Travel
“I started creating content after I took a trip to Jinja, in Eastern Uganda, and took a boat ride down the Nile River. I remember being so taken up and falling in love with exploring right then and there,” she says.
Uganda has been gaining popularity with adventure travelers, and the country saw over 1.5 million visitors in 2019 before travel halted in 2020. Arah says some of the most sought-out activities in Uganda include boating on Lake Bunyonyi, gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and hiking up Sipi Falls.
“I want people to see that Uganda is beautiful, but it's the people that make it even more beautiful.” Arah adds, “The future of travel in Uganda is brighter than ever before as more people in other countries learn about the country and more Ugandans embrace domestic travel.”
Kisoro Uganda beautiful sunset over mountains and hills of pastures and farms in villages of Uganda.
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Tanzanian-born Fahad Fuad has a similar story. He started traveling through Tanzania and was blown away by how beautiful his country was. For the past seven years, he’s been sharing travel and wildlife photographs on social media, and he’s also built a travel platform, Unzip Tanzania, which aims to share Tanzania's hidden gems.
“I started creating travel content so that I can show the world what Tanzania has to offer beyond Mt. Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar,” Fuad says. “Tanzania has so much to offer than those three destinations, and I knew as a content creator there was something that I could do to change the narrative about my country.”
Fuad explains that there’s a lack of information about the more off-beat destinations in Africa and he’s working to raise awareness through every photo and video he shares online.
“I never knew how beautiful my country was before I started traveling. Apart from the history and culture, the landscape of Tanzania will leave you in awe. It has crystal-clean white beaches, untouched forests, beautiful waterfalls, hot springs, and lakes that are found at the base of majestic mountains, and the endless savannah in the Serengeti which hosts a huge ecosystem. All of this beauty made me change my entire lifestyle to become a travel content creator.”
Nathalie Bonte in Rwanda.
Courtesy of Nathalie Bonte
While travelers may be more familiar with Africa’s more visited destinations like Egypt, Ghana, or Kenya, countries like Rwanda are experiencing a renewed interest, partly because travelers have direct access to local content thanks to creators like Nathalie Bonte. After moving to Rwanda in 2014, Bonte started a blog, Joli Tropisme, because she was tired of being asked the same cliched questions. Bonte set out to counter the lingering poverty narrative that surrounds Rwanda and showcase why the country is nicknamed “the country of a thousand hills.”
“Rwanda has so many hills offering incredible views and landscapes,” she says. “It’s the perfect destination for the first trip to Africa or a solo trip because it's very safe and peaceful. You can do a safari, hike volcanoes, go canoeing and enjoy one of the biggest lakes, Kivu Lake. Because it's small, you can do all this in 10 days.”
Bonte says that it’s not easy being a content creator in Africa - finding well-paid opportunities is challenging, and she faces competition from foreign content creators for partnerships with big brands. But Bonte’s mission is unwavering - she wants to change how people see Africa.
“The best part is when someone tells me that my account put Rwanda or other African countries on their bucket list or when they thank me for helping them see our continent more positively,” the blogger says. “I see beauty everywhere in Africa. I see progress, and I see the rich cultures and talents of our people, and I decided to share my vision to change the many clichés people still have about our stunning continent.”
Bonte and her daughters in Rwanda.
Courtesy of Nathalie Bonte
Zambia is another overlooked destination but Dee Walker wants to change that. Walker created a food and travel Instagram account to highlight the under-the-radar country and some of her recommendations include spending time in Zambia’s capital Lusaka, which has a vibrant food and arts scene, and then making the trek to Kundalila Falls in the northern part of Zambia. Walker also says she’s excited to see the boom in African travel in recent years.
“I think the future of African travel is about to blow up even more than we’ve seen in the last few years. People are super keen and curious to visit the continent and I also think more Black travelers outside the continent are visiting and making it a popular choice,” she says.
While they face challenges, these content creators are opening doors for travelers to familiarize themselves with African destinations they may not have considered before.
