Kickoff to My RTW24 Adventure: From Newark to Shanghai

Intro

Welcome to the start of my 2024 Round The World Trip (or RTW24 as I’ll be calling it)! This year’s journey is packed with adventures across 12 countries, spanning 51 days and including a range of experiences like the Olympics, theme parks, and even a stretch on a cruise. It’s one of the longest trips I’ve taken in nearly eight years, and I can’t wait to dive into the excitement and challenges ahead.

The 2024 Round The World Trip Starts Now

Yes, I was doing another annual Round The World Trip (RTW24 from now on). This one was going to be the second longest one for me after almost 8 years, and it would combine a long leg on a cruise (I know!). I was so excited to start this trip which included 12 countries in total, 51 days and many modes of transportation: Olympics? Disney? Universal? Ultimate World Cruise? I would be doing all of that.

Later on, I will explain how I was able to plan this long RTW. For now, I want to show the start of this adventure, from Newark to Dallas to Shanghai, China!

From EWR to DFW to Shanghai

My first flight of this entire RTW was from Newark International Airport. I know, not my favorite since I had that incident with United on the way to Guatemala, where I missed my flight because of a series of incidents with the transportation to EWR. I had no choice, since this was an Award ticket using American Airlines points, and they kept changing my flights to Shanghai. Finally, weeks before my trip I was able to change my flight back to its original date but departing from EWR instead of LGA or JFK. Regardless, I had a nice stop in DFW, and then a long flight to Shanghai.

For this travelling light but even then I was not able to do a web check in. Since the first stop was China, I had to show the visa I had gotten a few months back. The flight was at 5:30 am on Sunday, so I left my house for the last time for 2 months around 1:00 am. While everyone was partying this Summer Saturday Night, I was on my way to Newark.

I arrived and was able to do a check in and get my boarding passes.

Everything was quick in Newark, and I got into the plane to Dallas on time. The sunrise was on the horizon.

I was saying goodbye to NYC for a long time. Next time I would be here would be on board of a cruise!

The flight to Dallas was smooth and after almost 4 hours, we landed. This is a huge airport, and got into the Skylink to get to my gate. It is their version of the Airtrain.

Found it! Now that I knew they gate was real, it was time to get water, food and all provisions for this long trip.

The stop was around 2 hours, and the boarding process was very fast on the way to Shanghai. The plane departed and I was able to see a little bit of Texas.

A 15 hour flight had just started, and no matter what people recommend doing to avoid jetlag, I would always force myself to sleep. Even if I have to take melatonin, it is very to land and feel rested and rejuvenated, than going through Customs and trying to find the hotel all tired and gloomy.

But first, I waited for the previously announced lunch, which was not that bad. I ate it all and proceeded to take my melatonin (it was 1 pm after all, although I had not slept the night before), and put my eye mask to sleep.

Slept my 8 hours and it was then time for breakfast, since it was the AM in Asia now. Very simple but effective.

After a total of 24 hours since I started this journey from NYC, I was landing in Shanghai. It was my second time in China, and my second time in this wonderful city. I could see the big towers from the plane.

We arrived to Shanghai Pudong International Airport and it was 2 pm of Day 2 already. With almost one whole day lost by the time difference, I was hoping to get a lot done in the last hours of sun. Immigration was quick and easy, and then I headed towards the Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Maglev Train.

On the search for the hotel

The airport is a bit far from Shanghai, so I took the Maglev Train to the city and the speeds were just amazing. Not too far into the ride, it reached a speed of 301 km/h (187 miles per hour).

Even though it was my second time visiting China, I felt the start of this trip in this country was a little bit more complicated than last time. First, Google Maps do not match the reality, so my hotel was not really where I bookmarked it. I had walked from the train station with my carry on thinking my hotel was here, but it was a government building. I started to freak out because I could not find the address. Finally, through Booking.com, I saw the real location, and used Alipay to get me their version of Uber.

Alipay is a digital wallet and payment platform by Alibaba, widely used for QR code-based payments, money transfers, and bill payments. It’s accepted globally and offers various financial services, making it a multifunctional lifestyle app. It is basically essential if you are in China, download it before the trip, and add all the credit cards you would use.

