In what I hope to make annual tradition (see last year), I will be doing a recap of both my personal travel in review and some important events that affected or changed how we use miles and points to facilitate our trips.

JANUARY

This is high season in Australia due to school holidays, not the time I like to be traveling.  I did take the opportunity to do an app-o-rama and scored a few new travel credit cards and lots of miles & points.  New cards:  SPG Amex, Chase United Explorer, Citi AAdvantage Amex, Club Carlson Visa.

FEBRUARY

Towards the end of February, we left Brisbane for Bali enroute to West Papua.  Several hotel chains started announcing devaluations.

MARCH

We spent 3 weeks in West Papua visiting Biak, Nimbokrang, the Arfaks & Waigeo before heading back to Bali for a few much needed days of visiting spas & Bali Bird Park.

APRIL & MAY

Quiet month catching the blog up on the trip.

JUNE

A chance to stock up on some hotel points that can be turned into airline miles at good rates.

JULY

My 2nd and final app-o-rama for the year.  This time I got an Amex PRG (to convert to Flying Blue points for Africa), Chase Freedom, Chase Ink, Citi AAdvantage Mastercard.  I tried for a Barclays Arrival card but was denied due to too many apps in a short time which is what they usually do in this situation.

AUGUST

We spent 3 weeks traveling around Central America, visiting Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica & Panama.

SEPTEMBER

We arrived in the USA via Las Vegas, then stopped off in Maui & Waikiki enroute home to Brisbane.

OCTOBER

US Airways & Barclays announce a promo that gives a rebate on award travel.  I scramble to bring forward a trip originally planned for 2015 to Southern India & Sri Lanka.

NOVEMBER

United Airlines announces massive devaluations.  DOJ approves merger between US Airways & American Airlines.  We head to India to visit birding hotspots in Coorg, Wayanad & Mudumalai.

DECEMBER

Merger closes between US & AA.  We spend a few days birding in Sri Lanka.