Anatomy of a Trip to L.A.

This past week, I have been firming up my California trip scheduled for early August. I’ll be taking the daughter to Hollywood (her request, although she doesn't actually know she is going yet).  The trip will occur shortly after my return from Thailand so I am curious how my mental and physical state will be with two long haul trips in such close proximity to one another. It will be equally painful to fly in coach to California as I still will be reeling in the afterglow of first class pampering received from my return flight on Cathay Pacific.  I know, poor me.

This Hollywood trip will include 2 round trip,direct flights on Southwest, 3 nights at the popular Hyatt Andaz, West Hollywood  and a Hertz rental car for the duration.  Total cost of trip for two so far: $288.  I expect this price to go down as departure draws near.  In the next few upcoming posts I plan to detail this trip thru a mini series of posts to explain the logistics.

The Hotel Aspect

Today let’s review how the remainder of the itinerary was set.  The Cathay flight from JKF actually terminates in Phuket, Thailand which is my final destination.  There is an overnight layover in Hong Kong, which would have required a hotel stay even though I would be there less than 24 hours.  The overnight was not worth wasting points or paying out of pocket for a room.  Staying three nights to enjoy Hong Kong seemed much more logical.  After Hong Kong, it was a tossup between Shanghai and Bangkok; ultimately I went with 2 nights in Bangkok.  After Bangkok it was time to get into beach mode so I chose 3 nights in Hua Hin for its close proximity to Thailand’s spectacular National Parks and access to beaches on the Gulf of Thailand.  Finally, arrival at my intended destination for 5 nights in Phuket with access to beaches on the Adaman Sea.

My decision to fly First Class

270,000 points for 2 first class tickets on Cathay Pacific Airlines was determined by consulting the Oneworld airline award chart available here.  I had a base of 150K from credit card signup bonuses (detailed in a prior post).  Then from meeting the minimum spend to earn the point bonus, utilizing online shopping portals and various purchase bonuses I acquired 34K more miles for a total of 184K.  If you review the Oneworld airline award chart you’ll see that my flight orginates from North America and ends in Asia Zone 2.  This particular air alliance breaks out Asia into two zones.  Southern Asia is where Thailand is classified in the award chart and since Phuket is my final destination I fall into the Asia Zone 2 category for points.

My $26,000 plane ticket

Seven continents in 8 years is a tall order to fill.  With North America obviously under my belt and Europe in the rear view, Asia is the next destination to cross off of the list.  By the end of July I’ll be able to do just that.  With 5 continents left to choose from, you may be wondering ‘why Asia?’ To that I reply it’s not only about having enough points to travel but also, and arguably more importantly, about stretching those points as far as they can take you.  In order to get the most out of the points you earn, you have to change the way you think about them.