I finally made it to the hotel. I was started to get worried but the check in went smoothly and was able to get to my room right away.

Which was not that bad, I actually liked it.

Now, it was time to get familiar with the Metro system. One app that I recommend a lot is MetroMan, which include the major cities in this country. First stop: Shanghai Tower.

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

This tower was not on my plans when I visited years ago, probably because Shanghai was a quick stop, but now, I was going to explore it from inside.

Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building and the world’s second tallest, standing at 632 meters (2,073 feet) with 128 floors. Located in Shanghai’s Lujiazui district, it features a distinctive spiral shape designed for wind resistance and energy efficiency. The tower houses offices, hotels, and observation decks, and is known for its sustainable design, including rainwater recycling and a double-skin façade for insulation.

The line to get in the elevator was long, but at least they would have a cute queue with a lot of graphics like this one showing the tallest buildings. I have been lucky to have visited many of these buildings, including:

• Burj Khalifa in Dubai
• Taipei 101 in Taipei
• Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur
• Sears Tower in Chicago
• One World Trade Center in New York

Finally in the elevator, and the speed was amazing. We reached half a kilometer in no time. The change of pressure could be felt on my ears.

But getting to the Observation Deck and seeing these magnificent views of Shanghai was worthy.

The views are just amazing. And the sunset was glorious. I was of course going to wait until it was dark to get a glimpse of the illuminated city.

The Observation Deck was crowded, but the views were fantastic. Perfect ending of this second day of this RTW.

The night had come and the lights were out. The buildings started to get lit showcasing all the technology this country has to offer.

For an additional price, you can check the SKY632 Interactive Show that happens even higher in the building. It is a light, sound, and laser show, interesting but really not worthy.

Once back in the Observatory floors, the night had already set. The skyline was showing and Shanghai was alive.

One strange phenomena that I noticed was how the Moon had an oval shape. It is an illusion due to the atmosphere acting as a weak lens, interfering with the visuals of the satellite.

Around Shanghai

Once outside, it was time to walk around this area in these last few hours I had of stuff being opened. Not too long ago I had been at the top of that building to the right, wow:

And now I was walking towards The Bund, or basically the other side of the river, and this famous roundabout that offers great views of the skyline.

And gets you closer to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. I was debating if I should go to the Observation Deck of this tower, but definitely not tonight.

Disney China Flagship Store

Not too far from there, it was my first interaction with anything Disney in China. And tomorrow, I would be going to Disneyland Shanghai for the very first time, and complete all the Disney Parks in the world!

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

I was able to get into one of the last cars back The Bund in Shanghai using this Sightseeing Tunnel. Very interesting experience, that I do not know if exists anywhere else in the world. It basically helps you cross the river underneath while showing stuff on the way, including a lot of lights and lasers.

It uses these little cars with a lot of windows.

Is it worthy? Probably not. But it was a very convenient way to cross the river straight to The Bund without to walk and take the Metro who knows where.

The Bund

Finally in The Bund, a historic waterfront area along the Huangpu River in Shanghai, known for its stunning skyline and colonial-era architecture. Featuring a mix of Art Deco, Gothic, and neoclassical buildings, it reflects Shanghai’s history as an international trade hub. The Bund is a popular destination for scenic views, especially at night when the city lights up, showcasing a blend of old-world charm and modern skyscrapers.

I passed by a KFC Coffee Store and I was shocked, in tears almost.

I walked to the Huangpu Park which offers great views of the Shanghai skyline and all the buildings at night. Just wow.

I stayed here for a little bit just taking it in. I was in China, in Shanghai, looking at this amazing view.

Nanjing Road

It was time to get to the hotel, and the Nanjing Road station was the closest station on the Metro system. To get there I had to walked through this street, and it was very crowded.

But the view of the colonial buildings and dozens of stores and restaurants was amazing. I would be back during the day to appreciate it a little bit more. But tomorrow I had a long day at Disneyland Shanghai starting very early.

And just like that, I was starting this Round The World Trip 2024. I hope I keep you entertained with my adventures. A lot of post coming and showing the best of this trip.