“The old way of thinking about Africa as only being poor and downtrodden is changing because of how travel content creators like myself are showcasing our respective countries, and I think it’s definitely attracting more visitors,” Walker says. “It’s also a great way to address usual negative stereotypes and perceptions. We have a beautiful and varied continent and people are simply doing their best to enjoy themselves and represent well.”
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Featured image courtesy of Nathalie Bonte
The Bahamas has special meaning to me. It’s the place where my husband and I traveled as newlyweds, where my sister and I spent a weekend girls' trip, and it was one of the first places I took my kids when we started traveling as a family. The Bahamas has always been a place I return to, partly because it’s so close to my home in South Florida and because the beautiful beaches are an ideal setting for a peaceful break.
A New Year in a Familiar Destination
Last year was full of highs and lows, and I wanted to spend my first days of the new year in a good place. I set out to usher in the new year in The Bahamas by spending a week in Nassau with my two preteen-aged kids, exploring more than we had on our previous trips.
On December 29th, after a quick hour-long flight, we touched down in Nassau, and the pink Victorian homes and bright turquoise waters were a welcome sight. We checked into the newly opened Margaritaville Beach Resort, which offered easy access to all of Nassau’s attractions. On our first night, I sat out on the balcony watching the sun disappear on the horizon, and I knew I had made the right choice.
Margaritaville Beachfront
Mariette Williams
A Week Well Spent
We had always spent just a few days in The Bahamas, in Nassau and Grand Bahama, but on this week-long trip, we were able to take in a lot more. On one of our first nights, we made our way to Fish Fry, a nearby strip of local restaurants and food vendors, and ate freshly fried conch fritters and red snapper on the rooftop patio of Twin Brothers. On previous visits, we had only walked past Graycliff Manor, the historic 18th-century mansion in downtown Nassau. But on this trip, we ate an elegant seafood lunch and toured the iconic wine cellar, which is home to over 250,000 bottles of wine.
Though we loved spending our time in downtown Nassau, some of our best meals were outside of Nassau’s tourist areas. We followed the advice of locals and lunched at Traveler’s Rest, where we devoured battered crawfish bites while enjoying the tropical breezes coming off the water. Another gem was Studio Cafe, a former recording studio for stars like Bob Marley and James Brown that serves traditional Bahamian dishes like crispy cracked conch paired with sweet mango chutney.
We also spent a blissful day at Atlantis Paradise Island, and my kids made a beeline to the high-speed water slides at Aquaventure. Afterward, we lazed in the beachside hammocks and made plans to come back and explore the onsite marine habitat filled with sharks and stingrays. Atlantis was followed up by visiting some of the more uncrowded beaches around Nassau. And while there aren’t any private beaches in The Bahamas, the beaches outside of the hotel zone felt more secluded. Our favorites were Jaw’s Beach, Goodman’s Bay, and Cabbage Beach, and we often felt like we had the beaches to ourselves.
Beachfront of Atlantis Paradise Island
Mariette Williams
Jaw's Beach
Mariette Williams
Celebrating Junkanoo Festival
With Quentin "Barrabas" Woodside at Junkanoo World Museum
Mariette Williams
The highlight of our trip was attending the all-night Junkanoo parade, where we were exposed to the rich culture in The Bahamas. At the Educulture Junkanoo Museum, director Arlene Nash Ferguson explained how Junkanoo existed in The Bahamas for over 200 years, originating when enslaved Africans dressed in costumes made of leaves, straw, and shells and celebrated with dancing and parades. Today that tradition lives on with two Junkanoo parades on December 27th and January 2nd that feature bands parading through the streets of Nassau with elaborate floats and vibrant, feathered costumes.
Pasting Junkanoo masks
Mariette Williams
Before the parade, we also visited the Junkanoo World Museum & Arts Center where we had a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into putting the festival costumes together. We spent a morning with the owner, Quentin “Barrabas” Woodside, who explained how each costume and float was pasted with strips of colorful crepe paper by hand. He also showed us how to paste a mask, which gave us an appreciation of how much work went into preparing for Junkanoo.
