Travel Is The Only Thing You Buy That Makes You Richer – Our Family Vacation in USA

Azman and I have always loved travelling and the farthest we have been together was last year to Europe. Before that we were caught between not having time, got pregnant, baby too small, broke takde duit, pregnant again, broke takde duit again, baby too small again etc. So after last year vacation that covered Germany, France, Belgium and Holland, we decided travelling as a family is one of the best things we can do in our lives and we must do more of it.

But… being sensible and wise, we decided to go on overseas trip every two years due to the fact that it involves a lot of money. Sadly. We tipu. Like totally. Last two weeks we went to America. We not so wise. We broke our own promise. Haishhh…

It was all Azman’s fault la! This year alone he had to travel so much on work that he decided I must follow him on one of the trips. He went to Shanghai on January and February and he had this idea of the three of us coming with him to his business trip in USA/Mexico in March. At that time I was still true to my pledge of not to travel far again until 2020 2015.

Tapi aku hanyalah insan yang lemah… Apakan dayaku… I started putting away some money for my handbag fund, and looking forward to following my husband to his business trip.

The problem with following him on his all expenses paid trip was his office couldn’t confirm the itinerary early. Which means we couldn’t buy our tickets earlier and you know how expensive last minutes tickets purchase can be. Plus, his tickets were arranged by his office and we need to get seats for Miki, Rafa and I on our own, so how to match the flight? It is not gonna be easy, I tell ya! Possible yes, but it gonna cost a bomb!

And let’s say we did go during Azman’s business trip. That means the kids and I would only have our beloved Daddy during the weekends. I know I could find my way sightseeing shopping etc without him but I doubt that we can do much having Rafa around. I won’t be able to go to many places and instead I would be pulling my hair off sebab tension jaga Rafa sorang-sorang. I imagined it would be two weeks of wasted holiday just chilling at the hotel waiting for Daddy to come back after work. Like what kind of loser goes to vacation and stays in the hotel only? Tell me? Tell me?

So after much thought we changed our mind. Not changing from GOING to NOT GOING. We changed from going DURING his business trip, tumpang his hotel and save some money; into GOING ON A COMPLETE FAMILY VACATION! Hah! Nekad dan tekad sebulat suara, we began to prepare for an amazing trip all to ourselves! Yay!

So what come first, I asked Azman, VISA or tickets? We were doubtful. We went tickets hunting during the last MATTA FAIR but were not really happy with what we were quoted. At the same time, by using Azman’s business trip itinerary, we applied for the US VISA. It was tad easier because we took advantage on Azman’s situation. He had expired his VISA and was renewing it. It is easier for renewals to get approval compared to first time application so his wife and kids tumpang senang lah! Haha!

FACT – It costs RM528 per person for US VISA application. The amount is charged whether or not you are successful in your application.

 Our VISA pic – Rafa is the cutest LOL.. Miki looks so handsome haha!
Tangkap gambar VISA ni kena tunjuk telinga tau!

There is a two weeks time frame for you to get your VISA. First we applied online, secondly we made the payment at Standard Chartered and then made appointment for the interview via online. After a brief interview at the US Embassy, the VISA should be ready in 1 or two days. You can opt to pick-up the VISA from their offices or have it mailed back to your address.

I remember preparing a lot of supporting documentations for our applications such as proof of employment, bank statements etc But the interviewer did not even ask for anything. Chehhh… Penat aku! All he looked at was our travel itinerary. He did asked where I am working and then he asked what was I going to do in the USA. Tak sempat aku nak jawap, the interviewer answered his own question “You are going just to have fun! Okay!!”

Laaa… itu je ke nak tanya? Haishhh…

So now that we have got our VISA, like how cool is that especially for Miki and Rafa, the little kids can now go to America as many time as they want for the next ten years (yes, US VISA valids for 10 freaking years, better not lose that passport peeps!) lets go back to tickets, shall we?

Cari punya cari, we found the most cost effective tickets at Japan Airlines. Cheapest were available from Southern China Airlines but I don’t prefer that. Cathay Pacific also offered competitive rates but we settled for JAL. Once the tickets was bought, I was really excited! We were all set to go on 1 May 2014 until 11 May 2014. OMG! We were really going! To America!!

“Can we go see Spongebob?”asked Miki and I answered, “And Mickey Mouse!” LOL!

We also pre-planned our daily activities. I mean, Azman pre-planned our activities. He has been to San Diego several times and he loves the city. It was his dream to bring us there for a vacation (Thanks Daddy, you are the best!) so I let him decide on what’s best to do. Mode of transportation? He wanted to drive! Awesome! Last year our holiday in Europe was also a road trip (best way to travel, I tell ya!) but my b.i.l, Abdullah was the one driving. Now that Azman needs to drive, he needed to prepare some papers.

FACT – Malaysian driving license are valid in USA.

To avoid any glitches, Azman requested for an International Driver’s Permit from JPJ. It cost RM150 and valid for a year. In the picture below, you can see how the permit looks like. Looks really old school I know LOL!

So yeah, VISA, checked, tickets, checked, driving license, checked! Azman laid the plan on the table:

Kuala Lumpur – Japan – Los Angeles – Las Vegas – Anaheim – San Diego – Los Angeles – Japan – Kuala Lumpur.

Isn’t it exciting? I was excited tergolek-golek…  Hahaha!

> Day 1 – Amazing Tokyo with NEX, Parks and Tokyo Tower