Anyone else finding travel harder the older you get?

I like T5. Much better than the horrific badly signposted massive sprawl that it Charles de Gaulle for example.

@Gogogo12345

airports like the newish Istanbul one and doha are just massive

I think one possible issue with both of those is (I think) there is just one super sized terminal - happy to be corrected.

Heathrow is actually similar size and has similar passenger numbers per annum but the load is spread across the five terminals.

As for LHR T5 - it doesn’t get a lot of love on here at times and has it’s flaws but compared with a few terminals around the world it is reasonably logically laid out.

I’m quite a bit older than you, OP, and for quite a while I often just CBA with all the faff of airports/planes - and increasingly I do love my own bed. Still do certain trips, but…
I used to have permanently itchy feet and would go anywhere, never thought the mere idea would put me off. Dh still has itchy feet though, but luckily is happy to do some trips on his own, or with a brother whose wife feels much the same as I do.
Being able to drive to wherever is different, I am less reluctant about that, but a BiL’s place in Burgundy is quite far enough.

I have aching joints as well since my radical hysterectomy. However I've.been told I cannot have HRT under any circumstances. I have had cortisone injections in the knees which helps.
Airports do seem to have a hell of a lot of walking involved. I'm fine with Heathrow S know T5 like back of my hand and am lucky enough to have priority check in security and lounge access.

However airports like the newish Istanbul one and doha are just massive

It is very obvious, but they aren't as easy to use as the ones at Gatwick - I wasn't saying that their location was a problem, just their ease of use.

Well some people do check in at the airport. I also think bag drop at T5 is very obvious. There’s a massive huge row of them and you cannot get past them easily! Other terminals are a bit older but I also suggest arriving 3 hours before your flight. Just means it’s more relaxed. At T5 there can be quite a long walk to gates after you leave the “train” and we walked quite a long way at T4 recently, as some aircraft have to use the larger spaces at the furthest gates. Thats why we cut down on hand luggage. The only exception is when DH takes his full camera gear!

I meant baggage drop, not self check in - sorry, it was late and I confused my words. Of course I wouldn't check in at the airport, it would cost a fortune and would be extremely stupid

No, I don't, and I'm a similar age. Do you exercise?

I’ve decided no more long haul unless I fly business - my hips hurt too much.

There are bags that fit under seats but they aren’t very big! Anyone who is concerned about back issues is much better off having a small carry on bag and put a bigger one in the hold.

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CurlyhairedAssassin · Today 18:58

ParsnipPuree · Today 13:49
Dh and I are 57 and walking at the airport/checking in is no harder for us than it was in our 30's. We're about to do a long haul
trip for a month. 57 isn't old!
Same question to you - are you using all your annual leave up to do that or are you teachers?

I don't work and dh owns his own company so can work remotely if he has to.. just takes the odd call.

@MistyMountainTop Why do it at the airport when you can do it in advance at home and get it on your phone? Makes no sense at all to struggle at the airport.

@SafeToUse Ws have Samsonite cases (black fabric) with matching hand luggage small holdalls that fit over the extendable handle and sit on the suitcase. The key to luggage is getting a spinner. Avoid backpacks if your back aches! DD has just bought similar from Antler.

Heathrow T5 self check in isn't as easy as that at Gatwick. However, you walk miles to your gate at Gatwick - every airline that I've flown with you walk forever!

Where did you visit!?

I'm mid-50s and if anything I find airports and travel far less of a hassle now than 20 years ago. I like being able to sort out pretty much everything online. I'm used to lugging stuff around because I don't have a car and 20 years living in London has made me pretty much immune to crowds and general hecticness.

The only things I try and avoid are early flights - if I have to get up earlier than 5am I'm wrecked for the rest of the day - transiting in America because it's not worth the stress, and flying long-haul back-to-back without a stopover. Otherwise, bring it on. Everyone's different though - do what you enjoy

Im starting to see less point in it. I find it tedious, I don’t really like it when it is warmer than mid 20’s and I feel like I have already done my travelling.

I went to Portugal this year on a trip with the girls and the queue at passport control was 2 hrs long at Faro. Awful. I wouldn’t go back there.

i will be reducing the trips going forward i think.

I'm 66, I have a replacement hip, ME, a recent heart attack, asthma and back pain. I love travelling long haul and enjoy trekking and activity holidays. Jet lag is a bit more of a problem for me now but I don't find the travel or the holiday a problem. I keep fit with walking, cycling and yoga. I travel light, one of the advantages of trekking holidays is no need to take a huge wardrobe! I do think fitness and stamina is important for all aspects of life.

I hate airports and flying now.

I much prefer travelling by train or ferry which means I can only holiday in Europe but that's enough for me.

I think the more you do it the easier it gets.

I’m older but travel a lot (often alone) and find it absolutely fine.

Can you fit in more exercise, it will give you more energy and stamina

@SafeToUse I bought the mid size hard shell in Penneys and found them v. good. Light, four wheels and holds loads. Been on a few trips with them being flung around into the hold and they've held up very well. I personally don't see the point in paying a humungous amount for a "branded" suitcase because they all end up scratched and battered in the end anyway, and replacements are expensive unless you buy in Penneys lol.

My OH has bad arthritis also, and is heading for his second knee replacement, so travelling was difficult for a while there. However last year I booked assistance at departure (Dublin) and return (Malaga) and I will never travel without using it again. Straight through all the queues and only walking either up the steps (Ryanair) or along the airbridge (AerLingus). Highly recommend.

In my 30s and back from travelling south east Asia with a baby and toddler and it was shattering because of all the extra stuff and the lack of sleep 🤣

however as I’ve gotten older I’m finding im much better at getting prepared for a big trip!

packed well in advance

airport very very early all that getting around and bag drop isn’t as stressful

book lounges always

And always pack light

think of the flight as just 1 bad day!!

I do feel differently about travel now. I last backpacked 15 years ago and I was exhausted by it. Haven't wanted the hassle of constantly working out accommodation or travel on the fly since. I feel like I'm getting more nervous about travelling too.

I also used to get cheap indirect or night flights/coaches. I'd never do that now unless I had a bed, eg sleeper train, as it takes me all week to recover from a late night!

Because getting an appointment with my GP is impossible and I have an underlying which they blame everything on.

not sure where else to turn.

its not for the shits & giggles that's for sure.