I made a last-minute trip to Australia to surprise my mom on her 60th birthday where she was visiting my sister. And I planned this trip literally 3 days before I left.
We had a lovely stay at the Park Hyatt Sydney, ate incredible food, toured the Sydney Opera House, and enjoyed the friendly Aussie hospitality!
My Trip to Australia Was Too Short! But I’ll Be Back!
A Quick Trip Down Under Index:
Part 1 – United Airlines International Business Class to Australia (and, Food!)
Part 2 – Park Hyatt Sydney Views and Diamond Breakfast
Part 3 – Park Hyatt Sydney – Opera Deluxe Room
Part 4 – Park Hyatt Sydney – City Harbor King Room
Part 5 – Sydney Opera House Tour
Part 6 – United Airlines Global First Review
I love time traveling!
My United Airlines flight departed Sydney at 9:25 am local time. And arrived in Los Angeles at 6:25 am Pacific Time the same day!
How’s that for a neat trick? 
Just Call Me Dr. Who! I Gained a Whole Day by Crossing the International Dateline Flying Back to the US
On my way home, I booked a flight for 80,000 United Airlines miles and ~$85 in taxes and fees in United Airlines Global First Class. It was easy to find an award seat.
The seats were certainly much larger and more comfortable than the seats in Business Class.
Which I was very thankful for on this ~14 hour flight!
When You’re Ready to Sleep, These Seats Turn Into a Comfortable Bed, and They’ll Bring a Duvet, Pillows, and Sleeping Pad
Each seat was quite private and had lots of storage.
Plenty of Room to Spread Out and Lots of Electronics to Play With!
I was eager to go to sleep, but I couldn’t pass up the food!
My 6-Course Meal Began With Warm Appetizers, Including a Tasty Shrimp and Noodle Dish
I didn’t take pictures of every course, but here’s my entree. I had the salmon with couscous and vegetables, and it was delicious.
I Chose the Fish Entree…It Was Flavorful and the Portion Was a Good Size
In general, the food on United Airlines wasn’t my favorite. But maybe I’ve been spoiled by my other Big Travel experiences! 
Shortly after the meal service ended, I settled in to sleep. And was out cold for several hours!
It’s worth splurging on a First Class ticket for flights this long. I arrived in Los Angeles refreshed (and full!).
My trip to Sydney went way too fast! But I’m glad I got to spend my mom’s 60th birthday with her and treat her to an amazing stay at the Park Hyatt Sydney!
I feel sad that I’m so far away from my mom and can’t meet her as often as I’d like. So I was lucky to be able to take the extra mile to go visit her.
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