http://www.johnnyjet.com Weekly travel newsletter featuring best travel sites, deals, guides, effective travel tips, up-to-date travel information, pictures, webcams, and much more. http://www.johnnyjet.com/Johnny-Jet-To-Host-Travel-Channel-Special-January-1-2012.html Johnny Jet circles the globe for his first televised special "Hot Spots 2012," scheduled to air on the Travel Channel, January 1 at 9:00 PM EST http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Panama-City-Beach-Florida-December-2011-1.html My girlfriend Natalie and I both got invited to speak on a panel in Panama City Beach, Florida, this past weekend. The topic was travel trends and how publicists/marketers can get the attention of a travel writer/editor. The hour-long presentation went really well, and instead of just flying in and out we decided to spend the weekend there and we sure were happy that we did. Here's how our trip went. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Tom-Calicchio-Virgin-America-Puerto-Vallarta-2011.html San Francisco is the home base and headquarters for Virgin America and they launched their newest route to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico this month ... and I was lucky enough to be aboard their inaugural flight! This is the third Mexican city for the carrier along with Cancun and Cabo. Initially, there will be five flights per week, every day except Mondays and Thursdays. The inaugural flight was celebrated with a Mexican fiesta at the departure gate, complete with a mariachi band, Mexican food and drinks. Nothing says breakfast like a few frozen margaritas when you're on your way to the Mexican Riviera! The party continued in the air as the mariachis boarded with us and played during the three and a half hour flight. Arriba! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lindsay-Taub-Fall-Harvest-Spokane-Washington-2011.html I had heard of Spokane many times before actually visiting for one reason: hockey. The city is home to a junior hockey team and a minor league affiliate for the NHL. With Canadian family and dual citizenship, hockey has been in my life for a long time. When I was invited to celebrate the Fall Harvest in Spokane, I knew, however, this treat didn't involve any ice, pucks, or referees. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/New-York-City-LAX-November-30-2011-1.html Of course, I checked out the tree at Rockefeller Square (the lights weren't lit yet) and the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue and all the other decorations. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Diamandis-Switzerland-2011-4.html I left Interlaken early by train and I was looking forward to exploring the region of Jura in the northwest corner of Switzerland, known for its three lakes, unspoiled natural environment and its medieval charm. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Puerto-Rico-YYZ-Thanksgiving-Erie-Nov-2011-2.html A night at the San Juan Marriott http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Cynthia-Cunniff-Jamaica-Nov-2011.html If you don't want to be stagnant on your vacation, yet you don't want to come home feeling like you need a vacation because of the hectic vacation you just took, a soft adventure tour is a wonderful combination of action and relaxation and Jamaica is the perfect venue. I had three days to take advantage of some of the soft adventure excitement this wonderful country has to offer. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Las-Vegas-Food-and-Wine-All-Star-Weekend-Paul-Jacobelli-Nov-2011-2.html It's Day 2 of the Food and Wine All Star Weekend at the ARIA Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. I am woken at 6am as requested but not by a wake up call from the front desk. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Puerto-Rico-YYZ-Thanksgiving-Erie-Nov-2011-5.html On Thursday morning Natalie and I drove to Erie. We left Toronto at 6 a.m. to avoid traffic at the border, which was a great move because we cruised right through. It was the first time that I didn't have to wait even a second for an empty lane. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Diamandis-Switzerland-2011-3.html I wrote an email to my Dad to tell him I was going up the tallest mountain in Switzerland the Jungfrau. He assumed I was hiking and perhaps even mountain climbing and thought it would take days. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Diamandis-Switzerland-2011-3.html I wrote an email to my Dad to tell him I was going up the tallest mountain in Switzerland the Jungfrau. He assumed I was hiking and perhaps even mountain climbing and thought it would take days. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/British-Virgin-Islands-Necker-Island-Richard-Branson-Nov-2011-8.html The whole reason for me going to the British Virgin Islands was to get a tour of Sir Richard Branson's private island by the man himself. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lindsay-Taub-Wales-2011-3.html I participated in a recent trip to the beautiful country of Wales that brought together 17 bloggers from around the globe in "the Mini Welsh Challenge." My group would put our adrenaline to the test with a theme of adventure, making our way from the North to the South. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Diamandis-Vevey-Switzerland-2011-2.html This is my second article on traveling in Western Switzerland this summer. Last week I was journeying through the wine country of Vevey. Now I explore the cheese and chocolate country of Gruyere. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Las-Vegas-Food-and-Wine-All-Star-Weekend-Paul-Jacobelli-Nov-2011.html Whenever anyone asked me if I wanted to go to Vegas I always thought I don't gamble so what am I going to do there. But when the opportunity came up to attend the Food and Wine All Star Weekend in the fabled Sin City featuring some of America's greatest master chefs it was an offer I couldn't refuse. And seriously, who could say no to Canada's own Gail Simmons from Food and Wine Magazine and cohost of the weekend event. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/LAX-DFW-PBI-November-16-2011-4.html Every time I fly through Dallas, Houston or Atlanta there's always a uniformed soldier on my flight, usually headed to or returning from war. In the past when I get upgraded, I almost always give up my phat seat to the soldier. It's the right thing to do and I feel guilty if I don't. But this time I asked the gate agent working my Los Angeles to Dallas flight if I could upgrade the lone soldier in the waiting area and asked her to do it without him knowing it was me. She said it was possible but that she needed to determine if I had enough status for him to jump the already jammed upgrade waitlist. She asked him his name and after entering it into the system, she smiled and said it worked. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/LAX-DFW-PBI-November-16-2011-6.html I was in Delray Beach to spend some time with my sister and her family before my next trip; it was a good halfway point. Highlights were walking on the beach each day, playing tennis, and eating at Delray's incredible restaurants. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/LHR-JFK-New-York-Lower-Manhattan-CT-LGA-YYZ-DTW-LAX-November-2011-1.html Greetings! I left off last week from England, so I will pick it up from there and tell you about my hop across the pond on Virgin Atlantic http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/LHR-JFK-New-York-Lower-Manhattan-CT-LGA-YYZ-DTW-LAX-November-2011-3.html The highlight of my trip besides taking the train out to Connecticut for a few hours to wish my adorable nephew a happy first birthday was visiting the 9/11 Memorial. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Amy-Scott-Downtown-Marriott-NYC-2011.html When I went to New York City for a conference a few weeks ago, the New York Marriott Downtown offered the perfect spot to lay my head and refresh after a long day. I had a beautiful corner room on the 15th floor, with views to the west of the Hudson River and to the north overlooking Albany Street, where the entrance is to the 9/11 memorial (more on that later). http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lindsay-Taub-Wales-2011-2.html Continuing the journey in Wales... As last reported in Part One (Click here to read), I participated in a recent trip to the beautiful country of Wales that brought together 17 bloggers from around the globe. We split into four groups making our way from Conwy in the North to Cardiff in the South over the span of a week, each step of the way completing tasks in what was called "the Mini Welsh Challenge." My group would put our adrenaline to the test with a theme of adventure. Here is Part Two of the journey. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Crystal-Reel-Ojai-California-2011.html There must be something in the water. I wasn't expecting much from Ojai. It's part farm town and part artist colony. I was thinking Ojai would feel like one giant nap. But like I said, there must be something in the water, because Ojai turned out to be alive with creative energy, an epicurean adventure and an outdoor paradise that I can't wait to visit again and again. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Carol-Calicchio-Pitcher-Inn-Vermont-2011.html My husband and I stayed at The Pitcher Inn in Vermont for a long weekend and marveled at the great attention to detail in its architecture, service and hospitality. Dining at the inn doesn't get any better than this. It is tranquil and the organic menu, along with perfection when it comes to service, was more than we were expecting. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/England-London-Southampton-Weymouth-October-2011-1.html Greetings! I had a whirlwind month of October travel as I flew 31,185 miles and visited five countries: United States of America, New Zealand, Canada, Belize, and England. I just returned from the latter, so I have that story for you. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lindsay-Taub-Wales-2011-1.html Wales is a country full of serene landscapes, majestic castles, magical quiet, exhilarating adventure, and yes, lots and lots of sheep. A country with more sheep than people (literally 10 million sheep and 3 million people), it offers an escape to a land where time fades, boundaries are broken, and laughs are abundant. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Belize-Lamanai-Chaa-Creek-Lodges-October-2011-1.html "You need to learn how to live in the jungle," quipped, Ruben, the resident naturalist at the Lamanai Outpost Eco Lodge. That was after I gasped when he told me that he lives in a village without electricity not far from the lodge, which he walks to and from each morning and night. In the dark. Without a flashlight. Meanwhile, I was worried if I would survive two nights in my comfortable bungalow with electricity. Buenos dias from Belize! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lindsay-Taub-Santa-Barbara-2011.html Located at the unofficial border between Northern and Southern California is the casually elegant beach town of Santa Barbara. Spanish Colonial architecture is fused with modern details throughout the city. Its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local-inspired gourmet cuisine is complemented by great shopping and activities. With a reputation for being the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is a desired vacation locale from Los Angeles and beyond. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/New-Mexico-Texas-Virgin-Galactic-Oct-2011-trip-1.html Last week, I flew American Airlines from LAX to Toronto. Flight time was four hours and 15 minutes. I was there to hang out with the beautiful Natalie and get a sneak peek at the new Four Seasons Toronto. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/New-Mexico-Texas-Virgin-Galactic-Oct-2011-trip-4.html We drove 50 minutes to Las Cruces, New Mexico. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/New-Mexico-Texas-Virgin-Galactic-Oct-2011-trip-7.html The reason we made the trek to New Mexico was to attend the dedication of Spaceport America, the world's first commercial spaceport. Just writing that sentence makes me think of the Jetsons. You? When you think about it, it is truly unbelievable. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/New-Mexico-Texas-Virgin-Galactic-Oct-2011-trip-8.html Since we had early morning flights we decided to book a hotel near the airport. So we drove back to El Paso and got rooms at the Hyatt Place El Paso Airport. The rooms were much nicer than I expected. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lindsay-Taub-Quebec-2011-2.html When we hear the word fjord most of us think of Scandinavia or Norway. Few think of Canada. The Saguenay Fjord is a relatively unknown, unexplored region in Northern Quebec, with the exception of tourists from the more urban areas of the province. The beauty in the region is a perfect backdrop for physical activity anything from extreme rock climbing to sailing in the summer, and ice fishing in the winter. But part of what makes the area so unique is that it's still fairly protected from massive tourism, something that adds to its charm but also holds it back from growth. But if you truly want to escape, this is one place where you really can. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/New-Zealand-North-and-South-Island-Hamilton-Matamata-Rotorua-Queenstown-October-2011-1.html I just returned from N.Z. and I flew one of my favorite airlines. I was on the North and South Island and was there for just three nights. It was a crazy trip but Air New Zealand makes this destination doable for a long weekend. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Bermuda-September-2011-1.html 10 Reasons to go to Bermuda http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Johnny-Jet-Top-Five-New-York-City-Travel-Tips-2011-1.html A week ago I did an interview for Boingo.com (I use their wireless internet access plan all over the world) about my top five tips on traveling in the Big Apple. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09212011.html For those following me on Facebook and/or Twitter, then you know that on Friday, I flew from L.A. to New York on American Airlines to test out their new entertainment-on-demand product. It's cool because you can rent TV shows and movies for pretty cheap. Details. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Norway-Hurtigruten-Arctic-Circle-Voyage-July-2011-1.html I not only finished my Norway story but I made two videos from that trip: One is of the amazing Hurtigruten voyage up to the Arctic Circle and the other is a short peek into what some of the flower memorials looked liked across the country (I was there just after the tragic bombing and shooting). http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Rebecca-Thompson-Paris-writing-workshop-2011.html A Month Living and Writing in the City of Lights http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09072011.html Natalie and I arrived to Hamburg, Germany, in late July to go on a special two-day preview/naming cruise of Silhouette. This was the fourth in Celebrity's Solstice class of ships, and we had been fortunate to also go on the first two. Here's my 2008 story of Celebrity Solstice and 2009 story of Celebrity Equinox. Their third ship, Celebrity Eclipse, debuted in 2010, but I didn't make that preview cruise because the Iceland volcano prevented me from reaching South Hampton, England. FYI: There is one more Solstice-class ship on its way. The 3,030-passenger Celebrity Reflection is scheduled for delivery in the fall of 2012. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/NYC-Airporter-August-2011-1.html Last Tuesday, after Hurricane Irene wreaked havoc on the Northeast, I flew back to California from New York's JFK. From southern Connecticut (where I grew up) it's always been either really expensive or a chore to get to the airport unless a friend or family member makes the 42-mile schlep. Car services cost around $150, and shared shuttle vans are a pain since they make a lot of out-of-the-way stops and are unreliable and pricey ($65). In the past I've taken the train into the city then hopped on multiple subways (2) to get the JFK Air Train, but that too is trying when you have luggage. So on this day I decided to try something new: take the train to Grand Central Terminal ($9.25) and then take the airport bus to JFK ($15); the buses depart across the street from GCT. I've done it when going to Newark and always had a positive experience--after all, they are advertised to depart every 15 minutes and cost $15.50. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Jim-Milio-Grand-Wailea-Maui-Hawaii-2011.html We had just checked in, but my ten-year-old daughter was already in the thrall of the main lobby and atrium of Maui's Grand Wailea Resort. Towering several stories above us and brimming with native flowers and massive Botero sculptures, the Grand Wailea lobby does make an impressive first impression. Southern California's Wine Country: Temecula Valley With a rich history, rolling hills covered with vineyards, championship golf courses, picturesque views, and plenty of unique shopping and recreation, Temecula makes for a perfect getaway from the city. Southern California's wine country, located less than 60 miles north of San Diego and 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles, may not have the abundance of wineries as better known wine havens like Sonoma and Napa Valley, but many of its more than 30 wineries have consistently produced award-winning wines. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Nantucket-Massachussetts-August-2011-1.html My dad, brother, and nephew called and asked me to jump on a plane and join them in Nantucket. My brother has a house there, and Nantucket is just too difficult to pass up in the summer. Also, spending time with just the boys was possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I cashed in some United miles and I was off the following morning. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Hurricane-Irene-Norwalk-Rowayton-Westport-Connecticut-August-2011-1.html When I saw that she was going to hit New York City on Sunday and I was flying through there, I changed my flight back to California from 2 p.m. to 6:35 a.m. on Saturday. I figured the first flight out would be safe, but I was wrong. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Diamandis-Manitoba-Canada-Polar-Bears-2011-1.html My mind was blown wide open the first time I saw a polar bear up close in the wild. Previous encounters had been in zoos where I had felt sorry that they had no space to roam, or worse, stuffed in museums with ferocious taxidermically altered mouths. Yes, the polar bear is the largest carnivore on the planet, but the bears I encountered in the north were gentle, tolerant souls doing their best to survive their "hibernation" in the warm and buggy summer. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Diamandis-Manitoba-Canada-Polar-Bears-2011-2.html Continuing with my amazing adventure at Seal River Lodge, only this time, in addition to seeing Polar Bears up close, I was able to get into the water with friendly Beluga whales! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lindsay-Taub-Claremont-California-August-2011-1.html Just 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles is the quaint 100-year-old town of Claremont, best known for its tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and highly respected college campuses. With plenty of history, great boutique shopping, and local entertainment, Claremont makes for a splendid weekend getaway from the city where you can fulfill your nostalgia for small-town America. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Johnny-Jet-2002-2011-Passport-Stamps-1.html One of my favorite hobbies is collecting passport stamps and I think I do a pretty good job filling up mine. Unfortunately, my compadre is going to expire next August and since I'm taking a month off from traveling I thought it would be the perfect time to get it renewed. I don't know about you but my passport is so much more than just a document that gets me in and out of countries. Mine represents freedom and inspiration. When I'm bored or down I flip through it so I can instantly become transported or energized. Although the State Department is supposed to return old passports I scanned all 64 of my pages just in case they don't or it gets lost in the mail. Rather than just letting them sit lonely on a remote external hard drive I've decided to display them on JohnnyJet.com with the hopes it will provide inspiration for others. You know I used to not only be afraid to fly but to leave the house. Seriously! And if I can do it anyone can. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/LAX-YYZ-LHR-Hamburg-Germany-2011-1.html It was my first time visiting Hamburg and I had a fine first impression as there were no immigration forms to fill out or lines to stand in to pass through. The stoic agent just quickly stamped my and everyone else's passports http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Hilton-Head-Island-South-Carolina-Resort-Quest-August-2011-3.html I knew nothing about Hilton Head Island except that my neighbor would go every summer and rave about it. To be honest I thought it was in North Carolina, not South Carolina. Now that I've looked at the map I know it's in Beaufort County, SC. It's just a two-hour drive from Charleston, three hours from Jacksonville, four hours from Charlotte, four and a half hours from Atlanta, and 45 minutes from Savannah. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Savannah-Georgia-Paula-Deens-Restaurant-August-2011-1.html I had never been to Savannah, Georgia, before, and since we were going to be so close I asked if we could leave a little earlier so we'd have time to walk through the city. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-and-Cam-Diamandis-The-Ride-NYC-2011.html For a fun and entertaining hour and a quarter, we toured the Times Square area in a special vehicle. The Ride is a tricked out tour bus, fitted with comfortable theatre like seats facing large glass windows to the side of the bus. There are sun roofs throughout as well, making it feel like you're outside, although the bus is completely enclosed and weatherproof. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Madeline-Fuhrman-Confessions-of-a-Street-Singer-France-2011.html If you are traveling in Europe this summer, you've probably passed by a few musicians in the Metro or at weekend markets. You might have ignored what may have looked like a beggar with some talent, but if you are like many, you stopped to enjoy the music. You might even have tossed a one- or two-euro coin into the hat that lies at the musician's feet. I may be on vacation, but my vacation has been spent watching this scene repeated hundreds of times a day. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Yukon-Canada-Whitehorse-Air-North-Boreale-2011-1.html I was up in this recreationalist's paradise earlier this summer for a night. Obviously it was way too short, but at least I got a feeling for the place, and I learned about a great airline and an incredible tour operator. Whitehorse, here we come! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/France-South-Nice-Aix-en-Provence-DiScala-Wedding-Chateau-Grimaldi-Best-Western-2011-1.html Bonjour from New York City! If you are following me on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter, then you know I'm just back from the south of France for the second time in six weeks. How awesome is that?! I'm posting hundreds of pictures and have stories from both trips. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/France-South-Nice-Aix-en-Provence-DiScala-Wedding-Chateau-Grimaldi-Best-Western-2011-14.html Without a doubt, the highlight of the trip was attending the wedding of my cousin Abraxas to Dounya. They picked the absolute most incredible backdrop of all ... Chateau de Grimaldi in the south of France. The wedding started at 7 p.m. and the ceremony took place in the Chateau's chapel and afterwards everyone went over to the cocktail reception which was held near the pool that is surrounded by the Chateau's ruins. I felt like we were in Italy, Greece, or Turkey. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Norway-Bomb-Shooting-Traveling-2011-1.html If you are following me on Facebook and Twitter, then you know I'm currently in Norway on a Hurtigruten cruise headed to the Arctic Circle. If the internet wasn't so slow, I would post photos but I at least wanted to briefly share my experiences of this incredible country so far. I landed in Bergen 36 hours after the horrible tragedy in Oslo. The pilot on my Lufthansa flight set the tone when he said he'd just come from Norway and it's a very depressed country but he hopes our visit will bring some happiness to the people. As you can imagine, all the papers and most of the TV stations (including CNN) have nonstop coverage of this tragedy and there's at least one makeshift memorial in each town I've visited. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Chicago-Conrad-Gogo-July-2011-1.html Greetings! If you are following me on Twitter, Facebook, and now Google+, then you know I was in Chicago last week meeting with Gogo (the in-flight Internet provider) and doing a segment on FOX Chicago. I then flew to L.A. just in time for Carmageddon, which ended up being like heaven because the freeways were empty. I made it from LAX to the Los Angeles Coliseum in record time to catch the soccer match featuring Real Madrid. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ischia-Italy-June-2011-1.html Ciao! Last week my dad and I left off from Rome, and this week we travel south to a very special place: the island of Ischia. Those that have been there know it's Capri's little-known sister island--even though Ischia's three times bigger and a lot less expensive. If you want to see the place my grandparents (on my dad's side) were born, then grab your train and ferry ticket--we are off to paradise... Italian style! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Frank-DiScala-Jill-Vasil-2011-Nantucket-Wine-Festival.html Nantucket, the fabled island almost 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, home of summertime superlatives and quaintness that's internationally renowned, is almost still asleep in mid-May. The spring thaw has finished and silently, simultaneously opens the manicured gardens and the wildflowers. Pickup trucks stuffed with mowers and ladders to prepare seasonal homes clatter on the Main Street cobblestone. The colorful street-clogging summer crowds haven't yet arrived, and no tourists sporting Nantucket T-shirts abound. Some of the world's greatest beaches are still here, but alas, all too cold to fully enjoy. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Bruce-Northam-Nashville-Tennessee-2011.html Nashville, Tennessee is a stringed instrument heaven. There is way more to Nashville than country music "hat acts." Hillbilly fever has evolved into overheating country rock and "newgrass." Legendary acid rocker Jimmy Hendrix got his start here via road-trips while serving as a paratrooper at nearby Fort Campbell in 1961. After leaving the military in 1962, he moved to Nashville to live on a block lined with black nightclubs and played with the King Casuals until 1963. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Rome-Italy-Cavalieri-Hotel-2011-1.html Ciao, bella! I hope all the North American's had a great long holiday weekend. I know I did! This week we take you to Rome, Italy.! What makes this trip special, besides the fact its it's Italy, on my birthday, is that I was able to take my dad with me. It was our first time there together, and we made the most of our short stay. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Canada-USA-Border-Buffalo-Peace-Bridge-2011-1.html I spent the Fourth of July in Erie, Pennsylvania, visiting my dad and sister. To get there from Connecticut I took the long way since I needed to pick up my girlfriend Natalie in Toronto. I flew with my dad from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Toronto's Pearson International Airport. I cashed in 12,500 American Airlines miles for each ticket and paid the $2.50 (each) security tax. Not a bad deal, huh? I also used an upgrade certificate to get us upgraded. We spent a couple nights in Toronto and left on Friday, July 1st, which is Canada Day. Traffic on the QEW to the USA was horrific. It took us 4.5 hours to get to Buffalo and --that drive normally takes just 90 minutes. Here's what I learned, besides the fact that you shouldn't be driving on Canada Day. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lindsay-Taub-Alberta-Canada-2011-1.html Adventure seekers and casual travelers craving the peace and serenity of nature alike can find everything they need and want in western Canada. As the main gateway to the Canadian Rockies, the province of Alberta boasts the kind of landscapes that beckon nature enthusiasts from around the world. First stop: the urban cowboy center of Calgary. Then: on to the dazzling forests, rivers, trails, horses, wildlife, and serenity of Banff and Lake Louise. Get your camera ready! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Washington-DC-May-and-June-2011-1.html Greetings from the East Coast! If you're following me in real time on Facebook and Twitter, then you know I've been to Washington, D.C. twice in the past 30 days, including this past weekend. Since we left off from my Iceland-to-Dulles flight last week, I will combine that trip with this one. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Washington-DC-May-and-June-2011-17.html On Saturday I was planning on flying from Washington, D.C., to Toronto, but my sister called and said my dad wasn't feeling great. So I canceled my plane ticket and did some research on getting to New York so I could see my dad. This is what I learned: Airfares between the two cities are ridiculously expensive, especially last minute: $382 nonstop and $262 with a stop (12-hour travel time). Even if the tickets were $50 I wouldn't have flown since you have to go out to the airport; deal with security, delays, and boarding chaos; and then arrive to an airport miles away from the city. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Carol-Calicchio-Triple-Creek-Ranch-Montana-2011-1.html The Triple Creek Ranch is a luxurious Montana resort into which ranch owner Barbara Barrett has poured her passion for horses and riding and all things western. She created the first Klicks for Chicks event, a ride of 100 kilometers (Klicks) that she custom designed for 11 enthusiastic cowgirls. The idea originated from the men's 100-mile Desert Caballeros horse ride in Arizona, and I was honored to be included in the inaugural event in October 2010. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Iceland-May-2011-1.html Greetings! If you have been following me on Facebook and Twitter, then you know I've been all over the map. I'm finally home (for a bit), where I'm catching up on my bills and stories. I will start with my trip to Iceland last month. Most of my friends were surprised to learn how close Iceland is to the United States, and I bet you'll be surprised too. Would you believe from the West Coast it's just a 7-hour-and-15-minute flight, and from New York it's less than five hours? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Crystal-Reel-Miami-Beach-Florida-Hilton-2011.html This month I made the 2,334-mile journey from Los Angeles to a city that simmers in gorgeous people, warm ocean waters, and good times. Whether you're looking for relaxing retreat or a sizzling rendezvous at the trendiest nightclub, Miami has got you covered! Bienvenidos a Miami! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Bruce-Northam-Louisiana-New-Orleans-Outer-Boroughs-2011.html New Orleans gets all the glory in Louisiana, but there are new worlds to discover just beyond its borders-and though close to or connected to the Gulf of Mexico, they're not covered in BP oil. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Vancouver-TBEX-June-2011-1.html Greetings! If you have been following me on Facebook or Twitter, then you know I was just in Vancouver for TBEX (Travel Bloggers Exchange). I was there for work, but I managed to take in a few sights, eat some great food, and discover a fantastic hotel. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Debbie-Cloyed-Turning-your-Travel-Adventures-into-a-Novel-2011.html Hi everybody! Remember me? 'Amazing Debbie' (nickname courtesy of JohnnyJet and my stint on CBS' The Amazing Race)? You and me, we go way back. We went to Hong Kong, Macau, Amelia Island, and Temecula together, remember? Well, since we last traveled together, a lifelong dream came true - I landed a two-book deal with MIRA Books/Harlequin, my debut novel The Summer We Came to Life hitting stores right now http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Seattle-American-Airlines-737-800-Boeing-Sky-Interior-2011-1.html Greetings! Recently I flew to Seattle to take part in American Airlines' delivery of their new 737-800 with Boeing Sky Interior. I not only got the lowdown on that plane but also a sneak peak of the interior of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and their new 747-800! How cool is that? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Nicole-Rodriguez-Gasperov-Mendoza-Argentina-2011.html Am I really going to Argentina? Well, here's the friendly flight attendant giving me warm peanuts and my choice of beverage. Am I really leaving my two kids, who have so much going on and are handfuls? Oh, here's my personal movie screen with the latest movies, King's Speech anyone? Am I really trusting my husband to keep it all together at home on top of his work schedule? Hey, this fully reclining seat makes me realize, I'm not only on my way to Argentina, but in the comforts of first class. Thank you American Airlines! (partial sponsors of this trip) Before I knew it, my flight from Los Angeles into Dallas (2.5 hours) was over. Such a breeze. I walked a short distance to my next gate and boarded my second flight, this time in business class to Buenos Aires. The 8-hour journey was the fine, same great service, amenities and fully reclining seats. What I appreciated most was the flight attendant asking if I would like to be wakened for breakfast in the morning. That doesn't always happen, and when you're traveling, that extra sleep does make a difference! As I walked off the plane, I was greeted by an American Airlines employee, holding a sign with my name. Luciana's smiling face suddenly revived me and my excitement swirled. I was finally in Argentina! