I always have to schlep notebooks and books with me, so I can't manage with just one bag myself. I check the 22 in and carry-on a backpack. My routine used to be to put toiletries but no clothes in the backpack (plus said books/notebooks which I cannot, just cannot lose, film, camera, etc) but boy, did I learn my lesson last year. I made my connecting flight to Rome when first flight was late...but checked bag did not. Didn't get it for two and half days. Next trip I'll put a change of clothes in the carryon in case it happens again!
Re putting things in overhead--and this is true on trains too--I'm 5'1" and hardly ever have to heave it up there myself. A smile and a "can you please help me" in the local language--if you even have to ask at all, often help is offered without asking--goes a long way.

Hi, Mimipam--I was kinda afraid this question would come up. I got a really, really cheapo set consisting of the 22 in., a good-size duffle bag, and a small backpack/tote at a store closing sale at Kmart when they filed for bankruptcy and closed most of their stores here several years ago. I'm sure it won't last years and years but it IS lightweight I think with the store closing sale I probably paid no more than $20 for the set. Since I rarely traveled at the time, it was a great deal. For what it's worth, I checked their website and they still carry that brand, although not the same set that I have. I don't know if it is Kmart-specific or available elsewhere.

One more thing to think about -- really cheapo bags are just as good as sturdy expensive ones -- IF you are carrying on. They don't get any sort of heavy use and aren't thrown around.

But if you are going to check, it is better to have heavier luggage - not necessarily expensive, bur sturdy w/ heavy frames, etc. They take a LOT of abuse . . . .

oops - hit post too soon. Meant to add, if the odds seem long that your bags won't be misdirected/lost -- read Marilyn's thread running right now. She is in SW England on the first leg of a great trip -- and her suitcase went its own way. It was delivered the 2nd day . . .

I was considering a lightweight duffel shown in eBags.

http://www.ebags.com/london_fog/ster...?modelid=61647

I just wish it had an over-the-shoulder strap. I think it could be helpful when you are traveling by train and need two hands to climb onto the train.

Here's the ultimate resource:

www.onebag.com

This guy has done a really good job!

for robinpb~~ happy to be of service passing on the strict British Air carry-on weight requirement. it's really not so bad if you have a non-stop flight and know ahead of time that you will be checking (so you can pack accordingly and not have to shuffle around at the airport counter!).