Proper travel requires money. If you are doing it every 16 years, you can afford to spend some.
Nothing less than first class on the train (at least that is my experience in Europe).
Nothing less than “plus” seating on the airline.
Get into the airline’s lounge. Food, drink, comfortable seating, proper announcements and people who are happy to assist.
Driving service, not cab/Uber/Lift.
Convenient overnight accommodations.
Good food.
This will cost 25-50% more than doing it on the cheap. Again, more than affordable if you are an infrequent flyer. Worth every nickel to me.
ymmv