Women’s Leather Travel Bags

Benefits

Travel can be an unwelcome burden, or an exciting adventure ready for the taking. The difference is in the attitude of the traveler.

Add some luxury, convenience, and elegant style to the trip, and you’ll light the fire of excitement and exploration, regardless of the reason for the travel, work or play.

But elegance and style are just some benefits of owning a premium leather travel bag. There are more.

Versatility in Everyday Life

Whether you need a bag for a daily commute to work or weekend getaways, a leather travel bag does the job exceptionally well. These bags are even great for longer trips, or to keep work items organized and portable for those whose jobs keep them on the road much of the time.

Fashion Meets Functionality

You don’t need to choose between something that is well-designed for the job and something that looks good. A premium leather travel bag can be a stunning accessory even as it hauls your necessary items here and there, keeping what you need ready.

Situational Appropriateness

The bag looks professional too, so it is at home in a business meeting as it is moving through an airport or special event. It is designed for efficient use and the safety of your items but also to show off elegant style and quality.

Compatibility

Your laptop, tablet, phone, and other gadgets and items will find a secure and accessible place in your travel bag’s dedicated pockets, made for purpose. Even from a fashion standpoint, your bag will complement designer outfits, suit more formal business environments, and elevate a casual style.

Quality and Durability

The price point may be higher than some bags on the market, but that can be misleading. Consider the value of the style and quality. A premium leather bag will last for years, resisting wear and tear, looking great, and functioning perfectly throughout that time. That kind of durability outlasts multiple cheaper bags.

How to Choose

There are a lot of different features and styles to choose from, so to keep your shopping experience from getting overwhelming, consider the following factors and how important each one may be to you and your needs.

Material Quality

Not all leathers are the same. Each has advantages and limitations.

Full-Grain Leather

This is the most durable option. It is thickest and ages well, gaining a patina and deeper look to the grain over time.

Top-Grain Leather

Slightly thinner and lower in cost, top-grain leather has a smoother finish that takes bright colors better, but it is not as durable as full-grain and is more easily marred or damaged.

Vegan Leather

This looks and feels like cheaper leather, and uses no animal products. It is less durable, but much cheaper than full-grain or top-grain options.

Stain-Resistant Exterior

Look for bags with stain-resistant exteriors. This can also be achieved with after-purchase conditioning with a water-repellent or similar treatment.

Design & Aesthetic

Are you looking for a classic design, suitable for formal business situations? Perhaps you prefer a sleek, modern look along minimalist lines. You might even opt for a custom design to get exactly what you have in mind.

Storage Capacity

Choose a small size for day trips or for use as a companion bag to something larger. Medium-size bags suit weekend getaways or business trips of a similar duration. If you like to bring a lot with you or expect to take longer trips requiring more changes of clothing and other items, then a large bag is the way to go.

Expandable Design

For the best of two worlds, choose a small or medium bag that can expand a larger size. This allows you to carry more when you need to, while avoiding the floppy, ungainly feel of a larger bag with not enough in it.

Functionality

Some features make the difference between how well your bag functions – but it depends on how you plan to use it. Consider these.

Multiple Pockets

The right number, size, and placement of added pockets keep items close to hand when you need them, but safe and secure when you don’t.

Laptop Compartment

Safe storage for a laptop or tablet is a must. It should be a padded pocket or sleeve with enough room to slip in and out without a struggle.

Built-in Tech Charging

An easy port to plug in your tech while moving is a must. Keep electronic tickets and itineraries accessible. Keep in touch when you need to, or entertain when you have some free time, by keeping your electronics powered up.

Convertible Straps

Some bags have the ability to switch from a shoulder bag to a backpack to a handbag. Even if you don’t need that much convertibility, make sure you have a good, padded shoulder strap or a bag equipped with wheels – this will allow some carrying options, increasing comfort when on the move.

Durability Features

Look for signs of robust construction – a must for a good travel bag.

Reinforced Stitching, Edges, and Corners

This ensures that the trouble points of your bag will last a long time, and that it can hold more weight when necessary.

Metal Zippers

These hold up much better than plastic ones, and often slide more smoothly under pressure.

Weather Resistance

You may not always be able to avoid rain or other elements, so make sure your bag is water-resistant. Some bags come this way, but there are treatments to add water resistance to bags that don’t have that feature at the time of purchase.

Brand Reputation

Budget-friendly

Budget-friendly brands are less expensive but usually do not last as long, so you will need to replace or repair them more frequently.

Luxury brands

Luxury brands cost more, but may last many times longer, working out to a better value in the end. They also have a vested interest in protecting their reputation – and that means backing up their product through warranties and excellent customer service.

Mid-range

Mid-range brands land somewhere between budget-friendly and luxury, lasting longer than cheap bags, but not normally as durable or well-designed as the top-end choices.

Price Range

The old adage is true: You get what you pay for. Paying more initially can mean a better-looking, more functional bag that lasts for decades. Paying less may seem better in the short term, but as the bag loses its initial good looks, falls apart, and needs to be replaced, you may wish you’d have invested a bit more. It’s not all about price, to be sure, but quality does come at a higher cost.

Types

Not all travel bags are the same. In fact, the available styles could be divided into several types. To find the best bag for you, first narrow it down to the type you want.

