TPG’s Chris Dong: Here are my top 10 story picks from 2021

This holiday week, members of the TPG team are taking a look back at some of our favorite — and most important — stories of the last 12 months. Today, I’m sharing my 10 most memorable pieces from the year.

I started on the TPG team at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. This year, I have traveled the world — as it began reopening again — while reporting on credit cards, news, product launches and giving my personal takes on points, miles and loyalty.

As 2021 comes to a close, here are my top 10 TPG stories, in no particular order.

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What it’s like to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

Read: A full review of the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

There’s getting away. And then there’s getting away to the Ritz-Carlton Maldives.

The property checked all the boxes for a stay of a lifetime. A stunning setting. Gorgeous design. Luxurious amenities. Plus, attention to detail that would impress even the pickiest of travelers.

I enjoyed my time at the Ritz not because of how glamorous it was but because I felt genuinely cared for in a way that I’ve never felt at any other hotel in the world.

Capital One launches Venture X, its first-ever premium travel credit card

Read: A first look at the new Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

With Venture X, Capital One is entering the arena of premium credit cards — and leaning heavily into its rewards program investments.

The launch of the new Venture X card is a significant turning point for Capital One. The issuer hopes simplicity, a user-friendly travel portal and a soon-to-launch network of airport lounges will be enough to draw cardholders into the fold.

On the ground in Portugal: 10 most frequently asked questions about my visit

Read: FAQs about visiting Portugal as a fully vaccinated American

When Portugal announced its reopening to tourists, I jumped on the opportunity to visit as a fully vaccinated American in July.

During my trip, I received hundreds of questions over email, Twitter and Instagram about what it was like to be there. I compiled a run-down of some of the most popular questions, including answers based on current regulations (as of July 2021).

For the most up-to-date COVID-19 protocols, I recommend checking with your accommodations directly, the Visit Portugal website and the U.S. Embassy website.

What has Amex done to my beloved Platinum card?

Read: From private jets to Walmart credits: What has Amex done to my beloved Platinum card?

The Platinum Card® from American Express has been in my wallet since my early 20s.

Granted, I haven’t seen that many iterations of the Amex Platinum. But in my six or so years of having the card, I’ve witnessed its list of perks get more and more bloated while its annual fee ballooned from $450 to $550 and now to $695 per year (see rates and fees).

Earlier this year, I wrote about the evolution of the Platinum card to encompass more “lifestyle” benefits. But its most recent October update — one that included a Walmart+ subscription and SoulCycle statement credit — had me scratching my head and thinking, “What is Amex doing to my beloved Platinum card?”

A review of Turkish Airlines business class on the Boeing 777

Read: Expectations that were too high: A review of Turkish Airlines business class

Turkish Airlines has a lot going for it, including an extensive route network and a gorgeous (albeit slightly undistinguished) new airport in Istanbul.

But I boarded this flight with expectations that I had probably set too high. If I had tempered them, especially knowing about the more limited COVID-19-era service, I would have been more likely to enjoy Turkish business class on the 777.

I’d love to try Turkish again once its full catering operation has returned – especially if it is onboard a Boeing 787 or Airbus A350 with newer business-class seats.

Chase airport lounges are coming in 2022 — here's what to expect

Read: Exclusive: Chase airport lounge coming to San Diego, alongside 3 already announced locations

I learned earlier this year that Chase would wade into the lounge world with its own branded airport locations — dubbed “Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club” — set to open beginning in 2022 with locations at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

Now, as confirmed by TPG’s analysis of public board meeting documents, Chase is laying the groundwork for a fourth lounge at another airport location: San Diego International (SAN).

I’m Asian American. Here’s how the pandemic changed how I view travel.

Read: I’m Asian American. Here’s how the pandemic changed how I view travel.

The wave of hate and violence that rattled the Asian American Pacific Islander community last year unnerved me. It was the direct result of anti-Asian rhetoric associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

A spate of stories about violence encounters and incidents made me more deeply consider my Asian identity, especially as it relates to travel and I wrote about my perspective for TPG.

A review of Hyatt's Hotel 50 Bowery, New York City

Read: Boutique appeal in the heart of Chinatown: A review of Hotel 50 Bowery, New York City

After a short staycation at Hotel 50 Bowery, I can say with certainty that this JdV by Hyatt (formerly known as Joie de Vivre) property not only is a well executed boutique hotel, but it also pays proper homage to its Chinatown neighborhood.

With a unique, artistic vibe in a renowned part of town, Hotel 50 Bowery is one of the few New York City hotels that can please both out-of-towners and city staycationers.

How credit card companies are competing for your pre-flight cocktail

Read: Airport lounge wars: How credit card companies are competing for your pre-flight cocktail

Access to airport lounges has widened dramatically in recent years, with airline club memberships, credit card access to Priority Pass, and most recently, issuers building out their own branded lounges.

That’s mostly good news for cardholders and soon-to-be cardholders. At the same time, lounges will need to continue innovating and creating new experiences.

Why I (almost) always book one-way flights

Read: Why I (almost) always book one-way flights

I care about the lowest price and maximum flexibility when I'm booking a flight, among other factors.

By strategically booking one-way flights, I have been able to maintain half the cost of a round-trip ticket and still give myself options to pay how I want.

In fact, I almost always book one-way flights. And it makes even more sense to do so now during the pandemic.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.