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/TJ-Panzer-India-2011.html I don't want to start off a fun travel story on a downer, but it'll be brief and is relevant. My husband passed away suddenly a few months ago, and his mom, his sister-in-law, and I decided to do a group trip to India. I found out that a local yoga teacher I knew from Hermosa Beach just happened to be doing a trip around the time we wanted. I had never had much urge to go there, but something about the death of my husband and the promise of healing and enlightenment drew me in. I was also keen for a break from the exhausting grieving process. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lufthansa-A380-Frankfurt-San-Francisco-May-2011-1.html My recent trip to Germany and Lufthansa's inaugural A380 flight from Frankfurt to San Francisco. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Amy-Scott-Palermo-Hotel-Buenos-Aires-Argentina-2011.html Palermo Place is a new hotel in the Palermo Hollywood neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Noticing that the best hotels in the city were arguably downtown or in Recoleta, the American owners wanted to offer business and leisure travelers a high-end experience in Palermo, which in the past few years has become one of the city's liveliest and hippest neighborhoods. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Crystal-Reel-Ventura-California-2011.html Greetings, travel aficionados! Get ready for a little city that packs big adventure. Located about an hour north of Los Angeles is sparkling Ventura, California. Steeped in both agricultural and maritime history, this town has something for everyone: romantic time alone with your sweetie, family adventures, or a weekend with your friends is all within reach. I found the city friendly, exciting, and accessible--all at a great price point! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Paris-France-May-2011-1.html My trip to Paris, which is where I spent the weekend before last. I stayed at a couple of great luxury Parisian hotels and dined at a few fine restaurants. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Juliet-Newcastle-England-2011.html With the success of "Jersey Shore," folks at MTV have decided to take the same formula across the pond with a new reality TV show called "Geordie Shore." Scheduled to debut later this month, it is about a group of young people from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in northern England, where locals are referred to as "Geordies" with a unique culture and distinct accent of their own. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/London-St-Pancras-Renaissance-2011-1.html I flew to London on Air New Zealand to attend the grand opening of the St Pancras Renaissance--it's been over 70 years since the hotel was closed down and the newly restored neo-gothic masterpiece designed by George Gilbert Scott is surreal--no wonder they filmed an exterior scene for the last Harry Potter movie here and Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody was at the opening party. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Durango-Colorado-2011.html Durango was my final stopover on my dazzling visit to Southwest Colorado. My previous stopover was to the icy winter wonderland of Ouray, Colorado an hour north. Leaving Ouray, we headed down the picturesque Million Dollar Highway to Silverton, then on the San Juan Skyway to Durango, a much bigger college town. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Carly-Blatt-Costa-Rica-2011.html Full disclosure: I'm not often a group tour person. When I set out to plan a recent two-week Costa Rica adventure, my original plan was to do it solo. My goal was to create a trip that involved ample opportunities to see wildlife, along with a strong focus on outdoor activities and adventure sports. As I began my research, I learned that GAP Adventures' Costa Rica Adventure tour visited many of the areas I was considering - La Fortuna, Quepos/Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Tortuguero - but with one unusual addition: it included time in an eco-reserve called Rara Avis, a spot that I knew I'd never visit on my own due to the challenging logistics of getting there. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05112011.html Greetings! If you are following me on Twitter and Facebook, then you know I've been to Europe and back this past week. I will tell you about my incredible three-country hop in the next couple weeks. In the meantime, I thought I would share what it was like to fly post-Osama Bin Laden and on Air New Zealand's 777-300 service from Los Angeles to London. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Ouray-Colorado-2011.html I left stunning Telluride and took the dramatic pass north to Ouray. Twisting and turning, the road fell away sharply to the sides often without a guardrail. Queasy and nervous, I arrived in the one horse town of Ouray an hour and a half later. Ouray is nestled in the majestic San Juan Mountains, and is known for its access to the great outdoors. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Frank-DiScala-Jill-Vasil-Club-Med-Sandpiper-Florida-2011.html "Is there a psychiatrist on board this plane?", Frank asked the stewardess. Not the ideal start to what is bound to be another fun-filled family vacation, but what do you expect when traveling with four kids ranging in age from 4 months to 11 years? Most people would cringe at the thought of vacationing with a large family, but Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida, provides every amenity to accommodate a family. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05042011.html I wasn't even planning on writing about our flight from Phuket to Bangkok, but I was so impressed with Thai Airways' service on the one-hour flight that I had to share my observations. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lauren-McPhillips-Curacao-2011.html After a few days of fun in Aruba, I took a hop, skip and a jump (and by that I mean a 40 minute plane ride) over to Curacao. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Telluride-Colorado-2011.html Steeped in a romantic, yet tragic past, Telluride is a town that retains its historic buildings amid a dramatic backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank here, and apparently forgot to do the research first. Telluride is set in a box canyon, meaning there is one way to come in and only one way to go out! In the early days it was filled with miners from cold countries like Finland, Sweden and Croatia in search of gold and the mineral tellurium. Women were brought in for prostitution and you can see the original brothels on Pacific Street, dubbed "popcorn alley" because the doors opened and closed so fast it sounded like popcorn! (Those miners were not very passionate!) The men brought flat wooden planks called skis and flew down the steep mountain. Suicide was high among miners and prostitutes, as the mining wasn't as lucrative as reported, and as the women got older they couldn't make a living in the cold climate. If that didn't kill you, then a mining accident or a snow slide would! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/SFO-T2-April-2011-1.html As promised, this week I'm giving you my thoughts and photos of San Francisco's newly renovated Terminal 2 (T2), which has been closed since 2000. I toured it last week along with Virgin America's Headquarters, just down the road from SFO. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lauren-McPhillips-Aruba-2011.html I was never one for tropical destinations, but when I got invited to escape cold Toronto for a few days and head to Aruba, I jumped at the chance. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Isabelle-Spicer-Perigord-2011.html One of the good things about travelling in France is the high-speed trains. They are very reliable when the railway men are not on strike and very comfortable. From Paris, you can go to Marseille in the Mediterranean in only 3 hours, to Brussels in Belgium under an hour and a half, and to London in a little more than two. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04202011.html If you are following me on Twitter, then you know that this past week I was all over the map. The highlight was getting a tour of San Francisco's beautifully redone Terminal 2. I will post that story next week since there's so much to show and tell you. In the meantime I will share my trip to the Bay Area and the ones leading up to it. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Riviera-Maya-Mexico-2011.html Riviera Maya Mexico is a top destination for millions of people and now I understand why. The climate, the jungle, the beach, the ancient ruins, and the culture of the Mayans make this a must- take vacation. I went for a slightly unusual reason - to experience the Mexican holiday which commemorates the dead! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/NYC-Canadian-Media-Marketplace-2011-1.html I flew on one of Air Canada's Embraer 175 regional jets for the scheduled 58 minute flight to La Guardia. Unfortunately, it was really windy in New York, and while we circled around waiting for clearance to land at the congested airport, pretty much everyone felt sick to their stomachs because the plane was bouncing around. It was cool to learn that Air Canada has individual entertainment monitors in all seat backs, but it sucked that it was so turbulent that most passengers had to turn off the TV and stare at the horizon to avoid getting sick. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Thailand-Khao-Lak-Elephant-Marriott-2011-1.html Hello! My final stop of last month's trip to Asia was southern Thailand. Natalie and I flew from Singapore to Phuket on Silk Air and then drove an hour north to Khao Lak. This part of Thailand was the hardest hit in the 2004 tsunami, but as you are about to see they've rebuilt this place and it's now better than ever. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Singapore-Slideshow-2011-3.html Getting around Singapore is very easy and safe. Singapore has to be one of the safest cities in the world, if not the safest. Everyone speaks English, including the taxi drivers. Taxis are inexpensive compared to Europe and the U.S., but they can add up because they have surcharges for peak hours and for entering the central business district. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Singapore-Slideshow-2011-1.html One thing American Airlines should be complimented for is their treatment of U.S. soldiers. I truly debated if I should even write about this good deed or not. I don't want it to look like I did it for anything other than it being the right thing to do, but I'm hoping that bringing attention to it just might inspire others to do the same. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03232011.html he Los Angeles Times Travel and Adventure Show is the largest consumer travel show in the country. Even before they started asking me to speak, I used to attend as a fan. They have so many great speakers and entertainers who are amazing to see. Plus, there are hundreds of tourism boards from all over the world promoting valuable tips and deals. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Margot-Black-Whidbey-Camano-Islands-Pacific-Northwest-2010.html A vacation to the beautiful Whidbey and Camano Islands in the Pacific Northwest gives the illusion of a far flung trip without the travel as well as offering many fun activities the entire family can enjoy. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03162011.html Natalie and I took the luxurious train from Bangkok to Singapore (through Malaysia), and it was an unforgettable trip. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Nicole-Rodriguez-Gasperov-Beaver-Creek-Colorado-2011.html The 90-minute direct flight from L.A. into Colorado's Eagle County Airport went off without a hitch. Even better was the speedy shuttle ride that had us walking into the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch in just 35-minutes. Almost immediately, the Beaver Creek slogan not exactly roughing it was apparent. The lobby was complete with a roaring fire and tray passed hot apple cider. I could have grabbed my favorite blanket and book and been really happy camped out on the couch there. Now most travelers know and expect a Ritz-Carlton hotel to be exceptional. But capturing the feeling of it's natural environment is something else this resort achieved. I knew instantly this would be a special trip, one that would force me to breathe-in, relax and experience all that the Rocky Mountains had to offer. Not to mislead you though, my husband and I were not only here to enjoy the great outdoors, but to have one of the best culinary experiences ever at Bon Appetit's Master Chef Classic. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03092011.html Last week we left off from the Bahamas, and if you are following me on Twitter, then you know that from there I traveled all around the U.S. Highlights included attending my brother's surprise birthday party in Connecticut and the grand opening of an amazing new luxurious hotel in Chicago. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03022011.html Greetings! I had another whirlwind week of travel. The highlight was spending the weekend in the Bahamas. No, I wasn't with Charlie Sheen, but I was treated like a movie star as I attended the opening gala of Nassau's new $180 million international terminal, where they had Lenny Kravitz perform a surprise private concert. It was insane. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02232011.html Last week I wrote about my trip to Bangkok, but I saved the best part(s) for this week. What if I told you about a hotel option that many travelers don't know about where you could spend a night, a week, a month, or a year in a solid 4.5-star hotel for less than $120 a night or $1,800 a month. Your apartment would include a living room, satellite TV, full kitchen, washer-dryer, access to a state-of-the-art gym, plush pool, and free tuk-tuk service--you would listen, right? It's time to listen. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Carly-Samuel-Bangkok-Tips-and-Seafood-Market-Restaurant.html Learn all the ins and outs of Bangkok by a local http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Southwestern-Colorado.html Let your summertime adventure begin in southwestern Colorado, and you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover a treasure trove of travel experiences like the Telluride Yoga Festival and Crested Butte Music Festival. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02162011.html Sawadee from Bangkok, Thailand! Last week I left off from Hong Kong, China, which was awesome as always but chilly (50s). This week we fly two hours and some change to Bangkok, where it's in the high 80s. If you want to escape the cold for some fun in the sun and see one of the world's most exciting destinations, then put on your smile because we're in Bangkok, baby! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny012620113.html Since my first list of the top 10 travel tweeters was so popular, I'm back with more! It shouldn't be surprising that the article generated so much attention - more and more travelers are turning to Twitter. It's become the go-to place for travel news, deals and conversations between travel enthusiasts. I personally follow over 300 people on Twitter and they could all be categorized in a numbers of lists. My last list was about people who fly a lot and offer great travel tips. This time, it's about tweeters who dish the latest travel news before anyone else. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02092011.html Happy Chinese New Year! In case you missed it, last week I flew 15 hours (and 13 minutes) from Los Angeles to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific. This week I will tell you all about my 36 hours in one of my favorite cities, which included staying at the famous Mandarin Oriental, getting an exclusive preview tour of the new Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong (which in two months will be the highest hotel in the world), and of course eating some darn good Chinese food. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02022011.html Ni Hao! If you are following me on Twitter (@JohnnyJet), then you know I made my way from freezing-cold Ohio to Hong Kong. How exciting is that?! What better way to spend Chinese New Year than in Asia? I have plenty of pictures, stories, and even a funny video of my flight over on Cathay Pacific Airlines. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Travel-Tweeters-To-Follow-In-2011.html Since Twitter continues to take the Internet by storm and is now the go-to place for travelers to turn to, it's the perfect time to write a column on who I think will be 2011's top travel tweeters on Twitter. There are plenty to choose from and yes, there are others who travel more miles, but in my opinion, they don't offer as much value. These tweeters are for those who love to travel, are eager to learn travel tips and/or want to live vicariously through those who take to the road every week. These 10 won't disappoint as they provide links to travel news, deals, tips and most importantly, share their experiences in real time along with pictures of their travels around the globe. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Maine-Sailing-On-The-Mary-Day-2011-2.html Meandering along the jagged coast of Maine in a two-masted schooner is my idea of a great getaway. However, I was apprehensive about going in the autumn. In the end I decided to go for it, and I am glad I did! This was going to be my second time on the Mary Day. The first time was in August of '06 when I sailed with my husband, Cam, and 26 fellow mates. But this time Cam could not make it, and the departure date kept getting pushed further ahead for different reasons. I wasn't sure I would enjoy being outside in cool October since I knew from past experience that the majority of the day is spent on deck, exposed to the elements. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny012620113.html To get to Columbus I was on United's partner airline Shuttle America it was painted with old United colors and logo. They were operating an Embraer 170 with Explus (Economy Plus seating). Flight time was a short 40 minutes for the 296-mile flight and it was smooth. I love flying over the Midwest when it's covered in fresh snow--it's so dang pretty. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Melissa-Jo-Peltier-2010-Toronto-Film-Festival.html When White Irish Drinkers, the self-financed indie film I produced and my husband John Gray wrote and directed, first started getting accepted into film festivals around the world, I was giddy with excitement. Three of the things I love most in life are 1) My husband 2) Movies and 3) Travel. I was about to have an excuse to enjoy all three at once! What's not to love? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Italy-Trafalgar-2011-2.html As I continue on the Trafalgar bus tour, I reluctantly leave Rome and go north to Tuscany. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01192011.html The most interesting thing I did, besides play beach volleyball, was take Natalie to every visitor's favorite fast food joint, In N Out. It's right next to LAX and since it's such a haven for travelers and plane spotters, I'm including my open letter to the city of Los Angeles, which I wrote after they gave me an eighty eight dollars parking ticket. Now, I love a good Double Double, but not when it costs close to hundred dollars. I think it's the city's cash cow since the street signs are not clear and I'm hoping I can prevent others from falling into the same trap. What do you think. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Italy-Trafalgar-2011-1.html Going through Italy on a tour bus? I didn't think that was my kind of travel, but I'd like to think that I will try everything once, and I found the benefits of this luxury coach trip surprising. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/The-Breakers-Slide-Show-December-2009-21.html My PR friend Ann Margo invited my dad and me to The Breakers for lunch and to play a round of golf. We began the memorable afternoon at http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/David-Zuchowski-Curacou-2011.html When I first heard that the island of Curacao (pronounced Cure-a-sow) was going to stage its first ever jazz festival at the beginning of September, I thought "What? At the height of the hurricane season?" http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ritz-Carlton-Phoenix-Slideshow-2011-1.html Here is my story on my stay at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Juliet-City-Center-Vegas-2011.html There may come a time when, rather than saying you're going to Las Vegas, you will say "I'm going to CityCenter." Opened less than one year, this $8.5 billion development built on nearly 70 acres in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip is fast becoming known as a destination unto itself. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12292010.html Any idea how many miles and countries Johnny Jet visited in 2010. Here are his final 2010 numbers. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Four-Seasons-Seattle-Slideshow-2010-1.html I stayed at the Four Seasons and W Hotels http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Boeing-Tour-787-Slideshow-2010-1.html Behind the scenes tour of the Boeing plant where I saw the 787's final assembly line http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Air-New-Zealand-777-300ER-Slideshow-2010-1.html Air New Zealand's Handover ceremony and delivery flight of their new 777-300ER http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Manhattan-Beach-CA-Christmas-Fireworks-Slideshow-2010-0.html watch Manhattan Beach's amazing holiday fireworks http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Hermosa-Beach-Santa-Pub-Crawl-Slideshow-2010-1.html know I started off by meeting a bunch of friends on their annual Hermosa Beach Santa pub crawl http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12222010.html 16 travel gadgets that I rarely leave home without and would make any frequent flier happy this Christmas http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/British-Airways-LCY-JFK-Slideshow-2010-1.html What's special about this, besides the fact that the plane has only 32 seats and it stops in Ireland so passengers can go through U.S. immigration (while the plane refuels) so they land in New York as domestic passengers, is that they're using the old Concorde's flight numbers (1, 2, 3, and 4). Pretty cool, so check it out! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Toronto-Christmas-December-Slideshow-2010-1.html Yep, it was cold! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/London-England-WTM-2010-Slideshow-1.html I was in London to attend World Travel Market - the second largest travel show in the world. I also met Prince Charles while hanging out at the Grosvenor House. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12012010.html Unfortunately, I lost all of my notes from Copenhagen when my computer crashed so instead of doing the usual long detailed report - I'm going do a slideshow since my tech guys were only able to recover my photos - thank God. I hope you enjoy it. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11032010.html Saint Petersburg, Russia was stop number four (after Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki) of my August Seabourn Sojourn cruise along the Baltic. If you want to see pics and read stories, then what are you waiting for?! Click the link below. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Orlando-Florida-Amtrak-November-2010.html This past week I've been in Florida--first to speak to UCF's Rosen School of Hospitality and then to babysit my niece and nephew in Delray Beach. One thing is for sure, I have a newfound respect for those single parents raising kids. It's hard work--and I even had my dad come in for backup, plus hired a housekeeper to clean up after these monsters. We also have stop number four, Saint Petersburg, Russia, of my August Seabourn Sojourn cruise along the Baltic. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10272010.html Helsinki is stop number three (after Copenhagen and Stockholm) on my Seabourn Sojourn cruise along the Baltic. The 210-nautical mile ride from Stockholm started off beautifully, as we passed by many of Sweden's islands, islets and skerries. The captain informed us that on our overnight ride to Helsinki, we would be traveling 15 miles off the Swedish coast, near the Polish islands. The outside temperature was 70F (this was in early August) and the water temperature was 63F. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Scotland-Aviemore-October-2010.html There are two ways to get to Aviemore -the Highlands of Scotland: drive or take a train. The train wasn't running frequently since it was a Sunday, so I stayed with the arranged bus option. Later in the week I did take the train back. Both options offer scenic views and take around two and a half hours. FYI: I much prefer the train since I can work on my laptop and get up to use the loo. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Nicole-Rodriguez-Gasperov-Santa-Fe-New-Mexico-2010.html I've never started researching a story by Googling "how to see a ghost"... until now. As I pulled up to La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa I thought to myself, this looks anything but haunted. It wasn't until I walked through the traditional southwestern style lobby to the front of an actual Victorian brick mansion, labeled The Staab house, that I felt that there may be something to the stories after all. I needed to get it over with now, and see my "haunted" room. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10202010.html This week we hit our first port, Stockholm, Sweden. It's 440 nautical miles away from Copenhagen; cruising time was 36 hours. Since Stockholm is such a popular destination, the ship didn't spend just its usual one day in port, but two days. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Las-Vegas-Aria-Hotel-Blog-World-2010.html I was just in Las Vegas to speak at Blog World and I stayed at the new Aria Resort and Spa. It's unreal. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-St-Vincent-2010.html My tour of St. Vincent and the Grenadines included five islands and three hotels in five days: St. Vincent, Bequia, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, and Petit St. Vincent. Their slogan is "Do 32," because there are 32 islands in all. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10132010.html I bring you part one of my seven-country Baltic Sea cruise on Seabourn Sojourn. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Juliet-Chicago-2010.html A chance opportunity to be an audience member on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" found me spending a few days in the Windy City recently. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10062010.html God dag from Europe! Last week I told you all about my SAS flight to Copenhagen, and this week I will share with you my stay in Denmark's beautiful capital before taking a 12-day Baltic Sea cruise. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09292010.html The flight home from Papeete to Los Angeles was even better than the flight down. We took one of Air Tahiti Nui's morning flights, so instead of flying eight hours through the night--which I despise since I can't sleep well on planes--we left at 7 a.m. and landed at 6 p.m. local time (three-hour time change). The flight attendants were even more hospitable and better looking, as you probably noticed from these photos. To see what Air Tahiti Nui's service is like, see this slide show. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny092920102.html I was booked to speak on a social media panel for the Santa Barbara CVB conference. The program took place at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, which was neat to tour around inside and out. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny092920103.html What's nice about being a guest of the Ritz-Carlton is that they treat you like gold. The moment I made it to baggage claim, their representatives were waiting with a sign. Once my bag came out, they escorted me to the waiting car for the 25-minute drive to Key Biscayne. NOTE: The Ritz-Carlton has several hotels in south Florida: South Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Key Biscayne. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Newark-Copenhagen-Slideshow-2010-1.html I have tons of pictures and stories from part 1 of the seven-country Baltic Sea Cruise that I did back in August. To get these started, here's a slide show of my SAS flight to Copenhagen. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09222010.html I got two words for you: Bora Bora! Of course, I had to save the best for last, which you should when you visit the beautiful islands of Tahiti. If you want to learn all about this paradise and see the hotel that was recently featured in ABC's hit show The Bachelorette, then come with me on this virtual trip. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Jerome-Shaw-Aranui-Tahiti-2010-3.html Last week the Aranui 3 made its first landfall in the Marquesas Islands. Jerome traveled to four islands; Ua Poa, Nuka Hiva, Hiva Oa and Fatu Hiva. He completes his journey through Marquesas Island and begins the return voyage back to the Tuamotu Islands and eventually to Tahiti in the Society Islands. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/I-Flew-with-Ed-Begley-Jr-Possibly-the-Greenest-Person-Alive.html On September 11, 2010, I experienced something really rare: Ed Begley Jr. was on my flight. In case you don't know Ed Begley Jr., he's an Emmy award-winning actor who's been in hundreds of TV shows and movies, and is arguably one of the greenest people in the world. So a plane is the last place you would expect to run into him. That wasn't the case in Toronto. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09152010.html Ia Orana! We left off last week after touring around the island of Tahiti and its capital city, Papeete. This week we travel across the Sea of Moon to the island of Moorea! If you want to see one of the world's most gorgeous islands, then pack your bathing suit, sunscreen, and let's go--the ferry is leaving. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Jerome-Shaw-Aranui-Tahiti-2010-2.html Last week I left off in the middle of the Pacific Ocean after traveling from Papeete, Tahiti, onboard the freighter Aranui 3 through the Tuamotu Islands, and spending a relaxing day at sea en route to the Marquesas Islands. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09082010.html I hope you had a great holiday weekend. For those of you following me on Twitter, you know I've been all over the place including Tahiti, which I'm going to begin telling you about in full detail today and next week. We'll start with Papeete and its nearby attractions. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Jerome-Shaw-Aranui-Tahiti-2010.html An adventure cruise aboard a freighter in the South Pacific islands of French Polynesia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/LAX-Papeete-Aug-Air-Tahiti-Nui-Slideshow-2010-1.html Ia orana from French Polynesia! This is arguably the world's most beautiful destination and the ride down in Air Tahiti Nui's Poerava (Business) Class helps jumpstart the trip. If you've ever wondered what it's like on the other side of the curtain, then see this 24-photo slideshow. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08182010.html Buona Sera from Italy! Last week we left off from the beautiful island of Capri, and this go around we travel to a small village in the mountains near the Amalfi Coast and then on to Rome (by car) to check in to a beautiful boutique hotel. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lisa-McElroy-Maui-Hawaii-2010.html We're surfing the Pacific-quite literally. The sport of paddleboarding is all the rage here in Maui, and we're giving it a try at the Makena Beach and Golf Resort on Maui's South Coast. The waves are just right-not too strong for the little ones, but powerful enough to give us a good ride. And when a turtle swims right up to us (they call this area of Maui "Turtle Town"), we're about as relaxed and happy as one can be standing on a surfboard and holding a paddle. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/John-Clayton-SS-Lane-Victory-Ship-California-2010.html The S.S. Lane Victory is a fully restored WWII merchant ship that, in the months of summer, re-creates portions of a WWII convoy. The ship is docked in San Pedro, California and will cruise on August 21st and 22nd, and then again on September 25th and 26th. Adult tickets are $130 and youth (15 and under) tickets are $80. Tickets can be purchased online at Lanevictory.tix.com or call 1-800-595-4849. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08112010.html Buon giorno! We pick up where we left off last week, at the Naples airport in Italy! I'm en route to the island of Capri! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Nicole-Rodriguez-Gasperov-Catalina-Island-California-2010.html Walking down a gangway is always exciting, whether you're off to vacation in the Caribbean, Capri, or, in my case, Catalina Island. Catalina is not fancy, it's innocent-and that's what makes it special. And getting there is half the fun! The boat ride takes less than 90 minutes from each of three locations: Dana Point, Long Beach, or San Pedro, adults 12-54 yrs $66.50 round-trip, children 2-11 yrs $51 round-trip. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08042010.html Cheerio from Europe! Last week we left off from London. From there we are flying to everyone's dream destination, the Amalfi Coast. In the coming weeks I will tell you all about my stay in southern Italy, including my flight to Naples on British Airways, which is happening as I write this! http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Timeshare-Juice-2010.html Last weekend, I was showing some friends the photos of our trip to Spain, where we spent 10 days in Madrid and on the coast in Marbella. Photo after photo, we marveled at the beauty of the art and the landscape. It was so wonderful, and the photos just didn't do it justice. My friend Chris also wanted to know more about our accommodations: a two-bedroom villa with marble floors, full kitchen with granite counters, king-size bed, and Jacuzzi tub. Since the trip, I hadn't thought about the villa and how gorgeous it was, mostly because we've become accustomed to vacationing like that. We stay in the best places, and it doesn't cost us very much to do it. What really confused him was that he knows how much money I make (certainly not enough to afford a place like that), and that I have kids too. Chris and his wife wanted to know how I pulled it off. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07282010.html Cheerio from Europe! Last week I gave you part one of my trip to London, where I stayed at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair. This week we move across town to Chelsea and check in to an intimate and very English hotel called the Draycott. On my way over I got a glimpse of the Queen leaving Buckingham Palace, and later I hit a brand-spanking new restaurant in Soho that felt like a private club. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07212010.html A trip report of Virgin America's newest route: Toronto to SFO/LAX http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny-London-2010-Part-1.html Speaking of Virgin America, I recently wrote about my flight on their partner airline, Virgin Atlantic; I flew them from New York to London to attend a one-night naming ceremony party for Seabourn's newest ship, Sojourn. Of course, I wasn't going to just go to Europe for one day like some of the other invited guests, so I made a two-week trip out of it. Here's part one of my trip, which includes staying at The Dorchester Hotel and attending a British Airways party. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07142010.html Greetings from Toronto! Last week I left off from the Big Apple, where I took a preview cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines' ship Epic and did a travel segment on ABC News before flying an hour north to Toronto. I flew Porter Airlines, which is a great Canadian airline that not too many people are familiar with. I have plenty of stories and pictures, so grab your bags and come for the ride -- it's a smooth one! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07072010.html Greetings! I hope you had a wonderful holiday week. I spent most of Independence Day aboard Epic, the newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL). NCL had a preview cruise out of New York City, so I was able to witness Reba McEntire christen the ship with a group of other invited guests. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/NYC-Intrepid-Museum.html I've always wanted to visit the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, which opened in 1982 and is located at Pier 86, at W. 46th Street and 12th Avenue. The museum is centered on the aircraft carrier Intrepid (CVS-11). She's one of the most successful ships in U.S. history and is now a National Historic Landmark. She began her duty in 1943 and served in World War II, was one of the primary recovery vessels for NASA, did three tours of duty off Vietnam, and performed submarine surveillance in the North Atlantic during the Cold War. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06302010.html Greetings from New York City! I was here for this past weekend's second annual TBEX conference, so I have plenty of pictures and stories to show and share with you-not only from the conference but also my visits in the city. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lisa-New-York-City-Mothers-Day-2010.html I knew I was in trouble a few weeks back when my two daughters, ages nine and ten, told me that they had a great idea for a family trip we could take on Mother's Day. See, in my family, I'm the trip planner (maybe that has something to do with my being a travel writer?), so I'm automatically suspicious when my kids come to me and tell me that they think we should hit the Big Apple for my Big Day. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06232010.html This week's edition of Johnny Jet's Travel News is a wrap up of my trip to Switzerland. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Swiss-Zurich-New-York-Volcano-May-2010-0.html my flight home on SWISS in their brand new business class seats. We flew right over the Iceland volcano so I was able to snap some great shots. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Paris-to-Zurich-Switzerland-Slideshow-2010-1.html The pristine, untapped beauty of Montanita is so awe-inspiring, you half want to keep the secret to yourself, lest the big money come spoil the fun. The city feels young and freshly lit - like a hot ember that would surely catch fire with a touch of wind from the right direction. In other words this place is a gem so, if you want to see it before the posh crowd breezes in, you'd best get there soon. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Paris-to-Zurich-Switzerland-Slideshow-2010-1.html If you want to see pictures and read stories from my four and a half hour train ride from Paris to Zurich on TGV then pack your bags and come with me! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06162010.html Yodel ay hee hoo from Switzerland! If you are following me on Twitter or on Facebook, then you know I was in this beautiful country a few weeks ago on a blogger press trip. Unfortunately, my daily blog went down so I created some slideshows and my regular trip report. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Zurich-Switzerland-Day-1-Slideshow-2010-1.html Photo tour around Zurich http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06092010.html Last week I told you about my incredible experience on OpenSkies, the new business-class-only service (for cheap) from D.C. (or N.Y.) to Paris. Naturally, I'll pick up there and show you some pictures from my one-night stay in the City of Lights. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Virgin-Atlantic-New-York-London-June-2010-1.html Believe it or not, I flew Virgin Atlantic (VS) for the very first time last week. I've traveled on their sister airlines Virgin America (video), V Australia and Virgin Blue on numerous occassions but this was my first experience with VS. Check it out - I'll show you what it was like! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Seabourn-Sojourn-June-2010-1.html A few weeks ago, I wrote about my trip to Washington, D.C. Well, the real reason I was there wasn't to take in the sights or to attend the White House Correspondents' Dinner after parties, but rather to catch the inaugural flight of OpenSkies (an all-business-class airline) from Dulles to Paris. As you are about to see, it's a fantastic airline for a hop across the pond in a business-class seat for a lot less than you think-rates begin at $1,450 R/T! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06022010.html A few weeks ago, I wrote about my trip to Washington, D.C. Well, the real reason I was there wasn't to take in the sights or to attend the White House Correspondents' Dinner after parties, but rather to catch the inaugural flight of OpenSkies (an all-business-class airline) from Dulles to Paris. As you are about to see, it's a fantastic airline for a hop across the pond in a business-class seat for a lot less than you think-rates begin at $1,450 R/T! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Dulles-Air-Space-Museum-May-2010.html The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is better known as the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. It's right near Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Actually, it's located near the end of one of IAD's runways, so they have an observation tower where visitors can learn about air traffic control (ATC) and even listen to live ATC while watching planes take off and land. The museum currently has 160 aircraft (and growing). It opened in 2003 and is the sister facility to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. The two sites together showcase the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Denver-Aspen-Colorado-PRSA-May-2010-1.html All was smooth on my United flight from LAX until the Captain got on the horn about 90 minutes into the 105-minute flight and said that we'd be going into a holding pattern as the Denver International Airport was closed due to tornado warnings. We circled in calm air for 40 minutes with the other planes and I listened to the control tower communicating with the pilots on channel 9 (United allows this, which is super cool). Unfortunately, I could hear the other pilots saying that they were running low on fuel and needed to divert to Colorado Springs soon enough, we were in the same boat. However, just as we were turning to head for Colorado Springs, the Denver airport opened and asked our UA814 pilot if we wanted to go to Denver. Uh ... yeah! Fifteen minutes later, we were the second aircraft to land at DEN; it was a bit of a rough ride on the way down due to the high winds. You can bet everyone clapped (including me) when we touched down. FYI: I don't have any pictures because on this particular 757, row 13, where I was seated, doesn't have a window. Talk about bad luck. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05262010.html Greetings! This is the last story from my Europe and Middle East trip. To give you a quick recap, I began by flying Los Angeles to Zurich on SWISS, transferred to an Edelweiss flight to Berlin, spent a couple nights at the Ritz Carlton, and then drove at 135 mph up the Autobahn to Wolfsburg, Germany. Took the train to Brussels for a behind the scenes chocolate tour, then hopped on a six-hour Etihad flight to Abu Dhabi. Spent three amazing nights at Qasr Al Sarab, then went to Dubai and went skiing in a mall. Drove two hours to Oman to check out Six Senses' jaw dropping Zighy Bay resort, then went back to Dubai and spent a couple nights at the Address Palace Hotel before heading to DXB airport to get on an Emirates flight to New York. That's right! This week we are flying one of the world's most awarded airlines, so if you want to see what makes this airline so great, pack your bag and passport-we're off to JFK in style. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Delray-Beach-Florida-Marriott-May-2010.html Last week my whole family flew down to Delray Beach, Florida, for a surprise birthday party for my sister Carol. It seems like we don't get together as a family as much as we used to when my mother was alive, so it's always special when the five of us are in the same room. It all began when my brother-in-law, Tom, and Carol's friends arranged for a casual dinner on Saturday night at Tryst. We came up with a variety of ways to surprise her, and my idea got the final nod. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05192010.html Marahaba from the Sultanate of Oman! Just the name alone sounds exotic and far away but after this trip to the Middle East, I realized it's really not that remote and is well worth the trek. After leaving off last week from Dubai, I traveled just two hours (120 kilometres/74 miles) to the northern Musandam Peninsula in Oman. I was there to check out Six Senses Hideaway Zighi Bay, which you'll see is a perfect resort for a honeymoon or special escape. If you don't have time to read the article, there's a three- minute professionally produced video. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Jeff-Savenick-Anna-Maria-Island-2010.html I am a first time father traveling with my wife, Elizabeth, and our eight-month old son, Bodhi (pronounced Bodee). It was our first family vacation and our first time to Anna Maria Island (AMI). Did we enjoy ourselves? Well, lets just say that when we were done with our stay we didn't click our heels together and say, "There's no place like home." We got home, clicked our heels and said, "There is no place like Anna Maria Island." http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05122010.html I'm in the middle of writing about my recent trip to the Middle East; this week we're in Dubai. Join me to find out whether everything you've heard about this city is true. One thing is for sure... I never, ever thought I (or anyone) would ski in the deserts of the Middle East. Did you? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05052010.html Greetings from Washington, D.C.! If you are following me on Twitter then you know I was fortunate to attend some of the weekend's White House Correspondents' Dinner parties, so of course I have plenty of pictures and stories from my trip. I'm not quite finished writing about Dubai, where I stopped after Abu Dhabi on my recent trip to the Middle East; I promise to have that report for you next week, and Oman the week after that. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lisa-Patagonia-Chile-2010.html Two days into our luxury rafting trip, I'm sitting on a giant rock, looking out at a mountain called the Three Nuns. I'm a little confused, so I ask my Chilean guide, "Are you sure it's three? I see about seven peaks." As he's been doing all week, though, the guide assures me that he's in the know about all things Chilean, and three nuns they are. But however many nuns, or peaks, or whatever, there are, it's sort of beside the point. The fact is, this particular mountain is just about as breathtaking as anything I've ever seen and please ignore the fact that breathtaking is a word that travel writers are taught in Travel Writing 101 is cliche sometimes it's just the right word. I'm in Patagonia, Chile, on Earth River Expedition's luxury adventure of a lifetime a white water rafting trip down the Futaleufu River, known as the world's premier destination for thrill seeking rafters. And this trip is the creme de la creme-no other company does it as comfortably, or with guides and food this good, or with an itinerary to beat all the rest. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04282010.html Marahaba from Abu Dhabi! It looks like the volcano has calmed down and everything is getting back to normal-thank God. I've been writing about my Europe/Middle East trip; last week I left off just after touching down at the AUH airport from Brussels. A quick recap for those that are new: I flew from Los Angeles to Berlin via Zurich on SWISS. I then drove to Wolfsburg, Germany, to check out the Autostadt (home of Volkswagen). A couple days later I took a train to Brussels and went on a chocolate factory tour, and last week I had a six-hour dream flight to the United Arab Emirates on Etihad Airways. Now it's time to hit one of the world's newest and most incredible resorts: Qasr Al Sarab! Wait until you see this desert oasis. To give you a little preview of the activities, check out this professionally edited video of yours truly on a desert safari. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Brit-Week-2010-1.html This week I attended a couple of swanky Hollywood-type parties in Los Angeles. The first one was a fundraiser for Save The Children. It was BritWeek's gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (you may recall the hotel from Pretty Woman). I was fortunate enough to be a guest of Virgin Atlantic and Richard Branson's and the place was chock- full of celebrities. As you can see from the photos, I met Morgan Freeman, Maria Shriver, Helen Mirren and American Idol's David Archuleta. Here's my slideshow from the evening. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Melbourne-Cup-Party-2010-2010-1.html Two nights later I was back in Beverly Hills and this time I was at the world-renowned Beverly Hills Hotel for the Melbourne Cup party. The Melbourne Cup is Australia's steroid version of the Kentucky Derby except that it's older, reaches far more people and it literally stops a nation. I had no idea how big a deal the Melbourne Cup was but after seeing videos and hearing stories, I can't wait to attend the next one. It's always held on our election day, the first Tuesday in November and this year it celebrates its 150th anniversary. The state of Victoria and the country of Australia are really rolling out the red carpet by doing all kinds of advertising campaigns and promotions. For one, they're bringing back a replica of the original trophy which they stopped making in 1930. This year's trophy is valued at $140,000 USD but the race prize money is $5.5 million USD! Top horses and jockeys from around the world will be participating. FYI: The sponsor is ... who else? Emirates Airlines, which seems to be a part of all the major international sporting events including the Americas Cup, Fifa Cup and Breeders Cup, just to name a few. BTW: I got a chance to hold the cup and meet astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Check out my slideshow from the night. http://johnnyjet.com/Volcano.html Has up-to-date news, direct links to airline policies, Twitter feeds, buses, car rentals, ferries, trains, ride-sharing, webcams and trivia. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04212010.html Last week I left off from Brussels, but I didn't tell you that the real reason I was there was to catch an Etihad Airways flight to Abu Dhabi! So if you want to see what it's like to fly the best airline you've never heard of, then come along for the ride. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Volcano-Museums-2010.html Our contributor rounds up the best places to visit to learn about volcanoes and other forces of nature http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/David-Zuchowski-Calgary-High-Performance-Rodeo-Canada-2010.html Hee-haw! No wonder Calgary hosts the annual Stampede for ten days each summer. Surrounded by cattle farms and cowboys, Calgary boasts the "greatest outdoor show on Earth" with the "roughest, richest rodeo." http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04142010.html I'm sharing with my stories/pics and tips from Gainesville and Brussels, Belgium. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Nicole-Rodriguez-Gasperov-Alisal-Ranch-California-2010.html Breathe in! That's what I kept telling myself as we drove down the tree-lined road and finally arrived at the gates of Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. I immediately felt myself shifting gears and decompressing. I could tell this was going to be relaxing, although getting here wasn't entirely. Get directions from the ranch instead of following your vehicle navigation system...unless you're on horseback ready to gallop over hills and dirt roads. It's located just 40 miles north of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley and should be a simple drive along scenic Highway 101. As we pulled in, I was thinking that the lush scenery, grazing horses, and piercing blue sky are just like Montana. This is a slice of the Old West on the Pacific Coastline: GORGEOUS! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Carly-Blatt-2010-Summer-Travel-Tips-Students.html As college students return from spring break and begin to daydream about their next trip, here are a few tips for planning summer break travel. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Hyatt-Regency-Weston-Florida-Red-Door-Spa-2010.html Just outside Ft. Lauderdale sits an escape for the body and mind. The relaxing feel of the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure and the Red Door's exquisite spa services make for an incredible trip. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04072010.html I left off from Berlin. From there I traveled two hours to Wolfsburg, the home of Volkswagen. If you are a car fiend, a foodie it's home to a restaurant with three Michelin stars), and/or a contemporary hotel fan, then this city needs to be on your list of places to see before you die. As you will see, I was more than pleasantly surprised by the Autostadt. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Yellowstone-Winter-2010.html Having two million acres to yourself is an indescribable feeling. OK, so there are a few crazy snowmobilers out there, but for the most part, this is serenity at its best. I went out to Yellowstone in mid-January, and although it was probably the coldest it ever gets (-43 degrees F at dawn in the Lamar Valley!), the scenery was incredible: stark white snow against brilliant blue sky, ghost-like trees covered in layers of frostiness, and wispy steam emitting from the frozen ground. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Jackson-Hole-Wyoming-2010.html Driving from Yellowstone National Park past the Grand Tetons and on into the town of Jackson is like being in a National Geographic film. We passed thousands of elk in the Elk Refuge and eventually hit the small town, full of cowboy bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries. We then drove another half hour past open valleys and meadows with horses to the hip ski town of Teton Village. The village reminded me of Zermatt, Switzerland-quaint and right at the base of a magnificent mountain, in this case the Jackson Hole ski resort. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Hawks-Cay-Florida-2010.html Hawk's Cay is an extraordinary resort set on 60 secluded acres on the island of Duck Key. Located two thirds of the way from Miami to Key West, and roughly two hours from Miami airport, it is everything you need for a family or romantic holiday escape. Hawk's Cay has already earned its great reputation over the past 50 years, and after a recent $35 million renovation, the place is still tranquil and beautiful but more modern. The grounds and common areas are spotless due to the ever- present cleaning crew. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03312010.html Guten Morgen from Deutschland! Last week we left off in the Zurich airport after my pleasant jaunt across the pond. From there I flew to Berlin to attend the world's biggest travel conference and stay in one of the city's best hotels. If you are interested in seeing pictures from Berlin, Edelweiss Airlines, ITB, and the Ritz-Carlton Berlin, then pack your early spring clothes and let's go. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Berlin-Germany-ITB-2010-1.html I was in Berlin to attend the world's biggest travel conference. Go through my 2010 ITB slideshow. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Frank-DiScala-Papua-New-Guinea-2010.html Everything is starting to feel the same. I can't tell the difference between Disney World and Venice. Cultural adventure is harder to find. And for that very reason alone it is worth the 15-hour flight and the expense to travel to the other side of the world. But for surfers, divers, bird-watchers, and hikers, traveling also provides access to some of the world's best places to enjoy these activities. Is Papua New Guinea (PNG) really "a million different journeys," "the most remote place in the world," "head hunter's paradise," and full of "the world's friendliest people"? Join me on my journey to an anthropological paradise to find out. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03242010.html Hello from the Zurich airport! We left off last week from the island of Lanai. From there I hopped a plane back to Los Angeles, where I caught up on some work, attended a couple Hollywood parties, and swapped my beach clothes for cold-weather gear. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be hanging out in Switzerland for long, just an hour or so, as I'm making a connection to a neighboring country. I will tell you all about it next week, but for now sit back and enjoy the 11-hour flight across the Atlantic on SWISS-I sure did. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03172010.html Happy St. Patrick's Day! Last week we left off from the island of Lanai, after checking out Lanai City and the Four Seasons Resort, The Lodge at Koele. As promised, this week I will tell you about Four Seasons' sister property, Manele Bay. It's completely different. Not only the look and feel, but the temperature! This is at sea level, not 1,700 feet up in the cool air of the mountains. Just like last week we have a separate trip report and slideshow. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03102010.html This week's feature story is on the first part of my trip to the Hawaiian island of Lanai, so say Aloha! Even though they are just nine miles (20 minutes) apart, the two plush hotels I stayed at are completely different because of the geography. This week's hotel is The Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, The Lodge at Koele, which is in the upcountry. So if you are interested, sit back, grab a sweater, and relax. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Leo-Martin-Chicago-2010.html Whether referred to as the "city of the big shoulders," the Windy City, or Chi-town, Chicagoland is a city of a thousand nicknames. Perhaps the most controversial of these numerous cognomens is "the second city," a disparaging label given to the city by A. J. Liebling in an article he penned for the New Yorker in 1952. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/John-Blanchette-Italy-2010.html One of the most neglected destinations in Italy is the lower boot. But things are changing as tourists discover the remarkable beauty of the rugged hill towns, Mediterranean influenced cuisine and travel bargains the south affords. Greek influences are felt here and a dialect of the language is still spoken in some areas. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03032010.html I had a 7:50 a.m. flight from LAX to Honolulu on American Airlines. When I rolled up to the gate area the agents were making an announcement that they were looking for three volunteers to give up their seats since the flight was oversold. In return, they would give those passengers a $500 American Airlines voucher and confirmed seats on American's next flight two and a half hours later. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny030320102.html We drove the Kalaniana'ole Highway (Hwy. 72) along the coast. We went right past Hanauma Bay (one of the most touristy places to snorkel) and made a pit stop at the Halona Blow Hole. It wasn't high tide or windy so the hole was spouting. Next to the blowhole on the right is a beach that they used in the movie From Here to Eternity. Parking is free at both. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny030320103.html When I was first invited to stay at Hotel Renew when they opened in 2008, I declined because it wasn't on the beach. I know, what a hotel snob. Fortunately, I'm getting more and more low maintenance as I get older, which is the complete opposite of most of my friends, as they are going in the other direction. Last month I stayed off Waikiki Beach for the first time, at the Marriott Waikiki, and I enjoyed my stay there almost as much as I have at Waikiki Beach front hotels. So I decided to give Hotel Renew a shot. Besides, how bad could it be? First of all, it's parallel to the Marriott Waikiki it's so close you can pick up their Wi Fi. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny030320104.html Trump Waikiki Hotel and Towers just opened up in November. It's so new none of the Trumps have been there since it opened shame on you, Donald. Their PR team offered to take me out to lunch and for a quick tour of the hotel, which I usually decline, but since it's such a new hotel I wanted to see it. Well, the hotel looks brilliant and it's the complete opposite of Hotel Renew, including the room rates. The spa was so nice that after the tour I ended up staying to get one of Trump's signature gemstone treatments. Have you ever had or even heard of a massage with precious gem infused oil? Neither had I. There's a variety of offerings here's their Spa Brochure, which is a PDF file, but I went with the Emerald massage, which is supposed to calm the emotions and stimulate the heart chakra. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Virgin-America-Fly-Girls-Premiere-2010-1.html I was fortunate to score an invite on Virgin America's private charter from LAX to Las Vegas to attend the premiere of their new Fly Girls show, which is debuting on the CW network on March 24 at 9:30 p.m. Fly Girls is a new reality docuseries that takes a 360 degree look at the airline's jet-setting flight crew. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Bruce-Ski-Utah-2010.html Utahans calibrate snow in feet, not inches. With 10 ski resorts within an hour of Salt Lake City, you'll bang into one even if you get lost. Utah's steep and deep myth has merit, but every resort can also accommodate skiing and boarding beginners. Here are three outstanding options to ride the heart of their Rocky Mountains blanketed by the Greatest Snow on Earth. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/David-Zuchowski-Calgary-Canada-2010.html Stroll through downtown Calgary and you'll see skyscrapers named after big oil and energy companies like Husky, Petro Canada, and the new EnCana. As oil rich Houston is to the U.S., Calgary is to Canada, not only in its concentration of energy companies, but also its rugged western image that includes the annual Stampede, probably the world's greatest rodeo, which attracts over a million visitors each summer. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Luxembourg-July-2009-Slideshow-1.html The last story from my trip to Europe last summer takes us to Luxembourg! A Cambodian taxi driver who spoke little English dropped me off at Paris's Gare de l'Est train station. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-NYC-DC-Affinia-Hotels-2010.html Georgiejet spends a long weekend in New York City and Washington, D.C., checking out the pet-friendly Affinia Hotels. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Competitours-2010.html Do you find yourself being increasingly jealous of the Amazing Race contestants as you vicariously travel the world through them? Luckily, the company Competitours is giving anyone- sans auditions- the chance to take part in their own European competition. Now, you and a teammate of your choice have the chance to explore Europe while competing against other various teams from across the country. However, this isn't your typical tour of Europe by any means! Everyone will be participating in a series of quirky activities and challenges for a chance to win $9000 in cash or travel credits. Don't worry, if you're hopelessly athletically challenged like me, there's nothing to be intimidated by. The challenges are meant to level the playing level, allowing anyone, and I mean anyone, the chance to win! The challenges are meant to absorb the culture beyond the typical sights, and involve creativity rather than strength or endurance. Participants are judged based on portable video cams for their originality and- of course- personality! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ritz-Carlton-Palm-Beach-1.html flew down the East Coast to south Florida, where I stayed at such a swanky hotel that the members of The Who were staying there the night of the Super Bowl. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Los-Angeles-Times-Travel-Show-2010-1.html The Los Angeles Times Travel and Adventure Show is the largest consumer travel show in the country. Even before they started asking me to speak I used to attend as a fan. They have so many great speakers and entertainers who are amazing to see. Plus, there are hundreds of tourism boards from all over the world promoting valuable tips and deals. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Janice-Fuhrman-Alaska-Family-Cruise-2009.html My husband and I were afraid we might be in for some rough seas this past summer when our 17-year-old son, Adam, agreed to go on a family cruise to Alaska- only, as he announced to us, "if you keep your distance." http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Frank-DiScala-Telluride-Wine-Festival-2010.html Telluride ain't easy to get to, but then not many of my favorite places on earth are easy. From New York it's a connection and then a second landing in Montrose, Colorado. "Daddy, where is Montrose?" a little girl said to her father sitting in front of me. It occurred to me that I had never heard of Montrose either. We descended into a patchwork of nearly treeless farms. And the fun had begun. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/NYC-Ritz-Carlton-Central-Park-Feb-2010-1.html We left off last week in Lyon, France. From there I headed south to the Rhone Valley. Our first stop was a winery about 59 miles away an 80 minute drive. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Providence-Rhode-Island-ETC-2010-1.html I took Amtrak up to Providence from NYC to speak at the Educational Travel Conference http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Paris-France-July-2009-Slideshow-1.html We left off from the Rhone Alps and this trip, we'll take France's high-speed train up to Paris to check out a new hotel http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Carly-Blatt-2010-LA-NY-Times-Travel-Show.htm Los Angeles and New York Times Travel Shows http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Rhone-Alps-France-July-2009-Slideshow-1.html We left off last week in Lyon, France. From there I headed south to the Rhone Valley. Our first stop was a winery about 59 miles away an 80 minute drive. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lisa-Nickelodeon-2010.html There's nothing like a summer vacation at the very end of the summer: You get the anticipation all summer long, plus the kids are totally sick of the community pool and raring to go on an adventure. Luckily, we had the "best adventure ever" on our family vacation this summer, thanks to Nickelodeon and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Hawaii-Waikiki-2010-1.html I left off last week from the beautiful island of Kauai. Instead of getting on one of the many nonstop flights back to the mainland I decided to fly 19 minutes to Honolulu (it's on the island of Oahu) to spend the weekend with some friends. It wasn't surprising that my Hawaiian Airlines flight was on time: They always seem to hold the best on-time record among the 19 U.S. airlines surveyed each month. The latest numbers are from November 2009 and sure enough Hawaiian was at the top again, with a 93.3 percent rating. I know what you're thinking: It helps to have pretty much perfect weather all the time at your main hub. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lyon-France-July-2009-Slideshow-1.html The first thing I did after collecting my luggage at baggage claim was hit the ATM to get some crisp Euros. I do this every time I land in a new country. TIP: Stay away from the currency exchange booths because they will rip you off. However, if you are traveling with a bunch of people and you all want to exchange cash, pool your money so you won't all have to pay the change fee. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Phoenix-Jan-2010-1.html I flew Southwest from LAX to Phoenix (PHX); it's just 51 minutes there and an hour back (due to headwinds). The key to flying Southwest is to check in online 24 hours before departure so you'll be able to score a favorable seat. Southwest has open seating, which means they don't assign seats. So the earlier you check in for your flight (passengers can do it up to 24 hours in advance online), the closer you get to the front of the boarding line, which means a better chance of getting the seat you want (ahem, row 11). They board in three groups (A, B, and C) and by boarding pass numbers. It would be both too long and too boring for me to explain fully; instead see Southwest's web demonstration. