tempdoug wrote:Is this a dumb question or not? But how cheap can a person fly around the world for?

Not dumb at all.. right now my way from Whitehorse YXY to Yangon in Myanmar is $750. Once in RGN, the Business class kicks in all the way to JFK for $475 and I'm $400 from JFK back to YXY so total I'm in for $1525... I'll eat on the plane and lounges for free, booked a hotel in Yangon (Alfa hotel) and in London (Renaissance). I'll sleep in the airport in Hong Kong. I'll bring the lap top to edit flying videos!!

mountainmatt wrote:Sounds like a fun trip JM. Take some pics, intl airports/flights can make for great people watching.

My advice, bring good headphones and a sense of humor.

I lost my headphones attached to my Ipod shuffle that used for running...any recommendations for good headphones under 100/150 bucks?

My advice, bring good headphones and a sense of humor. [/quote] I lost my headphones attached to my Ipod shuffle that used for running...any recommendations for good headphones under 100/150 bucks?[/quote]

When I was flying comercial a lot on business a few years ago I bought some $150 Skull Candy head phones on Ebay for $40 bucks. Still have them and they are great. They are the bigger type, but not big like aviation size. I got black one with big skulls in gold, and gold hardware for that ethnic/urban look ; )

So, for 1575 bucks to fly around the world, how many miles do you end up with? Are these unrestricted miles, as in you can buy anyone a ticket with them? Still not grasping this whole idea.

D.

I recommend Skull Candy too. Cheap and fairly good sound (ear buds).

the ones I lost were skull candy as well...ear buds but not the $150 version... I was wondering about going with those that go over your ear rather than ear buds? thoughs?

David... the points usage is totally depending on who you accumulate points with... for example, I like star Alliance, Delta and AKAL...that means I fly mostly with star alliance which gives me "Aeroplan" points. Aeroplan allows you to book for anyone anytime and you can trade or donate points as much as you want. AKAL as a different gig so as Delta, Quantas, etc... Just depends on who you fly with most of the time, where you want to go, etc. I think I'll get about 30/35k points for this rip and a few on Delta for my LHR-JFK segment. Cheers, BCT

Have you ever seen that show AMAZING RACE ?

tempdoug wrote:Have you ever seen that show AMAZING RACE ?

You bet! if I had uncle Sam's passport I'd put a good pitch for sure! in the meantime, here's the one I'm applying on with a friend...not worldwide but heck, a good race nonetheless!
http://www.ctv.ca/TheAmazingRaceCanada/ ... -Apply-Now!

Backcountry Tundra wrote:the ones I lost were skull candy as well...ear buds but not the $150 version... I was wondering about going with those that go over your ear rather than ear buds? thoughs?

David... the points usage is totally depending on who you accumulate points with... for example, I like star Alliance, Delta and AKAL...that means I fly mostly with star alliance which gives me "Aeroplan" points. Aeroplan allows you to book for anyone anytime and you can trade or donate points as much as you want. AKAL as a different gig so as Delta, Quantas, etc... Just depends on who you fly with most of the time, where you want to go, etc. I think I'll get about 30/35k points for this rip and a few on Delta for my LHR-JFK segment. Cheers, BCT

Thanks for explaining.

On the headphones, over the ear is what I have and it is what I like for comfort, blocking outside noise, and the sound.

JM: I will be thinking of you often as you clear various countries customs, good luck!

This could be you!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/dYslhL71k1M?rel=0

The stress level is building up enough to make me miss some sleep... I have yet to receive my passport stamped with the needed Republic of Myanmar's visa.... I called Yesterday and advised that I was leaving on Sunday and needed this thing ASAP...they say that it would be in the mail, courrier, Friday... Courrier works around the clock 7/7 so keeping my finger's crossed. Something tells me I should call again tomorrow though!

Anyone ever been to Hong Kong before...are the stores/shops opened at night time? I land in the evenin and plan on spending the night up walking around...any suggestions? Cheers, BCT

J-M, I think you're crazy doing this! But have fun anyway.

Cheers,
Greg

Hong Kong has a beautiful terminal, it does pretty much close down at night though. If you go outside the security area there is a hotel called the Regal. It is very nice, I've stayed there many times.

There are pay in lounges inside the security area also where you can hang out for a few hours. I have not used them in Hong Kong but at other airports overseas they usually have snacks and beverages available.

Try http://www.hongkongairport.com for more info.

Sounds like an interesting trip.

Have fun,

Jim

I just realized you are flying business/first on this adventure. Your ticket should get you in the respective airline lounges on all of your stops. Great for a bite to eat an adult beverage and usually showers and wi-fi.

Jim

Yes, the stores and restaurants are open all night: you'll want to find the "night markets." There are a number of night markets, both on the island side and the Kowloon side. They will be listed in a current tourist guide to the city, or you can ask the airline counter employees in the terminal - they should know. I've found the taxi drivers don't speak much English, so it will be helpful if you can get the counter people to write the destination on a slip of paper for you.

And if you just want to go out for a meal/drink and to meet interesting people, go to Lan Kwai Fong. That's where the expats go to party, and you'll find a whole assortment of interesting people!

Some of my best memories are walking home after a great meal of Indian cuisine, passing through the neighborhoods between Wan Chai and Central and hearing the sounds of people playing mah jong - the clicking clacking sound of the tiles being mixed on the table and the evening conversations.

It's a great city: have fun!

