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4 American Road Trips to Take in the Winter

Zion National Park road in winter

Road trips are always popular in the spring, summer and fall, when flowers and foliage are at their best. However, road tripping in the winter has its own set of advantages…

A winter road trip means that you won’t need to deal with the crowds and traffic that peak travel season brings, and you will likely find accommodation rates are much lower in the winter months too. Plus, there’s something so special about frosty, snow-dotted landscapes, giving the scenery an almost magical quality.

If you’re prepared to brave the cold for the ultimate travel experience, here are four American road trips worth taking in the winter.

Oregon: Portland, Mount Hood & Oregon City

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Brrrr… it's getting cold out there! ❄️ Snuggle up with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa, ☕️ and enjoy this beautifully chilly photo of Oregon's highest peak 🏔 playing peekaboo in the snow and fog, by AAA Member Kari Ferber (@kkferb). Located 50 miles east of Portland, Mount Hood keeps itself warm, too: It's part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc 🌋and Pacific Ring of Fire 🔥. . Where have you been lately? Post your photos with the hashtag #ViaAdventure. . . . #mounthood #mthood #mounthoodoregon #mthoodoregon #cascades #volcanoesofinstagram #oregon #visitoregon #discoveroregon #pnw #pnwonderland #pnwlife #upperleftusa #photography #travel #roadtrip #ViaMagazine #ViaAdventure #AgreeVia @traveloregon @oregonexplored @bestoforegon @oregon.nw @oregonwild @pnwisbeautiful @pnwonderland @p.n.w @cascadiaexplored

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Often referred to as the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, Oregon has so much to offer in the winter months. This road trip begins and ends in Portland, taking you to Mount Hood and Oregon City, including a stop at the Christmas Fantasy Trail.

Portland

The largest of Oregon’s cities, Portland is packed with numerous winter activities, so you may want to plan for at least a couple of days here. Ice skating is always a popular activity in the colder months, with the city being home to a few different rinks. If you would prefer something warmer, take a day trip to the Bagby Hot Springs to treat yourself to its bubbling, healing, mineral-rich waters. Of course, spending your time in Portland wining and dining yourself is never a bad idea, especially since the city is home to so many incredible restaurants and bars.

Once you have had your fill of Portland, it is time to head on over to the Mount Hood Scenic Byway.

Mount Hood

Boasting the highest peak in the state, Mount Hood stands at 3,427 meters high. Not only is it famous for its size, but Mount Hood is also a dormant volcano, adding an exciting element to every visit. The Mount Hood Scenic Byway stretches out for 100 miles around the mountain, showcasing the region’s dense forests and fruit valleys. As you make your way around the mountain, you’ll be able to try your hand at everything from skiing to snow tubing, and can spend the night at one of the nearby luxury lodges to end your day in front of a cozy fire.

Oregon City

Rather than heading straight back to Portland from Mount Hood, Oregon City is only a slight detour, and will give you the opportunity to visit the festive Christmas Fantasy Trail – something that kids are guaranteed to love. Another must-see in the city is the Oregon City Municipal Elevator – it will take you 130 feet up from the downtown part of the city to the historic McLoughlin area. If you plan on spending the night and want to sample the city’s nightlife, the Coin Toss Brewing Company is one of the newer breweries in the city with some delicious craft beers, while the Oregon City Brewing Company even has a brew named after the city’s municipal elevator.

From Oregon City, it’s just 13 miles back to Portland, making your journey back to the start a quick one.

Florida: Orlando, Tampa, Sanibel & the Florida Keys

Known for having one of the mildest winters in the USA, Florida is pleasant and balmy in the winter months. The fact that you won’t have to deal with the intense heat of the summer means that you will be able to see and do so much more. This road trip takes you from coast to coast, and could take anywhere from between two weeks to a few months, depending on how long you have!

Orlando

Orlando is internationally famous for its theme parks, with there being more than a dozen in the city. From Walt Disney World to Universal Studios to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you could spend weeks simply visiting the theme parks of Orlando. If theme parks aren’t your thing, spend your time visiting the alligators at Gatorland, or visit the NASA headquarters at the Kennedy Space Center. If you’re blessed with a clear day (and chances are, you will be) a ride on the 400 foot wheel at ICON Park is a must for the views alone. If you find yourself at Florida Mall, be sure to stop off at the OROGOLD Orlando Store for a VIP gold facial.

