De-stress with at-home spa treatments, coloring books and workout classes from your favorite travel brands
In need of some rest and relaxation? Us, too.
We're all living through an incredibly stressful time and, no matter what your current situation looks like, you could almost certainly use a mental break.
Visit TPG’s guide to all coronavirus news and updates
You might be searching for a way to escape this new, disturbing reality — but since now is not the time for unnecessary travel, you're probably also looking for ways to scratch the travel itch. To that end, we've rounded up some of our favorite ways to break free from the craziness of the world right now, courtesy of some of your favorite travel, lifestyle and hospitality brands.
A one-way ticket to relaxation station, coming right.
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Try a coloring book
If you can't visit some of your favorite destinations in person, you might as well draw them, right?
Print out this 34-page coloring book from Leading Hotels of the World and take a trip to some of your favorite destinations, such as Paris, Jerusalem and Ibiza. It's sure to keep you occupied for hours, and is a great way to unwind, unplug and add some color to your day.
Kayak also published new coloring pages, filled with drawings of top destinations, animals, famous attractions and monuments and more. Your inner child (as well as actual children) are sure to these travel-inspired coloring book pages.
Take a meditation class
Calm your mind with Rituals — or meditations — taught by some of Equinox's top instructors, courtesy of the Equinox Hotel in New York City.The flows will help get your body moving and blood flowing, adding some consistency and calmness to your day. You can pick between morning and evening Rituals, each designed to optimize your mind and body depending on the time of day.
Equinox also released a suite of HeadStrong meditation podcasts and videos, meant to help you unwind, sleep, focus, minimize stress and more, Condé Nast Traveler reported.
Related: Kelp jerky, $60 naps and so many gym classes I got banned: My stay at the Equinox Hotel
That's not all. If you're a World of Hyatt member, you now have access to Headspace, one of the top meditation apps on the market. You'll get complimentary mindfulness and sleep exercises in the World of Hyatt app, as well as a 30-day trial subscription to Headspace Plus through July 31.
The subscription provides meditations, mindfulness exercises and even expert guidance from a former monk (and Headspace cofounder!), among other programs. You'll just need to download the Headspace app and register online using the promo code HYATT first.
Take a workout class
Blowing off some steam and breaking a sweat is always a good idea, but this may be especially true during a global pandemic.
Personal trainers from the InterContinental Downtown Los Angeles have put together a virtual workout series, aptly named "Stuck at Home." Fire up one of their YouTube videos and get ready for some cardio, core workouts, stretches and more. Close your eyes hard enough, and you can picture yourself getting a workout in at the hotel before a long day of sightseeing.
Trainers from the fitness center are also available to would-be guests for private Skype sessions.
Related: 27 ways to be a healthier traveler in 2020
United Airlines also recently launched a partnership with Alo Moves, an online wellness platform. They're giving MileagePlus members 30 days of complimentary access to yoga, fitness and meditation classes. The subscription normally retails for $20 per month, and you can sign up here. In addition, if you choose to continue your Alo Moves membership after the 30-day trial, you'll receive 1,000 United bonus miles.
Give yourself a spa day
We know you could use a spa day right about now — and you don't need to have a ton of fancy or hard-to-get products around the house to pamper yourself.
You can use household products such as baking soda and Greek yogurt for baths and masks, according to the Observer. Carnah Collins, spa manager at The Shore Club Turks & Caicos and The Palms Turks & Caicos, told the British paper that adding baking soda to a bath, for example, can "relieve pain and tension” and "detoxify the body."
Pamela Maes, spa director at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Rhinebeck, New York, suggests turning down the lights, turning off the television and tuning in to your breath. Pour yourself a glass of cucumber-infused spa water and treat yourself to a mini spa treatment: Apply thick hand cream to clean, dry hands and wrap them in a warm, damp towel. After 10 minutes, massage off the excess lotion.
We don't know about you, but we're relaxed just thinking about that.
Related: How to make your home feel like a 5-star hotel
Of course, you can always take the at-home spa day more literally. Light a candle from your favorite hotel or resort (we love the Edition candle with citrus, smoke, chocolate, pepper and floral notes and the rose, ylang-ylang, white musk and jasmine candle from Gurney's Resorts) don your favorite spa-worthy robe and break into your stash of amenity kit lotions and potions.
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.