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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

A Week In Australia

92 replies

MelainesLaugh · 30/09/2024 07:10

I’ve always wanted to go to Australia, and I’ve recently been looking at British Airways Flights and Holidays. They do direct flights to Sydney now and it got me wondering whether a weeks holiday would be feasible.

With 23 hours on the plane and no change I could easily use that to sleep. Which would, hopefully, then have me refreshed to spend the days in Sydney before doing the same on the way back.

AIBU to consider this or is it an absolutely ridiculous idea.

OP posts:
Wheredidileavemycarkeys · 30/09/2024 07:38

No way would I go all the way to Australia just for a week. You need 2-3 weeks.

alwaysmovingforwards · 30/09/2024 07:33

When on business in Oz a week is minimum stay and it’s brutal.
No way I’d inflict that on myself with my own time and leisure money, would be a waste.
2 weeks min, but 3weeks ideal with a stop over both ways to somewhere new.

SpanThatWorld · 30/09/2024 07:30

Sydney is nice enough but, on its own, not really worth flying that distance for. Getting anywhere else in Australia takes ages because it's huge.

Codlingmoths · 30/09/2024 07:30

I’d do it without kids. Kids do make it harder!

Growlybear83 · 30/09/2024 07:30

I did it a few years ago when I flew to Sydney for my brother's funeral. The jet lag didn't hit me too badly until I got back home again.

sunsetsandboardwalks · 30/09/2024 07:29

Don't bother - you will feel absolutely horrendous from jet lag, even if you manage some sleep on the plane.

It's not worth it. I speak from experience! You want at least two weeks, ideally three.

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 30/09/2024 07:27

We had friends come to visit for two weeks a long time ago, when economy was still comfortable. They had a stop over but still were utterly knackered. Then they had heat to contend with, came in March so it would be cooler, had indian summer heatwave. 4 weeks minimum.

Tiredofthewhirring · 30/09/2024 07:25

With sleeping pills and at least a premium economy seat maybe?

alwayscrashinginthesamecar1 · 30/09/2024 07:25

Its a hell of a long way to go for a week. Do you only want to go to Sydney ?Sydney is a beautiful city but there are so many better places IMO. I tell people that you need at least three weeks here to make it worth your while, but YMMV. I guess if you flew business it might be easier, but better to spend on a longer (and more varied) trip

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 30/09/2024 07:24

My DH did it for his best friends wedding - 8 days which included all fight time. He loved it, but powered on through and used to live in Australia so wasn’t going for the purpose of actual sightseeing

OwlishPeering · 30/09/2024 07:23

Have you ever done a properly longhaul flight before? Did you arrive ‘refreshed’?

Weesiewoo · 30/09/2024 07:20

Wait until you have a few weeks.
Jet lag is a killer.

Kitkat1523 · 30/09/2024 07:20

I wouldn’t even consider it…..jet lag is a bummer for me…..and the travel time ( including travel to and from airport and the check in and boarding time) would not make it worth my while…..I’ve been to Australia 3 times…..seen some amazing things……but to pay all that flight money to visit one city seems like a massive waste of money.

isthismylifenow · 30/09/2024 07:20

Is that one week including or excluding the flights?

I would only do it if I was in an upgraded more roomy seat.

But I cannot operate on no sleep, so that is just my opinion.

You need to factor the time difference and jet lag in as well. You will just be adjusting when it will be to to fly back again.

CheshireDing · 30/09/2024 07:20

I mean you could but it doesn't sound pleasant. Can you stretch it out to 2 weeks so you actually get some rest in the sun ?

Direct from London to Perth is not bad actually, the flight landing times are good both here and there so that helps with jet lag.

Personally I would go somewhere nearer if I only have a week (Miami, Florida Keys) or wait until I can go for at least 2 weeks.

CrisisCries · 30/09/2024 07:16

How are you with sleep deprivation? I've only flown in two legs and all the times I've felt like death when I've arrived. However the next day I'm pretty ok. So if you think you can cope go for it!

Scribblydoo · 30/09/2024 07:15

Technically yes. Depends how jet lagged you think you will be and what kind of holiday you are aiming for. If you want to go out at night jet lag can perversely mean you're raring to go at 2am. Family holiday with young children, I wouldn't.