Are you dreaming of exploring international destinations with your family without breaking the bank? We’ve got some insider tips on how to make it happen, and it all starts with the American Express Platinum Card. Here’s how we save an average of $500 on each international trip for our family of four.

1.Free Travel Protection When Booking Hotel & Airfare with the AMEX Platinum Card

One of the biggest perks of the American Express Platinum Card is its ability to turn your dream vacations into reality. We use our AMEX card to book both our hotel stays and airfare, and the savings start piling up.

Estimated Savings: $50 per person

Why? Because the AMEX Platinum Card comes with free travel insurance, which provides peace of mind and potentially saves us a substantial amount on purchasing separate insurance policies.

For our family of four, that’s a total estimated savings of $200 per trip.

American Express covers Trip Delay, Trip cancellation & interruption, emergency medical and transportation, and baggage insurance on travel booked for you, your family, and travel companions with the American Express Platinum card.

For full details on these travel insurance benefits, view this post.

2. Accessing Airport Lounges with AMEX

Gone are the days of dreading long layovers at the airport. With our AMEX Platinum Card, we enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges, which means we can skip the overpriced airport food and drinks.

Estimated Savings: $32 – $50 per person each way 

On an average international trip, this perk alone can save us between $256 and $400, considering we usually use it for both departure and return flights.

With the Amex Platinum Card or Amex Business Platinum Card, you have access to the following types of lounges:

• American Express Centurion lounges.
• Delta Sky Club lounges.
• Priority Pass Select lounges.
• Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner.
• Airspace lounges.
• Plaza Premium lounges.
• Lufthansa lounges.
• Other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges.

For full details on how to access these remarkable lounges with your Amex card, view this post. Your American Express Platinum Card ensures you travel in style and relaxation, even in the busiest airports.

3. No Need for Rental Car Insurance

When we rent cars during our trips, we no longer need to worry about purchasing additional rental insurance. The AMEX Platinum Card covers it.

Estimated Savings: $25+ per day

Over the course of a five-day trip, this adds up to at least $125 in savings. On longer trips, the savings could easily exceed $200. This benefit is a lifesaver, especially in places like Mexico and Belize, where rental companies often overcharge for auto insurance.

Imagine paying more for insurance than the actual rental fee! Not anymore!

With your Amex Platinum Card, you can simply pay for your rental and contact AMEX for proof on their letterhead that your card covers auto insurance. Provide this to the rental company when you pick up your vehicle, and you’re good to go. No more unpleasant surprises!

4. Avoiding International Transaction Fees

We budget for an average daily spending of $50 per person on our AMEX card, which includes expenses for food, activities, and more. This totals $200 per day for our family of four. The beauty? With the AMEX Platinum Card, there are no international transaction fees, typically around 3%.

Estimated Savings: $30+ per trip

On a five-day trip, this translates to a minimum savings of $30, but it can be even more depending on your spending habits.

Final Thoughts

In summary, with the American Express Platinum Card, we save an average of $500 on each international trip for our family of four. This card not only offers fantastic rewards and benefits but also provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered in case of travel mishaps. So, if you’re looking to make family travel more affordable and enjoyable, the AMEX Platinum Card might be your ticket to savings and unforgettable adventures.

If you don’t already have an American Express Platinum card and are interested in applying, click here to use my referral link. By doing so, we both get bonus points. As always, please note that my recommendations, opinions, and reviews are mine alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Happy travels!