March 15, 2025

TravelStories Episode 54: Looking Back at Covid Lockdowns with Chris

1 hour 35 minutes

Episode 54: Show Notes.

Today, we are taking a trip back in time to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as we approach the fifth anniversary of lockdowns across the globe. Joining us to discuss this period is long-time friend Chris, who was traveling the world when lockdowns hit. In our conversation, he shares his experiences of the pandemic abroad, his tumultuous escape abroad as lockdowns were implemented, and the impact of travel restrictions on global tourism. Chris recounts the chaos and uncertainty around travel, how he altered his plans to avoid getting stuck in quarantine, and the lucky decisions that got him to a holiday destination. We learn about his trip to Thailand and Koh Samui, the challenges he faced in trying to find a place to stay during quarantine, what it was like witnessing the shutdown of major tourist destinations, government support for local tourism industries, and the remarkable resilience of the Thai people.

Next, we shift to a happier topic, Chris’ participation in SAS's million-mile promotion and his airline upgrades and mileage strategies before reflecting on the evolving landscape of points and miles. We also learn about Chris’s involvement in revitalizing the Chicago Seminars for the travel community post-COVID and how volunteers and contributors helped raise nearly 30,000 USD for charity. Join us today as we journey back for a fascinating account of navigating lockdown travel!

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:50] Introducing Chris, his travel experiences during the chaotic onset of pandemic restrictions, and his unplanned trip to Thailand.

[00:12:01] Navigating Thailand as restrictions were being instituted, and Chris’s odyssey finding a place to stay in Koh Samui.

[00:20:42] The positive effects of government subsidies for tourism during the pandemic, how Chris found community during his stay, and the impact of quarantines.

[00:25:33] Why it was so surreal staying at a beautiful resort with so few people.

[00:29:51] Travel restriction uncertainty: how it stopped Chris from leaving Koh Samui.

[00:33:08] What it was like when travel restrictions started being lifted.

[00:38:09] Living out of a suitcase and a backpack for two years.

[00:41:38] Final reflections and observations on his long stay in Thailand.

[00:44:08] Details of Chris’s participation in SAS's million-mile promotion.

[00:50:45] Takeaways from traveling to China, Hong Kong, Argentina, and more.

[00:59:21] Insights into airline upgrades and mileage strategies.

[01:14:21] What it took for Chris to succeed at the SAS promotional challenge.

[01:20:53] Reflections on the promotion and why he would do it again.

[01:23:10] How Chris helped reinvigorate the Chicago Seminars post-COVID.

[01:31:48] Final thoughts on the changing landscape of travel and words of appreciation for the travel community.

Quotes:

“One thing that [Thailand] did very well was the government subsidies [which] did pay out for hotels to keep their employees.” — Chris [0:20:43]

“There were very few cases of COVID on the island of Koh Samui for the first year and a half.” — Chris [0:25:10]

“I never learned Thai because I just thought I was going home soon.” — Chris [0:33:16]

“I [was] fortunate to only [have] had one medical issue during the two years over there.” — Chris [0:38:09]

“When I went back for the one-year anniversary for the Hyatt Regency opening, I tipped the entire staff that was there for the whole year – because it meant so much to see them again a year later, that's just a year after I'd already left.” — Chris [0:43:09]

“My first points flight was in 1989.” — Chris [01:32:08]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Chicago Seminars

Thomas Kim on X

Trevor Mountcastle on X

...more

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By Sam Simon and Robert Dwyer

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