Travel |

May 28, 2020

Solo Travel: 6 Incredible Cities

The summer of 2020 may seem like quite a while away still, but, if you happen to be planning a once-in-a-lifetime solo travel experience, then time is of the essence! Certain destinations around the world lend themselves particularly well to solo travel, enhancing that sense of freedom and independence that you feel.

Destinations that are social, friendly, cultural and naturally stunning tend to be the best for solo travelers, so here are six destinations around the world that tick all of those boxes.

Santiago, Chile

South America is such a fascinating part of the world to visit, but some areas can be a little tricky to navigate if you don’t speak Spanish. This is where Santiago stands out – although this may be the capital of Chile, as well as the country’s largest city, Santiago is surprisingly easy to get around on your own. The city is known for being clean, developed and safe, as well as quite prosperous, making this the perfect destination for a solo traveler.

Exactly how safe is Santiago?

Santiago is regularly rated as the safest big city in South America. Although petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, may still go on here, violent crime is very rare. Still, a pickpocketing incident could really ruin your trip, especially since the organized pickpocket groups tend to target tourists, so be sure to remain vigilant throughout your vacation.

What’s There to Do in Santiago?

Dynamic and constantly-bustling, Santiago is a city that will never bore you. It boasts an exciting mix of ancient traditions, European influences and natural beauty, all coming together to create a truly unique ambience.

Some of the things that you could do here include:

Heading to the top of the Costanera Center, which is the highest building in Latin America and offers incredible views of the glittering city beneath you
Go on a tour of the Palacio de La Moneda, which is the seat of the President of the Republic of Chile
Explore the Cajon del Maipo, a huge gorge that sits about 15 miles outside of the city. Outdoor adventures are rife here – choose from hiking, rafting, skiing, cycling and more. Alternatively, spend your day sampling local wines at the nearby winery
Visit the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino to see some ancient art
Spend some time people-watching at the vibrant Plaza de Armas

Malta

A charming Mediterranean island located between Sicily and the north of Africa, Malta is constantly being rated as one of the best destinations in the world for solo travelers.

Why?

Because although it may be one of the most densely-populated countries in the world, English is widely spoken here (along with Maltese, it’s an official language), and it is easy to get around the country.

Most tourists immediately head to Valletta, which is the Maltese capital. With its grand churches, palaces and museums, as well as its impressive shopping (if your skin is in a fix, stop by the OROGOLD store in Valletta), Valletta definitely has plenty to offer, but Sliema tends to be a better base for solo travelers.

There are still numerous shops and restaurants in this resort town, which sits on Malta’s eastern coast. The views from this area are simply exquisite, and Sliema has a deep sense of heritage and tradition that is sometimes missing from Valletta.

What’s There to Do in Sliema?

Although Sliema was once a quiet fishing village, it exponentially grew during the British period, and quickly became the commercial heart of the island. Some of the things that a solo traveler could do here include:

Visiting Manoel Island, which is home to Fort Manoel. This was recently restored, and then used as a filming location for TV series Game of Thrones
Taking in a show at the century-old Salesian Theatre
Strolling along the Seaside Promenade, where you will pass historic churches, 17th century coastal watchtowers, quaint ice cream parlours, military installations and more
Swimming in Sliema’s Roman Baths, which are a series of rock-cut pools, complete with ladders
Tour some of the many churches in Sliema, with the Maltese islands being home to the largest density of churches per square kilometer in the world. Malta is also one of the most Catholic countries in Europe, with some of these churches featuring extraordinary architecture

Seoul, South Korea

The capital of South Korea, Seoul is a city of contrasts. Historic Buddhist temples sit next to soaring skyscrapers, while extravagant palaces and bustling street markets sit side by side.

Although Seoul may be densely populated and rarely quiet, this is actually a very safe city for solo travelers to visit. The crime rates here are far lower than most US cities, sitting more on par with European ones. Serious crimes are rare, and it would be perfectly safe for a female to walk around alone at night here.