Each bag is crafted with the highest quality standards and genuine design aesthetics in mind to ensure a spacious and durable final product that makes being on the go easy and hassle-free. Comfortably pack everything you need and set off without worrying about what to take and what to leave out. There is more than meets the eye, and nicely-organized internal compartments give you the freedom to pack more than just the bare essentials. Handmade in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen in family-owned studios, these premium Italian full-grain leather bags lined with sturdy cotton canvas will easily accompany you for years to come.

Popular types include: Travel Purse Bags | Briefcase Purses | Crossbody Bags

Weekender Bags

Weekenders are spacious for their size, which is just big enough to suit a couple of nights away. There is space for clothing, essentials, and maybe a book or souvenir. Some include a built-in shoe compartment to keep dirty soles from marking clean clothing.

Our larger leather weekender bags are ideal for when you need to carry a lot of items with you on a weekend getaway. These are designed in a duffel bag style, and can also be used as a gym bag. They have a dedicated laptop compartment, and an adjustable shoulder strap. Choose a leather duffle bag as they're far more durable and fashionable than other materials. You will have plenty of room for clothes, shoes, a toiletry bag, and other essentials.

Ladies Overnight Bags

Our range of travel bags are ideal as overnight bags, with enough room for all of your personal items and change of clothes. Great for a short trip, or even a weekend away.

Tote Bags

Tote bags tend to feature a single, main compartment, and a large opening at the top, which may or may not include a fastener snap or zipper. Yes, they are simple, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a bold statement. Tote bags are a great choice, a favorite accessory to designer outfits and regular office wear.

Our Travel Tote Bags range is ideal when you want a bag that's both convenient for the office, and can also be a useful carry-on bag. A tote bag has a surprisingly large amount of space, making it a great option while traveling.

Duffel Bags

A more rugged bag, with similar functional features as a tote, the duffel includes a zipper closure and parallel handles for safe and easy transport of items inside.

They sometimes include an additional pocket inside or out and often include a shoulder strap for a comfortable carrying option. Some even feature wheels and a telescopic handle.

Messenger Bags

The crossbody strap and flexible, body-hugging design make these bags a favorite with public transport commuters, tourists, and messengers too! They often feature a flap closure and a single interior compartment.

Backpacks

A backpack is a very practical and popular style for travel that features a lot of walking or cycling, or even if you want a comfortable way to carry your things that leaves your hands free for shopping, taking pictures, or holding onto safety rails on trains and busses. Some travel backpacks even include a detachable day pack.

A travel backpack is a fantastic alternative to a handbag for use as your personal item while traveling on a plane. Carry-on luggage can be uncomfortable, so having a backpack takes the stress of your arms, and keeps your hands free for showing your passport and wallet.

Satchels

Satchels most often have a flat bottom, a short handle, and a longer strap for shoulder carrying. They provide more structure than totes or duffels, and are at home in business-casual situations. They are small compared to messenger bags or duffels, but will fit your laptop or tablet, a few essentials, and paper documents or photos.

Alternatives

Let’s take a look at the alternatives to leather travel bags, and the advantages and disadvantages of the leather option.

Business Travel

Nylon briefcases or backpacks are often lighter than leather bags of a similar size, and they sometimes are more resistant to weather, but they can appear cheaper, or less professional. If you need to make a positive impression – professionally or otherwise – a leather bag gives you an advantage.

Weekend Getaway

Canvas duffels are lighter and less expensive, but they don’t last as long and don’t normally look very chic or luxurious. Hard-shell luggage provides more protection to items inside but tends to be heavy and awkward to pack around the internal structures of the handles.

Leather getaway bags are as portable and light as you need them to be, and will last for years, or even decades, with proper care.

Luxury Travel

Designer fabric bags look great when new, but quickly lose their shine and appeal when hit with the realities of travel. Luxury hard-shell cases are durable but heavy and often much more expensive.

Scratches show on them and make them look old and beaten up. Leather, however, looks luxurious and chic, and can even gain in beauty and character from a scuff here and there – especially a naturally-finished full-grain leather bag.

Post Purchase Considerations

As you choose and use your new leather travel bag, you may have questions, concerns, or considerations – It is important that you have that information.

It will make the whole experience, from shopping to using the items during travel, a lot more exciting and successful.

Sizing and Space

To make sure your bag will hold everything you want, lay out the items you want to carry and compare that to the size of the bag. Another great method is to know the size of your previous travel bag and choose something about that. Was it a bit too small? Choose a leather bag that is a bit larger.

Too large? Choose a smaller one. Just right? Well, Goldilocks, you’re good to go with something of similar size.

Material Care

Not sure what goes into caring for a premium leather travel bag? It’s quite simple. Condition you bag when you first get it, and two to three times a year after that. You may also want to consider a water-proofing treatment if you are going to be in rainy areas a lot.

Each bag comes with specific directions for care and cleaning, should the need arise.

Style Versatility

If you want a bag that can suit the widest range of situations, choose a style toward the formal end of the desired spectrum. Formal situations seldom suit casual or trendy items, but a chic or elegant bag elevates a casual look without seeming out of place.

FAQs

What types of leather are used in these travel bags?

All of our travel bags are made from full grain leather, that's vegetable tanned, and certified as Italian leather.

How do I care for my leather travel bag?

Guidance for care and cleaning is included in each purchase, and can also be found in the item description.

Are these bags TSA-approved?

Most of our travel bags are suitable for use as carry-on luggage on most airlines, and meet TSA guidelines. It is always best to check individual airlines for details regarding the size and weight of bags.

Can I customize my bag?

Yes, all Von Baer bags can be personalized with a laser engraving.