1. In 2019, wife and I did Australia - New Zealand - Fiji
2. Flying & hotels were via miles or credit card rewards
. . . Delta First Class MCI >> LAX *
. . . Virgin Australia Biz LAX >>> Brisbane, Sidney >>> LAX. **
3. I saw a lot of Japan and China for work, so no further interest.
4. Our total 3-week outlay, excluding souvenirs, was $2,100. ***
* NOTE1:
. . . Virgin Australia does not have their own airport lounges.
. . . They pay other airlines for access.
. . . We were allowed into the Etihad Airport Lounge,
. . . Alcohol is not allowed for religious reasons.
. . . However, due to Business Traveler demands, they DO offer alcohol.
. . . Before booze and wine, they lost business travel to other airlines.
** NOTE2:
. . . Virgin Australia was aboard a brand new Boeing-777, both ways.
. . . Used to think QATAR Airways was best airline - this changed my mind.
. . . A true Onboard lounge with a REAL bar and Bartender.
. . . Also, free sweats/pajamas and showers both ways.
. . . Once there, we flew upfront on QANTAS between cities and countries.
*** NOTE3:
. . . Before I retired, I traveled A LOT.
. . . I earned just a tad under 4-1/2 million air miles. (mainly Northwest).
. . . This was, also, when air miles were valued differently.
. . . Changed from United when they started charging for Red Carpet lounge.
. . . Basically, the front of a plane was my Living Room.
. . . Airport lounges seemed like my Den or Bed Room
. . . Before the new airline bid systems, got to know cabin staffs well.
. . . Used the balance of miles for 4-week vacation to Ireland,
. . . . . took my wife, both adult kids, and a guest for each kid
. . . . . stayed in castles or 5-stars at each stop
. . . . . did not pay for transportation or rooms
. . . . . wife said eventually it was A-B-C ("Another Bloody Castle")