You might remember our surprise (understatement: we nearly had a stroke with shock) when we flew British Airways from Heathrow to Vegas on Christmas Eve, and were confronted, instead of the usual sullen frowns and can’t-do mentality, by smiles, extra booze, cheery greetings and an atmosphere that didn’t send us screaming for the emergency exit handle.

Back then, we told you about the crew, and promised more on the flight later. Sorry about that&3151;it’s taken three weeks to process the shock of a pleasant BA flight. But anyways. Did the flight-our first longhaul in BA economy for a couple of years-live up to the crew? Let’s see. ]]> juliab 2012-01-19T10:06:04-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2012/1/2/141650/1632
Comedy hats and smiles. Two things you don't normally expect to see British Airways staff wearing

When we told people last week we were flying British Airways from Las Vegas to London overnight on New Year’s Eve, they were aghast. Why weren’t we partying? Why were we flying alone? Why were we leaving Vegas on the best night to be in Vegas?

We told them they were wrong on several counts. First, NYE in Vegas is horrendo, period. Second, after the Christmas Eve mini party we experienced on our flight out, we suspected the return journey could actually be fun. Thirdly—since there are few things we enjoy less than forced festivity—the idea of spending NYE at 40,000ft watching crappy movies was highly appealing.

And fourth, we coolly assumed we’d fly past loads of fireworks and cross so many timezones that we’d witness the year turning about six times before we reached London.

So how was it? ]]> juliab 2012-01-02T17:03:17-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2012/1/2/134027/6706

This year, New Year's Eve was about banding together for celebrities.

Maybe the most unlikely celeb pairing of the weekend was Gwyneth Paltrow and Courtney Love, who partied together in Abu Dhabi on NYE. Over the weekend Courtney tweeted, “getting the best [advice] for the new years from a true friend, love you @GwynethPaltrow @Goop xoxo.” Later Gwyneth added, “Happy New Year everyone from Abu Dhabi! Hoping 2012 is your best year ever.”

On the other side of the world, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, and their L.A. neighbor Jimmy Kimmel—who was with his girlfriend Molly McNearney—spent New Year's Eve in Kauai, Hawaii. The couples were spotted hitting the surf together in wetsuits on Saturday.]]> cmb 2012-01-02T13:40:27-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/12/26/222218/89

New Years Eve plans don't have to include ways to stay warm while singing Auld Lang Syne, or fighting for a cab in a snowstorm. it's summer down under in Australia! And some time spent with friends and family on a beach or dining alfresco while watching a fireworks display of Olympic proportions can surely be on your December 31st agenda.

Australia is one of the first countries to ring in the new year. Each city center hosts a myriad of events showcasing the individuality of each region, while drawing domestic and international visitors alike.

Please make sure you leave the fireworks to the professionals, however, as they are illegal throughout the country. Here's what's going on, plus our own tips for what to go if you find yourself in Australia this weekend: ]]> jetflyboy 2011-12-27T11:39:33-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/12/24/185425/17

Happy Holidays to you, our awesome readers. We've already got everything we wanted—you guys.
Safe and awesome travels this long weekend!]]> JetSetCD 2011-12-24T18:54:25-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/12/23/84951/439

Traveling today? Who isn't?! Luckily not flashmobbers, since the holiday airport flashmobs are done for the season; airports don't want to crowd up their walkways on one of the busiest travel days of the year, you see. Flashmobs already got their dancing and videos out of the way over the last few weeks.

Without a doubt, the winner for best airport flashmob of winter 2011 is Denver International, with their swing-happy routine. Essentially they Lindy-bombed the place. The video above is energetic enough to hold your attention all the way through, and perhaps even get you grinning.

The following two videos are flashmob-esque:]]> JetSetCD 2011-12-23T11:04:22-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/12/23/85124/021

When we travel, one of our favorite things to do is to pop into a local grocery store and check out the food products and candies we'd never find anywhere else. So we're trying out this new feature, Foreign Grocery Friday, where each week we'll feature some of our (and your) favorite overseas treats. Got a recommendation? Let us know!

Hope you like rum. Since Venezuela is the producer for some of the world's best rums, it only makes sense that they've have a far better version of egg nog than most of the rest of the world. Their boozy, creamy holiday drink is called the Ponche Crema, and it's not just limited to Venezuela either; this is a drink enjoyed in the southern Caribbean as well, and since so many travelers head to spend Christmas break in the balmy weather, a Ponche Crema or two may be part of the holiday feasting.]]> JetSetCD 2011-12-23T10:11:00-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/