Tag: holiday travel

View All Tags

/ / / / / / /

The Day Pigs Flew and British Airways Rocked a Long-Haul Flight

January 19, 2012 at 10:06 AM | by | Comments (0)

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.

more ›

/ / / / / / / / /

Transatlantic Time Hop: Skipping the New Year on British Airways

January 2, 2012 at 5:03 PM | by | Comments (0)


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?

more ›

/ / / /

Celebs Stuck Together for New Year's Weekend Travel

January 2, 2012 at 1:40 PM | by | Comments (0)

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.

more ›

/ / / / / / / /

Australia on New Year's Eve: How Aussies Will Boogie Down, Down Under

Where: Australia
December 27, 2011 at 11:39 AM | by | Comments (0)

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:

more ›

/ / / / / /

Merry GIFsmas, from Jaunted

December 24, 2011 at 6:54 PM | by | Comments (0)

Happy Holidays to you, our awesome readers. We've already got everything we wanted—you guys.
Safe and awesome travels this long weekend!

/ / / / /

Three Airports That Already Celebrated the Holidays with Flashmobs

December 23, 2011 at 11:04 AM | by | Comments (0)

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:

more ›

/ / / / / / / /

Foreign Grocery Friday: The Ponche Crema of Venezuela

Where: Venezuela
December 23, 2011 at 10:11 AM | by | Comments (0)

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.

more ›

/ / / / /

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Take Vancouver

December 22, 2011 at 1:11 PM | by | Comments (0)

Things must be getting pretty serious between Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, considering he brought her to Vancouver to celebrate Christmas with his family.

The couple was spotted at the Original Cupcake Shop on Denman Street where they bought cupcakes and a small cake earlier this week. One of the store's employees told People, "They seemed like a really sweet couple."

more ›

/ / / / / / /

It's Okay to Shop for Holiday Gifts in Airport Vending Machines

December 22, 2011 at 12:07 PM | by | Comments (0)

This may seems like the jankiest holiday gift shopping suggestion ever, but trust us for a moment; airport vending machines are a viable option for Christmas and Chanukah presents. We know because we've seen quite a variety of vending machines in our travels, and felt the pressure to buy last-minute hostess gifts just before jumping on planes.

No terminal has a better variety of random vending machines than JetBlue's Terminal 5 at JFK, but SFO's T2 and Tokyo-Narita are up there as well. What you want to look for are variety machines like the "U*Tique" machine pictured above. It's got everything from Jonathan Adler ceramic salt & pepper shakers to kits from The Art of Shaving, to those sparkly Lady Gaga bud headphones. Some super easy stocking stuffers in there.

A step up is obviously the Best Buy machine, with its iPods, Bluetooth headsets, GPS and gadget cases.

more ›

/ / / / / / / /

From Nice to Monte Carlo in 7 Minutes on Heli Air Monaco

December 22, 2011 at 10:50 AM | by | Comments (0)

How do you make flying to the Cote d'Azur even more glamorous? By taking a helicopter transfer from Nice International Airport to Monaco, of course.

We were lucky enough to hop this speedy leg of a long journey from the U.S. to Monaco on a recent work trip, and we can't recommend it enough. Sure, the drive from Nice to Monte Carlo doesn’t sound bad at around 30 minutes (or, we’re told, 20 minutes by scooter). But why not reduce that trip to seven minutes and throw in staggering views and the inimitable glamour of helicopter travel?

Heli Air Monaco has over 20 daily flights between the airport in Nice and the Principality—from 110 euros each way. For this price, you get the aforementioned speed, views, air of fabulousness, and the ease of checking your bags straight through from the helipad in Monaco to wherever your final destination may be.

more ›

/ / / / / / / /

TSA Critics Ring in the Holidays with Their Own Christmas Music Video

December 21, 2011 at 3:23 PM | by | Comments (0)

As we wind down the year in TSA and airport security, we can't help but notice that the agency has made very tiny steps in the direction of sanity. They've gone from generic terrorism alerts to targeted social media alerts. They've gone from defending the intrusive screening of 6-year-olds to not doing that any more. They've gone from delaying scanner safety studies and potentially covering up cancer risks to seeking public comment over the devices. And they've publicly launched investigations of their "few bad apple" agents, who seem to pop up everywhere from Charlotte to Honolulu.

So it's with a tiny tinge of regret that we post this video from the libertarians at Reason.tv, who hate airport security theater the way we hate inflatable pillows (we really hate inflatable pillows). One problem is that the TSA is really trying. It's just that it'd be nice if they'd try a little harder.

more ›

/ / / / / /

Three London Christmas Markets That Nod to the German Tradition

December 20, 2011 at 3:32 PM | by | Comments (0)

Christmas markets are an advent of countries like Germany and Austria, but the honored holiday tradition has been adopted by cultures the world over.

In London, there's yuletide market merriment to be found stretching from the Thames to Columbia Road. Sprinkled throughout the city, these shopping fairs feature vendors hawking everything from fresh mulled wine to crafts to handmade jewels, offering ample opportunity to shop for presents and partake of seasonal cheer.

There are only a few days left to peruse the "chalet" stalls for last-minute gifts as you take in the sight of strung lights and sip on hot cocoa. We've highlighted three of the city's best Christmas markets:

more ›

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy (Revised 08/01/2011). © Condé Nast Digital. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast Digital.
Ad Choices