Suggestions for using 275k points

[Lis]

Hello all,

I’m an ex FF and have a stack of Velocity points in my account (275k). I rarely travel these days (sole parent to a toddler) so no status. I’m looking for suggestions on how I might spend these points (or perhaps more as I accumulate at a solid rate via my business expenses. I cancelled my NAB Velocity card this month and will shortly be looking for a replacement with a good intro points offer.) So the points balance is likely to keep growing even though I don’t fly much these days.

I know Business class redemptions offer good value but I’m not totally sure how well received I’d be with the small person in tow and if this is truly value for money for someone in my shoes (opinions welcome).

I’m looking for family friendly holiday destinations - I love Bali but spending points on reward flights there just seems silly given these fares are normally quite cheap. (again, happy to be proven wrong!) I’ve enjoyed trips to different parts of the South Pacific and would love to visit Tonga or Samoa but not sure if I can find the right accommodation mix to go with it - (suggestions welcome). (Fiji is out).

Any ideas on how I might use these in a way that gives us a pleasant and enjoyable holiday? I used to love the more rustic end of the accommodation spectrum but these days I look for places that are really family friendly for want of a better description and resorts with all-inclusive packages and kids clubs are right up my alley at the moment.

Should I just sit tight for a few years and blow them on a couple of economy LA/Disneyland trips when the small person is bigger and can appreciate it?

My other thought is to travel sans-child to Europe or New York in first class for a big upcoming birthday.

TIA

Edit: Based in Sydney

 

[trooper]

Like many folks I consider using miles/points (in any program) to be "best value" for premium cabin redemptions.... YMMV of course and the Disneyland idea is likely a good one.....You risk devaluation over time, but it seems you are going to keep earning so that may be slightly less of a concern.

What I really wanted to address was your concern over how you'd be received in Business class with the "small person in tow"....
I know some folks whinge and moan... but you have every right to travel (with little one) in whatever cabin you choose.... (yes yes, there may be ONE or two airlines that don't allow children in FIRST)
Note THAT comment is coming from an old childless bachelor who doesn't even like kids all that much..... ..So...I suppose what I'm saying is if you decide you want to travel up front WITH the little one...do it!

 

[Mattg]

Well 278,000 Velocity points will get you a return business class ticket (or 2x one-ways) to Europe or North America with Singapore Airlines or Etihad.

 

[deebens]

Well 278,000 Velocity points will get you a return business class ticket (or 2x one-ways) to Europe or North America with Singapore Airlines or Etihad.

Best choose Singapore. Etihad will tear your hindquarters off with fees.

 

[Lis]

Thanks trooper. Appreciate your perspective on this.

What I think I will do is spend 100k on a Business day flight for us to DPS, and pay for the return leg in economy.

Bit of a ‘best of both worlds’ by keeping the flights reasonably short haul, drinking the good stuff on the way up and then snoozing on the way back.

Depending on how that goes, we can either do that again a few more times or book an economy return to LAX.

Whilst typically not supreme value for the points, probably the best thing for us at this time.

 

[odysseus]

Thanks trooper. Appreciate your perspective on this.

What I think I will do is spend 100k on a Business day flight for us to DPS, and pay for the return leg in economy.

Bit of a ‘best of both worlds’ by keeping the flights reasonably short haul, drinking the good stuff on the way up and then snoozing on the way back.

Depending on how that goes, we can either do that again a few more times or book an economy return to LAX.

Whilst typically not supreme value for the points, probably the best thing for us at this time.

Haven't checked DPS, but one thing to be aware of with most international flights (unless flying budget carriers e.g. AirAsia) is the one way flights cost a bit more than half return. Adding to this specials don't typically apply to them. So unless it's a beneficial use of the points e.g. expiry, multi-destination, it may not be a very economic use of them. Of course, if it's the only opportunity, or you're planning on the one way with a budget carrier then it's a moot point.

Perhaps it may be better to buy a return DPS then look at the upgrade cost of a one way, as I think upgrades and redemptions are from the same availability? If that works then you may get a cheap cost for a return, then use fewer points for the upgrades.

 

[CPMaverick]

Obscure South Pacific destinations are a great value for points as the fares can be quite expensive. Cook Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, etc. I'm not sure how they stack up as destinations for kids, but as you said DPS is such a cheap destination it seems a waste to use so many points on it. Especially as business class isn't even that great...

 

[Lis]

Obscure South Pacific destinations are a great value for points as the fares can be quite expensive. Cook Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, etc. I'm not sure how they stack up as destinations for kids, but as you said DPS is such a cheap destination it seems a waste to use so many points on it. Especially as business class isn't even that great...

Yes - agreed. I haven’t been to Tonga, Samoa or Solomon Islands from those but I have been to the South Pacific a fair bit (Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Tahiti) and we also have a cruise through the region booked for next year. I know it makes sense from a value perspective but I don’t feel excited about them as a holiday spot right now.

