12

Feb

One of my goals this year was to travel solo more often, so to get off on a good start for the year, I spent this past weekend in Asheville, NC.  As a side effect of both traveling solo and spending 11+ hours in a car in a single weekend, I had some time to think.  While I’ll admit that most of my thoughts were more on a personal level, at some point, my mind did wander toward blogging.  I feel pretty lucky to have built up a group of readers, so now it’s time for me to make a few personal travel confessions.

1. I define aspirational rewards differently.
There is a huge group of people in travel blogging and forums who redeem for aspirational travel: first class flights with champagne and showers, luxury suites in expensive cities, and overwater bungalows in tropical locales.  If that’s what you want from your miles and points, I wholeheartedly support your decisions, but I have a different set of desires.  I want to see natural wonders, travel to a variety of places throughout the world, and interact with locals and other travelers…and I’d rather give up the pampering in order to travel more frequently.  After officially trying business class and staying in a few expensive hotels, I am more confident in my decision to stick with coach seating, simple properties, and economy car rentals while splurging on great food, activities, and entertainment.

2. I am not an #avgeek.
I think it’s cool that other bloggers get excited about trying the Dreamliner or trying to get on an inaugural flight (even if it’s only “new” for that particular airline or route).  As for me, I don’t care.  I can’t identify a Boeing vs. an Airbus just by looking at a plane (the same way I can’t point out a Hyundai vs. a Ford) and I don’t know the specifications of a 747-300 compared to a 747-400 (or even if those models exist…or if ‘model’ is the correct terminology).  Sure, if all else were equal, the aircraft might be a deciding factor when making a flight choice, but I’m usually preoccupied with choosing the perfect destination, most convenient schedule, or avoiding certain connecting cities.  Give me a seat in the sky and a relatively efficient schedule, and I’m happy.  Bonus points for a window seat.

3. I think cash savings are undervalued in this community.
Maybe it’s because I won’t pay the upcharge in miles for premium seating or luxury hotels.  Maybe it’s because I don’t care if I am on the latest or greatest aircraft.  Maybe it’s because I have a habit of traveling to places that don’t have chain hotels to redeem at even if I have a million points.  Whatever it is, I still think cash is king.  There are no expiration dates, capacity controls, or brand restrictions when it comes to spending cash, so you can go anywhere anytime.  Balancing cash savings with earning miles/points is a key part of my strategy.  Obviously, there are times when earning and redeeming miles can lead to an incredibly high return, and that’s exactly why I play the game.  However, anytime when I’m underwhelmed with promotional earnings or redemption rates, I turn to cashback instead.

4. Miles and points are a means to my goal.
I guess it’s cool when you hit one million miles, when you can tweet a picture of the dozen Vanilla Reload cards you’ve collected, or when you’ve discovered a new way to earn miles.  However, earning and counting miles doesn’t excite me.  Instead, I’m excited about the possibility of visiting a new or favorite destination – and miles and points help make that possible in my circumstance.  I play the game because I want the prize at the end, and I’m willing to put in a certain amount of effort to optimize my earnings.  However, when significant time becomes a factor, I lose all interest.  I won’t devote a day of my weekend to mileage running and I won’t spend hours searching out gift cards or merchandise to re-sell in order to profit in the form of miles and points.  I’ll do it if it’s easy, quick, or a fun process…and I’m the one who gets to define “easy”, “quick”, and “fun”.  Does that mean I’ve left miles on the table?  Yup – tens of thousands of them – and in the process, I’ve gained hours of my life back to spend on things that do bring me enjoyment, which brings me to #5…

5. I have way too many trips planned.
I, quite literally, have research gathered and organized for the next 150+ destinations I will visit.  I don’t just mean that I have some nice articles stored on Pinterest for future use: I mean I have enough information written out that I could pack up tonight for any one of those places and have a fairly good idea of how to spend my time.  Given that I am still early on in a career in corporate America with limited availble vacation time, that’s enough research to cover nearly a lifetime of travel, and that’s assuming I never discover somewhere new to add to the list or return to anywhere I loved.  Is it rational or efficient to plan out all these trips?  Nope, but I love doing it., even though half the time I don’t follow my plans once I get to my destination.  Now I just need about a decade-long sabbatical to get a headstart on my travels before retirement!

