2020 Travel Plans

[Gigi]

Citroen has pulled the plug on their WRC campaign meaning Ogier is a free agent. Their car this year was a dog, he should have been closer to beating Tanak than he was. A search of #coughroen throws up some interesting links!

I'm hoping he goes to MSport where he won the drivers championship in 2017 and 29018, but it's more likely Toyota will get his services.

So, back on topic, I'm going to go to Sweden in February, the boss is staying home because she doesn't like the cold! I'll have to find something else to fit in at that time.

NZ in April, Germany (and others) in May, Africa in July, NZ in September, hopefully Myanmar/Laos in late year, but as usual all subject to change! Especially if L.E. has some good 5 star packages.

If you are thinking LE for Laos can I give you our experience?
We did a LE to Laos, staying at Belmond earlier this year. We were very disappointed as the pool was dirty and the staff didn't know how to clean it. We didn't have a swim while we were there, neither did other guests. The breakfasts were ok, nothing to get excited about but the setting was beautiful. We needed to get a taxi in and out of town as it was just too far to walk (uphill). We had inluded in our LE deal 2 coughtails each per night and as MrG prefers beer they would not substitute his free coughtail for a free beer, oh well. We got around this by each ordering a coughtail. Then I got to drink them both. Mr G ordered and drank his beers. They were getting a new Manager so hopefully he/she is getting things sorted. We had just come from the Belmond in Siem Reap which we thoroughly enjoyed.

 

[drron]

We stayed at the Belmond in Yangon a few years ago.Didn't like it at all.
On returning stayed at the Chatrium.Much nicer and a shuttle into town.I even walked back from the CBD.

 

[OZDUCK]

How quickly one can go from having nothing planned to the dance card getting filled. It's been a points redeeming frenzy, so should end up 2019 redeeming 1.3 million but somehow still have 2.5 million left which is what we started the year with.

I'm thinking about a health spa in Germany for 3 weeks in January. Can get flights on points waiting to hear back if they can accommodate my dates. Have also been invited to New Orleans in February but as it's so last minute fares are horrendous so non committal on that one.

July is going to be Malaysia, Borneo and Brunei with a friend. Flights are booked and was pleased to get redemptions using Kris Flyer miles and United.

We have been to Sarawak & Brunei and loved both of them. Enjoy your trips.

 

[Toula92122]

We have been to Sarawak & Brunei and loved both of them. Enjoy your trips.

Do you have any must do's to share? We have just started formulating our itinerary and research is in its infancy so quite open to suggestions.

 

[Cossie]

If you are thinking LE for Laos can I give you our experience?
We did a LE to Laos, staying at Belmond earlier this year. We were very disappointed as the pool was dirty and the staff didn't know how to clean it. We didn't have a swim while we were there, neither did other guests. The breakfasts were ok, nothing to get excited about but the setting was beautiful. We needed to get a taxi in and out of town as it was just too far to walk (uphill). We had inluded in our LE deal 2 coughtails each per night and as MrG prefers beer they would not substitute his free coughtail for a free beer, oh well. We got around this by each ordering a coughtail. Then I got to drink them both. Mr G ordered and drank his beers. They were getting a new Manager so hopefully he/she is getting things sorted. We had just come from the Belmond in Siem Reap which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Thanks for the information, I have seen the Belmond mentioned on the LE site, and will give them a miss.

 

[OZDUCK]

Do you have any must do's to share? We have just started formulating our itinerary and research is in its infancy so quite open to suggestions.

Starting with Brunei, I did a TR earlier this year on our trip - A Date With a Sultanate

As we spent time with my wife's relatives we may have done things a bit differently. However what I would think are the highlight's are :-

The absolute must do is a visit to Temburong A Guide to Brunei's Ulu Temburong National Park . It will take up most of the day but is well worth the time and expense. There are a number of companies who do the tour. All basically involve a fast ferry ride through, literally, crocodile infested mangrove rivers, a short van ride and then a trip upriver in a longboat. They wanted to see our passports because the boat passes through Malaysian waters but we convinced them our Photo Drivers Licenses were a sort of I.D. card. You should check with the tour operator.

