A few days ago, I mentioned that I had to be in Seattle during the first weekend of August, but getting there from NY was super expensive, and award space was pretty much non-existent. I decided it was time to get creative.
A sweet-spot redemption with British Airways Avios is to fly on Cathay Pacific. Since British Airways has a distance-based frequent flyer program, flying on a direct CX flight from JFK to Vancouver is only 12,500 Avios. Business class is double that, and first class is triple that amount.
Cathay Pacific first class is pretty neat. I flew it from JFK to Hong Kong back in 2012 and loved every minute of it. If you’re looking to experience the product, but don’t want to use too many miles, than a New York to Vancouver trip is the way to go. First class is priced at 37,500 Avios and $27.20.
Since getting to Seattle was impossible, I decided to search for award space to Vancouver to spend a day or two there before hand since I’ve never been. With a quick award search on British Airways, I saw that both business class and first class awards were available.
I immediately jumped and proceeded to book a first-class award, but then I stopped myself. JFK-YVR is an overnight flight, and since I do plan on sleeping, I decided that I could not possibly re-live the most optimal first-class experience. My bargainista self went ahead and booked the business class version of the award for 25,000 Avios and $27.20.
I plan to spend almost two full days in Vancouver before heading to Seattle. Another blogger friend will ironically be in YVR during the same time, so we decided to bunk together and rent a 2-bedroom apartment on airbnb. I always appreciate a break from major chain hotels to really have a local experience.
To get to Seattle, I am using 4,500 Avios to fly on Alaska Airlines (related post), and since calling British Airways is always a long process to book an award, I handed this over to my FancyHands team. The flight that was available was not at the most ideal time, but I learned from the comments section in my previous post that Alaska Airlines has a $25 stand-by policy, so I should be fine.
Now it remains a mystery how I will get back to the east coast from Seattle… I guess this leaves more creative space for me…
In the mean time, what do you suggest I do in Vancouver? Can any local readers point me in the right direction?
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If the weather is really good make sure to check out saltwater pools at Kitsilano or Stanley Park.
Explore downtown, go to Stanley Park (think Central Park of NY), visit Granville Island. Authentic Greek, Italian or Asian food (all kinds) thanks to the diversity of the city.
Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge (or Lynn Canyon, free alternative). Cleveland Dam, Horseshoe Bay, Whytecliff Park are beautiful places worth a visit.
BTW, YVR is the airport code for Vancouver ;)
Definitely walk down to Yaletown and check out the restaurants (one of my favorite is Rodney’s Oyster Bar, try to get a seat at the bar it is ton of fun. Their steam clam is as good as their fresh oysters!) From Yaletown hop on the aqua bus (water taxi) to Granville Island, the year-round indoor farmers market, lots of food stands and local artist stuff, try some of the local salmon jerky too it is tasty! Then there is the usual place like the aquarium (for the white Beluga whale) and the suspension bridge, Grouse mountain etc. (If you can rent a car for 8 hours, you will hit all those easily!) enjoy your short visit! Vancouver is a beautiful city and one of my favorite!
Hey Angelina, hope you enjoy Vancouver! I LOVE it there and I’m sure you will, too – it’s gorgeous! I have a Vancouver city guide on my blog at http://www.livetraveled.com/blog/city-guide-vancouver-british-columbia. Hope it helps you plan!
Its YVR BTW. Have to agree with above comment, but also add a trip to Stanley Park and walk the seawall to catch an awesome sunset. Try the Seabus to North Vancouver and head up Grouse Mtn for spectacular view of Vancouver environs.
Chinatown is also good for cheap eats and do’t forget shopping on Granville street. Take the Sky Train from the airport into town after an overnight at the Fairmont YVR since you are coming in late.
Skip the 8 he car ride. Visit museum of anthropology, Granville Is. (FOOD is amazing),Stanley park,some ethnic (E.Indian especially) hoods,or Gadtown& Enjoy unreal French food. In Seattle find a place to taste WA wines.Enjoy!
Go eat indian food @ Vij’s…get the lamb popsicles. Best indian food I’ve ever had in my life.
Definitely treat yourself to a Facialicious Facial at one of the 5 Skoah locations. I have to do that during each visit to Vancouver!
I’ll actually be in Vancouver next week.
For anyone looking for an easy/cheap way to get between Seattle & Vancouver, I suggest BoltBus. It takes about 4 hours, but when you consider that the buses go right between both downtowns and you don’t have to get there early, the time savings of flying aren’t actually all that different.
COnsider taking the train from Vancouver to Seattle. I did this a few years ago and the scenery was unbelievable!