Tag Archives: Adventure

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Planning Your British Columbia Hiking Trip

West Coast Trail, British Columbia

With over 850 parks and protected areas all around British Columbia, there are hundreds of different hiking trails to be found. While day hikes are always enjoyable, planning your trip around a longer hike will not only give you a much greater sense of accomplishment when completed, but will also enable you to see more of the stunning natural beauty that British Columbia has to offer.

Sunshine Coast Trail
Stretching out for 180 kilometers through alpine meadows and around sparkling lakes, the Sunshine Coast Trail is the longest hut-to-hut trail in Canada and takes around a week to ten days to complete. While it is possible to camp along the way, the huts, along with B&Bs, provide plenty of other options for those who do not wish to camp, and there are even a few hotels to be found around Powell River. From standing above the clouds at the Tin Hat Mountain Summit to the crystal clear waters of Elk Lake, the Sunshine Coast Trail is not as difficult as some of the other longer hikes in British Columbia, but definitely provides some truly unforgettable moments.

West Coast Trail
Found on southern Vancouver Island, the world-famous West Coast Trail attracts hikers from all over the globe and is a trail that would be well worth planning a hiking trip for. Open from May to September, the West Coast Trail is 75 kilometers long and usually takes somewhere between five to seven days to complete. This is a trail for the more experienced hikers out there, as there are a number of challenging areas, from climbing ladders and steep slopes, using cable cars and wading through strong rivers. Weather conditions here are also extremely unpredictable, but for those hikers that do decide to embark upon this adventure, they will be rewarded with extraordinary sights of Canada’s natural wilderness, and will experience a part of the world that has only been seen by the most intrepid of travelers.

Mt. Edziza Plateau Traverse
Situated in northern British Columbia, the Mt. Edziza Plateau Traverse is an extremely challenging hike, and really gives hikers the opportunity to be at one with nature. Stretching out for about 75 kilometers, this trail takes around a week to ten days to complete and includes hiking to the top of a volcano. While hikers may not spot another human being for days, they will spot some of British Columbia’s magnificent native wildlife, from caribou trotting up a glacier to the bears and the wolves, although these animals are also a danger that hikers need to be aware of. While some may say that the Grand Canyon offers a sense of wonder that nowhere else can, those who have hiked the Mt. Edziza Plateau Traverse are all likely to disagree, as this trail always manages to provide the trip of a lifetime.

British Columbia is home to some of the most picturesque views in the world, and hiking through these is the best way to truly explore them. From the sandy beaches of the West Coast Trail to the dense forests of the Sunshine Coast Trail, these trails are all worth planning a hiking trip around.

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OROGOLD’s Timeless Destinations: The United Kingdom

Sunset views of Big Ben and Palace of Westminster, UK

The United Kingdom, comprising of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, is a patchwork of fascinating history and modern culture. London, the capital city, is hugely influential all over the globe, and has a whole host of attractions that are bound to enthrall visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Although most people head straight for the bright lights of the city, the UK has some truly timeless hidden gems that OROGOLD wants to share with you, from charming countryside villages steeped in history and tradition to soaring snow-capped mountains on an isolated Scottish island.

Dockens Water, New Forest National Park, Hampshire.

The New Forest, Hampshire
The New Forest, created to be royal hunting grounds in 1079 for King William I, is anything but new, and was once part of a primeval forest that covered the whole of southern England. Today, it is a national park that measures over 93,000 acres with woodlands, scrubland, open heaths and more, and enjoys unique laws and privileges, making it one of OROGOLD’s favorite rural playgrounds in England. The New Forest is home to plenty of wildlife, but the most popular are the New Forest ponies, who roam semi-wild around the area. Several species of local deer can also be spotted, darting in between the ancient oak and beech trees. The quaint and picturesque countryside villages are also not to be missed, with Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst being two of the more popular ones.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye, part of the Inner Hebridean islands of Scotland, saw its first settlers in 4000 BC, and underwent Viking colonization from 700 AD onwards. Although the area went through significant historical turmoil, and changed hands many times, the locals fiercely clung on to their language, traditions and way of life. Skye’s more alluring attraction is its scenery, and the sparkling lochs, towering cliffs and mountains of all shapes and sizes form some of the most dramatic scenery, making it no surprise that it was recently given the title of 4th Best Island in the World by National Geographic. Since the majority of tourists tend to stay at the quaint towns of Portree and Trotternish, it is easy to find corners of the island where you can get away from it all, and have the majestic landscape all to yourself. When the mist begins to set in and you need to warm up, there are plenty of historic castles, museums, whisky distilleries and local pubs to keep you occupied.

