2016 Travel Gift Guide for Female Travelers

This travel gift guide for the female traveler will help you shop for that special, wanderlusting lady in your life!

Cityscape Rings

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but we typically leave those at home when traveling. SO, how about jewelry themed around a favorite travel destination? These cityscape rings are one of a kind–3D printed in Gold, Platinum or Silver– and boast beautiful cityscapes of cities around the world.

I’m in love with the rings, but the shop also offers pendants and earring studs. Make sure to check them out for the female adventuress in your life!

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– EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT –

Get 10% OFF all items from Shekhtwoman when you use the code BLONDE10!

 

Travel Pin Board

These beautiful word maps are the perfect addition to a wanderluster’s home or office space. The maps can be framed and crafted as pin boards, so you can keep track of all the destinations you’ve visited in a stylish and cute way! I just ordered one for my home office and am obsessed.

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Janessa Leone Hat

Hats are one of this year’s biggest fashion trends, and there are so many awesome styles out there. I love neutral, wide brim hats for travel– sun protection and style!

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Skyroam

Give the gift of connection around the world! Having access to a global Wi-Fi hotspot (whether you may need it or not) is essential when traveling. Being able to load maps, guides, location, contact information can be important– but sharing that Instagram post can be just as important as well…

It’s so easy to use– all you need is the hotspot, and you’re able to purchase day passes whenever you need them!

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L*SPACE Bikini

I never go anywhere without a bikini, and I’ve found that L*SPACE has some of the most comfortable and flattering styles– perfect for all occasions and destinations.

Grab one of the popular Rocky Wrap tops and Estella bikini bottoms (in any of the many color choices) for that adventuress in your life!

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Michael Kors Wonderlust

A fragrance that works for casual, everyday use is ideal for jetsetters and world travelers alike. I love this romantic scent, and the rollerball applicator– it’s easy to freshen up after a long flight or wear out during a day of exploring cobblestone streets.

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Toiletry Packing Cubes

Everyone thinks about larger packing cubes for clothing, but smaller cubes are essential for organizing toiletries and beauty products! I use all three sizes for makeup, haircare product, sunscreens, and all other travel beauty essentials I bring on trips!

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GoPro HERO5 Black

A GoPro is a traveler’s best friend. The new HERO5 Black model offers stunning 4K video and 12MP photos in Single, Burst and Time Lapse modes.

It is durable by design AND one of my favorite features of the new model is that it is waterproof up to 33ft without a housing.

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Wheeled Luggage Bag

This is the bag I bring on all trips, and I would swear by it. It is a double compartment suitcase, with different sections that zipper close for optimal organization. I always surprise myself with how much I can fit into this bag! It’s the perfect gift for a first, long-term trip, or just a weekend getaway.

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Cynthia Rowley Wetsuit

As a scuba enthusiast, and just ocean lover in general, I feel in love with these wetsuits from Cynthia Rowley. These women’s fiber-lite 2mm wetsuit with velcro zip back come in tons of different designs and colors.

I’ve worn them diving in Belize and The Galapagos, and they were SO comfortable. I’d highly recommend for the sea lover in your group this year!

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ONA Brixton Camera Messenger Bag

This bag (is amazing) and is designed to hold a DSLR with up to three lenses, a 13″ laptop, and accessories– the perfect bag for any kind of travel. There are multiple pockets and four interior, movable dividers for your gear.

The bag is made from a durable leather and bolstered by closed-cell foam padded interior to protect your gear. See which color fits the style of your special someone!

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Vapur Element Bottle

This water bottle can be folded, rolled or flattened, making it super easy to pack in a carry on or day bag. The bottle stands when full, and is made up of light weight, BPA free material. Grab some of these this holiday for the eco-traveler in your life!

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Fujifilm INSTAX Camera & Printer

The new INSTAX Mini 8 camera and the new INSTAX SHARE 2 Smart Phone Printer produce prints instantly! The camera features automatic exposure measurement.

The smart phone printer can pull photos directly from your smartphone, via the SHARE App, and print travel memories instantly!

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Naot Sandals

I adore heels for nights out on the town but comfortable shoes are key when you’re traveling. When you’re exploring and sightseeing, you’ve got to be ready to spend all day and all night on your feet.

My go-to shoes are Naot Kayla Sandals— they provide ample support and I can rock them with any outfit. They are perfect for any traveler, adventurer, and jetsetter in your life this year!

