The Six Continents Challenge: A Risky Adventure at the Hotel

Embarking on an Adventure

Welcome to the launch of our new series, "Community Stories," where readers can share their own travel tales. I often find myself facing unexpected challenges on my journeys. On multiple occasions, I've even had to call two taxis to the airport: one for me and my luggage, and another for… my passport!

Discovering Airmiles

I rarely traveled for leisure until 2024 when I stumbled upon the world of airmiles. Shortly after, SAS announced their "EuroBonus Millionaire" promotion, and I decided to join in. My friends and colleagues were skeptical, worried that a passport mishap could derail my plans. Yet, I overcame every obstacle, and this experience has transformed my life.

Starting from Vietnam

When Turkish Airlines announced the "Six Continents Challenge," I was thrilled. Although I was temporarily living in the Philippines, I chose to kick off my journey from Vietnam, with Dubai as my first destination. I traveled to Ho Chi Minh City and stayed at Hotel Indigo Saigon, where I also used an upgrade voucher for the first time. While the accommodation was quite comfortable, a strange incident occurred involving a faulty phone and electrical cord in the bathroom.

I had to report this issue at the front desk, where a manager promptly arranged for me to switch to another suite. The experience was quite emotional, swinging from surprise to concern about the hotel's safety.

A Challenging Flight

My flight to Istanbul was scheduled on a Turkish Airlines A350, featuring Collins Aerospace Horizon business class seats. I ordered a vegetarian meal but couldn't help feeling a twinge of jealousy at the dishes served to other passengers, even though my meal was also quite tasty.

Race Between Flights

I landed in Dubai at 12:20 PM and had a connecting flight to Cairo at 7:00 PM with EgyptAir. I decided to book a room at a Holiday Inn near the airport for $40 a night, marking my first-ever "mattress run." However, upon arrival, I realized I hadn't checked in for this flight and was informed that it had been canceled.

The Journey to the Hotel

While waiting, I had to find a way to get to the hotel to check in. The hotel was located near another terminal, and I had to take the metro for 10 dirhams (about 60,000 VND) for a round trip ticket. Unfortunately, my phone was down to 7% battery. I attempted to walk to the hotel, but things weren't as straightforward as I'd hoped.

Although there was a shortcut, I encountered two walls blocking my path. After getting past the first wall, I realized there was a second one. The temperature soared to 44 degrees, making me feel utterly exhausted.

A Memorable Encounter

Finally, I approached the hotel only to find a sign warning of "live wires, do not enter." Everything seemed to complicate further as my phone battery dwindled. After overcoming numerous obstacles, I eventually found my way to the hotel just in time to check in for my flight.

Useful Tips for Vietnamese Travelers

If you're planning a trip to Dubai or Istanbul, be aware that a visa may be required for Vietnamese citizens. You can apply for a Dubai tourist visa online if your stay is under 30 days. Be sure to prepare the necessary paperwork in advance and consider booking flights with the same airline to avoid ticketing issues like mine.

Conclusion

My journey was filled with surprises and challenges, but it taught me that every trip holds valuable lessons in patience and how to handle tough situations. Be ready for the unexpected on every adventure!

Article adapted and edited from: One Mile at a Time