The city is also full of modern conveniences, making getting around so easy. From high-tech subway systems to WiFi availability just about everywhere you go, these luxuries make solo travel so much less stressful.

What’s There to Do in Seoul?

Whether you’re into history, pop culture, or just about anything else, Seoul has it all. Here are just a few of the things that you can do in the city:

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is one of the best examples of Korean architecture in Seoul
Shop at the Namdaemun Market, which is the largest traditional market in Korea, with more than 10,000 stores to browse
Tour some of the quirky museums in the city, such as the Korea Furniture Museum or the Trick Eye Museum
Learn more about the country’s history at the beautifully-preserved, 600 year old Bukchon Hanok Village, which is also where you will find the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center
Soak up some culture at Suyeonsanbang – a traditional teahouse that serves up local delicacies, such as bamboo rice cakes, along with their own herbal tea

Toronto, Canada

The safety and cosmopolitan nature of Toronto make the city a popular choice for solo travelers. Plus, with the surrounding Ontario province being so rich in natural diversity, Toronto has something to offer just about everyone.

With Toronto being quite a large city, you would be best off choosing somewhere downtown as your base. This then gives you easy access to the city’s major attractions and areas, and there are also numerous hotels to pick from here as well.

Toronto is extremely multicultural, meaning that you will encounter people from all walks of life here. The locals are friendly, and are always happy to help out a lost traveler.

What’s There to Do in Toronto?

There are a few big-name attractions that every visitor to Toronto definitely needs to see at least once, but Toronto is also home to several hidden gems that are not on the main tourist trail. Some of the things that you can occupy yourself with here include:

Spend a day exploring the Distillery District, which is home to art galleries, trendy restaurants and luxury boutiques, intermingled with 19th century architecture and cobblestone streets
Explore some of the city’s museums, such as the Royal Ontario Museum, the Museum of Illusions and the Art Gallery of Ontario
Visit Yonge-Dundas Square, which is a little like a miniature Times Square, with flashing advertisements, an endless array of shops and boutiques, street performers and more. Not too far away is the OROGOLD Toronto store, where you can treat your skin to complimentary facials, product demonstrations and expert advice
Head to the Rogers Centre to catch a baseball game
Take a ride up to the top of the CN Tower, which is the city’s most iconic landmark. The glass floor here offers a stomach-churning view of the city below

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Rotterdam may often be overlooked in favor of Amsterdam, but the second-largest Dutch city has just as much to offer as the capital. Famous for its architecture, street art and nightlife, Rotterdam offers the vibrancy of Amsterdam, but without all of the crowds.

When it comes to solo travel, Rotterdam is easy to navigate. The compact layout of the city means that you can pretty much walk anywhere you need to go. Of course, just like Amsterdam, Rotterdam is extremely bicycle-friendly, with tourists able to hire bikes by the hour. You also have the option of taking the water taxi – a wonderfully scenic way to get around the city.

How safe is Rotterdam?

In terms of safety, you don’t really have much to worry about in Rotterdam. This is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. As a tourist, your biggest issue could be pickpockets, but, so long as you are sensible, this shouldn’t be a problem.

What’s There to Do in Rotterdam?

The attractions of Amsterdam are world-famous, from the museums and coffee houses to the canals and red light district. While Rotterdam may be a little lesser-known, its attractions are equally worthy:

Take in the city’s impressive contemporary architecture, with these modern superstructures, such as the Euromast, being open for the public to tour
Take a stroll along the historic waterfront area, with some parts, which were left untouched by the war, dating way back to 1389
Enjoy the nightlife at some of the city’s world-leading venues and clubs
Taste your way around The Markthal, the main food market in the city where you will be able to sample such a wide array of local dishes
Tour some of the art galleries along Witte de Withestraat, which is also home to several trendy restaurants and bars

Istanbul, Turkey

With the city straddling both Asia and Europe, Istanbul is such a fascinating city to visit, with this being the only city in the world that is split between two continents. This is one of the largest cities in Turkey, and while it may be quite a safe one, you do still need to practice some caution when traveling alone, especially as a female. Nevertheless, many would say that Istanbul is one of the safest big European cities for solo travelers, so long as you keep your wits about you.

