March 20, 2014: Korea’s got Seoul!  This 9 hour layover was originally designed for 2 reasons. 1) Go see Seoul, 2) Fly United Global First on Saver Award. We decided to skip #1.  Seoul sits about 90 mins from the airport, which would have taken 3 of our ~7 hours out of the airport, so we decided to stay and experience the #1 airport in the world!  Amenities include:

• Free showers


• Massages on the cheap


• Movie Theatre


• Cultural Shows


• Cultural Center with painting exhibits


• Ice Skating Rink


• and more!

Spent some time in the Asiana Airlines first class lounge, more massages there. (We’re seriously relaxed at this point).  

Today was a big one for a travel nerd like me, getting to fly United Global First in the 747-400.  First class sits in front of business class on the first floor, but below where the pilots are.  So Row 1 is in the curvature of the plane’s nose!  So ridiculously cool.  We opted to be in the middle of Row 2, seated together but facing the nose.  Got to experience the over-shoulder seat belt I’ve seen so many times on the safety video.  Like I said, big day for a travel nerd like me.   Bad timing at dinner though, my meal came right at the end of Captain Phillips. Hah! 

Landed at SFO, with just enough time for a burger run.  Cabbie, take me to Millbrae!  And after that, 1 SFO-IND flight to get us home.  We made it.  Around the world in 8 days, 4 nights on a plane, 4 over the water… so basically, 8 nights overwater :)   260,000 United Miles, 140,000 Hilton Points and 80,000 Singapore Airlines Miles later, and we have successfully completed a $60,000 vacation for the total cost of under $5,000.  Now that’s #travelhacking.  Home is wherever I’m with you, babe!