Shop Here

READ NEXT: Business Travel Gift Guide for The Girl Boss

 

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2016 Travel Gift Guide for Female Travelers is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Using Square Cash App to Split Travel Costs with Friends

Traveling with friends? It’s important to have a plan for splitting travel costs. From hotel rooms to meals at restaurants, you’re always shelling out cash when you are on the go.

Traveling abroad and dealing with currency exchange can make matters even more complicated. And, of course, there’s a reason why they always say that friends and money don’t mix.

Fortunately, there’s an easy fix. I’ve been using the Square Cash App, and it’s a travel must-have. Rather than worrying about owing money to friends, you can sort it in a flash.

Here’s my experience using the Square Cash app to split travel costs with friends!

– Travel Planning Costs –

When you are traveling abroad, even simple things like splitting a restaurant bill can get difficult. Does everyone have the right currency handy? Can anyone say “separate checks” in Japanese?

The Square Cash app is available for Apple and Android phones and is a dream for sorting travel costs. When you are booking other people’s tickets and paying for hotel rooms, the costs add up. Nobody wants to wait around for reimbursement or have to remind friends to pay them back.

It can be awkward to talk money, so I prefer to get it all dealt with as quickly as I can.

The Square Cash app is perfect because I can send a quick request after I book something for someone, and then my friend knows exactly how much money I’m waiting on.

Of course, on the other end of it, I also know how much I owe my friends, so I can pay them in a flash. When you’re traveling and splitting expenses multiple times a day, it’s easy to lose track and forget what you need to pay.

– Using Square Cash –

Who wants to pay extra to use their own money? The great thing about Square Cash is that it’s free. While some services will take their own cut out of every dollar sent, Square Cash does it all for free.

The Square Cash app is incredibly simple.

You just type the person’s name and the amount you want to send. You can add a note in there to help you organize, and then you’re done.

Square Cash even works with iMessage so you can send money to other iPhone users in a snap. The Square Cash app and website are simple and straight forward to use.

– Download Square Cash –

It’s really easy to get started with Square Cash—you can use the free app, or you can use the website. I was able to get myself signed up in a minute. You just give your details, like your phone number or email address, and connect a debit card.

Once you’re set up, you can send cash in an instant.

And it’s secure! This isn’t a new company. Square Cash has been around since 2009 and is processing tens of billions of dollars each year. You know those little credit card readers that you can plug into your phone? These guys invented them!

Sign Up Here!

– Advanced Features –

If you have a small business or even just a hobby that gives you a little dough on the side, Square Cash has some great features. One of the coolest things they’ve got are $Cashtags. You’ll get a unique tag, like $KierstenRich.

You can write this $Cashtag anywhere and people can send you cash.

When you sign up as a small business, you also get a Cash.me profile; the rates are really low, so it’s definitely something entrepreneurs will want to check out.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to Oahu

 

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Square, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.

Using Square Cash App to Split Travel Costs with Friends is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Best Places to Scuba Dive Around the World

See the planet from another side! Rather than exploring the architecture and landscape, why not see something different on your next adventure? Forget about the world above, and start exploring life below sea level.

From Iceland to Indonesia, there is so much to see beneath the surface.

Whether you are thinking about taking your first Scuba lesson or you’re an old pro, it’s always a good time for a diving getaway.

Grab your gear and check out these ten places you need to scuba dive!

– The Maldives –

Of course, the Maldives are famous the world over as a tropical paradise, and the diving here does not disappoint. I was lucky enough to experience the diving around Dhigurah Island and the Maamagili Whale Shark sanctuary!

If you have never been swimming with sharks, the idea probably seems a bit scary, but these guys are just gentle giants. It is a truly amazing experience to get up close and personal with these amazing animals.

Top Dive Sites

• Kuredu Express, Lhaviyani Atoll
• Kudarah Thila, South Ari Atoll
• Kandooma Thila, South Male Atoll
• Ari Atoll for whale sharks

 

Read More: Staying at Boutique Beach Diving Hotel in the Maldives

– The Galapagos –

Ecuador is an adventurer’s dream. With the Andean highlands, Amazon jungle, and a stunning coastline, Ecuador is worth the trip.

Explore the turquoise sea between the towering cliffs, swim with sharks, and dive with sea lions at Kicker Rock in the Galápagos Islands. I just visited this past month, and dove with Scuba Eden off San Cristobal Island. I was blown away by the pristine islands, reefs, and the insane amount of wildlife!

