag. It is available in different sizes with various numbers of pockets.
Everyday Cubelet
Tom Bihn Everyday Cubelet: This is a great mini-travel bag or everyday shoulder/crossbody bag. The main compartment has an open-top organizer pocket for storing items you need to bring with you on your trip. It also has an exterior zippered pocket for additional storage, sized to fit a wallet, phone, or notebook for easy access. This is an ideal bag for outings and day trips.
Side Effect
Tom Bihn Side Effect: This storage bag can be used as an organizer pouch, cross-body bag, or waist pack. There are organizer pockets inside the main compartment, as well as an exterior zippered pocket for additional storage. It comes with a shoulder strap, but you can also get a waist strap or a handle loop to use it in other ways.
Double Organizer Pouch
Tom Bihn Double Organizer Pouch: This double organizer pouch is a small pouch that adds two extra organizational pockets to any bag. Its small-but-tough plastic snap hook allows you to attach it to your cross-body bag, backpack, or travel cases. It can fit a passport and other small items you need with you.
Snake Charmer
Tom Bihn Snake Charmer: This mesh organizer pouch is the perfect space to store your cords and electronic accessories. It could also be used to store toiletries and other small items. It has two compartments that are separated by a zipper closure and is available in two sizes: small and large.
Deluxe Spiff Kit
Tom Bihn Deluxe Spiff Kit: This bag includes everything you’ll need for your travel toiletries. It has two mesh organizer pouches that can hold travel-size shampoos, soaps, razors, toothbrushes, and medicines. There is also an acrylic mirror in the center and a shelf that has four small travel containers that attach to it with velcro. A simple hook allows you to open the kit and hang it from a towel bar. It’s such a smart design! The kit comes in two sizes and a variety of colors.
Purse, Wallet, Jewelry Case
Purse (Crossbody Bag)
Italian Leather Crossbody Bag: This crossbody bag is a great bag for any occasion, but is especially helpful during travel. It has a stylish design, an adjustable and removable strap, and an interior pocket for valuables. This purse is a perfect size to carry essentials during a day trip while on vacation. It is available in 8 different colors, so you can choose the one that best coordinates with your look!
Wallet
Italian Leather Wallet: This wallet has a minimal design, but is durable and has a structured exterior. It has an exterior zipper that zips around three edges, an internal zip pocket and credit card pockets. It fits perfectly inside the coordinating crossbody bag and is available in black, cognac or stone.
Jewelry Case
Leather Jewelry Travel Case: This is a functional jewelry case that allows you to take your favorite jewelry pieces with you when you travel. It has an anti-tarnish microsuede interior lining and zipper closure. The inside contains four necklace hooks with a pocket, six holes for earrings, and a ring holder. The design allows you to pack your jewelry and not worry about tangles!
Backpack
Lightweight Nylon Backpack: This is another great option for day outings. The backpack is made from 15 recycled plastic bottles, so it is water-repellent and very lightweight. It has a large pouch and also two smaller zipper compartments, so you can keep your items organized. This backpack is also a great alternative to a diaper bag when traveling with young kids.
Choosing the best travel bags
Traveling with your family can be easier when you have the right gear to use for packing. These are the products our family uses to organize our clothing, toiletries, and other essentials for our trips. They each have a combination of quality, style, and durability, and help us stay organized. When you can pack the items you need and know where they are located, it makes traveling more enjoyable and less stressful. Invest in the best travel bags, and then enjoy your vacation. Happy travels!
Thanks for pinning: The Best Travel Bags
We reached out to a few companies to partner with us for this best travel bags roundup. We were gifted some of these items. This post also contains affiliate links. We may make a small commission for purchases made through these links. Some of the brands also set us up with discount codes for your purchase!
If you liked this article, you may also like:
Hi, I'm Tidy Dad!
Tyler Moore is the creator of the “Tidy Dad” Instagram, TikTok, and website. A public school teacher in New York City, husband, and father of three young daughters, he has been featured on Good Morning America and in The Washington Post, The New York Times, New York Post, Better Homes & Gardens Secrets of Getting Organized magazine, Apartment Therapy, and many podcasts including HGTV and Minimalist Moms. During the school year, he lives with his wife, Emily, a pediatric occupational therapist, and three daughters in Queens, New York. In the summer, they spend as much time as possible in their small but tidy cottage in the Poconos.
February 6, 2023
The Best Travel Bags
Travel is one of the great joys of life. We love traveling with our girls. For a short period of time, we take a break from our normal routines, we experience life in a new destination, and we make lifelong memories. When I share our travel journeys on Instagram, one of the questions I’m asked most frequently is HOW we pack and WHAT we take with us!
