Jaunted

New Routes / Mexico Travel / Puerto Vallarta Travel / Virgin America / Virgin / Airline News / Airlines / → All Tags

Fly Virgin America's New Puerto Vallarta Route, Save a Chihuahua

You know when it's officially almost autumn? When airlines begin to announce new warm-weather destinations, and among the more exciting ones coming up are Virgin America's roundtrips between San Francisco or Seattle and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Not only do we feel a little something something when Virgin America announces any new route, but a fresh international destination like Puerto Vallarta means several fun things: that VX continues to stretch their map further, that low fares from the west coast to popular vacation destinations are assured and that it's another opportunity for Sir Richard Branson to dress up, although we kind of think he could be busy rebuilding Necker Island all winter.

So here's the deal: Book SFO-PVR or SEA-PVR by September 1 and lock down fares of $129 each way for most flights between December 2 and March 14.

more ›

Celeb Travel / Lady Gaga / Mexico Travel / Surfing / Island Travel / → All Tags

Lady Gaga Takes Time Out to Learn Surfing Before Sunday's VMAs

Lady GaGa finally took some time out from shooting videos, performing live, and appearing on TV last week to have a little fun in the sun in in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. So what does a groundbreaking pop star do on her summer vacation? Take surfing lessons of course! Gaga tweeted a photo of herself surfing with the caption "yeah thats me. no heels baby."

But what's more shocking than seeing that GaGa actually does have normal, human feet, is how she paid for her Mexican hotel room. Some reports claim she spent more than $7,000 a night for a luxury suite.

more ›

It's Summer Somewhere / It's-Summer-Somewhere / Festivals / Culture / → All Tags

It's Summer Somewhere: Puerto Vallarta

Head to where it's sunny and warm this week and get there just in time for a different kind of festival. February 2 brings Dia de la Candelaria to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where locals celebrate with parades, bullfights and a blessing of the candles.

That's right, residents bring candles to the church to be blessed for use throughout the year. They also bring their icons of Niño Jesús (or Christ child), dressed in their best, to the church for an evening of celebration.

Want to check into somewhere easy in PV? Try Dreams Puerto Vallarta. Yes, it's an all-inclusive, but it's literally the best around. Forget cheesy wristbands and buffets. Dreams has movies on the beach at night and a la carte restaurants combined with dramatic views of the rock-edged beach on Banderas Bay.

Related Stories:
· Dreams Puerto Vallarta [HotelChatter]
· It's Summer Somewhere Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: dfnitivo]

Volunteer Travel / → All Tags

Volunteer Travel: Skipping Spring Break in Puerto Vallarta

We certainly can't hate on a relaxing spring break full of fun and fish tacos. But there's a better way to learn about the culture and experience the community south of the boarder: Volunteering at Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza--the Children's Shelter of Hope--in Puerto Vallarta.

The juvenile home houses an average of 45 children, ranging in age from 7 months to 13 years. Most have parents who are dead, in jail, involved in prostitution or who can't provide adequate care or safety for some other reason. Volunteers live off grounds but still get loads of hands on experience. They can practice their Spanish, participate in the day-to-day life of the children, work with crafts, chop potatoes and give morning baths.

Past volunteers say it's a rewarding, win-win experience:

Once I had names down and had proven myself as a trustworthy volunteer--meaning willing to pitch in on the chores--I realized that I wasn't making all of the cultural advances anymore.

Instead of asking questions, like "What is it about jalapenos?," I was answering questions, like "How big is Mickey Mouse in person?" Within weeks I was visiting the house on a more regular basis, greeted every time without fail by a flurry of hugs and immediately joining in on the events of the afternoon.

It may not be spring break, but that's okay: this way the hangover's not nearly as bad.

Related Stories:
· Children's Shelter of Hope [Official Site]
· Volunteer Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Puerto Vallarta Hotels [HotelChatter]

Breakfast Around The World / → All Tags

The World's Best Breakfast?

Meteorry believes he has found the world's best breakfast place, and judging form the photo we are inclined to agree.

The place: Memo's Casa de los Hot Cakes

The order: High Tech Choco Chip Hot Cakes served with Log Cabin syrup

Have a photo of a great breakfast from around the world?  Upload it to the Jaunted/Flickr photo pool. If it looks tasty enough, we will post it here.