If you consider yourself to be a foodie, Istanbul will truly delight. Thanks to the city’s multiple cultural influences, the food here is a melting pot of flavors and textures, with local dishes available to suit every type of diet.

What’s There to Do in Istanbul?

Istanbul is a historic city, and many of the attractions here are related to that. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Istanbul:

Visit Sultanahmet Square, where you will find a number of historical landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia
Explore some of the city’s trendier and more hipster neighborhoods, such as Osmanbey and Tesvikiye
Take some time out on Princes’ Island, with its sandy beaches and warm waters
Learn more about traditional glass art at The Glass Furnace, where you can try your hand at making some of your own one-of-a-kind glass art pieces
Explore some of the city’s palaces, such as the lavish Beylerbeyi Palace and the ancient Dolmabahce Palace

Traveling to a new destination on your own can be such a rewarding experience. It gives you the freedom to do exactly what you want and when you want, and you will also find yourself meeting more people and making more friends than you would have if you had been traveling with someone else. So, the next time you find yourself day-dreaming about your future solo travel plans, be sure to keep these six destinations in mind.

Travel |

April 8, 2016

| OROGOLD

Restaurants to Try in Amsterdam

From Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to trendy yet laid-back cafés, Amsterdam’s food scene is thriving, making it a true haven for any foodies that visit. From the first raw bar in the Netherlands to an eatery that only uses local, farm fresh produce, these are some of Amsterdam’s must-try restaurants.

De Kas
In English, De Kas means greenhouse, and the restaurant’s name is in honor of its location – in a massive greenhouse that used to belong to the Municipal Nursery of Amsterdam. The greenhouse is large enough that it has easily been divided into two parts; the first being a restaurant and the second reserved for growing produce that the kitchen can create exciting menus from. With a focus on contemporary European and rural Mediterranean cuisine, this is the restaurant to visit if you want to taste some of the best of Amsterdam’s local produce.

Bridges
With an emphasis on Dutch and French culinary traditions, Bridges has only recently opened its doors in Amsterdam, bringing with it the first raw bar that the Netherlands has seen. Alongside the fresh and succulent oysters, and the more-ish lobster sandwiches, Bridges also has a drinks list that boasts an extensive range of vintage wines and champagnes, as well as a quirky cocktail bar and cigar lounge.

Vinkeles
Voted by TripAdvisor as the best restaurant in Amsterdam, Vinkeles earned their first Michelin star in 2009 for their delicate French cuisine that strikes a beautiful balance between classic and contemporary. The restaurant’s sunken dining room is surrounded by 18th century ovens, reminiscent of an old French bakery, while the garden views provide the perfect backdrop to the elegant meals served up. While the a la carte menu at Vinkeles is always tempting, the tasting menu is usually the best option for those who are dining at the restaurant for the first time, as it gives you the opportunity to taste a wider range of their amazing creations.

Yamazato
In addition to having some of the finest European restaurants in the world, Amsterdam is also home to Yamazato, the only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Europe. The restaurant is designed to mirror a 19th century Japanese tea house, with the menu focussing on haute cuisine. If you want to taste the best of the restaurant’s dishes, the traditional eight-course tasting menu is what you should order.

Restaurant Johannes
While Restaurant Johannes may not yet have a Michelin star, the food is most definitely worthy of one, as many of their regular patrons would agree. Situated on the ground floor of a canalside house along the Herengracht, considered to be one of the prettiest canals in the city, Restaurant Johannes makes use of classic Dutch ingredients, but in a quirky and innovative way. From the croquettes stuffed with mustard duxelles and ballotine of pheasant to the delicate sweetbreads served with wild spinach, truffles and a red wine sauce, Restaurant Johannes takes Dutch cuisine to a whole new level.

Dining at these Amsterdam restaurants will offer you more than a quick way to fill your stomach. Instead, these establishments all take strong pride in their food, providing guests with an unforgettable gastronomical experience rather than just a simple meal.

