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Greetings from Bangkok!
With 2015 in the books, and my rundown of last year’s travel here, I thought I’d share my upcoming travel plans.
I pretty much know exactly where I’ll be in January, have a few options for February, see March and April pretty clearly, and then have no idea what I’ll do from May on. Here’s my best guess through mid-May.
First I’m going to hop around Thailand and Singapore with my Romanian friend. We are going to Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Krabi beaches (probably Rai Leh). Then I will explore Vietnam–Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and the caves in the middle–with two other friends. Next I’ll visit Chennai, India by myself and fly back to the United States in Etihad A380 First Class.
I want to get from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires by mid-February. I am considering stops in Guatemala (Semuc Champey), Colombia (five day hike to the Lost City), Chile (Santiago + Patagonia), and Salvador, Brazil (Carnaval + Chapada Diamantina National Park). I’ll pick one or two of those stops soon and possibly book the way down as a Three One Way award.
The plan is to spend another three months in my favorite city, Buenos Aires, until mid-May but there is some chance I switch things up and head to Europe when it starts warming up (April) or go to a secondary Argentine city like Cordoba or Rosario.
Come mid-May, I have no plans. I love Eastern Europe, so exploring more of the Balkans or trying to learn Russian are options. I haven’t lived in the United States for a while, and moving back is an option. I even know a fun group of guys that is moving to Rio de Janeiro around that time. Decisions, decisions.
With a job I can do from anywhere and no wife and kids, I have plenty of time to decide. I’ll let you know when I know.
Countries on My Radar for 2016 and Beyond
Ones I Have Never Been To That Are Calling My Name
- Iceland
- Russia
- Vietnam
- Myanmar
- Laos
- Sri Lanka
- Bosnia
- Czech Republic
Ones I Want to Return To The Most
- Argentina
- Chile
- Colombia
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Romania
- Ukraine
- Hungary
- New Zealand
- Thailand
What are your travel goals for 2016? You really should take 10 seconds and write a comment. The mere act of writing them down increases your chances of accomplishing them. (Your comment may not post immediately. It is in moderation. I will approve it when I see it.)
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I want to do a round-the-world trip in 2016.
Make sure you check this out: https://milevalu.wpengine.com/how-to-book-a-rtw-trip-in-2015-use-these-underpriced-awards-around-the-world/
I want to do a round-the-world trip in 2016.
Make sure you check this out: https://milevalu.wpengine.com/how-to-book-a-rtw-trip-in-2015-use-these-underpriced-awards-around-the-world/
I’m headed to Nicaragua tomorrow for a couple months, then on to Colombia. For later in the year, I’d like to go to Buenos Aires myself, but not at 13 ARS per USD — when they start mopping the blood off the floor at the currency exchange before year end, I expect the Peso to be about 20 per USD. I’ll be packed.
At 13 pesos to the dollar, Argentina is still cheap just 15% more expensive than the very cheap prices we’ve seen for a lot of the last few years. I am really hoping there is not a blood bath like that because it would mean a return to kirchnerismo.
Luckily I think it is unlikely because the reserves are now growing, government bond yields are falling, and the blue dollar is only at 14.
I’m headed to Nicaragua tomorrow for a couple months, then on to Colombia. For later in the year, I’d like to go to Buenos Aires myself, but not at 13 ARS per USD — when they start mopping the blood off the floor at the currency exchange before year end, I expect the Peso to be about 20 per USD. I’ll be packed.
At 13 pesos to the dollar, Argentina is still cheap just 15% more expensive than the very cheap prices we’ve seen for a lot of the last few years. I am really hoping there is not a blood bath like that because it would mean a return to kirchnerismo.
Luckily I think it is unlikely because the reserves are now growing, government bond yields are falling, and the blue dollar is only at 14.
Interesting that Argentina is the top of your list considering how much time you spent their in 2015.
Interesting that Argentina is the top of your list considering how much time you spent their in 2015.
My wife and I head to Chile in March x 2 weeks, AA 1st class, Italy in September, using your booking service, somewhere in August ?, We need to keep costs under control since we’re retired and also don’t get as many miles as when I worked, but I do like to take a cool break from Fl in the summer.
That sounds fantastic!
