I think I ‘holiday’ rather than ‘travel’ as we only go to Europe - but I don’t recognise what others are speaking of as hassle. Taxi to airport, drop cases, security is quicker now you don’t have to faff with unpacking liquids and electronics, if the queues are very quick we may get chance of a meal, if not, pick up a meal deal and walk down to the gate. I can see that if you are going in peak summer with young children it maybe more stressful, but given most replies on this thread have said you are ‘older’, I’ll assume that’s not the case. I’ve never been keen on actual flying (hence the short haul travel) but I don’t see why airports are such a big deal. Like pp above, I’m an over packer, but if I’ve got a 20 kg case booked, why faff around trying to take less?
Regarding language barrier, I suppose that becomes more of a problem if you are somewhere rural, whereas we tend to be nearer cities, and I guess they means other things are less of a worry eg I had to visit the dentist in Croatia last year, very quick appointment, they spoke perfect English and was very good value.
I think nowadays with technology so many what ifs are not the problem they would have been years ago. DH lost his passport a couple of years back and we couldn’t travel back as planned but getting the emergency travel documents sorted, some extra accommodation and new airline tickets purchased was so easy. Expensive, yes. A very costly extra few days, but it was all sorted on our phones with very little difficulty. As was finding the dentist (above).
Im with you on the driving @Letshavetea1. That’s one thing that does seem to be unnecessary hassle now. And I agree with the rest of your post.