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Roadtrip to the Caribbean of the Rockies

Alyssa Ramos

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Photo from: BearLake.org
Photo from: BearLake.org

Stunning bodies of water flanked by beautiful mountain scenery are the types of travel destinations that are all the rage right now, and there’s one specific location for it that certainly can’t be missed. Bear Lake is nicknamed the Caribbean of the Rockies because of its breathtakingly gorgeous 20 mile by 8 mile lake which boasts intense, clear, turquoise blue waters.

Bear Lake is  located on the Idaho-Utah border in Rich County, UT, which is central to some of the most popular cities and National Parks. It’s a hidden gem amongst the massive parks that can sometimes get a bit crowded, so if you’re thinking of taking a trip to Yellowstone National Park, be sure to make a stop in Bear Lake on the way!

Photo from: BearLake.org
Photo from: BearLake.org

There’s tons of awesome outdoor activities to do at Bear Lake, making it the ultimate camping destination, or for those of us who prefer a little more glam, there’s glamping as well! For my fellow campers, there’s over 800 camping and picnic sites throughout Bear Lake valley, some offered by companies, and others located in the Bear Lake State Parks of Idaho and Utah, and also the Cache and Carabou National Forests. Campsites range from developed ones that offer full hook-up and tent sites around the lake, as well as over 300 that are located in the many nearby canyons. You can find information about the location and details for each site (including pet and reservation policies) on the Bear Lake website so you know where you’re going before heading out.

I wasn’t joking about the glamping part by the way. There’s a place called Conestoga Ranch that developed a luxury camping resort overlooking the picturesque blue waters of Bear Lake where people can opt for a more comfortable camping experience.  The glamping resort offers all types of interesting accommodations, from a unique wagon-tent, to the ultimate Grand Tent complete with a king size bed!

Photo from: BearLake.org
Photo from: BearLake.org

But where you sleep is only a fraction of the experience when you visit Bear Lake. People travel there to see that beautiful blue water for a reason, so pick your camping spot, unpack, and go get moving! The white sandy shores of Bear Lake make it perfect for lounging it you’re looking to relax. Or for the adventure-seekers there’s an array of water sports to try out, such as jet skiing, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding.

Hiking fanatics will enjoy the many novice to expert trails that can be found in the beautiful Wasatch Cache National Forest, where you’ll be sure to get a striking view of the lake from afar. There’s also many more fun ways to explore the serene and secluded trails, such as ATV rides, horseback tours, and even bicycle riding!

Photo from: BearLake.org
Photo from: BearLake.org

With so many activities to do and areas of Bear Lake to explore, you might want to spend more than a weekend there! The good news is that it’s open and beautiful year round, which is especially nice during the spring and fall months! So if you’re looking for a unique travel destination or an exhilarating weekend of camping, head out to Bear Lake, and experience the Caribbean of the Rockies!

This post is brought to you by Bear Lake Valley!

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Alyssa Ramos is one of the first original travel blogger/influencers who helped normalize solo female travel. She’s been to 146 countries so far, plus Antarctica 4x, and all of her tips are on this blog!

@mylifesatravelmovie
Alyssa Ramos | Most Traveled Women

@mylifesatravelmovie

One of the World’s Most Traveled Women 146 countries (solo, so far) • 7 Continents Expert • Activist • Entrepreneur GroupTrips: @mylifesatraveltribe
  • Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
  • Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why!

From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁

Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about it.

Do you want to visit Kyrgyzstan?

------

I'm currently hosting a custom created "luxe-adventure" through the 5 Stans of Central Asia with my group adventure community @mylifesatraveltribe! This trip is in high demand so if youd'd to join one of them, please follow there and sign up for our notifications email list linked on the bio, as we dont publicly announce or send out our itineraries. 😁
  • Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why!

From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁

Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about them!

Would you visit Kyrgyzstan?
  • KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
  • I was one of the last foreigners permitted in Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo before it was closed due to many armed and dangerous groups occupying it. 

That experience was one of the most memorable ones in my life, and part of why I’ll always say DRC is one of my favorite destinations I’ve been to (4 times).

