Planning a honeymoon on points - is this the most efficient use of points?
Jul 20, 2015 | 3:24 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 83
Welcome to FT and congratulations!
One suggestion:
Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi Thank You and Amex Membership Rewards points can all be converted into SQ miles on a one to one basis. In my limited experience, the conversion takes one or two days. All the cards that offer these points have sign-up or initial spending bonuses, though be especially careful re Chase in that they've put some recent restrictions on obtaining their cards. While SQ J is fantastic, SQ F suites are really a special experience worth trying to bag for your honeymoon.
And a question:
For when are you planning this trip? Trying to get all of the flights might work best if you have the points/miles a year in advance, though for the shorter hauls you could compromise with some reasonably priced economy flights on mainline or budget carriers.
Another factor re the timing is that the climate will vary a lot even within SE and East Asia. The best time to visit Thailand and the Philippines in terms of weather, for instance, is January and February. But that's the rainy season in Bali.
Anyway, if you let folks here know the approximate dates, they might be able to give you some good advice for the reasons I mention above.
One suggestion:
Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi Thank You and Amex Membership Rewards points can all be converted into SQ miles on a one to one basis. In my limited experience, the conversion takes one or two days. All the cards that offer these points have sign-up or initial spending bonuses, though be especially careful re Chase in that they've put some recent restrictions on obtaining their cards. While SQ J is fantastic, SQ F suites are really a special experience worth trying to bag for your honeymoon.
And a question:
For when are you planning this trip? Trying to get all of the flights might work best if you have the points/miles a year in advance, though for the shorter hauls you could compromise with some reasonably priced economy flights on mainline or budget carriers.
Another factor re the timing is that the climate will vary a lot even within SE and East Asia. The best time to visit Thailand and the Philippines in terms of weather, for instance, is January and February. But that's the rainy season in Bali.
Anyway, if you let folks here know the approximate dates, they might be able to give you some good advice for the reasons I mention above.
Jul 20, 2015 | 3:40 pm
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 83
My rationale for stopovers in NRT and SIN on my way to DPS is because those are required stops on the SQ flight from LAX to DPS. So i figure we've never been to either country, so why not build in stopovers there! Same thing with Hong Kong (or Seoul, or Taipei) as a stopover on the way from MNL back to LAX (because, sadly, Philippine Airlines is the only airline with direct flights to LAX but has no airline partners).
We tentatively have 6 days booked in DPS, 6 in HKT, and 8 in MNL (where we will probably go to Boracay or Palawan, in addition to visiting some family in the Metro area). I think the one city i could do away with is Bangkok, and simply use it as a layover to transit from HKT to MNL on Thai Airways. I could reallocate the time otherwise spent in Bangkok to have a full week in Bali and a full week in Phuket (and save $200 that I would have to spend buying the stopover)
Jul 20, 2015 | 4:06 pm
#18
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
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Would you recommend i try to secure tickets in J for the LAX-NRT-SIN-DPS tickets, and then try to get an upgrade on points to F within one month of departure? I know i'd probably get waitlisted right off the bat if I tried for F at first, but there is much more availability in J.
For more and better advice on how to best work the SQ system, I suggest you read and pose questions specifically about this at the SQ forum.
Haha, you're not the only one who's mentioned that! I guess i'm going crazy on the idea because we haven't been to SE Asia (well, my fiance was born in the Philippines but hasn't been back since she left 14 years ago) and wanted to visit as many countries as possible while we were away.
My rationale for stopovers in NRT and SIN on my way to DPS is because those are required stops on the SQ flight from LAX to DPS. So i figure we've never been to either country, so why not build in stopovers there! Same thing with Hong Kong (or Seoul, or Taipei) as a stopover on the way from MNL back to LAX (because, sadly, Philippine Airlines is the only airline with direct flights to LAX but has no airline partners).
We tentatively have 6 days booked in DPS, 6 in HKT, and 8 in MNL (where we will probably go to Boracay or Palawan, in addition to visiting some family in the Metro area). I think the one city i could do away with is Bangkok, and simply use it as a layover to transit from HKT to MNL on Thai Airways. I could reallocate the time otherwise spent in Bangkok to have a full week in Bali and a full week in Phuket (and save $200 that I would have to spend buying the stopover)
My rationale for stopovers in NRT and SIN on my way to DPS is because those are required stops on the SQ flight from LAX to DPS. So i figure we've never been to either country, so why not build in stopovers there! Same thing with Hong Kong (or Seoul, or Taipei) as a stopover on the way from MNL back to LAX (because, sadly, Philippine Airlines is the only airline with direct flights to LAX but has no airline partners).
