Travel Essentials: Don't sacrifice style on the road with these handbags

While women’s fashion has always venerated the neat little bag, it’s no good when flying and instead you need a capacious handbag that can double as a carry-on.

William and Son's Willa tote. Courtesy William and Son
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William and Son 'Willa' tote

From the super-elegant but just below-the-radar London store in Mayfair, favoured by hunting and shooting types, comes this clean-cut capacious bag. Available in burnt orange, bitter chocolate, caramel, pale blue or yellow, it features interior pockets for the essential phone, sunglasses, pen and water bottle (empty, of course, or it'll be confiscated at security). £1,100 (Dh6,253), plus shipping (willliamandson.com; 00 44 7493 8385).

Miu Miu textured leather tote

A bag from Prada's little sister line, Miu Miu, can always be relied on to provide a flash of Italian versatility. We'd take the shoulder strap off, but otherwise we very much like this all-purpose stand-out from the new collection. Find it in Harvey Nichols, Bloomindale's, etcetera, or just get out your phone and order from dear Net a Porter, where there are Arabic-speakers at the end of the line. Only available in blue; (Dh4,599). plus £20 p&p (net-a-porter.com; 00 44 203 471 4510).

Alexander Wang 'Jane'

America's rising star has the same slouchy sure touch with bags as with everything else he designs; no wonder there is invariably a cool twenty-something silently contemplating the A Wang section of every store that stocks him, quietly doing the maths. Can they or can't they afford another one? Well, just the one, just this once. Like, yeah. £543 (Dh3,087), plus £20 p&p (net-a-porter.com; 00 44 203 471 4510).

More of the most durable and practical gear to take on your next holiday at Travel Essentials.