TPG Staff Picks: The Best Places We Traveled in 2017
In 2017, TPG staffers traveled near and far for everything from airline mileage runs to hotel reviews to exciting vacations. And as the year comes to an end, we're taking a moment to think back on the best places we visited this year. With some exciting new destinations and a few classics thrown in, here are the spots that stood out in 2017.
Likoma Island, Malawi
"This year I visited Likoma Island, Malawi and I enjoyed every second of my trip, from the breathtaking scenery to the friendly and welcoming locals. Now I see why Malawi was considered one of best places to visit in 2017." — Brian Kelly, The Points Guy
San Francisco, California
"I finally had the chance to visit San Francisco this year and I absolutely loved it. I was lucky enough to hang out with my best friend who lives there, and also take an amazing flight on United Polaris with some of the TPG team. The best part was the burritos I ate — lots and lots of burritos.” — Samantha Rosen, Social Media Editor
Bali, Indonesia
"Bali was definitely the most luxurious place I visited in 2017 — and I got to leave with a story I’ll never forget. I visited the island for the PeaceJam conference with TPG and I was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous weather, picturesque beaches and relaxing stay at the Ritz Carlton Bali. At the end of the trip, however, my flight was canceled because of the Bali volcano eruption. Beside my hectic two-day evacuation, my trip was great.” — Becca Denenberg, Marketing & Events Manager
New Zealand
"Although I visited New Zealand before, we really blew it out in 2017, exploring much of both islands and going on some incredible hikes. I especially like the South Island, but there’s plenty to see in the north as well, especially if you’re a Lord of the Rings fan. If you’re torn between Australia and New Zealand, I’d say NZ all the way." — Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large
Japan
"Since living on the road, I’ve visited 19 countries in 2017. But there's one place I'd go back in a heartbeat: Japan. I love the country and culture: the fast, efficient transportation, excellent food, wonderful shrines and temples, and a unique culture that emphasis excellence in all tasks." — JT Genter, Points and Miles Writer
Los Angeles, California
"I’ve had a couple cool trips this year (including our awesome trip to SFO and NorCal for United Family Day), but my favorite was actually a different trip to California. A good friend and I jetted out to Los Angeles on Virgin America to visit another friend living out there. We spent the days roaming the beach towns, biking up the Strand, cruising around the city and, of course, relaxing in Malibu. In the future, I’ll avoid going to LA in June (June Gloom is real!), but I loved my visit, and will no doubt be back soon. A certain rapper is emphatic about having no more parties in LA .... I, on the other hand, beg to differ." — Wallace Cotton, Community Manager
Cozumel, Mexico
"This year I checked Mexico off my bucket list and I went to Cozumel to celebrate my birthday. It was the final stop on my cruise. The island is surrounded by clear, warm water and dreamy white sand. The waterfront near the ship dock was surrounded by restaurant souvenir shops and of course the best tequila bars, which I enjoyed." — Alexa Noel, Editorial Intern
Ireland
"There are so many places I visited this year but the best for me was Ireland. Not only was it beautiful, but the people were so nice and helpful. I would highly suggest this amazing country to anyone who wants a quick, easy (and relatively cheap) European vacation." — Jeff Preis, Editorial Intern
Scandinavia
"Every time I’ve visited Scandinavia, I’ve fallen more in love with the region. This January, I ventured up to Lapland, with the highlight being a stay at the Icehotel. Along the way, I made stops in Stockholm and Copenhagen and loved every minute of the trip. Even in the Arctic temperatures, there’s so much to love about the region — especially if you get to see the Northern Lights." — Emily McNutt, Associate Editor
Jalisco, Guadalajara & Mexico City
"Earlier this year, I went to Jalisco (the birthplace of tequila) as well as Guadalajara and Mexico City — all of which made the case for non-beachy reasons to explore Mexico. The murals, the tamales, the Batanga ... go go go!" — Cindy Augustine, Lifestyle Editor
Paris, France
"I visited Paris for the first time this summer, and I’ve got to say, drinking rosè in the sun by the Seine is not too shabby. The best meal was the giant roasted cauliflower at Miznon in Le Marais and the best antiques shopping spot at Vanves Market." — Isabelle Raphael, Photo Editor
Bergamasque Alps, Italy
"My father and I live 3,500 miles apart, but we make sure to set aside time every year for a hiking trip together. This year, we spent a few days in Italy’s Bergamasque Alps with friends. It was a wonderful re-discovery of our backyard mountains. They’re easy to reach from Milan yet off the beaten path, and exceptionally wild for something so close to a major city." — Alberto Riva, Managing Editor
Grand Junction, Colorado
"The highlight of my travels for 2017, hands down, was a visit to Grand Junction, Colorado. Sure, Denver and Boulder are great, but head west to find the real heart of the state. From hiking the Colorado National Monument which is Grand Canyon-level incredible, to biking your way around the wineries in Palisade, there’s no shortage of things to do — one of which has to be a stop at chef Josh Niernberg’s restaurant Bin 707, where there’s not a sub-par dish (or drink) on the menu." — Jane Frye, Nights & Weekends Editor
Cleveland, Ohio
"The best place I went this year was Cleveland, Ohio to visit my family. I just started my travel journey and I'm looking forward to all the places I will go in 2018." — Jessica Rovniak, Video Editor
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.