I traveled over 8,000 miles on Amtrak last year. These are the 10 items I never board the train without.
Whether I'm traveling for a quick work trip or for a week away, I never leave the house without a bag that holds all my essentials.
In my opinion, the best travel bags have lots of pockets, a built-in spot for a laptop, and a suitcase sleeve. For these reasons, the Baggu small cloud carry-on bag is my go-to for train trips.
In my opinion, high-quality luggage is worth the investment.
By the end of the year, the zipper on my cheap suitcase was busted and the wheels were rickety — a testament to just how many trips I'd taken. So, I decided to invest in luggage I could count on and use for years to come.
I opted for the chic Away carry-on bag, which is both spacious and compact. Best of all, it has a limited lifetime warranty.
I always keep a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones with me.
As a freelance writer, a long train ride simply means I have time to get work done.
When I invested in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones, my remote working experience improved dramatically. I could put my headphones on, turn on my favorite playlist, and lock in regardless of what was happening around me.
I opt for a pair with a built-in compact case, making it easy to throw in a bag on my way out the door.
Pro tip: If you're looking for total peace and quiet, ask the conductor to point you toward the train's quiet car. Here, the lights are dimmed, and phone calls or conversations are not permitted.
I come prepared to charge my devices on the go.
Comfortable shoes are a necessity.
I never leave the house without a stocked toiletry kit.
Sometimes, I need to freshen up in a train station bathroom. So, I always carry a mini toiletry kit full of essentials.
My bag includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, a compact hairbrush, moisturizer that doubles as sunscreen, a cream blush that can be applied as a lipstick, concealer, and any products that bring a natural glow back to my skin.
A supplement case helps me stay on top of my daily routine.
I like to carry stationery with me.
I like having a place to quickly write down thoughts, so I always make sure to have a handful of pens and my favorite notebooks with me.
I also bring a planner, highlighters, and miscellaneous stationery supplies I might need when away from my desk.
I keep my bag packed with snacks.
Sometimes, I'm running late and don't have time to grab a bite at the station before boarding the train. That's why I always keep a few snacks in my bag.
I prioritize high-protein snacks, fruits, and vegetables that won't go bad during the journey.
I always carry cash, just in case.
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Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business Insider
I'm a travel writer and these are the best travel purses I've taken abroad, from stylish crossbodies to spacious East-West bags
I'll admit it: I'm the reason the security line is moving so slowly. When I finally approach the TSA agent, even if I've rehearsed the interaction for last 30 minutes, I end up rummaging furiously through my travel tote, where my plane reads, passport, and random lip balms have all mixed. So finally, I switched over to a travel purse. I found it to be much more useful than wearing a travel backpack because I could us it throughout my whole trip, rather than just at the airport. The best travel purses I tested have better storage options for a passport, phone, keys, and wallet, offering convenient access in a cute, wearable little package. For more on the best personal items to travel with, see our guide to the best weekender bags and best carry-on luggage. How I tested travel purses To find the stylish travel purses for staying organized, I tested 10 bags and wore each for at least 5 hours. I wore them in crowded urban areas, on road trips, and through hiking trails. I took note of how long it took me to grab things when I needed them, particularly at cash registers and while going through customs. Best travel purse overall: Lo & Sons Aoyama The genius zippered vertical side pocket keeps everything organized. I wore this medium-sized crossbody bag for errand-filled city excursions, beach days, and a weekend cabin getaway. No other purse I tested felt so well-suited to such a range of environments. The interior pockets are helpfully mesh-lined so I could see where everything was the moment I opened the bag. It's hard for me to choose a favorite pocket — there are so many smart ones, including the built-in card holder. "My favorite part is its vertical zippered side pocket, where I can pull out my phone without taking the bag off my shoulder," writes senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase. It's lightweight, buttery soft, and comfy to carry all day. In addition to looking high-end, the leather feels silky-smooth and gentle on my skin. Even when I had the bag stuffed to maximum capacity, the wide adjustable strap lands really comfortably and evenly, never digging into my shoulder or back. It only weighs 10.8 ounces, which is impressive given the amount of storage options. It can convert into three different bags. The