Getting old - - advice requested

[heitmullerj02]

I go with 2 bags, one large, check right away, curb side drop off. I pack meds, CPAP and 1 change of clothes in carry on with I pad. Small cross body bag for purse. Can’t weigh more than 15 lbs total. If checked bag get lost, well, isn’t shopping part of the fun of vacation?

 

[SusanRN]

Mine is just my heavy laptop

Fora few years I have had little use of my left hand, so for my last laptop purchase I made sure I bought one that weighs less than 3 pounds. It's still a high functioning "small business" one -- from Lenovo, although I imagine they are available most places. Has been well worth it for me to be able to easily carry it around in one hand.

 

[Luanne]

Even with checked luggage, a wheelchair aide usually helps us to a taxi or Uber.
-- At SLC, he stayed with us for the 1-hr it took to reclaim our checked bag.

With a car to drop or pick-up, I leave DW in a chair near entrance with one bag.
If there's curb-side check-in, I try to let them know we need wheelchair assist.
For departures, I allow an extra 30 minutes, or 60 if there's a shuttle involved.

We've even had wheelchair assist take my mother out to where our car was parked.

 

[bizaro86]

Fora few years I have had little use of my left hand, so for my last laptop purchase I made sure I bought one that weighs less than 3 pounds. It's still a high functioning "small business" one -- from Lenovo, although I imagine they are available most places. Has been well worth it for me to be able to easily carry it around in one hand.

I have my own business and travel with a laptop. Upgrading to a very light but high power model (mine is Acer but all decent makes have them) was a game changer.

 

[flechette]

Now, that is sexist! My luggage is usually smaller and lighter than my husband's. I used to get by with just a carry-on, until I found out that some of my problems are related to being allergic to preservatives in almost all off-the-shelf and hotel shampoos and soaps. So, now I have to have a checked in luggage with bottles of shampoo, body wash, conditioner and mouth wash. However, if I travel between homes, it is just a small carry-on because I have the same toiletries in both homes.

As a fellow allergy sufferer - sympathies! Something that has helped me with this is Lush shampoo and conditioner bars (solid not liquid). I used to have to rotate out my toiletries roughly every 90 days- and couldn't return to the brand/scent usually for about 2 -3 years later. I adore the Lush brand as I've been using for about 3.5 years straight now and not had any issues or needed to switch out. I did find the conditioning bars werent great for daily use over 10 day trips (for my hair anyway) but stays a week or less under aren't a problem.

Taking lots of notes on the thread topic as I've been having mobility issues lately. Thank you all and the OP for all the ideas~

 

[BJRSanDiego]

It may have been suggested but have you looked into porter service ? I know nothing about this for flights but my inlaws had a porter service pick up their items at the hotel and it was placed in their room on a cruise.

Bill

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Thanks, Bill. I checked the two links and one is for US airports that I don't use (I primarily fly to Hawaii EOY from San Diego) and the other one seems to be geared to the middle East.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

When we go to Hawaii, we have been going for 3 weeks back-to-back. So, we pack more than we would for a shorter trip. And we bring some consumable items with us from home because of the higher cost and inconvenience to buy those items on-island. But, in the whole scheme of things, we could just as well buy them on-island even if we pay a little more and thereby reduce our luggage size and weight.

So, I'm going to re-evaluate whether my wife and I could drop back to a couple of "carry-on" pieces (that we would probably check) rather than our large and heavy suitcases. My wife packs some carry-on items that need to be checked and some medical items that she carries on rather than checking. I carry on my laptop because I don't trust checking it in.

 

[ScoopKona]

I carry on my laptop because I don't trust checking it in.

Unless you can remove the lithium battery, laptops cannot be checked.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Unless you can remove the lithium battery, laptops cannot be checked.

Thanks for the reminder. Yes, I have a lithium battery (new one that I installed myself) but I always do carry-on with it.

 

[ScoopKona]

Thanks for the reminder. Yes, I have a lithium battery (new one that I installed myself) but I always do carry-on with it.

This is where (literally) thinking outside the box pays dividends. Right now you have two or three heavy boxes -- your luggage.

Apparently nobody wants to hear that you can travel CONSIDERABLY lighter, and have more fun doing so. I've been at it for decades now. And I would cheerfully have a "travel competition" with someone who insists on bringing two checked bags, and the maximum carry on to any country on Earth. Pick it. Doesn't matter to me. China? France? Morocco? Kenya? No problems. Score the trip this way: Minutes spent enjoying the vacation divided by minutes spent waiting in line, carrying bags, dealing with bags, getting around with all those bags.

