Today, for many people, is the day that we celebrate as “Father’s Day.” Being a father myself, I feel blessed and appreciated all the time but it is still nice to have a special day. 🙂 But, seriously, for me it is always a great time to really focus on my own dad and what he has meant to me – and how I can be a better father myself.
Using Miles & Points For Great Memories
My Dad is a very special person and one that I constantly try to be more like. There are so many ways that he has laid out wonderful examples for me to follow in, both as a human being and as a father. Over the years, our relationship has moved from being just father and son to being great friends and I am thankful every day for the time I get to spend with him.
Building Great Memories with My Dad
Enjoying a Yankee game with my dad
I had actually never flown on an airplane (commercial) until I was 18 and that first trip was a tour in Israel that my father was on with me. Since that time, I have been to over 40 countries and flown over a million miles. But, out of all of those miles and countries, some of my favorite memories have been made on trips with my dad.
My Dad and I have been on many trips together over the years – here are just a few of them:
- Trinidad
- London
- Cairo
- Israel (several times)
- Greece (several times)
That list does not include the various US cities we have been to together as well. Over the past few years, we have been separated by some 5,000 miles and do not see each other as often as we used (we used to live in the same city). But, thanks to miles and points, it has been wonderful how many times each year we still get to see each other and spend some time together.
When I have been able to, we have met in various cities for about 24 hours and taken in a Yankee games, walked all around city streets talking and seeing things along the way and just generally having a great time. We have even met up in some airports for a few hours when our paths our crossing in our travels.
Sorry for the quality – screen grab! My dad and I at an airport
I can tell you this for sure – if it wasn’t for miles and points, most of those trips never would have happened. But, thanks to them, it has been possible to plan on a Monday to meet up on a Thursday – when we are 5,000 miles apart! The older I get, the more I value the time I get with my Dad and I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to take advantage of trips like this with him.
Traveling with My Own Kids
I have also been able to start taking my kids with me on trips as well – trips that would not be possible if I had to pay for them all. I have had a great time just in the last year with my kids on various trips as we have gone to New York City, Mallorca, and Dubai. Great memories were made and I have had a wonderful time with my kids!
From top left – On our way to Mallorca, on the Intrepid in NYC, eating in the Etihad Apartments
Takeaway
Sure, miles and points can take us to exotic places and I have done that and enjoy such trips! But I also love that they can bring family closer together. I have been in New York City dozens of times in my life but it is still a great use of miles for me to fly there to meet up with my dad for a quick trip. To me, I value trips like that more than visiting some new country.
Happy Father’s Day to my own Dad and all the other fathers out there today!
How have miles and points helped you stay close with loved ones?
