Two carry-on bags or one big bag?

Most of the people on this helpline are vehemently opposed to checking a bag. But, I routinely check a bag when I got to Europe. Like your husband, I am interested in photography and that takes space. We like our DSLR's and our lenses, and our tripods. It's part of our vacation. So, that said, you should be smart about what you check. Make it things that you can replace or do without for a day or two. Don't make it a bag with all your stuff or all of his. Split the things up a bit. I have bought the luggage replacement option with my travel insurance. I've not had to use it, but it gives peace of mind. Pam

Flying from the states, I thought you were allowed 1 carry-on and one personal item. Maybe the backpack with the photo gear could be considered your personal item if it can fit on the floor under your seat. We too are doing a trip in a couple weeks and we each have one carry one but we each have a small backpack that will be my "purse" and his personal item with the camera. Just a thought.

Marylee, whether you are allowed a carryon and a personal item or only a carryon is dependent on what airline you are flying. You might want to check with your airline to make sure you know what their rules are so you don't get any surprises.

Eileen, if you aren't able to take your husband's backpack as a personal item, I'd still go with packing separate bags. I would suggest, though, that you put part of each person's clothes in each bag instead of packing a "hers" bag and a "his". If the checked bag goes temporarily missing you'll both still have clothes until it reappears. If you pack in one large bag and it goes missing, no one has clothes. I always check a bag when traveling out of the country and have been fortunate to have never had a luggage problem, but I'd pack in a way that would minimize the inconvenience if I did have a problem.

I seem to bring more camera gear each trip, and deal with the same issue. I generally use a backpack or large purse for my camera stuff, plus my regular carryon for everything else. You are each allowed 1 carryon and 1 personal item -- purse, briefcase, laptop bag, camera bag, small backpack, etc. If you're afraid you won't get away with the backpack as a personal item because it is too large, break it down into 2 smaller packs, and each carry one. Keep in mind that a tripod (even a small tabletop model) may not be allowed in a carryon.

Eileen - I am assuming you have sufficiently checked the requirements for carryon/checked baggage - so - addressing the issue of one checked bag or two:

We have packed one large suitcase for the two of us several times on our trips to Europe. It was very convinient to only have one bag that my husband was more than able to handle physically. I am the one who carries the purse/tote bag that has the daily items in it like map, camera, water, etc. I would, however, be sure to throw a 2nd tee-shirt & pair of underwear along with my toothbrush & hairbrush into the backpack. The men don't seem to care as much but the times that my luggage has been delayed I have missed those above named items the most.

This does depend on the airline.What Lisa said is right. I got an email from Delta recently about my November trip to Italy. Delta said one carry on that will fit above, and one personal item that will fit under the seat. I pack very light. My carry on is only a rolling tot bag, and my personal item is my Rick Steves day bag. (backpack) So, please do check with the airline like other posters suggested.

I invariably check a suitcase. What I then carry on is dependant on the airline and the class of flight. Business class I would carry on my laptop bag and a handbag (of any size) - the exception being when Heathrow had the one bag rule when the handbag had to go into the other bag to at least get through security. Economy class I would do exactly the same except where a particular (usually budget) airline has very strict weight or size rules. I have flown 3 - 4 of the budget airlines in Europe and never had my hand luggage weighed or looked at closely - but maybe I have been lucky.