Best bag (handbag rather than backpack) for travelling?

[gonetolookforamerica]

I need one bag that is going to work for plane flights, sightseeing, a road trip and some social events too.

I like navy or dark brown, rather than black, and I'm pretty short so it can't be too large. The closest I've found is this Mia Tui one: miatui.com/collections/travel-bags/products/mini-jen-travel-bag-1?variant=6999412899904 but I'm worried it is just too boring and will look cheap.

Any other suggestions?

Longchamp Le Pliage shopper every time! I know it feels like every sod has one now but they're just great for travelling.

They are lovely, and I have been looking at them for ages - but they are right at the top of my budget...

Hopeful bump...

OP try local market stalls or independent bag shops, they often have copies of the Le Pliage for much cheaper.

OP I really like the look of the Mia Tui one - hadn't seen them before but I can't stop looking at the cornflower one.

Personally I'm not a fan of the Longchamp, but just personal preference!

The cornflower blue is very pretty too, newmonth

Any more suggestions?

I have a Mia Tui which I bought as my hand luggage for a long haul trip and it’s brilliant. I was able to find everything I needed instantly (passport, things that needed to be visible for security etc) and I’ve used it since for weekends away in this country. Yes it doesn’t look as glam as some of my handbags but for practical it gets 10/10.

Mikklesen day birger. I don't like the le pilage ones either.

le pliage

TK Max have Day Birger bags in at the moment.

I've got a Kipling Women's Earthbeat M crossbody bag. It's spacious, light and I love the fact that it's got like a secret pocket where passports and other valuables can be kept.

www.kipling.com/uk-en/handbags/type/all-bags/earthbeat-m-09c452-k14302h5300-999.html

Other colours are in the sale, eg :
www.kipling.com/uk-en/handbags/type/all-bags/earthbeat-m-sparkling-k1430216v00-999.html

I have the Mia tui Jennie in cornflower blue - it's fabulous! I take this on holiday, along with a small crossbody bag if I just need to take money/keys/phone etc.

Kipling or Longchamp for me. I've got both, in varying sizes (including the Earthbeat Mrs2Cats) and they never let me down. I'm championing the Kipling Art Tote at the moment. Used it as my hand luggage only bag on a recent trip and it was great. It's also got a pocket on the back which has got zips top and bottom - you can undo those and then slip the pocket over the handle of your suitcase (if you know what I mean) for handsfree carrying.

I've tried Mia Tui but I'm afraid I've been disappointed. I don't like the plastic-y smell, and the inside organisational pockets seem to encroach on the inside of the bag so that I can't get anything else in it. I've had a couple, but have donated both to the charity shop as I just couldn't get on with them. It's only my opinion though, as I know they are very popular with a lot of people.

Get a Kipling! They are like a tardis. And can go in the washing machine when you get home.

Check out TK Maxx for Kipling as well. I got my Earthbeat in there, and the Kipling site has also got a sale on at the moment.

I prefer Knomo for comfortable and stylish bags - though a bit pricier than Longchamp they are far more versatile, stylish and comfortable. Get so pissed off with tiny straps that dig into shoulders.

Mrs 2cats- mines a Kipling too. I cannot remember the name but it is a crossover with blue pineapples. I throw everything in there!

I like the look of le pliage bags and the colours are gorgeous. Has anyone tried a la pliage backpack?

Dancergirl one of my colleagues had the Longchamp Le Pliage backpack on our Mallorca trip. She loves it, and is amazed how much she can get in.

Thank you minesa I've got my eye on the purple one.

Sorry to hijack OP!