TPG Staff Picks: What's on Our Travel Wish List for 2018
The New Year marks a fresh start to redeeming points and maximizing travel. And if you’re like us here at TPG, you already have your eye on more than a few amazing places to visit in 2018. But don’t just let your list get long; go forth and explore the fascinating corners of the world. If you’re still looking for some inspiration, check out our 2018 travel wish list and start planning your next getaway.
Israel
"My year ahead includes trips to Israel (I’ve never been!); Bora Bora (I’m eyeing that new SFO PPT nonstop later this year and haven’t been there yet either); and maybe Cannes for the Lions conference in June (I’ve been to Cannes, but never to Lions)." — Brian Kelly, The Points Guy
Japan
"After almost booking ANA’s out-of-this-world NYC to Tokyo round-trip business class award for only 75,000 Amex points, my travel plans are set on Japan this year: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in particular. That incredible redemption rate for 2018 is for the 'low season' — which includes January and April — and while I’d love to go during Japan’s famous cherry blossom season, I’d have no problem at all bouncing around some ramen shops during the winter months. With all the food I’d be eating, that lie-flat would be a welcome perk when I return home in a food coma." — Wallace Cotton, Community Manager
Iran
"Traveling to Iran is an aviation geek’s dream because of decades of embargo. The country’s airlines still fly airplanes that vanished long ago from US and European fleets — so that’s where I want to go this year. Famous hospitality, an ancient culture and ultra-rare plane finds ... what’s not to like?" — Alberto Riva, Managing Editor
Australia
"Australia’s Whitsunday Islands are calling my name. It’s been a bucket list destination ever since I first visited the country years ago, so I’m using a trip to my in-laws as an excuse to finally pull the trigger. If the crystal clear blue waters and white sand beaches aren’t paradise, I don’t know what is." — Jane Frye, Nights & Weekends Editor
Egypt
"Ever since I was very young, I’ve been fascinated with all things Egypt. The country has so much to offer — from the Pyramids of Giza to the gorgeous beaches on the Red Sea. Things seem to have calmed down there recently and with hotels offering attractive rates, I think this year may be the one that I finally visit." — Nick Ellis, Assistant Editor
Sicily
"I’ve been fortunate enough to visit (and revisit) cities throughout Italy — including Rome, Venice and Milan — plus, I road-tripped throughout Puglia in the south. My dream trip, which I’m hoping to take this spring, is to the biggest island in the Mediterranean: Sicily. I can’t wait to explore the piazzas and cathedrals — and taste the wine, cannoli and arancini. Tips welcome!" — Cindy Augustine, Lifestyle Editor
Greece
"Greece has been on my list of must-visit places for a while. Through my studies, I’ve learned that Greece is the cradle of democracy and home to the Olympic Games as well as the ancient cities. But what those textbooks left out was the majestic beauty of its thousand islands. The white-sand beach and clear blue water of Mykonos Island is calling my name this year." — Alexa Noel, Editorial Intern
South Africa
"South Africa has been on my list since I can remember and I haven’t been yet. We sponsor a PeaceJam conference there every year in October so I am hoping this is the year I get to go! On top of the PeaceJam conference, I’ve always wanted to go on Safari. Last but not least, the wine country is supposed to be amazing." — Becca Denenberg Marketing & Events Manager
Brazil
"The reason I have yet to visit Brazil is that Americans previously needed to visit an embassy or consulate (or pay for a third-party service) in order to get a visa. Fortunately, that’s about to change, with Brazil soon issuing e-visas for US passport holders. So Brazil is now near the top of my list — Rio in particular, since I have a colleague there and it seems overall more appealing than Sao Paolo. While I don’t yet have concrete plans to visit, I’d say there’s a pretty good chance it’ll happen in 2018." — Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large
Hong Kong
"There are so many places on my list, but if I had to pick one, I’d go with Hong Kong. Between the mouth-watering food (soup dumplings for days!), gorgeous hotels and incredible history, there’s so much I want to explore there." — Samantha Rosen, Social Media Editor
Copenhagen
"Well, my first choice for travel is Cuba. However, since there are currently US travel restrictions, I’ll set my sight on Copenhagen. I’ve always wanted to visit, and I know I can get there for relatively cheap from NYC. I want to wait until it’s warmer so I can explore the city and the surrounding countryside — maybe even visit a few of the neighboring countries — and immerse myself in Danish culture." — Jeffrey Preis, Editorial Intern
Azore Islands and Norway
"I’m looking east from New York at two destinations: the Azores and Norway. I’ve been dying to visit Norway and take one of Norwegian’s dirt cheap sub-$200 fares from New York’s Stewart Airport (SWF) to Bergen (BGO). The Azores, a small string of Portuguese islands in the middle of the Atlantic, made our list of top places to travel in 2018. It’s untouched beauty and the new nonstop Delta flight from New York (JFK) made it easily top my list." — Brendan Dorsey, Assistant Editor
Namibia
"Namibia has been on my radar as long as I can remember. All of the pictures I’ve seen from Windhoek and beyond look stunning and otherworldly. Plus, Air Namibia’s nonstop from Frankfurt (FRA) is incredibly intriguing as a flight option. Although the A330-200 doesn’t look luxurious by any stretch, it would be a neat experience I’m hoping to cross off my bucket list this year." — Emily McNutt, Associate Editor
Croatia
"The photographer in me can’t wait to visit Croatia this summer. While I’m doing a bit of the 'touristy thang' with some friends by hitting up Yacht Week out of Split and attending Ultra Europe over July 4th week, I also look forward to visiting the Plitvice Falls and checking out King’s Landing — I mean Dubrovnik. Hvar and Diocletian’s Palace also look like a shutterbug’s dream." — Katherine Fan, Freelance Writer
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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.