My sister used to work for a multinational company, and her job entails traveling all over Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. She made sure she’s a member of the frequent flyer programs of all the airlines she flew with and she was able to redeem the miles she earned. She also have credit cards that has a tie-up with airline frequent flyer programs.

I followed her example, and I am now a member of Philippine Airline’s Mabuhay Miles program, Singapore Airline’s Krisflyer and Qantas’ Frequent Flyer. Since my work doesn’t pay for my travels, I earn considerably lesser miles than she ever did. However, I still manage to get a sizable amount of miles thanks to my Manila-Melbourne flights.

I have enough for a round trip ticket via Philippine Airlines to one of the places in my Philippine destination list. The miles won’t be expiring until 2010, so I still have ample time to earn more. However, I’m pretty impatient (not to mention broke and itching to travel) and I am thinking of redeeming the miles this year.

So the question is, do I use it to travel to one of my 2008 destinations or wait until I have enough for an international trip? If I’m going to use it for an international flight (within Asia), I would need to earn twice the amount of miles I have right now. What to do, what to do?

Say you have enough money for a weekend trip within the country. Where would you go: Boracay, Palawan or Basilan?

• Boracay
• Palawan
• Basilan

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How does this work anyway? I know I have a form to submit to redeem my miles, but how many weeks prior to my intended departure date do I redeem to ensure that I get to travel on the date I wanted? Answers to any (or all!) of my questions are much appreciated

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How did the first hours of 2008 find you? Were you out partying with half the nation, or tucked safely at home with your family? I spent it being silly with two of my closest friends at the Manila Pavilion. This was my second year to spend New Year’s Eve away from the house I grew up in. This was the first time I spent it with friends, who are practically family.

Hmmm, so does this mean we’ll be silly the whole year round?

The start of a new year brings to mind making resolutions. I’ve long since stopped believing in making new year’s resolutions; you can make positive changes in your life any day of the year. Instead, I started listing my goals for the year. Last 2006, I set my goal to travel to two domestic destinations and two international destinations. I accomplished that by traveling to Cebu, Bohol and Bacolod, and jetting off to Singapore, Thailand and Australia.

I didn’t make any specific goals for 2007; I started the year overseas and my bills were piling up in Manila. I already knew then that I will be coming back to Australia, so that stopped me from making too many plans. Besides, I was broke!

For 2008, my goal is to focus on seeing more of the Philippines. Hearing other travelers talk about traveling to places in my home country which I haven’t been to has been quite an eye-opener. I need to explore the Philippines.

I have no idea how many places I can go to this year. Seeing as I follow the American holidays, my long weekends are very limited. This need some careful planning and budgeting.

Nina’s travel destinations for 2008:

1. Donsol, Legaspi. I actually already have something more or less set for this; I just need to buy my plane tickets. I will be going with a group and will be in Legaspi to watch for whale sharks, and discover what Legaspi has to offer while we’re there. This trip is scheduled on February 23 - 25 (People Power anniversary holiday). If you’re interested to join, drop me a line in the comment box or email me and I’ll fill you in on the details.

2. Tagaytay. Just because I haven’t been there yet.

3. Bauan, Batangas. Owen made a snorkelling day trip at Dive n Trek and spent less than Php 2,000. How can I not try that?

4. Corregidor, Bataan. I’ve been to Corregidor before, but I couldn’t really remember much of it anymore, except that I got a terrible sunburn. I’m torn between being cheap and going on a daytrip and splurging for a tour with Carlos Celdran.

5. Camarines sur. The watersport complex, to be specific.

6. Palawan, Dumaguete or Davao. Because I haven’t been to those places yet.

I’m aiming to get at least 4 out of 6. How about you? Where do you plan to go this 2008?

This is post is submitted to the January Rice Bowl Journal collaboration project

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