Tampa

Tampa’s best attractions are its cultural ones, and these can be enjoyed throughout the year. Visit the old cigar factories and traditional cigar shops in Ybor City, or learn about Tampa’s heritage at the Tampa Bay History Center, as well as the Tampa Museum of Art. Fun for the whole family can be had at Busch Gardens Tampa, an African-themed amusement park that offers a variety of different activities.

From Tampa, you can then enjoy a scenic drive along the coast until you reach Sanibel Island.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is famous for its wild, untouched natural beauty. Over half of the island consists of wildlife refuges, mainly for the 230 different bird species that live here. If you’re seeking rest and relaxation, Sanibel won’t disappoint, with 15 miles of unspoiled beaches for you to explore. There isn’t much to do here, but that’s all part of its charm, making this the perfect stop on an American road trip.

As you make your way from Sanibel to Florida Keys, consider spending some time exploring the Everglades National Park, which you will pass by on your drive.

Florida Keys

The string of tropical islands that make up the Keys are a haven for water sports. Whether you’re into scuba diving and snorkelling or fishing and boating, this is the perfect place to try your hand at these popular sports. A visit to the Conch Republic is a must, with this area being designated as its very own micronation. Make sure that you don’t leave without sampling some of the region’s famous key lime pie, with the Blond Giraffe being known for cooking up some of the best.

If you’re heading back to Orlando, the drive is long – just under 300 miles. However, there is so much to see on the way, from Miami to the Everglades to Palm Bay, which is why this road trip could easily take a few months if you wanted.

Tennessee & North Carolina: Gatlinburg, the Great Smoky Mountains & Asheville

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Morning Hoarfrost at Cades Cove One of the most beautiful times during winter is when frost builds up on tree branches, blades of grass and fences. The whole world takes on a bright, shimmering white hue, and it makes the bitter temperatures worth it. You might even call it a winter wonderland. This type of frost is called hoarfrost and can look like white feathers growing on a variety of surfaces. It starts with water vapor or fog — the gaseous version of water — hovering over the ground the is at a maximum of 32 degrees. Because water freezes at 32 degrees or below, the water molecules in the air will come into contact with the freezing ground, a freezing branch, a freezing blade of big bluestem, a freezing metal arbor and will immediately turn from gas into a solid state as an ice crystal. The more moisture that is in the air, the more the ice crystals will interlock on freezing surfaces and will build larger and larger into those feather-like frosty structures that we see in the beautiful outdoors. These large accumulations of frost is what is called hoarfrost. If there is not enough moisture in the air, hoarfrost will not occur. Hoar comes from an Old English word meaning gray, venerable or old, and it was put with this kind of frost because it apparently made people think of an old man’s beard. Hoary is still used as a term for something that is gray or white with age. Other things in nature are also called hoary, like hoary vervain. This purple flower has a leaf that is covered in whitish hairs. #cadescove #hoarfrost #morningair #dawn #morningfrost #crispair #autumnair #winterwonderland #cadescovetn #smokymountains #gsmnp #winterinfall #greatsmokymountainsnationalpark #exploreoutdoors #hiking #gatlinburg #gatlinburgtennessee #twopines #gatlinburgcabins #cabin2pines

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Without a doubt, the highlight of this road trip is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which really transforms into a winter wonderland in the colder months. This entire trip will reward you with some of the best views you will have ever seen, with the snow adding so much beauty to the landscapes.

Gatlinburg

Begin your road trip in Gatlinburg, a mountain town famous for being a gateway to the Smoky Mountains. Many of the attractions here, from the Space Needle tower to the Sky Lift, provide views of the mountains, so you will not need to spend too much time in Gatlinburg before heading off to see the mountains for yourself.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most-visited national park in the USA, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sprawls out for over half a million acres. This is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern USA, and there are so many scenic drives to choose from here. Many would say that the Cades Cove Loop Road is the most beautiful, with the Newfound Gap Road coming a close second. Each road has several viewpoints where you can pull over and take some photographs – something that you will definitely want to do! If you’re feeling adventurous, go skiing or try a winter hike, with 150 official trails available. The cascading waterfalls in the park are also worth checking out – they take on such a mystical feel in the winter when they are literally sparkling with ice and snow.

Asheville

A city located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville will complete your tour of scenic winter mountain landscapes with a final sprinkling of jaw-dropping views. Of course, by now, you’re probably in need of a break from the elements, and Asheville can offer this with its many museums, art galleries and historic landmarks. The city has a relaxed, quirky, bohemian vibe, and its street art, craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants could keep you busy for quite a while. The Blackbird Restaurant, which is located in the heart of the city, is one of the best for this, with traditional Southern cuisine that has been created from fresh, local, seasonal ingredients.