My wife and I head to Chile in March x 2 weeks, AA 1st class, Italy in September, using your booking service, somewhere in August ?, We need to keep costs under control since we’re retired and also don’t get as many miles as when I worked, but I do like to take a cool break from Fl in the summer.
That sounds fantastic!
I plan to visit NZ, Australia, Tokyo, Morocco, and SE Asia!
I plan to visit NZ, Australia, Tokyo, Morocco, and SE Asia!
Iceland, Vietnam, Myanmar are calling my name, too. A return trip to Chile is never a bad idea. Heading to Eastern Europe and Cuba during the first few months of the year!
Enjoy all the communist and ex-communist bloc.
Iceland, Vietnam, Myanmar are calling my name, too. A return trip to Chile is never a bad idea. Heading to Eastern Europe and Cuba during the first few months of the year!
Enjoy all the communist and ex-communist bloc.
2016 travel plans: I’ll be in Maui in February with my wife and kids. I’m looking to book a trip to Italy for December 2016 (I’ll book that soon, as I try and book 11 months in advance)
I’ll be booking my big trips for 2017 in 2016, and I’m targeting a family ski trip to Park City for Feb 2017 and a big trip to Australia/NZ/Fiji for July 2017. I have to travel when my kids have school breaks, and it is getting more and more challenging due to their sports and activity schedules.
That Australia/NZ/Fiji trip sounds great. I guess you’ll book at least half with Alaska miles to get a free stopover in Fiji. Alternatively, use this trick in the ADVANCED section: https://milevalu.wpengine.com/how-to-book-a-trip-to-fiji-with-miles/
2016 travel plans: I’ll be in Maui in February with my wife and kids. I’m looking to book a trip to Italy for December 2016 (I’ll book that soon, as I try and book 11 months in advance)
I’ll be booking my big trips for 2017 in 2016, and I’m targeting a family ski trip to Park City for Feb 2017 and a big trip to Australia/NZ/Fiji for July 2017. I have to travel when my kids have school breaks, and it is getting more and more challenging due to their sports and activity schedules.
That Australia/NZ/Fiji trip sounds great. I guess you’ll book at least half with Alaska miles to get a free stopover in Fiji. Alternatively, use this trick in the ADVANCED section: https://milevalu.wpengine.com/how-to-book-a-trip-to-fiji-with-miles/
1st couple wks in Feb, we’re going to do Hong Kong and a few places in SE Asia: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kuala Lumpur (possible day trip to Malacca).
That will zap a lot of vacation time, so we’ll likely focus on short weekend domestic trips, or maybe something in Canada over the summer, or a Caribbean destination over the fall that can be done over a long weekend.
Usually we do something in London in December, and then a nearby European destination (we did Iceland this past December), but we’ll see how the vacation time works out.
That sounds great. Do you hop around the US on a Southwest Companion Pass? https://milevalu.wpengine.com/southwest-50k-offers-are-back-leverage-them-for-3142-in-free-flights/
I haven’t gone for it yet, haven’t flown with SWA in at least 5 yrs, but am seriously considering going for it. I have a bunch of AA miles and Amex MR pts, but there may be cases where I can’t use them. The pass does sound like great value.
1st couple wks in Feb, we’re going to do Hong Kong and a few places in SE Asia: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kuala Lumpur (possible day trip to Malacca).
That will zap a lot of vacation time, so we’ll likely focus on short weekend domestic trips, or maybe something in Canada over the summer, or a Caribbean destination over the fall that can be done over a long weekend.
Usually we do something in London in December, and then a nearby European destination (we did Iceland this past December), but we’ll see how the vacation time works out.
That sounds great. Do you hop around the US on a Southwest Companion Pass? https://milevalu.wpengine.com/southwest-50k-offers-are-back-leverage-them-for-3142-in-free-flights/
I haven’t gone for it yet, haven’t flown with SWA in at least 5 yrs, but am seriously considering going for it. I have a bunch of AA miles and Amex MR pts, but there may be cases where I can’t use them. The pass does sound like great value.
Hi Scott (and others),
As we get deeper into the SE Asia planning, it’s coming down to deciding whether to leave Hong Kong right away for Bangkok for a few days or spend that time in Hong Kong and skip Bangkok. For our first time in Asia, what would you recommend, based on your experience?
I liked HKG slightly more, but I would go to the one that you thought would be harder to get back to in the future now. Then in the future, go to the one that is easier to get to.
