Everything is Changing... | Life Update
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- Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
- After 7 years collecting points, using credit cards, flying in business class and First Class and travelling the world… things are changing.
I've never done a real sit-down life update video where I share some of the behind-the-scenes to running my travel company, Prince of Travel. Today as I take a flight in Emirates A380 first class, I want to talk about how this channel is going to change over the coming months and what that means for the points, flight review, and business class and First Class tours and that you're used to seeing here.
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Thanks for the love in the comments everyone, look forward to continuing along the journey with you all. 🙏
The itch goes away but comes back. I was doing traveling (half luxury half backpack) for quite a few years and when I was 31(2012), I found myself in mendoza, drinking Malbec, having patagonia goat and just looking at the andes outside my hotel window, and what came to me was in chinese, but it felt like 酒足饭饱后，对坐无一人 "after a full belly of meat and wine, I have few to share it with". And then I paused my traveling, focused on career more so, met my current wife. But during the pandemic we dropped everything in canada and left, and now we've traveled even more, together, from europe to middle east to asia, last year we took an epic HSR trip through half of china, and it was so eye opening. We took a 12 month lease but we plan to travel more, and I think this feeling between curiosity of new places/experiences to I want a more stable life/grow myself or accomplish things, will ebb/flow.
We achieved FIRE back in 2021 so hence we left Canada, but to be honest I'm somewhat lost, without work I'm not sure what to do outside of exercise, reading, etc. I felt like my whole life I was trained to solve problems, take on challenges, from school to work, it was always about solving things, and now it seems like there's nothing to solve(or trivial things like booking trips, managing rental properties and dividend stocks), nothing that I can really use all these skills I've practiced to get to where I am. So I'm also looking for my next challenge/direction, hope we both find it!
create your own channel (if that’s what you like of course) Really interested in hearing in that perspective :)
Sounds like a life well lived! Certainly hope you find your direction, and perhaps our paths will cross in the future.
@@_Ricky For sure, look forward to it!
@@Vinrob92 The actual aspect of traveling, flying, hotel, even the fine dining to local hole in the walls are all in my interest, but its' not the challenge, the challenge is the production, captions, music, editing, etc. I know people with entire teams that do that. I feel like that market is very saturated, look at Vicarious Voyager, his content is amazing and he stopped.
Great video, and thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I travel and vlog (nowhere near your level), and I will say that recording/documenting the trip takes away from the experience for sure.
I don't like flying into a city for 1 day. It might look glamorous, but the reality is (as you know) it feels exhausting not getting to settle yourself in a location for a moment.
I've always felt that exploring the destination is significantly more enjoyable than the trip to get there even if I fly in first class. I like flying in first class, but I love walking the streets of a new city across the world.
Shared experiences are my favorite and most memorable of my life. I've met so many cool and interesting people around the world, but I always fly alone. And even though I don't want to fly economy, I've connected with people in economy, but I've never met anyone in premium classes.
I believe I could go explore a new city every month or two and never get tired of it. But I can definitely see myself becoming completely unimpressed by the first-class experience. I've said for many years that I'm on a plane because I have to be, whereas I'm in a city because I want to be. I really do enjoy your videos, and I look forward to seeing what you have to come in the future.
Hey Ricky,
I’m a new travel/aviation RUclipsr that was really inspired by both this channel and Price of Travel. Similar to how you looked up to Nonstop Dan, TrekTrendy, etc., your channel is what I’ve looked up to.
Im at the same point in my mid-20’s as when you started your entire journey. Really learned about award travel a year ago and now started posting videos. Hearing this perspective is valuable and you bring up many points i’d like to keep in mind. Especially having an impact greater than “look at this food, and this seat”.
Half my channel is teaching people how to book flights with points because I also want to be an enabler for other’s adventures they may not have had without points knowledge. The other half is business/first class reviews similar to this channel where I show people those experiences.
You’ve inspired me as I’m sure you’ve inspired tons of others. Looking forward to the evolution of your journey, this channel, and Prince of Travel.
Thanks for the message Mark, I've taken a look at your channel and impressed by your videography and camera confidence! Looking forward to seeing more videos from you and glad I could've played a part in inspiring your journey.
