Tag Archives: Summer

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Top Summer Activities in the UK

The UK summer is always highly anticipated, and, although the weather can still be unpredictable, the long, sun-soaked days draw in millions of tourists each year. For those of you that will be spending some time in the UK this summer, OROGOLD has put together some of the top summer activities throughout the country.

Women having fun in a UK music festival.

Emily Taner / Shutterstock.com

Music Festivals
Music festivals have become an integral part of British culture, and with the huge variety of festivals now being hosted, there really is something for everyone. While the Isle of Wight Festival features many retro acts, V Festival in Chelmsford is known for their big pop acts. For a smaller, exclusive, more boutique festival, head to the Secret Garden Party in Huntingdon in July, or to the Wilderness Festival in Oxfordshire, which even has a Lakeside Spa. Latitude Festival in Southwold features more than just music, with artists, poets, and comedians all giving great performances, while Download Festival is the premier rock and heavy metal festival in the UK. For festivals that are more family oriented, check out Camp Bestival, as well as Beautiful Days, both of which have plenty of family-friendly activities and performances. Many of these festivals sell out well in advance, so OROGOLD highly recommends making a booking ASAP if you are wanting to attend one.

Glamping
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, glamping stands for luxury camping, and is a great way to have the camping experience, without giving up your creature comforts. The Roulotte Retreat in the Scottish Borders offer accommodation in handmade French gypsy caravans, while the Red Kite Tree Tent in Wales features tents that are suspended in the treetops. The Chesters Estate Country Retreat has safari lodge-style accommodation, while Lamorna Safari Glamping in Cornwall has huge tents that contains the same facilities as a luxury hotel.

A farm in London, UK.

IR Stone / Shutterstock.com

London City Farms
As busy and developed as the city of London may be, there are still plenty of pockets of greenery throughout, some of which have been turned into city farms, with on-site farm kitchens serving up delicious fresh produce. These farms are a great place to discover urban agriculture and get closer to nature. The Mudchute Park and Farm is one of the largest in London, and, in addition to their large petting zoo, they also have a thriving equestrian center. The Spitalfields City Farm has some rare breed animals for visitors to pet and feed, as well as cookery classes, a young farmer’s club and more, while the Hounslow Urban Farm has a wide range of animals, as well as weekly pig racing.

From dancing the weekend away at some of the UK’s best music festivals to spending a night under the stars in a luxury tent, these are OROGOLD’s top picks for summer activities in the UK. However, OROGOLD reminds you once again that the UK does get quite busy in the summertime, so be sure to plan your activities well in advance.

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Where the Rich and Famous Vacation – OROGOLD Reviews

Celebrities are known for their indulgent vacations, flying to the most exclusive, tropical destinations for some rest and relaxation. From private islands that don’t allow cars to a secluded Mexican resort, OROGOLD reviews some of the destinations around the world where the rich and famous vacation.

Governer's Beach in Turks and Caicos

Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
Parrot Cay is one of the most exclusive resort islands in the northern Caribbean, with over a thousand acres of white sand beaches and lush, tropical landscapes. With no cars allowed on the island, guests make their way around by golf cart, and, since the resort can only be accessed by boat, it keeps away the paparazzi, giving celebrities their privacy. With world-class cuisine, elegant beach houses and villas, Parrot Cay, in addition to being the location for Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s wedding, as well as Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, has also welcomed the likes of Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Bruce Willis and Donna Karan.

Punta de Mita, Mexico
Just 30 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita is a secluded beach-front destination with rustic villages mixed in with 5 star resorts. In 2011, Lady Gaga was the first celebrity to discover the beauty of Punta de Mita, and, since then, plenty of others, including Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Kirsten Dunst and Charlie Sheen, have followed her lead. From touring volcanic islands, visiting hidden beaches, exploring bohemian surf towns, and indulging in the fresh seafood and local vegetable and herbs, this is an ideal location for a truly relaxing vacation.

