What Purposeful Travel Means to Me
We're partnering with Capital One to launch our new Purposeful Travel Hub. If you have unique ways you like to give back when you travel or just love exploring new places with family and friends, we want to hear about it. Share your most treasured travel moments and purposeful travel tips with us using #MeaningfulMoments.
Each year, I seem to ponder the concept of purposeful travel more and more. Travel is powerful. It enriches my life and gives me the opportunity to see new places, but it goes beyond that. Because I spend so much time on the road (or in the air), I want to make sure each and every trip counts. To me, purposeful travel means three things: giving back, bonding with friends and family and exploring responsibly.
Giving Back
PeaceJam is a nonprofit organization close to my heart. With a strong focus on peace education, the nonprofit brings Nobel Peace Prize winners to conferences for teens around the world, inspiring youth to take positive leadership roles in their communities. TPG has funded and attended Peace Jam conferences across the globe, including Guatemala, Ghana, South Africa and even right here in the US. Hearing stories about the adversity each Nobel Peace laureate has overcome to bring peace to our world is beyond inspiring, and I'm in awe of the strength and intelligence of the youth attendees who are determined to improve their communities.
Earlier this year, my team and I traveled to Puerto Rico to give back to those affected by Hurricane Maria. Being on the ground to survey the damage firsthand and hearing stories from locals was heartbreaking. You may not be able to personally travel to a location after a destructive event, but you can always direct your efforts by participating in a drive for supplies or donating money to an organization like Bethenny Frankel's #BStrong.
The TPG team and I also marched together (well, rode on our 747-themed float) at the DC Pride parade last year in support of Rainbow Railroad, an extraordinary organization helps LGBTQI people escape state-enabled violence, murder or persecution. While I traveled to DC to support this organization, Rainbow Railroad is fighting to make destinations all over the world safe for LGBTQI travelers — making the world a safer place to both live and travel in for us all. This year, along with help from TPG readers that donated over $200,000, we saved 21 LGBTQI lives.
There are so many ways to give back when you travel, even beyond the organizations I've listed above. Your efforts can be as personal as bringing a pack of pencils along in your suitcase for Pack With a Purpose or taking the time to chat with locals during your journey.
Traveling With the People I Love
What's the point in seeing something amazing if you can't share it with friends and family? While I love solo travel, I'm often traveling alone for work and welcome a family trip whenever possible.
My parents are the best travel companions ever. They keep up with my nonstop pace, and seeing my favorite places through their eyes is like learning to travel all over again.
Plus, seeing them light up when flying them in Emirates first class was truly priceless. (Is this how they must have felt at my first baseball game, or when I graduated middle school?)
One of my favorite trips was traveling to Egypt and Jordan with my dad. Some of his best travel qualities include (but aren't limited to) making epic dad jokes, being a solid wingman, a great seatmate and his openness to adventure. Of course, I love traveling with my mom, too.
We had a pretty amazing round-the-world trip last Thanksgiving, which included visits to Dubai, London, Beijing and Bali — we even got trapped in Bali during the volcano eruption.
Our most recent trip was just a few weeks ago, visiting South Africa for a PeaceJam conference and later, a safari. My mom had the patience of a saint, as always, and my adventurous dad even went paragliding with me. We embarked on a safari, seeing elephants, lions, alligators, hyena and more, making memories I know I'll never forget.
My friends are pretty awesome travel companions, too, bringing curiosity, excitement and never-ending laughter along on all our trips.
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One of my all-time favorite trips was visiting Iceland with them over New Year's Eve — and then warming up a few months later in the Turks & Caicos.
My best tip for having a meaningful trip with friends and family is to remember — in addition to documenting your memories — that it's important to look up from your camera and phone and really live in the moment. Oh, and being patient and flexible is key.
Exploring Responsibly
Having bucket list adventures is important — I love a solid adrenaline rush. But making sure these epic experiences are done responsibly and sustainably is something I always prioritize. Ocean conservation is especially close to my heart: I'm an avid diver, and keeping the oceans clean and the reefs intact is a cause that's very important to me.
When traveling to dive, hotels that focus on sustainability always win points with me. During my most recent trip to the Maldives, I stayed at Baros Island, a resort dedicated to being eco-friendly. Baros uses biodegradable chemicals for cleaning along with recycled water, and is dedicated to the care of marine life and reef conservation. Seeing a family of manta rays while snorkeling and knowing the hotel was doing everything in its power to ensure a safe environment for these incredible creatures was really special.
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Earlier this month, I went paragliding in South Africa, which was another exciting adventure. Seeing Cape Town from high above (and watching my dad fly through the air, too) was so much fun. The winds were perfect, and the experience helped me conquer my fear of heights. Plus, this is a low-impact sport: it doesn't use fuel or alter the environment.
Trekking to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda was another unforgettable trip. These magical creatures are slowly losing their habitat, but the staff that runs these amazing treks is dedicated to protecting the species. It was incredible to see these mammals in their natural environment, and also to know I was joining a responsible tour operator committed to conservation.
So the next time you book a trip, decide what's important to you and know that there are countless ways to travel with purpose.
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.