It takes less than two hours to drive back to Gatlinburg from Asheville, and you are guaranteed to experience even more scenic winter views along the way.

Utah & Nevada: Salt Lake City, Zion National Park & Las Vegas

If you’re looking for a road trip that combines incredible natural beauty with the ultimate in fun and games, this is it. It begins in Utah, before taking you through a stunning national park and then delivering you to Las Vegas.

Salt Lake City

The capital of Utah, Salt Lake City is vibrant and energetic, and really comes to life in the winter months. From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and snowmobiling, there are plenty of winter sports to try here, making this a great destination for the active. If you would prefer to stay indoors, the National History Museum of Utah and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts will keep you entertained for hours. Salt Lake City is also famous for its culinary scene, making its restaurants worth visiting. Try the White Horse for upscale modern American, or the SLC Eatery for some authentic, yet creative, dim sum.

Zion National Park

There are actually quite a few national parks on the way from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas, but the Zion National Park is one of the best. This was the very first national park in Utah, with its highlight being the Zion Canyon. The 57 mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is an easy way to take in the park’s immense beauty, although keep in mind that this road is only open from December to February.

If you’ve got some time to spare and would like to check out some of the other parks in the vicinity, here are your top options:

  • Bryce Canyon National Park – famous for its red rocks and pink cliffs, with sunrise and sunset being the best times to visit
  • Snow Canyon National Park – home to a magnificent red and white Navajo sandstone canyon
  • Valley of Fire State Park – a 46,000 acre park home to unique red sandstone formations that were formed more than 150 million years ago
Las Vegas

Las Vegas doesn’t need much of an introduction – this desert oasis is bursting with life 24 hours a day. This is the entertainment capital of the world, not only in terms of its casinos, but also its live performances by some of the world’s most famous superstars. Foodies will delight in the many celebrity chef restaurants to choose from in the city, while those who love a life of luxury have some of the best hotels in the world to choose from. If you have spent the last few days being quite active, treat yourself to a relaxing spa day, with Vegas being home to some amazing wellness centers. Don’t worry if you find yourself missing the natural beauty of your drive – Vegas is home to some gorgeous landscapes too, from the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

Whether you want to embrace the winter or escape it for some warmth and sun, these four road trips will have you covered. One thing to keep in mind – if you do plan on driving to and through a winter wonderland, make sure that you practice road safety, as some of those mountain roads can be quite precarious in the winter months.

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A Day Plan for the Shopaholic

Woman Shopping
When it comes to shopping, Boston is an incredibly diverse city, with so many different retail areas to explore. From the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace and its specialty shops to the cluster of fashion outlet stores just outside of the city, this Boston day plan for shopaholics will guide you through some of the best shopping spots in Boston.

Back Bay
The high-end shops of Boston’s Back Bay make this area the best place from which to begin your day of retail therapy. The eight blocks of tree-lined Newbury Street feature both local and international boutiques intermingled with contemporary art galleries and upscale eateries. The nearby Copley Place is known for being one of the best shopping destinations in Boston, and boasts over 75 different stores, with brands ranging from Jimmy Choo to Neiman Marcus to Salvatore Ferragamo. Also in Back Bay is the Prudential Center, where you will find over 50 different shops, as well as an observation deck that offers spectacular views of the city.

Charles Street, Beacon Hill
While the whole of Beacon Hill is worth exploring, Charles Street is the focus in this area for this shopping day plan. Here you will find a fabulous row of boutique stores, many of them true specialists in their field. There are also a number of antiques and art galleries here, and you are likely to be able to find several different one-of-a-kind pieces to take home with you.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is an indoor and outdoor shopping gallery, and is at the very heart of Boston’s historic waterfront. With over 100 different shops to browse, housed in architecturally-stunning 19th century buildings, this retail space is truly unique, making it a must-visit on your day of shopping. If possible, try to plan your day so that you are at Faneuil Hall around lunchtime, so that you can take a break at Quincy Market, which is a magnificent food hall, to grab a bite to eat for lunch.