And at 12:01 a.m. on January 2nd, the Junkanoo parade finally kicked off. The parade was back after a two-year hiatus, and it was hard not to get swept up in the energy from the crowd. Thousands lined Bay Street to see the return of their favorite bands as drums, cowbells, and trumpets rang out the triumphant return to the parade, which lasted until the sun came up. The night was an unforgettable display of Bahamian culture - and the best way to start the new year.
Junkanoo Band
Mariette Williams
Junkanoo Dancers
Mariette Williams
Why Return Travel?
While there’s also a sense of awe in visiting a new country, there’s a certain magic in revisiting the same places. My week in The Bahamas helped me slow down and have a deeper travel experience. I visited several off-the-beaten-path beaches, ate at local restaurants, and learned the history behind the one-of-a-kind Junkanoo parade.
When we return to the same countries, it’s nearly impossible to have the same travel experience because the places we visit also change. Since our last visit, new restaurants and hotels had cropped up around Nassau, and on this return trip, I was reminded that we had changed too. I had come back to The Bahamas with my kids, now preteens, and we sought out different experiences from when they were toddlers - ones that helped them learn more about the local culture.
Return travel also helps us go beyond our initial impressions, allowing us to see more and forge new memories. As we boarded the plane to go back home, my daughter asked me when we would be coming back. The week had made an indelible impression on both me and my kids, and we’re all looking forward to returning to The Bahamas to discover more about one of our favorite destinations.
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After seeing so many travelers on my timeline and my FYP respectively posted up on various beaches, I had no doubts that Mexico’s tourism boom would continue in the year ahead. But what if you want to visit Mexico, and also want to travel a bit ‘off the beaten path’ in comparison to touristy (but still beautiful af) places like Cancun and Tulum? That’s where we come in with this list of places in Mexico to add to your radar in 2023.
It's not an exhaustive list by any means, but it is one based on my own travels as an expat living abroad in Mexico. Keep reading for even more beauty this diverse country has to offer.
San Miguel de Allende
Courtesy of Sheriden Chanel
The cobblestone streets and Spanish architecture are just some of the awe-inspiring beauty San Miguel de Allende has to offer. Perhaps most known for the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel located at the city’s center, San Miguel de Allende is a colonial-era small town that has also become synonymous with wellness. One of my favorite things about living in Mexico is how modern often mixes with history in the look and feel of pueblos and cities alike. San Miguel captures the essence of that juxtaposition so beautifully and you feel instantly transported into a storybook town of yesteryear.
The many pastel-colored buildings are only part of San Miguel’s charm, as my time there was spent lavishing in massages at Essential Massage & Watsu, hiking in Charco del Ingenio, sound baths, enjoying bites at the local restaurantes, and visiting Viñedo Dos Buhos, a certified organic winery nestled not too far away from the town’s center.
Tepoztlán
Courtesy of Sheriden Chanel
Whenever I want to take a quick trip from my life in the city and want to feel closer to nature, Tepoztlán is there. Located less than two hours south of Mexico City is the magic town of Tepoztlán in the state of Morelos. The pueblo also has the reputation of being the birthplace of the Aztec god, Quetzalcoatl. I love being able to rent a casita in the town's center or one up in the mountains where I can access some of the hiking trails there, as well as the deer sanctuary. If you're feeling lucky, you can also climb the infamous El Tepozteco. It is steep but worth the view at least once. It really depends on the vibe you’re looking for.
As a town, Tepoztlán is heralded for the wellness experiences it has to offer. Stop by the town center for a deep tissue massage that rivals any four- or five-star hotel. And speaking of hotels, there are quite of a few that have an emphasis on mind, body, and spirit rejuvenation. Visit the urban retreat of Casa de la Vida to reset with the help of packages like Elixir of Life and Detox and Rejuvenate. Hotel Boutique Casa Isabella and Nican Mo Calli are a couple of other accommodation options that are also holistic-centered.
