Attending a wedding as a guest always requires preparation. If you’ve been invited to a destination wedding, you can just imagine how much time and effort that’d require to get ready. Aside from shopping for your outfit and other essentials, you also need to take care of packing your stuff.

Travel Bags 101: What Are Your Options?

Going out of town for a destination wedding is trickier and more overwhelming than traveling for a vacation. If you’re going to a beach, a ranch, or an isolated island, you need to pack the clothes you’ll need to stay warm and comfortable, as well as hygiene items, medications, and gadgets.

Another crucial thing you need to worry about is where to put all your stuff. You’ll need a big and sturdy travel bag to carry all your belongings. Of course, your hand carry is also another consideration.

If your goal is to pack lightly, here are some recommendations for the best travel bags when attending a destination wedding:

• Crossbody Bags

Traveling requires being constantly on the go. The moment you walk out of your house, you’ll be moving a lot, and the last thing you want is to burden your hands and shoulders.

If you want all of your items to hand during an airport trip, then choosing a crossbody bag is perfect. Look for one made from high-quality leather as it’s far more likely to last and looks more stylish and professional. What’s more, all you need to do is wear it across your body, and you’re good to go.

Weekender from Von Baer

Crossbody bags come in an array of materials, styles, colors, sizes, and patterns. You can adjust the straps depending on how comfy you want to be when wearing them. You can also choose one with plenty of pockets so you can have dedicated compartments for your wallet, phone, keys, passport, and IDs.

If you want your crossbody bag to last longer, opt for one made of high-quality leather. Even when you’re not traveling, the bag also works for other purposes—be it for work, a night out with friends, or an everyday bag to complement your fashion sense.

• Tote Bags

If you don’t fancy carrying a crossbody bag, no worries. You can always turn to the ever-dependable tote bag to take all your essentials on a quick trip. With its large size, parallel handles, and wide opening, a tote bag is definitely the right balance of utility and fashion.

A medium or large tote can be your best friend when traveling for a destination wedding, assuming you have a larger suitcase for the rest of your essentials. Another advantage of carrying a tote bag is it doubles as a fashion accessory you can use on the day of the wedding. You can pack your makeup, wallet, a pair of sunglasses, and even a change of footwear and clothes if needed.

• Backpacks

Another classic choice you can consider when looking for the best travel bags for a destination wedding is a backpack. A backpack can serve the purpose if it’s just a weekend trip and you don’t plan on bringing a lot of stuff. This type of bag is durable, affordable, and sleek-looking, depending on your chosen design.

Backpacks are an excellent option if you’re looking for something small yet spacious enough to carry with you on a plane. There’s no longer any need to wait in line as you get your bag checked—you can conveniently bring your backpack anywhere. You can even choose a backpack with retractable wheels and handles if you want to relieve your back and shoulders of the weight while on the road.

• Duffel Bags

If you’ll be spending a minimum of two nights out of town, bringing a duffel bag for the trip makes more sense as a guest. These bags are typically made of durable and lightweight materials and are pretty simple to carry even when packed full, thanks to the various straps and carrying options.

Most duffel bags also come with padded shoulder straps for comfort and various inner and outer pockets to help you manage your belongings. You can also take advantage of side pockets for swimsuits, in case the event takes place in a tropical destination.

When packing your duffel bag, make sure you decide how much weight you’ll be comfortable carrying since it involves carrying the handles as you travel. It’s okay to maximize space, but keep comfort and convenience in mind.

• Weekender Bags

Weekender bags are perfect for quick trips such as destination weddings. The bag is large enough to accommodate shoes, clothes, toiletries, and other necessities without ending up overly bulky. Packing and unpacking are easy because of their wide entrance, making it easier to see what’s inside without rummaging through your stuff.

Aside from the practicality factor, weekender bags are a chic substitute for standard luggage. You can choose from various materials available such as polyester, canvas, faux leather, and nylon. If you want something that’ll last you for many years, choose Italian full-grain leather that offers better quality and durability.

Most weekender bags are foldable and flexible, making it quite simple for you to flatten them after unpacking. After each trip, you can store it under your bed, in the closet, or somewhere out of sight.

• Hard-Shell Suitcases

Not all travelers are comfortable using soft materials and fabrics when packing their stuff. If this sounds like you, you’re better off using a hard-shell suitcase for that wedding destination you’re attending soon. Remember that the best travel bags are those that bring the most convenience and comfort, so don’t hesitate to choose a bag that can serve such a purpose.

Your belongings, especially your electronics and other breakable items you want to carry, will be protected by hard-shell luggage crafted from sturdy polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is remarkably lightweight, scratch-resistant, and impact-resistant. For added convenience, it incorporates wheels and retractable handles.

If you’re a light traveler, go for a suitcase that weighs no heavier than 2 kg. That is if you typically don’t do a lot of traveling. However, if you’re often on a trip for business or leisure, you can always choose a heavier and bigger suitcase to meet your preferences.

Conclusion

Packing for a destination wedding can be tricky, but with the best travel bags, you can make the process easier and more comfortable. The key is knowing which bag best suits your needs and preferences as a traveler. Investing in a durable and functional bag can go a long way in ensuring your belongings will be kept safe no matter how long the journey will be.