St. Barths Harbor

Eden Rock, St Barths
St Barths has long since been a celebrity favorite, and Eden Rock, listed as one of the top 100 hotels in the world, is where many of them, including Tom Hanks and Mick Jagger, love to stay. The hotel offers luxurious villas, with Villa Rockstar being a 16,000 square foot villa spread out over three floors. The villa even has a fully equipped recording studio, which is where John Lennon recorded ‘Imagine’. Villa Nina is another one of Eden Rock’s villas, and comes complete with a private pool, a rotating art gallery, a movie theatre, and the exclusive use of a Mini Cooper.

Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro
The Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro has been around since the 1920s, and has seen the likes of Gisele Bundchen, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Ava Gardner walk through its doors. It is usually especially packed with celebrities around the time of Carnival, where they relax by the pool after a day of celebrations. The presidential suites are where the rich and famous choose to stay, with giant bathtubs offering views of the ocean, as well as the exclusive use of a 35-foot pool.

Celebrities tend to splurge when on vacation, but that doesn’t mean that us non-famous folk can’t enjoy the same amazing destinations. If you are wanting to stay at one of these celebrity getaways, OROGOLD recommends booking well in advance in order to snag the best deal possible.

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Top Star-Spotting Destinations – OROGOLD Reviews

Vacations are always a great opportunity to relax and have fun, but, if you know where to go, they are also a great chance for you to rub elbows with some of your favorite celebrities. OROGOLD reviews the top star-spotting destinations around the world.

Dramatic views of the French Riviera.

Cote D’Azur, France
Each year, the Cannes International Film Festival is held in the glamorous Cote D’Azur in France, introducing new films from different genres and attracting a star-studded, A-list audience. Celebrity models such as Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse are frequent visitors, and love to dance the night away at the VIP Room, while others, such as Eva Longoria and Robert Pattinson are regular guests at luxury hotel The Martinez. Other popular hotels include the JW Marriott Cannes and the InterContinental Carlton Cannes. If you aren’t able to stay at one of those hotels, don’t give up just yet, as the town is packed with celebrities during the week of the festival, and many, such as Hayden Panattiere and Justin Bieber, love spending time relaxing on a yacht on the French Riviera.

The Dubai Skyline

Dubai
This glittering cosmopolitan metropolis has become a luxury playground for the rich and famous, welcoming celebrities who are looking for good weather and an indulgent vacation. Dubai is home to the world’s one and only seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab, and this, naturally, has attracted the likes of Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez and Roger Federer, while Rory Mcllroy has even played a game of golf up on the hotel’s helipad. For just over $8000 a night, celebrities are able to enjoy luxury suites, private beaches and their very own swimming pools and spas, making it no surprise that the hotel is a favorite among those with plenty of cash to splash. The Emirates Palace Hotel in Dubai is also a firm celebrity favorite, with Paris Hilton being one of their regular guests. Dubai is also home to a Bloomingdales store, where the likes of Eva Longoria have been spotted browsing through the rails, while restaurant bar Mahiki, of which there is also one in London, seems to appeal to many British celebrities, such as the cast of Made in Chelsea.

Surreal views of the ocean from a hotel in Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii
In addition to being the home state of President Obama, Hawaii is also a favorite vacation destination for many celebrities, welcoming the likes of Britney Spears, Will Smith, Cameron Diaz, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. However, with 8 different islands to choose from, it can be difficult to guarantee that you will be able to do any successful star-spotting. OROGOLD recommends staying at Kauai, Hawaii’s fourth-largest island and known for the high amount of celebrity traffic that it experiences. The luxurious 5 star St. Regis Princeville resort, overlooking Hanalei Bay, is one that many stars, including Alicia Keys, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, choose to stay at. The resort consists of indulgent rooms, a working cattle ranch where you can enjoy some horseriding, an 11,000 square foot spa, a zip line through the treetops, an 80 foot waterfall, and 19 dining options. With so much to do, you needn’t venture out of the resort much, making it much more likely that you will end up bumping into one of your favorite celebrities.

Celebrities truly know how to vacation in style, and, with the rise of social media, it isn’t too difficult to work out if your favorite celebrity is staying nearby. From the world’s only seven-star hotel in Dubai to the sprawling beaches of Hawaii, these are some of the best destinations in the world for anyone who wants to do some star-spotting.

