What are your guilty travel pleasures?
As I booked my post-flight massage for next week's trip to Shanghai, it occurred to me that there are certain "guilty pleasures" that I only indulge in when I travel -- or things I take for granted at home that take on special significance once I leave the USA. I asked Facebook TPG Lounge readers to confess their travel guilty pleasures and certain items got mentioned again and again. Here are some of our favorites:
Spa services
Our own Mommy Points confesses to getting her hair done when she travels. While my hair is pretty wash-n-go, I do like a good massage and mani-pedi, especially in Asia or other locales where spa treatments are a fraction of the cost in the states. For example, my Shanghai massage at a highly recommended and upscale spa will cot 135RMB an hour (about $19). Reader Sanja takes things a step further and books a massage every single day when she travels to Thailand. (I can't say I fault her judgement.)
You can combine the best of both worlds when you travel in business or first class on select airlines where complimentary massage treatments in the lounge are provided pre-flight. Or you can pop into the American Express Centurion Lounge at DFW for a massage or a manicure free of charge.
If you're willing to pull out the plastic, many airports have spas set up for your layover or delayed flight relaxation needs. Amanda likes to squeeze a manicure into her layovers, and Kelly swears by hourlong massages at airport spas if she's saddled with a long delay. As she put it, the massage is "twice the price and mediocre quality, but beats eating cheese cubes in the AAdmiral's Club lounge."
Airport splurges
A number of readers mentioned the free-flowing drinks at the airport lounge as their guilty pleasure, whether access is via ticket class or Priority Pass. Felipe confessed that his American Express Platinum "paid for itself in no time" thanks to Centurion Lounge beverage creations and ample lounge access. Shawn admitted to an 8 a.m. Prosecco (if it's in a mimosa it's breakfast, right?), and Donovan confessed that he'll never give up his Delta Sky Club access.
Sarah hits up duty-free for a large hazelnut chocolate bar that lasts her for weeks, while Jon is a sucker for the obscenely priced gummies at Hudson gift shops. And who can forget Joey from Friends with his giant Toblerone?
Taking things a different direction, Melinda indulges her mind by picking up a book to read on the plane. I'm a sucker for European fashion magazines, specifically because of all of the wonderful goodies they give away with the purchase. I have bought magazines with attached huraches, a sarong, sunglasses, lip gloss and tote bags, among other treasures. Sometimes I can't even read the language the magazine is printed in, but it doesn't matter: it's all about the swag.
On the culinary front, Rasheeda enjoys a burger and beer at a sit-down restaurant at JFK airport, while Joy indulges in a Nathan's chili dog and fries from LAS. (After the chili dog, she may want to check out TPG's advice on preventing gas in flight.)
A comfortable arrival
Once I get to my hotel I'm the queen of public transit, but with rare exceptions, I'll arrange for a private shuttle from the airport. If I've got luggage, I'm getting help. I still get that little thrill when I walk out of Customs and see a guy in uniform holding a sign with my name on it.
Many others echoed my desire for a smooth vacation launch. Christina knows buses and trains are cheaper but said, "I just don't want to deal with the ordeal of it all. (With a driver) I'm at my hotel in half the time." Judy takes the luxury a step further by booking the car service directly through the hotel. I usually comparison shop but totally understand wanting to save the planning time.
Hotel must-haves
Levi shares an aversion to disposable hotel cups with me (notwithstanding other readers' warnings about hygiene and hotel glasses). I absolutely must drink my morning coffee out of a mug. (In fact, I have an accidental collection of souvenir mugs because I'll buy one before I stoop to drinking out of a paper cup.)
Lenore uses her hotel time to catch up on Pay-Per-View movies with a room service meal. Eileen recently took things a step further: "It feels fabulous to have a night with nothing to do other than curl up in bed and have someone bring you food while you binge-watch an entire season on Netflix." Marriott has taken a lot of flack lately, but I do love that you can connect your Netflix and Hulu accounts to its televisions chain-wide.
A taste of home
Even when beer or wine costs half as much and the size of the soda can is laughable, I won't give up my Diet Coke fix. But it won't do to just get the can: I have to get at least one ice cube as well. I was relieved to find that I wasn't alone in succumbing to the siren fizz. I haven't paid $10 for one like Anna did in Venice, but I've definitely had my soda cost more than my meal in some Southeast Asian venues. Tim doesn't need the ice: He'll drink it warm in places where he wouldn't drink the water.
And then there's McDonald's. The most common guilty travel pleasure on our survey involves the Golden Arches. Kirsten's son proudly boasts that he's visited McDonald's in 19 countries. For some it's a place to get the aforementioned Diet Coke, for others a clean bathroom and air conditioning. Kevin gave in after a month in China, surrendering to the temptation of hash browns. Travelers who shun fast food at home happily stop into McDonald's while they travel. Even Mommy Points is lovin' it.
The reason most often mentioned? International branches of McDonald's feature menu items that you just can't get at home. You don't even have to leave the USA: Paul enjoys Spam, eggs and rice at McDonald's in Hawaii. Christy fondly remembers the McCroquettes in Spain, and my daughter still eats her (now veggie) burgers with avocado instead of cheese just like in her Chilean Happy Meal. Finally, Heather has me intrigued by Hong Kong's Tabasco Hot Fudge sundae ... although you might be able to try adding hot sauce to one from your local drive-thru.
So the next time you imbibe Day-Glo Pineapple Fanta from the soda fountain like Stephanie or dig into a Japanese Ebi Shrimp burger like Judy, know that you're not alone. And be sure to say hi: I'll be the one refilling my Diet Coke with ice.
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.