At OKG, we appreciate the value of recharging, resetting and making room for quality “us” time. It’s a foundational part of our business culture and ethos. Whether relaxing on a sun-soaked beach, exploring a vibrant city, or escaping on a quiet mountain hike, our team has some favorite spots that fill our buckets.
Cathy Donnelly
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe has a well-deserved reputation as a premier winter vacation destination (think mountain peaks covered in deep powder and world-class ski resorts) — but its natural beauty is on full display during the summer, when almost any traveler can find something to enjoy.
It’s a paradise for seasoned hikers and those who prefer a more leisurely stroll. Adventure lovers will find mountain biking, zip-lining, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Local towns offer shopping — arts and crafts, clothing, and souvenirs — along with fine dining and casual eateries. Looking for resort living, casinos, entertainment, and nightlife? Head to the South Shore on the Nevada side.
The crown jewel is the Lake itself — deep, crystal blue water surrounded by lush alpine forest. It’s a stunning backdrop for all sorts of adventures, and a lovely place to simply have a cocktail and savor the view.
Danielle Foley
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Most people think of visiting Yellowstone National Park in the summer, but my family had the chance to experience it in the dead of winter on a group tour. I highly recommend it! No crowds, gorgeous snowy scenery, lots of wildlife (bison, elk, etc.), cozy National Park lodges, excellent snowshoeing and hikes. In winter only special, four-wheel drive vehicles are allowed inside, which added to the uniqueness of the journey. It was majestic and awe-inspiring.
Lord Howe Island, Australia
While we were living in Australia, my family took a trip to Lord Howe Island, a 6-mile long, 2-mile-wide island that is a short flight from Sydney. The website for Lord Howe Island sums it up perfectly: Just Paradise. Think sandy beaches, subtropical forests and clear waters. The snorkeling is arguably better than the Great Barrier Reef, and there are some amazing hikes. You can even hand-feed huge tropical fish at one beach. Because only 400 tourists are allowed on the island at any given time, you really feel like a local. It is considered one of cleanest places on earth with no air or sea pollution or litter. Not an easy destination to get to, but so worth it!
Jessica Cogan
Mexico City, Mexico
I went to Mexico City one February, and the streets were bursting with jacarandas in full lavender bloom. Grand boulevards with walk-and-bike paths run through the heart of the city, making it feel both alive and accessible. The food scene is unmatched. From street tacos to world-class restaurants, it’s a culinary tour of Mexico—and the globe. Contramar is a can’t miss: incredible seafood, vibrant atmosphere, and top-tier people-watching. The National Museum of Anthropology stuns with its monumental exhibits, while the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) offers a colorful, intimate window into her life—plus the nearby markets are a treasure trove. A short bus ride away, the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan rise from the earth, putting time—and our place in it—into perspective.
JoAnne Stauss
Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea” in the Abenaki Native American language – and it truly lives up to the name. Ogunquit Beach is known for its soft white sand and gentle surf. It stretches over 3.5 miles, with picturesque dunes and tidal rivers. It’s perfect for walking, especially at low tide.
Ogunquit is also home to an iconic cliff walk, the Marginal Way, a scenic, 1.25 mile path along the rocky coastline that connects Ogunquit Beach with the fishing village of Perkins Cove. This trail is a sanctuary with breathtaking ocean views, beautiful flowers, and lush greenery, and is one of the most famous coastal walks in New England.
I especially enjoy summers at the beach, but Ogunquit also has year-round charm, with a historic theater, vibrant arts community, and seasonal events like Christmas by the Sea and Patriotic Pops concerts.
Laura Singer
Argentina, South America
Argentina is only a third the size of the US in square miles, but its natural and cultural diversity is nearly as vast. Last October my husband and I traveled to Buenos Aires, which rivals the great cosmopolitan cities of Europe. We also sampled the more laid-back wine region, Mendoza, and trekked the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia.
We saw the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the Perito Merino glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We watched a tango performance, visited world-class museums, hiked in national parks, toured wineries, and spent time in what may be the most beautiful bookstore anywhere (housed in a former opera house). Argentina is a food- and wine-lover’s dream. Its incomparable beef, paired with Malbec wine from Mendoza, makes an unforgettable feast.
As far-reaching as it was, our holiday was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg (yes, they have those too). Argentina also includes one of the world’s largest waterfalls, famed cattle and sheep ranches, stunning multi-colored hills and rock reminiscent of the American Southwest, and of course futbol (what we call soccer). Those attractions will have to wait for the next trip.
Chloe Hughes
The Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds is a place that I go back to time and time again. Less than two hours from London, it is super accessible for a quick weekend getaway, but can also accommodate a longer stay. You can fill a week bike riding along meandering streams and lanes and over ancient stone bridges from one charming village to another (Broadway takes the win!). Your destination? A cozy pub with its beer garden full of English flowers, a classic tearoom for traditional cream teas and cucumber sandwiches, or a tour of the one of the hundreds of historical houses in the area, all standing proud with their amazing thatched roofs. For something a little more challenging, there are dozens of hiking trails with stunning views of the incomparable English countryside.
This picture-perfect destination is where I go to exhale and disconnect completely, and attempt to live life as our ancestors did.
Elbow Cay, The Bahamas
Getting to picturesque Elbow Cay feels a little like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” – but it’s worth the journey. It feels “off the beaten track” and, while it has some tourism, doesn’t feel overrun. Elbow Cay is five miles long and sits within the Abacos Islands. The water, beaches, and sand bars are stunning! The island is not fully pedestrianized, so you’ll walk or take a golf cart from beach to restaurant to shops. It has a wonderful small-town charm and casual vibe. There are only about a dozen restaurants, but they all offer something special — from The Abaco Inn for its stunning sunsets to On Da Beach for a low-key flip flop vibe, to Willie’s Kitchen & Bar for their amazing local Bahamian food. I highly recommend a visit with a strong caveat of: Shhh, don’t tell anyone else about this place! ; )