We tentatively have 6 days booked in DPS, 6 in HKT, and 8 in MNL (where we will probably go to Boracay or Palawan, in addition to visiting some family in the Metro area). I think the one city i could do away with is Bangkok, and simply use it as a layover to transit from HKT to MNL on Thai Airways. I could reallocate the time otherwise spent in Bangkok to have a full week in Bali and a full week in Phuket (and save $200 that I would have to spend buying the stopover)
As for Boracay versus Palawan: as someone who lived and worked in Manila for six years and recently returned to the Philippines on vacation with my wife, I'd strongly recommend Palawan. Much less developed or crowded than Boracay. If you have a lot of $$$ to spend, there are a few Palawan hotels under the umbrella of the El Nido chain that are supposed to be special. But we stayed at and very much liked a more moderately priced one called Daluyon, on a different part of the island.
Jul 20, 2015 | 4:36 pm
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 83
Oh yeah, go for the bird in hand if there are J seats available. Bear in mind that it can take anywhere from several hours to two days (or maybe even longer if its over a weekend) for your conversions of UR, MR and ThankYou points to convert to SQ miles. Also, as you may know, if you book the award tix online you get a 15 percent discount in terms of the miles required.
For more and better advice on how to best work the SQ system, I suggest you read and pose questions specifically about this at the SQ forum.
I agree that fewer stops is better.
As for Boracay versus Palawan: as someone who lived and worked in Manila for six years and recently returned to the Philippines on vacation with my wife, I'd strongly recommend Palawan. Much less developed or crowded than Boracay. If you have a lot of $$$ to spend, there are a few Palawan hotels under the umbrella of the El Nido chain that are supposed to be special. But we stayed at and very much liked a more moderately priced one called Daluyon, on a different part of the island.
For more and better advice on how to best work the SQ system, I suggest you read and pose questions specifically about this at the SQ forum.
I agree that fewer stops is better.
As for Boracay versus Palawan: as someone who lived and worked in Manila for six years and recently returned to the Philippines on vacation with my wife, I'd strongly recommend Palawan. Much less developed or crowded than Boracay. If you have a lot of $$$ to spend, there are a few Palawan hotels under the umbrella of the El Nido chain that are supposed to be special. But we stayed at and very much liked a more moderately priced one called Daluyon, on a different part of the island.
Also, splurging on a resort kind of defeats the purpose of me paying for my whole trip on points! (what i didn't mention in the my original post is that i'm also looking to pay for most hotel stays with Hyatt and IHG points and certificates). Right now the retail value of the trip is pegging at $40K, but I'm looking at a cash outlay of less than $4000.
Jul 21, 2015 | 1:17 am
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 83
Aug 9, 2015 | 5:07 pm
#23
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 68
As someone that just got married and traveled on our honeymoon, sharing some of our experiences and hope it helps.
bouncing around a lot gets really old. We lost a bunch of time getting to and from airport. In Bali, fight times were not so favorable on CX that we lost a lot time as we were also not close by. Lots of traffic in Bali. Same for Thailand. There is something to be said for unwinding after a wedding. Just to take it all in and reflect. But also understand the visiting so many countries since you are out there. I fortunately have been to these countries on a bunch of different trips, but it takes a toll on you. Especially when flights get delayed or cancelled and cuts in to your schedule.
Hope this helps in some way. Either way, you have a great itinerary in mind. We are based out of SFO and after that long haul flight, you need another week off just to recoup.
Congrats!
bouncing around a lot gets really old. We lost a bunch of time getting to and from airport. In Bali, fight times were not so favorable on CX that we lost a lot time as we were also not close by. Lots of traffic in Bali. Same for Thailand. There is something to be said for unwinding after a wedding. Just to take it all in and reflect. But also understand the visiting so many countries since you are out there. I fortunately have been to these countries on a bunch of different trips, but it takes a toll on you. Especially when flights get delayed or cancelled and cuts in to your schedule.
Hope this helps in some way. Either way, you have a great itinerary in mind. We are based out of SFO and after that long haul flight, you need another week off just to recoup.