What are your travel confessions?  I promise I won’t be offended if they are the exact opposite of mine :)

  • Uri said,

    I think most readers (myself included) are more like you than the “aspirational” bloggers. I cannot agree more with your statements. I refuse to pay 100$ for an upgrade to business on a 4 hr flight, and do not have enough time to visit all the places I would like to go (I am older)…
    Keep up with the writing and your individual perspective.

  • Travel Bug said,

    I’m not into aspirational travel either. I love redeeming my Marriott points for nondescript, midrange hotels. I know that $150 a night is not “a lot” but it’s not in my budget. I’m not even talking about good value, midrange hotels in European cities. I like Courtyard Marriotts on the side of a highway that get me close to a state park, or the banquet hall where I’m attending a wedding.

  • Nick Knight said,

    Just last week I “sketched out” a trip plan through 2019. It’s only 3 major and 1 minor trip a year, and leaves room for weekenders and surprises, but I wanted to see how our major destinations play out over time.

    I do have notes on all of the trips listed, but it doesn’t sound like they are as detailed as yours!

    If only I had more PTO (and unlimited funds :) .

  • Nick Knight said,

    Sorry, one more. Yes, to me it’s more about the destinations than how to get there (although we DID enjoy our first class flight to STT :) . We are checking off the US National Parks, for example. Coach and a Holiday Inn will do the trick for us, as long as these gets us to see the right places. Same ideas works for international destinations, too.

  • Anita said,

    Aside from the goal to travel alone more, which isn’t practical for me as a mom of 3 school aged kids, I’m a lot like you! Cash is king and flights are to get me cool places.

    That said, I haven’t traveled in first class yet, so maybe I’ll be singing a different tune after I do!

    Anita

  • New Girl in the Air said,

    @Uri, thanks for your feedback. I hope that my own voice shines through as I move forward.

    @Travel Bug, I have a self-imposed budget for hotels as well. The few times I’ve stayed in high-end hotels, I’ve noticed that most of the grandiose nature is in lobbies, restaurants, and other public areas but my room is almost the same as a standard Holiday Inn. Since I can’t tell you the last time I was in a lobby for anything other than checking in/out and I tend to eat off-site, it seems silly to pay extra. JMO.

    @Nick, I don’t have which destinations line up with each year (I don’t even have 2013 completely mapped out!), just a lot of trip plans waiting for a rainy day. It is nice, however, to see an airfare deal and immediately know what I could do with it. Enjoy your trips – I am a huge supporter of national parks! I also need more PTO/unlimited funds ;)

    @Anita, Sounds like you’ve found a balance for you and your family. I thought I’d be eating my words after my business class flight, but I think it’ll be relatively simple to return to coach (haven’t tried yet on anything but domestic flights…so I guess I will also see!). The mystery is gone for me now and I can’t imagine using even more points for the upgrade from business to first.

  • seaturtleguy said,

    I cant agree more. There are to many places I want to see before I kick the bucket. Upgrading will just decrease the number of opportunities.

  • Amanda S said,

    THIS is why I love your blog. I am the same way. I grew up pretty poor and didn’t get on a plane until I was 18, so I just want to see a lot of places. Thanks for writing such a great blog!

