Traveling with kids brings an entirely different energy to the journey, it can be thrilling, exhausting, and well, everything in between. Our next adventure from the US to Doha, Qatar, would have our family sitting on a 14-hour direct flight, and although Shanti has flown many times before, we weren’t sure how she would handle the lengthy flight.
Packing for such a long journey can be daunting, but we managed to reduce our belongings to the essentials, this family of three downsized to one large backpack, a carry on suitcase, Shanti’s ice cream luggage and 2 carry on bags… to live out of for 5 months!
Arriving at the airport, we were thrilled to find that Qatar Airways offers a family-friendly service that allowed us to skip the long lines. This small gesture made a big difference, especially with a young child in tow. We also took advantage of our Chase Sapphire Reserve cards, which gave us access to the Priority Pass lounges. If you’ve never been to an airport lounge, it’s a game-changer – free food, drinks, and a quiet place to relax before the flight.
As we boarded the plane, you could feel our families excitement. Qatar Airways has a reputation for excellence, and we were stoked to see if it lived up to the hype. From the moment we found our seats, we were impressed. Each seat came with a cozy blanket, a pillow, headphones, and even a small amenities kit with socks and an eye mask.
For Shanti, the highlight was the in-flight entertainment system. The large screens and variety of shows and games kept her entertained for hours. Talk about maxing out your allowed screen time!
When it came to meals, Qatar Airways did not disappoint. We decided to try a bit of everything – vegetarian noodles, chicken curry with rice, and beef with noodles. The food was surprisingly good for airline meals, and the service was impeccable. The flight attendants were on point and made sure we had everything we needed.
One of our biggest concerns was how Shanti would handle such a long flight. Not so much her behavior, but the restlessness of having to sit that long in one, tiny, spot. The combination of in-flight entertainment, comfortable seats, and little surprises like an activity bag from Qatar, kept her happy and occupied. She even managed to sleep for a good portion of the flight, which was a huge relief for us.
After 14 hours in the air, we finally touched down in Doha. The airport itself felt like a futuristic space shuttle, with sleek stainless steel designs and a modern ambiance. We quickly made our way through customs and were picked up by a driver from The Golden Tulip hotel, where we would be staying for the next few days.
The hotel that sponsored our first few nights in Doha was stunning, offering a spacious and luxurious room—especially welcome after a long economy-class flight. With two bathrooms, a walk-in closet, and a breathtaking view, The Golden Tulip was the perfect place to call home as we relaxed and recovered from our journey.
We were also treated to an incredible dining experience at the hotel’s Set Premium restaurant. The variety of local dishes was a culinary dream, and it wasn’t just because our last meal was a microwaved airline Lunchable. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Doha.
Over the next 10 days, we’ll be plowing through our planned itinerary. From visiting local markets and souks to exploring family-friendly activities and dining at amazing restaurants, we can’t wait to share our adventures in Doha with you!
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