way, we go on the web to see the forecast for the city we’ll be staying in and pack accordingly. You can get really small compact umbrellas and nylon jackets for bad weather. Wear the heavier clothes and shoes to the airport so they take up less space in the bags. I use the smallest outer pouch for airline tickets, itineraries, maps, and boarding passes. That way, I can get to it quickly.

A final few words about buying a bag. You don’t have to spend a fortu

I went to Europe when I was 22. I was on a train from Paris to Venice and my luggage didn’t make it. I had checked it into the cargo section and it got lost in transit. After 4 hours, I found it and vowed never to have that happen again. This is just one of many lessons learned in 37 years of travel. My wife and I go on a trip at least six times a year. Most of these involve flights. For those who want our number one secret, here it is.

We NEVER check our bags. We use the carry-ons with rollers and expandable pockets. We bought the toughest material-covered bags available, with the most pouches. Look for ones with inline skate-type, replaceable wheels and adjustable telescopic handles. Choose a bright color in case you DO have to check the bag, which some airlines like British Airways insist upon. Then you can easily spot the bag and get a TSA approved combination lock so you never have to worry about a lost key. Make sure you have your name in two places on the outside of the bag.

So, how can we bring a carry-on for an 8-day trip, you ask? Be ruthless in packing. We went to Europe with one bag each. Pack for comfort, not fashion. So what if you wear the same pants or shirt more than once? Bring only the shoes that you will need because they take up the most space. Roll clothes for more room. Bring essential toiletries. Consider buying some you need at your destination, if they’re cheap enough. Over-packing is the most common reason for needing more space or an extra bag.

We take a small, all-purpose canvas bag on the plane for books, MP3’s, trail-mix bars for snacks and the clear-pouches. That’s the TSA’s one-quart-allowed-per-person bag for 3 ounces or less of liquids like mouthwash or perfume. We pack that in the small canvas bag so we can get it out, get through the x-ray machine and back on our way toward the gate. Anyway, we go on the web to see the forecast for the city we’ll be staying in and pack accordingly. You can get really small compact umbrellas and nylon jackets for bad weather. Wear the heavier clothes and shoes to the airport so they take up less space in the bags. I use the smallest outer pouch for airline tickets, itineraries, maps, and boarding passes. That way, I can get to it quickly.

A final few words about buying a bag. You don’t have to spend a fortun

gs. We use the carry-ons with rollers and expandable pockets. We bought the toughest material-covered bags available, with the most pouches. Look for ones with inline skate-type, replaceable wheels and adjustable telescopic handles. Choose a bright color in case you DO have to check the bag, which some airlines like British Airways insist upon. Then you can easily spot the bag and get a TSA approved combination lock so you never have to worry about a lost key. Make sure you have your name in two places on the outside of the bag.

So, how can we bring a carry-on for an 8-day trip, you ask? Be ruthless in packing. We went to Europe with one bag each. Pack for comfort, not fashion. So what if you wear the same pants or shirt more than once? Bring only the shoes that you will need because they take up the most space. Roll clothes for more room. Bring essential toiletries. Consider buying some you need at your destination, if they’re cheap enough. Over-packing is the most common reason for needing more space or an extra bag.

We take a small, all-purpose canvas bag on the plane for books, MP3’s, trail-mix bars for snacks and the clear-pouches. That’s the TSA’s one-quart-allowed-per-person bag for 3 ounces or less of liquids like mouthwash or perfume. We pack that in the small canvas bag so we can get it out, get through the x-ray machine and back on our way toward the gate. Anyway, we go on the web to see the forecast for the city we’ll be staying in and pack accordingly. You can get really small compact umbrellas and nylon jackets for bad weather. Wear the heavier clothes and shoes to the airport so they take up less space in the bags. I use the smallest outer pouch for airline tickets, itineraries, maps, and boarding passes. That way, I can get to it quickly.

A final few words about buying a bag. You don’t have to spend a fortu

e sure you have your name in two places on the outside of the bag.

So, how can we bring a carry-on for an 8-day trip, you ask? Be ruthless in packing. We went to Europe with one bag each. Pack for comfort, not fashion. So what if you wear the same pants or shirt more than once? Bring only the shoes that you will need because they take up the most space. Roll clothes for more room. Bring essential toiletries. Consider buying some you need at your destination, if they’re cheap enough. Over-packing is the most common reason for needing more space or an extra bag.

We take a small, all-purpose canvas bag on the plane for books, MP3’s, trail-mix bars for snacks and the clear-pouches. That’s the TSA’s one-quart-allowed-per-person bag for 3 ounces or less of liquids like mouthwash or perfume. We pack that in the small canvas bag so we can get it out, get through the x-ray machine and back on our way toward the gate. Anyway, we go on the web to see the forecast for the city we’ll be staying in and pack accordingly. You can get really small compact umbrellas and nylon jackets for bad weather. Wear the heavier clothes and shoes to the airport so they take up less space in the bags. I use the smallest outer pouch for airline tickets, itineraries, maps, and boarding passes. That way, I can get to it quickly.

A final few words about buying a bag. You don’t have to spend a fortu

if they’re cheap enough. Over-packing is the most common reason for needing more space or an extra bag.

We take a small, all-purpose canvas bag on the plane for books, MP3’s, trail-mix bars for snacks and the clear-pouches. That’s the TSA’s one-quart-allowed-per-person bag for 3 ounces or less of liquids like mouthwash or perfume. We pack that in the small canvas bag so we can get it out, get through the x-ray machine and back on our way toward the gate. Anyway, we go on the web to see the forecast for the city we’ll be staying in and pack accordingly. You can get really small compact umbrellas and nylon jackets for bad weather. Wear the heavier clothes and shoes to the airport so they take up less space in the bags. I use the smallest outer pouch for airline tickets, itineraries, maps, and boarding passes. That way, I can get to it quickly.

A final few words about buying a bag. You don’t have to spend a fortu

way, we go on the web to see the forecast for the city we’ll be staying in and pack accordingly. You can get really small compact umbrellas and nylon jackets for bad weather. Wear the heavier clothes and shoes to the airport so they take up less space in the bags. I use the smallest outer pouch for airline tickets, itineraries, maps, and boarding passes. That way, I can get to it quickly.

A final few words about buying a bag. You don’t have to spend a fortune. Research on the Internet. But buy them from your local store so you can see what you’re getting. The new heavy-duty, washable fabrics are easy to care for. Check the construction and try the zippers. Take it for a test-run down the aisles. Does it roll easily? Is it fairly light-weight? Remember you have to hoist it into the airplane’s overhead containers. Does it have several straps or handles? Look for an exterior strap you can attach that extra bag to. The telescopic handle should close easily and be easy to get to, and not covered by a special flap that hides it. Some models come with built-in locks.

Now, how do you know if your carry-on bag is legal? Many luggage stores sell suitcases described as 'carry-on', but these suitcases are sometimes larger than the size most airlines will accept. The safe maximum size is 45", in the form of a 22" x 14" x 9" bag. Some airlines allow up to as much as 55", but most do not. Look at the description on the price tag to be sure. Then spend what you have to get that “perfect” bag without breaking the bank. And have a happy vacation!