Ideas please...

My mums 70th in July next year - she and her husband don't like travelling long haul anymore, but then they only do cattle class, so I can understand it. Wife and I have around 300k miles between us, so I'm planning on getting 5 upgrades to upper for them, me and wife, and my precosious 8 yr old who some of you may remember booked a massage for himself last year...

I thought perhaps San Fran, followed by a drive down the coast to Monteray, Carmel et al or perhaps North to the wine region (although I know i'd end up having to drive while they all 'sample'.

the other thought was perhaps South Africa, with a tour round the cape area.

She has a brother in Australia, however, miles and finances probably won't stretch to that.

Any suggestions, althernative ideas or tips gladly welcome.

Only requirement is that the flight MUST leave from LHR so we can abuse the lounge !

Originally posted by v8gaz

Only requirement is that the flight MUST leave from LHR so we can abuse the lounge !

So, a late morning or afternoon flight then ?

early afternoon would be fine. SFO was ok last time, only prob was convincing Wife to Be that getting over to the lounge 5 hrs early was worth it. I won't have that problem this time - she knows now!

[Nottingham Nick]

I would check with VS that is is possible to get five confirmed mileage upgrades on a single flight.

I stand to be corrected but I would have thought you would struggle on most flights - especially in July. This availability may cut down your options somewhat.

Nick

I don't think VS fly to Cape Town in July.

I believe flights are only available between October and March.

Fair point re 5 upgrades Nick. has anyone any experience of the best way to get this - book early, for instance?

We'll be flexible on travel dates, so I don't mind leaving on an odd day (as opposed to an even weekend day?) and staying 11 days, for instance.

How about Miami & then drive to the Florida Keys? The journey along The Keys is easy, there is only 1 main road (so maybe someone would share the driving) all the way to fabulous Key West. You can break the trip by staying a night or 2 in Miami, South Beach/Collins Ave area, then take your pick of where you stay along The Keys & do a few days in Key West.There is a Hampton Inn at about MM88 (I think) in the Keys (more chance to earn flying miles) Perhaps you may wish to consider doing a one way car hire. When you get as far as far as Key West, stay a few days & then catch a flight from the local airport back to Miami, or vice-versa.There are lots of flights to Miami from Key West.
As previously mentioned check if you can all fly on the same day, if not perhaps it would be possible to split the party & fly out & back over 2 days.
We have been to The Keys many times & still go back for more. As you have a youngster there would be plenty of opportunity to swim, snorkel, interact with dolphins , visit the Turtle Hospital & lots for adults too. Have fun planning!

Originally posted by Mrs Decker
I don't think VS fly to Cape Town in July.

I believe flights are only available between October and March.

Mrs D is spot on - however a trip to Jo'burg then onward flight to Port Elizabeth, a tour along the Garden route then back from CPT to JNB would be fun. Only slight prob is that its the SA winter!!

However - the flight goes out in the evening - so you could use the lounge as soon as you have checked in (- is there a time limit for that anyone????)

Whoops, I forgot to clarify that the flight is VS005 from LHR & leaves 11.30 am & gets in to Miami at 16.20 local time. Also, remember 4th July celebrations, you may wish to be there for them or avoid them.

Its a long flight to S.F and may be very tiresome for your mother even in U/C, I would suggest a shorter hop to Boston and do a new England fly drive.
You may even venture across to Niagara at a lovely unhurried pace perfect for the more mature travelers. Niagara on the lake is a lovely resting place for a night or two if and when you arrive. The average temp is in the mid eightyÕs so not to hot. Loads of relaxation unhurried and plenty to see and do.

I hope you have a great trip wherever you may land up going

Cheers Wayne

I appreciate the concern for my mother and her ability to fly to SFO in Upper, however I have to balance that with my selfish desire to be in UC as long as poss. I remember the dissapointment on both my and amy wife's faces as we saw the Golden Gate below us and realised that we were about to get turfed back out into the real world!

There doesn't appear to be a limit as to how long you camn stay in the lounge - I ionce went to Capetown for the weekend for a wedding between xmas and new year, and the only connecting flight from Glasgow VS could get me got me in 5 hours early. No problem spending the time in the lounge. Only issue was pouring me back out again!

Thanks for all the ideas - theres some good stuff there.