Last month I shared my process for preparing for an overseas trip. This month, after having spent all of July off a plane, I’m finding that my plans for next month are up in the air; I suppose, figuratively and literally.
What’s currently booked
This trip essentially began being formed nearly a year ago when my wife gave in we decided to fly Emirates A380 in First for two legs, hopefully getting two showers at 40,000 feet, and visiting Dubai’s A380 terminal. Here’s what we have so far:
Currently booked flight out (Emirates flights in Navy).
For the way back, it was another airline product bucket list thing for me, flying Cathay Pacific in First Class. I know, I know, everybody’s flown that, but, I just haven’t had the opportunity yet and I wanted me some Hong Kong Milk Tea. So we hastily booked a fairly awkward flight home, thinking that flights would open up. A month out, they aren’t.
Currently booked trip home on Cathay Pacific.
The dilemma – how to avoid domestic the transcon.
So, as you can see for the way home, its a pretty rough trip. anytime you have 3 legs, with the last one being domestic (first or economy for that matter), I feel like I return exhausted. I’ve looked, and just can’t seem to find a whole lot of space returning home, except for maybe Korean Airlines to Atlanta on their A380. That would however leave me stuck in Atlanta and needing to get another flight (maybe use my Southwest Companion Pass?).
The bigger dilemma – where to go anyway?
So, other than trying to get home, I still have to decide where we actually want to go.
Options.
The original plan was to visit the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, then go to Phuket (really Khao Lak) for some rest and relaxation. It would require a stop though (in Singapore or Bangkok most likely) to go from Siem Reap to Phuket. Option one: is to visit two new countries, to not just see the Angkor Wat, but also to visit Vietnam. Option two: Would be to visit Angkor Wat, and then head up to Beijing to see some of the sites there before our 1 year visa’s expire.
I’m not entirely sure we’re limited to just those three options, as the way home sort’ve makes a difference, because we need award availability. That said, I’m comfortable limiting the options to those as I try to match up award space home, otherwise it could get overwhelming.
Conclusion
That’s the fun of trip planning, the conclusion isn’t until non-refundable hotels or flights get booked. I think my next step is to see if I can snag some of that Korean Air award space from Asia to Atlanta. Of course, I’m more than open to any suggestions that folks have, I could be missing an awesome alternative (e.g. I could be missing the key to seeing award space on Air China’s new 777-300ER to Dulles).
I was in Cambodia and Vietnam for 5 weeks this summer and I absolutely loved both. Siem Reap is a must do in Cambodia and I absolutely fell in love with Kep, a small sleepy town on the coast. In Vietnam I loved Saigon, Hoi An, and Sapa. If you have any questions feel free to email!
Point Princess – I wish I had 5 weeks to spend! Once we narrow it down I definitely will take you up on your offer!
I recommend hitting Angkor Wat for at least 3 full days. It gets more built-up and touristy every year, so do it now.
Vietnam takes a lot of time – our 7 days there felt rushed to see the south, central, and north.
If you want relaxation and Vietnam, look into Hoi An. It was a beautiful and empty beach, plus you can have a few suits made. Check out the Top Gear Vietnam episode.
Thanks Fortension! I’m a little concerned now as far as timing because I think we may only have a total of 5 days in Asia, depending on how I work the return flights. I will definitely check out the Vietnam episode!
And look into visas for Vietnam early – I recall them taking some work.
your choice of course, but 3 days for angkor is ridic. i did angkor wat, angkor thom, bayon, 2 others, bantei srei… in half a day. preah vihea & beng melea in 1 other day.
the temples are ornate but you can only take in so much
Thanks for weighing in – I always have a hard time figuring out how many days to spend in a place.
First of all, I’m jealous. Great looking trip!
Personally, I’d just skip Beijing. It’s just too hectic and crazy for my tastes, those visas are sunk costs anyway. Relax in Phuket or visit Vietnam – anything but Beijing would be my vote!
Joe,
I live in Beijing and understand your comment.
Trevor,
I would take Joe’s comment and replace “Beijing” with “New York”. If you would avoid New York for those reasons then he is right. On the other hand you might consider that there is a wealth of culture, history, entertainment, food and excitement there.
Steve, thanks for your comment! We’re leaning against Beijing at the moment (in theory, we hoped to have decided by now, hah!), but we do have every intention to make it to Beijing, exactly for what you identified, especially the culture and history. I’m hopeful we’ll be able to make it in the next year or two — its really just one super-cheap American Airlines fare away!