Traveling, especially traveling with kids, can feel overwhelming. But I believe that by tidying up the planning process AND how you pack, you can joyfully anticipate your trip and more fully enjoy your trip!
Most airlines have also changed pricing details on reservations and now charge extra for EVERYTHING including seat selection, carry-on bags, and number of checked bags. We’ve completely tidied up how we pack for trips by choosing the best travel bags and saving money by packing light.
When we fly as a family, we pack a large duffel bag backpack and smaller day trip bags. This allows us to travel hands-free and help our kids through the airport. Here’s some of the best travel bags for families!
We reached out to a few companies to partner with us for this best travel bags roundup. We were gifted some of the items. This post also contains affiliate links. We may make a small commission for purchases made through these links. Some of the brands also set us up with discount codes for your purchase!
Duffel Bag Backpack
Duffel Bag Backpack
Tobiq Duffel Bag Backpack: This duffel bag (which also doubles as a backpack!) has replaced our carry-on rolling luggage! It meets airline personal bag sizing requirements, and can also be worn as a backpack. It is divided into 4 small compartments and also includes a padded laptop section. This is a great bag for families, and you can pack each section by person, by category or by day of the trip. So many great options! Plus you can use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order.
Detachable Waist Belt
Tobiq Detachable Waist Belt: If you’re concerned about the weight of carrying backpack luggage, this is a great add-on item! The detachable waist belt can be added to the duffel bag and helps distribute weight from the shoulders to the hips, which makes carrying the duffel backpack much easier. It is also adjustable, fitting waists ranging from 24″ to 54.” It has mesh fabric and a foam insert for added comfort. You can use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order.
Nylon Laundry Bag
Tobiq Nylon Laundry Bag: It can be really helpful to bring a laundry bag along while traveling, so that you can keep dirty clothes separate from clean clothes. This nylon laundry bag is waterproof and has a seam-taped roll-top closure. It also easily fits into one of the compartments of the duffel bag backpack. Use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order!
Colored Zipper Pulls
Tobiq Colored Zipper Pulls: These sets of zipper pulls include multiple colors that allow you to color code the compartments of the duffel bag backpack. They are easy to attach and have a secure grip. This helps create an organization system that children and adults can easily understand! Use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order.
Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes
EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes: Each person in our family has their own set of EzPacking clear packing cubes. The four-piece set includes a variety of sizes to accommodate anything we want to bring on our trip. The smallest cube is TSA approved for toiletry items. The sets come in a variety of colors which helps to distinguish one person’s items from another! The clear top makes it easy to see inside while packing and unpacking. These can be organized by person or category or day, and then stacked inside a larger bag for travel. If you order from the EzPacking website you can use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order! (also available on Amazon)
Holographic Clear Pouch
EzPacking Holographic Clear Pouch: This holographic clear pouch is the perfect size to store toiletries, accessories, or colored pencils. Our girls each have one and love the stylish design! It comes in lilac and mint. If you order from the EzPacking website you can use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order! (also available on Amazon)
Nylon Laundry Bag
EzPacking Nylon Laundry Bag: This nylon laundry bag is another great option for a travel laundry bag. It can be folded into a compact size when not in use. You can fill it with dirty clothes, and keep them separate from clean clothes within your larger bag. This also makes it easy to quickly pull out laundry when you get home, and get started with that chore while you unpack the rest of your bag. If you order from the EzPacking website you can use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order! (also available on Amazon)
Tote Bag & Laptop Case
Tote Bag
Solo Tote Bag: If you need to bring your laptop on a trip, this tote bag will keep it safe, with its padded compartment and water-resistant fabric coating. It is made from recycled bottles and can be easily wiped clean. It also has two front zippered pockets to hold a pen, cards, keys, phone, and any other small items you may need.
Laptop Case
Solo Laptop Case: This padded laptop case has a front zippered pocket and a back slip pocket for chargers, notepads or pens. Like the tote bag, it is also made from recycled water bottles and has a water-resistant coating on the fabric that provides an extra layer of protection.
Organizational Accessories
Small Travel Tray
Tom Bihn Small Travel Tray: When you’re staying away from home, it helps to have a designated location to drop small items like your keys, coins, wallet, and cell phone. This travel tray is designed for on-the-go convenience. It is perfect for keeping small items together so you can easily find them. Packing is also made easier by the cinchable drawstring opening and closing. You can pack small items inside and cinch it up and be on your way!
Large Travel Tray
Tom Bihn Large Travel Tray: This is the larger size of the small travel tray. It offers the same functionality and features as its smaller counterpart, but with more storage capacity.