Proud of you Ricky. Watched the whole thing before I decided to leave a comment. I've been a following since the summer of 2021 and active in the community on FB sometimes. I owe much of my travel wins to you and your team.
What sets you guys apart from the rest of the travel channels is how much you give back to the community and supporting the how to build up of getting those dream experiencs. It makes sense the direction you wanna go here. And I can tell that you have much more to offer than the superficial first class experience videos. I think you should focus on being genuine with the content you want to make. It's an exciting time and I cannot wait to see what's next.
Cheers Victor, I recall seeing your valuable contributions in the Facebook group. Thanks for your kind comment!
Happy to see you back!! you taught me soooo much with travel and credit cards, keep up the great work!!
Happy you've found it helpful
@@_Ricky Always!
I still remember randomly meeting you at a bar in New York. We were upstairs attending the TPG Awards Party not too many years ago and I'm surprised that you're so young! Every decade we naturally reflect and have a change in mindset in life. Cheers to another one and may you continue in being the Prince of Travel.
Life seems to move in 10-year chapters indeed. Cheers Paul and hope you're well.
Welcome back Ricky! Best of luck to you! God bless you!
A gem in this space, especially when it shines a light on some options from the Canadian perspective! I'm still a small cc/travel RUclipsr myself, but you (and your company), and other OGs like Sebby and others are big inspirations! Looks like we're also the same age (and Canadian!) I don't nearly have as many of these experiences as you, but really hope to continue expanding those both for myself and close ones. Really resonated with your video giving your dad these experiences as well! Thanks for all you've done in this space, and will continue following for however you take this in the future! Missed the Versante recent meet, but hope to meet in a future local event! Also, would be cool to see your behind the scenes as you build out and operate PoT!
I have to say that Prince of Travel and your videos have helped me no end. Just finished a 1 way business class flight for 2 of us with Qatar from Montreal to Sydney and then back from Auckland to Montreal in premium economy with AC all on points. It wouldn’t of been possible without following your platform 😊
Glad to see you again. I’ve missed seeing you! It’s good learning about your activities. I will check out your Prince of Travel channel. This channel is one of my favorites.i look forward to watching you evolve. Thanks for everything so far.
Cheers!
Definitely will keep watching whatever is next. Started following back in the early pandemic times and your vids were so helpful. They definitely prepared me for the revenge travel thing. Grateful for your hard work! 🎉❤
I personally used to LOVE your property/hotel/resort reviews more than anything else, as each one is totally different than the other - depending on the location. So it's a fresh video to check out every time. Something you can consider😊
Thanks for the idea. It's certainly a format I'd like to continue exploring in the future, whether part of this channel or others 😉
Very nice video Ricky. I especially love the part 26:02 where you list your perceived attributes of the people who watch and enjoy your content. As someone who enjoys not only your aviation vlogs, but others on RUclips, it kind of made me feel a little better about myself. Because I do think of myself as someone with a aspirational and ambitious mindset who is globally oriented. So thank you for recognizing that. 👊
Love your content Ricky.
Niche is very good. You have a great community.
I think one cool thing would be optimizing travel with points and how does one integrate into other countries travel/transportation upon arrival.
Keep it up man!
Thanks for the suggestion 🙏
I love your aviation videos. Thank You Ricky and looking forward for more videos. Fans from Malaysia.
Your authenticity absolutely shine through! Your content is life changing for me! Thank you!
That's very kind of you, thank you!
Ricky - I bet that was liberating to say. You're definitely authentic - we'll be here for what comes next.
So liberating!