A short boat trip up river from Bandar Seri Begawan to see the proboscis monkeys. This is easy to arrange, ours was done through the hotel. The trip was only about 30 minutes each way plus time pulled on the riverbank looking at the monkeys. You pass by the Royal Palace grounds on the way.

Still on the water, hire a water taxi to do a tour around the Kampung Ayer- water village. Again very easy to just negotiate a price with the numerous water taxis.

The centre of Bandar is not very special and is actually pretty quiet. But the Royal Regalia Museum is worth a visit. It is free and air conditioned. I have a feeling you are not allowed to enter in shorts but cannot remember precisely.

The Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque is a very attractive building by the river in the centre of town. You can visit it but non-Muslims are only allowed about 20 metres inside the door. You definitely can't enter wearing shorts.

The Gadong Night Market is worth a visit for the food. There is little else to buy there.

A visit to the "The Empire Country Club is interesting to see what is billed as Six Star Hotel and grounds. It contains a lot of bling. When we went there it was very, very quiet. To me it seems to far out of town to be worthwhile staying there. However, if you like staying a luxury hotel with attached golf courses then it may suit you. Like 99% of Brunei it is alcohol free.

You don't go for Brunei for shopping. The locals go to KL or Singapore for that. There is very little nightlife but the food is excellent and very cheap. Almost all the locals we met were exceedingly friendly and often stopped us to have a chat about where we were from, where we were staying etc. Apparently, the best place to go for food is Kiulap which is next door to our hotel that we picked at random. Home | alafiahhotel

We did a lot of walking around, which astonished the locals who always drive everywhere as petrol is dirt cheap. The city is almost completely flat and the sidewalks are pretty good.

We haven't been to Sabah but if you are going to Sarawak let me know. We have been to Kuching twice and have driven the Pan-Borneo Highway from Kuching to Miri.

 

[Toula92122]

Starting with Brunei, I did a TR earlier this year on our trip - A Date With a Sultanate

As we spent time with my wife's relatives we may have done things a bit differently. However what I would think are the highlight's are :-

The absolute must do is a visit to Temburong A Guide to Brunei's Ulu Temburong National Park . It will take up most of the day but is well worth the time and expense. There are a number of companies who do the tour. All basically involve a fast ferry ride through, literally, crocodile infested mangrove rivers, a short van ride and then a trip upriver in a longboat. They wanted to see our passports because the boat passes through Malaysian waters but we convinced them our Photo Drivers Licenses were a sort of I.D. card. You should check with the tour operator.

A short boat trip up river from Bandar Seri Begawan to see the proboscis monkeys. This is easy to arrange, ours was done through the hotel. The trip was only about 30 minutes each way plus time pulled on the riverbank looking at the monkeys. You pass by the Royal Palace grounds on the way.

Thanks for those tips. Brunei will only be a short stay so we are planning on the proboscis monkeys and the night market. I will read your TR to get a fuller picture.

We are thinking about going to KK so we can do a firefly tour plus do a stay at Mulu National Park. There is a nice Marriott there which sadly I have to admit is about as uncomfortable as I'm prepared to go in my declining years.

 

[OZDUCK]

Thanks for those tips. Brunei will only be a short stay so we are planning on the proboscis monkeys and the night market. I will read your TR to get a fuller picture.

We are thinking about going to KK so we can do a firefly tour plus do a stay at Mulu National Park. There is a nice Marriott there which sadly I have to admit is about as uncomfortable as I'm prepared to go in my declining years.

No worries. We never got to the Mulu Park but a colleague from work did and thoroughly enjoyed it. We went to the Niah Caves closer to Miri and they were very interesting. I have never been to Sabah so KK is a bit of an unknown.

