Welcome to Colorado Saram — a travel blog built by John Buckley, a Colorado native, skier, and lifelong traveler.
Born and raised in the ski resort town of Vail, I worked in resort PR before catching the travel bug, which led to a ski season in New Zealand and a year-long, solo, round-the-world adventure.
My goal? To help fellow adventurers plan smarter, travel deeper, and skip the cookie-cutter tours — whether you’re chasing powder, hiking trails, or traveling with your pup.
Colorado-Inspired Outdoor Adventure Travel in Asia & Beyond
Fresh Tracks
Featured Travel Guides & Reader Favorites
Start here for the most-loved content on Colorado Saram — from trip planning essentials to gear reviews readers keep coming back to. These posts capture the spirit of outdoor adventure travel across Asia.
Ha Long Bay Day Trip vs Overnight Cruise vs Cat Ba Tour — Which One’s Right for You?
I’ve done the Ha Long Bay day trip and the overnight cruise — and nearly booked Cat Ba instead. Each one offers a totally different vibe depending on your time, budget, and travel style.
Here’s how they actually compare, and which I’d book again.
Yongpyong Resort Summer Guide (2025)
Think Yongpyong is just for skiing? Summer brings gondola rides, scenic trails, and dog-friendly adventures in Korea’s cool mountain highlands — just a few hours from Seoul.
High 1 Resort Summer Guide (2025)
Think High 1 Resort is just for ski season? Summer brings dog-friendly mountain trails, gondola views, and family fun at Water World.
We returned to the Hill Condo for a cooler, quieter adventure—here’s everything you need to know.
Phu Quoc 5 Day Itinerary – Beaches, Adventure & Relaxation
Planning a trip to Phu Quoc? This flexible 5-day itinerary highlights the island’s best beaches, hotels, food spots, and activities—based on real, firsthand travel.
Fansipan Peak Cable Car Guide: Cost, Tickets & What to Expect (2025)
Ride Vietnam’s highest cable car to the summit of Fansipan. This self-guided guide covers tickets, transport, summit tips, and what to expect at the Roof of Indochina.
Phu Quoc Travel Guide: Dry Season vs Rainy Season – What to Expect
Trying to decide between visiting Phu Quoc in the dry season or rainy season?
This firsthand travel guide compares both—motorbike adventures, beach bars, sudden storms, and what each season really feels like.
❄️ Skiing in Asia
Yongpyong Resort: A Guide to South Korea’s Premier Skiing and Snowboarding Destination
Explore the Olympic-quality slopes of South Korea’s Mona Yongpyong Resort in this detailed guide.
Whether you’re a beginner, advanced skier, or snowboarder, discover which of the resort’s four zones best matches your style.
Find tips on ski lessons with English-speaking instructors, trail maps, dining, and more.
Let me help you plan your ultimate winter adventure in South Korea!
High 1 Resort: A Complete Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding in South Korea
Planning a ski trip in South Korea? High1 Resort is a top destination for skiing and snowboarding, with a variety of trails, lift ticket options, gear rentals, and lessons.
This guide covers everything from accommodations and dining to dog-friendly stays at the ‘Pet Club’ Hill Condo.
Get insider tips to make the most of your trip!
A Complete Guide to Muju Deogyusan Resort: a Hidden Gem in South Korea
Muju Deogyusan Resort is a hidden gem resort destination in South Korea’s Jeollabuk-Do province. Compared to the popular resorts in Gangwon-Do, Muju’s distance from Seoul makes it a more quaint alternative ski destination. This laid-back resort caters to all skill levels and offers diverse accommodation options. Check out this guide and review with terrain highlights, and practical tips for visitors.
🥾 Hiking & Trekking in Asia
From mountain treks in Vietnam to highland hikes in Korea, these guides are built for travelers who prefer dirt trails to tour buses.
You’ll find self-guided adventures in Sapa, summer trekking in Gangwon Province, and coming soon — a full write-up on hiking Hallasan, South Korea’s tallest peak. Whether you’re out for the views, the solitude, or the challenge, lace up — there’s more to come.
Yongpyong Resort Summer Guide (2025)
Think Yongpyong is just for skiing? Summer brings gondola rides, scenic trails, and dog-friendly adventures in Korea’s cool mountain highlands — just a few hours from Seoul.
High 1 Resort Summer Guide (2025)
Think High 1 Resort is just for ski season? Summer brings dog-friendly mountain trails, gondola views, and family fun at Water World.
We returned to the Hill Condo for a cooler, quieter adventure—here’s everything you need to know.
Fansipan Peak Cable Car Guide: Cost, Tickets & What to Expect (2025)
Ride Vietnam’s highest cable car to the summit of Fansipan. This self-guided guide covers tickets, transport, summit tips, and what to expect at the Roof of Indochina.
