Niche Avios destinations – inspiration needed

[squawk7700]

To set the scene, I’m not looking for specific holiday ideas here.

I’m an avid “collector” of new destinations, currently sat on a pile of 300K+ Avios and a 2-4-1. I don’t mind Long Haul legs in Y, if it means going somewhere new, as opposed to burning them in J for run-of-the-mill trips to DXB (for example). But I also enjoy trips closer to home – it’s a shame that the famous Barra beach landing is no longer an Avios option! If I recall a few years back it was possible via a BA/Loganair codeshare? Unfortunately I missed that one.

Previously I’ve found great use of Avios reaching Hawaii, or SXM (for the avgeeks!), and fantastic for hopping around Asia (Siem Reap to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific if I recall was a particularly great redemption versus cash fares).

Where am I missing, where is on your hitlist? Looking for random thoughts and inspiration.

Currently I wouldn’t mind trying to find a route to Alaska, but Alaska Airlines reward availability seems a bit tricky to pin down. I also like the idea of using Iberia and a 2-4-1 to fly to Guayaquil in J, then book a cash fare across to Galapagos. Closer to home, BACF’s summer-only flights from LCY to San Sebastian look tempting.

[FatherOfFour]

If you have a 241, how about one of the “new” BA Gatwick routes – Aruba and Georgetown (Guyana)? The latter definitely niche as I understand it isn’t touristy – sure there must be something worth sering though?

[meta]

The world is yours, just pick any destination and try to find a way to get there on Avios. In general, I would also advise you to diversify away from Avios if you want to see new and unusual places.

[meta]

FatherOfFour wrote:

If you have a 241, how about one of the “new” BA Gatwick routes – Aruba and Georgetown (Guyana)? The latter definitely niche as I understand it isn’t touristy – sure there must be something worth sering though?

A lot to see, not at least Kaietur Falls.

[squawk7700]

Guyana is a good shout, had missed that route announcement, will do some digging. Quick glance at the FCO website looks a bit daunting for Guyana but having been to several “no-go” countries I understand it’s not always as simple as the FCO’s opinion.

meta wrote:

The world is yours, just pick any destination and try to find a way to get there on Avios. In general, I would also advise you to diversify away from Avios if you want to see new and unusual places.

I get that, and have done plenty of non-Avios travelling. Was just hoping to spark some conversation on some of the more “interesting” places that people have found, especially as I have a stash built up and relatively cash-poor at the moment.

Would love to see more of Scandinavia (or Greenland!) but can’t find any obvious Avios sweet spots; Finnair have an extensive domestic network but can’t find availability on BA.com.

[NorthernLass]

You can use avios to get around the USA on AA.

[redlilly]

squawk7700 wrote:

Guyana is a good shout, had missed that route announcement, will do some digging. Quick glance at the FCO website looks a bit daunting for Guyana but having been to several “no-go” countries I understand it’s not always as simple as the FCO’s opinion.

Guyana is a great shout. You could even venture over the border in to Suriname, which has some amazing spots in the Amazon.

The FCO page does not make for a great read… however, I visited as a lone 30 year old female in 2019, and whilst there were a few issues with some locals being a bit high on the heat and other substances, I generally really enjoyed my time there and it really is an untouched gem of a country. I wouldn’t have walked alone outside at night in Georgetown, but there are lots of other places that are like that or worse.

Otherwise, El Salvador with Iberia?!

Or other places in the Amazon, which are very unique and diverse that you can get too via AA or Iberia with LATAM tie up with Avios.

[meta]

squawk7700 wrote:

Guyana is a good shout, had missed that route announcement, will do some digging. Quick glance at the FCO website looks a bit daunting for Guyana but having been to several “no-go” countries I understand it’s not always as simple as the FCO’s opinion.

meta wrote:

The world is yours, just pick any destination and try to find a way to get there on Avios. In general, I would also advise you to diversify away from Avios if you want to see new and unusual places.

I get that, and have done plenty of non-Avios travelling. Was just hoping to spark some conversation on some of the more “interesting” places that people have found, especially as I have a stash built up and relatively cash-poor at the moment.

Would love to see more of Scandinavia (or Greenland!) but can’t find any obvious Avios sweet spots; Finnair have an extensive domestic network but can’t find availability on BA.com.

Pretty much anywhere in South America on Iberia. It has a lot of nature wow factors and it’s quite cheap. I’ve just come back from Bolivia. Very little tourists and it’s really stunning. Atacama desert in Chile too if you haven’t been.

Closer to home on my bucket list are the Baltics. I’d like to do all three in two weeks. Namibia (via JNB) and Madagascar (JNB or NBO) are also on my list.

Have you been to Ghana? You can easily do West Africa from there. Lomé is only couple of hours by car and São Tomé is 1h30 by plane from there.

[squawk7700]

redlilly wrote:

squawk7700 wrote:

Guyana is a good shout, had missed that route announcement, will do some digging. Quick glance at the FCO website looks a bit daunting for Guyana but having been to several “no-go” countries I understand it’s not always as simple as the FCO’s opinion.

Guyana is a great shout. You could even venture over the border in to Suriname, which has some amazing spots in the Amazon.

