Travel |

February 23, 2020

7 Exciting New Flight Routes for Your 2020 Travel Plans

Ever wished that it were easier to plan your travel adventures around the world?

Having to schedule multiple stops for inter-connecting flights can make the travel experience so much more stressful, which is why a direct flight to the destination of your choice is always the preferred option.

Well, you’re in luck, because 2020 has brought with it a number of new airline routes opening up all over the world. No matter where you live in the USA, chances are that an airport near you will now be giving you the opportunity to book a non-stop flight to an exciting new destination.

New Jersey to New Zealand

It used to take over 20 hours to fly from New Jersey to New Zealand, and every route out there would include at least one stop. Well, that’s all set to change at the end of October 2020, when Air New Zealand begins one of their longest long-haul flight routes, traveling between Newark and Auckland.

The new 8,800 mile route will take around 17 hours and 40 minutes and will operate three times a week, saving you quite a bit of time.

Never been to Auckland before?

There’s plenty to do here, such as:

Taking in the breathtaking landscapes at Waiheke Island and Rangitoto Island
Exploring the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Visiting some of the best museums in the country, including the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki and the Auckland War Memorial Museum
Checking out some of the city’s family-friendly attractions, such as the Auckland Zoo and the Sky Tower

Love the sound of Auckland but put off by an almost-18 hour flight?

Don’t worry, if you’re willing to splurge, Air New Zealand offers a Skycouch service, where you can turn an entire row of economy seats into a flat-lie option. The plane that will be traveling this route is also known for its higher humidity levels, meaning that you won’t need to deal with 18 hours of dehydration either.

Dallas to St. Thomas

The US Virgin Islands has seen a huge surge in tourism in recent years, so it only makes sense for airlines to try to capitalize on this as much as possible, adding these Caribbean islands to their itineraries.

Well, that’s exactly what American Airlines did at the end of December 2019, adding in two new routes to St. Thomas from both Chicago and Dallas. Although the Chicago route is a seasonal one, the Dallas route is set to operate year-round, giving you plenty of opportunities to go soak up that Caribbean vibe.

Wondering what there is to do in St. Thomas?

This cosmopolitan city is famous for its beaches, and boasts some of the most exquisite snorkeling spots in the entire world.

St. Thomas is also known for being one of the best places to shop in all of the Caribbean. Main Street in Downtown Charlotte Amalie is always popular, as is the upscale Yacht Haven Grande, complete with luxury yachts mooring at the dock here. While exploring this area, be sure to also stop off at the OROGOLD Virgin Islands store to treat your skin to some complimentary product demonstrations.

Of course, the local food in St. Thomas isn’t to be missed either…

The fresh seafood will be some of the best you have ever tasted, while kallaloo, a stew made from leafy greens, meat and okra, is another dish that your taste buds will love. Pate is also popular here, whether made from meat, fish or vegetables, while the sweet, coconut-derived Dumb bread is the perfect way to end a meal.

Don’t live near Dallas but still want a direct flight to St. Thomas?

There are a few other routes opening up in 2020, including a Delta flight from Atlanta and another United flight from Houston.

Boston to Vienna

If you live in Boston and have always wanted to visit Austria, chances are that you were put off by the complete lack of non-stop flights. Well, that’s all about to change in October 2020, as this is when Austrian Airlines will be beginning their new regular route between Vienna and Boston.

The only downside to this is that prices are likely to remain quite high, since there are no other airlines offering this same route.

However, if you don’t mind paying for convenience, then this flight will take you directly from Boston to Vienna International Airport, after which it’s just a short ride away to the city center.

Now, for those of you who aren’t familiar with the city…

Vienna is the capital of Austria, and sits at the east of the country. It is famous for its musical past, with its historic residents including Mozart and Beethoven. The city has also birthed many legendary artists, such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, making it a true hub for creativity.

The architecture around Vienna is something else that the city is unique for. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has been around for over 700 years, is a great example of this, as is Hofburg Palace and the Rathaus, otherwise known as City Hall.

As you can imagine, Vienna is a very picturesque city, making it well worth a visit for any of you Boston residents out there.

Philadelphia to Casablanca

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At the moment, there are no U.S airlines that fly to Morocco, which is why the new route being opened by American Airlines, which travels between Philadelphia and Casablanca, is extremely exciting. Although this is just a seasonal service, operating between June and September 2020, it is still an incredible opportunity to visit this exotic city.

