Plum Island, MA

Let me introduce you to my new travel MVPs: the Monos Hybrid Carry-On Plus and the Metro Backpack. If you’ve ever dreamed of luggage that makes you look like you have your life together—even when you’re sprinting to your gate with a toddler in one hand and a boarding pass in your teeth—these are it.

First up: the carry-on. Mine’s in a limited-edition shade called Elemental Blue, which sounds like a sci-fi superhero and looks even cooler. It’s this muted, steely blue that somehow manages to say “chic minimalist” and “don’t mess with me” at the same time. The Hybrid line combines a hard polycarbonate shell with aluminum detailing, so it’s sleek, sturdy, and basically unbreakable—which is more than I can say for my last suitcase (RIP, zipper).

It’s zipperless (yes, zipperless!), with two clicky TSA locks, and it glides smoother than a toddler freshly released from a stroller. Also: it fits in most overhead bins—unless you're flying on one of those tiny planes that make you question every decision you’ve ever made.

And then there’s the Metro Backpack. It’s made of vegan leather that somehow feels fancy and low-maintenance, and the design is streamlined enough that I don’t feel like a college freshman wearing it. It has a built-in sleeve that slips perfectly over the carry-on handle (hello, one-handed airport navigation), and the inside has alllll the smart little compartments my mom heart could want. Also? The magnetic snap-on pouch gives me just enough extra space to wedge in another toy (or five).

Together, they make me feel like I’m about to casually board a flight to Milan—even if I’m really just headed to Phoenix for a work trip.

10/10 would recommend.