Outlet Malls
While not technically in the main city of Boston, there are a number of outlet malls that are only a short distance away, meaning that they can easily be included in your day of shopping. Assembly Row is the easiest and quickest to access, just a short ride away from the heart of Boston on the Orange Line, and is home to over 50 different fashion outlets, from Saks Off Fifth to Banana Republic to Steve Madden. An alternative to this is a visit to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, which lie just south of Boston, and boasts brands such as Coach, Ralph Lauren and Gap. For those that are not driving, there are several different shuttle coaches available to transport you here, although the times for these will need to be researched in advance.

Boston offers a wonderfully diverse shopping experience, with everything from international brands in upscale boutiques to local specialty pushcarts. Beginning at Back Bay, this shopping day plan will take you around the city’s very best shopping spots, and you can be sure that you will not be heading back home empty handed.

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Puerto Rican Beach Resorts

San Juan waterfront

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With an intoxicating mixture of sandy beaches, emerald rainforests and an abundance of luxury, the island of Puerto Rico is always tempting when seeking a beach vacation. Whether you pick a small but glamorous boutique resort, or a mega-resort perched high up on a cliff, immersing yourself in island life for a few days will leave you feeling totally rejuvenated.

El San Juan Hotel & Casino
Another beach resort that overlooks Isla Verda Beach, the El San Juan Hotel and Casino stands out from its competition for a few different reasons. Firstly, the resort places a huge focus on gourmet cuisine, and offers nine distinct gourmet restaurants serving up everything from the highest quality Japanese teppenyaki to delectable Southern barbecue bites. The resort’s Encanto Pool Complex has also contributed to its popularity, with swim-up bars, private cabanas, waterfalls, and even a poolside concierge.

Caribe Hilton
Situated between Old San Juan and Condado, the Caribe Hilton offers over 900 rooms and suites, as well as some of the best restaurants and bars in the area. The resort’s Oasis Bar is where the pina colada was invented back in 1954, so it is definitely worth stopping off for a drink and trying the original pina colada. When it comes to spending time out in the sun, guests can choose from the three-level swimming pool or the only private beach in San Juan, guaranteeing privacy and seclusion.

El Conquistador, San Juan.

El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa
When it comes to mega beach resorts, this is the most mega of them all in Puerto Rico. A sprawling compound of Mediterranean-style low rise buildings set across 500 acres, 300 feet above the sea on a towering cliff, El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa is, in a way, like a small city, but this is exactly what their regular guests love about it. With seven swimming pools, 21 restaurants, tennis courts, a golf course, the Golden Door Spa and a water sports marina, a vacation at this destination resort will ensure that all your needs and comforts are fully taken care of.

InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino
Situated on a two-mile stretch of Isla Verda’s gorgeous white sandy beach, the InterContinental San Juan Resort and Casino is designed to dramatically complement the beauty of the Caribbean. The resort has a few different dining options, each of them equally delicious, from the Mediterranean café to the classic steakhouse to the Japanese restaurant. The pristine beach is easily accessible, but, when guests want some time away from the sand, the resort’s lagoon-style pools, complete with waterfalls and in-pool bars, are the ideal place to chill out.

 

Each of Puerto Rico’s beach resorts offers something slightly different, whether it be gourmet dining, swim-up bars or unbeatable views. The island attracts a wide range of travellers, and the great thing about Puerto Rico’s beach resorts is that they offer a wide variety of rooms, from a standard single to a luxury suite with your own private butler, ensuring that everybody’s needs can be taken care of.

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Weekend in San Francisco

You’re going to see the Golden Gate Bridge. There really is no way to avoid it when you go to San Francisco. If you don’t go or you fail to take pictures, then everyone you know is going to doubt you were ever there. Once you’ve gotten that social obligation out of the way though, you get to explore San Francisco on your own terms. A weekend in San Francisco is a distinctly picturesque way to experience part of California without ever leaving a city. Between the Golden Gate Bridge and famous neighborhoods, it often seem San Francisco was made for pictures. OROGOLD has a few other things to suggest beyond taking pictures of everything though.

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Visit Golden Gate Park
California has several large municipal parks and the Golden Gate Park is one of them. While not quite as sprawling as Griffith Park in Los Angeles, Golden Gate Park still encloses a variety of attractions. You can simply tour the park by foot on one of its many trails to get away from the city…or you can visit one of the aforementioned attractions. The De Young Museum will let you sample a bit of art while you’re in the park, but you might prefer the Steinhart Aquarium instead if you’re feeling a bit more zen. Two arboretums are available for you to wander if you want to take in beautiful flowers on a somehow rainy day, but on a clear day you should consider the Japanese Tea Garden. The latter is not only beautiful, but of historical interest as well.