With Casablanca being the largest city in Morocco, there is so much to do here, so make sure that you include enough days in your trip. Some of the most popular things to do here include:

Visiting the Hassan II Mosque, which is the second-largest mosque in the world
Shopping at the Morocco Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in all of Africa
Exploring the Old Medina, a charming ancient district with labyrinth-style streets
Visiting the Place Mohamed V, where you will find some of the city’s most important buildings, all boasting exemplary architectural styles
Strolling along the Corniche, the city’s beachfront district where you will find numerous upscale restaurants, hotels and beach clubs
Shopping at the Central Market, an authentic local market that sells everything from clothing and souvenirs to vegetables and spices

New York to Mumbai

There has been an increasing demand in flights from the USA to Mumbai in recent years, with much of this coming from New York. Of course, with Mumbai being the financial center of India, this only makes sense, which is why Delta Airlines is stepping up.

Now, the Delta flight route between New York and Mumbai isn’t technically new at all…

The airline first started offering this route in 2006, but then had to close it down in 2009. However, this daily route is now set to be traveled once again, with flights leaving from New York JFK. The service began running in December 2019, and has done extremely well so far.

So, for all of you New Yorkers who have been yearning to experience the true heart and soul of India, now’s your chance! Mumbai is big, busy, noisy and chaotic. This is a city full of contrasts, home to some of the most expensive homes in the world, as well as some of the largest slums in Asia. In addition to being a financial center, it is also considered to be India’s fashion hub, and is home to India’s prolific Bollywood industry too.

For first time visitors, the city can initially seem overwhelming, so here are a few things to put on your itinerary:

A visit to the Gateway of India monument, which is a great place to begin exploring Mumbai by foot
Touring some of the historic colonial buildings around the city, including the Kala Goda art precinct, the Bombay High Court, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum and the buildings around Horniman Circle
A visit to Haji Ali, which is a mosque as well as a tomb, and is only accessible via a 500 yard walkway at low tide
Shopping at the many markets and local bazaars – try Colaba Causeway for clothes and shoes, Chor Bazaar for antiques, and Crawford Market for fresh food and spices, as well as incredible architecture
Go on a tour of Film City to learn more about Mumbai’s famous Bollywood industry

San Diego to Montreal

While there are direct flights to Montreal from many U.S cities, those who live in San Diego have had to go without…until now. Beginning in June 2020, Air Transat will be flying between San Diego and Montreal three times a week, with this seasonal service running until the end of October 2020.

Never flown with Air Transat before?

Well, in 2019, for the second year running, Air Transat was voted as the best leisure airline in the world, thanks to their friendly service, top-class entertainment systems, kids club, and flexible fares.

For those of you visiting Montreal for the first time, this Canadian city, which is the largest in the country, sits on an island, making it incredibly picturesque. The first place to go is Mount Royal, a large volcanic hill that offers spectacular views of downtown Montreal, as well as the south bank’s mountains.

The city also boasts some gorgeous historic buildings, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica, where you will find one of the most ornate gothic facades you have ever seen, along with its famous organ.

Of course, Montreal is also known for being a popular foodie destination. In fact, Montreal has more restaurants per capita than New York City! One of the best ways to taste your way around Montreal is with a food tour, and there are certainly plenty to choose from. If you would rather venture out on your own, make sure that you try the local specialty of poutine, as well as some Montreal-style pastrami.

San Francisco to Warsaw

Poland is becoming quite the travel destination, with an increasing number of attractions to offer its visitors. Sadly, there were not many direct flights from the USA to Poland to choose from, which is why LOT Polish Airlines have introduced four new non-stop routes to various Polish cities. In addition to the San Francisco to Warsaw leg, you can also choose from:

New York to Krakow
Washington, D.C. to Warsaw
Chicago to Krakow (this one is with American Airlines)

With all of these new routes opening up, chances are that fare prices will drop too, making this a win-win!

So, the San Francisco to Warsaw route will be starting in August 2020, with this being a year-round service. With Warsaw being the capital of Poland, this is the best place to go to immerse yourself in Polish life and culture, with the city’s Old Town being the ideal spot to begin. This area dates back to the 13th century, although many of the buildings here have been rebuilt. Still, the preservation that has taken place in this district has been enough to grant it protected status by UNESCO.

There are numerous churches, monuments and museums to visit throughout Warsaw, but make sure to also save some time to explore the city’s creative side. From trendy craft breweries to fascinating cultural events to quirky art galleries, Warsaw is bursting with creative energy.

While a stop or two isn’t usually a big deal when you are heading to your dream destination, it definitely does make it much more convenient to also have the option of a direct flight. Whether you have been wanting to explore historic European cities, or relax on a tropical beach, these seven new flight routes will open up a world of possibilities for you for 2020!

Travel |

March 16, 2017

| OROGOLD

Craft Brew Tours in the Lone Star State

Texas is home to an ever-expanding population of craft beer breweries, and while their production levels may not be as high as the big name brands out there, their specialized production techniques and unique flavor combinations really help these beers to stand out. From Houston to Austin to Dallas, these are some of the breweries in the Lone Star State that are worth some extra effort to be able to tour.