Thanks for all of the insight. I didnt book a hotel as I figured I'd just spend the whole night walking then crashing on the flight to LHR the following day. Can you buy using US dollars or they prefer local currency? Cheers, BCT

You will want to get Hong Kong Dollars 150HKD is about $19US. I usually just use ATMs although there are money changers at the airport that are pretty fair.

Crime is pretty rare but its always a good idea to take precautions.

Bargaining is a national pastime so be prepared for hoards of people selling copy watches and custom suits!

Jim

That's right about the currency: you will need to exchange some US$ for HK$ or use the ATM. I wouldn't recommend eating at the street side restaurants because their hygiene isn't what you might hope for and hepatitis is endemic. But it is interesting to watch the cooks preparing meals in enormous woks, see all the live seafood milling around in plastic tubs, and listen to the exuberant diners.

In Mong Kok there's a place where bird owners bring their birds while they have tea. It's called, appropriately, Bird Street. I always liked going there because it felt very old and traditional to me. I don't know when things begin and end there, but it might be worth investigating if your stay extends into the morning.

Mornings in HK were always very interesting to me: you see lots of ordinary stuff, like office workers heading for the MTR and tiny school kids walking to the bus stop, and plenty of less common stuff like delivery men riding bicycles through traffic with a cooked pig on a shelf mounted to the handle bars and street vendors cooking something that smells like boiled gym socks.

On especially hectic and steamy days I always liked dropping in to the Mandarin or the Peninsula to calm down and literally chill out.

Since you will be there at night you might consider going to the top of the Peak for a beautiful view of the harbor, Central and the Mid-Levels, and Tsim Tsa Shui. If the Peak Tram has shut down for the night you can take a taxi instead. It's really a wonderful view.

Take the Star Ferry from one side of the harbor to the other. Between all the boat traffic and the astonishing amounts of neon on the buildings you will get a fabulous light show, and there is something special about rocking along on the ferry. A really great ride.

It's an amazing city, and you could spend days exploring it. Have fun getting a quick taste, and then use those miles to take the family there for a week (and spoil yourself and stay at one of the beautiful hotels with a view).

Well tomorrow morning is "Go time"... I needed to pack for 7 days and leave room for goodies/trinkets/shirt for the kids, etc. so here's what I've come up with. The only thing that is not in the picture is a pair of quick dry shorts. I was planning on wearing shorts in Myanmar given the +30c temperatures but the temple I want to visit does not welcome folks in shorts so I may add a pair of lightweight Carharts in the morning.

Here's the packing job


This is a small carry on, the Yukon fleece is the warmest garment that I'm taking along - hope it will be warm enough for NYC at night.


This is my wife's grandfather, I bought a flag at the store today and had her do the writing. I will lay it on the Bomber Command Memorial downtown London. I hope it ends up in the WWII archives for generations to remember... both USA and CANADA gave a lot of their men, women and machines for our freedom...how can we forget.


already, first flight from YXY-YVR tomorrow morning on Air North (4N) 737-400. Oh and I must add...I'm am super pumped about this last minute awesome news...I land at JFK on the 20th and it just so happen that Sid the kid is playing the Rangers at MSQ... I will be on the prowl for tiks!

The around the world deal sounds great to me. I like flying commercial too. The only place more interesting than an International Airport is maybe a circus and they have a lot in common. I have met a lot of people on flights and some are good friends now.

Right now you can find amazing travel deals! I am heading to Europe in April to see a girl I met on a flight in 09. I'm taking a transatlantic cruise in April and then flying around Europe. The cruise only cost $578 for a cabin to myself. Crazy cheap right now! I use vacationstogo.com to find cruises and then go to cruisecompete.com to get bids from travel agents. Sometimes they can get you a better price but vacationstogo actually gave me $75 onboard credit so I booked with them.

My first flight is from Barcelona to Lisbon. It was 7 Euros before tax. $46.47 total. Lisbon to Amsterdam for $74, Amsterdam to Berlin - $51, Berlin to Vienna- $65, Vienna to Rome $62, etc. I have no idea how they sell these flights so cheap but I'm not arguing.

http://matrix.itasoftware.com/search.htm is the place to find these Air fares. Your travel agent won't find them for you. You can't book on the site but you can go directly to the airlines websites and book them yourself. Just pack light. In Europe, your bags will cost almost as much as you if they're overweight. Plus you can take 40 lbs here but only about 30 in Europe. Be careful of that.

I just joined Couchsurfing.com to find places to stay for free. I have used AirBnB for lodging before. I meet a lot of great people that way too. Nothing better than having a local show you around. I can actually spend time traveling in Europe for less than my house payment is here. My house payment is under $900.

I used to use a Sky miles card for all my construction purchases too and I could take my family to Hawaii every year for free. If any of you guys have a business I would seriously consider using a Airlines mileage card.

Have a great time on your trip!! Sounds like fun to me.

PS: you posted while I was writing. Your flag is great!!! Don't forget your Visa Card!!

Don't know if you have any but the cargo pants that the legs zip off but they are great for traveling light. You also might want to take a coat with lots of pockets. You just need to wear it on the plane but you can stash cameras, Ipods, headphones and a lot of junk in it. Then just take it off when you get on/off the plane. Good way to keep a lot of small stuff with you.

Did you make Hong Kong yet? Or is it part of the SE Asia destination?

I had a little fun there exploring around Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) at night-- It's like a scene from Blade Runner and can be pretty active. Always watch your wallet. During the day, the ferry ride across the harbor and the bus ride to the top of the Victoria Peak on Hong Kong can be kinda cool, but it's a tourist trap up there. Enjoy the view and then haul ass.