But DRC is also one of the most corrupt countries, with some of the most horrific ongoing atrocities committed on the local Congolese people, the environment, and the animals by greedy, heartless humans.

Deforestation, illegal mining for minerals used to make your electronics, and destruction (plus human abuse) are a part of why the animals there suffer.

Poaching for bushmeat and to steal baby primates to sell as pets is another.

If you’ve ever seen a primate, especially chimpanzees, kept as a personal pet or on display, its parents were likely killed so it could be kidnapped. UAE and Gulf countries, Thailand, China, Eastern EU countries, and even people in the USA are all guilty of this.

That’s why one of the organizations I’ve become an ambassador for in D.R.Congo is @lwiro_primates . 

Lwiro Primates take in injured, abandoned, and smuggled primates, and they rehabilitate and care for them, even during a time when their own homeland is a very scary please.

So I am kindly asking today on World Giving Day for Apes, to send them a donation, or at least share their story or the info in this post. Anything helps, nothing does not.

And if you ever see a chimp as a pet, please ask the owner if they’re aware that its parents were likely killed just for it to be kidnapped and forced to be a pet. 😡

The link to the fundraiser is on Lwiro’s page and I’ll share on my Stories!

I’ve brought about 100 travelers to D.R.Congo, and they all can attest to what a beautiful and unique place it is. I pray and dream for the day that we can safely return there and bring tourism back.

Napenda Congo 🇨🇩💖
  • The highlight reel of Skardu, Pakistan! If you'd like the behind the scenes, see my previous posts or the story highlight! But also, yes, it really is this beautiful!

Do you like pretty highlight reels or do you prefer the struggle clips? 

Asking for a friend...who has a lot of both... 😬
  • The Photo VS the Moment in Skardu, Pakistan (wait for the videos after the photo) for anyone who thinks getting photos is easy, behold, freezing water, climbing on rocks, and magical geese who apparently want to be featured in the pics.!

(Comment "Skardu" and ill DM you my full travel guide plus how to get notifications for the group trip next year!)

What's the wildest thing you've done for a photo??

Thank you Destination Pakistan for the offer to work together and for helping get this footage so I didn't have to always use my tripod or selfie stick!
  • Just confirming that Haveli restaurant has the best rooftop view in Lahore! Make a reservation because it's always busy and ask to sit closest to the mosque!

The entire building of Haveli is beautiful and fascinating! A former mansion that's ornately decorated, and located in an area that was formerly infamous for..brothels!

Now, largely thanks to tourism demand, this area of Lahore is a lot cleaner and safer than it used to be, and it offers some of the most spectacular sites to see, both from above and below!

What would you rate this view from 1 to 10??
  • Made it to Skardu without any flight issues! Flights to and from the mountain region of Pakistan have a pretty high rate of cancellation due to unpredictable weather...

And speaking of unpredictable weather, the reports said it would be really cold, but it was warm, so i "had to" go shopping for shalwar kameez as soon as I arrived 😍

Then it was off to the Shangri La Lake for some pink tea before making the drive to Shigar cold desert for a sunset horseback riding session, before settling into a beautiful riverfront boutique resort!

Everyone says you have to go to the northern mountains of Pakistan, and now I see why! This place is magical and I only have a few days to explore!

PS did you know that this region has the highest number of world's tallest mountain peaks, it has has both deserts and lakes at extremely high altitudes, and also the largest glaciers in the world aside from the polar regions??

