Great suggestions, and of course, a great partner. I wish, as one other person here put it, that I was as skinny as some of the people traveling (including my partner!) but 3 years of fertility treatments messed with my skinny figure. I'm not huge, but I don't have the figure I had in my 20's.

I've had some great suggestions, and now I just need to find the right bag. The Ipod is great for movies, books AND music, so that will help. And if I don't take my laptop, I will take my small DVD Player. I'll see what new laptop I end up with when I take this one in. I love how small this Mac is, but one bump to my knee and the screen cracked! It's only 10 months old. Now the screen is bleeding and I can't see the whole screen. We're supposed to take it in today or tomorrow. If I have to get a new computer, I want to make sure I can save as much from this computer (all my travel photos!) as possible.

Keep up the suggestions, especially about the best roller-type carry-ons. I'm certain that the right bag will help- mine is not expandable and is too heavy. That's what I'm searching for now!