Enter to win the chance to live in IHG hotels around the world for an entire year
After more than a year of hardly any travel to speak of, the world is opening up once again, with news coming in seemingly every day that yet another country is reopening its borders to international travelers.
There's a new optimism in the air, with people everywhere remembering what it's like to experience the thrill of traveling to a new place and taking in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a different country.
If you're ready to get back out into the world -- and want to do so in a big way -- look no further than this new contest launched by IHG Hotels and Resorts.
The chain has created a new program, called the Department of Epic, "which will help guests bring their travel dreams to life," according to an IHG press release.
The newly formed Department of Epic is offering one lucky traveler the opportunity to live in IHG properties around the world for an entire year. You read that right. The winner will be able to ditch their permanent residence for a year while traveling around the world and spending 365 nights at different IHG brands, which include options such as the InterContinental, Six Senses, Kimpton and Holiday Inn.
It's not just free accommodations, either. The contest winner will receive numerous perks during their year of hotel living, including a complimentary snack basket upon check-in at each property; one included on-site meal per month; the option to replace their home mattress with their favorite they encountered at the hotels; access to a private car at select properties; a free Kimpton robe to take back home at the end of the year; automatic Spire Elite status; and access to a personal booking concierge.
They'll be entitled to "Epic Extras," too, like a pair of plush slippers or a surprise upgrade to a penthouse suite.
If this sounds like exactly what you need, you can enter the content beginning now through July 20. The instructions for entrants are simple: "Tell IHG why they need a vacation -- without telling IHG they need an epic vacation." Post your submissions to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #IHGTellMeContest and be sure to tag @ihghotels in your post.
And for those who simply can't wait to get back in the vacation mindset can tune into the Clubhouse app any time today through midnight Eastern Time to join IHG as it broadcasts a "hotel audio soundscape that will take listeners through a virtual journey of a hotel experience." You'll get to hear all the familiar sounds of a hotel stay, like the hushed chatter of a lobby, splashing in the pool and music from the bar as you enjoy a drink before retiring for the evening.
The lucky winner of this once-in-a-lifetime contest will be announced Aug. 2, and you can find the full terms and conditions of the contest here.
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| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.