Lake Buttermere, Lake District. Cumbria, England

The Lake District
The Lake District, a region and national park in Northwest England, is the most popular national park in the country, welcoming over 15 million visitors a year. With its landscape reminiscent of fairy-tale postcard panoramas, it is easy to see why many Romantic poets ended up settling in the area in the 19th century. The region has plenty of literary connections, with its craggy hilltops and glittering lakes providing inspiration to the likes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Lake cruises are a great way to explore the area, or, for a more unique birds-eye view, a Tree Top Trek will have you gliding through the canopies of the ancient oak woodland, giving you unobstructed views of Lake Windermere.

Although the cities of the UK may receive the most visitors, the timeless magic of this charming country can only be truly experienced in the majestic countryside. Traveling through the UK is like a journey through history, giving you a better glimpse into the extraordinary eccentricity that makes the UK so intriguing.

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Incredible Destinations of 2015 – OROGOLD Reviews

Each year, the travel industry puts different destinations under the spotlight, giving travelers the opportunity to choose from a wider range of exciting experiences. It can sometimes be almost impossible to come to a decision on where to go, so take a look at our picks for some of the most incredible destinations of 2015 to help you make your choice.

The Tiger Nest Monastery in Bhutan.

Bhutan
Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, is a country packed with ancient monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes, from steep mountains to sub-tropical plains. It is a country that measures its output not by GDP, but by GNS – Gross National Happiness. The law in Bhutan states that at least 60% of the land must remain forested, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Many of the crystal clear rivers and towering mountains are some of the most untouched parts of the Himalayas, giving it magical atmosphere that is full of promises of adventure.

Sunset views of the Red Sea Shore close to Djibouti.

Djibouti, Africa
Djibouti, the 8th smallest country in Africa, has been overlooked by many travelers until recently. Now, its delicious cuisine, gorgeous landscapes and wide range of adventure activities has begun to bring in the tourists. One of the most popular activities is to splash around in Lac Assal, Africa’s version of the Dead Sea. Measuring 155 meters below sea level, it is the lowest point on the continent, and is surrounded by a looming ring of dormant volcanoes. Other popular attractions are the waterfall-packed Goda Mountains and snorkeling with the whale sharks at the Bay of Ghoubbet.

The traditional Qintai Road district in Chengdu, China.

Chengdu, China
Chengdu is most famous for its 1600 pandas, most of whom still live in the wild. The city has three major panda research facilities, and to make it more convenient for tourists to come and visit, Chengdu has introduced a 72 hour no-visa policy. The best months to visit the bears are between June and October, and there are plenty of other attractions to keep you busy too. The New Century Global Center is the largest building in the world, and even has its own artificial beach, and the unspoiled bamboo forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely worth a visit.

A monument in Malmo, Sweden.

Malmö, Sweden
This Swedish city is beginning to make its mark on the food world, and is a must-visit for any foodies out there. Thanks to a food-obsessed public, Malmö has attracted some extremely talented young chefs, who push boundaries with their dishes and offer some incredible tasting menus. With at least 150 different nationalities living in the city, the cosmopolitan nature balances out its Nordic traditions perfectly, and the exotic Middle Eastern street food stalls next to the hipster skateboard parks only add to the vibrancy of the city.

It is always exciting to visit a new location, and 2015 sees some truly incredible places beginning to welcome more tourists. From the happiest country in Asia to the culinary creations of Northern Europe, these destinations are only just beginning to emerge as popular tourist hotspots, so make the most of their untouched magic now.

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Travel-Inspired Fashion Designers to Watch For – OROGOLD Reviews

Models walking down the ramp in a fashion show.

A travel experience can leave a long-lasting impact on a person, hugely influencing the way in which they see the world, as well as the work that they do. This is the case for many fashion designers, both up and coming as well as established, who find a constant stream of inspiration from traveling, creating fantasy-like collections that are not only desirable, but also extremely wearable.

Marchesa
Marchesa was founded by duo Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, who came up with the idea for the brand whilst travelling in India. Since then, they have continued to travel extensively around the world, to places such as Peru and the Dominican Republic, and have used these travels as inspiration for collections. A recent collection showcased the duo’s take on a wardrobe that can easily be packed, and featured printed loose pants and peasant tops. They also recently launched the Marchesa Voyage Exclusive Collection, with garments inspired by their global travels. In addition to being inspired by travel, the duo are designing for other women who also love to travel, whether for business or for pleasure, with many collections being influenced by the excitement of visiting and exploring a new place.

