Holiday destination - where to go??

[athorby]

Hi guys,

I need some advice... My girlfriend has clocked up a ridiculous amount of flying miles over the years and she's just told me that we have approx 100k miles to use (I doubt we'll be able to use them all) and we need to book flights by April!! I am so excited but I can't decide where to go?? Help!! Anyone used flying miles before?
Anyone been anywhere nice recently? Anyone got any ideas or experiences?
Apart from spending a short while in Houston I haven't been out of Europe for a fair few years and fancy something different.
I think we want to go somewhere with white sandy beaches and clear blue sea, somewhere we can seriously chill out..

Any responses would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Adam

[Simon813]

Hi Adam,

I've just booked a honeymoon to the Maldives. Meeru island to be precise. Check it out on the Hayes and Jarvis website, it looks very nice.

Si

[Greensleeves]

I can't beat the Maldives as a suggestion but 100,000 miles will probably equate to a one way flight to Jersey.

100k miles doesn't mean that two of you can get 25,000 miles away. I suggest you have a look what they are worth first before you make your plans.

[athorby]

Greensleeves said:

I can't beat the Maldives as a suggestion but 100,000 miles will probably equate to a one way flight to Jersey.

100k miles doesn't mean that two of you can get 25,000 miles away. I suggest you have a look what they are worth first before you make your plans.

Ok cool. Well thanks for the heads up.. She only just told me so I'll contact KLM to see what the score is.
I am happy to pay as well, but it will be nice to have a helping hand with the flight cost. I've been saving for a holiday for a while now too so I hope I'll get further than Jersey!! I'll keep you posted!
Anyone been to Vietnam or the Phillipeens? Thailand? etc

Thanks in advance,
Adam

[v15ben]

Vietnam is a good call. Lots of great beaches, culture, food, rainforests and of course superb weather (usually!) and a good atmosphere I found. Can give you some more specific advice if you do decide to go over there!

[StuB]

When I was flying ob business a lot (with KLM), I seem to recall a similar number of miles paying for a weekend in Barcelona for the wife and I.

Luckily, we got upgraded for the Schipol to Barcelona return and only had to put up with the vomit comet from Humberside to Schipol.

Barcelona was a lovely place to go for a sunny weekend.

The Maldives are also stunning, so I'm sure you'll have a wonderful stay Simon. We've been with Hayes & Jarvis and were quite satisfied.

[grahamw48]

I have lived in Hongkong for several years and Philippines for 2 years, but visited numerous times. Also lived in Malaysia for 3 years.

Hongkong is civilised and Oriental, amazing place, lots to do and see, great shopping for the ladies, and (yes) nice beaches April onwards when weather is more or less tropical. Not much dearer than England, some things cheaper. Incredible food.

Philippines best left to experienced travellers, but great fun and fantastic beaches, reefs, diving etc. Third world.

Thailand may suit you best if you're wanting something hot and exotic, but a safe bet.

[burriana]

I'm with Dave and Stu ... check the allowance first and don't get too excited. I have accrued about 70,000 miles since last February and reckon I will need about 150,000 just to upgrade us and the two kids from economy to premium economy for our Virgin holiday to Barbados in Feb 2010.

I reckon 100k might get you two flights to Spain and back.

On other destinations, Southern Vietnam is really cool and friendly, although all the war memorabilia has a typical bias. South Africa, especially if you throw a safari in is unbelievable.

My advice would be to choose and pay for a great holiday, and see if you can use the miles to upgrade the flight class

[bobbins]

Simon813 said:

Hi Adam,

I've just booked a honeymoon to the Maldives. Meeru island to be precise. Check it out on the Hayes and Jarvis website, it looks very nice.

Si

Honeymooned on that very island six years ago, through Hayes and Jarvis - paradise.

[speed8]

athorby said:

Greensleeves said:

I can't beat the Maldives as a suggestion but 100,000 miles will probably equate to a one way flight to Jersey.

100k miles doesn't mean that two of you can get 25,000 miles away. I suggest you have a look what they are worth first before you make your plans.

Ok cool. Well thanks for the heads up.. She only just told me so I'll contact KLM to see what the score is.
I am happy to pay as well, but it will be nice to have a helping hand with the flight cost. I've been saving for a holiday for a while now too so I hope I'll get further than Jersey!! I'll keep you posted!
Anyone been to Vietnam or the Phillipeens? Thailand? etc

Thanks in advance,
Adam

Yeah, don't bank on 100k miles getting you far. That's probably a Europe trip IIRC. I've got about 400k miles with KLM sitting there and I think that will just get me to Australia and back for me and the missus (although I think we're going to use them to go to Argentina).