TPG Staff Picks: The One City We're Embarrassed We've Never Visited
Here at The Points Guy, we've managed to make it to many far-flung places around the globe. However, there are still a few places we have yet to visit. You might be surprised that some of us have never been to some of these popular travel destinations — from US cities like Los Angeles to international cities like Paris, here are all the places TPG staffers are embarrassed they've not made it to.
Tel Aviv
"I'm embarrassed to say I've never been to Tel Aviv. With better options for getting to Israel — United's Polaris and El Al's Dreamliner — there is no reason for me not to go anymore." — Brian Kelly, The Points Guy
Amsterdam
“One city I’m embarrassed I’ve never visited? Amsterdam. I’ve seen the lovely lounges on connections with KLM and Delta, however, I’ve never left the airport. Between the bitterballen and beer, I think I would be very happy there.” — Adam Kotkin, Chief of Staff
Paris
“For many international travelers, Paris is one of the first cities to visit. But for me, I have yet to see the City of Light even though I studied French for years in high school and college. I’d stuff myself with all the wine and cheese possible while strolling around the Champs-Élysées.”—Brendan Dorsey, Assistant Editor
Nashville
“Though I’m a huge fan of all things country music, it pains me to say I haven’t been to Nashville yet. Ideally, I’d pair it with a visit to Memphis so I could check out all the blues music on Beale Street and make a long-awaited pilgrimage to Graceland.” — Kaeli Conforti, Senior Editor
Austin
“I’ve always wanted to visit Austin, Texas. I have a couple friends that live there (and the city is driving distance from where I grew up), so I have no excuse for never visiting. Going for South by Southwest conference and festival or Austin City Limits Music Festival would be amazing and is definitely on the bucket list." —Jeff Preis, Editorial Intern
Hong Kong
“Despite having been all over Europe, Africa and some Central and South America, I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never traveled to Asia. I’m dying to experience Hong Kong. This is an essential 2018 bucket list item for me." — James Cury, VP, Editorial
Copenhagen
“For someone who wears all black as much as I do, it is pretty embarrassing that I’ve never visited Copenhagen. I’d love to go to the Nyhavn and Glass Market. It looks like such a beautiful city and I’m hoping to make a trip there soon.” — Samantha Rosen, Social Media Editor
London
“Having explored all over other parts of Europe, I’ve never made it to London. And no, I don’t count the horror of transiting through LHR as having visited.” — Emily McNutt, Associate Editor
Berlin
“I’m ashamed to say I’ve never traveled to Berlin. It’s the most interesting city in Europe right now, a lot of my friends have moved there, it has played an outsized part in the lives of some of my idols — David Bowie, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop — and yet I’ve never been. One thing for sure, though: when it happens it won’t be on Air Berlin. RIP." — Alberto Riva, Managing Editor
New Orleans
“It’s chock-full of culture, food, music and entertainment, and yet I still haven’t made it to New Orleans (aka the Big Easy). Soon, however, the beignets from Cafe du Monde will be mine." — Nick Ellis, Assistant Editor
Mexico City
“I've heard about the wonders of Mexico City for as long as I can remember from my parents. It’s a city of rich cultural history spanning back to the 14th century — with all of the art and architectural marvels that came along the way— from the world-famous Zócalo to Diego Rivera's jam-packed mural masterpieces. Mexico City is clearly a capital city with style, tradition and food. To miss it is to miss one of the world’s great capital cities — and I don’t plan to do so.” — Wallace Cotton, Community Manager
San Francisco
“I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never been to San Francisco. Home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman Wharf and cable cars, I'm dying to venture through this exciting city and dive into the Bay Area's world-class restaurant scene.” — Alexa Noel, Editorial Intern
Chicago
“I have yet to travel to Chicago. I have friends and family that live there and embarrassingly enough, I have to admit I’ve never been to the Windy City.” — Becca Denenberg, Marketing & Events Manager
Los Angeles
"Maybe it’s my fear of jean shorts and Kardashians, but I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve yet to dabble in the City of Angels — despite a food scene that’s arguably hotter than NYC. From can’t- miss spots like In-N-Out to Sugarfish co-founder Lele Massimini's new pasta bar, Uovo, there’s more to Los Angeles than green juice and sushi." — Jane Frye, Nights & Weekends Editor
Cape Town
“I’ve actually never been to Africa at all — the entire continent. I’ve come close a few times, but haven’t made it yet for one reason or another. It’s definitely high up on the list, and I’m told Cape Town’s a must on the first trip to South Africa.” — Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large
Seattle
"Seattle is one city that I’ve never visited. I hear it’s beautiful and cool and fun and all that. Plus, it’s practically a rite of passage for Gen-Xers. But I just never made it up there.” — Mike Bruno, SVP of Content
Maine
“As a lifelong East Coaster who grew spending summers in New Hampshire — and later Rhode Island, Vermont and Massachusetts — I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never been to Maine (or any cities in it). You’d think the allure of the best lobster rolls in the world would’ve lured me north by now. Alas, I will have to keep that New England state on my list.” — Cindy Augustine, Lifestyle Editor
Portland
"I'm a little embarrassed to admit I've never been to Portland, Oregon, which I should've been to for several different reasons. I've driven around it and flown over it, but never been in it. If I were more creative, I'd make up a story about how I had a big trip there planned but ended up in Portland, Maine, instead, but I haven't had enough caffeine yet today." — Michael Park, Freelance Editor
Iceland
“I can’t believe I’ve never made it to Reykjavik — or Iceland in general — especially since it’s been on my travel bucket list for years now. With plenty of cheap fares, I really have no excuse for not booking a trip and getting in some quality time at the Blue Lagoon.” — Sarah Silbert, Points and Miles Editor
London
"When I studied abroad in Florence I avoided traveling to London telling myself I would for sure make a separate trip there in the next couple years. Five years later and I still haven’t been. Since its an easy international destination to get to I’ll have to bump it up on my list of travel priorities."— Kate O’ Brien, Director of Marketing & Compliance
Madrid
"Madrid is one place I'm embarrassed to say I never visited. I’ve been to Barcelona and have road-tripped around Basque Country, but the Spanish capital feels like a major hole in my roster of European destinations. That’s especially the case because I generally travel for food and Madrid’s gastronomic culture is legendary." — Sarah Firshein, Freelance Travel Editor
What cities are you embarrassed that you've never visited?
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.