Congrats!
Aug 10, 2015 | 4:38 pm
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 83
As someone that just got married and traveled on our honeymoon, sharing some of our experiences and hope it helps.
bouncing around a lot gets really old. We lost a bunch of time getting to and from airport. In Bali, fight times were not so favorable on CX that we lost a lot time as we were also not close by. Lots of traffic in Bali. Same for Thailand. There is something to be said for unwinding after a wedding. Just to take it all in and reflect. But also understand the visiting so many countries since you are out there. I fortunately have been to these countries on a bunch of different trips, but it takes a toll on you. Especially when flights get delayed or cancelled and cuts in to your schedule.
Hope this helps in some way. Either way, you have a great itinerary in mind. We are based out of SFO and after that long haul flight, you need another week off just to recoup.
Congrats!
bouncing around a lot gets really old. We lost a bunch of time getting to and from airport. In Bali, fight times were not so favorable on CX that we lost a lot time as we were also not close by. Lots of traffic in Bali. Same for Thailand. There is something to be said for unwinding after a wedding. Just to take it all in and reflect. But also understand the visiting so many countries since you are out there. I fortunately have been to these countries on a bunch of different trips, but it takes a toll on you. Especially when flights get delayed or cancelled and cuts in to your schedule.
Hope this helps in some way. Either way, you have a great itinerary in mind. We are based out of SFO and after that long haul flight, you need another week off just to recoup.
Congrats!
Based on my itinerary, which country could i cut days from or cut out completely? I ideally would like a week each in Bali, Phuket (or some other Thai beach town), and Philippines (Palawan). I wanted to stop by Tokyo and Hong Kong because they are such great world cities that I have yet to visit. Singapore i'm on the fence on (i've heard culturally there isn't much, except its a GREAT food destination). Should i just be content with a long layover in Changi (and use all the services that the KrisFlyer lounge has to offer)?
Aug 10, 2015 | 4:59 pm
#25
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Personally I think less is more on a honeymoon. Bali is overrated and the beaches not that great. Why not stick to Phuket (Amanpuri) and Hong Kong or Tokyo? Singapore you can save for another time. Not much going on there.
Aug 10, 2015 | 5:13 pm
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 83
My girlfriend/fiance is pretty fixated on Bali. If not bali, what other beach-side location in SE asia would you recommend?
Aug 10, 2015 | 5:17 pm
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 83
Same reason why i mentioned a stop in Hong Kong because a ticket from Manila to LA on Cathay (on vice versa) will have to transit via Hong Kong, so why not?
Aug 10, 2015 | 6:16 pm
#28
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 68
I think a long layover in Singapore is good enough. Only thing to do is eat and check out the marina bay sands. And if you take CX back, a stopover in HK would be good as well.
So we had planned to goto Palawan for our honeymoon and stay at el nido. But after reading and research, the value was not there. The accommodations were getting older and still charging top dollar from what i was reading. This resort seems to be on another level, but looks amazing, http://www.amanresorts.com/amanpulo/home.aspx.
As for alternate beaches in SE asia, I am really not sure. If Bali is a must, I suggest some Airbnb places that are off the beat and path. We chose to stay away from the touristy places and loved it. Food is meh. But if you go this route, you will not be able to use your points.
I know you talked about the Maldives, that place is amazing. We got back in January. If sun and beach is what you want, this is it. Nice and quiet, super expensive food though, but well worth the prices.
In the end, I agree that on a honeymoon, less is more. Dont let me be a downer for your trip, just trying to help.
So we had planned to goto Palawan for our honeymoon and stay at el nido. But after reading and research, the value was not there. The accommodations were getting older and still charging top dollar from what i was reading. This resort seems to be on another level, but looks amazing, http://www.amanresorts.com/amanpulo/home.aspx.
As for alternate beaches in SE asia, I am really not sure. If Bali is a must, I suggest some Airbnb places that are off the beat and path. We chose to stay away from the touristy places and loved it. Food is meh. But if you go this route, you will not be able to use your points.
I know you talked about the Maldives, that place is amazing. We got back in January. If sun and beach is what you want, this is it. Nice and quiet, super expensive food though, but well worth the prices.
In the end, I agree that on a honeymoon, less is more. Dont let me be a downer for your trip, just trying to help.
