Long Flight to Europe Experience

Auckland, New Zealand – Melbourne – Abu Dhabi – Paris

What was your longest flight? Do you experience anxiety or happiness on long flights? Let me share my experience with you which is always good and positive. It is all about your mindset. The right question is: Are you ready to be happy?

Our trip was quite long. We were traveling 35+ hours by plane and then 4 hours from Paris to St. Nazaire with a two and a half years old toddler. At first, you are worried are you going to experience hell, but as I mentioned above, it is all about what do you want and how you imagine your trip.

I believe that our imagination and will can give us very positive energy. If you believe that your experience will be great and positive, then it will be.

Morning prep for a long trip

I was so happy to go to Europe, after 4 years, to see family and friends. Also, it was excited about showing my little girl where I was growing up, what streets I enjoyed walking, or meeting grandmas. During covid, nobody traveled so grandmothers could not see Sophie in person. I was wondering how Sophie will experience this family reunion.

We got up very early, to be at least 3 hours before the flight. To check our luggage and are overweight :). The sunrise was amazing. Red, yellow, and purple colors were mixed and created a beautiful view. For me, that create a feeling of a new day, a new adventure, and I was ready to daydream.

Airport experience

We came 3 hours before the flight. One of the reasons is that we sis not know if our luggage was overweight. My plan was that if our luggage is overweight, I will put all extra staff in our backpack. I did not expect that issue because our plan was to bring fewer clothes to Europe and buy there what we need.

The Guys had a short breakfast, and I just took some tea, because I am intermittent fasting. We played with Sophie, running around before we get to the plane from Auckland to Melbourne. The idea is while we are on the land, at the airport, to get Sophie to play, jump and run, because a long flight could be too much for her.

ETIHAD Experience

We fly with ETIHAD airways. I must say it was a pleasant trip and I love this company. We got a lot of games for Sophie, so she could draw, and play with stickers. I must say the food was quite good. And the only thing I would change if I could is the movie program.

Between flights

The first stop was Melbourne. And we grab something to eat. It was Indian food. At the time we arrived, a lot of restaurants were not open, so we choose Two Johns Taphouse. And the food was good.

After dinner, we were running around with Sophie. And I must admit that running is good for us too. I do not feel relaxed and comfortable if I am sitting for a whole day. Having a walk and playing with a kid is quite enjoyable and fun.

Next Stop on Our Way to Europe

Our first flight was 4 hours long, but the second one is longer. It took us 14 hours from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi. You can see differences in culture just by going from one airport to another airport. Different style and atmosphere. I liked the big pillar in the middle of the Abu Dhabi airport, covered with a green and white pattern.

Another thing that I think is great is that they have a big playground for kids monitored by airport staff. That way adults cannot come in and chill or sleep, which is good. That is how Sophie meets some other nationalities.

The third thing that grabbed my attention was the lot of stores. You can find everything, from food to jewelry, with a lot of options. I am not surprised because they are quite a rich country.

Last flight to Europe

Just before we get to our last flight, we tried to give Sophie as much time as we could in the playground. Because we could not go on the playground it was nice for the two of us, to have some time.

I think these 7 hours of flight looked like 10 hours. I felt tired, but still, I was quite happy enjoying the movies and planning our trip. I find the best time to plan some activities in plane long flights. I am super motivated and I have plenty of time to do it.

How we want to experience Europe

This is a basic plan Axel and I have for our trip. Most of the plans I made because I love it and Axel is happy with my decisions. However, I always ask him what he thinks about it and if is there anything he would like to change. This way we are both happy. Sometimes he thinks I need to slow down and chill. I tried, but it looks like I struggle to relax :).

The plan is to be in France with Axels’ mom for 2 weeks. Then to visit Axel’s sister in Spain. From Spain to go to Bordeaux and meet with Axels’ mom. I thought if Sophie spend as much as it is possible with grandma that would be great for bonding.

After 2 days in Bordeaux, we will catch a train to Paris, and from Paris, we will go to Belgrade in Serbia to visit my family and friends. We will spend 2 weeks in Serbia and then catch a plane to Paris. We will stay in Paris for a day and go back to New Zealand.

Do you want to experience Europe with me?

In the next few stories, you can come with me to experience France, Serbia, Spain, and Bordeaux. I will try to give you extra information that could be useful for you in case you are going to travel to those countries.

I already have been to France and you can read my stories from France. You can find out what cool places you can visit in Paris. Or, if you are more interested in seeing the countryside in France.