Tanzania Portugal and Colombia! (Based in NYC)
Tanzania Portugal and Colombia! (Based in NYC)
Three continents!
Wanted to visit France in May to use my Hyatt 2 nights free.
Trying to JAL to Japan and SYD but site is down till Feb.
Wanted to visit France in May to use my Hyatt 2 nights free.
Trying to JAL to Japan and SYD but site is down till Feb.
Hope it works out!
So far, I’m going to Iceland, Rio de Janeiro, and Poland. I haven’t booked my flight back from Poland, though, because I would like to go to another country (or 2) on the way back…still debating. Czech Republic? Latvia?
Any suggestions? 🙂
So far, I’m going to Iceland, Rio de Janeiro, and Poland. I haven’t booked my flight back from Poland, though, because I would like to go to another country (or 2) on the way back…still debating. Czech Republic? Latvia?
Any suggestions? 🙂
Never been to Czech Republic. Really want to!
Dear Scott
Its good to know that you love Bs As, best city in South America. I will be pleased to invite you a fine Malbec !!!
For the guy who is waiting for the peso to reach 20…….bad news baby the kirchners are out you are going to wait for a really long time…
Im planning for 2016 a trip to Mexico.Japan,Thailand,Cambodia and Vietnam.
best regards
Gui
Dear Scott
Its good to know that you love Bs As, best city in South America. I will be pleased to invite you a fine Malbec !!!
For the guy who is waiting for the peso to reach 20…….bad news baby the kirchners are out you are going to wait for a really long time…
Im planning for 2016 a trip to Mexico.Japan,Thailand,Cambodia and Vietnam.
best regards
Gui
Sounds like a great trip. I’ll let you know when I’m back.
Come to Laos! (from a fellow American and miles lover who lives here). It’s quite different to the neighboring countries that you’ve already been to – everyone always falls in love with the place!
Come to Laos! (from a fellow American and miles lover who lives here). It’s quite different to the neighboring countries that you’ve already been to – everyone always falls in love with the place!
I have been living in Buenos Aires (working part time and learning Spanish) on and off for the past 18 months. Most recently, I arrived in September and will stay till mid-May. Then off to the US for 2 weeks and am planning to move to Rio in June and July (leaving just before the madness of the Olympics) to learn some Português and enjoy the cheap Real..and the beach of course. In August I will be in Europe — one week in Bulgaria and then maybe tour the rest of the Balkans. After September I have no idea what….
Scott, let me know if you care to grab coffee at the LAB or Latente, it seems like we have the similar schedule and share fondness for Buenos Aires.
Saludos de Buenos Aires y feliz Año!
I’ll let you know when I’m back.
You were at my gym yday working out with Mario. Was going to say hi but your workout seemed intense:)
Say hi next time.
Anybody who likes to travel-consider Russia,St Petersburg!
The most beautiful palaces, museums full of masterpieces,greatest ballet in Mariinski theater.
And right now super cheap!I was able to afford so much( compared to when we were there 5 years ago with my husband).Example:Art institute of Chicago $25,Hermitage, which has many times more of impressionists-$5!!!
Visited end of November.
This year planning London, Zurich,Vienna…none of those are cheap,even with points…
I’m looking at Railey Bay hotels on Agoda right now for a Feb trip my wife & I are taking. Having a tough time picking one because we want nicer than backpacker hostels, but I’m not ready to spend $7000 a night at the Rayavadee either. Let us know where you end up.
I think I am going to stay in a bungalow in the middle of the peninsula to save money. Check out this comprehensive guide on Railey accommodations for ideas: http://www.travelfish.org/accommodation/thailand/southern_thailand/krabi/railay_beach/all
March — Cuba
April/May — China, Russia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary
September — Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay
Hope it all will work out!
Also, do you plan to visit just Moscow in Russia or some more places? I can probably help you with ideas and suggestions! ))
Several great trips! I don’t have any plans for when I’d go to Russia or where I will go when I do. I will mainly stick to the big cities I think.
Curacao, Kenya, Tanzania, New Zealand, Tonga, Spain, Cuba, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, and Rio for the Olympics (several different trips).
Thanks to you and others for the information that makes this sort of thing possible, and enjoy your travels!
That will be great. I recommend Zanzibar, Tanzania and Queenstown, NZ.