Travel |

March 2, 2020

The Top 6 Destinations for Bleisure Travel in 2020

The bleisure travel trend is growing at an astronomical rate, and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, with research showing that bleisure travel helps to reduce stress, increase productivity at work, and improve mental health, this is a trend that may end up becoming the new normal.

Not familiar with the term ‘bleisure travel’?

It refers to combining leisure activities with a business trip, meaning really making the most of your business trip destination, rather than visiting it solely for work.

If you know that you need to plan a few business trips in the near future, here are 2020’s top six bleisure travel destinations.

Tokyo, Japan

With Tokyo recently being rated as the best bleisure destination in Asia, it seemed only fitting that the Japanese capital made first place on this list.

So, what exactly makes Tokyo so suitable for bleisure?

Well, when the bleisure study mentioned above was carried out, Tokyo came out top in a number of areas, including:

Quality of international links
Opportunity for cultural experiences
Availability of consumer goods and services
Culinary reputation

Bleisure travelers appreciate being able to immerse themselves in a new culture, and Tokyo really does provide this. The streets of Tokyo are sprinkled with multiple shrines and temples, and traditional art forms are abundant wherever you go, from origami to flower arranging to tea ceremonies, all of which bleisure travelers can easily take part in.

When it comes to food, Tokyo boasts around 226 restaurants with Michelin stars, which is more than any other city in the world. Whether you’re into fine dining or street food stalls, Tokyo has it all. Yes, you may have tasted everything from sushi to ramen to yakitori in your own country, but nothing quite compares to the authentic flavors you will experience when eating these iconic dishes in their homeland.

With more and more bleisure travelers now choosing to extend their business trips to spend more time in Tokyo, there are now hotels popping up that cater to this. Now, many travelers carry out the business portion of their trip at a more business-oriented hotel, before booking themselves in to somewhere more authentic and traditional for an extra couple of days.

Dubai, UAE

Being the main business hub of the Middle East, Dubai receives millions of business travelers each year. Thanks to the city’s incredible selection of hotels, restaurants, attractions and sights, this is a fantastic destination for a bleisure adventure.

Chances are, the business portion of your trip is taking place in the city center, meaning that you can spend your evenings exploring some of Dubai’s most legendary landmarks, including:

The Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world, with the world’s highest observation deck, giving you an amazing view of your surroundings
The Dubai Fountains – the world’s largest choreographed fountain system that sits on a 30-acre man-made lake
The Dubai Mall – the second-largest mall in the world, with more than 1200 stores, including several high end boutiques
Kite Beach – one of the most popular beaches in the city, with large stretches of white sand and waters that reach 32 degrees Celsius

As you can see, many of Dubai’s attractions are worldwide record breakers, and there really is no denying that the city is full of glitz, glamor and bling.

However, what many business travelers don’t usually experience is the seclusion and isolation of the deserts that surround the city, along with the unique culture and heritage of the Bedouin people. This is something that greatly appeals to bleisure travelers, because it provides such a contrast to city life.

Desert safaris are always popular, especially with adrenaline-seekers who want to try their hand behind the wheel, navigating those precarious sand dunes. You could then spend the night at a Bedouin camp, enjoying a traditional meal.

The dunes are also ideal for quad biking and sand boarding, both being experiences that you will never forget.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is nicknamed the “Venice of the North”, due to its ultra-elaborate canal system. The waterways definitely play a large role in adding to the city’s unique appeal, although its narrow gabled houses, artistic heritage, and complex history help with this too.

Amsterdam tends to be quite a popular destination for business travelers, and this is a city where you can really embrace the bleisure trend.

The best way to get around in Amsterdam?

Cycling. The city is home to more than 800,000 bicycles, meaning more bicycles than people! Cycling in Amsterdam is a way of life, thanks to the city’s naturally flat landscape and convenient network of cycle routes. Visitors can easily rent a bicycle for the day and then use this to explore every corner of the city. Since Amsterdam is a relatively compact city, you will still be able to see quite a bit, even if you only have a couple of days to spare.

Of course, a visit to Museumplein is a must. This is the cultural heart of the city, filled with impressive 19th century architecture, along with some of the finest museums in the world. A few must-sees include:

The Van Gogh Museum
Rijksmuseum
The Stedelijk Museum

The summer months see Museumplein packed with open-air markets and exhibitions, along with a paddling pool for both children and adults. In the winter, the space turns into a large outdoor ice rink, making Museumplein perfect for a visit no matter the time of year.

