According to Google, Traipse means “to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose”.

And that’s kind of true in this case hah. I’m sure miles chaser has heard of the business fare deal from TAP Air Portugal which was much talked about in early 2024. And so I was one of them who booked on a whim, almost one year ahead, just because.

This would be a trip that would check off 3 new cities with 6 flights over a period of 10 days, on an airline I’ve never tried before. Ouch. Guess I wasn’t thinking so much at the point of ticketing my trip so I’m just hoping I will survive the itenary.

And again, the destinations weren’t really part of the plan – the fare and the flights were. And this is how I landed on the following: fly out of Singapore on a SQ codeshare to Lisbon via a 11hr layover in Barcelona –> spend 1.5days in Lisbon –> fly to Amsterdam (and enjoy its freezing weather for 6days) –> fly back to Lisbon with a one-night stopover –> fly back to Singapore via Milan with a 1hr45min connection.

FLIGHTS

• TP8406 Singapore to Barcelona – Business
• TP1037 Barcelona to Lisbon – Executive
• TP 668 Lisbon to Amsterdam – Executive
• TP669 Amsterdam to Lisbon – Executive
• TP822 Lisbon to Milan – Executive
• TP8435 Milan to Singapore – Business

My Singapore Airline codeshare flights to and from Singapore will be on A350-900 – really nice to be able to enjoy the wide seats for 14hrs!

On my TAP operated flights, I would get a mix of the Embraer195 or the Airbus A320neo on the Executive Class, their terminology for Business Class. The official TAP site shows fancy business class hardware indeed but alas, the short hauls will see the typical intra-europe configuration ie economy seats with middle seats blocked. Also not sure if I’d have sufficient materials to have separate reviews for each flight but if not, would be a combined one.

AIRPORT LOUNGES

Based on current planning, I should have the chance to explore the following:

Barcelona – El Prat Airport – Pau Casals VIP Lounge (Aena)

• Location: Terminal 1, Upper level boarding area,Near Duty Free area / Between the floors of the boarding zone and the Sky Center, on the south side.
• Mon-Sun 05:00-22:30
• Website

Lisbon – Humberto Delgado Airport – TAP Premium Lounge Tejo

• Location: Terminal 1, 6th floor, Schengen Area
• Mon-Sun 05:00-00:030
• Website

Amsterdam – Schiphol Airport – Star Alliance Lounge

• Location: Near D gates. Follow airport signage to Airline Lounge 27. The lounge is located in the Schengen Departures area. Take the escalators or elevators up to level 2 from the main shopping area, towards D gates. Take the elevators or stairs to level 3. The lounge is located next to the Aspire Lounge.
• Mon-Sun 05:30-21:00
• Website

HOTELS

This was probably one of the toughest process for this trip as I wanted to clock as many Bonvoy nights as possible but some weren’t the best locations considering my mixed itenary. I eventually landed on what I think is the best scenario for now.

Four Points Diagonal, Barcelona (website)

This was chosen for the 11+hr layover as it was priced okay plus convenient for a little bit of walk-see (and a freshening up!) with my limited time there. Hopefully I’ll get some free drinks at the brewery?

The Ivens, Autograph Collection (website)

This was the only Bonvoy property which stood out for me, especially when it is so expensive! Decided to half my cost with 1x 85FNA which I think was worth it given the rave reviews and seemingly excellent location.

Amsterdam Marriott Hotel (website)

The longest stay period of this trip so I needed a spot with fresher rooms and this property seemed to check the boxes, alongside good reviews of its M Club offerings + location. Looking forward!

Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center (website)

Decided to switch to staying near the airport to clock another Bonvoy property – this was also exciting as there is the rather unique Corendon Amsterdam Tribute Portfolio showing off its giant Boeing 747 which i can hop over to check out heh.

Marriott Lisbon (website)

Initially thought about booking the Moxy Oriente instead but was rattled a little by the not-great reviews so decided to stick to a full service property and get coffee and a breakfast box for my early departure. Bonus are the newly renovated rooms!

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My final itenary:

• TP8406 / SQ388 Singapore to Barcelona – Business
• Four Points Diagonal, Barcelona
• Pau Casals VIP Lounge (Aena), Barcelona El Prat Airport
• TP1037 Barcelona to Lisbon – Executive
• The Ivens, Autograph Collection
• TAP Premium Lounge Tejo, Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport
• TP 668 Lisbon to Amsterdam – Executive
• Amsterdam Marriott Hotel
• Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center
• Star Alliance Lounge – Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
• TP669 Amsterdam to Lisbon – Executive
• Lisbon Marriott Hotel
• TP822 Lisbon to Milan – Executive
• TP8435 / SQ355 Milan to Singapore – Business

Good luck to me! 😛