Overpacking (and trying to do too much) leads to a cascade of failures which makes the trip worse and worse -- rushing to the next connection, hauling stuff around, always being under the gun. I'm astonished that more people don't keel over on vacation -- they're clearly running themselves ragged.

I can make the same argument for rail vs. rental car in countries which have a robust rail system -- rail is faster, easier, cheaper and less stress. A win all around. I tend to take my single little bag to places with robust transportation systems. It also makes a dandy pillow when necessary. And if I'm in the sort of country where it's hitchhiking and dodgy buses, packing ultra-light is better than worrying about 100 pounds of stuff and worrying about what's happening in Uganda.

It's been my experience that most people don't just want to do things the hard way, they chafe at the notion of doing things the easy way. No idea why this is. But that's what I see when I travel.

 

[slip]

This is where (literally) thinking outside the box pays dividends. Right now you have two or three heavy boxes -- your luggage.

Apparently nobody wants to hear that you can travel CONSIDERABLY lighter, and have more fun doing so. I've been at it for decades now. And I would cheerfully have a "travel competition" with someone who insists on bringing two checked bags, and the maximum carry on to any country on Earth. Pick it. Doesn't matter to me. China? France? Morocco? Kenya? No problems. Score the trip this way: Minutes spent enjoying the vacation divided by minutes spent waiting in line, carrying bags, dealing with bags, getting around with all those bags.

Overpacking (and trying to do too much) leads to a cascade of failures which makes the trip worse and worse -- rushing to the next connection, hauling stuff around, always being under the gun. I'm astonished that more people don't keel over on vacation -- they're clearly running themselves ragged.

I can make the same argument for rail vs. rental car in countries which have a robust rail system -- rail is faster, easier, cheaper and less stress. A win all around. I tend to take my single little bag to places with robust transportation systems. It also makes a dandy pillow when necessary. And if I'm in the sort of country where it's hitchhiking and dodgy buses, packing ultra-light is better than worrying about 100 pounds of stuff and worrying about what's happening in Uganda.

It's been my experience that most people don't just want to do things the hard way, they chafe at the notion of doing things the easy way. No idea why this is. But that's what I see when I travel.

Another extreme exaggeration.

It's not that people don't want to be reminded about traveling with less once in a while. It's how you do it.

This silly mention of a competition, like that would ever happen. Why don't you travel with nothing and that will save even more time.

People are enjoying trips traveling with checked bags and enjoying themselves just as much as you. Probably even more because their not judging others for not checking bags.

I just got back from a trip today with 2 checked bags. No wasted time, no trampolines, no princesses, no issues.
Just a good time had by all with no judgment of others.

 

[Talent312]

... People are enjoying trips traveling with checked bags and enjoying themselves just as much as you. Probably even more because [they're] not judging others for not checking bags.

Oh, I judge others for not checking bags... those that wheel bags onto the aircraft that should have been checked, who then, hold up seating by forever trying to stuff them into overhead bins that now won't latch.

-----------------------
We tentatively decided to strap my DW's folding transport chair (in a bag) and one big bag onto a dolly (heavy duty) that folds up. We'll check , both bags, after packing the dolly at the last minute. I'll carry-on my backpack.

 

[Laurie]

Score the trip this way: Minutes spent enjoying the vacation divided by minutes spent waiting in line, carrying bags, dealing with bags, getting around with all those bags.

Or minutes spent enjoying the vacation divided by minutes adding up minutes and points every hour, day, and week of vacation.

 

[ScoopKona]

Another extreme exaggeration.

It's not that people don't want to be reminded about traveling with less once in a while. It's how you do it.

This silly mention of a competition, like that would ever happen. Why don't you travel with nothing and that will save even more time.

People are enjoying trips traveling with checked bags and enjoying themselves just as much as you. Probably even more because their not judging others for not checking bags.

Not extreme. And not an exaggeration.

I'm forced to travel with bags occasionally, too. And it's a royal pain. Increases the degree of difficulty by an order of magnitude. The worst was when I brought a flippin' bicycle along for the ride.

