When I was a lad, the little things were just that … little things. They didn’t cost, or of the did, it wasn’t that much, but more often than not it was just something that was a nice touch.

Compare and contrast with more modern times … just in the past 48 hours …

• Thankyou for booking your flight with us, would you like to reserve a seat? Charges start at just ten Euros.
• How lovely to see you, welcome to our hotel. I see you are early, your room is ready, but check in isn’t until 3pm. We can give you early access for just thirty Pounds.
• Absolutely you can leave your luggage over night, that will be seven pounds and fifty pence, per night per bag.
• That low price for that flight? It goes up by around 40% if you actually want to check a bag.
• 24 Hour rental for a car, $150. (Not a typo). Moreover 25 Hour rental for a car, $300. Better get there on time.
• This ticket only allows for one checked bag. The second will cost 100 Dollars. (The web site said 65 Pounds, itself a recent increase from 50 Pounds.)

(Yes … we’re traveling)