- Best Trip Ever: Introduction
- Review: Emirates First Class A380 Los Angeles To Dubai
- Review: Park Hyatt Dubai
- Review: Afternoon Tea At Skyview Bar Burj Al Arab
- Review: Lunch At At.mosphere Burj Khalifa Dubai
- Review: Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai DXB
- Review: Emirates First Class A380 Dubai To Singapore
- Review: St. Regis Singapore
- Review: Westin Singapore
- Review: Singapore Airlines Private Room Singapore SIN
- Review: Singapore Airlines First Class 777-300ER Singapore To Melbourne
- Review: Park Hyatt Melbourne
- Review: Qantas Club Melbourne MEL
- Review: Qantas Business Class 737 Melbourne To Sydney
- Park Hyatt Sydney Review
- Review: Qantas First Class Lounge Sydney SYD
- Review: Qantas First Class A380 Sydney To Los Angeles
- Review: SLS Hotel Beverly Hills
- Review: Oneworld Business Class Lounge Los Angeles LAX
- Review: Qantas Business Class 747 Los Angeles To New York
- Review: Park Hyatt New York
- Best Trip Ever: Dad’s Thoughts
As I explained from the beginning, for me the most exciting part of the trip was seeing my dad’s excitement. And while I’ve taken many trips with my dad, planning a complete surprise trip was a new one even for me.
I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed seeing his reactions every step of the way as he learned where we’d be going next, and I can’t recommend it enough… assuming you’re traveling with the type of person that likes surprises and is up for anything.
My dad had originally started writing a million word trip report, but after the feedback from his videos, I figured him sharing his final trip thoughts on video would be even better.
Before I share the videos, let me just add one more huge thanks to you guys for how interactive you made this trip. I can’t even begin to say how happy my dad was by all the nice comments he received. While he doesn’t know how to use the internet, I showed him all the comments, and they put the biggest smile on his face. Truly the interaction and surprise element of the trip were probably more exciting than the rest of it combined… which is saying a lot.
With that in mind, let’s get to the videos!
The first video is of my dad sharing his pre-trip thoughts, and what he thought of having a complete “surprise” trip:
The second video is of my dad sharing the highlights of the flights:
The third video is of my dad sharing the highlights of the hotels:
The fourth video is of my dad sharing the highlights of the cities:
And the fifth video has my dad’s final trip thoughts:
Pardon the mild gaffes, re: the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, as well as the fact that His Excellency doesn’t run “Effihad” (as much as I’m sure he wishes!).
Thanks again for reading, guys, I really appreciate it… as does my dad!
Ben,
I just "caught up" on the festivities for your dad's "round" birthday...I really miss my father as he passed when I was in my thirties...it's clear that your dad is super proud of you and what you do...my dad was the same for me on many levels...we're fortunate to have this type of relationship with our parents.
I have learned much from reading your travel blogs...just experienced the Emirates First Class suite from Zurich...
Ben,
I just "caught up" on the festivities for your dad's "round" birthday...I really miss my father as he passed when I was in my thirties...it's clear that your dad is super proud of you and what you do...my dad was the same for me on many levels...we're fortunate to have this type of relationship with our parents.
I have learned much from reading your travel blogs...just experienced the Emirates First Class suite from Zurich to DXB and then on to SFO...what a trip! All using Alaska Air miles...thanks for your positive contributions to my "hobby".
Henry
you're a very generous and loving son to do this for your father!
Your dad is awesome. I lost my dad a few years ago, and it strikes me that we don't get this time with our parents back. It's great that you're taking time out of a busy schedule to experience the world with both of your folks. I'm sure they're proud of you, and you of them.
@ Frank -- Thanks for the kind words! :)
Thank you to you and your father for putting together these videos! Love, love, loved them!
Seeing your trip with your dad has made me try to convince mine to take a trip with me. Not that I could reach the same level, but it'd still be nice.
I have to say, your dad really was such a great sport through the entire trip, his perspective was really refreshing. I particularly enjoyed the videos of him trying to ascertain where you were off to next. It certainly gave a different perspective...
Seeing your trip with your dad has made me try to convince mine to take a trip with me. Not that I could reach the same level, but it'd still be nice.
I have to say, your dad really was such a great sport through the entire trip, his perspective was really refreshing. I particularly enjoyed the videos of him trying to ascertain where you were off to next. It certainly gave a different perspective of luxury travel, especially for those of us that grab the proverbial brass ring often. Its great to see someone enjoying it for the first time.
Given all the opportunities you have, I think it is absolutely awesome that you shared all of these experiences with your father.
