£400 business class or 10 hats in Qatar.

We put our Japan trip on hold once again as we set out on a new adventure; one lasting longer than any other trip done so far, and with destinations further away than ever before.

We’ll be visiting family, friends and friends like family based all over the southern hemisphere starting in Auckland New Zealand and ending aboard the QM2 on a transatlantic from New York to Southampton some 84 days later. For now, let me catch you up from my pre departure stay at London Heathrow’s T4.

Checking in to the Holiday Inn Express on Monday 16th of September was an absolute breeze. Quick service and after lugging my cases to room 520, a couple of g+t’s were had in the hotel bar and the prospect of an early beckoned as I wouldn’t be seeing a proper bed again until the Thursday. The hotel is an interesting one, split in to 2 halves with one half being the Holiday Inn Express and the other being the Crowne Plaza. The hotel shares the same building, amenities and walk way to the airport terminal. Check in operates one side of a pillar for either hotel, with the rooms being split above this check in counter on corresponding sides. The Crowne Plaza often retails for more, but based on these factors it’s certainly not worth the extra cost.

From room 520 you are able to be overlooked from people that exit the lift and have a direct full view of your room. The reception lights also shine directly in through the window and this makes the room very difficult to sleep in. The hotel is fine for a 1 night stay, but not for anything more.

The only reason you would stay at these hotels is due to the covered walk way linking the airport to the hotels. The walk from the terminal to the hotels takes no more than 7 minutes, even with the most awkward trolly.

The following morning dawned very bright, with the help of reception lights, at 5 and a walk to the Qatar Airways check in desk. The check in counters for Qatar Airways are at the opposite end of the terminal from the covered walk way.

This is where all the dreams and hard work start to become a reality. I was flying in the world renowned Qatar Q suites and did check in ever impress. To start you are taken behind a private lattice effect covering and your bags taken from you by porters. Your private wait staff offer you a drink while your bags are stored and you take a seat while a check in counter becomes available. A Qatar famous lemon and mint drink was delivered within 30 seconds and within the same timeframe my check in desk was ready. My drink was delivered to the counter and my bags were lifted on to the scales and sent straight through to Auckland, New Zealand. This service was unparalleled and despite travelling first class with BA I’ve never experienced this elsewhere.

From here we make our way out of the checkin and through security, where I was the only person, to the tranquil oasis that is the Qatar lounge. People say this lounge is difficult to find, it isn’t at all. It’s opposite gate 6 and has clear markings making it perfectly visible.

The lounge is an ocean of cream tones with the Qatar burgundy uniform acting as the perfect contrast. The food is wonderful with some of the best brie I’ll ever have being part of the breakfast buffet.

2 hours here zipped by and before I knew it the lounge hostesses was walking around asking to see boarding passes as the flight was boarding.

Upon boarding the aircraft I was personally welcomed by the flight manager by name and my seat pointed out. 3k would be taking me to of the leg to Doha, Qatar. The seat vicinity is wonderful. It has enough room to perform yoga in and the ultimate act of privacy was the ability to close the 5ft door which I struggled to see over when I stood up. The seat I found very firm and by the end of the 6 hours journey to Qatar my back was sore as were my legs.

The highlight of this journey were the excellent crew who took fantastic care of me, the 2nd glass of champagne that due to take off was delivered to me in a take away cup made me laugh and the chocolate tart which I’ve had worse in Michelin starred restaurants. Not too sweet and absolutely delicious.

6 hours later and I arrived safe and sound in Qatar. The prices in the airport are astronomical! A hat and a fridge magnet for £45 made my eyes water. I decided to avoid potential bankruptcy I would spend my 8 hour lay over in the world famous Al Mourjan Business class Lounge. Now this is a pain to find!

When you get to the giant yellow teddy bear as you’re facing it turn left and it is to the side of duty free and behind and to the side of the Harrods Tea room. You’re in the Middle East, of course you need a Harrods tea room. Based on the price of the hat, I didn’t even want to look at the cost on the menu.

Controversially, I wasn’t the biggest fan of this lounge despite the glittering reviews other people give. I went to the restaurant first and struggled to get served with a drink. Other people turned up after me and were served first while I was left resorting to having to call the service team and then receiving a “sorry, didn’t realise you were waiting!” The lounge lacked the feeling and atmosphere of the first at Heathrow, and while this might not seem such a big deal to many, most people on my flight would have been paying £8,000 for a ticket return. If I paid this, I wouldn’t have been impressed.

Thankfully the lounge was completely quiet until the final hour and I was able to have a shower and listen to the football in relative peace. The shower facilities are brilliant in the lounge, but no hairdryer which was a pain.

In Doha your told your gate is open long before boarding. This is due to the size of the airport and the navigation of finding the gates. It’s easy to see why it has won Worlds Best Airport for 2024 as it is the best airport. It has everything you could ever need or wish for, it’s just on a monumental scale.

The next flight is one of the longest in the world at nearly 16 hours in length and taking off at 10 to 2 am I was really looking forward to some sleep. The flight attendants on this flight are the best I’ve ever experienced. A glass of champagne delivered, take off, my bed made (yes for me!) and a glass of g+t delivered all within the space of 30 minutes.

Despite some pretty intense turbulence I managed a full 8 hours sleep. The mattress topper provided for the seat as well as the pj’s really enhance the whole flight.

Qatar airlines offer an on demand food service which means you can eat at any time of the flight no matter what you want. If your body is telling you it’s dinner time at 3am, have dinner. This service meant when I woke up I was able to have something to eat of a lovely cheese board and berries.

Despite sleeping for 8 hours Auckland was still 7 hours away. The inflight entertainment was more than enough to keep anyone entertained for these 7 hours and really did have something for everyone.

Despite the more comfortable seat it is still a long flight and not one to be taken lightly. It really does take its toll and upon getting to the 14 hour mark I would have quite contentedly parachuted in to the Tasman sea. Landing thankfully finally came round and the first sights of New Zealand came in to view.

For the same flight next year will cost you £3866.39. This is a huge sum of money so despite my self spending 90,000 avios and £400 I will judge it based on this. Do I think it’s worth it? The booking process which we’ll cover next time, is appalling and with a comparison with another Middle Eastern airline you’ll see why. I think to save my sanity it probably is worth it. I’m very greatful that I was able to make use of my avios points and the fees were as astronomical as they could have been. If you’re booking via avios is it worth it? Completely, 100% worth it and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Thank you as ever for reading and looking forward to hearing all of your travel stories and inspiration for the next trip.