17 reasons I love traveling with my dad
Some of my greatest travel memories have been from trips I've taken with my dad. He and I have shared a special bond since I was born: I was named after him and he was the third son out of three boys and a girl -- just like me.
I credit my dad with sparking my love of points, miles and travel. He was a frequent traveler when I was a kid, and it was his request for me to figure out how to use his stash of airline miles to get our family to the Caribbean that changed the course of my life. To this day, I call him the Original Points Guy for pushing me to get deeply involved with something I had a knack for -- and love.
The last trip we went on as a duo was back in 2017 when we visited Egypt and Jordan -- two countries that neither of us had been to before. It was an amazing trip: We explored Cairo, Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum. But, the best thing about that trip was the unimpeded access to my dad -- it reinforced how similar we are, and caused me to think about why, exactly, I love traveling with him so much
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It's fun to see what I'll be like in 30 years
While we are starkly different in many ways, at the core we are the same person. Even though I'm taking the lead with the reservations these days, it's fun to see him always keeping his cool and notice his fun quirks, like always falling asleep before takeoff and in the lounge.
Related: TPG readers' favorite airport lounges around the world
He makes waiting in lines so much more fun
When we were flying to Cairo a couple of years ago, we got hit with a truly enormous TSA line. (Sadly Egypt Air still doesn't participate in PreCheck!) Had I been alone, I probably would have been mean-tweeting the TSA (OK, I did once) and mad that every minute in line meant one less minute I'd spend in the lounge. But with my Dad there, we were both so excited and made the best of it. Dare I say he even made it a fun experience?
Related: Guide to all the airlines participating in TSA PreCheck
He's a fantastic wingman
Before flying Egypt Air — a dry airline — we wanted to buy cans of beer from an airport bar since we didn't have enough time to buy anything in the duty-free shop. The bartender quickly rebuffed my request, but my old man charmed her with his toothy smile and dad humor. Lo and behold, we soon had four brewskis to-go, which certainly helped improve our experience on board a dry airline!
Related: 9 great spots to grab a drink in the airport
He puts things in perspective for me
If it had just been me, I probably would have torn EgyptAir apart for having a dated product and apathetic service, but he was blown away by the legroom and reminded me that it was actually comfortable enough. (Now, of course, EgyptAir has Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with reverse-herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, though the jury's still out on the overall quality of its business-class offering.)
Related: The best sites for searching Star Alliance award availability
Instead of being a full-blown snob, he helped me realize that the trip was more about the destination and less-so about the journey — something us AvGeeks can sometimes lose sight of.
He helps me hone my dad jokes
Seriously, my dad's jokes are epic and they even translate internationally — well, most of the time. One of our tour guides on the Middle East trip joked with us about drinking camels' milk and my dad ran with that for the two days we were in Cairo. Don't worry, I'm not rude and still laugh at them. Well, some of them...
Related: 5 lessons I learned about travel from my dad
Role reversal is fun
He sacrificed so much for us growing up — he traveled a ton and thus missed out on ball games and birthday parties, but he did it all to put us through college. Now, it's awesome to be able to pay him back in a way that's meaningful since he would never accept cash from me.
Quality time with loved ones is healing
The world can feel like it's out of control and upside-down. It did when my dad and I set off on this journey a few years ago and it does again today in 2020. But, what you really need to focus on is what you can control — spending time with those you love and those who love you.
He's an amazing photographer
I mean, just look at this!
Related: How to take amazing travel photos with your phone
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYbdBRxhLTj/?taken-by=thepointsguy
He's the least-needy person I know
My dad hates crowds (like father, like son) and if a tour is hot or boring, he's always down to go back to the hotel for some downtime or to take a lazy afternoon nap.
Related: Trips you should book well in advance
He's a great tourist
Sometimes, I get tired of tours and zone out. But, my dad's always interested in what the tour guides are saying and has an arsenal of questions at the ready.
Related: How to feel less like a tourist when you travel
He's a great seatmate
My dad sleeps most of the time and wants to talk only when you want to. What could be better?
Related: How to talk to your seatmate
He's disciplined about keeping records of our trips
I caught him filming a video report of his bubble room at Wadi Rum — he's a natural!
Related: What it's like to go glamping at Wadi Rum
He appreciates a surprise
My dad is a native New Yorker, and when I surprised him with a helicopter ride above the city, it was so heart-warming to see his face light up while looking at his city from that vantage point for the first time.
Related: A full review of Blade's helicopter service from Manhattan to JFK
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXybzpVhvHb/?taken-by=thepointsguy
He's 6'3" and mean-looking — no one messes with us!
No, that's not my bodyguard leaving the helicopter — that's my Dad!
He goes with the flow
Not every dad would jump at the thought of crawling through tunnels under the Pyramids -- but my dad never complained!
Related: Mistakes travelers make when traveling to Egypt
He reminds me of Joe Biden and Conan O'Brien
And that's just an awesome mix.
He is a constant reminder of the man I want to be
I value every single second I get to spend with him.
All images courtesy of Brian Kelly
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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.