My Mom and I Are 33 Years Apart, but We Agree: This Is the *Only* Tote You Need for Summer Travels

As someone that used to prioritize looks over function when it came to travel, trust me when I say the wrong carry-on will make your life that much harder. My mom is the most organized and efficient person I know, so my life was forever changed when she put me onto her favorite carry-on she’ll never hop on a plane without: the MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Quilted Tote. 

IMO, it’s the perfect travel bag that combines function (it’s so lightweight!) and good looks with pockets galore. (Even Eva Longoria is a fan!). I think we own close to 10 different colors and sizes between the two of us, which we, of course, share. I’ve had a few since college, which are going on eight-plus years of wear, and they still look close to brand new. Shop the MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Quilted Tote for $275 on Nordstrom, and other styles like it from $17.   

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Quilted Tote

$275 at Nordstrom

Whenever I travel, I see so many Metro totes out in the wild because it’s truly the perfect travel bag. I love it because it has so many inside and outside pockets to safely stow your phone, passport, wallet, chargers, and any other essentials. It comes with a shoulder strap, so you can wear it like a crossbody, and it even has a back luggage sleeve that slides on top of a suitcase. MZ Wallace is always coming out with new colors; my mom and I love the metallic or patent iterations like this Copper shade because you can wipe them clean. If you like a more compact tote, the brand has a smaller size, and if you’re an overpacker, here’s the large size, which is next on my list. 

MZ Wallace Large Metro Quilted Nylon Travel Tote

$335 at Nordstrom

Here’s the aforementioned large size that’s on my list. It’s a roomy tote, but it’s super lightweight thanks to the nylon fabric. The signature quilted exterior includes four more pockets, so everything is within reach. Plus, there’s a spot for a laptop or tablet on the backside. I’m particularly fond of this bright red shade for a fun pop of color. 

MZ Wallace Black Large Scrunch Shoulder

$275 at Mzwallace.com

This hobo style tote is a step away from my go-to Metro Tote, but I love it just as much. The scrunchy shoulder strap is adjustable, along with the bottom side tabs, so you can use it as an everyday bag or a travel tote. The interior has two pockets, plus one on the outside, so it’s easy to keep your wallet and essentials organized. I added a bag charm to the little metal loop in the front, and it’s such a fun contrast with the lightweight black nylon. It’s easily my favorite bag at the moment. 

Bagsmart Tote

$29

$22 at Amazon

This Bagsmart tote is $22 and a great look for less, IMHO. It’s lightweight thanks to the soft puffer exterior and has tons of pockets, including one for your water bottle. It’s great for travel, plus work and the gym, according to Amazon shoppers. 

MZ Wallace Medium Metro City Tote

$275 at Shopbop.com

The Metro City Tote is slightly wider in length and shorter in height than the OG Metro Tote. But luckily, it still includes the same interior pockets, crossbody strap, and lightweight nylon construction. This gray, slightly metallic shade is so elevated—so much so I’d totally bring it to the office. 

Shop more MZ Wallace and lightweight travel totes, below. 

MZ Wallace Oyster Metallic Medium Sutton Deluxe

$275 at Mzwallace.com

Lovevook Puffer Tote

$40

$36 at Amazon

Bagsmart Foldable Tote

$27

$17 at Amazon