Been there done that and have the shirt! I just did a 40 hour travel plan that included back to back red eyes with an 18 hr layover in Tokyo. We went to Disneyland for most of the layover. 2 parks, 10 rides, and 28k steps all on 2 hrs of sleep. SIN-> HND, Disney, then HND-> WST. Super fun but super exhausting. Passed out as soon as I got on the second leg. Would do again!
Amazing video again guys! So incredible to hear about the trips you guys have. Serena hearing about your dad being so excited to visit that small city in China is amazing! The beauty of points and miles!
Thanks for the love! It’s amazing how a little planning with points can turn a trip into an adventure. Serena’s dad is incredibly fortunate to have such a great daughter! 😂
So fun hearing all your trips! So many cool experiences. ❤ I’ve never tried those pin ball machines in Taiwan when we went last time! Will have to try next time 😊 I’m also shocked that the episode breakfast is a Texas Roadhouse 😂 we weren’t worried about the haunted GH so had breakfast there in the restaurant. So many Asian options. 😛
Thank you so much for your kind words! It’s always great to share experiences and inspire future adventures. You were rewarded for your bravery with a delicious breakfast at the GH Taipei! 👻 We hope you have a fantastic time on your next trip, Monkey Family!
Hi guys! This is Julia. We met at the Hilton lounge in Mexico City last November. In 19 days I'll be staying 4 nights at the haunted hotel 😂 in Taipei and continue on to the middle east, and Europe with my around the world trip on 35 days. This trip got even better because you inspire me with your travel adventures.
Hi Julia! It’s so great to hear from you! Your upcoming round the world trip sounds absolutely amazing. We can’t wait to hear all about your adventures in Taipei and beyond! Wishing you no ghost sightings or mysterious flooding snafus! Please check in with us as you watch and let us know where you are during your travels!
Love all the content! We're plunging into the points world by booking our first trip to Asia with points, and your channel has been a huge help with all the tips and pointers. Thank you!
My absolute favorite points people hands down. I was inspired by all your Alaska talk and now I'm able to book my family (2 grandparents, me, my husband, and 2 year old) back from our next Bangkok trip. Nicole has also inspired me to stay at the Bangkok Hyatt Regency where I'll be able to use up a gifted club access award, so excited!
In the middle of booking our Australia/New Zealand trip right now and half way done rounding our flights Okinawa to Sydney with connection in Seoul- Delta miles (30k) and Aeroplan (150k) Sydney to Auckland - Alaska miles (30k) Seoul to Okinawa - Delta Miles (30k) Need to find the Auckland to Seoul leg but nothing is lining up. May have to go into the travel portal 😅… I was in Niseko as well and although the Hilton was great and would stay there again, it was dated and in need of a refresh. Great pod as always.
Great itinerary, Carlos! Good luck with securing your remaining flights. You are very fortunate to be based in Japan, you have great award options! Thank you for your opinion about Hilton Niseko. It's great to keep in mind as we need to factor in the number of points as well as property age/experience when selecting a property.
Great video. Heading back to Kyoto in April or July (not booked yet) and planning on staying at Roku LXR if available... will look into these additional options.
Always love hearing about your trips! I was in Japan around the same time as you, Miguel and Nicole. Wish I had bumped into you both! My itinerary was centered around the Park Hyatt Kyoto and Starlux Business-all inspired by your episodes! Looks like JAL A350 is next on my list to go Okinawa like Serena 😆
Thanks for sharing your travel experience, RJ! The Park Hyatt Kyoto is such a great choice. Please let us know if you thought it was worth the points. We hope you get to enjoy the JAL A350 soon-Okinawa is a fantastic destination!
Nicole gave a comparison of service from Hyatt Place to Park Hyatt Kyoto. I think that's a bit of an unpair comparison cuz we all know Japanese customer service is superb! If she compared a Park Hyatt New New York to Hyatt Place New York, I would think the service would be much different experience. Serena, I love the AF lounge at LAX. Also since the premium economy flights from TPE back to SFO were a bit steep at 100k points. Did you ever think of just paying cash, like for instance Zipair from NRT to SJO?
You make a great point about the comparison! Japanese customer service is indeed top-notch. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Some people might have trouble deciding between the two properties in Kyoto given the difference in points. Our hope was to help those who are also on the fence between one or the other. Great note about Zipair, which is a great cash option for those in Asia. Serena's points strategy, as she's noted during the show often, is to minimize her out of pocket spend. She can always earn more points. In this case, she also needed to get her dad back to SFO directly from TPE because he was sick.
My mom loves tennis, would love to take her to the AO. I’d love to go the long way like Mitch & Polrit…my parents would probably hate it and kill me lol. I heard Delta is launching LAX to MEL December of 2025, I may check that out if we get the AO on our travel list!
