Hi guys,
Have always been a big fan of this site, and a constant viewer sitting on the outskirts reading all the invaluable advice posted. However, in recent times I've decided to take the plunge and start organising a once in a lifetime trip! As such, I have decided to put this thread together to get as much information from the experts (you guys) as I can in preparation!
To give you guys a bit of context, a friend and I have decided to take a sabbatical off work (having done the whole high school to uni to work approach), and have decided on a year long trip over to Europe for some backpacking to explore the culture, food, people, etc. We have both traveled around the country domestically for work (3-4 times a year) but have not being able to reach Gold status for Qantas (preferred airline with my company). However, we have managed to secure around 200,000 Qantas FFP each through flying and credit card offers. As we are looking to travel for a year we'd prefer to try and limit the cost prior to actually going over (i.e. travel insurance, flights). We did a bit of research, and noticed that we could get Business class return for 256k QFFP (we'll be looking to get the required points through credit card offers). I guess my questions for you guys include the following:
1) We are looking to leave around April 2015 - what is the likelihood of us being able to secure 2x classic seat awards for business from Sydney to London? Note that we either both go on business, or not at all. The alternative is to book economy, but given the once in a lifetime opportunity, we thought we'd take the plunge and try and get business!
2) How much in taxes would that cost us?
3) As we are looking to go for up to a year, there is no option to book a return for what is effectively 2 years away. What is the deal there? Do we book a return for a month after departure and then try and change closer to departure date? Are there fees involved?
4) Alternatively, is it better to book a one way business class ticket (pending visas) to London?
5) RTW business class in points is not much more than Sydney to London, is this a better option?
6) Any other tips on backpacking Europe and travel insurance for the year would be greatly appreciated!
I know this maybe a lengthy post, but I do appreciate any advice/answering of questions that you guys can provide. Having read so many posts, I'm so envious of all you travelers! I only hope I can do it right for my trip! Thanks!
Have always been a big fan of this site, and a constant viewer sitting on the outskirts reading all the invaluable advice posted. However, in recent times I've decided to take the plunge and start organising a once in a lifetime trip! As such, I have decided to put this thread together to get as much information from the experts (you guys) as I can in preparation!
To give you guys a bit of context, a friend and I have decided to take a sabbatical off work (having done the whole high school to uni to work approach), and have decided on a year long trip over to Europe for some backpacking to explore the culture, food, people, etc. We have both traveled around the country domestically for work (3-4 times a year) but have not being able to reach Gold status for Qantas (preferred airline with my company). However, we have managed to secure around 200,000 Qantas FFP each through flying and credit card offers. As we are looking to travel for a year we'd prefer to try and limit the cost prior to actually going over (i.e. travel insurance, flights). We did a bit of research, and noticed that we could get Business class return for 256k QFFP (we'll be looking to get the required points through credit card offers). I guess my questions for you guys include the following:
1) We are looking to leave around April 2015 - what is the likelihood of us being able to secure 2x classic seat awards for business from Sydney to London? Note that we either both go on business, or not at all. The alternative is to book economy, but given the once in a lifetime opportunity, we thought we'd take the plunge and try and get business!
2) How much in taxes would that cost us?
3) As we are looking to go for up to a year, there is no option to book a return for what is effectively 2 years away. What is the deal there? Do we book a return for a month after departure and then try and change closer to departure date? Are there fees involved?
4) Alternatively, is it better to book a one way business class ticket (pending visas) to London?
5) RTW business class in points is not much more than Sydney to London, is this a better option?
6) Any other tips on backpacking Europe and travel insurance for the year would be greatly appreciated!
I know this maybe a lengthy post, but I do appreciate any advice/answering of questions that you guys can provide. Having read so many posts, I'm so envious of all you travelers! I only hope I can do it right for my trip! Thanks!
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