Top Dive Sites

• Kicker Rock
• Gordon Rocks
• Wolf Island

 

– Dominican Republic –

This is a great year-round getaway. You can expect water temps around eighty-three degrees Fahrenheit in summer and seventy-six degrees in winter. There are dive spots all over the country.

Punta Cana and the wild nature reserve at Catalina Island are perfect for exploring. Advanced? Check out the Luperon Wall on the North Coast.

Top Dive Sites

• Monica & Hickory and Limon Shipwrecks
• Catalina Island
• Luperon Wall

 

Read More: Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort in the Dominican Republic

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– Trinidad & Tobago –

This Caribbean nation is an up-and-coming diving hot spot– I was lucky enough to dive there over the New Year’s holiday this past year along my Brazilian cruise. You’ll find pristine water and the world’s largest brain coral.

As an added bonus, the conditions are totally different on each side of the island, so you can quickly cross the country if conditions aren’t ideal on one side.

Top Dive Sites

• Diver’s Thirst
• The Sisters
• Flying Reef

– Yucatan Peninsula –

I got my PADI Advanced certification this past summer in Playa Del Carmen and fell in love with the dives there!

Did you know that Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is filled with underwater sinkholes and caves called cenotes? They add a whole new dimension to diving. Head over to the Yucatan Peninsula to see the country’s best array of them.

Top Dive Sites

• Dos Ojos Cenote
• Playa Del Carmen
• Cozumel
• Great Maya Reef

 

Read More: Top Ten Things to Do in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

– Panama –

Called the Galapagos of the Caribbean, the Panamanian archipelago of Bocas del Toro is one of the planet’s most biologically diverse spots.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is quickly becoming one of Latin America’s most popular ecotourism spot. Get off the grid and stay at one of the amazing jungle eco lodges while you are diving Bocas del Toro.

Top Dive Sites

• Hospital Point
• Tiger Rock
• The Wreck
• Portobelo National Park

 

Read More: The Ultimate Panama City Travel Guide

– Iceland –

While it’s probably not the first place you think of when you think of diving, Iceland has some underwater treasures. Silfra Fissure is where the North American and Eurasian continents come together– and it is a magnificent (and cold!) dive spot.

You can see science come alive just an hour outside of Reykjavik. The plates drift apart at a rate of two centimeters per year and you can dive right into the gap. I had snorkeled Silfra in 2014 but returned this year to dive it with Arctic Adventures.

Top Dive Site

• Silfra Fissure

Read More: Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure in Iceland

– Indonesia –

Named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, my experience diving Komodo National Park with Ora Dive in Indonesia this past summer was a little slice of heaven. But, Indonesia also has so many amazing dive sites with the most diverse marine life in the world. You’ll find all types of dives, great visibility and warm water year round!

Top Dive Sites

• Komodo National Park
• Gili Islands
• Glover’s Reef
• Caye Caulker

 

Read More: A Day Trip to Komodo Island, Padar and Pink Beach

(source)

– French Polynesia –

Made up of 118 islands and atolls, French Polynesia is a dream. Explore the lagoons, ocean drop-offs, and passes frequented by manta rays, dolphins and sharks. From Bora Bora to Tahiti, this place is even more than you’ve ever dreamt it to be.

Top Dive Sites

• Rangiroa
• Manihi
• Moorea

– Belize –

Underwater extraordinaire Jacques Cousteau once said that Belize was one of his favorite dive spots in the world. As soon as you dive in, you’ll see why this Central American country stole his heart.

Go on a drift dive in Hopkins, Belize, to explore the colorful walls and ridges, and then get over to Blue Hole. This submarine sinkhole is seriously one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever seen. In fact, even if you aren’t a diver, this place is worth a visit. Just sixty miles out of Belize City, the Blue Hole is otherworldly.

Top Dive Sites

• Half Moon Caye (pictured above)
• The Blue Hole
• Glover’s Reef
• Caye Caulker

 

Read More: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Belize

Watch my diving videos from around the world!

 

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Best Places to Scuba Dive Around the World is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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The Best Luxury Honeymoon Destinations

As much fun as the wedding planning and wedding dance party are, the best part about the wedding is once it’s all over and you get to soak it all in with the love of your life on the most romantic trip of your life.

