Before 2010 hit, I was already planning my next destination. I have been talking to couple of  friends who are in different parts of the world. One friend is traveling through China and moved on to the Philippines before the New Year started. He told me how Philippines has the most beautiful beaches he's ever seen in his life. I was thinking of heading to Thailand actually and trek their beaches but then I changed my mind. If only I had more $$$$ to spend on my air ticket I would definitely go to the Philippines but I don't so I finally decided to head to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and San Jose, Costa Rica just before my birthday-- Jan. 17,2010.

So what made me choose Central America this time? As I go checking my air miles on Delta.com to see how much I have left to travel . I began to contemplate if I should go somewhere freezing cold  in Vancouver,Canada and hopefully learn snowboard carving the Winter Olympics 2010, in the city of Whistler. Spending 25000 miles plus $40 in fees is not really going to hurt my pocket if  I stay with friends or some Bed and Breakfast,right? Or go somewhere warmer to update my tan line as well as master my Tandem surfing in Dominican Republic which by the way will only cost me $102 in fees and 35000 miles. Since, I'm so famous  with playing around with dates and destinations. I asked myself, what if  I arrive in Santo Domingo ,take the bus to Punta Cana and leave from San Jose, Costa Rica? Guess what??? I found a deal even cheaper with 35000 miles and $60 in fees. I swear, I believe in that book "the Secret". I don't think it's luck!! I think you really have to be determined and play with dates and destinations when looking for the best airfare online or plan ahead of time but in my case, I just GO with the flow!

Here are some of my website recommendations when looking for best airfares.... I found that by leaving and departing on a monday or tuesday, you get better deals. So far, I have played around with different dates and airports and sometimes cheaper fares comes along.... Don't stop, keep believing! Like that song from Journey!!

http://www.priceline.com
http://www.fly.com
http://www.kayak.com
http://www.travelzoo.com

I suggest that you start choosing what Sky miles you join. For example, I belong to Delta Elite skymiles as a Gold member . Because I traveled with them often as well use their Air/Car/Hotel partners which is listed on their website, I have earned gazillions of miles and able to fly for free once I reached 25000 miles. One of the best amenities was being upgraded in FIRST class all the time and gets to check in 2 free bags even on economy ticket. So choose who has the best program that works for you and earn those miles!!!! We all deserve to be in 1st class,right?

Also GOOGLE helps! Why? When looking for cheap public transportation from one country to another or traveling in between cities,you'd  be surprise what you can find just by a simple Click...... toodles;)