Freetail Brewing Co., San Antonio
Freetail is known for producing one of the best lines of sour beers in the Lone Star State, and while there may be plenty of hype surrounding this brewery at the moment, this is all definitely well-deserved. Freetail continuously creates tasty new styles, which is possible because of the way in which they brew small batches each time. With their beers constantly changing, and many limited release specialities to try, a tour of the Freetail Brewing Co., which is offered from Thursdays to Saturdays, will no doubt be a memorable one.

Rahr & Sons Brewing Company, Fort Worth
The year-round brews offered up by the Rahr & Sons Brewing Company are some of the best in the state, and feature everything from a deep American amber to a German-style India pale ale to a strong black lager. In addition to their year-round beers, their seasonal creations are also worth trying, which can easily be done on the brewery tour, as visitors are able to sample three different beers of their choice.

Community Beer Company, Dallas
As their name suggests, the Community Beer Company places a huge emphasis on giving back to the community, which they do in a variety of ways. During your brewery tour, you will notice several pieces of artwork decorating the walls, all of which have been created by local artists. The brewery also offers a beer school, enabling visitors to learn more about the process of beer making, from the history behind it to the science that makes it happen. In 2013, Community won the Best New Brewery award, and has continued to grow since then. Some of the must-try beers here include the Witbier and the Barrel Aged Legion, as well as the Mosaic India Pale Ale.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Houston
The Saint Arnold Brewing Company is the oldest craft brewery in Texas, with free tours of their facilities throughout the week. Every single process of beer-making is done in-house here, from the filtering to the bottling to the drinking, which can be done at the brewery’s Beer Hall, where visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks, games and picnic blankets, so that they can spend the day sampling different beers. The tour includes four beer samples, as well as a free souvenir glass, after which you can head to the Beer Hall to purchase some more tasters.

Texas is known for its craft breweries, and there are some to be found no matter where in the state you go. While this may be the case, the breweries mentioned above are, without a doubt, some of the best in the Lone Star State, so do try to swing by and take a tour if you can.

Travel |

February 10, 2017

| OROGOLD

Exploring Klyde Warren Park

A vibrant green space that connects Uptown and Downtown Dallas, the Klyde Warren Park stretches out for just over five acres. Featuring a sweeping pedestrian promenade surrounded by everything from a botanical garden to a games area, the little pockets of activity that can be found throughout the park makes it a joy to explore.

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The Grand Plaza
The Grand Plaza marks the main entrance to the Klyde Warren Park, as well as a gateway to the Dallas Arts District. Here you will find many of the park’s main amenities, as well as a splashing pool for children and a dedicated space for street performers.

The Botanical Garden
When entering the park from the west, the botanical garden is one of the first features that you will come across. While it may not be that large, this garden makes use of decomposed granite walkways to highlight seasonal blooms, focussing on native plant species in particular.

Children’s Park
The Children’s Park is a highlight for many, as this is a place where their imagination can really blossom. In addition to the playgrounds and children’s amphitheatre, this part of the park is also home to interactive fountains and a storytelling tree, providing endless activities that children can immerse themselves in. There are also plenty of special events hosted here for children, with upcoming highlights including Story Time with Barefoot Books and Family Experiments with the Perot Museum.

Jane’s Lane
Jane’s Lane is one of the most picturesque parts of the park, and is always popular with walkers and joggers. This 25 foot wide walkway is lined with Red Oaks and wood benches, providing the ideal place from which you can take a few minutes to really appreciate the beauty of nature.

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East Lawn
Being the main recreational hub within the park, the East Lawn is always buzzing with energy and activity. From its badminton courts to the putting green to the incredible array of fitness classes, this is an area that pretty much always has something going on.

My Best Friend’s Park
Dog parks are an important part of every city, and My Best Friend’s Park is considered to be one of the best in Dallas. This fenced off area is perfect for dogs to play and socialize safely off the lead, and even has fountains for them to cool off in on warm days.

The Commons
Parks have always been a popular spot for communities to gather and play games, and The Commons is a space that really cultivates this. There are several different games for visitors to enjoy here, from ping pong to foosball to petanque, or you can always just stop by and cheer on whoever may be playing at the time.

When taking a stroll through the Klyde Warren Park, there are so many different points of interest to catch your attention. From the native blooms at the botanical garden to the beautiful serenity of Jane’s Lane, this is a park that is able to appeal to just about everyone.