Ben & Ben's Dad, I absolutely loved the whole trip report and was looking forward to the next episode each day! I never really followed your blog in the past (read it occasionally though), but now am a devote follower. A travel TV show would be extremely entertaining. And glad you made it to my new home town Melbourne, although I can definitely understand that a short visit here does not compare to Sydney. You...
Ben & Ben's Dad, I absolutely loved the whole trip report and was looking forward to the next episode each day! I never really followed your blog in the past (read it occasionally though), but now am a devote follower. A travel TV show would be extremely entertaining. And glad you made it to my new home town Melbourne, although I can definitely understand that a short visit here does not compare to Sydney. You need to come back and stay longer!
An Vater Schlappig: Vielen Dank fuer die unterhaltsamen Videos und Kommentare, hoffentlich kommt bald die naechste Reise!
@ Seb -- Thanks! :)
I love Daddy Schlappig! He's so sweet. Awesome post!! A "Parent's Corner" would be really fun for you to have on the blog where we can get perspectives from your parents on their travels with you! That would be exciting to read. :)
I thoroughly enjoy all your blog posts but look forward to an installment in which your Dad is featured. I too would love a "Dad's corner" - it doesn't even need to be travel related imho. I just love listening to your Dad's love of life and of his son. This is so refreshing in this day and age when there are so many tragedies we hear about on the news each day.
The only thing I see is a very proud father, and rightfully so.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful experience.
Ben, trust me, I am a father... you are a wonderful son.
Thanks for sharing your trip with your Dad with the world! I just love how he calls you 'Benny' - and what a great son you are for giving your Dad (and yourself) the memory of a lifetime. My favorite comment from his summation of the whole experience was 'I know how you travel.' And now, he travels the same way too!
Hello Lucky,
A long time lurker, first time commentator here...
I just wanted to say I really enjoyed reading about you and your dad's birthday adventure and I think the video's are an especially nice touch.
Ben,
I really love reading about you and your Dad's travels... Keep it up.
Ron
Miami
Your trips with your parents have inspired me to do something similar for my sister's upcoming 50th birthday. She has never been anywhere so I have told her we are going to London. Little does she know what I have planned for her.
@ Toula -- So thrilled to hear that. Thanks! :)
What a great way to wrap it all up. He's a natural. A TV show? That would be as entertaining as hell.
I'm taking my wife on a "surprise" 25th anniversary trip in Sept/Oct. In fact, for the first stop's accommodations, I'm taking a page from you and your mom's trip ;-)
I'm going to try desperately to keep from her our various destinations, which will be pretty difficult. I so much enjoyed your...
What a great way to wrap it all up. He's a natural. A TV show? That would be as entertaining as hell.
I'm taking my wife on a "surprise" 25th anniversary trip in Sept/Oct. In fact, for the first stop's accommodations, I'm taking a page from you and your mom's trip ;-)
I'm going to try desperately to keep from her our various destinations, which will be pretty difficult. I so much enjoyed your dad guessing, and getting it wrong, and think it's a great way to add some additional excitement and mystery to the trip.
Hooray, Dad! His videos always put a smile on my face. His joie de vivre is palpable, and the apple obviously doesn't fall far from the tree. :-)
As for the location, wild guess, that looks like the view from the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront.
Good to hear he is going to keep his trips to a higher standard with you (ie next trip in the apartment). That made me chuckle. ;) Such an awesome trip. It has been a pleasure to read and follow.
You dad is so adorable! You have "spoiled" him and he now wants the Apartment and nothing less! What have you done??? :D
But seriously, your dad looks like a really awesome person. The amount of "thank you"s in his videos alone shows how gracious and humble he must be in real life.
I personally much prefer reading about your dad's adventure -- in fact, I look forward to it -- than reading about travelling with kids.
where did you shot these videos and the background ?
Haha, I don’t think your dad has to worry about Emirates discontinuing Hennessy Paradis because of him. In fact the opposite might be true and hopefully they will reintroduce it, given how much exposure Emirates has gotten from you and your dads trip.
Did I understand it correctly, is there a travel show in the works? If there is…..woho! And a trip on Etihad Apartments with your dad! I usually don’t beg - but what the heck; please, please take him with you ☺
@ BHill -- Hah, unfortunately not. Was a joke... but it would be fun. :D
name says it all. I was knocked off my socks. lol great great great call with the video!
I thought your trip with your dad was brilliant - and you both seemed so happy. I think your dad should make more appearances on the site. A dad's corner. And always videos :)