Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

TravelStories Episode 22: Talking New Zealand and Australia

Listen Later

Planning a trip to New Zealand and Australia? Are you wanting to craft the perfect blend of flights, hotels, and attractions and create an unforgettable journey? Then don’t miss out on today’s valuable insights from our special guest, Joe Cheung! Joe shares his recent family adventure, covering everything from Air New Zealand flights, the Skycouch, and hotel bookings in Auckland to experiencing the FIFA Women's World Cup. He also delves into the logistics of renting a car, exploring the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, A380 seats and flights, and provides an in-depth look at their stay in Sydney. Tune in to discover Joe's strategies for finding New Zealand and Australia travel awards, why not all Koala encounters are made equal, and so much more!

Key Points From This Episode:

  • [00:20] Introduction to today’s topic and special guest.
  • [02:40] A quick recap of Joe’s trip to New Zealand, Australia, and California. 
  • [03:35] A travel story about Air New Zealand: why Joe decided to fly with them.
  • [07:20] Joe expands on his experience with the Air New Zealand Skycouch.
  • [10:40] Leveraging his occupation as a travel agent.
  • [12:50] Joe talks about a different aspect of being a travel agent that he doesn't handle.
  • [15:10] Auckland: booking the hotel and the technicalities of the family rate.
  • [18:45] Thoughts on the Park Hyatt Auckland.
  • [20:00] Making use of the concierge (and whether it’s necessary) to book the family rate.
  • [21:14] How they got the FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup tickets.
  • [23:38] His final thoughts on the World Cup.
  • [26:15] Joe shares what his experience was like driving in New Zealand.
  • [27:30] Logistics surrounding the car rental process.
  • [28:30] More on the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Glow Worm Tours they took in Auckland.
  • [31:00] Driving on the other side of the road.
  • [33:15] Other day trips and attractions and why they went to Sydney.
  • [35:00] Economy is good for the soul.
  • [37:15] Finding 3+ seats in business is a challenge!
  • [38:20] The nice thing about the A380.
  • [40:25] More about the seats on the A380 (premium economy).
  • [41:20] Getting the Business Class Pajamas. 
  • [42:10] Joe takes us back to their stay in Sydney.
  • [44:00] His take on the choice between the Park Hyatt and the Hyatt Regency (Sydney).
  • [45:30] The Asian food experience in Sydney.
  • [47:30] What stood out about their time at the Taronga Zoo Sydney.
  • [49:55] Why the koala experience is not worth it, according to Tim.
  • [51:04] Trevor shares about the Healesville Sanctuary in Zoo in Badger Creek, Australia.
  • [52:12] Joe’s final notes on Sydney, and surrounding attractions.
  • [55:40] Thoughts on taking an extended driving trip through Australia.
  • [56:40] Joe’s strategy and the timeframe for finding awards to get to NZ and Australia.
  • [1:01:48] Why high balances do help.
  • [1:05:20] A quick revisit on the premium economy window seats for the A380.
  • [1:09:58] How to find Joe.

    • Quotes:

    “The [Air New Zealand] Skycouch, for those who don’t know, is you can pay extra and the seats have footrests that can come all the way up so that you basically have a couch — they give you bedding and exclusive use of the couch.” — @asthejoeflies [0:07:20]

    “Economy is good for the soul sometimes.” — @TktweetsKim [0:35:05]

    “For our listeners who are doing their Australia planning, just be aware, that not all Koala encounters are created equal. Do your research!

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store
    Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee EditionBy Sam Simon and Robert Dwyer
    • 4.4
    • 4.4
    • 4.4
    • 4.4
    • 4.4

    4.4

    50 ratings

    More shows like Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

    View all
    Miles to Go - Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss! by Ed Pizza, Richard Kerr

    Miles to Go - Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss!

    362 Listeners

    Award Travel 101 by Award Travel 101 Team

    Award Travel 101

    147 Listeners

    Frequent Miler on the Air by Greg Davis-Kean

    Frequent Miler on the Air

    560 Listeners

    MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel! by Shawn Coomer & Mark Ostermann

    MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

    310 Listeners

    Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast by Justin Vacula

    Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

    23 Listeners

    Geobreeze Travel by Julia Menez

    Geobreeze Travel

    395 Listeners

    All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins by Chris Hutchins

    All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins

    1,422 Listeners

    Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad by Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Credit Card Points

    Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad

    892 Listeners

    Point Me To First Class by Devon Gimbel MD

    Point Me To First Class

    1,046 Listeners

    Let's Get To The Points by Serena, Miguel and Mitch Shannon

    Let's Get To The Points

    84 Listeners

    Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel by 10xTravel

    Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

    366 Listeners

    Churning Life Podcast by Connor

    Churning Life Podcast

    26 Listeners

    Churn and Burn by Jamesmilecation

    Churn and Burn

    11 Listeners

    Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel by Mary Ellen and Jo

    Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

    71 Listeners

    Points for Normal People by Katie's Travel Tricks by Katie's Travel Tricks

    Points for Normal People by Katie's Travel Tricks

    289 Listeners