adjustable, removable strap clicks into the body of the bag, allowing you to wear the Aoyama as a shoulder bag or even a clutch. Having one beautiful, adaptable bag that keeps me organized from the airport to a fancy dinner saves space in my suitcase. This kind of versatility makes the $248 price tag a bit more justifiable. Best budget: Baggu Medium Cargo Crossbody It's low-maintenance and machine-washable. Made of a durable-feeling recycled nylon, the fabric isn't what you might call "luxury"—rather, it's sporty and lightweight, which is far more important to me when I'm lugging suitcases and spilling coffee. Best of all for a messy, outdoorsy traveler like myself is that this Baggu is machine-washable. The storage is simple and roomy. The Cargo Crossbody doesn't have as many specialized compartments as the other options I tested. Instead, there's just two exterior pockets and one interior zippered pocket. But the fact that the roomy interior is open gives me the option for all the other stuff I inevitably acquire while traveling. It can comfortably fit a wallet, sandwich, can of Diet Coke, a Nintendo switch, phone and a book, as I learned from my picnic in the park. It comes in a variety of cute colors. Mine is a French blue, which adds a fun pop of color to any outfit (just because a bag is utilitarian and practical doesn't mean it has to be plain). Best phone holder: Bandolier Lily Duet I no longer have to root around in my bag for my phone. Before Bandolier, I'd yet to find an accessory that offers easy, fumble-free, repeated access to my phone, which I use constantly while traveling — checking reservations, looking at Google Maps, or filming my pasta like I'm an influencer. Bandolier's sturdy leather phone case, which has a handy envelope for cards, upgraded my entire life. I can wearing my phone elegantly as a purse, with the crossbody strap clasped directly to the leather phone case. This made it so easy to grab and then "put away," i.e. drop so it simply drapes across my body. The case clasps easily into Bandolier's expanded pouch, which can fit tickets, a thin wallet, a passport, keys, and a lip balm. The materials and design feel expensive. Also, it is expensive. Both made of 100% leather, the Expanded Pouch is $98, and the Lily Duet (which is crossbody and wristlet phone case duo) costs $148. The sturdy pouch is a nice addition for a bit of extra storage, but you don't necessarily need to buy both: the phone case and detachable strap are enough. The phone case itself is amazing. The back pocket card holder has a snap closure that keeps my credit card and ID secure and hidden. It's much safer than the exposed card holders I had before. I've made this my permanent phone case, whether traveling or not. Best anti-theft travel purse: Arden Cove Bum Bag There are so many security features. The locking clasp straps are secure — they even take me a moment to undo when I'm just alone in my house, so I can't imagine how a thief could pull it off. I wore this bag through Times Square to get to a gynecologist appointment, and not for a second did I fear for the precious contents inside it (which included my anti-anxiety meds). Arden Cove makes it with "slash-resistant lining" and a hidden back zip pocket where I put my passport. It can be worn in four ways. This Bum Bag's adjustable straps let me wear this as a belt bag, fanny pack, chest bag, or crossbody, which is ideal for crowded, highly traffic areas when I want my belongings as close to me as possible. The body of the bag itself is more structured, with less flexibility, than other options, but it allows you to keep everything close to the chest. The storage is elite. I'm obsessed with its storage options, which includes two card holders that are perfect for subway cards, business cards, credit cards, IDs, and small tickets. Best lightweight: Away Featherlight Crossbody It's really comfortable. Away's simple design offers just the right amount of structure and slouch. It's made from a water-repellant polyester till feels cushiony and almost quilted. Even when I filled the bag with snacks, a big book, a Fuji camera, and my notebook, the padding around the strap prevented the bag from digging into my shoulders. It has an impressive capacity. The Featherlight Crossbody weighs just over half a pound, yet has a storage capacity of 10 liters. I wore the bag on a bike trail along the Hudson River, to a Phillies game, and to Brighton Beach, where water and sand slid right off. It's also machine washable. There are super useful hidden exterior pockets. I used the tiny one on the strap, which is perfect for AirPods or keys, and the other that's ideally sized for a passport and phone. These helped me avoid rummaging around in my bag in front of hotel receptionists and baristas. Best for organization: Dagne Dover Micah Neoprene Crossbody There are so many ways to store things. I especially loved the convenience of the exterior magnetic-closure phone pocket. It has special compartments like card slots and pen loops, with loads of interior and exterior pockets for easy access to everyday items. I found myself constantly using the little loops for pens — a Godsend as mine are always scribbling on the bottom of my