If you travel by air try to have hand luggage only. Even the best airlines lose luggage or delay your luggage for various reasons. The airline is also dependent on the Airport ground staff to make sure passenger luggage is handled properly. You can easily travel for up to three weeks with only hand luggage. My advise: Take a third of the stuff you think you will need, and three times the money you think you will need.
Note: If you do check in your luggage make sure you have your valuables and any medication you need in your hand luggage. Depending on the country you are visiting you may have extreme difficulty replacing bank cards or medication.