Benji Stawski, Strategic Travel Reporter: My 10 favorite TPG stories of 2021
2021 was a big year for country reopenings, credit card launches, loyalty program updates, new hotel openings and more. As we get ready to usher in the new year, the TPG team is taking a look back on our favorite stories of the last 12 months.
Today, Benji Stawski shares his 10 favorite posts of the year. Benji is a reporter for the site, covering everything from loyalty programs and credit cards to hotels, private aviation and more. Regardless of the topic he's covering, he always has one goal in mind: helping readers make more strategic decisions about their travels and spending.
The golden age of travel isn’t over — it’s evolving
In this story, I explain why I’m a firm believer that we’re still living in the golden age of travel. Private and private-like travel experiences have become more accessible than ever, it’s gotten easier to redeem points and miles, pesky change fees are gone and travel credit cards are offering best-ever sign-up bonuses.
Read story: The golden age of travel isn’t over — it’s evolving
As close to private as it gets: Flying JSX’s new route to LAX
Speaking of private-like experiences, earlier this year, I finally had the chance to fly on JSX. It operates as a hybrid between a commercial airline and a private jet charter service, offering flights on 30-seat regional jets out of private jet terminals. The entire experience was remarkably hassle-free.
Read story: As close to private as it gets: Flying JSX’s new route to LAX
The Aero experience: What it’s like flying on a semiprivate jet for under $1,000
I also tried out Aero's semiprivate jet service on its inaugural flight from Las Vegas to L.A. Between the more exclusive cabin configuration and more personalized service, the experience felt as close to flying private as it could get. This was definitely my most memorable flight this year.
Read story: The Aero experience: What it’s like flying on a semiprivate jet for under $1,000
I booked New York’s newest $1,000 suite for the cost of a standard room, and you can too
Here's one of my most valuable hotel redemptions of 2021: I took advantage of World of Hyatt's upgrades on paid nights feature to book an over-$1,000-per-night suite at the new Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York for just $89 and 6,000 points.
Read story: I booked New York’s newest $1,000 suite for the cost of a standard room, and you can too
‘This is one of the best all-inclusives’: Jamaica’s Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
In the spring, I traveled to Jamaica to compare three all-inclusive resorts. Among them was the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall. This was my first time staying at one of Hyatt's all-inclusive properties and it was one of my best all-inclusive experiences yet. Amenities were plentiful and the food and beverage offerings were top-notch.
Read story: ‘This is one of the best all-inclusives’: Jamaica’s Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
This TPG reader has 30 million points and miles — we’re showing him how to use them
This year, the points and miles team launched a new “1 million miles” series where we share how we'd each spend a million miles with various loyalty programs. However, for this story, we had to think even bigger, as we helped a TPG reader burn 32,194,000 points and miles on an epic adventure around the world.
Read story: This TPG reader has 30 million points and miles — we’re showing him how to use them
Sweet Spot Sunday: Fly lie-flat domestic business class for the price of coach
This year, one of my most-flown routes was New York-JFK to Miami (MIA), and I usually flew up front on American’s 777-300 with Flagship First seats. However, I didn't break the bank in doing so. This guide shows how I did it and how you can, too. This is definitely one of my favorite domestic award chart sweet spots.
Read story: Sweet Spot Sunday: Fly lie-flat domestic business class for the price of coach
How I’m using Amex’s transfer bonuses to book 3 premium trips
In September, American Express Membership Rewards offered a record number of transfer bonuses. Specifically, you were able to get up to a 40% bonus when transferring points to a whopping 12 partners, which was unheard of. While we usually discourage speculative transfers, I made some anyway and was able to book some terrific awards.
Read story: How I’m using Amex’s transfer bonuses to book 3 premium trips
How I Swipe: Strategic Travel Reporter Benji Stawski
How did I earn all those credit card points and miles? Glad you asked. Earlier this year, a coworker interviewed me on my credit card strategy, covering everything from the first card I opened to my go-to card for everyday spend and what cards are in my wallet when I hit the road.
Read story: How I Swipe: Strategic Travel Reporter Benji Stawski
Not your average 737: This $80 million VIP jet has just 13 seats
In October, I attended my first National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas. I got to tour a ton of incredible private jets, but the most special had to be the Boeing Business Jets 737 demonstrator. I’ve been on plenty of 737s before, but this one was like no other, complete with multiple bedrooms, onboard showers, a bar and more.
Read story: Not your average 737: This $80 million VIP jet has just 13 seats
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.