A new and better way to travel

MANILA, Philippines - “The affluent traveler no longer wants to just see the world. He now seeks to enjoy a destination by feeling and experiencing its uniqueness,” says Ma. Nannette Regala, consumer lending first vice president of BDO, which issues American Express Cards in the Philippines.

Drawing from this insight, the American Express Platinum 2009 Lifestyle Travel Specials, which kicked off last April, offers a number of destinations and packages that are off-the-beaten track. A trip to France, for instance, focuses on the wine route and takes the American Express Card members through Burgundy and Champagne to savor the vintages globally associated with these regions, and through Alsace and its quaint villages and rolling vineyards.

A nine-day tour of Thailand and Vietnam centers around the history offered by the great temples in these countries and more specifically the popular War Remnants Museum and Halong Bay cruise in Vietnam.

“In addition to history and culture, high on the affluent American Express Card member’s want-list are destinations where he can indulge in sports and adventure, and wellness and getaway packages,” notes Regala.

Topping the active traveler’s list of must-see destinations is Malaysia’s Sunway Lagoon which offers the world’s largest surf beach complete with eight-foot high waves, and a G-Force experience as one is catapulted up to 65 meters in two seconds at a speed of 120 kph in a giant slingshot. In contrast, a Bhutan retreat offers holistic treatments in a pristine 38-hectare estate.

“The program, which also offers installment payments at zero interest, draws from American Express’ vast experience in world travel,” notes Regala.

American Express provides global travel assistance almost anywhere in the world. Between the 24-Hour Customer Service Hotline and over 2,200 American Express Travel Service Offices at the card member’s disposal, their service is without borders, time zone, or limits.

Even before leaving the country, card members can call for expert planning assistance such as flight and hotel bookings, car and other land arrangements, even visa and passport applications. When card members use their cards to buy sea, air or land tickets, they not only earn points but also enjoy complimentary travel insurances.

The insurances cover inconveniences like missing a flight due to airline overbooking, lost luggage, delays and as a result, missing onward connecting flights. The coverage also includes for meals, hotel accommodations and other necessities resulting from these inconveniences.

Moreover, American Express Global Assist offers medical and legal referrals. They can also hook up card members to a medical doctor with special training in emergency situations. “This privilege is best appreciated when one is in a different country away from his trusted circle of doctors and other counselors,” says Regala.

American Express Cards, Regala adds, has grown in the competitive Philippine market because of these extraordinary privileges.  ”Our strong presence indicates how valuable these benefits are to our card members.”

For inquiries, call the 24-Hour Customer Service Hotline at 814-4777.