Guys,

I need a little help here. Just today, I have discovered that I have at least two free weeks where I have absolutely no obligations and can go just about where ever I want to in the world for a mongering trip. The problem is that I have very little time to decide on a destination and make the necessary reservations, nor do I have a lot of money to spend. I need to depart around 10/10 and return around 10/24 using frequent flyer miles.

Firstly I have the miles on Delta that I want to get rid of, there's enough there for a business class ticket to South East Asia so I am considering using them for a trip to Bangkok (and Pattaya) or Manila. But I could also try Cambodia, Vietnam or somewhere else that Delta or a partner flies to. As Delta is close to filing for Bankruptcy and I probably would not use them much more anyway, this would be a good time to use them up. I've been to Bangkok before and I'd consider doing it again.

But I also have a few miles less on AA, that would be enough to get me to Central or South America, but these I could to save as I will continue to use AA in the future. But anywhere in the world that I can get to for free where I do not spend a lot of money would be good.

Costa Rica is almost certainly out of the picture as I expect to be there for Thanksgiving.

So, where would you go with litle time to choose, and having little money to spend but knowing that you have the time and the free ticket to make the decision?

So what I am looking for?

1. Somewhere I can fly to for free on either Delta or AA programs
2. A great mongering location
3. A place where costs are cheap
4. Decent hotels that can provide a US / English breakfast as part of the cost
4. Acessible through a mileage award at fairly short notice.

Any help in the next few days would be appreciated, I have my condoms, lube and toys ready for this crazy ride. Right now I am thinking about Bangkok / pattaya or manila but my options are wide open. Any alternate destinations would be greatly appreciated: DR, BR, CO, VZ, TH, PI etc.

You are going to get all the stock answers. This question has been asked before in many different ways. The SA guys will tell you Rio, BA etc. The SEA guys will tell you BKK and if price is important either Pattaya or AC. I personally would do 3-4 days in BKK then the rest in Pattaya.I will repeat what I have said many times -- there is NO place on earth for mongering that can hold a candle to Pattaya.

Go forth and recreate !!

I say you go to Cambodia, please take lots of pictures! Cambodia is my dream destination, someday perhaps.

I agree with Khun_Mor 150%... no 250% !

As for your specific comments, which are really pretty generic (great place and cheap)...

1. AA/Delta may be a bit of a challenge to get a free ticket on short notice to bkk. Use S.A. for SEA. O.W. has SA covered tho.

2. define "great"

3. define "cheap"

4. Eggs and bacon in a 3rd world country may not be your safest breakfast option. Food is also cheap enough that whether or not it's part of the room cost is irrelevant. Unless your staying at a large hotel/chain, your not going to get free food.

5. Check ticket availabiltiy for your dates with award reservations!!!


Heaven on earth is Los, regardless of what those wannabe porn stars down in rio think. Given the type of question you posed though, I assume your not all that experienced in terms of mongering, so I'm sure that there are plenty of places that will put a smile on your face.

Andres-- cambo is only a click on the computer (travelocity) and 1k away

Why wait to live out a dream? Do it now and start living in the present.

How much are you budgeting per day on meals, lodging and "recreation"?

All other things being equal, for pure, total, all-around fun, you can't beat Pattaya.

I'm just trying to find a way to keep costs to a minimum without having a negative impact on my trip.

Right now I'm ready to give up and just head back to Rio for two weeks. I know I can get tickets on AA, I get free accomodation and free sex. But Termas and other options would be out of the question. GarotaNet outclasses any intelligence agency in the world and I know I'll get busted again.

I can keep it cheap in LOS, I think I spend about $120 a day the last time.

Downandup, I actually went through the same thought process last year, when I had two weeks free and tons of FF miles. I used my miles for Thai Biz class to LOS during Xmas and New Years, and used BKK as a hub to explore Pattaya and Phnom Penh. LOS/Cambodia are the only places I've visited that could never bore me or where I could never run out of things to do. I had the time of my life and the costs were not really that bad.

If you're really ambitious, I would use BKK as a hub to explore Singapore and Indonesia as well.

Except for Singapore, most of these places are relatively cheap (Cambodia still has $5 ST) and they have discount airlines such as AirAsia offering specials to Singapore from BKK for under $100. President Air can get you to Cambodia for about $150-$175 roundtrip. Lots of places to explore.

Some subjective thoughts on your questions.

1. Somewhere I can fly to for free on either Delta or AA programs [Korean Air is a close, Delta Partner that can take you to BKK. I think NWA is now a partner as well]
2. A great mongering location [LOS, Cambodia]
3. A place where costs are cheap [Cambodia, Indonesia]
4. Decent hotels that can provide a US / English breakfast as part of the cost [All SEA venues, except Cambodia]
4. Acessible through a mileage award at fairly short notice. [maybe difficult on short notice]