YVR-JFK-LHR-HKG is basically a British Airways 2 for 1 award voucher ticket.

But to get to HKG, it has to be through London.

So if we want to see any of Europe it requires backtracking to get to the BA metal hub.

There is a reason I am asking here to get advice, to improve my plans. We will do more research and price comparisons down the road.

As for some of the hotel comments, I know $5k is pretty high, but let me put it this way, I could never afford to pay retail at some of the hotels I am considering, but at an industry rate, why wouldn't I want to?

Plaza, Savoy, Le Royal, Peace Hotel

I will definitely look into better options such as the cave hostel and boutique style locations, but I don't think in Europe I will find shoestring spots unless I backpack.

I think $166 a night is below most rack rates.