A Magical Journey with Baby Alice: From Slovakia to Abu Dhabi and the Maldives 🌍👶

As Alice celebrated her sixth month, we embarked on our most ambitious adventure yet – a three-week journey that included six flights and three incredible destinations: Slovakia, Abu Dhabi, and the Maldives. The trip was not only a celebration of Alice's milestone but also a special holiday to commemorate my father's 60th birthday in March 🎉.

Setting the Stage – Slovakia for Christmas 🇸🇰🎄

Our journey commenced with a flight from London Luton airport to Slovakia, our first stop. We chose WizzAir, prioritising the allure of the destination over the flight luxuries. Traveling with an infant, we appreciated that WizzAir allows infants to bring a little bag as well. Additionally, the airline permits passengers traveling with infants to bring a stroller for free, making our travel experience more convenient.

Christmas in Slovakia with family was the perfect start to our holiday, laden with festive cheer and the joy of reuniting with loved ones.

Arriving in Bratislava on 26th December, we spent two days at my parents' place before venturing to Podbanske in the High Tatras. A Christmas present from my parents, weekend at the Pohoda cabin, exceeded our expectations. With three spacious apartments, each equipped with a kitchen and bathroom, a communal area, and a basement featuring a sauna, hot tub, and bowling alley, it was a heaven. The traditional Slovak restaurant nearby and the proximity to a little ski resort added a touch of authenticity to our festive celebrations.

Flying High – Vienna to Abu Dhabi 🇦🇹✈️🇦🇪

On the 6th of January, we took off to Vienna, the gateway to our next adventure in Abu Dhabi. Parking our car at Parktiger 1, we boarded a plane for Alice's first longer flight. Preparedness was key – with her favourite toys, an array of food options, and sensory distractions, Alice sailed through the five-hour flight with ease 🧸🍼.

We stayed at Hotel Hannah Burj Al Sarab, a choice we were delighted with. With breakfast included, impeccable cleanliness, and two rooms assigned on the same floor, the hotel made traveling with a baby seamless. The staff's attentiveness and the availability of a gym and a heated pool further enhanced our experience.

Abu Dhabi Adventures 🏝️🎢

Our time in Abu Dhabi was marked by exploration and excitement. Visits to Seaworld and Ferrari World added thrilling experiences to our itinerary. The sheer magnitude of Seaworld, the largest seaward globally, captivated us with dolphin shows and rides included in the price. Ferrari World, a colossal theme park, boasted the world's fastest ride (Formula Rossa) and the first sideways coaster drop (Mission Ferrari). Although we missed Mission Ferrari due to long queues, the day was a splendid one for my husband and me, having not indulged in rides for some time. 🐬🏎️

Evening strolls along the picturesque promenade, e-scooter rides to nearby beach, and exquisite Thai dining added layers of enjoyment to our Abu Dhabi experience. A walk, a meal, and packing marked the end of this leg as we geared up for our flight to the Maldives.

The Maldivian Odyssey 🏝️🚤

Touching down in the Maldives, a realm of over 1000 islands, we were in for a unique adventure. Due to the logistics of island hopping, we had to stay at Unima Grand Hotel on Male Island for the night, as the closest speedboat to Rashdoo was organized for the next morning. The hotel's staff was courteous, picking us up at the airport with a welcome drink, but the prolonged check-in process left us a bit fatigued.

While Maldives may not match the glossy advertisements, we cherished the opportunity to experience the real culture and daily life. A speedboat journey to Rashdoo, where our guesthouse was located, unfolded the stunning beauty of this island nation.

The Beach Cottage, our abode for five nights, offered a private heaven with spacious common areas, a small outside reception, and coffee, tea, and water always available. The manager and staff, their warmth, and a thoughtful parting gift added to the charm of our stay 🏡🌊.

Navigating the local customs in this Muslim country, we embraced the unique lifestyle on Rashdoo. There is no alcohol available outside of resorts and the island has an assigned bikini beach for tourists. We appreciated the chance to immerse ourselves fully in the culture and the sharks swimming near the port each day just added a unique touch to our island experience. 🦈🐠

Reflecting on the Maldivian Sojourn 🤔

As we wrapped up our Maldivian sojourn, reflections on the local lifestyle, limited shopping options, and the necessity to remove shoes before entering shops added interesting nuances to our experience. Parents should be aware that there are very limited options of baby food available in the local shops. Our initial surprise turned into creative solutions as we relied on fresh fruit, generously provided as a complimentary treat for Alice at Lemon Drop (local restaurant). Adapting to local offerings became part of the adventure, and we appreciated the opportunity to introduce Alice to the diverse flavours of the Maldives.

