Most people think of American Express as a credit card company, but the firm—which is celebrating its centennial this month—began as a full service travel provider. Along with organizing trips, tours and cruises, American Express sold all sorts of travel tickets, arranged hotel accommodations, held mail for travelers, and sold travelers checks. These days, the company is a bank and credit card behemoth, but keeps its hand in the travel trade with booking services and a newly launched series of high end airport lounges.