On vacation, I never have to worry about that -- because I'm self contained. And so is my wife. That improves our experience every step of the way. Getting in and out of airports is better. Getting in and out of train stations is better. Getting in and out of cabs and Uber is better. Checking in and out of hotels is better. Everything is better.

I don't know how you rate vacations, but I rate them by how much we get to enjoy our vacation, compared to the amount of time we have to spend doing drudge-work in order to enjoy it. This is also why you'll never find me at a timeshare presentation -- wasted time I'll never get back. And time is the only commodity which is worth anything at all.

Nobody ever said, "I wish I had spent more time at the office. More time in traffic jams. More time filling out government forms. And more time waiting in lines."

Bringing too much stuff on vacation is exactly the same as saying, "I really love waiting in lines and making things more difficult than necessary." It causes a cascade of waiting -- as people pile up because they're all trying to do the same thing at the same time. I'd rather escape all of that and get on with enjoying myself.

 

[slip]

Not extreme. And not an exaggeration.

I'm forced to travel with bags occasionally, too. And it's a royal pain. Increases the degree of difficulty by an order of magnitude. The worst was when I brought a flippin' bicycle along for the ride.

On vacation, I never have to worry about that -- because I'm self contained. And so is my wife. That improves our experience every step of the way. Getting in and out of airports is better. Getting in and out of train stations is better. Getting in and out of cabs and Uber is better. Checking in and out of hotels is better. Everything is better.

I don't know how you rate vacations, but I rate them by how much we get to enjoy our vacation, compared to the amount of time we have to spend doing drudge-work in order to enjoy it. This is also why you'll never find me at a timeshare presentation -- wasted time I'll never get back. And time is the only commodity which is worth anything at all.

Nobody ever said, "I wish I had spent more time at the office. More time in traffic jams. More time filling out government forms. And more time waiting in lines."

Bringing too much stuff on vacation is exactly the same as saying, "I really love waiting in lines and making things more difficult than necessary." It causes a cascade of waiting -- as people pile up because they're all trying to do the same thing at the same time. I'd rather escape all of that and get on with enjoying myself.

And there you go again. Read your post. I, I, I, that's how you do it. It's not like that for everyone and you never take that into account and you imply that everyone that doesn't do it your way is taking a trampoline, is a princess or going to divorce court.

So Yes, more over exaggerated nonsense and judgement. Sounds like you're saying my last trip wasn't good for me because I don't even know how to rate vacations either. It must be exhausting being right all the time and trying to correct everyone in the world.

 

[klpca]

Not extreme. And not an exaggeration.

I'm forced to travel with bags occasionally, too. And it's a royal pain. Increases the degree of difficulty by an order of magnitude. The worst was when I brought a flippin' bicycle along for the ride.

On vacation, I never have to worry about that -- because I'm self contained. And so is my wife. That improves our experience every step of the way. Getting in and out of airports is better. Getting in and out of train stations is better. Getting in and out of cabs and Uber is better. Checking in and out of hotels is better. Everything is better.

I don't know how you rate vacations, but I rate them by how much we get to enjoy our vacation, compared to the amount of time we have to spend doing drudge-work in order to enjoy it. This is also why you'll never find me at a timeshare presentation -- wasted time I'll never get back. And time is the only commodity which is worth anything at all.

Nobody ever said, "I wish I had spent more time at the office. More time in traffic jams. More time filling out government forms. And more time waiting in lines."

Bringing too much stuff on vacation is exactly the same as saying, "I really love waiting in lines and making things more difficult than necessary." It causes a cascade of waiting -- as people pile up because they're all trying to do the same thing at the same time. I'd rather escape all of that and get on with enjoying myself.

You have an empathy issue. You seem to be unable to understand that others have changes happening in their lives that has changed the way that they travel. Wheelchairs and strollers can't be carried on. Some people cannot *lift* a carry on into the overhead storage. Needed medical equipment takes up room in a carry on that necessitates other items having to be checked. Stuff happens as you get older. This post was asking about strategies to be able to continue travel as you age. Thank goodness that others have offered helpful advice instead of criticizing the OP for asking the question in the first place.

Btw, you aren't the only one who travels light. I too, (an American no less!!!) have traveled multiple weeks all through Europe with a carry on. Lots of folks do it, but that does not make it the only way to do things. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[geist1223]

I have decided it is finally time to ignore ScoopKona. Please join me.

 

[VacationForever]

I have decided it is finally time to ignore ScoopKona. Please join me.

