I think it was the dog's explosive diarrhea that really got me, tuscanlifeedit. Did you do a trip report that I missed? I gotta find it.

I vote (like that counts!) that husband does not have choice in checking. When they lose his luggage...yes, I am SO optimistic...you'll still be stuck with his problem, and then he'll be stuck looking at the "I warned you" expression on your face.

But I do understand why you're posing the question. I do the very same thing at around this juncture in the travel prep. I'm always second-guessing each item I put in the suitcase ("Do I REALLY need this or do I just THINK I need this?).

As my frustration level rises, my thought process evolves to..."Why don't I just check the darn luggage and super size this?...other people do it everyday" but can usually talk myself out of it by remembering WHY I've been packing light.

And usually,that reason is P-H-I-L-A-D-E-L-P-H-I-A.

Here's hoping the dog's digestive track is OK, your hip holds, the weather's great, and Venice is magic!

Hello tuscan, I have nothing to offer, except that you take carryon and your husband checks his bag.

But dear one I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you two a beautiful time in Venice. May you feel well, may there no no traumas before you leave, may the weather be pleasant, the flight comfortable and on time and your days in beautiful Venice joyous!

I pack my carry-on as a 2-day survival kit. Then check my 24" roller. I absolutely hate dragging luggage thru airports and on and off planes with me.