Why I Loved Being a Tourist During My Whirlwind Family Trip Around Asia and Europe
Normally when I travel, I avoid the major tourist attractions. Often it's because I'm traveling for work and don't have time, or I'm visiting friends and we tend to do more local activities. However, every once in a while, it's fun to geek out and be the ultimate tourist, especially with family.
During a recent round-the-world trip with my parents that included stops in London, Ghana, Dubai, Beijing, Bali, Singapore and Hong Kong, we decided to indulge in some of the most cliché tourist activities, and it ended up being really memorable. Here's a snapshot of all the times I played tourist — and loved it!
1. The London Eye
I've visited London countless times, but I'd never actually gone up in the London Eye. The cool, spaceship-style capsules were intriguing. While it's not cheap (prices start at £26 per person, or $35) the views of London and the River Thames are spectacular. I went during sunset with my parents, and we had a great time chatting and observing the sun set over the river.
Tip: Book your tickets online, because you can save 10%, and you'll avoid the long lines.
2. High Tea at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai
Although I was in Dubai just a few weeks prior to the trip with my parents, I didn't have time to do anything touristy then. So, when we were all there together, we decided to do the most touristy thing we could think of: Tea at the Burj, the tallest building in the world.
Although you have the option to go to an observation deck, we opted to skip the long lines and instead nibble on sweets and sip tea while taking in the panoramic views of Dubai's larger-than-life skyline and pristine sandy beaches from At.Mosphere on the 122nd floor of the building.
Prices start at about $114 per person for an inside table, but I would recommend splurging for the window table, which costs about $133 per person. The menu includes brut Champagne with berries; finger sandwiches and other delicate appetizers; a main course; and pastries, scones and homemade desserts paired with tea.
Tip: Don't bother trying to walk there or enter via the Dubai Mall, even if your hotel seems close. Instead, take an Uber and get dropped off at the Armani Hotel entrance. Also there's a dress code — no shorts or sandals at high tea!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbyIYAbBZ5D/?taken-by=thepointsguy
3. The Forbidden Palace and Great Wall of China
Seeing some of Beijing's most famous attractions with a tour guide isn't something I'd normally do, but my parents and I decided it would be a great idea to have someone explain the history surrounding these incredible and historic structures. We ended up hiring Summer, an absolutely fantastic guide who had such wonderful energy and was a great storyteller. It was also special to see Beijing without all the smog — if you're visiting and it's a beautiful clear day, reach out to Summer via email. She can be reached at 1024536649@qq.com, and her tours cost about $120 for a full day.
Tip: Bundle up, because Beijing is chilly in the winter! The ideal solution is the panda hat-and-mitten combo I'm sporting.
4. The Merlion in Singapore
Although we only spent 12 hours in Singapore, what's a visit to this Southeast Asian city without taking classic tourist photos in front of one of the world's most famous hotels, Marina Bay Sands? If we'd had more time or another night there, of course, we would have taken the typical photos from the infinity pool on the rooftop.
On an unrelated note, isn't my mom beautiful?
Tip: Give yourself an extra hour at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) — it's rated the best in the world! While there, you can explore the cactus gardens or go down the 39-foot-tall slide.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcH9RLIBa_0/?taken-by=thepointsguy
As a frequent traveler, I understand the desire to always see new and exciting things and have local experiences. But sometimes visiting all the typical tourist attractions can be fun — I definitely enjoyed doing this with my parents.
Images courtesy of the author.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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.