I am one who plans no more than a week or two in advance and go places to actually stay there for a while and do some things.

Notwithstanding that, I am in awe of the advance planning shown here.

I take long vacations, too (am spending 9 days in BTV/YUL/YOW in a few weeks). I've never actually done a same-day turn. I always spend at least one evening in my destination. If it's somewhere I have never been before, I aim for a minimum of 24 Hours on the ground, so I can get around and see the main sights. If I really like a destination (like I did with CPT), I'll flag it and make an effort to get back there for a serious vacation with the Significant Otter ASAP.

I would love to get to South Africa. I'd like to see CPT and JNB, and I really want to do a photo safari. As far as seeing other places, my focus is domestic for right now - there's plenty close by that I haven't seen that are short flights from here.

For the record, I have one MR (PTY) already booked next year and I am actually going to be for about 18 hours. Not quite enough time to do the things I want but if I like what I see Ill back down there for a long weekend if the prices are still low. Most other trips are weekend/long weekend with at least 2 nights.

I've heard JNB is not that exciting, but haven't been there myself. Pretoria is supposed to be quite nice, though.

I get it, vacation recon. :p

Sometimes I don't think she appreciates the effort I put into ensuring that we have a fantastic vacation during the holidays. How can you know whether you should drop the $$$ on two-tickets to PUJ unless you've scouted it in advance, performing quality-control checks on their Cuba Libres and Beaches. :D

I book airfare when the fares are good. I do everything else later. And I travel based on where the fares are, not necessarily where I want to go. It helps that I pretty much want to go everywhere and that there are a lot of places I haven't been yet, but my requirements for travel are really easy - cheap fares are good.

I do try to stay a couple days and so something while I am at the destination, with the exception of a couple ridiculous straight turns recently, but those weren't trips so they don't count. :p

Great idea! Can't wait to participate. ^

I try and explain to my fiancee that I'm doing the same - scouting out places that we can return to! She says that she would rather experience a new place together.

I can't wait to see how she reacts when I tell her I'm thinking of going to LIM (anyone else thinking of going? :D). She has always wanted to visit Peru...

FYI - I have changed the User Name:

User Name: BoxMemory
Password: Vandalay

I forgot you could set filtering to view flights by individual year when logged in. Might as well just call it BoxMemory, then, so it can be used for future years, as well.

Some of you may not have know that it is possible to change your user name in FlightMemory from the Profile Section. Good to know, in case your handle reveals too much personal info and you wish to change it so you can publish your stats...

Anyone here know what the current reigning deal is for the SPG AmEx? I am finally going to be not so lazy and make the switch and I figure I may as well get the most bonus points I can. I have a 10K promo paper but I'm hoping there is something else better out there.

My gf wants to go to Peru and Panama , but she refuses to go for 1 day ,
so she will get mad at me either way , I already told her about Panama , and she was not happy , She probably forgot about it and will get mad again .

Oh, good. That happens to other people, too. :D

I think the 4 transcons involved in the trip to LIM could be enough to get me off the hook... :D