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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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Travel Essentials: A Woman’s Guide on What to Pack – OROGOLD Reviews

Traveling is often an adventure into the unknown, and that makes knowing what to pack extremely difficult. If you’re feeling the urge to just empty your wardrobe into your suitcase, OROGOLD recommends you to take a deep breath and remember that packing wisely and lightly will get you much further.

Woman wearing a comfortable top in the train.

Breathable and Durable Clothing
No matter where you are traveling to, you are likely to sweat, and this is unavoidable. However, it can still be controlled by wearing clothes made from a breathable fabric. These are likely to be made from natural rather than synthetic fibers. You should also try to avoid any clothing that is quite delicate, and can easily lose its shape or be ruined. Cotton is one of the best fabrics to travel with, as are bamboo and tencel, as these all easily retain their shape, resist wrinkles and are very breathable.

Woman wearing a black top at the airport.

Neutral Colors
Rather than bringing along bold prints that can only be matched with one other item, it is best to limit your color palette and choose just a few neutral colors that all go well together. Darker colors, such as black, are usually easy to mix and match, and are more travel-friendly, as they tend to hide stains. Bring along a couple of brightly colored scarves or smaller accessories to add a pop of color to your look.

Woman wearing white colored clothes while traveling.

Comfortable Layers
Layering is key when it comes to packing for a vacation, as this allows you to create many different outfits from just a few items of clothing. Layering will also come in use if the weather turns colder, or if you’re visiting any religious sites, such as temples or churches, and need to briefly cover up. Although you will be layering, avoid clothes that are too tight, as you don’t want to be feeling constricted while traveling.

Close up of a woman hiking.

Limit Your Shoes
It can be hard to know which shoes to pack, as it is tempting to bring along a pair for every occasion. If you are going to be hiking, then you will obviously need to bring hiking boots, but, if you’re going to be exploring without doing anything as serious as hiking, a pair of dark colored athletic-inspired shoes will work well, as this can also be paired with jeans for a casual meal. Try to bring along a pair of dark colored ballet flats rather than flip flops, as you can wear this during the day, as well as pair it with an outfit for a night of dancing at the local clubs. Whichever shoes you decide to bring, try to wear the bulkiest and heaviest pair during your journey, as this will free up some valuable suitcase space.

When packing, don’t forget to make the most of your carry-on allowance. Many smaller items can fit into a carry-on bag, and it is a great way to pack those awkwardly shaped items, such as a large camera and all those little bits and pieces that seem to accumulate while traveling. If you do end up forgetting something important, don’t worry, as the majority of places around the world will have local shops where you can buy what you need, and it is always good to have an extra reason for a shopping trip!

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Myths About Travel Insurance – OROGOLD Reviews

Travel insurance is a tricky subject, with many people firmly believing that it is as essential as sunscreen and a passport, whilst others see it as a pointless extra expense. Although the decision of whether or not you should have travel insurance depends on a variety of factors, due to the many misconceptions about it, people often end up making the wrong choice, which can end up costing them dearly. OROGOLD reviews some of the most common myths about travel insurance to help you make the right decisions.

The word "Travel" written with a black marker to show the travel concept.

I don’t need travel insurance as I already have health and homeowners insurance, plus credit cards that offer me protection”
Many people feel that by having health and homeowners insurance, as well as a credit card that protects them whilst abroad, they will be adequately covered when they travel. However, many domestic health insurance policies do not extend overseas, and are also unlikely to provide a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to illness, or even due to an injury or death that occurs within your family. Even the most basic form of travel insurance will usually cover trip cancellations, trip interruptions, travel assistance, lost baggage, location of legal help, and medical evacuation benefits.

I don’t need travel insurance because even if my flight is delayed for a night, the airline will cover me”
This is an extremely common myth that, unfortunately, most people keep believing until it ends up happening to them. Although a few European airlines may cover you due to a delay, this isn’t the case with US airlines. If the flight is delayed for reasons beyond the control of the airline, such as bad weather, air traffic delays or mechanical issues, the only thing the airline is obliged to do is to get you to your destination on the next available flight. This could leave you stranded overnight at an airport. Most travel insurance policies cover travel delays, and will usually pay for meals, as well as a hotel room, providing that you keep all of your receipts. Whilst some may put a cap on how much you can spend, the more deluxe policies will usually cover all of your expenses.