While the Maldives may not conform to the stereotypical images, it revealed its own charm – a blend of natural beauty, local traditions, and the simplicity of island living. As we boarded a speedboat back to the airport, we bid farewell to Rashdoo and set our sights on the journey back to Abu Dhabi. 🍎🍌

A Tranquil Night in Abu Dhabi 🌃💤

Returning to Abu Dhabi, we opted for a night at Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport. The hotel, despite its 3-star rating, surprised us with its cleanliness, rooftop amenities, and a delicious breakfast. A dip in the hot tub and pool provided the perfect respite before the final leg of our journey. We decided to extend our stay further, and for the convenience of late check-out until 6 pm, we gladly paid an additional £30. This extra time not only allowed us to unwind but also made our transition to the airport smoother. 

Thanks to our Revolut Premium account, we enjoyed a discounted rate of £20 per person for access to the airport lounge. This exclusive offer added a touch of luxury to our pre-flight experience, with a delightful spread and ample time before our departure, enhancing the overall comfort of our journey back to London Luton.

The Final Leg – From Vienna to Bratislava

The last flight (for my parents anyway) of our journey took us from Abu Dhabi to Vienna. With Alice showcasing her calm demeanour throughout the flight, we received compliments from fellow passengers. Arriving in Vienna around 2 am, a taxi ride to retrieve our car from the airport parking lot set the stage for the last chapter of our adventure.

An apartment in Bratislava, Frida Apartment, became our refuge for two nights. The short distance from Vienna airport and the convenience of our flight back to London Luton from Bratislava made it a practical choice.

The Homecoming 🏡

The final flight from Bratislava to London Luton, a mere 2 hours and 15 minutes, felt like a blink compared to the long-haul journeys we had undertaken. As we touched down, a sense of accomplishment and nostalgia washed over us. Our homecoming marked the end of an extraordinary journey, filled with memories, adventures, and the joy of experiencing the world with baby Alice.

As we settle back into the rhythms of daily life, the memories of our whirlwind adventure linger. From the festive celebrations in Slovakia to the thrilling experiences in Abu Dhabi and the serene moments in the Maldives, each destination added a unique chapter to our family's travelogue. 🌐👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

With San Francisco and Hawaii on the horizon, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in our globetrot. 🌴🌉✈️

Lessons from Our Travels and Tips for Future Journeys

Maldives

Pack Plenty of Baby Food: If you're traveling with little ones, consider taking a substantial supply of baby food with you. Local shops mostly stock powdered items, and finding a variety of baby food options can be challenging. So, make sure to plan ahead and pack accordingly to ensure a stress-free culinary experience for your little travel companions.

Vienna

Instead of relying on airport taxis, explore alternative transportation options like Uber or other ride-sharing companies (more cost-effective).

Abu Dhabi

Embrace Local Taxis: Contrary to popular belief, pre-booking a taxi in Abu Dhabi may not be the most budget-friendly option. Instead, consider hailing a local taxi on the spot, especially since they are government-owned and known for their affordability.

Extend Your Stay: Abu Dhabi has more to offer than meets the eye. I found myself falling in love with the city's unique charm and cultural richness, making it a worthy contender for an extended stay.

Price Breakdown

Flight tickets & Hotels	£
Luton- Bratislava (return for 2 adults with seats + infant fare+cabin luggage)	321.36
Vienna- Abu Dhabi (return for 2 adults with seats + infant fare)	463.5
Abu Dhabi- Male (return for 2 adults with seats + infant fare)	331.7
Frida Apartment (Bratislava- 2 nights- whole apartment)	142.87 (had £100 credit on booking so paid only £42.87)
Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport (one room+breakfast late check out)	161.5
Beach Cottage (Rashdoo- 5 nights one room)	376.04
Unima Grand (one room, one night with breakfast)	87.33
Jannah Burj Al Sarab (Abu Dhabi - 3 nights with breakfast)	229.66
Transport Maldives
Speedboat (return Male-Rashdoo for 2 people)	160
Transport Abu Dhabi
Airport- Jannah Burj Al Sarab	23.14
Jannah Burj Al Sarab-airport	21.03
Jannah Burj Al Sarab- Seaworld (return)	27.6
Jannah Burj Al Sarab- Ferrari World (return)	26.85
Transport Vienna
ParkTiger to Airport (train, 2 people)	4
Airport to Parktiger (taxi)	23.52
Transport Bratislava
Hotel-Airportt	7.39
Entertainment Abu Dhabi
Seaworld+Ferrari World (2 people)	163
Airport Loung (2 people)	40
Other
Car park Vienna (11 nights)	61.47
Food and Drinks (approx.)	500