{"id":278013,"date":"2023-06-06T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-06T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/?p=278013"},"modified":"2024-05-31T14:28:18","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T18:28:18","slug":"strategy-my-almost-free-trip-asia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/testimonials\/strategy-my-almost-free-trip-asia\/","title":{"rendered":"Testimonial: My almost free trip to Asia"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Introduction” google_fonts=”” el_id=”introduction”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

I recently traveled in March 2023 and wanted to show you that it’s possible to travel almost entirely “free” thanks to the wonderful world of credit cards.<\/p>\n

My itinerary was as follows: Montreal – Doha – Singapore – Tapei (Taiwan) – Hong Kong – Montreal<\/p>\n

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I had all the following points and benefits at my disposal. Also, suggestions for credit cards and promotions that can help you accumulate (or obtain) them are listed:<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”links”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Points\/Benefits<\/td>\nSuggested credit cards<\/td>\nNotes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
70,000 Avios<\/a> miles<\/td>\n\nRecurring RBC Avion points transfer promotions<\/a>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
176,800 Aeroplan<\/a> points<\/td>\n\nPlease consider the terms and conditions<\/a> of the Aeroplan program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aeroplan 35K Elite Status<\/td>\n\nGuide to Aeroplan Elite Status<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
17 upgrade credits<\/td>\nObtaining Aeroplan Elite status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
120,000 Hilton Honors <\/a>points<\/td>\n\nHilton Diamond status<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
22,000 Marriott Bonvoy<\/a> points<\/td>\n\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
80,000 CIBC Aventura<\/a> Points ($1,000 value)<\/td>\n\nCurrently increased exchange rate<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
45,000 HSBC Rewards<\/a> points ($225 value)<\/td>\n\nExcellent credit card with no foreign transaction fee<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10th<\/sup> night free on Hotels.com ($201.59 value)<\/td>\nHotels.com loyalty program<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
$350<\/td>\nScotia Chequing Account Opening Bonus<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”The flights” google_fonts=”” el_id=”the_flights”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

The idea behind this itinerary was to be able to do almost everything in business class. The plan was respected except for the 2-hour flight from TPE to HKG, as only economy class was available.<\/p>\n

The itinerary is divided into 3 different bookings in order to optimize the use of points.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”1st booking with Avios” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”” el_id=”1st_booking_with_avios”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Route<\/td>\nAirline<\/td>\nClass<\/td>\nPoints<\/td>\nTaxes and fees<\/td>\nActual cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Montreal – Doha<\/a><\/td>\nQatar Airways<\/td>\nBusiness (Qsuite<\/a>)<\/td>\n70,000 Avios<\/a><\/td>\n$157.71<\/td>\n$5541.45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[vc_custom_heading text=”2nd booking with Aeroplan” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”” el_id=”2nd_booking_with_aeroplan”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Route<\/td>\nAirline<\/td>\nClass<\/td>\nPoints<\/td>\nTaxes and fees<\/td>\nActual cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Doha – Abu Dhabi<\/td>\nEtihad Airways<\/td>\nBusiness (A320)<\/td>\n85,000 Aeroplan<\/a> points<\/td>\n$163.30<\/td>\n$5,446<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Abu Dhabi – Singapore<\/td>\nEtihad Airways<\/td>\nBusiness (B787-9<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Singapore – Taipei<\/td>\nEva Air<\/td>\nBusiness (B777-300ER<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[vc_custom_heading text=”3rd booking with Aeroplan” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”” el_id=”3rd_booking_with_aeroplan”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
ROUTE<\/td>\nAIRLINE<\/td>\nCLASS<\/td>\nPOINTS<\/td>\nTAXES AND FEES<\/td>\nACTUAL COST<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Taipei – Hong Kong<\/a><\/td>\nEva Air<\/td>\nEconomy (B787-10)<\/td>\n91,800 Aeroplan<\/a> points + 17 upgrade credits<\/a><\/td>\n$118.90<\/td>\n$10,937<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hong Kong – Vancouver<\/td>\nAir Canada<\/td>\nBusiness (B777-300ER<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vancouver – Montreal<\/a><\/td>\nAir Canada<\/td>\nBusiness (B777-300ER)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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It was easier than I thought, even though we no longer had access to Priority Pass<\/a> (Plaza Premium lounges have since joined Priority Pass again<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Here are the details of all the salons I visited, and how I went about it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Airport<\/td>\nLounge<\/td>\nAccess<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Montreal – YUL<\/td>\nNational Bank Lounge<\/a><\/td>\nNational Bank World Elite Mastercard<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Doha – DOH (arrivals)<\/td>\nPremium Arrival Lounge<\/td>\nIncluded with business class ticket<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Doha – DOH (departures)<\/td>\nOryx Lounge<\/td>\nIncluded with business class ticket<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Abu Dhabi – AUH<\/td>\nEtihad Business Class Lounge<\/td>\nIncluded with business class ticket<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Singapore – SIN<\/td>\nSilverKris Lounge<\/td>\nIncluded with business class ticket<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Taipei – TPE<\/td>\nPlaza Premium Lounge<\/td>\n®<\/sup> Gold Rewards Card\" href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/go\/amex-gold-rewards-card\/\" rel=\"noindex\">American Express®<\/sup> Gold Rewards Card<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hong Kong – HKG<\/td>\nPlaza Premium Lounge<\/td>\n®<\/sup> Gold Rewards Card\" href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/go\/amex-gold-rewards-card\/\" rel=\"noindex\">American Express®<\/sup> Gold Rewards Card<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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I prioritize Hilton hotels, because I have Hilton Honors Diamond<\/a> Status. So, upgrades are possible and, above all, I get a free breakfast. In Canada, you can get Hilton Honors Gold status (which also offers complimentary breakfast) with the Platinum Card®<\/sup><\/a>. This is one of its many advantages<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here’s a summary of how to get almost free nights with the points and benefits I listed at the beginning of this article.<\/p>\n

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<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[vc_custom_heading text=”Doha – Embassy Suite by Hilton” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”” el_id=”doha_-_embassy_suite_by_hilton”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

For my two nights in Doha, I stayed at the Embassy Suite by Hilton<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
List price<\/td>\nPoints\/Benefits used<\/td>\nNet cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
$428.64<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • 45,000 HSBC Rewards points for a $225 credit<\/li>\n
  • $201.59 Hotels.com loyalty program credit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
$2.05<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”276080″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_custom_heading text=”Singapore – Hilton Garden inn” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”” el_id=”singapore_-_hilton_garden_inn”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Once I arrived in Singapore, I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn<\/a> for 5 nights.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
List price<\/td>\nPoints\/Benefits used<\/td>\nNet cost<\/td>\nActual cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
120,000 Hilton Honors points<\/td>\n\n
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  • 5th<\/sup> night free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
$0<\/td>\n$1,950<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”276084″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_custom_heading text=”Taipei – Hilton Tapei Sinban” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”” el_id=”taipei_-_hilton_tapei_sinban”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

For my stay in Taipei, I chose the Hilton Taipei Sinban<\/a> where I stayed for 4 nights.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
List price<\/td>\nPoints\/Benefits used<\/td>\nNet cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
$680<\/td>\n\n$0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”0″ images=”276076,276078″ img_size=”large” onclick=””][vc_custom_heading text=”Hong Kong – Le M\u00e9ridien Hong Kong” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”” el_id=”hong_kong_-_le_m_ridien_hong_kong”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Then, once in Hong Kong, I split my stay over two establishments to pay as little as possible out of pocket using points.<\/p>\n

The first night was booked at Le M\u00e9ridien Hong Kong<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
List price<\/td>\nPoints\/Benefits used<\/td>\nNet cost<\/td>\nActual cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
22,000 Marriott Bonvoy points<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n$0<\/td>\n$325<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”276092″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_custom_heading text=”Hong Kong – Hilton Garden Inn Hong Kong Mongkoko” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”” el_id=”hong_kong_-_hilton_garden_inn_hong_kong_mongkoko”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

After that, I had some money left over from my Scotia chequing account bonus. So I chose to spend the second night at the Hilton Garden Inn Hong Kong Mongkoko<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
List price<\/td>\nPoints\/Benefits used<\/td>\nNet cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
$170<\/td>\n\n
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  • $170 remaining from my Scotia account opening bonus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
$0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”276082″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”]

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In the end, I spent a grand total of $441.96<\/strong> for this magnificent round-the-world trip, mainly in business class. Almost all of this amount happens to be the taxes and fees I had to pay to book my award tickets.<\/p>\n

It’s important to remember to be creative in crafting our itinerary and to deconstruct it, as I did, to maximize the use of points. We can also see that for an almost free trip, it often takes a combination of different points and even a combination of their use on the same booking!<\/p>\n

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Read on for more testimonials from members of the Milesopedia community:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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