Hi Tamika! The Australian Open is such a fantastic experience. I'm sure your mom would love it, and who knows, maybe your parents will surprise you and enjoy the long journey! The LAX-MEL Delta flight will be so great and nice to have another option! Hopefully this route will be included in flash sales.
Thank you for asking. For all of the reasons you mentioned. Serena didn't see availability for the EPISODE in Taipei for all the nights she needed (booked last minute). Nicole wanted to save some points and give the Park Hyatt a try by splitting her time between the two hotels in Kyoto.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s always great to hear from fellow travelers who are making the most of their trips! We're glad you had a great time in Melbourne.
Would definitely do a weekend solo trip if with points and flying biz. I’m with you Nicole regarding hotel value. If it’s just me and my husband, I am all in with park hyatt. But with family, i’d rather save my points than having to book 2 rooms with Park Hyatt.
A weekend solo trip sounds amazing! Using points to fly business class makes it even better. And we understand the hotel situation. Sometimes saving points is the smart move!
I liked the extra early upload to the Apple Podcast app this morning! Don’t mean to pry but what happened to Keholani? She had such a nice voice for the podcast. Along with everyone else! Keep up the great content!
I’m jealous! Planning to look a year in advance for a trip to Japan. Starting to look to see if I can find a 60k rate (x3) but haven’t seen anything so far. Meanwhile, Miguel finds flights a week in advance AND gets a room at the Andaz?! How do you get the stars to align like that? I need Miguel to be my new BFF 😉
Miguel lets the availability guide the adventure and makes the stars align for him. Planning a year in advance is a great strategy. Pro tip: instead of focusing on using AA miles for those JAL biz class flights, focus on redeeming via Cathay Pacific or British Airways instead. The AA calendar opens up later than the others and the people with Cathay and BA miles already swooped in and grabbed those flights. This leaves not much left for AA unless people cancel or there's an award dump.
Yikes! I just got the aviator red for P2 yesterday so we’d have enough points for the family. Seems like I’m always a step behind. 😫 What’s the best way to look up availability on Cathay or BA? Let me know if there’s a specific episode I should revisit. I’ve binge watched them all but still trying to figure this out. Thanks for the pro tip! You guys are awesome!
For economy seats, you shouldn’t have a problem with AA miles. For biz, try searching on Cathay Pacific. Set up an account and add your family members as nominees. Amex, Citi, Cap One, and Bilt transfer to Cap One so you can set those links up as well.
That sounds like a perfect balance! Family trips are great for creating memories and getting some time away just for yourselves is so important too. You are also very fortunate to have caregivers in place to make those adult trips happen!
I would definitely spend a few hundred dollars for a weekend trip to Japan! Would I spend the actual cost in transferrable points and certificates? No, definitely not, since the conservative/redeemable value of the points and certificates is nearly $3000.
Really enjoyed video learning about your experiences. Air France is hugely overrated! But agree that they do have more seats available and families can travel together. We would only fly Air France if no other carriers have seats available with points for our family. Fly more Qatar!
We're glad you enjoyed the video! It's always great to hear different perspectives on airlines. Qatar really does have an excellent reputation for their service! We prefer Qatar as well!
Been there done that and have the shirt!
I just did a 40 hour travel plan that included back to back red eyes with an 18 hr layover in Tokyo. We went to Disneyland for most of the layover. 2 parks, 10 rides, and 28k steps all on 2 hrs of sleep. SIN-> HND, Disney, then HND-> WST. Super fun but super exhausting. Passed out as soon as I got on the second leg. Would do again!
28k steps on 2 hours of sleep? That’s some serious dedication! You must have been powered by pure adrenaline and Mickey Mouse magic!
Amazing video again guys! So incredible to hear about the trips you guys have. Serena hearing about your dad being so excited to visit that small city in China is amazing! The beauty of points and miles!
Thanks for the love! It’s amazing how a little planning with points can turn a trip into an adventure. Serena’s dad is incredibly fortunate to have such a great daughter! 😂
So fun hearing all your trips! So many cool experiences. ❤
I’ve never tried those pin ball machines in Taiwan when we went last time! Will have to try next time 😊
I’m also shocked that the episode breakfast is a Texas Roadhouse 😂 we weren’t worried about the haunted GH so had breakfast there in the restaurant. So many Asian options. 😛
Thank you so much for your kind words! It’s always great to share experiences and inspire future adventures. You were rewarded for your bravery with a delicious breakfast at the GH Taipei! 👻
We hope you have a fantastic time on your next trip, Monkey Family!
Hi guys! This is Julia. We met at the Hilton lounge in Mexico City last November. In 19 days I'll be staying 4 nights at the haunted hotel 😂 in Taipei and continue on to the middle east, and Europe with my around the world trip on 35 days. This trip got even better because you inspire me with your travel adventures.