Matthew Williamson
Matthew Williamson set up his label in 1997, after his love of travel inspired him to become a designer. Cornering the jet-set, bohemian market, Matthew Williamson gained a strong following for his use of bold colors and kaleidoscopic prints. He continues to travel at least once a month to seek out inspiration for new collections, with some of his favorite destinations being Marrakech, Mykonos and Beirut. Kerala, in India, is of particular inspiration to him, reminding him of a more beautiful version of Venice, and providing him with plenty of ideas for spring and summer collections that exude a relaxed and earthy way of life. The team at Matthew Williamson have recently announced a new website that will offer free global shipping and six smaller collections, rather than two larger ones, making his travel-inspired clothes more accessible.

Ulla Johnson
Ulla Johnson launched her line in 2000, shortly after graduating from university, and subsequently produced collection after collection inspired by her travels around the world. The garments are effortlessly chic, with a bohemian quality. In addition to using her travels to inspire the designs, Ulla Johnson also uses traditional techniques from around the world to construct her garments, such as knitwear that has been hand-loomed in Peru and Shibori prints that were hand-dyed in India. She has also recently launched some denim pieces and swimwear, all with the fine tailoring and custom embroidery that has become synonymous with her brand.

Travel, with the excitement of exploring a new destination and experiencing an adventure, will continue to influence fashion designers for seasons to come. Whether they use travel as inspiration for new ideas, or create new garments that are aimed to be travel-friendly, all designers seem to be united by the fact that they all share this exciting and never-ending source of inspiration.

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Most Beautiful Shipwrecks – OROGOLD Reviews

According to the United Nations, there are more than 3 million shipwrecks currently lying on the ocean floor. These beautiful ships once majestically sailed the seas, but are now a haunting reminder of the true power of the ocean. Shipwrecks have long been a fascination for travelers, divers and explorers, and with many of them visible from the ground, you do not need to be an experienced diver to appreciate their magnificent beauty. To help you shortlist between the millions of alternatives, OROGOLD reviews the most beautiful shipwrecks in the world here.

The Dimitrios Shipwreck at Selinitsa Beach, Greec

Dimitrios, Greece
Dimitrios is one of the most famous Greek shipwrecks, mostly due to its location – nearby an easily accessible beach with a picturesque surrounding. The exact origins of the ship are unknown, but rumors point to it being a smuggling ship, transporting cigarettes between Turkey and Italy, after which it was caught by authorities, released from the port, and set on fire. It is assumed that the wreck only happened in the last 10 to 20 years, and even though rust is slowly taking over the ship, it is still intact, and is an easy wreck to explore up close.

Beautiful views of the Red Sea from Egypt.

Russian Spy Ship, South Egyptian Red Sea
This ship is known as the ‘Russian wreck’, and is thought to have sunk at some point before 1982. Located just off Zabagad Island, it lies 80 feet underwater, after a likely head-on collision with a reef. It is believed that the ship was some sort of Russian spy ship, as, from the 1950s onwards, the Soviets were using commercial vessels to gather intelligence. Divers have explored the shipwreck, and have found a huge array of electronic equipment, including over 200 batteries and large cables.

P29, Malta
The P29 was a navy patrol boat measuring 167 feet in length. It sank in September 2007, although a more detailed history of the ship is unknown. Currently residing on the ocean floor, the P29 is now a popular dive site due to its ghostly appearance and endless points of interest. With many narrow passages that divers can swim through, and an abundance of original instruments and paintings still in place, it is also a great destination for those interested in underwater photography.

A schooner anchored in the Solomon Islands at sunset.

World Discoverer, Solomon Islands
The World Discoverer used to be a cruise ship, although at 287 feet long, is smaller than many of the grand cruise ships we see today. Located at Roderick Bay in the Solomon Islands, this wreck has become a popular tourist attraction due to the fact that it is so easily accessible. In April 2000, the ship collided with a reef and started to sink, but because of the high amount of civil unrest in the area at the time, salvaging the ship was not possible. Luckily, there were no fatalities. Since it is located near the shore, many of the original fixtures are no longer present, as looters regularly raided the ship for anything of value.

For those of you who are comfortable underwater, many shipwrecks have been turned into popular dive sites, and, with sea creatures making their homes in pipes and crevices, are a great location to explore if you are going to be spending a few hours in the ocean.