How I’d Use the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Bonus to Book My Dream South American Vacation

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One of my dream trips is flying to and exploring South America.  Thanks to countless travel blogs and photos, I’ve always been enchanted with it and I’m dying to visit.  The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® would be my ticket there because currently Citi is offering 60,000 American Airlines miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of opening your account. The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Depending on your destination, round-trip coach flights to cities in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are as low as 35,000 American Airlines miles in the off-peak season.  Flights to cities in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile would cost 60,000 American Airlines miles round-trip.

Fly to Brazil and Relax on Copacabana Beach Using the Bonus From the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard!

My ideal trip starts by flying into Rio de Janeiro.  I’d spend 3 to 4 days exploring the beaches and nightlife.  I love trying different types of food so Brazilian barbecue would be a MUST.

After stopping to admire Christ the Redeemer and experiencing Copacabana Beach, I’d hop on a bus and a quick ferry over to Ilha Grande and enjoy some quiet seclusion on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

I’d then cross the border into Argentina where I would take in the breathtaking views of Iguazu Falls.  From everything I’ve seen and read they sound absolutely incredible.

Apply here for the Citi American Airlines Platinum Select Card

Stroll Through the Main Square in the La Boca Neighborhood of Buenos Aires

Finally, I’d make my way south to the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires.  I’d spend a few days walking though the historic city, try to catch a game at La Bombonera, enjoy some empanadas, and just take in the views along the coast before heading home.

I’ve been considering opening the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard because it’s currently offering a higher than normal sign-up bonus and I have recently hit my 5/24 limit at Chase.  In addition to the 60,000 American Airlines miles you’ll earn after meeting minimum spending, you also earn:

  • 2X American Airlines miles per $1 spent on American Airlines flights
  • 2X American Airlines miles per $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants
  • 1X American Airlines mile per $1 spent on other purchases

You can also earn a $100 American Airlines flight discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card year and renew your card.

The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite™ Mastercard also comes with some other great benefits, such as a free first checked bag for you and up to 4 travel companions on the same reservation on domestic flights only, travel coverage, Citi Price Rewind, extended warranties, and more!

Read through Keith’s breakdown of the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard which goes over all the benefits and perks that come along with this card.  Considering the $99 annual fee is waived the first year, it really is a great way to earn 60,000 American Airlines miles, hold the card for ~10 to ~11 months for free and then see if it’s worth keeping!

Fly From the US to South America for Nearly Free Using American Airlines Miles!

Bottom Line

If you are looking to boost your American Airlines miles supply, now is a great time to apply for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard.  You’ll earn 60,000 American Airlines miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of opening your account.

Whether you are looking to travel within the US, join me in exploring beautiful South America, or cross the Atlantic, the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard is a great way to get there!

Have you thought about opening the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard or do you already have one in your wallet?  Let us know in the comments below!

Million Mile Secrets features a team of points and miles experts who have traveled to over 80 countries and have used 60+ credit cards responsibly to accumulate loyalty points and travel the world on the cheap! The Million Mile Secrets team has been featured on The Points Guy, TIME, Yahoo Finance and many other leading points & miles media outlets.

Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)

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