Val'Quirico
Courtesy of Sheriden Chanel
Speaking of Mexico City day trips, Val'Quirico is another beautiful place the country has to offer. Although, not quite. The housing community also has the unique feature of being fictional. So while you can visit it, it's technically not a town at all. Inspired by Tuscany, a visit there will have you feeling like you're walking the streets of Italy without ever leaving Mexico. Val'Quirico has many restaurants, cafes, and even live music, but also plenty of attention to detail which makes for a lot of photo-opp moments. You can choose to lodge there for the night (or multiple nights) or just visit during the day as a quick day trip while you're in Mexico City.
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
By far, my favorite beach in Mexico is located in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. It’s one of those places that doesn't feel too touristy yet so I hesitate to add it to this list but we don’t gatekeep around here so here I am, gifting keys to the paradise vacation kingdom. Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is located in the state of Guerrero and is a resort town located on the Pacific Coast. Surrounding the picturesque El Palmar Beach is an array of hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Although we stayed mostly on the private beach at Las Brisas Ixtapa when soaking up the sun rays and sipping on cocktails, the public beach is also a sight for sore eyes and definitely worth a visit whenever you feel like taking a break from your respective resort. I’ve seen some of the prettiest sunsets in Mexico, but being in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo just hits different.
Cabo San Lucas
Courtesy of Sheriden Chanel
Such a list would not be complete without mentioning Cabo San Lucas. Located in Baja California Sur, the popular vacation destination is comprised of picturesque beaches, luxurious resorts, and desert landscapes. Perhaps most known for its natural rock formations aptly called The Arch, Cabo San Lucas is also home to deep sea fishing, water recreation activities galore, and a thriving nightlife. Absolutely soak up the luxury at any of Cabo's plethora of resorts, but don't forget the joy of visiting the resort town's public beach or taking a quick boat ride to see the iconic rock formations up close while visiting the famed Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach (which are only accessible via boat). Even in December, the water was warm and glittered like diamonds underneath a cloudless sky. I was in love and you will be too.
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ARIES
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MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
Marrakech is all about the vibe and energy, something Aries excels in. You want a vacation that is fun, exciting, and something that you planned yourself and that you find positive direction in. Marrakech is known for its five-star restaurants and spas, lush gardens, diversity of nature, rich cuisine, fashion, markets, and overall luxury services. Marrakech is the tourist hub of Morocco, and there is so much to do there to fuel your infinite amount of energy, Aries.
TAURUS
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DUBAI
Taurus is the chill, down-to-earth earth sign, but those who know you well know you love a little luxury in your life. Taurus wants the best of the best for themselves and works hard on getting there. Take a trip to Dubai in 2023 to explore one of the wealthiest cities in the world, and enrich yourself with the beautiful culture there. Dubai is on many people’s bucket lists and rightfully so. Some things to do while you’re visiting are to go to Burj Khalifa, ride a camel in the desert, go to the Jumeirah Mosque, explore their many shopping areas, and more.
GEMINI
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JAPAN
With travel restrictions lifted in many areas of the world now, Japan is one of the most popular places to visit in 2023. There is something futuristic about Japan and its culture, and this energy screams Gemini. Some things to do while visiting are to go to visit the Tokyo Skytree, go to Mount Fuji, enjoy some delicious Japanese cuisine, learn more about the history of Japan, explore the architecture, and you can even party with robots in Tokyo. As a Gemini, you want to explore your inner curiosities and expand your knowledge always, and a vacation that gives you that is everything.
CANCER
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AMALFI COAST, ITALY
Now we all know your favorite place to be is in the comfort of your home, but a nice getaway is good for the soul, Cancer. With all of the Italy hype over the past year, you can feel a little more comfortable going to this destination spot as you know it’s been well-visited and adored. The Amalfi Coast is on the edge of the water, filled with charming towns and restaurants. The views are impeccable and one of the best times to visit is during Cancer Season in July. A birthday trip to Italy is perfect for you this year, Cancer.
LEO
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CHILE
Chile is one of the safest countries to visit in South America. It is known for its impeccable food and drinks, views, land, and more. It also happens to be one of the best places in the world for stargazing, which fits perfectly for a star like yourself, Leo. You can visit Isla Magdalena and play with penguins, explore the art and culture there, enjoy their famous wine or beer tasting, stargaze in the desert, and visit one of their many national parks. Chileans know how to have fun, and that is what 2023 is calling for Leo, more fun!
