After making this trip a couple of months before my 70th birthday, and it was further than I had ever travelled before (Africa had been the furthest), I wrote this as a kind of ‘report’ on how it went, in case it might be useful to anyone else who may be considering flying further than they’ve ever been for the first time.
Brilliant. I'm on your wavelength completely in terms of travelling and human contact. I remember in Montego Bay airport, back in 2018, a little boy went to talk to nearly everyone in the departure lounge (the bit just before you get on the plane). He was so cheeky and funny, everyone was enjoying it, and all the passengers felt like old friends by the time we got on the plane!
I really enjoyed your travel log! Especially since I use the same Sheffield to Manchester route. It reminded me of my long haul trips. I'm a nerdy fan of only having one carry on, but mine has wheels. Must try the clothes in a pillow trick ;)
Two long thin ones was better than one thicker one. Twice round held my head up quite well and softly of course. When emptied they were very compact. Just rolled them up to put away.
Thanks for the tip. I have one as well: if I have clothes that are wearing out, I pack them, wear them during the trip, then recycle at the end. That makes room for anything that I may have boght along the way.
I'm Australian and have done the Sydney-London flight numerous times, too many to remember. When my son was small we would stopover in Asia on the way there and way back but now (late 60s) I travel straight through. The airline makes a big difference. Some flights feel 'easy' and some endless. It is very hard on the body and I've heard several stories of people dying from DVTs - I believe it happens a lot. Glad you went and made it back in one piece!
Really enjoyed your trip, and your attitude to everything and everyone - I would be the same, and althogh i've never been as far as Australia i travel alone a lot and have just come back from a trip by ferry and train to venice which was full of calamity, mainly illness but also full of kind people and pleasurable moments in the midst of sickness, and eventual drama coming home . In a way everything happened perfectly! Im in the midst of finding how to write about that trip myself and youare inspiring me with your simple and beautiful account of your travels.
Reading this feels like a vicarious vacation. Thank you so much.
So glad you enjoyed 😊
Brilliant. I'm on your wavelength completely in terms of travelling and human contact. I remember in Montego Bay airport, back in 2018, a little boy went to talk to nearly everyone in the departure lounge (the bit just before you get on the plane). He was so cheeky and funny, everyone was enjoying it, and all the passengers felt like old friends by the time we got on the plane!
How we humans are with each other makes all the difference doesn't it 😊
I really enjoyed your travel log! Especially since I use the same Sheffield to Manchester route. It reminded me of my long haul trips. I'm a nerdy fan of only having one carry on, but mine has wheels. Must try the clothes in a pillow trick ;)
Two long thin ones was better than one thicker one. Twice round held my head up quite well and softly of course. When emptied they were very compact. Just rolled them up to put away.
Thanks for the tip. I have one as well: if I have clothes that are wearing out, I pack them, wear them during the trip, then recycle at the end. That makes room for anything that I may have boght along the way.
Wow--you look really put together for someone who was traveling with a backpack! I couldn't pull that off--I'd look like a homeless person!
I'm Australian and have done the Sydney-London flight numerous times, too many to remember. When my son was small we would stopover in Asia on the way there and way back but now (late 60s) I travel straight through. The airline makes a big difference. Some flights feel 'easy' and some endless. It is very hard on the body and I've heard several stories of people dying from DVTs - I believe it happens a lot. Glad you went and made it back in one piece!
Really enjoyed your trip, and your attitude to everything and everyone - I would be the same, and althogh i've never been as far as Australia i travel alone a lot and have just come back from a trip by ferry and train to venice which was full of calamity, mainly illness but also full of kind people and pleasurable moments in the midst of sickness, and eventual drama coming home . In a way everything happened perfectly! Im in the midst of finding how to write about that trip myself and youare inspiring me with your simple and beautiful account of your travels.