Travel |

April 6, 2016

| OROGOLD

Amsterdam’s Original Beer Bar

Server pouring beer from a tap

Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s biggest names in beer, from Heineken to Grolsch to Amstel, and it often seems as though there are an endless number of bars at which to enjoy an ice cold brew. While there may now be many different beer bars dotted around the city, there is one that has truly won the hearts of the locals. One of four Gollem pubs in Amsterdam, Café Gollem has been around since 1974, and was the very first beer café in Amsterdam to serve up Belgian and international beers.

Café Gollem
Situated in the bustling De Pijp neighborhood in the heart of Amsterdam, Café Gollem enjoys a prime location. Being so well-renowned, the bar can often get quite busy, but this is never too much of an issue as Café Gollem not only has a long bar that can serve many at a time, but also a vertical drinking area outside, as well as a mezzanine level for those who want some privacy.

The Beer
There are not many bars in Amsterdam that can boast a beer list as impressive as the one that you will find at Café Gollum. There are fourteen different taps to choose from, with seven regulars that have earned themselves a permanent place at a tap, to seven guest beers that are rotated on a regular basis. When it comes to their bottled beers, Café Gollum stocks over 150 different varieties, with a strong emphasis on local breweries in and around Amsterdam, craft breweries throughout the Netherlands, and both small and large breweries from neighboring Belgium.

Beers to Try
While official beer tastings are held at a different Gollum bar, guests of Café Gollum are still able to sample a few of the different beers available so that they can make a better-informed decision on which ones to order. Some of the beers worth sampling are Gregorius, which comes from one of the newest Trappist breweries in Austria, and the Chimay Red, which is quite a rare and exclusive beer in Belgium. The beer menu is written on the upper walls of the bar, but if you feel at all intimidated by the vast selection on offer, do not hesitate to speak to the knowledgeable bartenders, who will be able to advise you on the beers that you are likely to enjoy.

The Food
Many beer cafés around Amsterdam take a keen interest in the food that they serve, but Café Gollum has chosen to remain completely dedicated to their beer. While there may not be any freshly cooked hot dishes available, there are plenty of cold snacks that you can order to accompany your drinks. From Dutch cheese platters to traditional smoked sausage, Café Gollum’s beer snacks may not seem too impressive, but they manage to perfectly complement the beer.

For those of you who enjoy trying different beers, and for those of you that want to learn more about European beers, Café Gollum is a great beer bar to visit. While it may have much more competition now than it used to when it first opened its doors, it has managed to stand strong, attracting more loyal regulars year upon year.

Lifestyle |

April 4, 2016

| OROGOLD

Kaas Shops & Dutch Cheeses

Cheese shop

The Netherlands is known for their cheese production, and chances are that you have already tried a few different Dutch cheeses. While the Netherlands may be one of the top cheese exporters in the world, the best way to experience fresh and authentic ‘kaas’ is by visiting different parts of the country, tasting regional cheeses and visiting local kaas shops.

Gouda
A mild, semi-hard cow’s milk cheese, Gouda is considered to be the king of Dutch cheeses. However, what many people do not realize until they actually visit the Netherlands is that there are actually six different types of Gouda, with each type being categorized by its age. Generally speaking, the younger the cheese is, the milder and softer it will be, and, as it ages, it takes on a sharper and nuttier flavor.

Edam
Edam makes up around a third of the cheese production in the Netherlands, and is the second most popular cheese after Gouda. Edam is also a semi-hard cheese, but has a lower fat content than most other traditional Dutch cheeses, boasting a mild, salty taste that appeals to just about everyone.

Nagelkaas
Nagelkaas, otherwise known as clove cheese, originated in the northeast of the country thanks to the Friesian people that used to live there. While it may be tasty and relatively popular, it can be quite difficult to find, so keep an eye out for it when visiting any kaas shops.

