Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

TravelStories Episode 52: A Trip Down Under

Feb 21, 2025

Join a thrilling journey to Australia as the host recounts unforgettable travel tales, including a humorous midair encounter and delightful experiences at Qantas lounges. Hear about visits to the world’s largest LEGO store and the iconic Taronga Zoo, alongside tasty food adventures. Dive into the highs and lows of different airlines, as well as tips for navigating Sydney’s public transport. Finally, enjoy reflections on the charming cityscape, memorable gelato, and the breathtaking Sydney Opera House!

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ANECDOTE

Lounge Hopping

Trevor and his family maximized lounge access during their trip, visiting Qantas First Class lounge, Centurion Lounge, and Flagship First.
His wife explored LAX while he and his daughter enjoyed the Qantas lounge's amenities, including ice cream sundaes.

ANECDOTE

Qantas First Lounge Sydney

Trevor highly recommends the Qantas First Class lounge in Sydney for its architecture and surprisingly delicious hush puppies.
He notes that the lounge access was strictly enforced, only allowing one guest.

ANECDOTE

Park Hyatt Auckland

The Park Hyatt Auckland provided excellent service and a comfortable stay after a long flight.
The hotel's location offered views of the SailGP races and easy access to the marina and restaurants.

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Episode 52: Show Notes

We’ve taken many trips to Australia, but our most recent one was certainly one to remember! In today’s episode, Trevor walks us through his most recent visit down under, and he begins with his domestic flights leaving the USA before detailing his international flight path. We unpack an awkward midair encounter from New Zealand to Australia, why Trevor was pleasantly surprised with his American Airlines flight home, how he and his family maximized their time in Qantas Business and other airport lounges, and the hotels he chose in Australasia. We also learn about the world’s biggest LEGO store, the Taronga Zoo, an unforgettable cookie, and Paddy’s Markets. To end, Trevor shares his final thoughts on Australia and the wonders of being able to walk across one of the world’s major cities.

Key Points From This Episode:

[0:00:00] Unpacking Trevor’s most recent trip to Australia.
[0:04:00] The flights he took from USA to Australia, both domestic and international.
[0:09:20] His awkward trans-Tasman encounter and pleasant American Airlines flight home.
[0:24:32] Trevor’s lounge experiences throughout the trip including some bucket list ones.
[0:30:57] The Park Hyatt in Auckland, and InterContinental and Hyatt Regency in Sydney.
[0:42:39] Exploring the largest LEGO store in the world and other food and entertainment.
[0:44:52] Local transport options, world-famous treats, and a memorable zoo.
[0:54:40] The Sydney Opera House, Paddy’s Markets, and the joys of a pedestrian city.
[1:05:10] Final thoughts on a great trip to Australia.

Quotes:

“You know what? I might just make the stretch to Executive Platinum [on AAdvantage]. It’s going to come down to the wire.” — @tmount [22:08]

“Qantas does earn a little high praise from me for their à la carte dining in general.” — @TktweetsKim [28:30]

“Three of four people responded to me saying, ‘Why on Earth are you trying to get coffee at a hotel in Australia? There’s so much great coffee, just go up the street.” — @tmount [41:50]

“We walked almost everywhere [in Sydney].” — @TktweetsKim [01:04:07]

“Going back to Sydney felt so good because it felt so familiar.” — @tmount [01:05:21]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

China Eastern Airlines

Delta

AAdvantage Executive Platinum

Qantas | Airport Lounges

The Centurion Lounge

Lufthansa

The Chelsea Lounge