Ricky I’ve been watching your videos and listening to your findings, suggestions, and insights on your experiences from the beginning of your journey. I’m learned so much from you on the Prince of Travel channel as well as your Ricky Zhang channel. By carefully watching the videos and the things you have shared. In December 2023 I’ve gone from a Aeroplan Member to a 25k member and a 35k 3 weeks later in January 2024. When I’m loss on a few things I messaged you and within an hour or less you responded back with an answer or suggestion to another approach to solve my problem. To me that is dedication and passion for your business, but also your followers. Whatever direction you choose to take in your business I’ll fully understand and support you. Best of luck in your future ventures and again…I WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOUR CHANNEL IN WHATEVER WAY YOU APPROACH THE CHANNEL. Cheers ! Mike
Wow, thank you for this extremely comprehensive vote of confidence, Mike! 🙏
Thanks for being authentic and true to yourself, Ricky. Will be following! I was inspired by your blogs in 2019 and started collecting points. Since then, I went from being single to a family of three and traveled in business class countless times. With my little one turning two, my points collecting/burning strategy needs to evolve too as I need to start looking for three seats in economy instead of two in business 😂
When I first started flying International First / Business Class in my 20s, I wanted to try all the food, wines and lounges because of the fear of missing out on any part of the experience. Back then I could never understand why some of the passengers just arrive at the airport close to boarding, skip the lounge and only drink water and sleep on their first/business class flights. Now in my 40s, I am one of them! Apparently skipping all the alcohol and drinking only water and eating less on the flight can make you feel excellent on arrival.
Great perspective. I too have found myself valuing the convenience and lie-flat bed above all else over the course of my transformation, and it's something of a luxury when I'm on a flight I've flown before so I don't "need" to make content (looking at you, Air Canada business class...)
Definitely know what you mean by building something greater than yourself. Watching others achieve their goals with your help is super rewarding. Looking forward to the shift in content. Maybe we see some other team members featured on Prince of Travel
Definitely one of the most rewarding parts of the journey so far :)
Thanks Ricky for the travel videos. It allowed me to fly ANA business class last year for the first time. What an experience that was! I hope the videos you churn out in the future will garner just as much success (if not more)
Thanks for inspiring us!
Thank you Ricky Zhang. Excellent getting to know you better. I wondered what was going to happen after you had been on most (if not all) of the great airlines out there. I think it would be cool to stay in a nice place, not really luxury, for an extended period and use it as a home base. An apartment so you have kitchen, laundry etc. Be able to check out the whole area and make day trips further out. It would be nice to walk to grocery stores, restaurants, musical events and just get to know the local people.
Great suggestion. I'd love to explore doing something like this in the near future.
Ricky!
It was your Prince of Travel channel that got me interested in traveling more. Thank you for broadening me that way and for sharing all your amazing experiences. I truly believe whatever you put your mind to will be amazing. Best wishes in all of your future pursuits with the channel and beyond.
How exciting- good for you1
Thanks ricky yes i watched ypur current video to the end to be honest I only subscribed to your channel not too long ago...my late dad was a pilot...he passed away when I was 14 today I turn 66 in early May! But I was ao lucky enough to dly even back then and in the jump seat! So i became an avgeek andnjsut recently I decided to continue my reverge travel...amd left the crop world to live my life as Yolo...I fully understand and agree rhat after a while someone like yourself... smart and collected csn do much more...may I boldly suggest maybe videos about the pre flight or post flight or behind the scenes of a life as a content creator...albeit one may lose some lecel of privacy...but because unlike some other famous aviation content creator ... you are authentic and real! My best wishes for tje future and I am sure you will reach he highest region...❤
Love your videos Ricky!!
Looking forward to more of your dialogue and insights!
Your videos are definitely first class. I always smile when I see a new one pop up because I enjoy them so much.
Glad you like them!
You inspired me to try out many new experiences on aviation and hotels while I thought I was done with travel before covid hit... ur channel and homepage are my #1 resources when I need to check on the related info
Surely I haven't been as extreme on maximizing on flights and hotel rewards but you helped me to try out things I never thought I'd be able to enjoy and share these experience with my loved ones
That's what it's all about 👊
The phrase that made me break away to research it: Hedonic Treadmill.
Ricky. I appreciate the transparency of your current journey. For people who are “public” figures, it’s not easy to expose the vulnerability of their transformation process. There will be some that won’t appreciate it because they want to see an all-in play of their persona but you have earned it. Like you said, you walked the walk. This pivoting reminds me of an executive coaching program I took. Over the years, they also evolved in their offerings and content as their clients also moved forward to the next phases of their careers and lives.
I started following you less than two years ago and I want to thank you and your team for the value you provide. I learned the strategies, and already gave myself and my wife aspirational flights and stays at a fraction of the retail cost or even for free. I also have been able to share the gift of travelling to my extended family (groups of 5 to 8). Following the credit card strategies also made me understand and improve my credit score; also just started my credit history in the US this week. Thank you for your work. It was also great meeting you in person in the last Vancouver event.
