After thousands of stories and countless countries in 2011, we're more than ready to begin a fresh year. Before we hit 2012, however, we're making a few resolutions. Travel resolutions. It goes beyond losing weight or promising to do our laundry more frequently; these tackle how we interact with the world.

What are you resolving to do with your travels in 2012? Share in the comments!

And now, without further ado, 17 travel resolutions for 2012 from Jaunted's regular, frequent-traveling contributors: ]]> JetSetCD 2011-12-28T13:15:15-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/12/28/61859/384

Everyone knows about that crystal ball drop in Times Square to celebrate the New Year, but there’s even better stuff falling from the sky around the country. If New York City is out of range this year, there might just be something a little more unique to welcome in 2012 close to home. Here’s three options and celebrations that might just be a little more interesting:

· Oversized Orange in Miami, Florida:
Sunny Florida may be a great place to welcome 2012, especially if you’re looking for some balmy temperatures. In the city’s downtown—away from the South Beach scene—a big neon orange rises to the top of the Intercontinental Hotel as the clock approaches midnight. The party goes down at Bayfront Park on Biscayne Bay beginning at 8pm, and there’s even a Disco Dance Party—their terminology not ours—to keep you going. Admission and entertainment is free for all, but we’d bring along some cash for a snack or a drink. ]]> kjb 2011-12-28T09:15:01-05:00 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/2011/1/3/123349/9513

As we predicted, the Las Vegas strip's new $3.9 billion hotel, The Cosmopolitan, was the hot spot for celebs on New Year's Eve.

The hotel's NYE party was headlined by Jay-Z and Coldplay as scheduled, but the crowd, which included 50 Cent, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Alex Rodriguez, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Ellen Pompeo and Blake Lively, went crazy when Beyoncé, Kanye West and John Mayer all made surprise appearances during Jay-Z's set. ]]> cmb 2011-01-03T12:51:27-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/1/3/83852/42973
Dubai's Burj Khalifa--current tallest building in the world--covered in fireworks

Although we'd love to know an estimate of how many people actually turned out to stand for 7+ hours without bathroom breaks in New York's Times Square for New Year's 2011, apparently the city doesn't give estimates on that crowd. So instead, we turn to the AP's brilliant recap of all the major New Year's celebrations around the world, from salsa with Fidel Castro in Cuba to eating grapes at midnight in Spain.

Some cities obviously went fare more above and beyond than others, so in order to help you get a truly huge jumpstart on planning for the New Year 2012, here's our favorites of the New Year's festivities that happened over the weekend: ]]> JetSetCD 2011-01-03T08:38:52-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/12/29/1254/2655

New Year's Eve is a hugely favorite holiday for celebrities, but not because of the glitz, glamor and alcohol. New Year's means a chance to make a whole pile of money just for hosting a party in a glitzy venue with thousands of adoring fans. But hey—who can blame them? Here's a look at the Top Five Celebrity-Hosted New Year's Eve Parties for turning 2010 into 2011:

· 2011's biggest party will no doubt be at the new Marquee Nightclub in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, featuring live performances by Coldplay and Jay-Z. Not only will party-goers have the chance to see a once-in-a-lifetime concert, but they'll also be rubbing elbows with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, expected to be in attendance. For ticket and price information, contact Kelly Andelean at 702-423-2640 but be warned, they're catering to VIPs only (or those who act and spend like VIPs). ]]> cmb 2010-12-29T16:38:08-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/12/29/103354/03

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but New Year's celebrations can be so delightful! And since you've got a place to go—Times Square—let's go, let's go, let's go! Okay now ignore that attempt at rewriting the song "Let It Snow" and pay attention, because we're about to give you the lowdown on crossing New Year's in Times Square off your bucket list.

Many people, as we've come to discover, just flock to Times Square all willy-nilly for the ball drop, mistakenly thinking they'll have things like tons of port-a-potties or food vendors. Not true. It's a rugged experience, and you've got to prepare for it and know the rules. Aside from no alcohol allowed, there are five major guidelines to having a great time at the ball drop and still getting a view of the action.

The Five Rules for Going to The New Year's Ball Drop in Times Square...]]> JetSetCD 2010-12-29T11:09:42-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/