 

[mrsterryn]

As the year 2020 approaches funny to see the changes

Looks like Russia /Frankfurt and Switzerland in April
Frankfurt/Vienna / Prague /London Nov/Dec
Maybe new Zealand in July
Now to wait for sales lol

Ok so mine have changed a bit
(Son and his family are buying a new home so funds will be a bit limited for them next year )

Sooo
Going to London May to do a 14 day cruise including St Petersburg ( anyone done a cruise on celebrity silhouette?)
A quick trip to Tokyo October
Paris trip end of Oct (will be on points again )
Regular end of year trip to Europe for see Xmas markets

Husband has finally retired and will have a couple of extra trips to Europe then me in 2020 and will easily retain his platinum status

Ok so
May 2020 :
1st to London return to Syd with a 14 night cruise around the Baltic
June/July :
New Zealand with son Dil and grandson probable five days
Sept :
Husband to London and Denmark for two weeks
November/Dec :
Xmas markets round Europe and quick trip to LA Disneyland (this is points trips )

If any good sales we may end up having another trip somewhere
At this point in time lol this is the expected travelling next year. Only the New Zealand isn't booked

 

[OATEK]

Updated: New items in BOLD

We have booked an Easter break for 2020.

Booked some flights: SYD-HKG (QF 127 award) in Y, HKG-LHR-KRK and LHR-HKG (BA 32/872/31) in J, HKG-SYD (CX101 Award) in Y+.

Booked: KRK-MUC (LH in J) for 2 nights in Munich.

Booked: MUC-ATH (LH/A3 codeshare in J) ahead of cruise.

Booked cruise from Athens to Cairo, Jerusalem, Limassol, Rhodes, Kusadasi (Ephesus) and back to Athens.

Booked: ATH-MUC-LHR (LH in J) after cruise.

So two weeks in Poland, Germany and the Aegean, 2.5 weeks in UK.

Now looking at adding a Christmas Day 2020 departure to the UK to spend boxing Day and the following few weeks with the other half of our family. Nothing booked yet, but the spreadsheet has been created!

 

[blackcat20]

We're trying to make a white Christmas work for next year...

 

[VPS]

We're trying to make a white Christmas work for next year...

I'm going to make a European Christmas work for me in 2020 - White would be a bonus but I don't care as long as it is cold

 

[VPS]

Off to Santiago in January and then a 21 day Seabourn Cruise down to the Antarctic then three nights in Buenos Aires then home

 

[blackcat20]

I'm going to make a European Christmas work for me in 2020 - White would be a bonus but I don't care as long as it is cold

We're eyeing off Chicago.

 

[Himeno]

Haven't worked out travel plans for the last year of the current decade yet. I've been waiting to see when various events are on. I have dates for most of the expected events I'm considering. Expect the rest to be announced in a few weeks.

Of course, I worked out everything for my main trip this year less then 2 months before departing on said trip.

 

[kpc]

Two main destinations: Iceland and Rwanda/ Tanzania.

 

[VPS]

Haven't worked out travel plans for the last year of the current decade yet. I've been waiting to see when various events are on. I have dates for most of the expected events I'm considering. Expect the rest to be announced in a few weeks.

Of course, I worked out everything for my main trip this year less then 2 months before departing on said trip.

Two months out is a long time. I booked less than a month out and trying to get snow gear in Australia in December is not easy.

 

[Himeno]

Two months out is a long time. I booked less than a month out and trying to get snow gear in Australia in December is not easy.

That was a 6 1/2 week RTW holiday with 23 flights, 12 stopovers and 2 long connection day trips. The last thing (a hotel) was booked 4 days before departure.

Other, shorter, overseas trips this year were locked in and booked 2 and 3 weeks out respectively.

 

[JohnM]

As posted earlier, 2020 is sorted - just some details like some accommodation to fill in. It's 2021 that I'm spending much of the Xmas/NY period sketching out. A plan is forming...

 

[Cossie]

Things change, looks like I'll be heading back down to Tassie early January, at least I should be able to have a curried scallop pie in Ulverstone and get to visit Ghost Rock Wines near Port Sorell.
We have to really start thinking about Africa, we'll have three weeks after the Safari rally, the boss has been to a lot of southern Africa, but I haven't ventured any further south than Tanzania.
Also I heard that a friend has got a job in Rwanda starting in March, so that complicates things.
Would you fly Ethiopia Air?