We’ve all been there: when you’re packing for a holiday, you want to be prepared for every situation, but space is limited. To make sure you’re traveling both practically and stylishly—whether at the airport, on the beach, or out sightseeing—we’ve put together the ultimate guide for your vacation packing. Hopefully, this will save you from that last-minute decision stress!
1. The Journey: Weekenders & Sporty Backups
Before the beach calls, you have to survive the journey. A spacious weekender is perfect as stylish carry-on luggage or for a weekend road trip. If you need something robust, look to brands like reisenthel or travelite. These sporty companions offer enough space for snacks, tech, and a change of clothes. For those seeking style icons, check out the classic designs from Bugatti or the high-quality waxed leather look from The Chesterfield Brand.
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More brand tips: Greenburry, Fjällräven
2. Beach Bags: Raffia, Fringes, and Tote Bags
What would a summer vacation be without the rustle of a super comfortable raffia bag? Designs with fringe details and summery textures are the absolute non-plus-ultra for a getaway in the sun.
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Spacious Tote Bags: Everything needs to fit in here—XL towel, drinks, snacks, and the family-sized bottle of sunscreen. Brands like Liebeskind Berlin focus on natural looks and high-quality craftsmanship that can easily handle sand and sun. Even designer bags from Valentino and Karl Lagerfeld offer plenty of storage for a full day by the pool.
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Summer Colors: If you want to make a statement at the beach club, go for the bright colors and eye-catching prints from GUESS or JOOP!. A colorful bag is the perfect accessory for a simple white beach dress!
3. City Trips & Sightseeing: Crossbody & Sling Bags
When you're exploring an old town, you want your hands free for your smartphone, camera, or an ice cream. It’s time for crossbody and shoulder bags.
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Casual & Modern: Kapten & Son and AEVOR offer minimalist designs that match any outfit.
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Timeless: A small shoulder bag from Burkely is the ideal companion, taking you from a museum visit straight to dinner.
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Sporty-Urban: For an active trip, sling bags or belt bags from aunts & uncles (check the Japan series!) or 360Grad are genius. They sit close to the body, are super light, and protect your belongings in crowded areas.
4. The Essential: Phone Bags
Security meets style: Your smartphone is one of your most important tools while traveling (GPS, camera, tickets...). A dedicated phone bag, for example from zwei, protects your screen from scratches caused by sand or keys. This keeps your phone safe but always ready for that quick snapshot.
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More brand tips: 360Grad, aunts & uncles, Bugatti
5. Sunset Dinner: Small & Elegant
For the evening, things can be a bit more compact. A chic small crossbody bag from Liebeskind Berlin or a glamorous GUESS bag in fresh pastel with a chain strap rounds off your look perfectly. It offers just enough space for the essentials and looks fantastic during a sundowner.
Checklist: Your Bag Selection for Vacation
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One Weekender (Journey & excursions) – Tip: travelite
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One Large Beach Tote (Raffia or canvas) – Tip: JOOP! or aunts & uncles
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One Crossbody Bag (Everyday & city) – Tip: Kapten & Son or Burkely
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One Phone Bag (Protection & quick access) – Tip: zwei
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One Stylish Eyecatcher (Evening events) – Tip: GUESS
And if space constraints mean you can only bring one or two bags: don’t just pack anything—focus on versatility. With a mix of functional, sporty brands and fashionable highlights, you'll be ready for any journey.
