Planning for holidays

[stigsfilocousin]

Hi guys,


Essentially, I'm already planning for my holidays next year for approx 3 weeks (I know its still ridiculously early but hey I need a goal to save up for). My options are as follows:


1.Europe


Flights based on a late Aug departure and mid September arrival (this will be the same for the next two options although holidays are not due till late September but you can't search that late) will be hovering around $5000-7500 business class. I prefer doing a tour since it will be my first time there and will want to maximise value while spending less. Tour-wise, it will be either a Globus tour or one with RailBookers and will mostly likely be a British Isles tour or an upper Europe one i.e. France, Germany, Switzerland. Budget for this option will be $8000 all in all


2. Hawaii


Flights will be around the $3500 mark if I pick Hawaiian Airlines, or around $5000 with other airlines. This option is where I can probably get away with self exploration but I will consider a tour if it offers decent activities and value. Budget for this one will be $7000 (maybe less if the Hawaiian Air option is used)


3. Mainland


Flights will be around $6000-$7000 and I will either be based in LA or San Francisco. Again a tour will be considered but this is the option that I can use family connections as I've got relatives in LA and Texas so depending on things, I may end up bunking with them which will save a lot in accomodation. Budget for this one will be the same as Hawaii although could be less

Before anyone asks, I'm picking business class because I don't fly well and its a long trip = jetlag. The extras in business class will be welcome (not to mention it may end up being a mileage run for FF albeit an expensive run, and after seeing J on SQ231 a month ago, a bout of jealousy did set in). What do you guys reckon? Which option is the best?

 

[serfty]

... What do you guys reckon? Which option is the best?

Really only you can answer that question.

It depends on your budget, your timing, flight availability and what you intend to do.

 

[harvyk]

If it was me I'd go all three... So a RTW ticket would be in order.
But as serfty said, only you can really pick where you'd like to go on holidays.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I'm assuming if you were on SQ231 which is SIN/SYD your trip next year is going to be flying in & out of SYD?

 

[stigsfilocousin]

Yes, I'll be flying out ex SYD hence SQ231 being mentioned. I know that it's ultimately up to me but this will be my first long haul trip i.e. flying more than 8 hrs; I've done Thailand and New Caledonia so next step is a different continent altogether.

I've had a look at RTW and based on *A fares, it will come to a min $12k for an all business class RTW itinerary. Maybe it could be less if I book short legs on economy but I may have to see a TA for that as I may stuff it up if I do it myself. Budget wise, again it depends on the flight cost and the tour..i've decided on a tour as it will be the cheapest in terms of accomodation esp in Europe even though my holidays fall during the shoulder season/start of low season.
America will be a different kettle of fish again as I have relos over there (as I mentioned in the OP), but a bit more complicated as I have to make sure that when I go is when they can fit me in i.e. they can take leave.

 

[BrookeSachs]

Hey!

Sounds like a great holiday!

Re: long-haul - it's great if you can sleep. If you can't sleep, it's generally a less-than-pleasant journey and I'm not sure how much more pleasant it gets when you fly business/first class (only ever flown cattle-class, so I can't comment there) but I do know a fair few people who take sleeping tablets to get through the flight - something to talk to your Dr about if you think that could help.

Europe: tours can be great but I also think they tend not to let you spend enough time where you want... If you've never been to Europe and don't have any particular favourites, then a tour will do you great. If you spent 10 years learning Italian and want to use that, I'd take a bus/train/rent a car in Italy and do it yourself. The experience would be way better that way (unless you get lonely). Did a EuroTour, made friends but didn't see everything I wanted. Spent a week in Paris on my own (admittedly after 3 weeks studying there) and had a ball. Spent a week in London on my own with Lonely Planet as my guide and enjoyed every minute of it. You make friends depending on where you eat/stay/go and there are always ways to find people with whom you can marvel at sights (maybe even on these forums).

If I were to do the US, I'd road-trip it (though there's a bunch of very boring in the middle of the country) though you will want to get advice on where is unsafe to go. You'll probably catch that I'm not such a fan of tours. Do your thing, marvel at the things you want to see.

Also - not sure what budget level you're looking at but AirBnB is an awesome way to go for meeting people and not feeling stuffy in hotel rooms. Haven't used it myself but have lots of friends who've loved the experience.

Good luck choosing your adventure!