More coming soon! Do you want to visit Skardu??
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it! Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬 We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!! Photography company tagged as a collaborator! Would you do this or nah? ——— Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
5 days ago
44061
View on Instagram |
1/9
Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why! From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁 Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about it. Do you want to visit Kyrgyzstan? ------ I'm currently hosting a custom created "luxe-adventure" through the 5 Stans of Central Asia with my group adventure community @mylifesatraveltribe! This trip is in high demand so if youd'd to join one of them, please follow there and sign up for our notifications email list linked on the bio, as we dont publicly announce or send out our itineraries. 😁
1 week ago
23710
View on Instagram |
2/9
Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why! From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁 Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about them! Would you visit Kyrgyzstan?
1 week ago
41
View on Instagram |
3/9
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently! This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically) Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners! Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
1 week ago
53930
View on Instagram |
4/9
I was one of the last foreigners permitted in Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo before it was closed due to many armed and dangerous groups occupying it. That experience was one of the most memorable ones in my life, and part of why I’ll always say DRC is one of my favorite destinations I’ve been to (4 times). But DRC is also one of the most corrupt countries, with some of the most horrific ongoing atrocities committed on the local Congolese people, the environment, and the animals by greedy, heartless humans. Deforestation, illegal mining for minerals used to make your electronics, and destruction (plus human abuse) are a part of why the animals there suffer. Poaching for bushmeat and to steal baby primates to sell as pets is another. If you’ve ever seen a primate, especially chimpanzees, kept as a personal pet or on display, its parents were likely killed so it could be kidnapped. UAE and Gulf countries, Thailand, China, Eastern EU countries, and even people in the USA are all guilty of this. That’s why one of the organizations I’ve become an ambassador for in D.R.Congo is @lwiro_primates . Lwiro Primates take in injured, abandoned, and smuggled primates, and they rehabilitate and care for them, even during a time when their own homeland is a very scary please. So I am kindly asking today on World Giving Day for Apes, to send them a donation, or at least share their story or the info in this post. Anything helps, nothing does not. And if you ever see a chimp as a pet, please ask the owner if they’re aware that its parents were likely killed just for it to be kidnapped and forced to be a pet. 😡 The link to the fundraiser is on Lwiro’s page and I’ll share on my Stories! I’ve brought about 100 travelers to D.R.Congo, and they all can attest to what a beautiful and unique place it is. I pray and dream for the day that we can safely return there and bring tourism back. Napenda Congo 🇨🇩💖
2 weeks ago
56525
View on Instagram |
5/9
The highlight reel of Skardu, Pakistan! If you'd like the behind the scenes, see my previous posts or the story highlight! But also, yes, it really is this beautiful! Do you like pretty highlight reels or do you prefer the struggle clips? Asking for a friend...who has a lot of both... 😬
2 weeks ago
47535
View on Instagram |
6/9
The Photo VS the Moment in Skardu, Pakistan (wait for the videos after the photo) for anyone who thinks getting photos is easy, behold, freezing water, climbing on rocks, and magical geese who apparently want to be featured in the pics.! (Comment "Skardu" and ill DM you my full travel guide plus how to get notifications for the group trip next year!) What's the wildest thing you've done for a photo?? Thank you Destination Pakistan for the offer to work together and for helping get this footage so I didn't have to always use my tripod or selfie stick!
2 weeks ago
43830
View on Instagram |
7/9
Just confirming that Haveli restaurant has the best rooftop view in Lahore! Make a reservation because it's always busy and ask to sit closest to the mosque! The entire building of Haveli is beautiful and fascinating! A former mansion that's ornately decorated, and located in an area that was formerly infamous for..brothels! Now, largely thanks to tourism demand, this area of Lahore is a lot cleaner and safer than it used to be, and it offers some of the most spectacular sites to see, both from above and below! What would you rate this view from 1 to 10??
2 weeks ago
39
View on Instagram |
8/9
Made it to Skardu without any flight issues! Flights to and from the mountain region of Pakistan have a pretty high rate of cancellation due to unpredictable weather... And speaking of unpredictable weather, the reports said it would be really cold, but it was warm, so i "had to" go shopping for shalwar kameez as soon as I arrived 😍 Then it was off to the Shangri La Lake for some pink tea before making the drive to Shigar cold desert for a sunset horseback riding session, before settling into a beautiful riverfront boutique resort! Everyone says you have to go to the northern mountains of Pakistan, and now I see why! This place is magical and I only have a few days to explore! PS did you know that this region has the highest number of world's tallest mountain peaks, it has has both deserts and lakes at extremely high altitudes, and also the largest glaciers in the world aside from the polar regions?? More coming soon! Do you want to visit Skardu??
2 weeks ago
55443
View on Instagram |
9/9

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