Hi Julia! It’s so great to hear from you! Your upcoming round the world trip sounds absolutely amazing. We can’t wait to hear all about your adventures in Taipei and beyond! Wishing you no ghost sightings or mysterious flooding snafus! Please check in with us as you watch and let us know where you are during your travels!
Yes! Travel as hobby, long weekend in Tokyo. Yes!
That sounds amazing! Tokyo is such a vibrant city with so much to explore. We agree! YES!
Love all the content! We're plunging into the points world by booking our first trip to Asia with points, and your channel has been a huge help with all the tips and pointers. Thank you!
We're so glad to hear that our tips have been helpful! Booking your first trip to Asia with points is such an exciting adventure. Enjoy every moment!
Another amazing episode! Meet up in LA was amazing. Thank you all. Keep it coming.
We're so glad you enjoyed the episode! It was awesome meeting you in LA. We hope to plan another one soon. Stay tuned for more exciting content!
My absolute favorite points people hands down. I was inspired by all your Alaska talk and now I'm able to book my family (2 grandparents, me, my husband, and 2 year old) back from our next Bangkok trip. Nicole has also inspired me to stay at the Bangkok Hyatt Regency where I'll be able to use up a gifted club access award, so excited!
That's awesome to hear! It sounds like you have an amazing trip planned, and we're glad our tips have inspired you! Enjoy every moment of your trip.
In the middle of booking our Australia/New Zealand trip right now and half way done rounding our flights
Okinawa to Sydney with connection in Seoul- Delta miles (30k) and Aeroplan (150k)
Sydney to Auckland - Alaska miles (30k)
Seoul to Okinawa - Delta Miles (30k)
Need to find the Auckland to Seoul leg but nothing is lining up. May have to go into the travel portal 😅…
I was in Niseko as well and although the Hilton was great and would stay there again, it was dated and in need of a refresh.
Great pod as always.
Great itinerary, Carlos! Good luck with securing your remaining flights. You are very fortunate to be based in Japan, you have great award options! Thank you for your opinion about Hilton Niseko. It's great to keep in mind as we need to factor in the number of points as well as property age/experience when selecting a property.
Great video. Heading back to Kyoto in April or July (not booked yet) and planning on staying at Roku LXR if available... will look into these additional options.
The Air France business with doors look beautiful😍
Thanks for watching! Kyoto is such a beautiful place, and Roku LXR sounds like an amazing choice. Hope you find the perfect dates!
Beautiful indeed!
❤❤❤❤ your episodes.
We really appreciate your support! It means a lot to know you're enjoying the content! Thank you for your comment.
Always love hearing about your trips! I was in Japan around the same time as you, Miguel and Nicole. Wish I had bumped into you both! My itinerary was centered around the Park Hyatt Kyoto and Starlux Business-all inspired by your episodes! Looks like JAL A350 is next on my list to go Okinawa like Serena 😆
Thanks for sharing your travel experience, RJ! The Park Hyatt Kyoto is such a great choice. Please let us know if you thought it was worth the points. We hope you get to enjoy the JAL A350 soon-Okinawa is a fantastic destination!
Thanks for the info + video!
We're glad you found the video helpful! Planning those dream trips is always exciting!
Nicole gave a comparison of service from Hyatt Place to Park Hyatt Kyoto. I think that's a bit of an unpair comparison cuz we all know Japanese customer service is superb! If she compared a Park Hyatt New New York to Hyatt Place New York, I would think the service would be much different experience.
Serena, I love the AF lounge at LAX. Also since the premium economy flights from TPE back to SFO were a bit steep at 100k points. Did you ever think of just paying cash, like for instance Zipair from NRT to SJO?
You make a great point about the comparison! Japanese customer service is indeed top-notch. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Some people might have trouble deciding between the two properties in Kyoto given the difference in points. Our hope was to help those who are also on the fence between one or the other.
Great note about Zipair, which is a great cash option for those in Asia. Serena's points strategy, as she's noted during the show often, is to minimize her out of pocket spend. She can always earn more points. In this case, she also needed to get her dad back to SFO directly from TPE because he was sick.
My mom loves tennis, would love to take her to the AO. I’d love to go the long way like Mitch & Polrit…my parents would probably hate it and kill me lol.
I heard Delta is launching LAX to MEL December of 2025, I may check that out if we get the AO on our travel list!
Hi Tamika! The Australian Open is such a fantastic experience. I'm sure your mom would love it, and who knows, maybe your parents will surprise you and enjoy the long journey!
The LAX-MEL Delta flight will be so great and nice to have another option! Hopefully this route will be included in flash sales.
Nice episode. Question, why do you change hotels in one city? Because of the experience, availability, or another reason?