bags. It looks cool. The Micah crossbody has a really distinctive, athletic look, with fun, chunky zippers. I felt really cool wearing it to yoga class and to the dog park. The 100% vegan material is made from 7 recycled plastic bottles, and it feels durable and sturdy. It's lightweight and comfortable. It's can easily fit all the items I want while traveling — like documents, tablets, pens, books, and large headphones — but not something as large as a water bottle (for that, we suggest Dagne Dover's Sloan Sling instead). Most stylish: Parisa Wang Gabrielle Shoulder Bag It makes a trendy handbag into a practical purse. East-West bags — the long, skinny silhouette popularized by Alaia's $2,950 Le Teckel — can be horribly impractical. The slim body might be the trendiest shape right now, but I can't imagine squeezing travel essentials like sunscreen or snacks into a purse built like a pencil case. But the Gabrielle Shoulder Bag from Parisa Wang makes this purse trend practical. Not only is it supremely roomy, but it also has lots of functional features like quick-access pockets and handles that feel comfortable enough on your shoulder for all-day wear. The elongated shape makes the purse incredibly spacious. I fit a hard-shell sunglass case, a 3.4-ounce bottle of sunscreen, a granola bar, a wallet, a pack of Band-Aids, two lipsticks, a claw clip, and all my little essentials like keys and AirPods in the purse with lots of room to spare. It also has two exterior pockets on either side of the bag, which are perfect for storing quick-access items like tickets or travel documents. It works from day trips to dinner reservations. Lots of practical purses tend to lean too heavily into function at the cost of form. But this bag, with its smooth leather and minimalist look, would be chic enough for a stop at a Parisian wine bar after your walking tour. We all know the look of a tourist with their many-pocketed fanny pack, but this purse won't make you look like you came straight from a survivalist retreat. — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews What to look for in a travel purse Security features: Look for RFID-blocking compartments to protect your credit cards, and zippered closures. Crossbody bags offer a more secure fit that's harder to swipe off your person. Weight and adaptability: The more lightweight a travel purse is — and the more ways you can adjust its wide strap to distribute the weight — the more comfortable you'll be throughout your trip. Durability: Look for machine washable, water-resistant materials (like nylon) especially if you'll be doing outdoorsy stuff. Other travel purses we tested Quince Italian Leather Convertible Crescent Shoulder Bag ($119) This is a well-made Italian leather purse that looks a lot like the very trendy Clare V. Moyen Messenger. It's comfortable to wear, but the internal organization is somewhat minimal. Cuyana Mini Paloma Bag ($398) It's elegant, compact, and has good organizational features, but was just a bit too small for my everyday carry. This one's better suited to minimalist travelers. Caraa Nimbus ($190) Design-wise, this bag has a very distinctive, cool look. It's kind of fluffy and cloud-like, so it could be used as a travel pillow if you're desperate. The storage is really roomy and flexible and can accommodate quite a lot, but it only has three interior pockets.
CNN
6 days ago
- CNN
Is Quince's $170 carry-on just as good as Away's $345 version? I took it on multiple trips to find out
When you're at the airport, it's inevitable you'll see a flurry of Away carry-ons on the verge of running you over around you. I own one of the earlier iterations of the coveted carry-on (a limited-edition gold color from West Elm circa 2017ish), but it's too small for trips longer than a couple days. When I started shopping for a bigger carry-on for longer weekend trips, Quince immediately came to mind. I'd heard multiple other editors say Quince's luggage was comparable to Away's — and for a fraction of the cost. I even had a previous coworker rave about his Quince suitcase for his two-week-long European getaways, so I decided to try Quince's Expandable Carry-On to see if it would fit all my function and style needs for $175 less than the Away equivalent. Quince Expandable Carry-On Suitcase Quince's expandable carry-on suitcase is super light but durable and has some of the most zippered compartments I've seen. It has 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock and a telescopic handle that glides easily, plus it expands an additional inch. It's available in six colors and makes me feel like a seasoned traveler. It looks and functions very similar to Away Though Away is no doubt an editor-favorite suitcase, it comes at a steeper cost that might not be in everyone's budget (even though Away is still cheaper than some other brands). At CNN Underscored, it's our mission to find the best products for all budgets, which led me on a quest to find something that's a little more wallet-friendly. Judging just by looks, Quince and Away's expandable hard-shell carry-ons have a very similar design. They both feature horizontal lines, though Away's goes all the way across the bag. They both have black wheels, zippers