35 days in 5 star hotels across China and Singapore. Being pampered, seeing new places, eating lots of awesome food.
This year I think I have outdone myself in planning. Booking so many awards, and all of them has to be timed perfectly, this task was nearly impossible. And I found below market prices for things I had to pay for.
Another challenge was that in one of the cities, where I was going to be spending almost 3 weeks (sans weekends), there were no hotels where I had any status or miles. But by checking prices over the span of month, I jumped on a phenomenal price for that property.
Here is my breakdown:
The "cost" column is determined by going online and making cheapest reservation for that particular flight or that exact hotel on that same date.
The value will end up even higher, since I anticipate few hotel upgrades due to status.
Less than 10c on the dollar, this is what I call value. And I worked and planned hard to make it all happen.
And everything listed has already been paid for! (last $1,700 will be on this month's statement)
There are only visas left (oh, don't get me started on yesterday's trip to the Chinese consulate).
Of course, there will be massive costs while there, like shopping, food, drinks, activities, local trains, etc. But, I've done my best to maximize experience while minimizing cost. (and I'm not counting flights and hotels I booked below average market price, since it was possible to book them at that price, even for a moment in time, I'm putting that price at "cost")
I dare say I know how to vacation! (my luxury trip plan)
June 17th, 2014 at 08:52 pm
June 17th, 2014 at 09:15 pm 1403036141
June 17th, 2014 at 09:51 pm 1403038261
Cockroaches and oversized rats are problems in China. Bay leaves, Borax or Baking Soda help. I ended up wondered if luggage got infected in transit! I got so neurotic, I put clothes in the fridge. Tape bay leaves in electric plugs
June 18th, 2014 at 01:58 am 1403053108
June 18th, 2014 at 06:39 am 1403069994
June 20th, 2014 at 04:10 pm 1403277048
Thanks everyone.
Snafu, DH and I have lived in Chengdu for 6+ month, studying Chinese in SiChuanDaXue (2nd semester abroad during our college years, long time ago). We love local food just the way it is, and don't need any adjustments to enjoy it. In fact, we are missing that ma la taste like crazy and I'm so looking forward to the huo guo and so many dishes I used to eat there.
As for roaches, I won't be staying in the dorm. And I haven't had any problem with roaches in 5* hotels in China. If you see my next post, there are photos of the brand new hotel we will be staying in Chengdu. I'm sure it will be fine.
June 21st, 2014 at 01:45 am 1403311513
June 21st, 2014 at 02:35 am 1403314528
June 21st, 2014 at 04:03 pm 1403362987