Friends — if there's one travel question I get asked more than any other, it's this: "How do you never check a bag?" So today I'm articulating exactly how I do it, hack and all.
The secret weapon is my Béis weekender bag. The bottom compartment unzips completely, and depending on the season, I can fit up to 5-6 pairs of shoes down there (see pic below for proof). Shoes are always the bulkiest, most annoying part of packing, so getting them out of my suitcase entirely changes everything. I also use that bottom section to stash books and snacks, so my top compartment stays clean for clothes.
That weekender pairs with my Away carry-on, which you can personalize (mine's monogrammed, and I'm obsessed). Together, they're my whole system — no checked bag, no baggage claim, no stress. You could easily swap in the matching Béis carry-on too if you prefer that aesthetic.
For everyday essentials — phone, wallet, lip gloss, boarding pass — I always wear my Gucci fanny pack. It keeps my hands free through security and looks cute doing it. Then right before boarding, I tuck it into my weekender bag so I'm not juggling three things at the gate.
That's it — that's the whole hack. One bag with a genius shoe compartment, a carry-on that fits everything else, and a fanny pack for the essentials.
Shop my exact travel set:
- Béis Weekender Bag: shop here
- Away Carry-On (monagramable): shop here
- Gucci Belt Bag: shop here
FAQ
Do you ever check a bag for longer trips? Rarely — this system has gotten me through week-long trips comfortably. The shoe compartment is really what makes it possible.
What's in the bottom compartment besides shoes? Depending on the trip, I'll tuck in books, snacks, or anything bulky I don't want taking up space in my main packing area.
Can this work with the Béis carry-on instead of Away? Yes — the weekender pairs just as easily with the matching Béis carry-on if you want a monochrome look.
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