It's finally happening. The streets are bustling, restaurants are seating again and office workers are returning to their desks. There's a sense that normalcy is just around the corner.
For many, travel plans are now within reach too. With vaccination rates climbing and borders opening up, booking a plane ticket or hotel room feels possible again. Whether you want to go abroad or stay within Canada, you can finally scratch that travel itch.
One thing the pandemic hasn't changed is that travel can be expensive, but there are ways to make your budget go further as you plan and embark on your trip.
For Canadians across the country, affordable travel can be just a swipe away as American Express Canada has its best offers yet on seven of its top travel Cards. In addition to redeemable points (hello travel credit just for purchasing weekly groceries!), many of these Cards provide Canadians with a whole host of perks from security lane bypass, lounge access and priority boarding to airport valet and hotel rewards.
Didier Young, a Toronto-based content creator and travel influencer, uses his Amex Card for everyday purchases to make sure he's always taking advantage of its rewards.
"I literally use my Amex Card all the time," Didier told Narcity. "Travelling isn't always necessarily the cheapest so being able to collect points to redeem towards my getaways has always been very helpful."
Didier's Amex Card of choice, The Platinum Card®, offers Canadians some great rewards, like a $200 annual travel credit and even an on-call concierge who can arrange restaurant reservations for you. It's the perfect travel companion for those who enjoy a premium lifestyle. No matter how you like to travel — from simple to extravagant — Amex has options for you too.
Until August 3, new Cardmembers on select Cards can receive up to 150,000 bonus points towards their next adventure — that's typically enough for a return flight to most countries in the world. On top of that, the Cards offer travel benefits like extra points on eligible flights and packages, airport perks, travel protection and special rates that help you earn points faster.
Wondering how you can use these exciting offers to help you plan your own trip? Narcity spoke to Didier about returning to travel, his must-know tips, and how he uses his Amex Card to save, spend and reap the benefits.
Questions and answers have been edited for clarity.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. When and how did you develop an interest in everything fashion, food and travel?
"I'm originally from the island of Mauritius and moved here about 11 years ago to go to pastry school. From there, I started working in restaurants where I started doing more food photography. It reached a point where I just wanted to encompass all of the different things that I personally love in life into my photography. So, food — which is always huge on my list — fashion, and, of course, travelling."
You're using your Amex to plan your next bucket list trip. Tell us about it.
"I feel like because we've all been stuck at home for like a year and a half, the bucket list keeps getting longer.
"I just booked my first post-pandemic trip. We're going to Spain and it's going to be Madrid and Barcelona first, and then it's mostly a lot of Europe. I think we're all craving a change from what we currently have."
New York CityPhoto courtesy of Didier Young
What are some tips that are helpful for planning a trip?
"I come from the content creator point of view so I like to research on Instagram just to see what people are eating and what places to visit. But I think for any traveller, doing your research on where to go is always important.
"Touristic destinations are popular for a reason but usually, when you go to places like Spain or Portugal, there are so many local hidden gems that serve such amazing food. I do think it's important to actually have a taste of the local food and immerse yourself into the culture."
Do you have any must-haves that you always bring with you while you travel?
"My Amex Card is a given because it's great to collect points wherever I go.
"In terms of things I always carry with me, it's a camera (we always have a DSLR to shoot photos), sunscreen — always very important — and a phone charger and adaptors."
What advice do you have for Canadians who are ready to finally start planning their next adventure?
"1. Make sure you understand what the rules and regulations of each flight will be. Each country that you go to will have different regulations right now.
"2. When booking a flight, make sure to add coverage just in case anything happens, which is also something you may be eligible for through your Amex Card!
"3. Whether you're planning to travel in the next few months or in the next few years, there's no time like the present to start collecting and saving points to use towards your trip — and one of the easiest ways to do so is through your everyday purchases like groceries, gas and takeout. By using your Amex Card before your trip, you can get closer to your next big adventure without even thinking about it."
JamaicaPhoto courtesy of Didier Young
You can almost hear the ocean, feel the breeze and taste those beachside cocktails already.