VIRGO
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BALI
Virgo, if anyone needs a getaway, it is you. You tend to work more than you play, and even when you do take time off, it’s typically spent worrying over other things you can be doing. However, productivity also includes putting the right time and focus into leisure time and things that reboot your energy. Bali is the perfect spot to visit this year, as this spiritual destination is all about nature, exploration, and peace. Although the plane ticket there can cost a pretty penny, the area itself is very affordable and budget-friendly. Explore the beautiful vastness of this vacation spot in 2023, Virgo.
LIBRA
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PARIS
Libra, with your romantic soul, a trip to the city of love is perfect for you in 2023. This is an important year when it comes to relationships with the South Node moving into your sign this year and a time when you will be exploring this area of your life more. Relationships are going to be feeling a little more pressure this year, and you are on the journey of figuring out where you can let go, and where you can move forward in love. Paris is the perfect spot to go to do just that. Paris is known for its romance, art, and fashion- all the things that you love, Libra.
SCORPIO
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TURKS AND CAICOS
Visit the islands of Turks and Caicos this year, Scorpio. You are an emotional soul, and with that comes times of trying to navigate your deep emotional world. Sunshine and water are therapeutic for you, and that is where you should focus your plans when thinking about where to vacation this year. When it comes to Turks and Caicos, stay at an all-inclusive resort or rent your own villa for the best experience, and make sure to stick to a budget while you’re there as things can get pricy. This is the best place to go to feel those vacation vibes and relax in luxury. Not to mention, there is a fun nightlife to explore while visiting as well for some more fun.
SAGITTARIUS
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COSTA RICA
Costa Rica has been a popular travel destination over the past few years, and may just be one place you haven’t ventured to yet. This year, explore the vast jungles of this country. Costa Rica is known for its beautiful national parks with so many activities to do there. Sagittarius loves a vacation that involves trying something new and most importantly, having fun. In Costa Rica, you can do ziplining, river rafting, visit waterfalls, go on hikes, and more.
CAPRICORN
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ICELAND
Now Iceland may not be the first destination on your bucket list but here me out. Capricorn is the sea goat and thrives in mountains and on land. You can see the beautiful northern lights, bathe in the Blue Lagoon, visit ice caves, and more. Iceland has been getting more tourist attractions recently and is quite honestly one of the most beautiful places in the world. Venture away from the norm this year and try something new when it comes to choosing a destination spot.
AQUARIUS
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JOSHUA TREE, CA
Aquarius thrives both in community and isolation. You value your friendships and your people, however, you do need a lot more alone time than most. A good trip to take this year is a journey through the desert. Joshua Tree is only a few hours away from Los Angeles and is the perfect place to escape away from a busy city. You can visit the Joshua Tree National Park and hike through the area, visit some of the best vintage shops in all of California, take a dip in the hot springs, and stay at some of the most unique and relaxing Airbnbs in the U.S.
PISCES
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THE BAHAMAS
The Bahamas is the perfect balance between relaxation and fun. There is so much to do in the Bahamas and it is the best place for Pisces as it's known for its beautiful beaches, a Pisces' fondest love. While you’re there you can try snorkeling or diving with your fellow fish friends, go on a boat tour, visit one of their luxurious private islands, eat delicious Bahamian cuisine, and dance and learn from the locals. With Saturn moving into Pisces this year where it will remain for the next few years if there was ever a time to vacation, it is now, as you are going to need it.
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Credit cards are already a minefield because, without financial planning, you can end up in a boatload of debt. Been there, done that, and got the wasted money on interest to show for it. After paying off $15,000 in debt, I was reluctant to use any more credit cards. But after tons of research, I saw the value of the American Express Gold Card. I got points on my everyday spending and was diligent about paying off my monthly balance. But for me, as an avid traveler, it was time for either an upgrade or a new card with lots of research, of course.
Spoiler alert: I upgraded to the American Express Platinum Card, but I wanted to break down some of the benefits of all of the most talked about cards so that you can both use every benefit you’re paying for if you already have these cards in your wallet or get to know some of the perks if you’re in the market for a travel credit card so you can invest in a card that’s best for your everyday and travel needs.
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American Express Platinum Card Benefits and Perks
Because I was already an Amex customer, I started here. The introductory offer—100,000 points after spending $6,000—for upgrading to an American Express Platinum Card was difficult to pass up. But I needed to see how the benefits stacked up if I was giving up 4X points on groceries and dining and opting for a lofty $695 annual fee. So how does the Platinum card stack up on earning points? Platinum cardholders get a point for every dollar spent, 5X the points on flights, and 5X on prepaid hotels booked through the Amex travel portal.
1. Lounges
Before gaining status with Delta, I always felt some FOMO passing the Sky Clubs. However, with the Platinum card, you can get through the velvet rope into Centurion lounges. You can also access Priority Pass lounges and Delta Sky Clubs with a same-day Delta ticket. One of the biggest gripes I've seen in online forums is how packed Priority Pass lounges can be as they serve many other luxury credit card holders, and during peak travel season, this could feel less like a perk.
2. Hotels Perks
Accommodations are the second most crucial part of planning a trip. Before booking through a third-party site or directly through the hotel, the Amex portal offers the ability to earn 5X the points when prepaying for accommodations. But there are more benefits aside from points. First, there's the complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
Next up, the credit card company provides The Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection. The Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits are as luxe as the five-star accommodations that are a part of this collection. When booking, your perks are: daily breakfast for two, free Wi-Fi, guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout, a $100 hotel credit, and noon check-in and room upgrade when available.
For The Hotel Collection, the hotels are among some of the best in the city, and cardholders receive a $100 hotel credit and a room upgrade when available. Additionally, another hotel benefit instantly helps offset the $695 credit card fee: $200 back in statement credits each year when you book a prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection reservation. I used this credit at the Conrad Hotel Midtown in New York City. It was so worth it.
3. Transportation Perks
We've covered lounges, so what about transportation benefits? Well, they're quite a few. Firstly, this card gives you a $200 airline fee credit per calendar year. So this covers everything from baggage fees to seat upgrades. Just be sure you go into the portal to select your airline.
Don't want to spend an overabundance of time in TSA or have to take off your shoes? The Platinum card credits back on your credit card for Clear ($189), TSA-Precheck ($85), and Global Entry ($100). In addition to taking care of the cost of breezing through TSA, if your flight is delayed six hours due to an airplane mechanical issue, the loss of your passport, or inclement weather, the card offers delay insurance reimbursing expenses like hotels and meals up to $500. After my flight from Paris to Atlanta was canceled due to mechanical issues (while I was on it), this came in handy and was very easy to use with a call to American Express customer service.
Additional transportation benefits:
- If your bag goes MIA, the card baggage insurance plan protects against damage or loss of up to $3,000 as long as you've paid the total cost of your trip with your card.
- Uber Benefit: $200 in Uber cash ($15 a month with $35 in December).
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance (be sure to pay for the rental with your card and decline the collision damage waiver).
Some of the other American Express Platinum Card benefits:
- Up to $300 in annual Equinox credit.
- SAKS Benefit: Earn up to a $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit, split into two $50 statement credits between January and June, then July through December.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Free shipping with ShopRunner (offers two-day shipping with select online retailers).
- Up to $240 in digital entertainment credit.
The Best Way to Redeem American Express Membership Rewards Points
Amex rewards points can be used on everything from gift cards to Amazon purchases and on, of course, travel. Each point is worth one cent, so let's say you book a flight through the portal for $150. You'd need 15,000 points to pay for that fare. Not worth the trade-off, right? So if this is your card (or your future card), you'll want to research before you turn over those points. Typically, you can get more bang for your points when transferring them to one of Amex's airline partners. But again, you'll want to see what airline makes the conversion worth it.