 

[Lis]

.

Perhaps it may be better to buy a return DPS then look at the upgrade cost of a one way, as I think upgrades and redemptions are from the same availability? If that works then you may get a cheap cost for a return, then use fewer points for the upgrades.

Good idea/point. Thanks!

 

[OrangeRoughie]

If I were you and you have the option where you have good help to leave your child and are comfortable travelling away from them I would without doubt treat yourself to a trip to Europe or NYC for the upcoming big birthday.

I did Samoa with my wife, parents and then 8 month old. Was a great place and the resort we stayed at was brilliant. Flight timings for us then were not so good and we had to leave our resort at 4am for flight home, even with all the help we were shattered at the end of it.
Travelled to Europe in business class 12 months later with the little fella and got plenty of "looks" from nearby passengers as they boarded each flight, but as trooper says you have just as much right to be in the premium cabin as them. Our kid was perfect on all flights but i can tell you it is much more enjoyable up the front without them!

Not going to be a nice as the South Pacific I don't think but have you considered using your points to go to Singapore and stay on Sentosa Island?

 

[Lis]

Not going to be a nice as the South Pacific I don't think but have you considered using your points to go to Singapore and stay on Sentosa Island?

Speaking of travelling with an 8 month old - we flew SYD to OOL when he just started walking. It was possibly the worst 90 minutes of my life! I like the Senotsa island idea and hadn't thought of that.

Excellent suggestions everyone, very much appreciated.

 

[DAC1]

Speaking of travelling with an 8 month old - we flew SYD to OOL when he just started walking. It was possibly the worst 90 minutes of my life! I like the Senotsa island idea and hadn't thought of that.

Excellent suggestions everyone, very much appreciated.

Sentosa Island could work well with children (even very young children). There's enough by way of resorts to stay at, Resorts World could provide a little bit of themed fun for a child and both Tanjong Beach and Siloso Beach are nice enough providing a flat place to swim (as well as beach clubs at each).

It is on the pricier side, but I really enjoyed it when I was there this time last year!

Alternatively, you could go to Singapore and even then go down to Bintan Island.

 

[Scr77]

My vote is for Christmas Island. Can J to Perth but on Y from there. No fancy resorts but very first world with fantastic hospital (found out the hard way on Boxing Day). Lots or little to do depending on what you’re up for. Lovely place and people.

 

[get me outta here]

I agree about the hospital being pretty good. I gave birth there. I like your photos.

My vote is for Christmas Island. Can J to Perth but on Y from there. No fancy resorts but very first world with fantastic hospital (found out the hard way on Boxing Day). Lots or little to do depending on what you’re up for. Lovely place and people.

 

[Scr77]

I agree about the hospital being pretty good. I gave birth there. I like your photos.

Sorry, can’t take credit for the photos. From Christmas Island Tourism

 

[CPMaverick]

I just visited Christmas Island, and I really enjoyed it. But I am not sure it is what the OP is asking for. "resorts with all-inclusive packages and kids clubs" is definitely not CI.

CI might be first world, but it doesn't really cater much to tourists. I loved that about CI, don't get me wrong, but I wasn't looking for a resort experience and I don't have a toddler.

 

[deva22]

I also have a toddler (though not single parent like yourself) and my opinion is:

Holiday in Singapore (lots to do) return in F on SQ. 190K points + ~$150 taxes.

 

[Pele]

Gday

Lis if your child is under 2 years old then booking a redemption through Velocity will save you plenty of cash as you can add an infant for just the taxes i believe (ie not 10% of adult fare). This could save you over $200.

Pele.

 

[deva22]

Gday

Lis if your child is under 2 years old then booking a redemption through Velocity will save you plenty of cash as you can add an infant for just the taxes i believe (ie not 10% of adult fare). This could save you over $200.

Pele.

I can confirm this from experience. If booked through velocity the infant costs 0 points + taxes. This applies to all VA as well as all partner bookings through velocity (just flew HA recently).

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

I third or fourth SIN (Singapore).
DPS (Bali Denpasar) might be cheap, and ok for singles, but for someone with a kid in tow, if I were in that position, I would still pick SIN.
Because of the Mt Agung volcano, at this point in time, not considering the safety in DPS, your flight just might be cancelled.
Go for a wide body plane experience, if you are going to splurge on J, personally, I would not spend time in a tin can if I had that many points.
I have travelled to NZ in J on the 737 with QF, $$$ paid, but if I was using points, I would fly (Air) NZ on their 777/787, but to sum up, in the end its up to you, but I would still pick SIN.
You could go to NZ, AKL with kids is very good and safe, been there many times, you could also if you want to go to NZ, go to Queenstown in winter!
Has the tot seen snow? Granted, you will be flying a small 737/320 from AKL to ZQN, or a small narrow body plane from eastern states capital city to ZQN anyway.