While in Okinawa, I quickly put together a rough idea for a cross-Japan train trip using the JR rail. First, I’d need to acquire a JR Pass so the trip could be more affordable. Next, I had to get from Okinawa to Nagasaki and concluded that using united miles was the highest value option.
Staying at the Hyatt Regency Naha using 6k hotel points and $75USD per night. This was a great option due to the location and redemption value.
There happened to be an IHG Accelerate bonus promotion at the time of my booking. One of my offers was to redeem a cash and points booking with any IHG hotel and I’d get a big bonus. I ended up being able to book the ANA Crowne Plaza Okinawa for 10k IHG points and $87.20USD.
You’re not supposed to be able to buy the JR Pass while in Japan, but there is a way!
It’s not surprising that Google would have the best free travel apps. These travel tips will make your entire trip planning process more comfortable from finding cheap flights, trip planning, reservation organization, maps,translations and photos.
Booking last minute flights can be expensive. Using frequent flyer miles can save you a significant amount of money since award flights have a flat rate price. With miles, the cost is the same if you book 10 months in advance or 10 hours in advance.
The best value with avios is short distanced flights. For only 4500 avios and $2.56 USD, I flew from Tokyo to Sapporo and back.
United Airlines screwed me on time and miles. But let’s start the story from the beginning. On a Thursday evening at 6pm, I decided to join my friends on a trip to Asia. By 7pm I had my tickets booked. At 9pm I was packed. By 10pm I was at the airport.
I’m about 3 years into my travel hacking hobby and I’ve been on quite a few different airlines business class flights. That includes international and domestic flights.
The OneWorld Business Class Lounge at LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal