Why I Loved Being a Tourist During My Whirlwind Family Trip Around Asia and Europe
Normally when I travel, I avoid the major tourist attractions. Often it's because I'm traveling for work and don't have time, or I'm visiting friends and we tend to do more local activities. However, every once in a while, it's fun to geek out and be the ultimate tourist, especially with family.
During a recent round-the-world trip with my parents that included stops in London, Ghana, Dubai, Beijing, Bali, Singapore and Hong Kong, we decided to indulge in some of the most cliché tourist activities, and it ended up being really memorable. Here's a snapshot of all the times I played tourist — and loved it!
1. The London Eye
I've visited London countless times, but I'd never actually gone up in the London Eye. The cool, spaceship-style capsules were intriguing. While it's not cheap (prices start at £26 per person, or $35) the views of London and the River Thames are spectacular. I went during sunset with my parents, and we had a great time chatting and observing the sun set over the river.
Tip: Book your tickets online, because you can save 10%, and you'll avoid the long lines.
2. High Tea at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai
Although I was in Dubai just a few weeks prior to the trip with my parents, I didn't have time to do anything touristy then. So, when we were all there together, we decided to do the most touristy thing we could think of: Tea at the Burj, the tallest building in the world.
Although you have the option to go to an observation deck, we opted to skip the long lines and instead nibble on sweets and sip tea while taking in the panoramic views of Dubai's larger-than-life skyline and pristine sandy beaches from At.Mosphere on the 122nd floor of the building.
Prices start at about $114 per person for an inside table, but I would recommend splurging for the window table, which costs about $133 per person. The menu includes brut Champagne with berries; finger sandwiches and other delicate appetizers; a main course; and pastries, scones and homemade desserts paired with tea.
Tip: Don't bother trying to walk there or enter via the Dubai Mall, even if your hotel seems close. Instead, take an Uber and get dropped off at the Armani Hotel entrance. Also there's a dress code — no shorts or sandals at high tea!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbyIYAbBZ5D/?taken-by=thepointsguy
3. The Forbidden Palace and Great Wall of China
Seeing some of Beijing's most famous attractions with a tour guide isn't something I'd normally do, but my parents and I decided it would be a great idea to have someone explain the history surrounding these incredible and historic structures. We ended up hiring Summer, an absolutely fantastic guide who had such wonderful energy and was a great storyteller. It was also special to see Beijing without all the smog — if you're visiting and it's a beautiful clear day, reach out to Summer via email. She can be reached at 1024536649@qq.com, and her tours cost about $120 for a full day.
Tip: Bundle up, because Beijing is chilly in the winter! The ideal solution is the panda hat-and-mitten combo I'm sporting.
4. The Merlion in Singapore
Although we only spent 12 hours in Singapore, what's a visit to this Southeast Asian city without taking classic tourist photos in front of one of the world's most famous hotels, Marina Bay Sands? If we'd had more time or another night there, of course, we would have taken the typical photos from the infinity pool on the rooftop.
On an unrelated note, isn't my mom beautiful?
Tip: Give yourself an extra hour at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) — it's rated the best in the world! While there, you can explore the cactus gardens or go down the 39-foot-tall slide.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcH9RLIBa_0/?taken-by=thepointsguy
As a frequent traveler, I understand the desire to always see new and exciting things and have local experiences. But sometimes visiting all the typical tourist attractions can be fun — I definitely enjoyed doing this with my parents.
Images courtesy of the author.
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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
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- 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.
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- 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.