Note: Video of this episode can be found on Youtube and Spotify! Coming soon to Apple Podcasts.
In this episode, hosts Tom Kim and Trevor Mountcastle recount Trevor’s recent New Years trip to Australia that included visits to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. They discuss the challenges of booking flights using points and miles, the varying experiences with American Airlines and Qantas business class, and the highlights of their stay in Brisbane, including the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The conversation also covers their New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney, exploring local attractions like the Opera House and The Rocks, and the unique culinary experiences they encountered. The hosts also discuss Melbourne and her beautiful markets and the Australian Open. They discuss the challenges of booking travel during peak times, the logistics of traveling with family, including limited mobility considerations, and how we chose specific flight experiences to mitigate those logistical challenges, such as the importance of non-stop flights.
Key Points From This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to the Australian Adventure
00:47 Planning the Trip: Points and Miles Challenges
04:55 Flight Experience: Comfort and Crew Dynamics
11:27 Arrival in Australia: First Impressions
17:55 Hotel Experience: Hyatt Regency Brisbane
21:21 Wildlife Encounters: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
26:37 Exploring Brisbane: Markets and Local Culture
27:47 Traveling to Gold Coast: A Budget-Friendly Choice
31:04 Accessibility Challenges in Air Travel
31:22 Packing Light for a Long Trip
34:56 Choosing Accommodations: From Hyatt to Apartments
36:28 New Year’s Eve in Manly: A Family Celebration
44:11 Transitioning to Hyatt Regency: A Familiar Stay
48:10 Exploring Sydney: New Experiences and Local Markets
50:49 Cultural Experiences: A Visit to the Opera House
51:40 Experiencing the Sydney Opera House
52:46 Traveling to Melbourne: A New Adventure
53:52 Hotel Experiences and Upgrades
55:32 Booking Strategies for Travel
59:07 Exploring Melbourne: Markets and Local Culture
01:00:38 Weather Challenges in Melbourne
01:04:34 Dining Experiences and Service Culture
01:11:07 Unexpected Adventures at the Australian Open
01:16:56 Experiencing Sporting Events with Low Friction
01:19:07 Navigating Travel Logistics and Flight Changes
01:22:33 Dining Experiences in Airports
01:26:31 First Class Lounge Experience at Qantas
01:27:30 Reflections on Long-Haul Flights
01:34:15 Desire to Return to Australia and Future Travel Plans
01:36:51 The Value of Nonstop Flights
