I’m planning on taking my dad on a trip in around a week, though I can’t seem to decide where to take him. I’m considering Japan, Morocco, or…? I’ll let you guys tell me what you’d most enjoy reading about!
In terms of flights, this would definitely be the less “glamorous” trip. I might look to review Royal Air Maroc in one direction (there’s plenty of award availability in business class, though only for one person per flight… grrr), and then British Airways in the other direction, on a plane I haven’t yet flown. At least that’s the most interesting routing I can come up with, while reviewing new experiences.
In terms of hotels, I’d like to balance luxury with also reviewing points hotels, so:
- I guess we have to stop in Casablanca so he can check out Rick’s Cafe, so do we just stay at the Marriott, or is it worth springing for the Four Seasons?
- I know Marrakech is a must-visit place, and while the Park Hyatt doesn’t have an ideal location, I think we’d stay there, as it otherwise looks great
- Should we check out Rabat, which is just a short train ride from Casablanca? It looks like there’s a new Ritz-Carlton there that looks quite nice, but is Rabat worth visiting, in comparison to other destinations in Morocco?
- While I realize it’s not going to be beach weather in December, I’m super intrigued by the St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Tamuda Bay, as it’s very reasonably priced, and I’ve heard good things; is it worth visiting, though?
The trip to Japan I’m considering
I adore Japan, and can never get enough of it. My dad hasn’t been to Japan in over a decade, so I’d love for him to experience it again. Admittedly December isn’t an ideal time to travel there (at least for those who don’t like cold weather), but Japan is such a fun destination in terms of the food, people, culture, etc., so not everything has to be outdoors.
In terms of flights, I’m kind of all over the place. Maybe I’d like to do Aeromexico’s 787 business class in one direction. I actually managed to book tickets in Japan Airlines’ A350 first class for two people. On the one hand, that’s an incredible first class experience that I’d love to share with my dad. On the other hand, I reviewed it early last year, when the product was first introduced. But honestly, what’s the point of miles and points if it’s not to give family members some great experiences? So I’m tempted to do that again.
If we were to go to Japan, here’s what I’m thinking:
- I’d probably make Osaka the focus, as I’d like to review the Osaka Station Hotel (which has an amazing club lounge that’s exclusive to Bonvoy Ambassador members and those who pay), as well as the Waldorf Astoria Osaka and Conrad Osaka
- If I could find availability, I’d love to check out the Park Hyatt Tokyo, which reopens on December 9; it’s currently sold out for the entire month, but my hope is that there’s some last minute cancelations
- If we’re going to be in Tokyo, maybe we should also check out the Ritz-Carlton Nikko, which isn’t too far from Tokyo, and looks amazing (though again maybe it’s not the season?)
- My dad really wants to go to Hiroshima, so maybe we’d try to add that in there as well; anyone have any practical thoughts on the logistics, how long is needed to make it worthwhile, where to stay, etc.?
Bottom line
I’m planning on taking my dad on a trip in around a week. One of the beautiful things about booking with points is that you have tons of flexibility with flights, and can easily plan at the last minute.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.
