American Express Savings with Destination Family Program

American Express cardmembers planning family vacations will be happy to note the launch of Destination Family, a savings program that provides discounts and benefits specifically tailored to traveling families. By booking through American Express Travel, cardmembers can gain access to offers and members-only discounts that range from hotels to cruises to rental cars.

Destination Family offers distinct family-focused benefits such as kids stay and/or eat free, up to 50% off second hotel rooms, on-board cruise credits, free car seats, and a host of other amenities. The insights from a recent "American Express Spending & Saving Tracker Survey" will influence the types of vacations that families can choose this summer.  A full 88% of those surveyed with children under the age of 18 said they believe it is important to take an educational vacation in which learning is the main focus.

This summer, that means that 45% of parents say their vacation plans will include an educational component. Of those, 30% will head to a destination to explore its history and culture; 27% will explore wildlife while on vacation; and 8% will travel to a destination focused on culinary arts. With its customer preferences in mind, the Amex Destination Family program has lots of ideas to make your getaway as educational, cost-efficient and fun as possible.

"We're hoping that this collection of family-friendly benefits and savings will help our Cardmembers afford that family vacation and enjoy it even more with extra amenities," said Audrey Hendley, vice president of marketing and strategic partnerships at Consumer Travel, American Express.

Hotels participating in the program include more than 200 Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Omni Hotels & Resorts properties. The various offers include discounts on adjoining rooms, savings on meals, complimentary movies and kids programs, and guaranteed late checkout times.

Destination Family also offers a variety of vacation packages when booking three nights or more at 150 hotels and resorts in the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean. Benefits vary by resort and include free night stays, free babysitting, and free kids clubs.

If you’re thinking about booking a cruise, Destination Family has packages with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, with savings ranging from complimentary meals to shipboard credits.

Cardmembers can also find savings with three popular rental car companies: Avis, Budget, and Hertz. Discounts on rentals are available as well as free amenities such as car seats and entertainment systems.

To find out more about Destination Family deals and discounts -- and special perks depending on what type of Amex card you carry -- call American Express Travel at 866/297-2488. By calling, families will also be able to use the services of American Express’ Family Travel Specialists, who can help plan and customize vacations to a family’s desired budget. We tried it, and spoke to Steve Bussell at American Express Travel, 53rd Street and Park Avenue in New York, who was just great in helping us plan our summer vacation. 

There's no website to check out! As old school as this may sound, family deals and packages can only be accessed by phone or in person through authorized American Express Travel agents, who are happy to speak with you about your family's needs.