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Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits and Perks
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is another beloved option at the center of the luxury travel credit card debate. This one is a contender with an annual fee of $550. When it comes to earning points, you earn 5X points on flights. 10X points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards. 3X points on travel and dining worldwide and 1X on all other purchases. So Chase's points-earning system does have some leverage on alternative cards. However, before earning 3X points on travel and dining, you must first use the $300 annual travel credit offered for flights and hotel stays.
1. Lounges
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers access to the Priority Pass lounges. But there's been a new development. Chase is introducing Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, which started last year. There isn't much info on these clubs yet, but the first Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club—an 11,948-square-foot space—opened in Hong Kong in October 2022. So, this is certainly something to look forward to if you're a Chase member.
2. Hotel Perks
This card offers a Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection with select properties offering daily breakfast for two, a $100 benefit (unique to each property), free Wi-Fi, and a room upgrade and early check-in and late checkout when available.
Additionally, there are Elite Hotel Benefits at Relais & Châteaux and Elite Hotel Benefits at Ennismore. These properties are in specific places throughout the world. For example, Relais & Châteaux properties are mostly located in Europe. In comparison, Ennismore properties are located in major hubs like Beverly Hills, London, New York, Rome, and Paris. However, if you end up in a city with Ennismore options, the Elite Hotel Benefits offers some solid perks like a complimentary fourth night, late checkout, food and beverage credits, and room upgrades.
3. Transportation Perks
Regarding transportation benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $100 credit toward Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee every four years. And financial assistance for bag delays on any mode of transportation— airline, bus, cruise ship, or train—for more than 6 hours at $100 per day (up to five days) as long as your ticket purchase is made with your credit card or points.
Additional transportation benefits:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Up to $10,000 in reimbursement for cardholders and immediate family members).
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 per passenger, including cardholder and immediate family members (even if the cardholder is not traveling on the trip).
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your trip is delayed by more than six hours or requires an overnight hotel stay, you are eligible for reimbursement of up to $500 per person. This benefit extends to your family as well.
- Lyft Pink All Access free membership for two years.
- 10 points per $1 spent on Lyft (through March 2025).
- Primary rental car coverage of up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage.
Other Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits:
- Free subscription to DoorDash DashPass.
- Monthly DoorDash Food Delivery Credit ($5/month).
- Instacart+ Membership ($99).
- Monthly Instacart Credit ($15/month).
- No foreign transaction fees.
The Best Way to Redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Like many credit card points systems, with Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can use your points to purchase gift cards or even make a payment on your bill. But if you want to use them on travel, the best way to make the most use of your points currency is to transfer your points to Chase partners (there are 11 airline partners and three hotel partners). Before moving points, do thorough research to ensure you're satisfied with your investment.
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Capital One Venture X Card Benefits and Perks
The Capital One Venture X card is the last card making a splash in the fancy credit card convo. But this card came to play with an annual fee of $395, which is quickly offset with the card's $300 in annual statement credits when booking through Capital One Travel. Additionally, cardholders receive 10,000 bonus miles (a $100 value) on every account anniversary. And, you get 2X miles on everyday purchases, 5X miles on flights, and 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
1. Lounges
Lounge benefits are similar to other cards, with cardholders being able to access Priority Pass. But if you want more lounge access, Capital One is introducing its own lounges, with the first opening at DFW in November 2021, with more openings slated for 2023.
2. Transportation Perks
Like the other two travel cards, Venture X offers $100 statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. In addition, the card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance that covers you and your immediate family member—up to $2,000 per person— on prepaid, nonrefundable tickets.
Additional Capital One Venture X transportation benefits:
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: Up to $500 per person to cover expenses like hotel rooms, food, and clothes when your flight is delayed overnight or by six hours or more.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 per covered trip if the airline damages or loses your bags.
- Rental Car Status: Both the primary cardholder and authorized users receive complimentary Hertz President's Circle status and primary rental car insurance (up to $75,000 for damage caused by collision or theft to a rental car).
The Best Way to Redeem Capital One Miles
The best way to make the most use of your points currency for travel is to transfer your points to Capital one partners. (There are 18 partners).