Travel |

February 6, 2017

| OROGOLD

Take a Stroll Through Dealey Plaza

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Located in downtown Dallas’ Historic West End District, Dealey Plaza, otherwise known as the Dealey Plaza Historic District, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993. It is famous for being the location at which John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, and a stroll through the plaza will take you back in time, enabling you to learn so much more about this significant day in history.

The Sixth Floor Museum
Dealey Plaza is bounded in on three sides by tall buildings, one of which is the former Texas School Book Depository, which is the building from which it was concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shot that killed the president. The exact spot that the killer stood is at the top of the building, which is now occupied by the Sixth Floor Museum. The museum documents the legacy of John F. Kennedy, and even has a live webcam to show you the modern-day view that the killer would have had. In addition to their JFK exhibits, the museum also hosts rotating special exhibits, with the current one being held until the 16th of March. Titled Amending America: The Bill of Rights, the exhibition celebrates the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights by taking a look at how the first ten amendments came to be, as well as how they serve to protect American citizens.

Historic Features around the Plaza
There are many historic features dotted around the plaza that have not changed since 1963, giving visitors the opportunity to really experience what the area looked and felt like at that time. From street lights and street signs to the buildings surrounding the plaza, that provide quite the contrast with the towering Dallas skyscrapers behind them, a stroll through the plaza almost feels as though you are stepping back in time.

The Grassy Knoll
A small sloping hill located within the plaza, the grassy knoll became a well-known spot after the assassination of the president, as this is where the police rushed to after shots were fired. There were many witnesses who claim to have heard shots being fired from here, and the area has been at the center of many of the conspiracy theories surrounding the event.

Old Red Museum
Another one of the authentically historic buildings that surrounds Dealey Plaza is home to the Old Red Museum, which showcases the history, heritage and culture of Dallas. This former courthouse building was built in 1892, and has been beautifully restored by then, with architecture that really deserves to be admired. The museum boasts several interactive exhibits, including a rotating special exhibit that ensures that returning visitors always have something new to see.

There are currently restoration works underway to return Dealey Plaza back to the exact state that it was in in 1963, which will really provide even more of a one-of-a-kind experience. In the meantime, there is still so much to experience here, from the Sixth Floor Museum to the grassy knoll, making Dealey Plaza the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

Travel |

May 20, 2016

| OROGOLD

Hiatus Spa + Retreat

Woman having champagne Hiatus revolutionized the spa industry in 2007 by introducing the concept of spa memberships. While the spa may also have locations in Austin and Plano, their Dallas branch was their very first and continues to win awards for the many different treatments on offer. With seventeen private treatment rooms, an intimate couples suite, a nail therapy lounge and a hydrotherapy room, this spa has been specifically designed to provide the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

Massages
Each of the many massages offered by Hiatus are tailored to suit your exact needs, with an emphasis being placed on any problem areas. The Stress-Fix Massage combines Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques, alongside foot reflexology and guided meditation, while the Chakra Balancing Massage uses unique essential oil blends on the seven chakra energy points within the body.

Nail Therapy
The nail services offered by Hiatus have won numerous awards over the years, which isn’t too much of a surprise when you enter the nail therapy lounge. The Hiatus Mani-Pedi is the most popular option, with guests relaxing in a zero gravity chair to enjoy the feeling of weightlessness, while a scented neck pillow, as well as an aromatherapy scent of your choice, enhance the whole experience with their calming fragrances. This customized sensual journey is completed with the use of ultra-safe and Vegan-friendly SpaRitual nail colors, with the choice of upgrading to an eco-gel manicure.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient technique that has been proven to treat a number of medical conditions, and, in addition to offering the standard form of acupuncture with fine, disposable needles, Hiatus also provides a needle-less acupuncture therapy, which makes use of a microcurrent device, as well as therapeutic color light, instead of needles, to stimulate the different energy points around the body. Hiatus also offers a facial acupuncture service, which has been known to result in a smoother and clearer complexion, significantly reducing any visible signs of aging.

Body Treatments and Facials
For those who want to treat their body to some TLC, Hiatus’ body treatments are ideal, and, just like all of the other treatments that they offer, there are many to choose from. Their Shirodhara treatment is one of their most unique, making use of an ancient Ayurvedic technique to help release tension and anxiety. Other body treatments available include a hydrating body wrap, customized aromatherapy and exfoliation, an aromatic steam treatment, and much more. The facials on offer are just as exciting, each of them designed to bring out the best in your skin, leaving it toned, radiant, lifted, and more youthful than ever before.

In addition to all of these incredibly tempting treatments available, Hiatus also offers treatments that have been designed specifically for men, as well as others that are gentle enough for expectant mothers. It is clear to see that this is a spa that truly puts the needs of their guests first, with their main priority being to uplift and rejuvenate just about everybody that walks through their door.