I like all the answers given as all make sense.

I've found no easy answer to my question(s)which is why I asked here.

Ive always been fond of walking and cycling tours,but age and fitness and health brings difficulties.

I like to see others cycling or walking on routes. If-before I get a new knee(s) - Im planning to train,bus,cycle travel around northern Portugal and Spain. Sound easy? Well,not so easy when you do the mathematics to make a sensible plan. Buying a ready made tour seems troublesome to me: investigting costs,touring companies,places seems more tiring than just riding a bike . I know others can do it. Im justa peculiar guy

It is not ebikes that airlines don’t like - it is the battery.   One option is to fly your bike out with you without a battery and then buy / hire one at your destination.

Bike hire ……personally best avoided IMHO….unless you are hiring from someone you know

I never thought Id get here but here I am exhausted and limited

I moved across from touring abroad on a full frame,to touring with a folding frame bike. Now I find even this too much. Im wondering is anyone here is touring abroad on an electric assist bike,and howsitdone given that flight carriers refuse(?)to accept battery powered bikes on planes.

Do those who require electrical assist bikes now just hire them abroad when wanting to bicycle?

On a related issue: I was in Adelaide and went to hire two bicycles. When I visited where I went to hire  two bikes,the bikes were....crates...bangers,more like those you would find abandoned at a tip. Their hire worked out more expensive than hiring a car that carried four from a local rental car hire firm.

I wonder if others have different experinece or maybe advice

Ian, here are just a few other links to Izabela and her remarkable accomplishments...
https://www.instagram.com/iza.murtagh/
https://www.seektravelride.com/podcast-ep-72/
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=959572153529290
https://www.facebook.com/carradicebikebags/posts/were-pleased-to-welcome-izabela-murtagh-as-a-new-carradice-ambassadororiginally-/1294016886082197/

ATB, Dan.

i have yet to find someone who cycles the same pace  as meself .
i fell out with the group i used to cycle with for many reasons.
yeah stay solo  way better enjoy your cycling.

cheers
anto.