and handles as well. The main difference is that the Away bag expands 2.25 inches, while the Quince only expands an extra inch. Despite this, Quince ends up being slightly larger and has more capacity because of its larger external dimensions, even though it expands 1.5 inches less. The Quince suitcase also weighs less than the Away at 6.8 pounds. When it comes to materials, both are made of a durable polycarbonate shell that's lightweight yet sturdy. I've taken my Quince carry-on on two round-trip flights, multiple airlines, a Hampton Jitney bus ride and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and I can confirm it looks almost good as new. I've even dragged it on a rocky residential street and it held up perfectly, even though my disgruntled face while schlepping it over rocks and dirt said otherwise. It fits in the overhead compartment on multiple airlines Though Quince's site said this suitcase complies with the carry-on luggage requirements of most airlines, I was skeptical this larger carry-on would make the cut. To be safe, I first tried using it on Delta. Because I have a Delta Skymiles American Express card, I get a free checked bag, so worst-case scenario I could check it without a fee if it didn't fit. Luckily, it successfully fit in the overhead cabins on two domestic Delta flights. I also flew with it on a Southwest flight (I get free checked bags thanks to my Southwest Rapid Rewards Visa card), so I knew I had an alternative option if it didn't fit. I also ended up flying with it on one United flight because my original Delta flight was canceled at the last minute and it successfully fit in the overhead bin too. If you're an overpacker like me but hate the anxiety and time-suck of checking a bag, this is the perfect carry-on size. It's spacious and has plenty of zippered compartments In my experience with any size luggage, Quince's Expandable Carry-On has the most zippered compartments I've ever seen. I love that one side has one larger zippered compartment and the other side has two, so small toiletries or similarly sized items are easier to find. Most suitcases I've seen have only one big zippered pocket (or two max) if it's a checked bag. Like Away, it also features an internal compression system to maximize space. I recently used it for a long weekend in Denver where I needed outdoor gear for hiking in some drastic temperature changes and also some nicer outfits for going out and grabbing drinks. It fit everything perfectly without feeling like I stuffed the bag to the brim. It even had plenty of room to spare. For a long weekend on Long Island and Miami, I was able to fit more than I needed too. For one of the trips, I fit three dresses, a padel outfit, a linen beach cover-up set, a hat, two pairs of heeled sandals, beach sandals, two workout sets, a couple cans of SPF, a bulky sweater, a Dagne Dover tote bag and toiletry case, a flat iron and other miscellaneous travel items, and I didn't even have to sit on the bag to close it. To be clear, I didn't need to pack this much for two nights, but I wanted to have options. If I were going somewhere more relaxed, I could easily fit a week's worth of outfits if I packed efficiently and didn't need three cute workout set options. You can buy a matching luggage set If you're on the hunt for a matching luggage set, Quince also offers an expandable check-in suitcase. Best of all, when you're not traveling, you can nestle the carry-on inside the checked bag for compact storage. If the larger expandable carry-on is too large for your needs, there's also a smaller version. In the name of product research, I did some math for you and discovered that the larger Quince check-in bag is less than Away's expandable carry-on size. In fact, you could buy the large expandable carry-on and large checked bag from Quince for just $45 more than the Away carry-on alone, so you get a lot more value for your money. It may not fit on all modes of transportation While I had luck with this suitcase fitting into the overhead bin on all three airlines I flew with it on, I can't guarantee it'll fit on all airlines since it is on the larger side, so I would double-check your specific airline's carry-on restrictions before traveling with it. It may not be the best suitcase option if you happen to take the LIRR, Amtrak or another type of train either. While it fit on one LIRR train's overhead shelf, it did not fit on the overhead shelf on my (extremely packed) connecting train. I panicked because there was nowhere to put the bag. After sitting it in the aisle next to me, the conductor made me and some other people put our bags by the train doors, which left me a little uneasy since it wasn't directly in my line of sight. Fortunately, everything was OK, but it was a slight inconvenience. Lesson learned: A duffel bag is a safer bet for trains. One disclaimer? Originally, I got this suitcase to use for a two-week European trip last year, but then I quickly realized it wouldn't fit on most (if any) European airlines' overhead bins, so I ditched that plan. With that said, I personally would not use this as a carry-on for international travels unless you plan on checking it and don't want to schlep a full-size