I spent 33 hours flying to Tanzania. One thing I did before the trip made the journey manageable.

30.11.2024 - 10:47 / insider.com

When I landed in Tanzania, fellow travelers, lodge staff, and safari guides were amazed that I had made it all the way from Colorado.

When I mentioned that the trip took over 30 hours, they were stunned.

Having crossed oceans and continents to get to destinations like Japan and New Zealand, getting to Tanzania didn't seem all that different.

When I booked my flights and realized I'd have three layovers and four flights over 33 hours, I set out to make the journey more bearable.

I bought a new travel pillow, downloaded podcasts and shows, and wore comfy outfits, but the best thing I did was get a travel credit card.

Before heading to Tanzania, I had visited an airport lounge once on my way to New Zealand. My seven-hour layover was filled with the comforts of prosecco, ramen, and comfy seating.

It felt like a luxury, but as someone who shows up to airports right on time, prioritizes nonstop flights, and tries to travel as cheaply as possible, I wasn't sure paying hundreds of dollars for a credit card would be worth the airport lounge access.

Then, I looked into options, and it became clear that the perks outweighed any annual fees.

I settled on the Capital One Venture X card. It would give me access to Capital One lounges and a Priority Pass membership, which includes lounges around the world.

The annual fee is $395, but the perks include a $300 travel credit. Since I travel often, it felt like the card's fee was closer to $95. I figured I'd easily eat $100 worth of food in the lounges over a year.

Other perks, such as access to luxury hotels and a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry statement credit, helped me justify the credit card fee.

I kicked things off with a five-hour layover in the Washington Dulles International Airport. I pulled up my Priority Pass app and looked at the lounge options near my gate.

I had three to choose from and ended up at the Etihad lounge. Without the card, entrance into the lounge would have cost $75.

I had a breakfast spread of smoked salmon, bao buns, pastries, and access to a full bar. I also had comfy seating — much nicer than the leather benches at my gate.

While guests are allowed to visit the lounge for three hours, I was there early in the morning, and no one seemed to mind that I was there for closer to four.

For the rest of my journey, I made shorter stops in lounges to grab quick bites and use the restrooms.

For example, I realized I needed drinking water and a bathroom when I landed in Ethiopia. I initially went to the airport's public bathroom, but a line stretched around the corner. So, I pulled up my Priority Pass and found a lounge nearby. I popped in, used the bathroom, and grabbed a snack and a water bottle. The 15-minute trip saved me time and money.

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