Search results

Thank you so much! I am genuinely honoured. I had a lot of fun writing the TR and I can honestly say that writing it added to the enjoyment of an absolutely awesome trip. I’m humbled that others have enjoyed reading it!

My wife refused to fly backwards so we were both in the middle, but seated so far apart that communication was almost impossible anyway. When travelling as a couple I prefer the window seats: at least you can get up and have a chat to your partner while you’re stretching your legs!

So glad that the TR brought back happy memories for you! Unfortunately the public aren't being allowed into the Vehicle Assembly Building at the moment. We were told that it's all systems Go in there with Artemis and the SLS heating up. I do recall someone on the tour (maybe it was the guide)...

Welcome to AFF! There’s no absolute hard and fast rule for getting the cheapest flights. As a general rule, however, booking months before the flight will normally get you cheaper prices than booking days or weeks before the flight. So planning ahead, and a willingness to be a little flexible...

Postscript: Today this arrived: Apollo Remastered. It contains high-quality remasters, from the original negatives, of hundreds of photos taken during the Apollo missions. I saw it in the gift shop at Space Center Houston (and every gift shop I visited after that) and immediately knew that I...

My understanding is… Qantas: you cannot use your points for anyone who is not a relative. You can transfer points only to relatives. Virgin/Velocity: You can use your points for anyone, even if they are not a relative. You can only transfer points to relatives. Singapore/KrisFlyer: You can use...

I would encourage you to read the T&Cs for yourself just to be sure, but from my reading of them a couple of minutes ago, it is still the same: NAB Qantas and NAB Rewards are treated differently for exclusion period purposes.

So glad you enjoyed reading my TR! Yes, I was incredibly blessed being able to do it -- I never actually thought it would happen! My advice would be ... the best things come to those who wait. You can work out from Post #1 how old I am. I was well into middle age before I flew long-haul...

That is indeed MEL! The Qantas terminal (T1) is furthest away, then next to it is the International terminal (T2) with its hub design and the L-shaped extension, followed by the Virgin terminal (T3) which is attached to the new T4 which Jetstar and Rex use. Out the front is the long-term car...

Gold!

Thank you for your very kind words and for the invitation. Yes, I most definitely believe that I will be returning to my TR often! I'd love to go to the gathering if I could ... unfortunately that weekend will be the weekend before I'll have to write and submit approximately 250 end-of-semester...

Thank you — I’m looking forward to it already!

One final highlight of this amazing, incredible trip: putting together this trip report. It genuinely has added to my enjoyment, and the discipline of writing up what has happened in more-or-less real time will give me a genuine memento of this trip which I’m sure I’ll be returning to for the...

Reflections on my trip Phrases such as “dream holiday” or “the trip of a lifetime” are overused cliches – and that’s a shame, because they really do apply to this trip. I find it difficult to imagine having another holiday as good as this one in my lifetime. And I’m OK with that: after all...

As with most of my flights, I had the flight map open for most of my flight. Also on most flights I “binge listen” to whatever on the playlist takes my fancy. For this flight I noticed that Emirates had the entire Beatles catalogue available. It was a no-brainer. Just when I was ready for more...

Compromise #3: One final indulgence. EK404, SIN-MEL First class. Booked with 107,700 Qantas points plus S$87.70. I was pretty chuffed when I saw availability on this flight; it meant staying overnight in Singapore, but I reasoned that Emirates First class was worth the slight inconvenience, and...

You are very kind. The Season Finale is coming up ... but don't forget the Reunion episode after that!

Compromise #2: Overnight in Singapore at the Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen (funnily enough, this the only accommodation on this trip that has not partially been paid for by an AmEx travel credit!). Cost: S$179. When I read that my hotel room measured a mere 18 square metres, I was expecting a...

So what are the compromises? Compromise #1: Slumming it in JAL Premium Economy. JL37, HND-SIN. Booked with Qantas points on the same itinerary as my JL3 First booking. The slightly frustrating thing about this booking was that a few months after I booked it, First class became available on...

Thanks -- I'm about to find out! I'm so sorry you'll not be able to travel to Japan again. Does JAL have any fifth freedom flights so at least you might be able to experience your favourite airline one more time?