The FCO page does not make for a great read… however, I visited as a lone 30 year old female in 2019, and whilst there were a few issues with some locals being a bit high on the heat and other substances, I generally really enjoyed my time there and it really is an untouched gem of a country. I wouldn’t have walked alone outside at night in Georgetown, but there are lots of other places that are like that or worse.

Otherwise, El Salvador with Iberia?!

Or other places in the Amazon, which are very unique and diverse that you can get too via AA or Iberia with LATAM tie up with Avios.

Thanks for reassurance re Guyana, I will start some research. Might be a good place to search for a local travel agent, and just arrange the flights to/from myself using BA 241.

Have previously visited Burundi which doesn’t read well on the FCO website, but enjoyed my time there.

[davefl]

For your Alaska idea, have you looked at this article? https://www.headforpoints.com/2021/04/01/can-i-use-avios-on-alaska-airlines-2/

Random dates in Sep for Alaska Las Vegas-Anchorage for example gives quite a few flights at the 12500 level which should be bookable by phone with BA

[squawk7700]

meta wrote:

squawk7700 wrote:

Guyana is a good shout, had missed that route announcement, will do some digging. Quick glance at the FCO website looks a bit daunting for Guyana but having been to several “no-go” countries I understand it’s not always as simple as the FCO’s opinion.

meta wrote:

The world is yours, just pick any destination and try to find a way to get there on Avios. In general, I would also advise you to diversify away from Avios if you want to see new and unusual places.

I get that, and have done plenty of non-Avios travelling. Was just hoping to spark some conversation on some of the more “interesting” places that people have found, especially as I have a stash built up and relatively cash-poor at the moment.

Would love to see more of Scandinavia (or Greenland!) but can’t find any obvious Avios sweet spots; Finnair have an extensive domestic network but can’t find availability on BA.com.

Pretty much anywhere in South America on Iberia. It has a lot of nature wow factors and it’s quite cheap. I’ve just come back from Bolivia. Very little tourists and it’s really stunning. Atacama desert in Chile too if you haven’t been.

Closer to home on my bucket list are the Baltics. I’d like to do all three in two weeks. Namibia (via JNB) and Madagascar (JNB or NBO) are also on my list.

Have you been to Ghana? You can easily do West Africa from there. Lomé is only couple of hours by car and São Tomé is 1h30 by plane from there.

Namibia would be amazing and according to this link I just stumbled across is served by Qatar from DOH https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-oneworld. Not been to Ghana. Did manage to reach Zanzibar a few years ago using Avios on Qatar, that was great.

Speaking of the Baltics, have read some great articles recently on the Aland Islands, served by Finnair from HEL.

[Amy C]

I cannot recommend Namibia enough. Been 3x and hoping to return later this year or early next.

[Lady London]

Hi @Squawk7700 – which insurance company are you using to cover your travel to these sorts of destinations? Many companies exclude their coverage for destinations where FCO has advised against travel.

[NorthernLass]

That’s a very good point @LL, and also things can change very quickly – e.g. El Salvador is currently under a State of Emergency due to its already horrific violent crime rising even further.

[ExpatInBerlin]

+1 for Namibia, the most desolately beautiful place I have ever been. I flew on Qatar LHR – Windhoek via Doha a few years ago and was very impressed with both flights (better seat/comfort/overall service in economy than I’ve had in PE on other carries!). Would recommend you visit May/June/July when it is their winter.

[meta]

Lady London wrote:

Hi @Squawk7700 – which insurance company are you using to cover your travel to these sorts of destinations? Many companies exclude their coverage for destinations where FCO has advised against travel.

Guyana and El Salvador are not under the FCO advisory against travel, but Burundi is. FCO’s timeliness is not what it used to be. They put advisories months after the events when they are no longer relevant.

[BJ]

Don’t limit your options by feeling compelled to use the voucher. Does Qatar fly to Nepal? Nepal is so awesome, and should also meet your apparent interests in ‘hot’ airstrips.

[redlilly]

Fair point on insurance… Battle Face and High Risk Voyager have been quoted to me as good before. Though caveat that I have never used them.

[Aliks]

Guyana is a great destination (although we got a bad dose of chiggers in the jungle) You should probably book an organised tour to see the best of it.

Ghana is interesting but the coast is very hot and humid.

Namibia is fantastic, safe and varied (we just crossed out of Namibia into Botswana last night. You can fly BA to Jo’burg and then a shortish hop across to Windhoek.

If you dont mind the heat, try Senegal which is reachable on Iberia via Madrid. I’m planning a bird/wildlife holiday in November, so I don’t yet have 1st hand experience.

[meta]

Ghana – depends on when you go. I went in January and it wasn’t humid at all, but also went in August and it was.

Plus you can combine either Togo/Benin or do a beach holiday on São Tomé.

[gtellez]

I went to Senegal last Christmas. The weather was amazing at that time of the year (between 18 and 25 degrees everyday). Very nice country, although limited accommodation options. There is a new all-inclusive Riu hotel that is quite good and very reasonably priced. We did a small safari (nothing in comparison with other places in Africa, although we saw a rinho).
It was an amazing avios redemption with Iberia from Madrid. Around 10k avios per leg in economy, doble in business. Cash prices were almost 1k euros in economy on my dates. The worst is the departure time on the way back, something like 11pm-4am, not ideal even in business (EU business class, no flat beds).

[Richie]

I think Royal Air Maroc have flights to Dakar, Senegal.