Love the honesty Ricky! I’ve been a longtime follower of PoT (we met at The Walrus a few years back) and have had the pleasure of flying Business and First Class because of your guidance. I’ve also got to experience luxury stays through Prince Collection as well and have been documenting it through my channel. But like you said… the hedonic treadmill is a real thing. I can feel it already.
I’m excited to see what you do next to build your business to the next level. I think people see all the glamour of traveling but they forget that there’s a business in the background that’s allowing this travel. Hope to get to see more of that side. Wishing you all the best!
Thank you for the support over the years! Just watched through some of your hotel tours, very tranquil indeed :) Keep it up and thank you for booking with us as well.
@@_Ricky thanks! Nancy has been so helpful :)
Nice I can see myself at 1:55 😅 looking forward to the next Travel Summit! I’m starting my journey into becoming a travel content creator, I’ve flown a couple of business class flights and thought about the burn out but for now I’m enjoying the ride. Much respect to you for sharing this with us 👏
Aka Jose Rivers. See you in a month's time!
@@_Ricky yes can't wait!
Hey Ricky, thought I’d share one big impact you had in my life. I found out about the IHG Diamond Elite deal in late 2022 from the Prince of Travel just before I accepted my consulting job that required frequent travel. From your blog, I’ve redeemed countless of special vacations for my wife (shoutout to IC Seoul Grand Parnas), parent, and even sisters!
I would have never had had a positive experience with travelling and continue to love travelling if not for the many gems from TPOT. All the best in your new endeavours!
So glad you've found my work impactful! It's great motivation for me to keep it going.
Youre the Canadian GOAT
Good luck on the next chapter and i look forward to following
Thanks, how very kind
I’ve been aware for years about the fact that I’ve become blasé traveling sometimes. I’ve been incredibly fortunate both personally and professionally to have travelled the world, often blending youthful adventures (and I’m no longer youthful) and ultra luxury…and then the blasé mindset slipped in…except for Africa. Same for all the fancy cabins.
For a person that grew up poor in the Midwest, sometimes wondering how our family would be able to eat, with the dream of just being able to see California…now I’ve enjoyed most of the world’s destinations many times over…and I deeply regret the feeling of being blasé now…
What does still light me up is focusing meeting local people in every place I travel…THAT’s the critical importance of travel and is my focus…
Agreed with being numb to flight experiences if been at this for awhile. Even the new JL F on the A35k I felt underwhelmed 😂
So the question is, what will you pour your energy into next?
@@_Ricky Reduce my travel, so the novelty becomes enjoyable again and simply waiting for the next generation of F products to come out. Lufthansa Allegris, Halo Suites, QR, QF, etc 😎
Travel experience I treasure is one of sincere courtesy and respect. When it's the culture of the people all around me. When that's who they are even in poverty.
Compassionate hears tbeat stronger❤
Compassionate minds are wiser❤
I burnt out on international travel by my early 30's. It just became routine, predictable and a hassle. Food poisoning, scams, poverty, repeat. I think i was more impressable back then, new countries blew my mind. Now I'm numb too it, travel is a hassle, even in business class. Its nice to be home.
@_Ricky not sure if you'll see this. I started watching you during the pandemic, and it inspired me to start thinking about traveling. I currently can't leave for that long (nothing beyond a 3 day weekend), but I'm making plans to make it happen. I'm even toying with the idea of traveling to every country once i retire. Check off some bucket list items. If you are looking for new formats, maybe review vacation packages, be it hiking, biking, adventure sport (white water rafting, driving a dune buggy in Baja Mexico (did wide open Baja trip myself), .... I saw Sebby do a review of Hotels, Ski slopes and such during his trip to Japan. The more personal angel of the review spoke to me. It was more interesting then just parroting the brochure. Or maybe start accepting students that want to start their own travel, vacation, flight, ..... review channel.
In addition i might 31:00 add prior to covid i met one of your regular comp set and it has been a privilege to not only first met him during the pandemic here in Singapore but todsy we are like family.. infact he and my other bffs from all over apac will be in BKK for my 66 th day celebration...at their Kipton Hotel ...
