Toots: I am going to try to go on what I can get on carry on. I am staying with friends, so I can do laundry from time to time. I am not one who feels they have to take everything with them. Yep... passport, cash, tickets, credit card... that is what is essential! I can buy toothpaste and a t-shirt almost anywhere.
I always had to take a big suitcase when I was traveling to Nicaragua.... I needed space to carry back as much rum and cheap booze as possible! No need now.