De Kaaskamer
Situated in Amsterdam, De Kaaskamer is one of the most popular and well-known cheese shops in the country. With a strong focus on tradition and craftsmanship, De Kaaskamer stocks over 400 different kinds of cheese from around the world, but specializes in local Dutch cheeses. If you are not able to take a full block of cheese away with you, the store also sells salads and sandwiches that can be made with the cheese of your choice, and they even shrink wrap cheeses if you are wanting to take them overseas.

Henri Willig Cheese & More
Another fantastic cheese shop with outlets all over the country, Cheese & More is a store that produces award-winning local cheeses, earning them a widespread international reputation. Some of their standout cheeses that have won awards include the goat cheese with fenugreek, the organic cow’s milk cheese with green pesto, and their unique baby Gouda.

Cheese Markets
If you would like to shop for cheese in a more traditional way, there are five authentic cheese markets in the Netherlands that still function as trading centers for cheese. The markets in Gouda and Woerden attract local cheesemakers who sell their products to wholesalers, while the markets in Alkmaar, Hoorn and Edam are known for their impressive demonstrations and traditional cheese stalls. Due to the seasonality of many of the cheeses, most of the markets are only open from late spring to early autumn, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Cheese is firmly rooted in the history of the Netherlands, and has become as strong a part of Dutch identity and culture as the windmills and wooden clogs. With a dairy industry that is valued at almost 8 billion Euros, it would seem as though the cheesemaking traditions of the Netherlands are going to stand strong for years to come.

Travel |

March 30, 2016

| OROGOLD

How to Live Luxe in Amsterdam

Amsterdam

It is sometimes all-too-easy to think of Amsterdam in terms of the clichés that surround it, but, when you take the time to look deeper, the city’s vibrant and dynamic heart shines through. From luxurious shops to extravagant restaurants, this is your guide to living luxe in Amsterdam.

lornet / Shutterstock.com

Luxury Shopping
For the most high end and luxurious shops in the city, head to P. C. Hooftstraat, which has frequently been rated in the top three in lists of the nicest places to shop in the world. This has been an exclusive shopping destination since the 1970’s, and boasts a wide range of international brands, from Hugo Boss to Ralph Lauren to Gucci. If you are searching for high-end local designers, then the Van Baerlestraat is the place to go, as it is here that you will find a fantastic selection of boutiques from Dutch designers. Willemsparkweg is also home to an exciting array of boutiques, and it is quite easy to spend the entire afternoon browsing through the accessory, fashion and homeware stores.

World-Class Fine Dining
When it comes to dining out, Amsterdam has some of the finest restaurants in the world, from classic Michelin-starred fine dining to casual but elegant cafés. La Rive is one of these Michelin-starred restaurants, and while it may not be easy to secure a table here, once you do, you will be amongst the company of dignitaries, royalty and rock stars. Ciel Bleu is the only restaurant in Amsterdam with two Michelin stars, guaranteeing you an unforgettable meal. If you decide to pay it a visit, try to request a table by the window on the northern side of the restaurant, because, with the restaurant being situated 23 floors above the city, these are the windows that offer a rare panoramic view down onto the busy streets of Amsterdam.

Bartender making a cocktail

Handcrafted Cocktails
Amsterdam may be packed with bars and clubs, but there are some that pride themselves on being a cut above the competition in terms of the quality of their drinks and the ambiance of their setting. Hiding in Plain Sight is one of these venues, and has been voted as the best cocktail bar in Amsterdam on more than one occasion. As elegant as this bar may be, there are always times when you want something more exclusive, and this is when you should pay a visit to Door 74, which is one of the city’s secret bars. A phone number needs to be called to secure a reservation, which can only be done each day itself, and the mysterious décor, coupled with the creative cocktails and custom concoctions, make it a bar that is a delight to spend time in.

Luxury living is synonymous with the heart and soul of Amsterdam, and, if you know where to go, it is easy to live luxe in the city. From dining at Michelin-starred eateries to sipping on one-of-a-kind cocktails, Amsterdam is a city that welcomes those who appreciate elegance and class.