Image showing the travel insurance concept.

All travel insurance policies are similar”
The myth that all travel insurance policies are alike couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead, travel insurance policies come in all shapes and sizes, offering varying amounts of coverage. Many insurance providers even offer you the opportunity to tailor your insurance policy to suit you, and others offer some great deals, such as free coverage for every child that accompanies a paying adult. If you are feeling overwhelmed at the sheer number of travel insurance options available, there are plenty of free comparison websites that you can use to help you to find the best policy for your trip.

Travel insurance can be purchased from travel agents, airlines, hotels, or online, making it extremely convenient to purchase. A recent survey carried out by the US Travel Insurance Association discovered that when Americans on vacation were impacted by illness, natural disasters or other events, only 22% of them had travel insurance to help them deal with this, whilst the others were all left with large bills to pay, making it crucial that you use facts, rather than myths, to make your decision about whether or not you need to purchase travel insurance.

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Most Beautiful Beaches in the World – OROGOLD Reviews

We all love the beach for different reasons, whether it be the ideal place to relax in the sun or for the many diving and water sport opportunities. Not only do the most beautiful beaches in the world offer sparkling water, a gorgeous climate, and clean sand, but they also provide a peek into the culture of the country that they are located in, ensuring that they stand apart from the thousands of other beaches in the world. OROGOLD reviews some of the best beaches that you must visit.

View of the Bahia do Sancho Beach in Brazil.

Baia do Sancho, Brazil
Baia do Sancho, otherwise known as Sancho Bay, has been officially voted as the best in the world for two years running, and it is not hard to see why. The beach is located on a secluded bay on the main island of Fernando de Noronha, with the whole archipelago being protected by UNESCO. It is known to be the best diving spot in Brazil, with turquoise water that is packed with healthy coral reefs. In addition to the amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities, you can also trek to see the dolphins, and, if you are visiting between January and July, you will be around for the turtle spawning season.

Pink colored umbrella in the Providenciales island Beach, Turks and Caicos

Providenciales Island, Turks and Caicos
This island, commonly known as Provo, is surrounded by one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, attracting divers from all over the globe. With miles of white sandy beaches, and tropical fish swimming at the surface of the clear water, it is obvious why the beaches on Provo are considered to be some of the best in the world. Unlike many other beaches around the world, where the sand contains sediments of soil and clay, the beaches on Provo are made up of broken down shells and coral, giving them some of the most powdery white sand that you will find anywhere. For the widest beaches, head to the north of the island, where you will find deep sandy ocean floors.

OROGOLD-Most-Beautiful-Beaches

Curaçao, Venezuela
Curaçao is a small Dutch island, just off the coast of Venezuela. Although it is only the size of about a sixth of the area of Rhode Island, there are over 50 different nationalities that live there, making it one of the most culturally cosmopolitan places on the planet. Curaçao is a must for diving enthusiasts, with diving schools catering to every experience level, as well as offering certified courses for those who want to improve their skills. When visiting Curaçao, take advantage of all of the different cultures by trying the local cuisine and shopping at some of the local stores.

The Hidden Beach, Marieta Islands, Mexico
The Marieta Islands is located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and as it has always been uninhabited, the Mexican government used to use that area for target practice in the early 1900s. Now, it has become one of the most idyllic bomb sites in the world, as a secluded paradise formed decades ago, giving the island an isolated hidden beach rather than miles of devastated land. The only way to reach this underground beach is via a small tunnel, which visitors need to swim through, but once you are there, you will never want to leave!

The world is full of amazing top-class beaches, but many can often end up overrun with tourists during peak seasons. If you are looking for something quieter, have a look at some of the luxury resorts in these stunning locations, as many of them offer private beach access to their guests, giving you the best of both worlds.