Whether you’re planning your future life together or laughing about your drunk uncle’s dance moves from the night before, there is nothing better than lying on the beach sipping on fresh coconut water and staring at each other with heart eyes because you can finally call your love “husband” or “wife.”

And if you’re like us, your honeymoon will spark your shared feeling of wanderlust and begin a lifetime of travel together.

Here are some of the best luxury honeymoon destinations, because let’s be real, you deserve to start your life together luxuriously!

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

We’re pretty sure Bora Bora is the number one honeymoon destination in the universe. But maybe that’s because we are biased. Well, we’re definitely biased, because this is where we spent our honeymoon.

We still refer to our overwater bungalow, number 224, at the Four Seasons as our first home. The Four Seasons Bora Bora treats you like kings and queens. You won’t be expected to lift a finger, and if you want to leave your bungalow, they’ll pick you up in a golf cart and drop you off anywhere on the resort.

In your overwater bungalow, you can enjoy a bath while looking out over the perfectly turquoise water or jump off your deck to swim with the fish. Make sure to go on an adventure and dive with the sharks and kiss some stingrays. Or just stare at the magnificent island and the crystal clear water.

We’re pretty sure Bora Bora is actually heaven.

Zighy Bay, Oman

We first stumbled across Zighy Bay when we were looking for potential destinations for our own honeymoon. Unique doesn’t even begin to describe this location. There is only one hotel in Zighy Bay, Six Senses, but there are several ways to get there.

You and your new spouse can choose to arrive either by a 4×4, scenic speed boat ride, or paraglide to the hotel. Talk about a grand entry!

Apart from the amazing honeymoon villas with private pools, you’re surrounded by the ocean on one side and the gorgeous mountains on the other. To top this Middle Eastern honeymoon destination off, the food is to die for!

Helpful Tip: Just make sure you don’t plan your honeymoon in the middle of summer when the sun is scorching.

Nairobi, Kenya

No, that picture above is not photoshopped. Yes, your honeymoon can be interrupted by giraffe kisses. But we guarantee staying at Giraffe Manor in the upscale Karen neighborhood of Nairobi will be one of the best experiences of your life.

The manor has a classic old-English style and will give you both time to have private romantic dinners and less peaceful breakfasts accompanied by a giraffe or two or three. Kenya has much more to it than Giraffe Manor though.

So spend the majority of your honeymoon on a safari outside of Nairobi in the Maasai Mara or to the North in Laikipia, because is there anything more romantic than watching the sunset behind some of the most unique animals in the world?

Santorini, Greece

One of the many greek isles formed by a massive volcanic eruption a few thousand years ago, Santorini is one of the most beautiful honeymoon destinations. From the stunning views to the whitewashed roofs and top tier wineries, you will never want to leave.

Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise or go on a sailing adventure with your love, and we promise you won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face. If you’re interested in island hopping…

you have the stunning island of Mykonos and Crete near by where the water is equally as blue!

Pine Cay, Turks and Caicos

The water in Turks in Caicos is almost as perfectly blue as the water in Bora Bora. And the 800-acre private island of Pine Cay has the most beautiful two-mile white sand beach.

The island only has one hotel, the Meridian Club, which is the perfect combination of remote, peaceful, and relaxing. Be sure to request the Sand Dollar Cottage for your honeymoon, because it provides both seclusion and romance and sits right on the beach.

The Meridian Club prides itself on being “barefoot luxury,” so you don’t even have to worry about wearing shoes to dinner! Consider getting scuba certified before you go as Turks and Caicos sits on the third largest barrier reef in the world right behind Australia and Belize.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

For the couples wanting to support an economy that seriously takes care of its environment, Fernando de Noronha is the honeymoon destination for you. Think the Kauai of the Southern Hemisphere.

Out of the 21 islands that make up the archipelago, seventy-percent has been set apart as a National Park.

In fact it is so remote that the luxury hotel, Pousada Maravilha, is the only one of its kind in the region and the government limits the number of visitors that can go to the island, so you won’t have to worry about it being too crowded or cliché.

This paradise island isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The world is full of beautiful honeymoon destinations that absolutely blow our minds, and obviously wherever you go on your honeymoon will be your new favorite location in the world. No matter where you decide to go on your honeymoon, make sure it is a place where you can do what you love to do and spend some quality uninterrupted time together.

Let Ryan & Samantha know where you’ve been and where you’d like to go for you honeymoon!

