I do both (lol) one heavy big checked suitcase with too much stuff in it...but I bring my own coffee maker (light but bulky), big soft beach towel, etc. then I bring a beach bag as my "purse" stuffed with a bathing suit, chg of clothes, my real purse (lol) and then also a STUFFED carryon suitcase but I do have a tip......I am claustraphobic so I always wait to board LAST and many times all the overheads are full by then and they will tag my bag and put it under the plane (at no extra bag charge!) I think the "lines" etc are horrible no matter what so I don't mind checking bags. Just part of the stressful day of traveling but gets me to where I wanna be. Now for a 4 day trip I could get away w/just a carry on but not for longer - I like to set myself up nice