checked bag around with you. 20.9 x 14.6 in. 21 x 14.5 in. 22.8 x 15.6 x 10.5 in. 22.7 x 15.4 x 9.6 in. 22.8 x 15.6 x 11.5 in. NA 48 liters 47.9 liters 57 liters 53.5 liters 6.8 lbs. 8.6 lbs. 1 in. 2.25 in. 6 7 No Yes Limited lifetime warranty Limited lifetime warranty Yes Yes I've only used this Quince carry-on for about a year, so I'll report back to see how it holds up as it gets more mileage. So far, though, I'm impressed and can say it offers the same vibe and functionality of Away's viral suitcases for less cash, and let's face it: A lot of travelers opt for Away because it's sleek and a form of social capital that makes you feel fancy while hopping on a flight. While I haven't tried Away's expandable carry-on, the smaller version I've owned for years is pretty much the same otherwise. This budget-friendly Quince bag made me feel just as chic but for a fraction of the cost. Most importantly, it ended my search for a larger carry-on that fit everything I needed for a long weekend — and then some. Though I've schlepped this bag with me on a variety of transportation methods, I will note I haven't checked it on a flight yet, so I can't say how well it holds up after getting tossed around a bit more aggressively. Does Quince's Expandable Carry-On have a warranty? Does Quince's Expandable Carry-On have a warranty? Yes, but it has a limited lifetime warranty. In short, Quince will not cover any damages as a result of normal wear and tear or if the item is not used as intended, which is pretty standard. According to the website, the warranty will cover the following: Breaks or cracks in the shell Wheels, handles or telescoping handles that have broken off or are not usable Zippers that can no longer be opened or closed How do you clean the Quince Expandable Carry-On? How do you clean the Quince Expandable Carry-On? According to Quince's website, wipe your suitcase with a soft, damp cloth, warm water and mild soap. Then, you can remove any remaining scuff marks with the provided anti-scuff sponge (I've also used a Magic Eraser). The brand also recommends storing it in the included dust bag to prevent it from getting dusty. CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test the products we review and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus took Quince's Expandable Carry-On with her on multiple flights, a bus and the train to see how it performs and compares to Away's popular carry-on.
Business Insider
08-08-2025
- Business Insider
I traveled over 8,000 miles on Amtrak last year. These are the 10 items I never board the train without.
I swear by my versatile travel bag. Whether I'm traveling for a quick work trip or for a week away, I never leave the house without a bag that holds all my essentials. In my opinion, the best travel bags have lots of pockets, a built-in spot for a laptop, and a suitcase sleeve. For these reasons, the Baggu small cloud carry-on bag is my go-to for train trips. In my opinion, high-quality luggage is worth the investment. By the end of the year, the zipper on my cheap suitcase was busted and the wheels were rickety — a testament to just how many trips I'd taken. So, I decided to invest in luggage I could count on and use for years to come. I opted for the chic Away carry-on bag, which is both spacious and compact. Best of all, it has a limited lifetime warranty. I always keep a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones with me. As a freelance writer, a long train ride simply means I have time to get work done. When I invested in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones, my remote working experience improved dramatically. I could put my headphones on, turn on my favorite playlist, and lock in regardless of what was happening around me. I opt for a pair with a built-in compact case, making it easy to throw in a bag on my way out the door. Pro tip: If you're looking for total peace and quiet, ask the conductor to point you toward the train's quiet car. Here, the lights are dimmed, and phone calls or conversations are not permitted. I come prepared to charge my devices on the go. Comfortable shoes are a necessity. I never leave the house without a stocked toiletry kit. Sometimes, I need to freshen up in a train station bathroom. So, I always carry a mini toiletry kit full of essentials. My bag includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, a compact hairbrush, moisturizer that doubles as sunscreen, a cream blush that can be applied as a lipstick, concealer, and any products that bring a natural glow back to my skin. A supplement case helps me stay on top of my daily routine. I like to carry stationery with me. I like having a place to quickly write down thoughts, so I always make sure to have a handful of pens and my favorite notebooks with me. I also bring a planner, highlighters, and miscellaneous stationery supplies I might need when away from my desk. I keep my bag packed with snacks. Sometimes, I'm running late and don't have time to grab a bite at the station before boarding the train. That's why I always keep a few snacks in my bag. I prioritize high-protein snacks, fruits, and vegetables that won't go bad during the journey. I always carry cash, just in case.
