What started as a simple family trip turned into a fully-built round-the-world itinerary across five regions—South America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This post unpacks how I designed the entire route using miles, premium cabin deals, oneworld lounges, and a series of perfectly timed connections.

A foundational explainer on airline miles, elite status, and the psychology behind loyalty programs — what they really mean, how you earn them, and whether all those perks are actually worth chasing.