Freudian Slip
Tom Bihn Freudian Slip: If you need more pockets and storage for your bag, this is the perfect solution! It has lots of organizational pockets in different sizes that can hold your iPad, phone, notebooks, snacks, chargers, pens, and more. Your gadgets and gear go in the Freudian Slip, and then it goes into your backpack or tote bag. It is available in different sizes with various numbers of pockets.
Everyday Cubelet
Tom Bihn Everyday Cubelet: This is a great mini-travel bag or everyday shoulder/crossbody bag. The main compartment has an open-top organizer pocket for storing items you need to bring with you on your trip. It also has an exterior zippered pocket for additional storage, sized to fit a wallet, phone, or notebook for easy access. This is an ideal bag for outings and day trips.
Side Effect
Tom Bihn Side Effect: This storage bag can be used as an organizer pouch, cross-body bag, or waist pack. There are organizer pockets inside the main compartment, as well as an exterior zippered pocket for additional storage. It comes with a shoulder strap, but you can also get a waist strap or a handle loop to use it in other ways.
Double Organizer Pouch
Tom Bihn Double Organizer Pouch: This double organizer pouch is a small pouch that adds two extra organizational pockets to any bag. Its small-but-tough plastic snap hook allows you to attach it to your cross-body bag, backpack, or travel cases. It can fit a passport and other small items you need with you.
Snake Charmer
Tom Bihn Snake Charmer: This mesh organizer pouch is the perfect space to store your cords and electronic accessories. It could also be used to store toiletries and other small items. It has two compartments that are separated by a zipper closure and is available in two sizes: small and large.
Deluxe Spiff Kit
Tom Bihn Deluxe Spiff Kit: This bag includes everything you’ll need for your travel toiletries. It has two mesh organizer pouches that can hold travel-size shampoos, soaps, razors, toothbrushes, and medicines. There is also an acrylic mirror in the center and a shelf that has four small travel containers that attach to it with velcro. A simple hook allows you to open the kit and hang it from a towel bar. It’s such a smart design! The kit comes in two sizes and a variety of colors.
Purse, Wallet, Jewelry Case
Purse (Crossbody Bag)
Italian Leather Crossbody Bag: This crossbody bag is a great bag for any occasion, but is especially helpful during travel. It has a stylish design, an adjustable and removable strap, and an interior pocket for valuables. This purse is a perfect size to carry essentials during a day trip while on vacation. It is available in 8 different colors, so you can choose the one that best coordinates with your look!
Wallet
Italian Leather Wallet: This wallet has a minimal design, but is durable and has a structured exterior. It has an exterior zipper that zips around three edges, an internal zip pocket and credit card pockets. It fits perfectly inside the coordinating crossbody bag and is available in black, cognac or stone.
Jewelry Case
Leather Jewelry Travel Case: This is a functional jewelry case that allows you to take your favorite jewelry pieces with you when you travel. It has an anti-tarnish microsuede interior lining and zipper closure. The inside contains four necklace hooks with a pocket, six holes for earrings, and a ring holder. The design allows you to pack your jewelry and not worry about tangles!
Backpack
Lightweight Nylon Backpack: This is another great option for day outings. The backpack is made from 15 recycled plastic bottles, so it is water-repellent and very lightweight. It has a large pouch and also two smaller zipper compartments, so you can keep your items organized. This backpack is also a great alternative to a diaper bag when traveling with young kids.
Choosing the best travel bags
Traveling with your family can be easier when you have the right gear to use for packing. These are the products our family uses to organize our clothing, toiletries, and other essentials for our trips. They each have a combination of quality, style, and durability, and help us stay organized. When you can pack the items you need and know where they are located, it makes traveling more enjoyable and less stressful. Invest in the best travel bags, and then enjoy your vacation. Happy travels!
Thanks for pinning: The Best Travel Bags
We reached out to a few companies to partner with us for this best travel bags roundup. We were gifted some of these items. This post also contains affiliate links. We may make a small commission for purchases made through these links. Some of the brands also set us up with discount codes for your purchase!
If you liked this article, you may also like:
February 6, 2023
The Best Travel Bags
Hi, I'm Tidy Dad!
Tyler Moore is the creator of the “Tidy Dad” Instagram, TikTok, and website. A public school teacher in New York City, husband, and father of three young daughters, he has been featured on Good Morning America and in The Washington Post, The New York Times, New York Post, Better Homes & Gardens Secrets of Getting Organized magazine, Apartment Therapy, and many podcasts including HGTV and Minimalist Moms. During the school year, he lives with his wife, Emily, a pediatric occupational therapist, and three daughters in Queens, New York. In the summer, they spend as much time as possible in their small but tidy cottage in the Poconos.
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