I'm still finalising my itinerary and have started thinking about where to stay. I don't have upper tier status with any hotel programs but thought this trip would be a good opportunity to rack up some stays/points. For the route I'm doing (includes Europe, Asia, SWP & South America), which of the major hotel programs would you recommend? Is there any way of getting status before the trip on the strength of all the bednights I'll likely be booking? Thanks.