Cable Car in San Francisco

Ride a Cable Car
Cable cars are as much a part of San Francisco as the Golden Gate Bridge itself. These moving antiques remain in excellent condition and offer you a chance to travel through the city at a slower rate to take in the sights. There are several lines that each ensure you’ll get your fair share of the taste of San Francisco. You can easily ride them through some of the more historical areas and hop off to explore when you see a likely candidate. But riding them all the way to the end will give you a true San Francisco experience and let you relax and enjoy the day at the same time. Just keep a tight grip if you’d don’t have a seat. Those hills are steep.

Castro neighborhood, San Francisco.

Andrey Bayda / Shutterstock.com

The Castro
The other thing a visit to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without is a little bit of pride. This neighborhood is often a must for LGBT travelers, but certainly isn’t restricted to only them. It acts as at once a slice of civil rights history, a colorful enclave, and a great place to find a bite to eat or do a bit of shopping. The area is certainly flavored by its history though and signs of it are everywhere. There’s not guarantee of there always being a parade going on, but you certainly aren’t likely to find anyone bothering with being sedate. No matter why you visit The Castro, you’re sure to come away with a lighter step than you entered thanks to the lively locals.

Like all places in California, San Francisco is an eclectic mix of history and an absolute driving dedication to the here and now. Finding where to enjoy a week is simply a matter of getting in touch with the pulse of the city and seeing where it takes you. OROGOLD recommends talking to friendly locals on your way in or checking with a driver for other places to see. The ones here barely scratch the surface of what all you could do in a couple of days.

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Best CA Beach Towns

California isn’t just sprawling beach-filled cities. It’s also long, ocean-facing cliffs, giant trees, high mountains, and unspeakably hostile deserts. The beaches tend to be what everyone is most interested in. Unfortunately, that tends to means the beaches in all the major cities tend to be filled with both locals and tourists. OROGOLD knows this makes it hard to enjoy the beach and relax. You can avoid this hassle by simply opting to stay away from the larger cities though. Plenty of towns are strewn along the coast itself with their own beaches. Each one combines the beauty of the beach with a pleasant smaller town flair that makes them their own experiences. Here are some of the better beach towns you can find by roaming the California coast.

Pacifica, California

Pacifica
This city is a bit larger than a “town”, but it offers a number of beach options to anyone looking to enjoy the coast. The different beaches can cater to simply swimming and sunning to a particular area that local surfers swear by. Geographically, the area offers more than just the beaches though for those seeking something a bit more active. Bluffs and other areas make it good for hiking. Fishing is also always an option and even encouraged if you’re willing to brave the surf. Nothing is stopping you from roaming the pier though and seeing what the locals are catching that day. It may not be the largest place in California, but Pacifica’s regional flair makes it a nice alternative to the likes of Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Avila, California

Avila
Easily forgotten when competing against major destinations, Avila is actually a hidden gem of California. Its central beach faces south and the geography helps shield it from worse parts of weather. Waves remain a bit calmer and it actually manages to get more sun in the state where it seems like nothing ever escapes the touch of the sun. The town has an interesting history in and of itself and it makes its beach a point of pride as a result. You can readily swim in the waters and, thanks to the cleanliness of them, you’re likely to have friendly visitors as you do. OROGOLD does remind you that wildlife remains wild. It is best not to bother any of the “locals” even if they come nearby.

Bodega Bay, California

Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is nestled away amidst some of California’s rockier coastline, but don’t let that fool you. The town itself is highly welcoming with a lot of small town flavor. Despite that, they are more than happy to have visitors. Their sheltered beach is ideal for enjoying some quiet time without worrying about whether there are undercurrents in the water that will turn a quick dip into a more strenuous activity than you intended. Surfing, kayaking, and hiking all have a place for visitors to the town thanks to its location. While it welcomes tourists, there is generally plenty of room on the beach and, if not, you can probably find a nice out-of-the-way patch of sand to enjoy even then.

There are even more beach towns in California than the ones we’ve discussed here. Some of the best might even be awaiting discovery by someone with a taste for small town American. The ultimate truth out of all of this is that you don’t need to stick to locations everyone automatically knows when it comes to planning a sun-filled beach getaway. OROGOLD recommends that you try one of these locations instead and enjoying yourself away from the hectic nature of a big city. Take your time and enjoy the piers. Try to pick up a new hobby like surfing or kayaking. These smaller, eclectic destinations may not be major cities, but you can still find people to teach you new ways to enjoy California.

