A star-crossed trip to Tahiti; Why I canceled Bora Bora again
As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials' guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.
Americans can go to Tahiti, but...
It looks like French Polynesia just isn't in the cards for me in 2020. My star-crossed trip to Tahiti has summed up 2020 perfectly.
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You may remember that I had booked a dream vacation to Tahiti late last year. I was supposed to be headed for paradise in mid-March, and we all know what happened then. The outbreak of COVID-19 forced me to cancel my trip very last minute. And it turned out it's a good thing I did too as the country basically closed its borders and my flight to Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti was cancelled.
Fortunately, I was able to cancel my trip and get most of my money (and points) back.
As part of our series on booking dream destinations during coronavirus, I went ahead and booked the trip again back in April never dreaming COVID-19 would still be an issue come end of September. So much for that.
Related: Dreaming of French Polynesia; How to book on points and miles
It wasn't coronavirus restrictions forcing my hand this time (though they did factor into it) or cancelled flights. This time my hotel canceled on me!
Le Meridien Bora Bora closing for 18 months
I got an email from Le Meridien in Bora Bora that they were cancelling my reservation at Le Meridien which I'd been aching to experience (and review). Apparently because of coronavirus the hotel is shutting down, and decided to take the time to do a full renovation. A renovation that will last 18 months!
Other issues with travel to French Polynesia
I had already been super nervous about getting a test within 72 hours of departure which is the new rule for tourists who want to visit Tahiti. In fact, French Polynesia is one of the few countries even accepting Americans right now. But I was increasingly worried about how long testing is taking in the United States. There are no guarantees that you can even get COVID-19 PCR test results in the required three-day timeline.
Related: What you know to visit French Polynesia when it reopens in July
I was also, frankly, feeling very guilty about even considering international travel since coronavirus is still spreading across the United States including in the city where I would have to layover before my flight on Air Tahiti Nui. Los Angeles is in the middle of a new spike and reported more than 2,800 cases on Sunday July 19 alone. The mayor is even reportedly considering further restrictions there.
Then there are the fears over a lack of health care resources in places like French Polynesia. As my colleague, Victoria Walker has written, countries in the Caribbean don't always have the facilities and expertise to handle any outbreaks. She called on tourists to follow the rules and carefully consider trips. Perhaps the most responsible thing I could do, in this instance, was not take the chance.
Related: The Caribbean is reopening; recovery depends on you
In any case, the hotel cancelling felt like a sign from the universe.
I went ahead and responded to the email from Le Méridien Bora Bora to cancel the reservation. The next day, I got a response back that I was a bit taken aback by. They would happily refund my money, but it would take up to three months! Yikes.
The email reads, in part, "We will ensure reimbursement within a maximum of 90 days as per Marriott International policy."
That's got me really concerned, but in a worst-case scenario, I can dispute the charge if I don't get my refund. I'll report back on what happens.
Related: Here's where Americans can go
Meantime, I had to deal with the other reservations.
Easy cancelation from American Airlines for flights
On July 15, I called to cancel the reservation and spoke to a nice agent named Jane to cancel the trip (again) and get my points refunded. I got a $61.50 refund and 120,000 AA miles back into my account in 24-48 hours. That was for business class on Air Tahiti Nui one way, premium economy one way, and the connecting flights via Alaska Airlines from New York in first. (That would have a been a great redemption -- sigh.)
Jane told me that she was one of the few agents working from home and had 30+ years with AA. She said she was among many who were considering early retirement.
I got the points back within 24 hours.
I'm eager to rebook this trip, and I'll use some of the tips I've learned at The Points Guy to do it, but I'll wait for a firm date on when Le Meridien will open again before I do.
Related: Air Tahiti Nui in business class from LAX to PPT
Canceling Conrad Bora Bora
Next I had to contact Hilton and see about getting my points back for my one night stay at Conrad Bora Bora. I talked to a customer service representative who was able to cancel the reservation and refund my 330,000 Hilton Honors points. The points showed back up in my account within a minute.
It was much easier than I expected. Again, I want to say how impressed I am with how American Airlines, Marriott and Hilton have been during these trying times. It pays to book direct!
Fortunately, I hadn't made any firmer plans or booked intra-island flights yet. I'm still smarting from losing $377.40 on Expedia for my original March Air Tahiti flight from PPT to Bora Bora (BOB). I am still planning on trying to get that money back, but I don't have it in me to try to get through to Expedia, which has been extraordinarily painful to deal with. Meantime, I went ahead and disputed the charge on 7/20, so if I don't get relief from American Express for that charge I'll fight that battle with Expedia and Air Tahiti another day.
Related: When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery
So what now?
Now being twice-burned, I'm finally getting shy about rebooking this doomed trip. I really could use a week at a resort, but international travel is looking increasingly unlikely for 2020. I've already gotten to explore a few things that I would have normally skipped like Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. It's maybe time to cross a few of the states in the U.S. I've never been to off my list instead.
Though living in Barbados for a year does have some appeal.
Related: Barbados reopening - What you need to know
Related: Barbados wants you to move there and work remote
Read more about traveling to French Polynesia:
- Transfer to paradise: How to take a cheap ferry from Tahiti to Moorea
- Moorea or Bora Bora–Which island paradise is right for you?
- Eating your way through Tahiti’s famed food trucks
- Best French Polynesia hotels to book with points or Citi Prestige 4th Night Free
- Moorea or Bora Bora – Which is right for you?
- La Orana Tahiti: Polaris to PPT on United’s 787-8 Dreamliner
- Last Leg to paradise: Air Tahiti (ATR 72) in economy from Tahiti to Bora Bora
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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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- 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.
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- 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.