Complete travel experience flights how to get where your going at every airport as that’s the most stressful part imo and then hotel experiences food culture per city would be a great start . Tours using points. Let’s fill a plane and let’s gooooooooo
I’m guessing it’s because the churning game is changing and travel reviews isn’t interesting anymore that you’re sort of feeling a loss of direction
comes w the territory of unfortunate exponential growth in a niche hobby.
Balance is everything. Travel is great, but it is important to maintain your roots and have a home life, especially when you are married!
Hear hear! That's certainly been a big part of the story of my transition from 20s to 30s.
Hi! This is kind of the video when I first asked to chat with you. I wanted to know where your mind was at and how you were doing. Super fantastic to hear! Hope to cross paths with you one day :) ~Oz
I remember your many comments over the years Oz! Thanks for the support and you can certainly look forward to much more content along those lines
Great Job Ricky! I think you can bring a lot of value in other categories. I am a RUclips myself and thinking about pivoting to more financial stuff.
Are you able to synthesize this into a 10 second clip?
you need to update your camera ..lots of noise in the dark ..lol..🙂
I'm on the eff yeah, it resonates. Even if it's holy cow, turbulence and my caviar just splatted the camera.
I get it. I am still doing it. I know it will come to an end soon. I still enjoy a weekend trip to LHR or HKG just to chill in the lounges and drink wine. I still enjoy a mileage run once in a while. But overall, i can tell, it has to end, despite me always wanting it so badly. I will finish round-the-world first with ANA and LH in early 2025 and call it a day then. Time to move on.
You'll always have the passion and skillset, but perhaps it'll just become "part of the furniture" rather than something to strive towards at all times. That's kind of where I'm at 😊
You inspired me last year to make travel affordable again for my new family of 4. I watched all your prince of travel videos breastfeeding on maternity leave learning how to travel cheaper. Maybe you could include more videos on how travel hacking with families. I can’t find any Canadian content for families only American. Thank you
Ricky is a bonafide international mobster
He is mafia and yakuza
Thanks for the suggestion 🙏
Just remember, those flights and trips you're sick and tired of and take for granted....are experiences most people (especially poor people) can only dream of.
100%, and that’s why we are going harder on enabling these experiences for more and more travellers 🫡
used to fly business and then it dawned on me.. I must rather save the money for destination experience rather than airline experience :-)
The word you are looking for is blasé. unimpressed or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before.
Also, You can never get enough of what you don't need.
I liked prince of travel years ago because you were soft spoken and earnestly helping Canadians travel. Even to this day thank you for pointing out the AF/KLM promo! I'm planning south pacific because of that win
Lastly but most importantly, life is fundamentally meaningless without spiritual connection.
1 John 2. 15-17
Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; because everything in the world-the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever
🙌
Thanks for the support as alway Wane
Kids time. Make a family and share your new experiences and show how travel evolves for you and your wife. Find new possibilities and challenges while becoming a father and giving your wife a child. My pleasure to continue watching your content on RUclips and the website. -Jeff, Glenda in Toronto
Not necessarily, it’s not for everyone 🙃
It's the point of life. Reproduction. @@JW-io8nb
This is the way. Have been in the points game for nearly 10 years, and was largely at a similar point to what Ricky describes in the video. Had a daughter a few weeks ago (I type this while rocking her to sleep) and oh boy the new challenges! We are doing SYD-HND return in JAL F when she is 5 months old 😬
@@JeffHiemstralol, each their own. Global TFR is on the decline 👍🏻
what';s TFR? @@JW-io8nb
You need to travel with your partner in crime to keep the firing 🔥 🔥 . Life is about making memories, traveling alone like many of these flyers for views can only go so far…
Yep, because after so long , all airplanes smell like a toilet, and bubble gum and sometimes it’s just over . I understand.
20:17 *checks if there's a schizo onboard*
Filming on an airplane is always 😅
third
your getting burned out take a break nobody will blame you.
My little break was in January :)
This video really could have been 5 minutes, as you did not say much. I wish you well, loved your other videos, but this one was not good.
As soon a RUclips channel turns into narcissistic monolog, I unsubscribe.
We just want the best value available from our travel dollar and reward points which at this moment is Aeroplan. Ya Thailand is amazing, enjoy Bangkok!