It can be hard to pack light for a long trip, but it's more important than ever when you consider how expensive baggage fees have gotten. Try this: if you're going on a trip with a travel buddy, split your bags. Pack one big suitcase and split it down the middle, pack one carry-on (the largest you can get away with per the airline's rules), and split it, and take a personal item (backpack, giant purse, etc.) for each of you. You'll only have two wheely-bags to contend with, and you'll only have to pay to check one of them. Bonus: if the checked luggage gets lost in transit, half of each of your stuff will be in your carry-on bag and backpacks.
