5 Editor-loved Cuyana Travel Bags for Black Friday

At Travel + Leisure, it’s no surprise that our shopping editors are just as passionate about the gear they’re traveling with as the location they’re traveling to. One brand that’s become a standout in our team Slack channel this year? Cuyana—and right now many of its celeb-loved bags are on sale ahead of Black Friday.

From larger weekender bags to compact, buttery-soft purses, we’ve rounded up the five bags our T+L editors haven’t been able to stop wearing during recent travels, as well as the best early Black Friday markdowns you won’t want to miss. These totes have accompanied us from Puerto Rico to Spain, London, Germany, and beyond, and will prove to be valuable investments into your own travel gear collection, as well. 

Cuyana Weekender Bag

“Initially, I had some suspicions upon receiving my Cuyana Weekender Bag. It’s undeniably gorgeous: Complete with shiny gold hardware and soft, supple Italian leather, this bag is first class-worthy. But I was skeptical as to how much it actually would be able to hold, considering leather can’t stretch. I had planned to bring it along with me for a weekend solo trip to Puerto Rico, and I was unsure if it could carry my clothes, swim gear, and toiletries, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much it could hold. I was easily able to fit two pairs of sandals, a pair of walking shoes, and three days worth of warm weather outfits inside. 

I ended up pushing the space to its limits, cramming in extra pairs of socks and underwear ‘just in case’, and this bag handled it like a champ, closing seamlessly thanks to the thick, heavy-duty top zipper. Despite filling it to the brim, I was easily able to fit it in the overhead bin.

I was especially thankful for the adjustable buckle shoulder strap; I was able to schlep my heavy load around the airport without tons of shoulder pain thanks to it, and while I didn’t bring a rolling suitcase on this trip, I would have been able to thanks to the thick trolley sleeve. 

I found the interior pockets and exterior zippered pocket to be helpful for organization, and the metal gold rivets at the bottom kept the leather base from getting scuffed. I will note, however, that this bag is quite heavy on its own, so if you plan on using it for trips longer than an overnight stay, I’d recommend packing your heavier items, like tech and hiking boots, into your personal item in order to prevent it from getting too heavy.” —Amelia McBride, Associate Commerce Editor, Travel + Leisure

Cuyana Tall Easy Zipper Tote

“This tote bag isn’t just pretty to look at—everything about it was thoughtfully designed to make traveling easier. Inside is a deep main compartment that can fit so many of my travel essentials such as my laptop, wallet, Kindle, two chargers, lip gloss, a notebook, water bottle, sunscreen, and  airplane snacks. I don’t have to rummage around in the bag either, since there are two small inner pockets I use for storing smaller items as well as a handy keychain holder, so my house keys are within reach. Plus, if I don’t want to carry it as a shoulder bag, there are two gold loops on each side of the bag to attach a crossbody strap.” —Rylee Johnston, Shopping Writer, People

Cuyana System Zipper Tote 13-inch

“The Cuyana System Tote (13-inch) is truly my ultimate travel companion and go-to personal item for flights. I was never a “tote girl,” but this bag completely changed me. It’s incredibly spacious and can hold everything I need with ease—my laptop, tech case filled with chargers, cords, and AirPods, plus my Mini Paloma bag with all my essentials like my wallet, passport, and phone. I can even fit a sweater, scarf, or neck pillow, with room to spare. It sits perfectly on top of my rolling suitcase when I don’t want to carry it, yet it never feels too heavy and remains comfortable on my shoulder. I love the sleek, pebbled leather, the rich green color (which is on sale for Black Friday!), and thoughtful interior pockets that keep everything organized. The fact that it’s fully customizable—with options like a system pouch insert or laptop sleeve—makes it such a versatile piece that adapts to my life, whether I’m commuting, working, or traveling the world.” —Suz Brickell, Commerce Director, Travel + Leisure

Cuyana Celestia Shoulder Bag

“Of all the purses in my collection (of which there are many), the Cuyana Celestia Shoulder Bag is far and away the softest and most luxurious—but that’s not to say it’s not also practical. Made from a gorgeous, smooth lamb leather, the supple bag is my favorite everyday staple since it matches with everything and has a surprisingly impressive amount of storage space. 

It packs down completely flat so I love bringing it with me on trips of any length, and it’s even equipped with a handy key loop as well as an interior organizational pocket so I never struggle to find what I’m looking for. I especially love that the strap can be lengthened so I’ll still be able to wear it with my bulkier jackets in the winter without it slipping off my shoulder.” —Merrell Readman, Senior Commerce Writer, Travel + Leisure

While this Celestia Shoulder Bag is not included in Cuyana’s Black Friday deals, the larger version of this best-selling bag is and makes a perfect personal bag for travel and planes. It comes in four classic colors in smooth leather and one suede hue.

Cuyana Mini Paloma Bag

“My perfect travel wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without a simple black bag, and the petite Mini Paloma Bag filled that gap in my closet without skimping on storage space. While it’s undeniably compact, the bag still has plenty of room for my phone, wallet, keys, and other small essentials, plus the strap can be lengthened so I can wear it as a secure crossbody. 

Inside, it has one easy-access side pocket that’s fitted with a convenient key loop so I don’t have to dig around for them, and the smooth zipper keeps everything stored safely away. Plus, it’s made from a durable pebbled leather that doesn’t feel too precious so I don’t worry about packing it into my suitcase and ruining it during my travels.” —Merrell Readman, Senior Commerce Writer, Travel + Leisure

“I absolutely love my Cuyana Mini Paloma bag. It’s the perfect size—compact yet roomy enough to fit all my essentials, from my wallet and passport to my phone, portable charger, and lip gloss. I have it in the Rioja colorway, which is surprisingly versatile and adds the perfect pop of color to any outfit, which I experienced first-hand when pairing it with summer linen in Mallorca and cozy wool and fall dresses for a recent wedding in Germany. The gold hardware gives it an elegant touch that really elevates the look, and the pebbled leather feels so luxurious and timeless. It’s one of those classic bags I know I’ll have forever, and it’s always the one I reach for when I travel internationally—sleek, functional, and endlessly chic.” —Suz Brickell, Commerce Director, Travel + Leisure

The Mini Paloma is not included in Cuyana’s Black Friday sale, however the regular Paloma Bag and Oversized Paloma Bag are both currently 15 percent off, bringing the price to $390 and $449, respectively.

More Cuyana Bags on Sale for Black Friday

Mini Linea Bucket Bag

Oversized Celestia Bag

Classic Easy Tote

Paloma Tote

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