This summer, I am taking some time off of travel to be at home with my kids. But the urge to travel is still there – obviously – so I’ve decided to manage my travel bug with summer parties that are inspired by travel destinations. Now that Aeroplan has partnered with brands that I use every day, I am earning points simply by planning parties. Here are my top 5 summer party ideas inspired by some of my favourite travel destinations – and how to earn Aeroplan points to get there.
- France
An afternoon in France requires everyone’s favourites: bread, cheese, and wine. In fact, this calls for champagne! Head to the LCBO and grab some bubbles for your summer soirée. Prep or order a charcuterie board with all the creamiest, stinkiest, most delicious cheeses (brie, camembert, blue…), some cured meats and garnish with grapes, dates, red pepper jelly or jam. Add some breads and pastries such as croissants, pain au chocolat, French bread and brioche to the food table as well.
When it comes to atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with some accordion music or classic French jazz. You can redeem your Aeroplan points to get a Wayfair gift card on the Aeroplan eStore and order some vintage French décor. I’ve seen some fantastic cushions, vases, and wall art.
The best part is that during party prep, you’ve also snagged some Aeroplan points by shopping at the LCBO that will help get you to the City of Love.
- England
Her Majesty celebrated 70 years on the throne this year which clearly calls for a British backyard celebration. Head back to the LCBO (do you sense a theme?) for some Pimm’s, a gin-based drink that is enjoyed all over England in the summer. Don’t forget, you can use your Aeroplan cobrand credit card to double stack those Aeroplan points. Mix one-part Pimm’s with 2 parts Sprite, garnish with strawberries, orange, cucumber and mint, and serve over ice.
Alongside your Pimm’s, offer some sandwiches, and scones with cream and jam. If you are feeling fancy, try making an English dessert like trifle, Eton Mess or Pavlova (my favourite!). Thankfully, the British aren’t known for their superior cuisine so all of this will be easy.
Throw up some Union Jacks and for some party fun, set up a game of croquet or even cricket. Luckily, the Brits do have some fantastic music so feel free to play any of their talented bands that cover a whole host of genres. Cheers!
- Hawaii
Your homemade Hawaiian luau needs all the pieces of a Pacific paradise: palm trees, tropical flowers, grass skirts and fruity cocktails. Right now, Starbucks Canada has Pineapple Passionfruit Starbucks Refreshers(R) Beverage, Mango Dragonfruit Starbucks® Refreshers(R) Beverage and more tropical refresher beverages that will have your guests feeling like they’re on a Hawaiian beach, while getting you more Aeroplan points once you link your Starbucks(R) Rewards and Aeroplan accounts to physically get there.
Along with your luau-inspired décor, play some Hawaiian music, have everyone wear leis and dream about the day your Aeroplan points get you onto a beach in the Pacific.
- Jamaica
This year, Jamaica celebrates 60 years of independence which means, it is time to party! If you have an inflatable pool, this is the time to get it out. Put those loungers into the summer sun and imagine you and your guests are in the Caribbean’s favourite island, listening to reggae and drinking scrumptious rum cocktails. Head back to the LCBO for your favourite rums with a side of Aeroplan points.
If you don’t yet have a BBQ, jump onto the Aeroplan eStore and redeem your points toward a brand-new grill. Marinate your jerk chicken before perfecting it on the BBQ, serve with rice and peas, and finish the day with fresh mango and breadfruit.
- Italy
Practice your Italian instead of spending time in the kitchen and order your Italian eats with Uber Eats (which of course earns you the Aeroplan points). Enjoying your favourite local pastas, pizzas, salamis, and wines with your nearest and dearest, celebrating life and enjoying the summer sun is the ultimate celebration of the Italian spirit. You don’t need much more.
At an Italian themed party, I love playing classic American Italian songs like Dean Martin’s ‘That’s Amore’ and the famous ‘We No Speak Americano.’ A shot of limoncello is the perfect digestive after a summer evening full of Italian fun.
I’m always thinking about my next travel destination or reminiscing about going back to my favourite ones. Since Aeroplan partnered with some of my favourite brands, I am earning points toward my next trip on my everyday purchases. Whether I am grabbing my go-to at Starbucks Canada (Grande Almond Beverage Latte, no foam) or zipping to an event with friends in an Uber group ride, I am racking up those points. You can even convert your Aeroplan points to Starbucks Stars or redeem for Uber Cash within the Uber app.
This summer, I am earning on my every day to get to my someday.
In partnership with Aeroplan.