READ NEXT: Spring Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

 

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The Best Luxury Honeymoon Destinations is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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5 Things You Need to Experience in Stockholm

Heading to Stockholm for an extended visit? Or maybe biting the bullet and moving? Chances are you’ve already seen all the highlights—Gamla Stan, Djurgarden, maybe the Ice Bar. Where to delve next, with all that extra time?

Here are five highlights for an extended stay in the “Venice of the North”!

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– Skansen –

At once an open-air historic museum, a zoo, and a park, Skansen is a must for anyone visiting Stockholm, especially with kids. Established in 1891, the park was first founded as a way to exhibit different ways of life and artifacts around Sweden—and as such it still keeps the odd funicular railway, traditional Sami hut and a flax mill.

You can find everything from glassworks to 16th century farmhouses to bison and wolverines. They also have a small but detailed terrarium, and an enclosed jungle where you can hang out with the lemurs.

The best time to visit is December—when the shopping stalls explode with traditional Swedish handicrafts and gifts.

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– Shopping! –

Stockholm is a terrific place to catch up on your thrift or designer shopping. You don’t have to wander far anywhere to find a place that stocks brand giants like H&M, Filippa K, Cos.

For your vintage or thrift shopping, check out Södermalm specialty shops or weekend flea markets. My favorite is the chain Stadsmission, where you can pick up some stylish jeans, books, metal candlesticks, the list goes on and on.

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– Kannelbulle –

Cinnamon and cardamom sweets are a staple in Sweden; it seems they’ve just about taken over every inch of cafes, bakeries, fresh-baked corners of the neighborhood grocery.

Succumb to your inner gluten addict and go wild with the kannelbullar (cinnamon rolls), kardemummabullar (cardamom rolls), and vetebröd (braided cardamom bread).

Did I mention Swedes are crazy for cardamom?

Be sure to munch it down with some morning or afternoon coffee. This is known as fika, the local art of coffee and a roll.

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– Dive into Museums –

Stockholm has dozens of engaging museums designed to capture your imagination and curiosity. From the original 17th century merchant ship at the Vasa Museum, to the experimental exhibits at the Modern Museum, there’s something for everyone.

Learn all about the Nobel Peace Prize at the Nobel Museum (with daily English guided tours), sing your heart out at the ABBA Museum, or let out your inner child at Junibacken, a magical children’s cultural center.

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– Explore Nature or the Archipelago –

Stockholm is one of the most beautiful world capitals I’ve visited. You’re never too far from scenic waterways or picturesque forests. If you have time and the weather’s good, venture out of the city to the many parks, islands and archipelago.

Stockholm’s ferry system is a remarkable mode of transport that takes you from A to B painlessly and in the blink of an eye. The city’s archipelago, a cluster of 30,000 islands just 20 minutes eastward, is definitely worth a few days’ exploration.

READ NEXT: Ten Itinerary Planning Tips for a Trip to Europe

 

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SHOP my favorite travel styles!

5 Things You Need to Experience in Stockholm is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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10 Winter Weekend Getaways in the USA

It’s time to get out of the house! While I love cuddling up with a good book in front of the fireplace during the cold winter months, there are just too many adventures to be had.

From Anchorage to New York City, there is such an incredibly diverse array of getaways to explore in the United States. Whether you want to get your heart racing on the mountain tops or chill at a luxe ski resort, it is time to start planning your next journey.

Here are the top ten winter weekend getaways in the USA!

 

(source)

– – Salt Lake City – –

Utah is home to some first-class ski resorts. In fact, Deer Valley was rated the number one North American ski resort for three years in a row. With slopes catering to all levels of skiers alongside tons of great ski schools, this is the perfect place for old pros and total newbies alike.

(source)

– – Boulder – –

Although many areas of Colorado cater to the skiing crowd, Boulder is very diverse. It is only about 35 minutes away from the nearest ski resort but it also has ice climbing, sledding, hiking, and so much more. If you are lucky enough to be in the area in early February, you won’t want to miss the Boulder International Film Festival.

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– – Mammoth – –

Whether you are into extreme sports or quiet days of trekking, you will love Mammoth. This California hot spot is the perfect place to go paragliding, ice climbing, skiing, snowboarding, or snow mobiling.

Mammoth is also a great place to shop.

It’s got cool, local boutiques and international brands. Foodies will also love the selection of restaurants. From traditional American to international fusion, there’s something for everyone here.   

