Welcome to my next trip report series, which will cover a recent round the world trip with my dad. You can expect first and business class reviews of Etihad, Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Qantas, plus reviews of several points hotels, including properties of Hyatt Regency, St. Regis, Hilton LXR, Ritz-Carlton, and… Holiday Inn Express.
Continue reading: Introduction: Around The World With Dad
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Looking forward to the reviews, that looks like an amazing trip! In case you won't elaborate in the Qantas flight review itself, could you tell us how you found the award? Were you randomly checking, or got an alert, were the 2 seats available at the same time, and how long in advance did you score the flight?
@ Clem -- I booked the SYD-LAX flight roughly three weeks before departure. I had set some ExpertFlyer alerts for first class space, so received an alert of the availability. I was supposed to fly Qantas first class in several weeks on an award that was booked months ago, but due to an aircraft downgrade, that wasn't happening anymore, which is why I set alerts.
Love to see you and your dad back on the road again! I hope he gave in this time and let you put all those lay flat seats flat!
@ Mosfet -- Hah, don't even get me started! He put the seat into the fully flat position exactly zero times this trip. :-/
My friends in Doha, most of whom work for QR, always go to that Hyatt for meals/ shisha/ happy hour. I spent an enjoyable evening at the restaurant there during my visit in March. Great service and delicious food.
Yep it's right there. My friend lived in the hotel for a bit when he first moved there to work for QR before he found his apartment. Because of his stay there, he knew the people who worked there well, and we had a very enjoyable meal/ shisha. I didnt stay there, however - stayed at the Four Seasons, which was great. I did see your Katara hills hotel. I liked the park around that hotel - thought it was cool and something Abu Dhabi doesnt really have, but agree the hotel's placement was kind of weird. Overall I found Doha interesting. I prefer Abu Dhabi, but actually think the evening souk in Doha is pretty great and totally authentic. Definitely worth a visit.
Can't wait for the installments!
Also, I have a question. When booking tickets on United, is it better to credit miles to Mileage Plus or Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles program? I live in the U.S., but I rarely fly United. Do points expire on either program? I ask about using Turkish's peogram because I've heard that they have great redemption rates for domestic travel on UA. But I assume that the points earning rate is less. Is it worth it to credit to TK?
Hi Ben. Looking forward to your reviews on these trips. It is so nice to know that you spent a few days with your dad flying to the Middle East and Down Under.
Speaking about HIE, I was wondering if you Ben or any readers on this blog know anything more about the IHG status renewal in regards to Ambassador renewal. I need to renew my Ambassador membership in November. I know that my elite status with IHG is through the end of December. Does anybody know when should I renew my Ambassador membership in order to maintain my IHG elite level? Should I or would I need to let it expire and buy a new Ambassador membership? Thanks.
I am happy for you to hear that your dad was up for this short adventure and the two of you had fun.
Even with all the first class flights and nice hotels, I couldn’t get my father motivated for such a journey.
I am looking forward to all the detailed reports.
@ SJC -- Thanks! I could be mistaken (and someone correct me if I'm wrong), but I think as long as you renew it before it expires, you should have your IHG status extended by an additional year. At least that assumes IHG doesn't change its policy.
Love these reports. Serious question though, was your dad absolutely fried by the end (or even during it)? Even if he was enjoying all of it, with not much ground time and constantly moving, I'd think he'd be exhausted. I know I would be, and I'm in my 30s!
Apparently, it's quite a common "affliction" as I'm the same way. I absolutely cannot sleep flat on a plane - I get motion sickness whenever I try. However, with the seat at a very slight recline (or even not at all), I will fall fast asleep in seconds.
I am shocked (not really) that you were able to find two “unicorn” Qantas seats that fit perfectly with your travel plans
Except he didn't. He literally said he booked the trip around finding that award. Reading is fundamental kids!
Wonderful with your Dad and his love and appreciation for the Ambiance. I follow him, although I do lie flat
Excellent timing for next week’s Birthday RTW. I’m flying QR 1st from Sydney. Last time I got access to QF First lounge. Looking forward to the DOH Garden.
Great work on hotel nights.
Cannot wait until Miles is old enough to join his grand father and father in a three generation 'round-the-world' adventure.
Wow this is very interesting. I flew in a lie flat business class seat on Turkish Airlines and felt so nauseous and motion sick the entire flight. I never even thought that it might be from lying completely flat. I will try to prop up a bit next time and see if that helps!
Omg. This is a dream trip Ben. Most of which I have done in separate parts but definitely not all in this luxury. Just a pity you missed out on the old virgin Australia a330 business class. That was one of my favourite trips while living in Queensland.
Oh, he could (illegally) have experienced it in Perth. He could've somehow figured out a way to head to T1, because that A330 is *still there*.