Thank you for asking. For all of the reasons you mentioned. Serena didn't see availability for the EPISODE in Taipei for all the nights she needed (booked last minute). Nicole wanted to save some points and give the Park Hyatt a try by splitting her time between the two hotels in Kyoto.
“Not worth it!” 😂😂😂 so funny
Some things are just not worth it!!! 😂
Cool
Experience Mitch! I was in the AU two wks ago. The GH was amazing, giving out AO merchandise and the layout is nice!
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s always great to hear from fellow travelers who are making the most of their trips! We're glad you had a great time in Melbourne.
@@LetsGetToThePoints it was fun. I attended Day 2 of the night session and watched the GOAT.
Must have been fun!
Would definitely do a weekend solo trip if with points and flying biz.
I’m with you Nicole regarding hotel value. If it’s just me and my husband, I am all in with park hyatt. But with family, i’d rather save my points than having to book 2 rooms with Park Hyatt.
A weekend solo trip sounds amazing! Using points to fly business class makes it even better. And we understand the hotel situation. Sometimes saving points is the smart move!
Agree 10 days with the fam is enough
Thank you for sharing! It’s all about finding the right balance for family trips!
@miguel - thank you for the heads up info on the courtyard in Aguadilla! We are going there this April.
That sounds like an amazing trip! Enjoy every moment of your adventure in Aguadilla!
I liked the extra early upload to the Apple Podcast app this morning! Don’t mean to pry but what happened to Keholani? She had such a nice voice for the podcast. Along with everyone else! Keep up the great content!
We really appreciate your kind words! It means a lot that you enjoy the content. We miss Kehaulani too. She hasn't been on our show for over a year.
I would take a weekend trip to Japan if I got to try a bucket list flight like the Flying Honu ;)
The Flying Honu is definitely a bucket list experience-hope you get to enjoy it soon!
Fun episode always!
Tough choice in the A380 there, bar or lay flat sleep? 😆
Thanks for watching! The A380 definitely makes those choices tough! 😂
I’m jealous! Planning to look a year in advance for a trip to Japan. Starting to look to see if I can find a 60k rate (x3) but haven’t seen anything so far. Meanwhile, Miguel finds flights a week in advance AND gets a room at the Andaz?! How do you get the stars to align like that? I need Miguel to be my new BFF 😉
Miguel lets the availability guide the adventure and makes the stars align for him. Planning a year in advance is a great strategy. Pro tip: instead of focusing on using AA miles for those JAL biz class flights, focus on redeeming via Cathay Pacific or British Airways instead. The AA calendar opens up later than the others and the people with Cathay and BA miles already swooped in and grabbed those flights. This leaves not much left for AA unless people cancel or there's an award dump.
Yikes! I just got the aviator red for P2 yesterday so we’d have enough points for the family. Seems like I’m always a step behind. 😫 What’s the best way to look up availability on Cathay or BA? Let me know if there’s a specific episode I should revisit. I’ve binge watched them all but still trying to figure this out. Thanks for the pro tip! You guys are awesome!
For economy seats, you shouldn’t have a problem with AA miles. For biz, try searching on Cathay Pacific. Set up an account and add your family members as nominees. Amex, Citi, Cap One, and Bilt transfer to Cap One so you can set those links up as well.
My wife and I believe in balance. We do one 2 week international trip with the kids and one 2+ week international trip without the kids each year...😅
That sounds like a perfect balance! Family trips are great for creating memories and getting some time away just for yourselves is so important too. You are also very fortunate to have caregivers in place to make those adult trips happen!
I would definitely spend a few hundred dollars for a weekend trip to Japan!
Would I spend the actual cost in transferrable points and certificates? No, definitely not, since the conservative/redeemable value of the points and certificates is nearly $3000.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It’s always interesting to see how people value their points differently. Hope you get to enjoy Japan soon!
Really enjoyed video learning about your experiences.
Air France is hugely overrated! But agree that they do have more seats available and families can travel together. We would only fly Air France if no other carriers have seats available with points for our family.
Fly more Qatar!
We're glad you enjoyed the video! It's always great to hear different perspectives on airlines. Qatar really does have an excellent reputation for their service! We prefer Qatar as well!
Why did Miguel fly LAX JFK HND. there’s flights LAX HND right?
Japan Airlines' A350 with the new business class seats were only on the DFW and JFK routes. Miguel wanted to experience the new seat.
OMG I want that bag😭
That bag is definitely a must-have for any traveler! It’s perfect for all your adventures.
2nd!!!
Nick, you fell behind this week! 😂 Thanks for being here! Every comment counts, and we appreciate your enthusiasm!
@LetsGetToThePoints i know, sorry, under the weather right now, will try again next week, lol