Experience life like a local, wherever you are

It’s nearly that time of year again when kids are writing their wish lists to Santa and adults are looking for gift inspiration. Luckily, Christmas shopping can be a bit more enjoyable in 2020 thanks to the British Airways American Express® Credit Card (Representative 22.2% APR variable), which allows you to shop in the knowledge that you’re collecting Avios on your spending, leading to future travel treats for yourself. By signing up to the Card, which has no annual fee, you’ll not only collect 1 Avios for every £1 spent on purchases (Christmas or otherwise), but also receive a 5,000 Avios welcome bonus when you spend £1,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership that can be put towards future travel*.

So, once everything’s wrapped, ready and under the tree, why not take a look at the Avios you’ve collected and start planning the ultimate gift for next year? Maybe it’s a family trip to Europe, or a couple’s escape to the Caribbean. Whatever dream trips are on the agenda, they can be part paid with the Avios collected on your Christmas shopping. So, when the world begins to open up safely again, you’ll be able to take full advantage of all its joys. To help you get planning, we’ve rounded up five dreamy destinations with great Avios reward flights to inspire your next adventure. And, while you’re there, why not follow some of our tips below and live like a local by continuing to visit and support those independent businesses that are also hoping for a rejuvenated 2021.

Dubai – 25,000 Avios one-way economy plus additional £50.00

Planning a trip to Dubai for 2021 or beyond will see you experience some of the finest galleries on earth, featuring local and international artists alike. Expect sun, sea and sand of the highest order and then luxuriate in some of the world’s most extraordinary art: including renowned cultural hub Alserkal Avenue and the Theatre of Digital Art. Another revelation is the Sharjah Flying Saucer – a Brutalist 1970s building recently reborn as a gallery space, curated library and even, in the form of a ‘Green Crater’, a showcase of the resilience of the natural world.

Rome – 11,000 Avios one-way economy plus additional £0.50

With so much to see in Italy’s capital, as a visitor, it’s easy to feel rushed. Rome’s locals, however, have long wished that tourists enjoy this beautiful city at leisure, taking the time to immerse themselves in the culture and cuisine. Visiting in 2021 may mean you get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the historic city with fewer crowds. So wander around the usually teeming streets of Trastevere, the delightful public parks of Villa Borghese and the Villa Doria Pamphili, as well as the historic sites of the Parco Colosseo. With face masks and social distancing now commonplace, Rome will be ready for you to experience its wonders once again.

Paris – 8,500 points one-way economy plus additional £0.50

The city that defined café culture will forever draw visitors from around the globe, keen to sip on genuine French coffee while luxuriating in views of the incomparable Sacré-Coeur and the Eiffel Tower. Inspiration can be found in future planning, and exploring Paris by foot in the open air – the Seine riverbanks, the Palace of Versailles, the chic boutiques that seem to improve with age (AMI is a firm favourite) – is something to look forward to. Next year will be a chance to see a city re-emerging into the spotlight. Look forward to experiencing some of the city’s best restaurants; Bouillon Chartier, established in 1896, is unreservedly recommended.

New York – 25,000 Avios points one-way economy plus additional £50.00

The key to the perfect New York escape is to mix classic experiences with new favourites that have opened up over this surreal summer: ‘Mushroom Sloppy’ sandwiches at Fat Choy, Argentinian cuisine at Long Island’s R40 and Cozy Royale’s Appalachian-style fried pork steak. But, among the new additions, don’t forget to check out the reliable old favourites: vast crispy pancake wedges at Vanessa’s Dumplings and the sweet treats of Ray’s Candy Store on the Lower East Side. New Yorkers already think they live in the greatest city in the world – choose to believe them.

London

As long as Manze Pie & Mash shops are still serving, the city’s welcome will be as warm as ever. Ignore the well-worn tourist trail and seek out some of the more intriguing local spots: breakfast at Ziggy Green, lunch at I Go Chop in Camberwell, dinner at Gloria in Hackney, then head to the CLF Art Lounge in Peckham for some evening entertainment. If you’re looking to bring back some stylish mementos of your travels, consider Sounds of the Universe for music, Trunk Clothiers for fashion, L Cornelissen for art, WA Green for homeware and Found & Vision for vintage.

Check before you travel. Please follow all relevant government and FCO guidelines.

Sign up to British Airways American Express Credit Card now and start collecting 1 Avios per £1 spent to fuel your future travel. Also, as a new Cardmember you’ll receive a 5,000 Avios welcome bonus when you spend £1,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership. No annual fee.* Representative 22.2% APR variable.

*TERMS & CONDITIONS Reward flights are subject to availability. Fare quoted is for one passenger travelling one way with British Airways in economy. Terms, taxes, fees and carrier charges apply. Introductory offers are not available if you currently hold or have held any personal American Express Card product in the past 24 months. Terms and exclusions apply to collecting Avios. Basic and Supplementary Card applicants must be UK residents aged 18 years old or over and are subject to approval. All information including Representative APR is correct as at 22 October 2020. Interest rates link to the Bank of England base rate. See amex.co.uk for details. American Express Services Europe Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority