There’s an undeniable art to mastering the perfect weekender, especially for those spontaneous getaways or quick overnight stays. After years of trial and error (and more than a few overstuffed suitcases), I’ve finally found my faithful travel sidekick: the Brahmin Duxbury CarryAll. This bag has become my ride-or-die companion—just the right size to work as a carry-on for flights and roomy enough to double as an overnight bag when hopping between towns.
But before I rave too much about the bag itself, let me back up to the adventure that tested its limits.
Our First Budget Airline Experience
Last month, we found ourselves boarding a flight with XL Airways, a budget airline we had never tried before. Normally, Delta is our airline of choice for international travel—it’s reliable, comfortable, and we know exactly what to expect. But since someone (looking at you, T!) waited until the eleventh hour to book our tickets, Delta prices had soared into the stratosphere. That left us with two budget-friendly options: XL Airways on the way to Paris and Norwegian Airlines for the return trip.
I’ll admit, I had my reservations. Budget airlines are notorious for their fine print, especially when it comes to luggage. And sure enough, XL Airways didn’t disappoint in that department.
The Eleven-Pound Rule
Here’s where things got tricky. XL Airways has one of the most restrictive carry-on policies I’ve ever encountered. Not only does the bag have to fit specific dimensions (standard for most airlines), but it also can’t weigh more than 11 pounds. Eleven. Pounds.
I don’t know about you, but I can barely pack a decent lunch under 11 pounds, let alone everything I’d need for a transatlantic flight. To make matters worse, my trusty rolling carry-on suitcase weighs nearly 10 pounds empty. Which meant, technically, I could only bring one sweater—or maybe a single shoe if I was lucky. Not exactly ideal for a trip abroad.
Cue the panic.
Enter: The Brahmin Duxbury CarryAll
This is where my Brahmin Duxbury CarryAll swooped in and saved the day. Unlike a traditional rolling carry-on, this bag is lightweight, structured, and deceptively roomy. On the outside, it looks chic and polished—definitely more elevated than your average duffel bag. On the inside, it’s a Mary Poppins-level wonder. I managed to pack all my in-flight essentials: a cozy wrap, noise-canceling headphones, a couple of books, snacks (because airplane food is never enough), and even my camera for capturing those first Parisian moments.
And guess what? It all weighed in under 11 pounds. Miracles do happen.
Why the Duxbury Works So Well
The beauty of the Duxbury CarryAll is its versatility. It’s not just a plane bag; it transitions seamlessly into a chic overnight bag for shorter trips. While in France, we traveled to smaller towns for quick stays, and instead of hauling my big suitcase, I simply tossed my necessities into the Duxbury. It felt like the perfect “grab-and-go” solution—stylish enough for a city café, practical enough for a countryside inn.
Some features that make it a winner:
- Lightweight but durable: No more wasting precious weight allowance on the bag itself.
- Structured design: It holds its shape, so you don’t end up with a lumpy mess.
- Roomy interior: Somehow it fits more than you’d expect without ever looking overstuffed.
- Classic style: It elevates even the most casual travel outfit.
The Lesson Learned
Flying budget airlines taught me two important lessons:
- Always check luggage restrictions before booking. Trust me, those details can make or break your travel experience.
- Invest in a versatile weekender bag. The right bag doesn’t just carry your things—it makes traveling smoother, lighter, and infinitely less stressful.
Would I fly XL Airways again? Maybe, but only if the price difference was significant. The cramped seats and bare-bones service aren’t exactly dreamy. But as far as luggage goes, I now feel better prepared. I know how to pack light, and I have the Duxbury to thank for that.
Final Thoughts
Travel doesn’t always go perfectly. Plans change, mistakes happen (still side-eyeing T for that last-minute ticket fiasco), and sometimes you have to adapt. But the silver lining is that those challenges often lead to discoveries—like finding my perfect weekender.
Now, whether I’m flying budget or sticking with my usual airline, I know I’ve got a reliable, stylish, and practical travel companion in my Brahmin Duxbury CarryAll. Because at the end of the day, the art of packing light isn’t just about what you bring—it’s about how you bring it.
