Rather than having to go on a shopping trip(s) on arrival, and since you have a couple of days, you might want to consider putting together a package of prohibited/questionable/other items and shipping it to your destination, and ship it back again prior to your return.
This may also allow you to travel with just a carry-on, and not have to deal with checked bag(s).
Ditto, bws48.
Twenty years ago, after one too many debacles with airlines and lost luggage, I got in the habit of Fed-Exing my luggage -- especially any must-haves. If you Fed Ex, then you don't have to buy gear at your destination. And throw in the FedEx box anything you would have checked-in at the airport that you absolutely must have at your destination.
Another advantage of Fed-Ex is that you can insure it for full value. Bonus: the airport is so much less hassle when you're only bringing carry-on.
Good luck with your journey and condolences on your loss.
Thank you both. Can you tell that I rarely travel by plane yet.
I'm going with my mom, who is in her late 60s, with borderline diabetes, a wonky heart, failing eyesight and can't walk very far. We just confirmed our flights. We added two days to the trip for a little down-time, but we've got a connector through Edmonton (?!) on the trip out. And we're now staying in a motel instead of with relatives. That changes my plans a little bit.
After checking the Fed EX/UPS and Purolator prices, I'm going to check a bag with clothes and toiletries. I'm not going to check anything valuable, but am considering sending a knife and multi-tool ahead of time.
I want essential items in my carry-on in case my checked bag gets lost or delayed, and in case we somehow end up in a local emergency or stranded at the airport. I've got a backpack that meets the allowable dimensions, and I'm playing with packing it now. My modified EDC purse went in first, then I added:
-a GI canteen kit (empty, minus fuel tabs, plus 10 MicroPUR tabs)
-a packable light anorak jacket
-a rip-stop GI poncho
-silk sleeping bag liner
-a pair of socks, underwear, bra, shirt and pants
-travel sized deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, an a small bar of soap
-an extra package of baby wipes, a small bottle of Purelle and an extra bandana
-camera, extra memory cards and charging cables
-MP3 player/FM radio, head phones, speaker and charging cord
-my small laptop and charging cable
-2 granola bars, 1 MRE meal, 2 packs of instant oatmeal, 2 instant hot chocolates, 4 instant 2-in-1 coffees, 4 Emergeny C drinks, an MRE package of peanut butter, and 2 MRE condiment/utensil packs
-map case with boarding passes, ID, some print-outs local maps, compass, whistle and LED, all on a lanyard