  • NewNomads said,

    As full time nomadic travelers (2/3 business, 1/3 fun) we do a little of both. I do love great hotels but I’m also happy in the Moab Motel 6. I enjoy business or first class seats but spend way more time in coach because I have a lot of places I want to go and only so many miles to do it with.
    Right now I’m sitting in a sweet little $45/night b&b right on the water in Mexico… but I’m trying to find business class award tickets to Australia because I’ve done it in coach and it sucked.
    I love fantastic restaurants but some of my favorite meals have been $2 tacos eaten with my toes in the sand. I guess what I’m saying is don’t lock yourself in to being just one way or another…. leave yourself open to doing what feels right for a particular trip. Why say “I am a budget traveler” or “I am a first class traveler” – how about just I am a traveler…..

  • Angelina said,

    +1. I always get poked out by other bloggers and #avgeeks because I am not miss fancy pants. I refuse to pay for upgrades and I like to stretch my miles and points out to their greatest capacity! :)

  • Levy Flight said,

    I like your attitude. For me it is the opportunity to travel around the world freely, to places off the beaten track. It is also a means to see friends and family in distant places. The occasional first class is nice but really not important. I dont chase hotel points and find boutique hotels at a good price to be far more rewarding.

  • Kathy (Will Run For Miles) said,

    Wow, Becky – you said it perfectly. If you ever want company on some of your fun, destination trips, I’ll join you!

    Kathy

    http://www.willrunformiles.com

  • Quietman said,

    You have the right state of mind. It is too easy to get caught up with the idea of being ‘up front’ as to the idea of ‘can’t wait to explore a new land’. I’ve stayed in the Ritz and in places where a chair was against the door nob (I was much younger then). Each of them provided an interesting experience which today brings a smile to my face. There are so many wonderful places to stay the world far away from point available hotels. Although I do like being in the first or second boarding groups.

  • Sean said,

    I agree with everything you said……. Weird.

  • New Girl in the Air said,

    @seaturtleguy, I do have a bit of a balance issue with more places to go to than I have time for. At some point, if you have more miles than time, it might make sense to upgrade to burn the miles rather than holding onto them forever. I haven’t gotten to that point yet unfortunately.

    @Amanda S, I definitely fly more now than I did growing up, but I was lucky enough to see a ton of the east coast by roadtrip with my family. I love both styles of travel now.

    @NewNomads, I love your attitude. I absolutely splurge sometimes – but on things that matter most to me rather than what other people tell me is important. I’ll pay $200pp on some outdoor activities without batting an eyelash but refuse to pay that kind of money for a hotel. Other people will be the exact opposite!

    @Angelina, your strategy seems to be working great – look at all the great trips you’re taking! Enjoy! :)

    @Kathy, thanks for the offer. I don’t even know what’s next on my plate yet. Decisions, decisions…

    @Quietman, it’s great to know what is important to you and working towards getting it, whether that’s an early boarding group or something different. I’m sure my strategies and values will evolve over time, and that’s okay too.

    @Sean, it’s nice to know someone else out there thinks the same way. Thanks for reading!

  • ThePointsTraveler said,

    I think it is refreshing to hear from someone who enjoys seeing the world more than their time spent in first class and getting pampered at a “15″ star hotel! I only fly coach and stay in mid-tier hotels (except the occassional splurge!) It is more about the number of nights/flights per points than the CPM’s for me. Keep up the great work!

  • frequent churner said,

    Agreed with everything, except:

    1. If you’re 6’1″, try flying 8hrs+ in coach :) It’s less an issue of aspiration, and more about blood clot and back problem avoidance. At least on United I can buy up to E+ but I can’t do that with any other airline when using miles, including AA.

    2. Sometimes your plans are so fluid that it’s hard to book a good deal on airBnb, hostel or other cheap hotel alternatives, especially in expensive cities during big events. It’s always nice to have a stash of Hilton or other points for backup.

    But otherwise, I agree that burning miles on Singapore suites and points on overwater villas in the Maldives for 5 days is just a waste.

  • New Girl in the Air said,

    @The Points Traveler, I love seeing the world! When I need a little luxury (and yes, sometimes I do), I try and fit it in, but it’s not something that I need every time.

