TPG U.K.'s travel goals for 2020
With the final hours of 2019 about to draw in, it's almost time to take off into a new year of travels and adventures.
At TPG, we're all about travel goals — and TPG U.K. is no different. From ticking off new countries, earning airline elite status and finding ways to travel more sustainably, there's surely something in our goals to inspire your travel planning for the coming year.
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JEAN ARNAS -- HEAD OF VIDEO U.K.
Jean is quite possibly the most well-traveled member of the U.K. team. He never needs an excuse to head to an airport and doesn't plan on changing that habit anytime soon.
"I would like to visit 100 countries by the time I turn 30 years old. I’m at 83 right now -- I just came back from Sofia in Bulgaria. I need to visit 17 new countries before Jan. 2, 2021."
Don't miss: Watch what it's like to fly one of the most luxurious first-class products: the new Singapore Suites
Hayley Coyle -- Features Editor
As the newest member of our team, Hayley is still learning the AvGeek ropes but is very excited to get stuck in and join the TPG U.K. adventure. She had no idea what a Tier Point run was, but now she can't wait to do her first!
"I'd love to get silver BA status by the end of January by doing one weekend of solid flying and also visit Kenya with my father, who was stationed there with the RAF in the sixties."
NICKY KELVIN -- DIRECTOR OF CONTENT
As TPG U.K.'s Director of Content, Nicky's mileage total for 2019 would give any long-haul pilots a run for their money. Still, there are some key countries that he hasn't visited yet but would like to tick off his list in 2020.
"I really want to visit two of my big unchartered territories: Brazil and South Africa."
CHRISTIAN KRAMER -- GENERAL MANAGER
Christian Kramer has been an expert in the miles game for a while. He managed to tick off the four new destinations on his list for 2019, and he plans on doing the same in 2020.
"I want to continue to tick items off of my want to visit list (as well as go back to the places I love). I haven’t quite worked out which countries yet but on the list is Vietnam (and more of Asia) as well as Ecuador, Chile or doing Argentina again. I also want to try different and more exotic airlines."
Emily McNutt -- Global News Editor
Since moving from the U.S. to help start our team in the U.K., Emily has made the most of being so close to the rest of Europe and visited a number of new destinations this year. Continuing to tick off her bucket list is her plan for 2020.
"This year, my goals are all about crossing destinations off my bucket list -- and using my points and miles to do so. I really want to get to visit Namibia and Mauritius. It looks like there's some great properties in both with a number of chain hotels at which I can use some of my high point balances."
Related reading: As good as it gets: A review of Air France La Première (777-300ER) from Paris to Beijing
Kathleen Porter Kristiansen -- Family Travel Writer
Going on holiday with the kids can be a tough task. Enter Kathleen, whose aim is to use the tricks of the trade to maximize her family's travel now that both of her children are only permitted to travel in school holidays.
"2020 is about getting the maximum value out of school holidays now that we’re controlled by the school calendar. Our family has to get creative and plan further out to spend our Avios now that we need to travel at the same time as the rest of the country. Egypt is already planned for February half-term and Canada for Easter skiing. We hope to explore more of the U.K. and continue to teach our children about their three cultures -- British, American and Norwegian -- and continue to use travel to connect with friends and family. Another 2020 goal for our family is for our travels to become more active as we focus on our health and fitness."
Daniel Ross -- Content Producer
Travel has been my passion since I took my first flight on my own to visit family in Spain when I was 13. Since then, I have lived and traveled all around but there is still a lot of places I want to visit.
First off in 2020 is a trip back to Brazil -- it's my favorite country in the world and I get withdrawal symptoms if I leave it more than about two years without a trip. I will also be spending every point and mile that I have saved up to fly in premium cabins to Australia for the wedding of one of my best friends. I'd also really like to head to Japan if I can fit it in.
Related reading: King in the North: A review of Virgin Atlantic Upper Class on the 747 from Manchester to Atlanta
BEN SMITHSON -- SENIOR WRITER
Like many an Aussie, Ben lives and breathes travel. So much so that he could probably count on one hand the number of weekends he spent in the country in 2019. For next year, airline elite status is high priority.
"I lost my Executive Club Silver (Oneworld Sapphire) status early this year and I miss it already. I fly an enormous amount of different airlines, often in economy but being based in London and traveling to the U.S. regularly means I fly Oneworld airlines quite a lot. I would really value the perks of Silver status, so I’m going to focus on earning it again in 2020. The easiest and most comfortable way to do this would be a Qatar Qsuite deal from Europe to Asia."
Related reading: The most comfortable way to earn British Airways Silver status
Liam Spencer -- Social Media Editor
As the youngest member of the TPG U.K. team, since joining us in March, Liam has been bitten by the travel bug and cannot wait to start adventuring more.
"2019 has been the busiest travel year of my life, but I'm hoping to make 2020 even better. I'll whisper this quietly, but since joining TPG U.K. back in March I'm yet to use any of my points for my first redemption. Having earned around 100,000 across multiple programs so far, this is something I'm definitely planning to change in the new year. Look out, Tokyo."
Related reading: Treated like a king for a day: Flying first class for the first time on Lufthansa's A340
Lori Zaino -- Travel Writer
Lori is a real adventurer. She loves nothing more than to spend some quality time in Bangkok, or escaping the hustle and bustle at a yoga retreat.
"My 2020 travel goals have less to do with where and more to do with how. While countries like Lebanon, Georgia, the Seychelles and Albania are all high on my list, and I’ll be ringing in the New Year from Egypt, I want to focus on traveling more sustainably in 2020. I’d like to do more train travel and stay in properties with a green focus. On my Christmas wish list: reusable small bottles for travel toiletries, a stainless steel straw and a new Swell water bottle."
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.