How does National Geographic’s Travel Tote Bag stand up to rigorous travel?
Searching for a carry on bag that is stylish, holds a lot yet is small enough to use a large purse, fits under the seat in front of me on the airplane, plus goes with a lot of outfits is a tall order. I’d been searching for one off and on for the better part of a year. While I am loyal to a good brand (my Tumi suitcases are still with me after 15 years), I had a small budget. When I saw the National Geographic leather travel bag, I thought the price tag of $200 was pretty steep.
I put the National Geographic Travel Tote bag on my maybe list while I still shopped around discount stores like T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s for a deal. I saw plenty of nice bags but there was always something that didn’t quite work for me. Like it was big enough but didn’t have a zipper closure. Or it could fit my laptop and several other items in it, but the design wouldn’t work with my travel clothes. I ever ordered one from China that I found on a site called Rosegal.com. Never. Again. It looked nothing like the picture advertised and went straight into the Goodwill pile. What a waste of money!
Photo of the Leather Travel / Tote Bag from the National Geographic website
I kept thinking the National Geographic Travel Tote bag was the one, but just wasn’t ready to fork over the $200. Perusing Ebay one day, I saw the National Geographic bag listed for $50. Not wasting any time I clicked the Buy it Now button and eagerly anticipated my travel bag’s arrival.
Upon arrival, I inspected it thoroughly and it appeared to be the real deal at a fraction of the price. I had an upcoming trip for which I used it as my carry on and it worked like a charm. I love that I can fit my regular purse inside the bag and lots of other goodies and still easily fit this travel bag under the seat in front of me for easy access during the flight. This National Geographic travel bag worked excellently while I toured all around Los Angeles.
My NG bag with me while I toured all around Los Angeles
I also love the front pockets in this bag. They are deep so you can put something way down there and it stays put even if the bag falls over. I put my phone in one of the front pockets when I was going through airport security. Even though the travel bag flipped over the phone stayed intact. But the pockets are not so large that items get lost in there. I can easily retrieve hand lotion, sanitizer or a small pack of tissues just by slipping my hand in the pocket. No need to spend twenty minutes looking for a misplaced item. Ladies, I am sure you can relate to what I’m talking about.
There are five interior pockets and two exterior pockets. Zip closure. Dimensions are 12″W x 13 1/2″H x 4″D; 11″ handles. The verdict? The National Geographic travel tote bag is exceptional as a travel bag. It works well for a small carry on. And you can easily separate and find important items. Plus, it works as a large handbag while traveling to carry numerous items with you while you sight see.
