TPG Staff Picks: The Best Places We Traveled in 2017
In 2017, TPG staffers traveled near and far for everything from airline mileage runs to hotel reviews to exciting vacations. And as the year comes to an end, we're taking a moment to think back on the best places we visited this year. With some exciting new destinations and a few classics thrown in, here are the spots that stood out in 2017.
Likoma Island, Malawi
"This year I visited Likoma Island, Malawi and I enjoyed every second of my trip, from the breathtaking scenery to the friendly and welcoming locals. Now I see why Malawi was considered one of best places to visit in 2017." — Brian Kelly, The Points Guy
San Francisco, California
"I finally had the chance to visit San Francisco this year and I absolutely loved it. I was lucky enough to hang out with my best friend who lives there, and also take an amazing flight on United Polaris with some of the TPG team. The best part was the burritos I ate — lots and lots of burritos." — Samantha Rosen, Social Media Editor
Bali, Indonesia
"Bali was definitely the most luxurious place I visited in 2017 — and I got to leave with a story I'll never forget. I visited the island for the PeaceJam conference with TPG and I was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous weather, picturesque beaches and relaxing stay at the Ritz Carlton Bali. At the end of the trip, however, my flight was canceled because of the Bali volcano eruption. Beside my hectic two-day evacuation, my trip was great." — Becca Denenberg, Marketing & Events Manager
New Zealand
"Although I visited New Zealand before, we really blew it out in 2017, exploring much of both islands and going on some incredible hikes. I especially like the South Island, but there's plenty to see in the north as well, especially if you're a Lord of the Rings fan. If you're torn between Australia and New Zealand, I'd say NZ all the way." — Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large
Japan
"Since living on the road, I've visited 19 countries in 2017. But there's one place I'd go back in a heartbeat: Japan. I love the country and culture: the fast, efficient transportation, excellent food, wonderful shrines and temples, and a unique culture that emphasis excellence in all tasks." — JT Genter, Points and Miles Writer
Los Angeles, California
"I've had a couple cool trips this year (including our awesome trip to SFO and NorCal for United Family Day), but my favorite was actually a different trip to California. A good friend and I jetted out to Los Angeles on Virgin America to visit another friend living out there. We spent the days roaming the beach towns, biking up the Strand, cruising around the city and, of course, relaxing in Malibu. In the future, I'll avoid going to LA in June (June Gloom is real!), but I loved my visit, and will no doubt be back soon. A certain rapper is emphatic about having no more parties in LA .... I, on the other hand, beg to differ." — Wallace Cotton, Community Manager
Cozumel, Mexico
"This year I checked Mexico off my bucket list and I went to Cozumel to celebrate my birthday. It was the final stop on my cruise. The island is surrounded by clear, warm water and dreamy white sand. The waterfront near the ship dock was surrounded by restaurant souvenir shops and of course the best tequila bars, which I enjoyed." — Alexa Noel, Editorial Intern
Ireland
"There are so many places I visited this year but the best for me was Ireland. Not only was it beautiful, but the people were so nice and helpful. I would highly suggest this amazing country to anyone who wants a quick, easy (and relatively cheap) European vacation." — Jeff Preis, Editorial Intern
Scandinavia
"Every time I've visited Scandinavia, I've fallen more in love with the region. This January, I ventured up to Lapland, with the highlight being a stay at the Icehotel. Along the way, I made stops in Stockholm and Copenhagen and loved every minute of the trip. Even in the Arctic temperatures, there's so much to love about the region — especially if you get to see the Northern Lights." — Emily McNutt, Associate Editor
Jalisco, Guadalajara & Mexico City
"Earlier this year, I went to Jalisco (the birthplace of tequila) as well as Guadalajara and Mexico City — all of which made the case for non-beachy reasons to explore Mexico. The murals, the tamales, the Batanga ... go go go!" — Cindy Augustine, Lifestyle Editor
Paris, France
"I visited Paris for the first time this summer, and I've got to say, drinking rosè in the sun by the Seine is not too shabby. The best meal was the giant roasted cauliflower at Miznon in Le Marais and the best antiques shopping spot at Vanves Market." — Isabelle Raphael, Photo Editor
Bergamasque Alps, Italy
"My father and I live 3,500 miles apart, but we make sure to set aside time every year for a hiking trip together. This year, we spent a few days in Italy's Bergamasque Alps with friends. It was a wonderful re-discovery of our backyard mountains. They're easy to reach from Milan yet off the beaten path, and exceptionally wild for something so close to a major city." — Alberto Riva, Managing Editor
Grand Junction, Colorado
"The highlight of my travels for 2017, hands down, was a visit to Grand Junction, Colorado. Sure, Denver and Boulder are great, but head west to find the real heart of the state. From hiking the Colorado National Monument which is Grand Canyon-level incredible, to biking your way around the wineries in Palisade, there's no shortage of things to do — one of which has to be a stop at chef Josh Niernberg's restaurant Bin 707, where there's not a sub-par dish (or drink) on the menu." — Jane Frye, Nights & Weekends Editor
Cleveland, Ohio
"The best place I went this year was Cleveland, Ohio to visit my family. I just started my travel journey and I'm looking forward to all the places I will go in 2018." — Jessica Rovniak, Video Editor
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.