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Most Amazing Beaches of Hawaii

Beautiful beaches, infinite ocean, and palm trees all come to mind when Hawaii is mentioned. It is little wonder when you’ve visited the islands before and experienced their beauty. The nature of the state as a series of islands ensures there are plenty of beaches to visit. What it doesn’t ensure is that you find the truly stunning ones tucked away in the various corners of the islands. With that in mind, OROGOLD has a few beaches to recommend during your next visit to Hawaii. These might not be the hidden gems that locals know about, but they are certainly enough to make your visit memorable.

Hulopoe Beach, Hawaii

Hulopoe Beach
While Lanikai attracts a lot of swimmers, Hulopoe is a treat for anyone looking to enjoy a bit of snorkeling. The beach itself is out of the way compared to some of the more well-known beaches of Hawaii and it ensures you may get to enjoy a bit of space on the beach. You’re also more likely to just be able to find a perfectly private stretch of beach for a romantic day out. The best part is that rock formations and other local aspects of the underwater environment support a diverse undersea area. Snorkelers can see truly memorable splashes of color through careful exploration of the waters and enjoy the added diversity that the protected nature of the waters provides.

Lanikai Beach, Hawaii

Lanikai Beach
Lanikai is practically an archetype of tropical beaches when it comes to its beauty. The white sand is offset by the brilliant blue waters that constantly lap against the shore. The waters are seldom hectic and that makes it excellent for swimmers looking to indulge in these luxurious waters. There are better locations for surfing, but you won’t feel left out if that’s your goal either. Due to the fine nature of the sand, it is one of the best beaches for relaxing as you needn’t worry about kicking away rocks before you set up a blanket. For anyone who doesn’t feel like relaxing, there are almost certainly plenty of beach sports available as well.

Makalawena Beach, Hawaii

Makalawena Beach
If you want to get even further away from people, then you may wish to consider Makalawena. Accessible only by a hiking path, this beach is isolated from typical crowds simply by virtue of the effort it takes to reach it. However, your reward is a beach frequented more often by locals looking to avoid the busier, tourist-filled beaches closer to town. If you think ahead, you can pack for a day out and enjoy the beach with company or simply go yourself. The comparative isolation means you should never have trouble staking out your own quiet patch of beach to sun on and enjoy the relaxing sounds of the waves.

What you look for in a beach depends on your hobbies. Between these three suggestions you should be able to find something to suit your tastes. Regardless of where you go in Hawaii, there will always be another beach. OROGOLD recommends keeping your ears open and listening to the talk of the locals. A little kindness and politeness and you may find out about a beach only they know about and find your own private slice of paradise.

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Safest Countries for Women Traveling Alone

Travel expands the mind and helps you break away from the day-to-day routine that leaves you feeling trapped in a box. This therapeutic effect is one of the reasons many people travel beyond simply getting truly fantastic photos to share with your friends back home. There are problems to consider when you’re a single woman traveling around the world though. Safety is often one of the biggest concerns. OROGOLD typically focuses on helping you look your best, but right now we’d like to help you feel safe the next time you feel the need to travel the world. As a result, we’ve picked a few of the safest areas of the world for you to travel to alone. Some of them may even surprise you.

Ice caves, Iceland

Iceland
No safe travel list is really complete without Iceland. Positive social policies and a constant look for improving their lives make Iceland not only a pleasant place to live, but actually one of the safest places in the world. The crime rate is so low that many people internationally often wonder how the country manages to ensure that it stays that way. The upside to this safety is that you can wander around some truly dramatic landscapes during your visit from green hills to ice-capped mountains. When you tire of seeing the beauty of the landscape itself, then you can retire to the famous Blue Lagoon thermal spring and relax the soreness in your muscles away to prepare for another day of exploring.

New Zealand

New Zealand
As another far-flung location, New Zealand might seem like a quirky choice, but it is actually a fairly safe country. The people, often referring to themselves as kiwis, take great pride in a sort of cultural eccentricity to go with their island home. Much like Iceland, New Zealand is known for some of the most dramatic landscapes. Complementing this is the sheer variety of the landscape that often leaves the mind reeling in awe that so many different places could exist on the island nation. You can tour various locations to learn about the original settlers of the nation as well as their way of life. Or, if none of that interests you, you can at least find one of the kiwi birds the people got their nickname from while you wander around.

Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden
Sweden is often called the gender quality capital of the world. This is a point of pride for egalitarian Swedes who are often quite happy to make use of their English skills to helpfully point people in the right direction. The country, like most of Europe, plays host to truly old cities and a long history for its people. You can spend the day exploring cities such as Gothenburg or Stockholm and run into examples of both their long history and the constant march of progress that the country tries to maintain. While not as safe as Iceland, Sweden does share in the overall safety of the Scandinavia as a whole. As a result, if Sweden isn’t to your liking, then you still have Norway and Denmark to consider as places to travel of similar safety.

Traveling alone any time can be a bit nerve-wracking, but especially when it is the first time you’re going out on your own. Consider this list from OROGOLD as a loose guideline at best as there are plenty of other safe travel destinations around the globe, but these are some of the safer ones with plenty for you to do while visiting. We do suggest that you double check before traveling to any country for any local conditions you need to be aware of such as civil unrest or protests though. It always helps to be aware of the current climate when you’re traveling, after all.

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Visiting Asia Without Leaving New York

TImes Square, New York, USA.

Luciano Mortula / Shutterstock.com

Most people want to see the world and meet people from various cultures. From a young age, we’re enthralled by the pictures of people in vibrant, exotic clothing and odd looking meals. The problem is there isn’t always time to travel even when you have the moment to do it. New York offers an interesting opportunity to anyone wanting to sample different cultures as the megacity plays host to various ethnic neighbors that are sure to satisfy your desires to sample the food and clothing. OROGOLD will be focusing on prominent Asian neighborhoods, but there are many other options.

Little India
Most people immediately think of curry when the nation of India comes up, and Little India isn’t likely to disappoint. It isn’t anywhere near as large as the sprawling multitudes of Chinatown around New York, but this Indian neighborhood has still staked out its own highly visible space in the city. The brilliantly colored fabrics that appear in store windows and on the women who call this area home are sure to catch the eyes of anyone passing by. If you can’t find anything to suit your tastes in the stores, then there are plenty of restaurants that will be happy to help you fill your now empty stomach as you consider if you’re sure you really didn’t want that necklace from two stories back.

Chinatown, New York

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Chinatown
You saw it coming. Everywhere big enough seems to have a Chinatown, and New York is no exception to the rule. There’s even the issue of there being three to four Chinatowns in New York depending on how you count them. The most vibrant of the group is often regarded as the Manhattan Chinatown. Stores, restaurants, and even traditional celebrations all make their home amid the streets of Chinatown. Due to its long-standing existence, history fans are likely to find a lot to enjoy about the area while you’re sampling different flavors of food. Or, if you’re feeling a bit ill, there’s always a chance there’s a medicine shop nestled away somewhere that can recommend just the right herb to settle your stomach after a meal that was just a bit too large.

Koreatown
After Little India, you can head back to Manhattan to experience the technicolor wonderland that is Koreatown. Brilliantly lit with scintillating neon, stores upon stores are packed one on top of the other competing to offer the most authentic merchandise from Korea. The focus isn’t even on largely cuisine and clothing either. Koreatown packs in almost every store imaginable into the comparatively small space, and gives you a sense of the high density living most urban Koreans are used to living in. Feel free to wander into a bakery and sample any number of regional baked goods while you wander the streets trying to decide whether to round at your day tasting traditional Korean food or more modern and experimental versions of those traditional dishes.

New York is a sprawling metropolis that calls people from all over the world to itself, and it shows in the landscape of the city. You can step from one country to another simply by changing streets. This is the true beauty of New York City and it keeps people coming back for more. So the next time you’re in The City That Never Sleeps, OROGOLD recommends indulging in your world-wandering tastes. A quick stop in Korea en route to China after visiting a friend in Italy never hurt anyone, after all.

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Our Favorite Things to Do in Perth

Australia is known for a variety of things including kangaroos, copious amounts of sun, and its inhabitants having larger than life personalities. It comes are no surprise that the cities reflect the people that live in them and Perth has a lot of things to do in and around it. These help make it a destination where there is something for just about everyone. OROGOLD would like to recommend some our favorite things to enjoy in the area ranging from taking advantage of the sun to simply having a pleasant day out with friends exploring routes around the city.

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach
A stop in Perth wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of its best beaches. Cottesloe isn’t the only beach in the area with shining white sands, but it maintains a high popularity thanks to the clarity of its water and the frequency of its waves. The beach offers room for you if you feel like tanning, but many agree that one of the better options is to take advantage of the clarity of the water and go snorkeling. The best part is that whenever you eventually tired of the myriad of beach activities on offer at Cottesloe is that you can turn around and quickly step back into a busy section of Perth and into the nightlife.