    @Frequent Churner, I’m lucky that my “travel-sized” self fits okay in coach seats and I can imagine that being much taller makes things more difficult. I know my 6’1″ husband would appreciate having more space to spread out on longer flights and Asia/Oceania in biz is likely something I’ll be looking for on his behalf. I also agree that points have been a great value for me when hotel rates skyrocket during events and is one of my favorite ways to burn points.

  • CaroleZoom said,

    These reasons at why I love ya New Girl in the Air!

  • oh god said,

    Well I am 36 and I dont want to listen anymore hipster BS about “authentic places” and “interacting with locals”, which in the end mean 12-hour-busrides and interacting with hands through Cambodia and then getting screwed by local hustlers who try to part you with your hard-earned money. Then go to smelly hostel and curse it with other hippies.
    I have had much more interesting and intellectual conversation with CEOs, top musicians and actors in Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons bars, comfortable bed to boot.

  • Brian said,

    ^I don’t see any hipster BS. She simply stated that she preferred to use her miles on more trips and stretching her dollars/points by not sleeping in the more the more luxurious hotels. Granted, the luxury is nice, but she raises a valid point for a certain market segment. I don’t see a reason to get all negatively riled up about her post at all.

  • New Girl in the Air said,

    @CaroleZoom, thanks for the kind words!

    @oh god, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of authentic experiences along with many inauthentic vacations. I have nothing against five-star hotels or the people who stay in them and have truly enjoyed some of my stays at those places. However, since I am in the unfortunate position of having to choose between quality & quantity, I prefer more frequent traveler. Everyone has a right balance, and that is what works for me.

    @Brian, I didn’t take offense at the previous comment but appreciate your insight as well. As you say, I am only one person who fits into one of many market segments. I admit the luxury is nice – just not worth the trade-offs in my opinion. Happy travels!

  • boardingarea blogger police said,

    Excuse me? Fly coach? Not focused on aspirational travel?
    You are hereby instructed to send us back your official boardingarea blogger decoder ring immediately!

  • Juki said,

    Good post, but it also depends on the person, I do not care for show off but i do care for comfort, I earn more than 3 million miles a year from credit card spending for my business, and i currently have 10 million miles spread among 5 airlines other than spg, amex MR and Chase UR.
    These are mire miles than i need for a family of 4, so sure i travel 1st class and stay in top tier hotels, better than the miles and points going down the drain.

  • pawtim said,

    I totally agree with you too! The whole point of this is to go out and see the world and meet interesting people. Those bloggers who take detailed photos of their airplane food or every restroom in every hotel room that they stay in are not interesting to me! I’d much rather focus on the destination!

  • New Girl in the Air said,

    @boarding area blogger police, Haha, guess I do things differently :)

    @Juki, I agree that it depends on the person and I’ve found what works for me (and sounds like you’ve found what works for you!). Admittedly, I don’t have any kind of credit card spend near your levels, which makes it harder to rack up that kind of miles.

    @pawtim, Everyone has a different balance on what’s important to them. There have been times when I’ve really valued a nice stay for a few nights, but I don’t need it on a consistent basis.

  • Fishing4Deals said,

    I really like your philosophy of travel and spirit of adventure. When I was young, I travelled by rail pass and stayed in youth hostels, monasteries, private zimmers, and pensiones. It was a great way to meet people from all over the world.

    Now that most of my travel is domestic, I prefer to book cheap last minute accommodations via Priceline. The perks of “status” programs aren’t worth anything to me because I tend to stay in modest places that offer free breakfast and free wifi to all their customers. When I have the chance, I love quirky accommodations like Wigwam motels and cabooses.

    I would never, ever use my points for first class travel because I need to stretch my travel dollars as far as possible.

  • New Girl in the Air said,

    @Fishing4Deals, We have a lot in common! (And, ironically, I looked at the Wigwam Village in Kentucky for an upcoming trip)

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