I have done that a long time ago. He thinks he knows it all but really it's all about his own opinion of everything.

 

[ScoopKona]

Btw, you aren't the only one who travels light. I too, (an American no less!!!) have traveled multiple weeks all through Europe with a carry on. Lots of folks do it, but that does not make it the only way to do things. Different strokes for different folks.

It's not the only way. But it *is* the easiest way. And it's also the way which pays dividends throughout the entire trip.

If someone is lugging 100+ pounds of stuff per person on vacation, and most of that is life-sustaining medical equipment and prescriptions, then that person should seriously consider the wisdom of traveling at all. Otherwise, every pound cut makes for a slightly better trip. And many pounds cut makes for a much better trip.

What I see is people who claim to want easy, but aren't willing to make any lifestyle changes to get there. That's sort of like saying, "I want to breathe better, and stop coughing all morning, but I'm unwilling to give up cigarettes."

 

[klpca]

It's not the only way. But it *is* the easiest way. And it's also the way which pays dividends throughout the entire trip.

If someone is lugging 100+ pounds of stuff per person on vacation, and most of that is life-sustaining medical equipment and prescriptions, then that person should seriously consider the wisdom of traveling at all. Otherwise, every pound cut makes for a slightly better trip. And many pounds cut makes for a much better trip.

What I see is people who claim to want easy, but aren't willing to make any lifestyle changes to get there. That's sort of like saying, "I want to breathe better, and stop coughing all morning, but I'm unwilling to give up cigarettes."

Of course it is easier. Duh. But, as things change, it may no longer be possible.

I am afraid that you are somehow blinded to other's experiences. Your last line is a complete whiff. You are struggling to justify your posts.

 

[PigsDad]

It's not the only way. But it *is* the easiest way.

What Scoopy doesn't realize and can't comprehend is that most people want to wear clean, fresh clothes on their vacation. Sure, I could pack 2 or 3 outfits and beachwear in my backpack along w/ shaving kit, medicines, and electronics for a 1-2 week vacation and take off. That's about all that can fit.

But then on vacation, I wouldn't have a pair of sandals to walk on the beach, snorkel gear to enjoy the ocean (I only use my own), a nice outfit if we wanted to dress up and go somewhere nice, and I would be spending a lot of time doing laundry, and for me, that is something I don't enjoy doing on vacation. So for me, checking a bag is the easiest way to vacation.

But I'm sure in Scoopy's mind, I'm miserable on my vacation because I check a bag.

It must be exhausting being right all the time and trying to correct everyone in the world.

I agree, it must be exhausting. I guess he didn't get the hint when a bunch of his off-topic, condescending and downright rude posts in this thread were previously deleted by the moderator. But yet, he just comes back and posts more of the same. Sad.

Kurt

 

[WinniWoman]

Does prescription medication or vitamins have to be in their original containers? I haven’t flown in awhile and not up on all the rules. Couldn’t find it on the website.

Also- where do you keep your cash and credit cards during security screening?

We only do 2 carryons and 2 personal items.

 

[slip]

Does prescription medication or vitamins have to be in their original containers? I haven’t flown in awhile and not up on all the rules. Couldn’t find it on the website.

Also- where do you keep your cash and credit cards during security screening?

We only do 2 carryons and 2 personal items.

Our friends just came last week and didn't have the prescriptions in the original container. When I go through the scanner, I put my wallet either in my wife's carry-on or I put my wallet in one of the dog dishes and send it through.

 

[Luanne]

Does prescription medication or vitamins have to be in their original containers? I haven’t flown in awhile and not up on all the rules. Couldn’t find it on the website.

Also- where do you keep your cash and credit cards during security screening?

We only do 2 carryons and 2 personal items.

I bring both a day-at-a-time pill container and the original bottles. I don't think you need the original bottles, I bring them as I need to refill my pill container if the trip is longer than a week.

My cash and credit cards are in my wallet, which is in my backpack (which I use as my carry on).

 

[WinniWoman]

Our friends just came last week and didn't have the prescriptions in the original container. When I go through the scanner, I put my wallet either in my wife's carry-on or I put my wallet in one of the dog dishes and send it through.

I guess my concern is if they open the carryon or personal item for some reason .

Also- can you take coins without setting off the scanner?

I know- I’m very OCD with this. You should see how I was agonizing over packing the liquids. I had to start 3 weeks ahead of time. Lol!