If you enjoy shopping, then you will love the vast range of retail therapy that Amsterdam offers. You will find everything from high end luxury designer stores to vintage boutiques here. If you don’t have much time to spare, concentrate your shopping efforts around Hobbemastraat, which is home to some of the finest luxury brands in the city, including an OROGOLD store. Stop by for your skincare fix, whether you have been looking for some new products, need some advice, or want to enjoy a complimentary VIP treatment.

Sydney, Australia

When it comes to business travel destinations in Australia, Sydney comes out on top, meaning that it only makes sense for some of those travelers to combine their business trips with a few leisure activities.

So, how exactly do you do this in Sydney?

Well, a visit to the beach is a must, since beaches are a firm part of the culture in Sydney. The beach you choose will likely depend on your exact location, with the area of Bondi and Manly being the most popular.

Bondi is home to the famous Bondi Beach – head further north to get away from the tourists. A short walk away is Gordon’s Bay, one of the best diving spots in the area, with its own underwater nature trail. However, Manly has plenty to offer too, with numerous beach and water sports, weekend markets, and beautiful views.

Of course, there is so much more to Sydney than just its beaches…

Everything from Sydney Tower to the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens are worthy of your time and attention, but make sure you also save time for a visit to the Blue Mountains. Whether you spend the day hiking, or simply taking in the natural beauty and diverse wildlife, the beauty of the Blue Mountains is something that definitely needs to be experienced.

San Diego, California

Home to several major attractions, miles of beautiful beaches and incredible weather, it should come as no surprise that San Diego is one of the most-loved bleisure destinations in the USA.

When it comes to city-based attractions, you’ve got plenty to choose from, including:

The San Diego Harbor – where you will find public art, street performers, the oldest active sailing ship in the world, and Seaport Village
La Jolla Cove – perfect for some water sports and bird watching
Belmont Park – an amusement park with stunning views of the Pacific
Balboa Park – in addition to housing the San Diego Zoo, this sprawling urban park also boasts 15 museums, landscaped gardens and so much more
Old Town San Diego – the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is believed to be the “birthplace of California”. With the very first European settlements in the state, this is the place to go to learn more about California’s fascinating history

Were you hoping to get away from the city for a bit?

A couple of hours drive north of San Diego will take you to the small mountain town of Julian. The town itself is an official California Historic Landmark, thanks to its gold-mining history. With guided tours of the old mines, pioneer store fronts and several historic sites, this is such a fascinating destination. Julian is also famous for its apple pies, due to its cold climate that makes it perfect for growing the most delicious varieties of the fruit. If you’re visiting in October, then you’ll be lucky enough to take part in the town’s Apple Festival.

London, UK

The capital of the UK, as well as one of Europe’s major financial hubs, London has plenty to offer to the bleisure traveler. This is such a multicultural city with so much to see and do.

If your meetings are taking place in the heart of the city, then this means that you will have easy access to the River Thames. If a river cruise feels too touristy for you, simply take a stroll along the banks instead. From Big Ben to the Tower of London to Tower Bridge, some of London’s most iconic landmarks are situated along the river.

For many bleisure travelers, the idea of exploring a little further afield is extremely appealing. After all, if you’ve already spent several days in the city, then it only makes sense to spend those precious extra couple of days seeing what else the country has to offer. Fortunately, there are many destinations just a short distance from London that are perfect for a one or two night getaway:

Stonehenge – this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to have once been a place of pagan worship. Stonehenge is located in Salisbury, which is also home to the Magna Carta and a cathedral with the tallest spire in the country
Oxford – just about everybody has heard of Oxford, with this city boasting some world-class museums and truly incredible architecture
Windsor – for those interested in British royalty, a visit to Windsor is a must. This is where you will find Windsor Castle, the weekend getaway for the Royal Family, complete with a special route through a few rooms that visitors are able to tour
Bath – this Georgian city is famous for its Roman baths, which have been perfectly preserved. You will also find UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient Roman architecture and some of the best ale in the country here
The New Forest – if you would prefer to experience some of England’s countryside, the New Forest is the place to go. With ancient woodlands, open moors, cliff top walks and herds of wild horses roaming the streets, this magical area will quickly steal your heart

Just about any business trip can be turned into bleisure experience, so long as you are willing to set aside the extra time needed to pursue a few leisure activities. Whether this means spending the early mornings and evenings exploring your surroundings, or extending your trip by a couple of days so that you can really check out everything on offer, bleisure really is the way forward when it comes to business travel in the future. After all, all work and no play is never fun!

Travel |

February 23, 2020

| OROGOLD

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

Morocko / Shutterstock.com

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!