Summer Travel Guide 2026: Best Bags, Packing Tips & Plastic Bag Laws

May 14, 2026

Your Ultimate Summer Travel Guide: The Bags You’ll Actually Use

Summer travel is calling, and whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape, a beach day, a road trip, or a full itinerary getaway, packing the right way makes all the difference.

The secret? Lightweight, functional bags, a little planning ahead, and one reusable tote that saves the day again and again.

Travel Light, Travel Smart

Overpacking is out. Strategic packing is in.

For short trips, a chic overnight bag or weekender is all you need. Look for styles that are easy to carry, roomy enough for the essentials, and flexible enough for planes, cars, hotels, and last-minute plans.

Start with travel-ready favorites like the Coach Signature Nylon Colorblock Packable Weekender, the Furla Leather and Woven Medium Weekender Tote, or the Burberry Vintage Haymarket Weekend Tote Bag.

For a true luxury travel statement, the Louis Vuitton French Company Vintage Weekender Bag is a standout—timeless, spacious, and designed for elevated travel.

Editor’s Picks: Travel-Ready Bags You’ll Love

The Perfect Overnight Bag

Why it stands out: Lightweight, stylish, and designed for quick trips without unnecessary bulk.

Perfect for: Weekend getaways, road trips, carry-on travel, and spontaneous summer plans.

Best for: Staying organized without overpacking.

Why it’s worth it: A good overnight bag is one of those pieces you will reach for again and again.

Authenticity & confidence: YOLO Luxury Consignment curates authentic, pre-loved designer bags so you can travel beautifully and shop sustainably.

Shop the Coach Packable Weekender

The Must-Have Travel Bag

Why it stands out: Spacious, iconic, and timeless—luxury that travels with you.

Perfect for: Flights, long weekends, road trips, and elevated travel looks.

Best for: Carrying everything you need while making a statement.

Why it’s worth it: A Louis Vuitton weekender is not just a bag—it’s a forever piece.

Authenticity & confidence: Every YOLO piece is authenticated and curated for quality and long-term value.

Shop the Louis Vuitton Vintage Weekender

Bring Your Bestie Bags

Don’t sleep on your Bestie Bag. This is the travel MVP you will be glad you packed.

The Bestie Bag is lightweight, easy to fold down, and simple to tuck inside your suitcase, tote, weekender, or car. Use it for shopping, snacks, beach essentials, souvenirs, groceries, laundry, or anything you pick up along the way.

Even better? Bestie Bags are made with sustainability in mind, including materials made from recycled plastic bottles. That means you get a double bonus: you are using a bag that helps reduce waste, and you are choosing a reusable option instead of reaching for another disposable plastic bag.

Explore more Bestie Bag favorites:

Don’t Forget: These States Ban Plastic Bags

Here is something most travelers do not think about until they are standing at checkout with no bag.

As of 2026, several U.S. states have banned single-use plastic grocery bags or have statewide restrictions that make reusable bags a smart travel essential. According to Tasting Table, the states include:

California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Hawaii
Maine
New Jersey
New York
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington

California’s rules tightened in 2026, limiting what stores can offer at checkout. Oregon has also passed additional legislation that will remove thicker plastic alternatives beginning January 1, 2027.

Translation: don’t assume a store will give you a bag. You may need to pay for paper, buy a reusable option, or carry everything by hand.

That is exactly where your Bestie Bag comes in clutch.

Pack Like a Pro Without Overthinking It

Here is the simple summer packing formula:

One main bag: Use a weekender, overnight bag, or travel bag for clothing and essentials.
One reusable backup bag: Pack a foldable Bestie Bag for shopping, beach days, souvenirs, or extras.
One daily essential: Add a crossbody, tote, or small handbag for exploring once you arrive.

That’s it. Clean, easy, and stress-free.

Travel Better, Not Heavier

The goal this summer is effortless travel.

With the right overnight bag, a luxury weekender, and a reusable Bestie Bag tucked inside, you are ready for airport sprints, road trips, beach stops, grocery runs, and surprise shopping moments in plastic-bag-free states.

Because the best trips are not about packing more. They are about moving easier.