Aug 10, 2015 | 6:33 pm
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 83
I think a long layover in Singapore is good enough. Only thing to do is eat and check out the marina bay sands. And if you take CX back, a stopover in HK would be good as well.
So we had planned to goto Palawan for our honeymoon and stay at el nido. But after reading and research, the value was not there. The accommodations were getting older and still charging top dollar from what i was reading. This resort seems to be on another level, but looks amazing, http://www.amanresorts.com/amanpulo/home.aspx.
As for alternate beaches in SE asia, I am really not sure. If Bali is a must, I suggest some Airbnb places that are off the beat and path. We chose to stay away from the touristy places and loved it. Food is meh. But if you go this route, you will not be able to use your points.
I know you talked about the Maldives, that place is amazing. We got back in January. If sun and beach is what you want, this is it. Nice and quiet, super expensive food though, but well worth the prices.
In the end, I agree that on a honeymoon, less is more. Dont let me be a downer for your trip, just trying to help.
So we had planned to goto Palawan for our honeymoon and stay at el nido. But after reading and research, the value was not there. The accommodations were getting older and still charging top dollar from what i was reading. This resort seems to be on another level, but looks amazing, http://www.amanresorts.com/amanpulo/home.aspx.
As for alternate beaches in SE asia, I am really not sure. If Bali is a must, I suggest some Airbnb places that are off the beat and path. We chose to stay away from the touristy places and loved it. Food is meh. But if you go this route, you will not be able to use your points.
I know you talked about the Maldives, that place is amazing. We got back in January. If sun and beach is what you want, this is it. Nice and quiet, super expensive food though, but well worth the prices.
In the end, I agree that on a honeymoon, less is more. Dont let me be a downer for your trip, just trying to help.
The Philippines i pretty much going to be a MUST because my wife hasn't been back since 2001. We're Filipino, but she was born there. I've never been, so i thought, while we're already planning a trip around that area of the world, we'd build in an extended stay in Makati/Palawan to visit family and relax.
After thinking hard about the Maldives, i just can't help but feel its not worth the additional costs (food and the additional $$$ required to travel to/from male to the Resort Island). And whichever island and resort you choose, you're basically at their mercy when it comes to pricing. At least in Bali and in Phuket, there are close local towns to visit and eat cheaply, get souveniers, do a little sight seeing, etc. I think the Maldives is definitely a destination to visit, but on this honeymoon, we're trying to get the "most bang for our buck" and I think the Maldives doesn't quite fit lol.
Aug 11, 2015 | 12:38 am
#30
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I'd agree that Singapore is a long stopover rather than a destination. I usually combine one or two days at the end of a business trip to enjoy a bit of sunshine and pool, but honestly it's like a hotter version of many other cities. Don't get me wrong, it's a fine place, just not somewhere I'd bother with on holiday.
Bali, I believe, is overrated. There are some lovely parts, and some gorgeous resorts, plus you have the ability, as you say, to venture into the back country and towns, etc. If the weather is nice and the resort you are staying at has a nice beach (not all do!) then it's great, but I think a reality check is in order when I hear people saying Bali is like heaven on earth!
I suppose this is true for a lot of SE Asian islands, and Phuket and Koh Samui probably fit that bill as well, though I'd prefer the Chedi or Amanpuri there over Bali, and the food is much better. You might also want to check out the Malaysian west coast, Pangkor Laut, Datai, etc.
As far as the Maldives go, I'm really not sure about that. You really need to want to do nothing but sit on a beach or go diving. You are a prisoner in a luxury resort, and it gets very same after three days. On my fourth day I was going up the wall and took two extended diving days!
Bali, I believe, is overrated. There are some lovely parts, and some gorgeous resorts, plus you have the ability, as you say, to venture into the back country and towns, etc. If the weather is nice and the resort you are staying at has a nice beach (not all do!) then it's great, but I think a reality check is in order when I hear people saying Bali is like heaven on earth!
I suppose this is true for a lot of SE Asian islands, and Phuket and Koh Samui probably fit that bill as well, though I'd prefer the Chedi or Amanpuri there over Bali, and the food is much better. You might also want to check out the Malaysian west coast, Pangkor Laut, Datai, etc.
As far as the Maldives go, I'm really not sure about that. You really need to want to do nothing but sit on a beach or go diving. You are a prisoner in a luxury resort, and it gets very same after three days. On my fourth day I was going up the wall and took two extended diving days!