This report details an ambitious travel itinerary: a vacation in Iceland combined with a multi-stop review trip spanning Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Over 23,748 miles were covered across 12 flights, including stays in high-end hotels and lounges. The journey was designed to balance personal time with professional reviews of airlines and hospitality.
Iceland and Departure Logistics
The trip began with a long-planned visit to Iceland with a companion, delayed due to family circumstances. After a six-day stopover, one traveler returned home while the other continued on a review-focused extension. This split allowed for maximizing both leisure and work opportunities. Icelandair’s Saga Class was used for the initial transatlantic legs, taking advantage of its stopover policy. The airline’s flexible fares were booked using Chase points, redeemed at a rate of 1.5 cents per point.
Asia and the Middle East: The Review Sprint
From London, the trip transitioned into a rapid review circuit. Air India’s A350 business class was used to reach Delhi, then onward to Kuala Lumpur. Singapore Airlines facilitated travel to Cambodia, positioning the traveler for Etihad’s ultra-premium offerings. The goal was to experience Etihad’s A321LR first class and the exclusive A380 The Residence suite, requiring a first-class ticket and an upgrade fee.
Europe and Return
After Etihad, the journey continued with Aer Lingus to Dublin, followed by a final flight to Boston. The purpose was to test out Aer Lingus’ AerSpace cabin and business class products while minimizing backtracking. Alaska Atmos Rewards points were used for the final leg, offering a cost-effective return option.
Hotels and Lounges
The trip included reviews of several hotels:
- Torfhus Retreat (Iceland)
- Reykjavik EDITION (Iceland)
- The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (Iceland)
- Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (Iceland)
- Holiday Inn Express Delhi Airport Terminal 3 (India)
- Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
- Singapore EDITION (Singapore)
Airport lounges were also evaluated, including Icelandair Saga Lounge, Plaza Premium lounges in Phnom Penh, Etihad The Residence Lounge, and a Delta Sky Club in Boston.
Conclusion
The trip was a blend of personal exploration and professional evaluation, covering significant ground across multiple continents. The combination of leisure time in Iceland with a fast-paced review itinerary proved effective for both relaxation and content generation. The experience highlights the value of strategic booking using points and maximizing airline/hotel flexibility.