Royal Perth Yacht Club
There’s something special about the ocean that calls to people. Whether you have your own yacht or not, you can certainly enjoy a trip out on one while in Perth. You can explore the neighboring waters of the Matilda bay or the Swan River via boat easily enough by letting someone else pilot the boat. But the best part about the Royal Perth Yacht Club is that they offer lessons. These lessons aren’t limited to one class of boat either. You can speak with the management about various potential kinds of boats and take a course with professional instructors that will explain what you need to know to pilot a boat on the waters yourself. These lessons make for an excellent way to spend a day, and maybe enjoy a bit of wine from a day trip to the Swan Valley earlier in the trip.

Swan Valley.

Swan Valley
While not within Perth itself, Swan Valley is close to Perth and offers opportunities for the wine lovers of the world. The area is home to a number of vineyards and distilleries. You can easily lose yourself on a day trip out of nearby Perth and travel around the area sampling different varieties of local beverage. This ready availability of drink has given risen to a number of good restaurants as well that are happy to build upon your experience in the valley by ensuring you have a decent meal along with your drinks. The proximity to Perth makes it all the better as you can easily find a new favorite wine and claim a bottle of it from the vineyard itself to complement an evening out.

Perth has plenty for everyone and OROGOLD’s favorites barely even scratch the surface. You can explore the city itself along many walking paths or even enjoy a large public art installation with constantly shifting rooms made from jets of water. On nearby Rottnest Island, you can see local wildlife in their natural habitats. There are still more we could list here, but our suggestions and your own sense of curiosity should be enough to lead you to your own share of Perth’s gems.

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US Virgin Islands: Things To Do

USVI

Anyone can travel, but the savvy traveler finds the hidden and not so hidden gems of their destination. This allows them to truly experience their getaway instead of simply having an average day in a new place. OROGOLD has some recommendations for interesting things to try and places to go the next time you’re in the US Virgin Islands. As a destination in the Caribbean there are a few expected items on the list, but the real allure comes from the location and its personal beauty rather than it being a unique activity. Regardless, these tips on things to do will make your stay an experience to be remembered.

Salt River Bay National Historic Park
You might not recognize the name initially, but many children know the mnemonic device “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue”. What it doesn’t specify is that Columbus ended up landing in the Salt River Bay region of the island that came to be known as St. Croix. Combining beautiful scenery with a notable history, the historic park offers something for those who want a little history with their Caribbean excursion. Other sites are available on the island as well that help history seekers track the progress of European expansion through the region and the impact of the age of exploration. It doesn’t hurt that, like all the other islands, the island itself remains gorgeous and provides other attractions for anyone not as interested in history.

Trunk Bay.

Trunk Bay
Located on St. John, Trunk Bay offers a distinctly stunning place to step away from paved streets and into surprisingly pristine sand. The area offers a beautiful beach with a unique allure created by the contrast between the pale sand, vibrant vegetation, and stunningly blue waters. Visitors from around the world are drawn to the beach specifically for the otherworldly air this creates. The clean waters themselves make for an excellent area to swim, but there are distinct swimming areas set aside for snorkelers who desire to see some of the local underwater wildlife and vegetation. This makes Trunk Bay ideal whether you simply wish to get a bit of sun in an idyllic location or to enjoy all the waters of the Caribbean can offer you.

Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden
While all the US Virgin Islands can claim to be tropical paradises, St. Thomas does its best to capitalize on this with its botanical garden. Incorporating seemingly countless species of tropical and similar flowers, the garden offers a visually rich look into the sheer beauty of the world. Flowers, trees, bushes, and various other plants dot the botanical garden in a combination of human ingenuity and natural beauty. The differing flowering times for many of the plants help ensure that no two visits are ever quite the same. And after seeing the cultivated nature beauty there is nothing stopping you from exploring the normal beauty of the island with the Audubon Club and seeing what birds are waiting in amidst the trees.

Everyone instantly thinks of the many wonderful beaches of the Caribbean. Some of them, like Trunk Bay, are truly stunning and worth mentioning, but forgetting the other things the region can offer means missing out on a true Caribbean experience. OROGOLD recommends that you do enjoy the sun with your sunscreen, but also take in the other parts of the islands as well. Between these suggested locations and your own ingenuity, you’re sure to find something few have experienced to call your own.