(source)

– – Anchorage – –

Alaska is unlike anywhere else in the US and should definitely be on your travel list. Get a breathtaking view of the Northern Lights, go heli-skiing, and take in the amazing natural beauty. On the first Saturday of March, you can see the world’s largest dogsled race, the Iditarod.

– – New York City – –

Even if you’ve been to NYC before, you’ll see it in a totally new light during the winter. With an unparalleled New Year’s Eve celebration, the iconic Rockefeller Center ice skating, and the world’s largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade, you don’t need warm weather to have the time of your life in New York City.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to New York City in a Weekend

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– – Lake Tahoe – –

Aspen or Lake Tahoe is an age-old debate among skiers and outdoor lovers. Ultimately, they are both amazing destinations. Whether you love to ski or are more into the après-ski scene, it’s impossible to pack all that Lake Tahoe has to offer in one weekend.

Read More: The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to North Lake Tahoe

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– – Charleston – –

For its Southern cooking, friendly hospitality, and interesting culture, Charleston, South Carolina has been voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler as their favorite city in the United States. With mild temps still reaching the fifties in the winter, there’s no better time to explore it.

– – San Diego – –

Not into the snow? Head to So Cal! With weather still in the sixties and even up to the seventies, San Diego is the place to go to escape winter. You may even get a beautiful beach day!

Thanks to the smaller crowds and lower prices, winter is the perfect time to explore.

Check out the world’s most beloved zoo, The San Diego Zoo, and take in the culture at the endless array of museums around Balboa Park.

Winter is also the best time of year to go whale watching so book a tour to go see some of the 20,000 gray whales that pass by the shores of San Diego during the winter.

Read More: The Best Time to Go to San Diego

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– – Aspen – –

Aspen is wonderful in the winter. The world-famous mountains of Colorado come alive in the snowy season, and it’s about more than just skiing. Aspen is a winter wonderland full of dog sled tours, snowshoe tours, snowmobiling, and even hot air balloon rides.

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– – Jackson Hole – –

Who says that you need to travel abroad to have an amazing safari? The Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris will get you up close and personal with Wyoming locals like bald eagles and buffalos. Be sure to bring your camera! Afterward, plan on time to ski, snowmobile, and hike this gorgeous land.

READ NEXT: 10 Epic Nature Escapes in the West

 

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SHOP my favorite winter travel styles!

10 Winter Weekend Getaways in the USA is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Driving Dartmoor National Park With The Vauxhall Mokka X

Exploring Dartmoor in the Vauxhall Mokka X

Travel Tips

Petting a wild pony in Dartmoor National Park probably wasn’t the best idea. It lunged for my hand, attempting to bite. There’s a reason these furry ponies are called “wild!”

Dartmoor has sometimes been described as the ‘last wilderness’ of the United Kingdom. Its vast open landscape is home to a variety of unique features — wet peaty bogs, stunted oak forests, rocky outcroppings called “tors”, and icy mountain waterfalls.

If you’re looking to escape London for a while, Dartmoor National Park is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the serenity of nature. The park is only a 4-5 hour drive away from the hustle & bustle of the city.

My friends at Vauxhall loaned me their new Mokka X SUV for the trip, a fun city-friendly turbo diesel with 4×4 capability that can handle off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Wild Dartmoor Ponies

Lone Hawthorne Tree at Sunset

Exploring Dartmoor In Autumn

Autumn in Dartmoor is a beautiful time to visit. Sure, it’s a bit colder then normal, but the ground and trees are rich in color. A mix of burnt reds, yellows, and greens. There are less people on the roads too.

The narrow lanes in Dartmoor are a lot of fun to drive, if not a bit scary.

Winding asphalt hugs the hills & valleys, passing through small villages from time to time. Some of the smaller roads are single lane, causing trouble when two people approach from opposite directions.

The area is covered with small stone bridges too. Some of them, called “clapper” bridges, date back to the 1300’s. You can’t drive on the clappers, but they’re a wonderful piece of British history.

Emsworthy Farm

Beautiful Venford Falls

Legends Of Dartmoor

Humans have been living on Dartmoor for at least 12,000 years, so there is a ton of history here. Which means there are plenty of legends and myths too. Here are some of my favorite…

Spectral Hounds: Roaming the misty mires and barren hills of Dartmoor at night, abnormally large and ghostly black dogs patrol the region, and you don’t want to be around to meet them…

Pixies: Small mythical creatures with pointed ears who live in caves, around stone circles, and cause mischief. Similar to fairies and sprites, but a different race.

