Here's your chance to hike the Great Himalaya Trail—and we're not talking like "hike the Appalachian Trail" à la South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford. For the first time, a tour operator is bringing groups through the trail on an intensive 157-day hike.

Even experienced hikers will need some help on the Great Himalaya, the longest and highest alpine route in the world. The trail winds between the largest mountains and the most remote communities in the world, connecting Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan.]]> Jennifer Kester 2010-03-18T09:45:07-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/3/17/231549/305

When it comes to The Bachelor TV show, we've only really cared about the most recent seasons—the fourteenth—because the star Jake Pavelka is a pilot, but now that he's off and attempting a relationship with his pick, we've lost all interest in the show. That is, the news landed in our inbox that Jason Mesnick, the Bachelor from the thirteenth season, not only actually got married recently to his choice from the show, but that they're taking a two-week luxury grand tour around South Africa.

They're actually down there right now, in the middle of a trip from Africa Answers, which organized the route which will take Jason and Molly from vineyards to a private game reserve, and from the luxurious Rovos Rail train to a five-star hotel in Johannesburg. It's definitely a far cry from the simple life that Molly left behind in Grand Rapids. ]]> JetSetCD 2010-03-18T09:02:44-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/3/18/044/22955

Who wants to hear some awesome news this morning? Alright, then! Virgin America, the sexy domestic carrier that's all about free in-flight wifi, mood lightning and actual good food onboard, just announced the new routes that they'll be flying with six new aircraft this year. This summer, Virgin America will begin flying to Toronto and Orlando direct from LAX and SFO. They are Virgin "America," after all, and not "Virgin USA," so it's time for a little expanded continent love. Now let's talk timeline...

The first new move will happen when Virgin America goes over the border to land at Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) with daily flights from LAX and SFO as early as June! We gave Toronto a 60% chance of being their new spot in our betting pool, but imagine Vancouver would beat it to being their first Canadian destination. Guess not! Virgin America is now daydreaming about shopping at Eaton Centre and walking on the glass floor at the top of the CN Tower, apparently.

Also arriving this summer is a destination we didn't see coming, because Virgin already flies to Fort Lauderdale. They'll be kicking in to Orlando-MCO on August 19 and tickets are already on sale at virginamerica.com—perhaps to shuttle in west coasters for a taste of the opening season of Universal Studios' new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park? Perhaps! But then everyone just likes to go to Florida, so the move makes sense. ]]> JetSetCD 2010-03-18T08:03:32-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/3/17/175153/566

Our sis site HotelChatter does a bang-up job of covering the latest news and trends in the hotel world. We're also including a few links from VegasChatter, the newest member to the family. So check in and stay awhile.

HotelChatter:
· Tune Hotels and their under-$1 rooms will take over the world!
· Spring Showers and Hot Hotel Umbrellas
· Of course the Le Meurice in Paris serves haute couture cake
· Who is the bisexual hotelier on "How to Make It in America?"

VegasChatter:
· Solo Las Vegas: Where to Eat When You're a Party of One
· Is Terry Fator Offensive?
· A Complete Guide to March Madness in Vegas
· Pauly D and Holly Madison = Only in Vegas
]]> JetSetCD 2010-03-17T18:02:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/3/17/171326/755

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Although the daytime parades are pretty much over, the evening drinking shenanigans are just getting started around the country as people exchange their office clothes for green beads and wool sweaters.

Meanwhile over at Delta's area at Salt Lake City Airport, the gate agents are mixing it up by donning their green wigs all day and getting some Irish eyes smiling with their spirit. The picture above, posted on Twitter and retweeted by @DeltaAirLines themselves, proves that even though last weekend was a serious downer for Delta and almost every other airline flying to the Northeast during the storms, a little bit of celebration and the promise of spring does wonders to lift moods.

Related Stories:
· @heididarling [Twitter]
· @DeltaAirLines [Twitter]
· St. Patrick's Day Travel [Jaunted]

[Photo: TwitPic] ]]> JetSetCD 2010-03-17T17:13:26-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/3/17/153553/963

Less is more when it comes to camping, with every additional pound of gear costing hikers potential miles of trekking. The JakPak, a new all-in-one waterproof jacket, sleeping bag and tent, hopes to appeal to particularly dedicated campers by trading a little bit of comfort for a whole lot of weight.

The basic idea involves wearing the travel gear that will become your sleeping bag and tent. You don the waterproof shirt and walk in it all day while it protects you from the elements. When it's time for sleep, the breathable hard shell fabric opens up to provide some literal breathing room over the head, neck, and shoulders. The rest of the JakPak becomes a sleeping bag that covers the lower half of the body. The tent part is detachable from the sleeping bag part so it's also usable as a pack cover, and the space between can be bridged by see-through insect netting. Done and done.]]> Omri 2010-03-17T16:05:24-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/3/17/112012/633

Getting drunk in Acapulco is fun, but what if you want something more out of your spring break? This year, there are several volunteer and travel agencies organizing spring break trips with a purpose just for you.

United Way has been on the forefront of the alternative spring break movement and this year is no exception. They have volunteer trips planned from March 28 through April 3 in various locations across the U.S.

Students can choose between helping out nonprofits in Detroit, Michigan, repairing and rebuilding flood-damaged homes in Wabash Valley, Indiana or helping to rebuild and reconstruct communities in Louisiana and Mississippi. The cost of the trips is $150, and you'll have to provide your own transportation. You can find more information at Liveunited.com. ]]> cmb 2010-03-17T14:15:07-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/