Sapa, Vietnam Without a Tour: A Self-Guided Travel Guide
Explore Sapa, Vietnam, at your own pace—no tours, no guides, just adventure.
Discover self-guided trekking tips, visit Fansipan Peak and Cat Cat Village, and experience the freedom of crafting your own journey in this breathtaking mountain region.
Exploring Daegwallyeong’s Scenic Ranches: Trekking & Camping Guide
Discover the scenic ranches and dog-friendly trekking spots of Daegwallyeong, Gangwon-do.
From Pure Sheep Ranch to Han Neul Sky Ranch and Sanneomi Ranch, this guide covers the best trails, camping spots, and tips for exploring this stunning region year-round.
Ruffwear Front Range vs. Switchbak, Singletrak, and OneTigris: Dog Pack Review
The review explores the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Day Pack, which was trail-tested with my Border Collie, Winnie. Although pleased with the sturdiness and design, I reflect on the fact that a more compact option like the Ruffwear Switchbak may have been more suitable for my dog and our lack of deep backcountry adventures. I delve into additional alternatives such as the pricier Ruffwear Singletrak, which offers hydration bladders, and the
more economical OneTigris Dog Pack.
🏝️ Beach Travel in Asia
From volcanic coastlines on Jeju Island to warm turquoise water off Phu Quoc, these guides focus on relaxed beach escapes with a dose of outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re looking for ferry tips, island itineraries, or the best places to swim without the crowds, this section pulls together my favorite beach travel experiences in Korea and Vietnam — with more on the horizon.
Ha Long Bay Day Trip vs Overnight Cruise vs Cat Ba Tour — Which One’s Right for You?
I’ve done the Ha Long Bay day trip and the overnight cruise — and nearly booked Cat Ba instead. Each one offers a totally different vibe depending on your time, budget, and travel style.
Here’s how they actually compare, and which I’d book again.
Phu Quoc 5 Day Itinerary – Beaches, Adventure & Relaxation
Planning a trip to Phu Quoc? This flexible 5-day itinerary highlights the island’s best beaches, hotels, food spots, and activities—based on real, firsthand travel.
Phu Quoc Travel Guide: Dry Season vs Rainy Season – What to Expect
Trying to decide between visiting Phu Quoc in the dry season or rainy season?
This firsthand travel guide compares both—motorbike adventures, beach bars, sudden storms, and what each season really feels like.
Jeju Island 5-Day Itinerary: Dog-Friendly Beaches, Cafés, Hikes & Attractions
Planning a Jeju Island 5-day dog-friendly itinerary? This guide includes scenic coastal drives, hidden gems, and must-see attractions—plus the best beaches, cafés, and activities for travelers with dogs.
Whether you’re bringing your own car or renting one, this pet-friendly Jeju adventure is packed with tips for making the most of your time on the island.
Jeju Island Ferry Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve decided to visit Jeju Island, South Korea, you’ll soon confront a crucial question: How do I get there? Unless you’re an Olympic swimmer, you essentially have two options: fly or take a ferry. I share my personal experience and explain why opting for the ferry might be your best choice. I’ll also guide you through the process, including how I brought my own car and dog along, to help you decide if Jeju Island Ferry travel is the best option for you.
✈️ Where Will Your Next Adventure Take You?
South Korea
From the ski slopes of Gangwon-do to the beaches of Jeju Island, South Korea offers adventure in every season. As a longtime expat, I’ve explored its mountains, cities, and hidden gems to bring you expert travel guides on skiing, hiking, culture, and more. Whether you're planning a winter getaway or a seaside escape, start your South Korea journey here.
Let's Go! 👉
Vietnam
From the misty mountains of Sapa to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and the sandy shores of Phu Quoc, Vietnam is a land of breathtaking contrasts. With multiple trips exploring its landscapes, culture, and cuisine, I’ve gathered insider tips and expert guides to help you experience Vietnam’s best destinations. Whether you’re trekking in the north or unwinding on the coast, start planning your adventure here.
Let's Go! 👉
Japan
Japan is a dream destination for skiers and outdoor lovers, famous for its deep Japow (Japanese powder snow) in Hokkaido and world-class resorts in Hakuba Valley. From carving fresh tracks in Niseko and Rusutsu to exploring the cultural gems of Kyoto and Tokyo, I’ve experienced Japan’s best winter and adventure destinations firsthand. Whether you're planning a ski trip or looking for off-the-beaten-path outdoor escapes, start here.
Let's Go! 👉
Colorado Saram Defined:
Getting Off the Beaten Path
Yangon Township, Myanmar
Heading into the Himalayas
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Skiing Across Borders
Hokkaido, Japan