The limitation I am finding serious is the bag size, not the weight (though my Mom likes to collect souveniers so I know what we bring back will be more than what we took).

The only other long trips I have done have been 3-weeks at a time in Hawaii, and a large checked luggage bag and most of my carry-on bag were filled with my dive equipment. (No time to do diving on this trip.)

But that was also going to a tropical location--one light clothing type.

We will be down to the lower end of the South Island of New Zealand in early October (very early Spring in very Southern latitude), so I definately see a need to having to carry warmer clothing/outerwear to compensate.

My Dad some years ago bought a small case (w/in carry-on limitations) that also snaps out into a very heavy-duty "hand truck". We would only need it to make it from baggage claim to the rental cars and back, and dump them in the hotel/lodgings/"base of operations".

Is there a website or forum that discusses techniques to work towards the FlyerTalk ideal of "Thou Shalt Not Check Any Luggage"?

Thanks,

Steve