A travel cooler includes a base, a handle attached to the base at a first location, a plurality of wheels mounted to the base for rolling movement of the base by the handle, and an insulated container having sidewalls supported by the base and defining an interior, insulated space for receiving and preserving perishable food items. The handle is removably attached to the base such that the handle is detachable and removable from the base. The base is configured to receive and retain the handle at a second location when the handle is detached from the base at the first location. The handle generally extends upwardly from the base when attached to the base at the first location and generally extends horizontally relative to the base when attached at the second location.