For my wife's 52nd birthday, I orchestrated an unforgettable family trip that combined our mutual passion for travel with a touch of luxury. To make this special occasion memorable, I leveraged my collection of one million credit card points, which allowed us to explore several exciting destinations across Europe while enjoying comfortable travel arrangements.

Our adventure began in Florida, and over the span of two weeks, we visited vibrant cities such as Dublin, Amsterdam, and Valencia, flying primarily in first or business class. However, our journey took a delightful turn when we decided to travel from Paris to London via Eurostar, the high-speed train connecting these two iconic cities. To enhance our experience, I decided to upgrade our tickets to the premier class, Eurostars equivalent of first class.

At the time of our booking, the cost difference between the standard and premier class tickets was $361 each. In total, I spent $1,736 for four tickets, equating to about $434 per person for this unique rail experience.

As we prepared for our journey, we departed from the renowned Gare du Nord in Paris, arriving at St. Pancras International in London. Both train stations were strikingly beautiful, resembling small airports filled with a variety of restaurants, cafs, shops, and comfortable lounge areas. The layout at Gare du Nord, which featured multiple levels, was particularly impressive. We took our time exploring the station before heading to the Eurostar Premier Lounge.

The accessibility of bilingual signage throughout the stationboth in French and Englishmade navigation straightforward for us as American travelers, allowing us to seamlessly locate our boarding area.

One of the perks of traveling in premier class was complimentary access to a lounge within the train station. Given the sweltering summer heat in Paris during our visit, this air-conditioned refuge was a welcome relief. We enjoyed a variety of snacks, including sandwiches, nuts, chips, and beverages such as coffee and soda, while relaxing in plush lounge chairs.

To our surprise, we managed to switch trains due to the flexibility of our premium tickets and the fact that the prior train was not fully booked. This fortunate turn of events allowed us to arrive in London an hour and a half ahead of schedule.

Once we boarded the Eurostar, we were immediately impressed by the spaciousness and comfort of the seats. With ample legroom and a generous width, our cabin provided a relaxed atmosphere for the journey ahead. The onboard bathrooms were also surprisingly spacious, contributing to an overall comfortable travel experience.

During the ride, the attentive staff presented us with a menu featuring an array of elegant dining options. We had the choice of a starter, a selection of cold or hot meals, and a delectable dessert. Among the exquisite offerings were dishes like asparagus panna cotta, smoked salmon, and a decadent chocolate mousse topped with strawberry-rhubarb compote.

Furthermore, a variety of snacks and complimentary beveragesincluding alcoholic drinkswere promptly served, ensuring that we were well taken care of throughout the trip.

As we traveled through picturesque French and English countryside, my family and I relished the stunning views outside our windows. One of the highlights was experiencing the remarkable passage through the Channel Tunnel, which added an element of adventure to our journey.

For me, the train ride was not just a means of transportation but a scenic journey that felt more exhilarating and comfortable than a typical flight. Although a flight could have taken a similar amount of time when accounting for airport procedures, the Eurostar allowed us to avoid turbulence and enjoy beautiful landscapesall from the comfort of our spacious cabin. The combination of lounge access and complimentary meals made the premium upgrade feel exceptionally worthwhile.

Reflecting on our experience, I can confidently say that traveling in Eurostar's premier class was a fantastic choice. We would certainly consider booking these premium tickets again for future trips, as the comfort and luxury of the journey contributed significantly to the overall enjoyment of our family vacation.