If you do carry on only do you carry a backpack or day bag AND your carry on bag or is that too much to deal with when getting on and off planes, trains and automobiles?

A backpack and a 21-22" rollabroad can be easily handled.

A duffle bag or camera bag, plus the rollabroad, is also okay. But backpack better.

be sure you can lift your own suitcase over your head for the train racks.

you should be fine with a carry on and a day bag.

Some people use a rollaboard or duffel and a day pack, some a rollaboard plus a handbag or camera case. Some manage w/ just a carry on.

I carry-on luggage and a tote, however first I would check with whatever airline you're flying with and see what there limitations/restrictions/rules are for carry-on, size, weight etc... I usually fly with Virgin Atlantic to London and the weight limit for a carry-on is 6 kilos, or roughly 13 pounds. I have to say though, I have not had a problem staying within the 6 kilo rule. Here's what I do to fit into the 6 kilo rule:

Both my husband and I do carry-on *only* on the flight to London. Since you are allowed 2 carry-on items from the US, in my large bag (soft-sided 45in) I pack 2 pair pants, coat (we go in the winter), 3 shirts, under garments, light jacket, toiletries to fit the 3-1-1 rule, and assorted trip papers. Underneath all the clothes is packed a very light weight (1 1/2 lbs.), yet sturdy 1300 denier duffel bag.

In my second carry-on item (aka: purse) is actually a tote bag that my actual purse fits in, along with all my electronic devices: camera, phone, chargers, flat-iron, brush, and other assorted heavy items...since they don't weigh your second smaller item - diaper bag, purse, laptop etc... I can bring everything I need on the plane with me and fit the 6 kilo rule! Of course my tote bag with it's content does not weigh anywhere near 6 kilos...

For the return flight to the US, the rule from the UK right now is 1 carry-on item *only*. So to fit the rule & weight limit, I use the duffel bag I packed to put in the things I won't mind losing or that are replaceable, coats, clothing, toiletries, etc.. and then check that bag in. I then pack all of my recent purchases, and purse in the carry-on, works every time!

The key to making this work is to start with light weight luggage. My luggage alone weighs 3 lbs 10 oz, My tote is 8 oz. Here's link to the items I use:

Luggage: http://www.ebags.com/ebags/weekender...?modelid=15026

Tote: http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/zip_...?modelid=18646

I also have two other bags that are not sold anymore one from Eagle Creek which I think is approx 1 1/2 to 2 lbs, and the other, I can't think of the brand, is maybe only 1 1/2 lbs. They are all made of very sturdy material.

Anyway, good luck going carry-on only! Oh, and have a great trip!

A rolling suitcase plus an oversize tote style pocketbook.

I always have my Eagle Creek daybag with me, in addition to my carryon rollaboard, and I manage fine. But my daybag has an across-the-body strap, so it never falls off and leaves my hands free to deal with the carry-on.

The important thing is that you can personally carry every piece of your luggage up and down at least one flight of stairs. And you can lift your carryon over your head to stow it. I have seen many, many miserable people (mainly women, but not always) who could not manage their own luggage in a train station or a vaporetto in Venice, and I don't want to be one of them.

Yes, I love carrying a back pack (or day pack if you prefer) as it leaves hands and arms free. Any time you have to use both hands to handle your luggage, you are in trouble (unless you happen to have three hands).

Thanks everyone for your quick and informative posts.

Hi C,

Bear in mind that returning from the UK you can take only one (1) item of luggage through security.

Your daybag will have to go into your carryon or be checked.

I'll ditto cheryllj and NeoPatrick on the importance of hands free, should you go the two bag route, so have a long strap or back pack straps on the second bag.

Myself, I did the multi-bag route on my last two trips and even with being able to put one cross-chest style I hated having to keep track of more than one bag. It turned out -- for me -- to be a bigger pain than I could take. When I purchase a new coat for my next trip I want POCKETS.

Cheers