Anyone who had success 'packing light', did you use a traditional carry-on (with wheels etc.) & pack a day trip bag/back pack or pack everything in the back pack? Trying to keep it simple but want to be realistic. Going for 2 weeks in August. Rome, Tuscany, & Cinque Terre. THANKS!

When I travel light I use a holdall with as few zips as possible (so baggage handlers can't steal from it).

I take a rolling carryon, it's an inch or so under the restrictions, and a large purse. The rolling bag is easier for me to get around town, I hate carrying a big heavy bag. I can put my ipod, book, etc all the purse so i don't have to get into my bigger bag on the planes or trains.

My checked suitcase is a 24" with wheels. My carry-on is most often a large oversized tote with a zipper which can ride of top of that. I do have a wheeled carry-on (~18&quot but found having 2 wheeled bags together doesn't work out too good.

I personally don't do packs -- day or otherwise. If you are a backpack type - then use a small daypack instead of a handbag.

I just use a standard 19" or 21" rollaboard and a medium/small-ish handbag. A le sportsac squishible handbag works well if you are transiting through the UK since you'd need to cram it inside the carry on to pass through security. If the UK is not an issue - then any sort of handbag will do.

I use a 22" Rick Steves wheeled suitcase. When I purchased it, it was the lightest I could find. There probably are lighter cases out there now, but this one carries enough for an indefinite period of time if I pack right. It cost about $100. It doesn't look as sturdy as my more expensive cases (which i now selfom use), but it's held up very well.