I Avoid Checked Bag Fees When I Fly Thanks to This Weekender That Fits Almost As Much As a Suitcase

Travel + Leisure

5 hours ago

As an Italian travel writer and frequent international traveler, I've come to learn that your personal item can make or break your experience. I'm team carry-on only, and with airplane carriers raising their checked luggage fees to near-astronomical levels, it's never been a better time to invest in a personal item that's not only compact but also spacious.
For years, I searched for the unicorn item that could hit that exact sweet spot, running through my fair share of backpacks, underseat luggage, and tote bags to no avail. That was until I got my hands on the Béis Mini Weekender, an item I saw constantly going viral on social media. Just like that, my quest was over. I'll admit I was totally influenced, but let me be the first to say the hype is real and totally justified. Since finding it nearly two years ago, my mini weekender has become my go-to personal item, accompanying me on journeys across the world on two-week trips to India, Ireland, home to Rome, and more. Seriously, I might need to get it a passport of its own. Don't let the word 'mini' fool you — it packs quite the punch when it comes to organizational capacity. Credit: Beis
The mini weekender is the smaller version of Béis' regular weekender, but it still boasts an impressive 33-liter capacity and plenty of organizational pockets. Inside, you'll find a lightly padded laptop pocket with a velcro-strap closure, a key ring leash, one long and deep zippered pocket, and two slip pockets large enough to fit a pair of sunglasses, deodorant, portable chargers, and more. Its spacious main compartment also has the added benefit of a wide opening that stays put thanks to a flexible yet sturdy metal frame. This is especially useful when I need to grab something when on the go or in-flight, as I can easily see everything I've packed without having to blindly rummage for it.
Outside are two zippered pockets; one of which doubles as a trolley sleeve so that I can attach it to my carry-on (my preferred way of transporting a weekender bag). However, it can also be carried by its comfortable top handles or padded, removable shoulder strap. My absolute favorite feature is its zippered bottom shoe compartment. It's wrapped in stylish vegan leather and is great for storing away bulkier items that take up unnecessary space in my carry-on. This compartment is also quite stiff and durable, so whatever you pack inside of it will be protected.
Remember when I said this weekender is sneakily spacious? I wasn't lying. Despite its compact frame, I've been able to pack nearly a carry-on suitcase's worth of items. In its main compartment, I've packed my Fujifilm XT-30 II camera, a 32-ounce HydroJug tumbler, two small toiletry bags, a travel cord organizer, and a small compression packing cube filled with lighter clothing. In the bottom compartment, I've stashed away everything from slippers, a backpack, a scarf, an umbrella, and even a travel-sized hairdryer.
Best of all? The weekender was still able to fit beneath the seat in front of me. While this might be a tighter fit depending on the airline carrier and your height (I'm 5 feet tall, for reference), the point is that it still can fit and is an efficient way to save on international checked luggage fees.
The Béis Mini Weekender is my favorite personal item when traveling internationally with only a carry-on. Its compact frame, smart organizational features, and stylish silhouette (available in eight neutral hues) puts it ahead of the competition. At less than $100, it also doesn't hurt that it's a budget-friendly investment that will last you for years to come. Whether you need a personal item to maximize your limited luggage space or are looking for one that can handle all of your souvenir shopping, the Béis Mini Weekender is bound to be your new best friend on any of your international travels.
Asia London Palomba is an updates writer at T+L. She is from Rome, Italy and travels internationally several times a year to return home or to visit new places around the world. She often tests out travel gear, from luggage to tech, on her flights.
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