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Feature image by Westend61/Getty Images
As a Black Girl Wanderer, she has visited over 40 countries and is based in Atlanta with her husband, who she met at Harvard University. She was first bit by the travel bug during childhood when she visited Frankfurt, Germany with family. From there and throughout her adolescence, she traveled throughout Europe. As a travel blogger, Romie bridges educational and inspirational travel content on her platforms to inspire viewers to travel deeply and with meaning. One of her most memorable trips was the two weeks she spent roaming Hawaii with her husband.
"I'm sad about the over-tourism situation in Hawaii because it's truly one of the best places on Earth, and people should experience it. However, I hope the state and local governments successfully implement policies to preserve Hawaii and prevent the inundation of tourists," she tells xoNecole.
Her best travel advice is not to compare yourself and your travels to the flashy content Instagram portrays because there are beautiful places to explore in one's backyard! If you don't have many resources to travel, start where you are.
Read more about Robertson's adventures and travel tips below.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Romie roaming the Batu Caves of Malaysia.
Courtesy of Romie Robertson
August 2022
"Kuala Lumpur (lovingly called KL) is so underrated. This city has something for everyone, and the best part about KL is its affordability! Amazing food, museums, attractions, cultural landmarks, and shopping exists. I truly was blown away by how much of a metro KL is. I learned that you don't have to spend much money to have a great experience. This was the second stop in a multi-city/multi-country Asia trip that my husband and I did. I decided to stop here because I saw amazing KL content from other creators online, especially when it came to places of worship and the KL skyline.
"A few must things to experience include Batu Caves (don't leave Malaysia without seeing it). Hungry Tapir (phenomenal vegan/vegetarian restaurant). Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. Petronas Towers. Masjid Jamek Jalan Alor (famous for street food). Jalan Petaling (Chinatown market)."
Pro Tip: "There are plenty of affordable Airbnbs and hotels with beautiful infinity pools overlooking KL's gorgeous skyline — book one! And schedule at least four days in KL, if you can. There's so much to do."
Jamaica
Courtesy of Romie Robertson
October 2022
"There is truly no place on Earth like Jamaica. The natural splendor, the famous culture, the people. My husband is Jamaican, so I've gotten the pleasure of forming a close relationship with this island. Every time I visit Jamaica, I learn more about appreciating — and paying attention to — the beauty of Earth. My most recent trip to Jamaica was in October-November 2022. I visited to support some business my husband was doing and then gallivanted around the island having fun with friends.
"There are infinite things to do in Jamaica. Here are some things off of the top of my head: Boston Jerk Center, partying in Kingston, Bob Marley Museum, 7 Mile Beach in Negril, bamboo rafting in Ocho Rios."
Pro Tip: "Try to see only some things during one trip. Plan to visit the island at least 3-4 times and explore a different region during each trip. I've been to Jamaica over six times, and there's still so much that I have yet to see."
South Korea
September 2022
"South Korea is definitely a bucket list destination because of its distinct culture and global impact. South Korea has something for literally everyone – outdoor/natural spaces, foodie culture, museums/cultural activities, shopping, and nightlife. The list goes on. One memory (out of many) is the last night we spent in Seoul. We sang our hearts out in a private karaoke room. I remember lots of Beyoncé songs. Then we walked outside to do a group photoshoot in our neon outfits, and rain started pouring down. We decided to do the shoot anyway, making for a cool photographic effect. Then we showered, stayed out all night partying in Hongdae, and ate some of the best take-out pizza at 3 a.m. It was a great night. "
"A few must-visit places in Seoul are Gyeongbokgung Palace, party in Hongdae and Itaewon, shop in Gangnam, Gwangjang Market, and Korean Karaoke. In Busan, check out Gamcheon Cultural Village, Haeundae Beach, Igdae Coastal Trail, and SpaLand Centum City."
Pro Tip: "Visit a traditional Korean spa. Talk about self-care! South Korea has an awesome spa culture that everyone who visits should experience. Once you leave, you'll feel like a brand new person."
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Featured image courtesy of Romie Robertson