Headless Horseman: Multiple tales of a headless horseman riding fast over narrow lanes after dark, sometimes accompanied by a pack of spectral hounds.

The Devil’s Visit: Back in 1638, the Devil visited St. Pancras Church in the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Lightning struck its tower, killing 4 people inside during Sunday mass.

Apple Car Play is Great for Road Trips!

Destination Download with OnStar

The Vauxhall Mokka X

Traveling from London out to the wilds of Dartmoor, the Vauxhall Mokka X was a perfect road trip companion during my drive. It’s full of features that make long road trips through unfamiliar territory an absolute pleasure.

Apple Car Play

The ability to connect the car’s touchscreen to my phone, and control my apps is super handy. I listened to my Spotify playlists, loaded previously saved navigation routes, and could make calls with ease. You can even access the power of Siri by pressing a button on your steering wheel!

Destination Download

With OnStar activated in the Mokka X, you can press the OnStar button to call an operator and ask for directions, which will then be uploaded into your car’s navigation system automatically. So nice! It’s like having a personal assistant for your drive.

4×4 All Wheel Drive

The compact size of the Mokka X makes it great for city driving, but with good clearance and 4×4 electronic all wheel drive capability, you can easily navigate winter roads, steep rocky inclines, or muddy off-road tracks in the countryside when you need more traction.

Remote Unlock

Vauxhall has it’s own smartphone app, called My Vauxhall, which gives you all kinds of power over your Mokka X. For example, you can lock or unlock the vehicle from further away then your key fob allows, check tire pressure or fuel level, plus much more.

Haytor Rocks

Climbing the Granite at Haytor

Hiking Around Haytor

Dartmoor National Park is covered in “tors”, exposed granite rock outcrops sitting on the summit of hills in the region. There are hundreds of these, some of them are pretty impressive.

Many can be climbed, either by scrambling, or rock proper climbing with ropes. One of the most famous is called Haytor.

Hill walking through the moors is a popular activity in Dartmoor, and you can find short or long-distance trails all over the place.

Many take you from tor to tor, passing by old farms, ancient stone circles, or ruined Bronze-age villages along the way.

Exploring Off-Road with the Mokka X

So Many Sheep!

Dartmoor Ponies

Dartmoor has its own special breed of horses, called the Dartmoor Pony. These hardy ponies have been living on the moor for millennia — there’s evidence of them from 3,500 years ago.

They reminded me a lot of Icelandic ponies, with thick fur, long manes, and short powerful bodies. The harsh winter weather on Dartmoor can be similar to Iceland too.

While the Dartmoor ponies are collectively owned by locals, they roam free throughout the national park, and are not handled by humans. So be careful if you approach, there’s the possibility of getting bitten or kicked.

Yes these ponies are super cute, but they are still wild!

Herd of Dartmoor Ponies

Driving Dartmoor National Park

Tips For Visiting Dartmoor

There are a handful of villages within the park with decent accommodation like Postbridge and Two Bridges. I spent 3 nights at the Two Bridges Hotel, a wonderful old building on the side of a river. They have an excellent restaurant too.

Some people decide to stay outside the park in the towns of Tavistock or Bovey Tracey. Summer is the most popular time to visit, but I had a great time enjoying the fall colors of early November.

You can embark on all kinds of different outdoor activities in Dartmoor — hiking tors, horseback riding, cycling, rock climbing, even whitewater kayaking is popular here. Wild camping is allowed in certain areas of the park, you can find a map here.

Driving to Dartmoor from London was a fun little weekend road trip. It was nice to see slice of rural life in the United Kingdom that I hadn’t experienced before. ★

Watch Video: Dartmoor National Park

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More Information

Location: Dartmoor National Park, United Kingdom
Official Website: Dartmoor National Park
Accommodation: Two Bridges Hotel
Car Details: Vauxhall Mokka X
Useful Notes: I spent 4 days and 3 nights in Dartmoor, basing myself in the town of Two Bridges. In the fall, there aren’t many shops or restaurants open in the park. So pack some extra supplies.
Recommended Guidebook: Lonely Planet Great Britain
Suggested Reading: Hound Of The Baskervilles

READ NEXT: Should You Go To School Or Travel?

Have any questions about Dartmoor? Do you think the ponies are cute? Drop me a message in the comments below!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

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