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/LAX-Airline-Memorabilia-Show-2010-1.html Last weekend I attended the bi-annual Los Angeles Airline Memorabilia Show at the Hacienda Hotel near LAX. My friend and Tahiti travel specialist Jean Louis has a table of his own goods and encouraged me to come down. It wasn't too difficult to convince me since I love aviation and LAX is right near my house. To see what travel products were on offer, check out my 20 picture slideshow. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Karen-Loftus-Argentina-2010.html It's easy to fall in love with this South American country with its well crafted wine and culinary and arts culture http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Richard-Frinta-Spokane-Washington-2010.html Gateway to the Beautiful Pacific Northwest http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Hawaii-Kauai-2010-1.html Trip to Lihue, Kauai. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01202010.html I flew from Los Angeles (LAX) to Lyon (LYS) via Paris (CDG) on Air France. I was a guest of the French Tourism Board so I knew they had put a note in the computer to authorize the agents to upgrade me to business class if space was available-but even with that kind of pull it still requires some schmoozing, which is why I always carry a box of chocolates for the agents and flight attendants. Hooray! At the very last minute the upgrade cleared, which made the 5,650-mile flight seem short. Here's how it went. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Melissa-Leahman-NYC-2010.html It's a new year, which means a new roster of fun and interesting events in this great place we call NYC. I've compiled a list of some of the more popular events coming up this year. Put them on your calendar: You won't want to miss out! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Hawaii-Kapalua-1.html Trip to Kapalua Resort on Maui. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Nonantum-Maine-2010.html We were welcomed by the receptionists and the warm antique wood floors of the lobby as we checked into the Victorian-era Carriage House, the original part of the Nonantum Resort. I found out the large inn is uniquely family owned and run, and met innkeeper Jean Ginn Marvin. Her hands-on hospitality trickles down to her staff and we truly felt at home at the Nonantum. You can tell the employees are really happy to work there by their genuine friendliness. We walked over to Portside Lodge, a newer section of the hotel where our room was located, and were thrilled by the large corner Jacuzzi and huge picture window framing the Kennebec River. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Corinne-Trang-Alabama-2010-2.html Picking up where I left off in Birmingham, I head toward the northwest corner of Alabama to sample Southern comfort food. But my plans changed, which often happens to me and generally for the better. So in three days, not only did I get to eat all the stick to your ribs food one can possibly handle wear loose clothes, if you plan to follow suit!, but had a blast fishing, enjoyed a massage, grooved to Muscle Shoals' R and B on 92.3 FM, and got the chance to reclaim my luggage that American Airlines lost over 15 years ago long shot, I know. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Pasadena-Rose-Parade-Slide-Show-January-2010-1.html I don't know about you, but New Year's Eve to me is the most overrated night of the year. I found the perfect fun, free alternative to spending a lot of money at some restaurant or bar with people you don't know who won't stop spilling their drink(s) on you. It's visiting the Rose Parade floats while they add last-minute touches; the action starts around 10 p.m. and lasts until the parade begins at 8 a.m. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Guadalajara-Slide-Show-January-2010-1.html Last week I left off from Bogota, Colombia; from there I traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, via Mexico City. Here are 20 photos from my trip. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Frank-DiScala-Reno-2009.html Mixing casinos and fresh air in the same sentence usually doesn't make sense, especially if you're talking about Vegas. In any gambling destination, the maze of blackjack tables and one-armed bandits is designed to keep us indoors, amused and abused and cash-free. But in Reno, the outside world also beckons. The snow glinting on the mountains calls from every window of the Silver Legacy hotel, promising a quick, scenic ride to some of my new favorite ski areas. A low-key, low-cost adventure in Reno/Tahoe is some great bang for the buck. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Rebecca-Harris-Thompson-Fiji-2010.html I didn't mean to become SCUBA certified on my recent vacation to Fiji, but 1.) I was staying at Jean-Michel Cousteau's Resort (the man's father basically invented diving); 2.) the water temperature was a lot warmer in Fiji than back home in Los Angeles; 3.) the visibility was between 50 and 100 feet; and 4.) the snorkel just wasn't a long enough leash. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Top-Hotel-Rooms-SlideShow-2009-1.html I tallied up my 2009 travel numbers, and it turned out to be another miraculous travel year for me: I achieved my annual goal of visiting at least 10 NEW countries, but I fell one airline short of maintaining elite status on all three airline alliances. For those interested, I compiled a breakdown of the 23 countries I visited, the actual number of air miles flown, and how many different airlines I experienced. How many days do you think I spent away from home in 2009? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Bogota-Slide-Show-December-2009-1.html My recent trip to Bogota, Colombia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WebsiteOfTheWeek12302009.html What a crazy week it has been for the travel industry, ever since the thwarted terrorist attack on Christmas Day. The initial response by the TSA has made me batty. My head is still spinning because of their ridiculous rules and they are now going after two travel bloggers who leaked the security directive that informed the flying public of them. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Yuki-Mexico-2009.html The Recession. Drug-cartel violence. H1N1. (And, since my visit, Hurricane Jimena.) Few tourist destinations were hit as hard in 2009 as Mexico. Between the overall drop in travel caused by the global financial crisis, the bad press border states have received in light of gangland violence (you know, the kind that hurts souvenir-buying, margarita-sipping tourists as well as the criminal element) and an ill-timed and virulent strain of influenza, Mexico saw its travel industry take a massive hit this year. Estimates put the damage at around $200-300 million. Yowza. It was in this context that we decided a few weeks ago: Hey, let's hit Cabo! As a family! Yeah! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Shelia-Oconnor-Alabama-2009.html Love a good bargain? Who doesn't? As women (and men) it's often been said we are born to shop. It must be a basic instinct but shopping is something we love (okay maybe the guys don't love this part quite so much but even they love it when they get a bargain). And there's no better place to put that instinct into practice than at the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, just 40 miles from Huntsville, Alabama. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12232009.html This week I'm experimenting with something new: I've created this week's story as a slide show. This will allow you to spend much less time viewing my photos and still read about my experiences. We begin with one of the country's most famous and luxurious hotels, The Breakers in Palm Beach. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Yankees-World-Series-Game-6-2009.html I just realized this story never made it up. So for those going to a World Series game next year in the Bronx (hopefully) you might want to read this first. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/David-Zuchowski-Two-Hidden-Gems-2009.html New York City probably has more museums than any other metropolitan region in the United States. However, Staten Island, one of the city's boroughs not known for its museums or normally not thought of as a travel destination, can justifiably boast two often overlooked gems that are definitely worth a visit. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Sarah-Kozer-Big-Bear-2009.html A wintertime getaway so close to L.A. -- Angelinos can see it http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12162009.html Greetings! This week we finish up my Crown Princess Caribbean Cruise with my dad. Highlights include getting a behind-the-scenes look at the ship, dining at the chef's table, visiting the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman, the Gumbalimba Park in Roatan, Honduras and Chankanaab in Cozumel, Mexico. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Travel-Product-of-The-Week-12162009.html It seems this time of year every travel blogger is compiling a top 10 travel gift guide. After several emails from readers asking where my list was, I finally caved. Here are 16 products and tips that I almost never leave home without. They range from clothing to electronic gadgets and cost from $3 to $1,500. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ben-Brown-Bern-Switzerland-2009.html A stroll along the city plazas or a swim in the river Aare leaves you wandering why more capital cities aren't like this one http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Margot-Black-Fall-Products-2009.html Now into my second year as a parent, I figure I'm getting the hang of this mommy business. I've had some super fun days out at zoos and theme parks with my husband and two-year- old son but I also know how stressful it can be if you don't have the right gear. For a start, stroller parks can be an absolute nightmare: rows upon rows of identical strollers make it impossible to find which one is yours (unless you go rooting through other people's diaper bags!) and my fluffy stroller blankets are constantly falling on the ground. Fortunately, there are lots of sassy new products on the market that make leaving the house a treat and not a chore - and also encourage your little ones to have fun too (not to mention sit still for five minutes while they eat their lunch). So here's how to make your family day go off with a bang and not a whimper! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Sue-Facter-Bermuda-2009.html After a Jet Blue red-eye from Burbank and a six-hour layover at JFK, I practically kissed the ground at my civilized destination. The payoff was well worth It. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12092009.html Ahoy there mates! This week I'm writing about a seven-night Caribbean "Twitter" cruise that my dad and I recently took on the Crown Princess. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Corinne-Trang-Alabama-2009.html If you've been to Birmingham, chances are it's been for business. After your meeting you check into the hotel, order room service, maybe get a movie, and request a wake-up call so you don't miss your flight the next day- in other words, Birmingham is not exactly what many would think of as a destination. Sure enough, business is what brought me to Birmingham, but I decide to stay a couple more days and quickly discover that it is a culinary gem and a major golf and spa destination, with a music and art scene and fun neighborhoods (trendy SoHo, funky Five Points, and charming English Village) to explore. I also realize that two days is not enough time for this fantastic city filled with warm Southern hospitality. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Morgan-Painvin-Rwanda-2009.html As I stepped down from the car, youthful Kinyarwanda singing wafted up from the fenced-in playing field. My eyes darted towards the sound and searched the sea of big brown eyes for a glimpse of recognition. My heart raced as I was approached by the shy young boy and girl that I knew only from photos, and my eyes filled with tears as I knelt to their embrace. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ben-Brown-Zurich-Switzerland-2009.html The crisp air blows by as I bike along the lake. The path borders a park where people are lying in the sun, children are playing games and groups are barbecuing on portable grills. Others are playing pick-up cricket. The water stretches for miles, giving way to lush green countryside and the silhouettes of the Alps in the distance. Brightly colored houses give hills a quaint presence. Teenagers laugh as they splash each other on the rocky beaches. I am only a mile or so outside the historic city, but images of famous artwork, beautiful architecture and an overwhelming shopping district cannot leave my head. I can still taste the fondue I had at lunch. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12022009.html I needed to be in Orlando for one of the travel industry's premier conferences, Phocuswright. I looked into pretty much all the options for traveling to Orlando from Palm Beach. It's only 170 miles, so I thought about renting a car and driving, or taking Greyhound, but I didn't want to deal with the I-95 traffic. Flying such a short distance would have been a waste of time, and all the nonstop flights leave from Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL), not Palm Beach (PBI). So I took Amtrak. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11252009.html Oasis of the Seas has been all over the news this week since it's not only the most expensive $1.4 billion but the heaviest, longest, tallest, widest cruise ship ever built. This past weekend I got the golden pass to be one of the first to set sail on this beauty of a beast, and I have to tell you, it was way better than I ever imagined. Here's my story. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ben-Brown-Engelberg-Switzerland-2009.html It's July, but snow is flying everywhere. My feet glide down the slope as I ride on my miniature snow bike. Snow is in my shorts. I take a little jump, and for just a second I see the town from which I came. Stone plazas and country-style rooftops bordered by a river and the sudden upraise of surrounding mountains. Further down the way are waterfalls and trails that lead up the steep slopes, but none to this height. Such a small little place, but so much to do around it. Then it all vanishes so quickly. I am at the end of my winter park run. Guess it's time to ride back up for another. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny120220093.html I go to Delray Beach often since my sister and dad usually spend their winters there. In fact, this year I've been a remarkable 10 times. I almost always stay at their place, but if they have house guests then I usually end up at the Delray Beach Marriott. During my most recent visit their guest rooms were empty, but I still didn't stay with them. That's because the first independent luxury hotel in Delray opened up a few weeks ago, and I had the privilege to be one of the first guests to get the inside scoop. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Paul-Shoul-Normandy.html A Road trip through Normandy France http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Virgin-America-FLL-LAX-2009.html On Sunday, I flew one of Virgin America's (VX) newest routes; Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Los Angeles (LAX). I've flown Virgin America before, but only on a short hop from LAX to Seattle (SEA) so I didn't really get to experience what it's really like. Well, here's my play by play. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ben-Brown-Grindelwald-Switzerland-20092.html A Rainy Adventure and Sunny Joyride in Grindelwald: From snow and fog to the sun shining on waterfalls, this small mountain town houses a unique beauty http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11182009.html Shalom! This week we finish up our incredible journey to Israel by sharing with you our time in Tel Aviv, Jaffa and the flight back. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ben-Brown-Lucerne-Switzerland-20092.html Living in a Jail Cell, Tobogganing down a Mountain in Lucerne: Part 2 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11112009.html Shalom from Israel! I continue to tell you about my amazing trip to the Holy Land. This week we head to the Dead Sea, Masada and Bethlehem which is in Palestine. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ben-Brown-Lucerne-Switzerland-2009.html Living in a Jail Cell, Tobogganing down a Mountain in Lucerne: Part 1 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny110420093.html Shalom from Israel! Last week, we left off after our El Al flight touched down in Tel Aviv. This week, we hit Jerusalem. If you thought that Israel was unsafe and only for Jews (like I did), think again. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11042009.html A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the grand re-opening of the Marriott Miami Airport Hotel Campus. There was a huge celebration with VIPs like Mr. Marriott himself and Tito Puente junior's salsa band played, complete with dancers. The campus is a unique concept; it has three different Marriott-branded hotels and a cool $70 million was spent on the transformation. The three hotels comprise a 366-room, full-service Marriott, 300-room Courtyard by Marriott and 163-suite Residence Inn. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ben-Brown-Geneva-Switzerland-2009.html There's a reason why world conventions choose Geneva. Famous vineyards, hilly towns and shimmering lake just a few factors in a French/Swiss product of near-flawless beauty http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Marcela-Thailand-2009-3.html On the second leg of our honeymoon, my husband, Noah and I were enjoying our two- night stay at Rayavadee, a beautiful resort on the Andaman Coast of Thailand. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10072009.html This past week, I was invited to attend Southwest Airlines' annual media day at their Dallas headquarters. Media Day is a great chance for airlines to open up their operations and invite journalists (and their readers) in for a peek around. Unfortunately, not many airlines do it - in fact, the only other airline I know that does it is US Airways and I've attended theirs for the past couple of years. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny102720095.html When I was first invited to visit Israel, I admit I had many preconceived notions, fears and questions - perhaps many of the same ones that first-time visitors to Israel would have. But my first question was: What's it like to fly El Al? If you're interested, here's a play-by- play. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Marcela-Thailand-2009-2.html The honeymoon continues, this week in the spectacular (and impossibly romantic) Thai islands. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ben-Brown-Interlaken-Switzerland-2009.html Hiking, biking, rafting and canyoning. Jumping off a cliff or out of a plane, rolling down a mountain in an inflatable ball ... if you can think it up, you can do it here! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10212009.html Greetings from San Diego, California! This past week, I spoke on three panels about social media and the main thing I learned is that web writing has to be short - so I'm attempting it this week. So let's get right to it, shall we? This week, we check in at the world's largest business travel conference, the National Business Travel Association (NBTA), where all the airlines are strutting their new seats. They featured a slew of amazing gimmicks and speakers (including President Bill Clinton and Captain Sully) to entice. We'll also see a couple of new hotels and restaurants that are hot and affordable. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Yellowstone-2009.html This week I leave Cody, Wyoming and head west through the incredible mountain scenery on Chief Joseph Highway to Cooke City, Montana, a former silver mining town. This drive is 80 miles from Cody to the gates of Yellowstone and has been called the most scenic drive in America by Teddy Roosevelt, and more recently, by Charles Kuralt. It hasn't changed in one hundred years. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Marcela-Thailand-2009.html Walking into Bradley International Terminal at the Los Angeles airport is always a good feeling because not only does it mean I'm leaving the country, but this time, it meant I was leaving the hemisphere. And ... there's a very special reason to leave the Western world behind: I'm going on my honeymoon! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10142009.html Greetings from the good ol' U.S. of A! This week, we fly across the pond from London to New York to catch a Yankees game, then head home to California to attend a Twitter Conference and spend some quality time with my dad -- including going to a Dodgers game! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Cody-Wyoming-2009.html Explore the Wild West in Cody, Wyoming; it's a historical goldmine. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10072009.html Cheerio from England! Last week we left off from Athens and instead of flying directly back to the States, I stopped off in jolly old England to not only make my trip shorter but to review two incredible hotels and check a destination off my Bucket List: Stonehenge. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ramona-Zachariass-Amsterdam-2009.html Where to stay and what to do in Holland's capital city. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09302009.html Yahsu from Athens! We're finishing up with our incredible seven-day Aegean cruise on Seabourn's newest ship, The Odyssey. This unforgettable trip began touring around Istanbul and last week, we visited some of Turkey's most famous ports including Kusadasi (to see Ephesus) and Bodrum. Today, we'll hit some of Greece's magical ports like Santorini and we'll end up at a hotel in Athens that overlooks the Acropolis. Not a bad week, eh? Looking for something a little different? Ramona Zacharias continues with part two of her European adventure. This week, she tours us around Budapest. And Dave Zuchowski takes us to a food and wine celebration in Milan, Ohio, that'll set your taste buds tingling. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ramona-Zachariass-Budapest-2009.html From castles to underground military hospitals to rural wine tastings, take a well- rounded tour of this remarkable city. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/David-Zuchowski-The-Culinary-Vegetable-Institute-2009.html Food and wine celebration spotlights cuisine of celebrity chefs. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09232009.html Ahoy there, mates! This week we're coming to you from one of, if not the, swankiest cruise ships in the world -- Seabourn's newest masterpiece the Odyssey! We'll learn all about this 450- passenger luxury yacht, which debuted in late June. If you want to see what the hype is all about surrounding this $300 million boat, then sit back, relax and enjoy the smooth ride. In an attempt to make these stories read faster, we're breaking the paragraphs up into almost Twitter-sized tweets. I hope you like it. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Ramona-Zachariass-Czech-Republic-2009.html A vacation in Prague and Karlovy Vary can provide something for everyone. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Sue-Richter-Shark-Reef-2009.html Overlooking the longest stretch of beach in Southern California, the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort of Huntington Beach provides the setting for a vacation fit for all ages and types. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09162009.html Ahoy there, mates! This week we're coming to you from one of, if not the, swankiest cruise ships in the world -- Seabourn's newest masterpiece the Odyssey! We'll learn all about this 450- passenger luxury yacht, which debuted in late June. If you want to see what the hype is all about surrounding this $300 million boat, then sit back, relax and enjoy the smooth ride. In an attempt to make these stories read faster, we're breaking the paragraphs up into almost Twitter-sized tweets. I hope you like it. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09092009.html Merhaba from Turkey! Last week, my story about arriving in Istanbul and staying at the city's most famous hotel was getting so long, that I decided to save the best for last the city tour. If you want to see Istanbul through the eyes of a professional and private tour guide (who won't bleed your bank account), then come along with us to learn about this fascinating city. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Sue-Richter-Shark-Reef-2009.html Las Vegas has many oxymorons ... but scuba diving in Sin City may take the cake. Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef Aquarium scuba program opened in June 2009, to certified divers for a down under experience like no other. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Tom-Cabo-San-Lucas-2009.html Before leaving on my trip to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, I was a little uneasy about staying at an all inclusive hotel because this was both my first time to Cabo and my first time at an all inclusive. I was concerned about quality and what I was going to have to pay for what was "not included". When I arrived at the magnificent Riu Palace in Cabo, I was blown away by the resort, located on the beach within a stone's throw of the famed El Arco granite rock formation situated at the southernmost tip of the Baja peninsula. This is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez and nothing along Mexico's entire coastline can match the grandeur of these towering, naturally formed arches. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09022009.html Merhaba from Istanbul, Turkey! I'm here for a couple days of sightseeing before I board a weeklong Aegean cruise on Seabourn's newest ship, Odyssey. This is my first time visiting the city that straddles two continents and I had a lot of preconceived misconceptions and fears, all of which have now been relieved. If you want to see this fascinating place Johnny Jet-style (part luxury, part practical), then pack your bags and don't forget to bring your open mind. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Frank-DiScala-Gettysburg-2009.html September 11, 2009 marks a day of remembrance and an opportunity for volunteers to participate in an event to preserve national historic sites. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Natasha-James-NYC-2009.html Having lived within the 23 square miles of Manhattan for the better part of the past 10 years, it might surprise you to know that I have not visited many of the spaces and places that make New York such an interesting and exciting destination both to reside in and to visit. What seems like a good idea in theory (new exhibit at the Guggenheim, for example) always falls by the wayside in the face of daily life (errands) in a bustling city. So, this past weekend, my husband and I decided to make like a tourist (or, an adventurous city dweller) and visit Governors Island. Located off the southernmost tip of Manhattan, the island was once home to the US Army and, more recently, the US Coast Guard, but today the island serves as a lazy destination for city folk and their visitors. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08262009.html Guten tag from Germany! This week we travel by train along the Rhine River to Frankfurt, to stay at a newly remodeled airport hotel that's so conveniently located, not only to catch an early flight but to go downtown as well. From there, we board a Turkish Airlines 737-800 plane to Istanbul to get ready for a week long Aegean Cruise on Seabourn's newest ship, The Odyssey. How exciting is that? http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Juliet-Pennington-Santa-Monica-2009.html The West Coast landmark turns 100 in September and marks the milestone with a yearlong celebration of festivities. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08192009.html Top o' the morning to you from South Hampton, England. My trip to the city that spans two continents, which I mentioned last week, will have to wait one more week because I decided to make a quick diversion. You see, last month I attended two inaugural cruise ship sailings: Celebrity's Equinox and Seabourn's Odyssey. Since these ships are brand spanking new and everyone wants to get the lowdown on them before booking their tickets, I thought I'd better get them out sooner rather than later. Although the Odyssey was released first, we'll begin with Equinox since it wasn't a multi-destination sailing and thus doesn't require as much detail. Ready? Let's go! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Cancun-2009.html Looking for fun in the sun and a bit of adventure, too? Check out the Mexican Riviera! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Clare-Sayas-Los-Angeles-2009.html It's not all about star-gazing in Los Angeles. Check out year-round local delights to enjoy in this diverse city. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08122009.html Cheerio from London where I've been three times in the last few months. I love this city and could live here (in the summer, that is) if the opportunity ever arose. I stayed at a variety of places, including a refurbished historic hotel, dined at an array of restaurants and walked a lot, especially through most of the city's royal parks. I'll tell you all about this, plus, the best way to get around and where to get theatre tickets. If you want to make your trip here smoother and see my London, both pricey and practical, then join me for this tour of one of my favorite cities across the pond. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/David-Zuchowski-Humana-Festival-2009.html Mention the name Louisville and most people think Kentucky Derby, bourbon and mint juleps. But throw out the word to a theater groupie and chances are you'll hear the phrase Humana Festival in rebound. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Kelly-Gray-London-2009.html I hadn't been to London since I was 14 years old. We toured all the requisite sites, and I was dragged around by my enthusiastic family to see everything and anything marketed to American tourists. We flew to London via New York City, absolutely crammed in the vice grip of coach class. Ew. By the time we arrived in London, we had such horrific jet lag, we missed an entire day of our trip sleeping it off. The next trip I took to Europe in 1998 was even worse. I can't seem to cross the Atlantic without getting sick. Flu, colds and bronchitis have all accompanied me to Paris, London, Amsterdam ... http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08052009.html allo from England! Last week we left off from Sydney and I told you I was going to do a kangaroo hop from Australia to this week's secret destination. Normally, the kangaroo route is via Asia but I went via America so I could go home for a few days and collect my mail and switch out my clothes. Since getting there is always half the fun, I will give you a flavor of V Australia's premium economy product and a detailed play by play of what it was like flying British Airways Club World ... you know, beyond the curtain. We'll also explore Heathrow's new multi-billion dollar Terminal 5 and I'll tell you about my first medical emergency landing. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Cynthia-Cunniff-White-Mugged-In-Spain-2009.html Recently, I had an experience in Barcelona, Spain that I think is worth sharing. My husband and I had put together an amazing three city tour: Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona. After a terrific 10 days of travel, we were headed home to Los Angeles. We left our rented apartment in the Gothic area of Barcelona in the wee hours, 4:30am. Like many of the very old buildings in that area, the main entryway had an enormous iron gate for safety. I woke up, peered into the darkness and felt quite vulnerable at the thought of trekking, with all our belongings, a good five blocks to the cab area. I'd lived in Europe for a good portion of my life and have always been a traveler, and believe that following instincts never makes you stupid I know it's due to this belief that I have never before had an incident like I'm about to describe. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07292009.html Great news! JohnnyJet.com just made the number 8 spot as one of the world's top 150 travel blogs! When I started this website exactly 10 years ago, as a labor of love, I had no idea that it would change my life entirely. It has allowed me to see so many places (over 60 countries) and meet so many incredible people, more than I ever thought possible. As Outside Magazine proclaimed, this really is a dream job. Thank you for the continued support because without you logging on, I would be still an admissions counselor, not that that's a bad thing. OK, now back to our regularly scheduled programming. This week, join Janice Fuhrman as she tours New York City on a budget and Barbara Barton Sloane as she explores Picasso exhibits in France. Me? Well, I'm coming to you from Sydney, Australia, one of the best cities in the world! http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Barbara-Barton-Sloane-Aix-en-Provence-2009.html A magical master's tour from the Riviera to Provence. http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Janice-Fuhrman-New-York-City-2009.html A visit to the Big Apple can be both interesting and inexpensive. Honest! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07222009.html G'day, mates! I'm back in one of my favorite countries: Australia. I'm here for a few reasons. One is to checkout V Australia's new service (it's amazing and I wrote about it last week), and another is to revisit an island I haven't been to in years but often long for; it's like Fantasy Island (minus Tattoo). Also, I have good family friends from Connecticut living there, which means I've got a place to stay. On top of that, it's newsworthy since the geniuses from Queensland Tourism recently created The Best Job in the World contest, which has won all kinds of marketing awards and has been called of the greatest marketing campaigns of all time. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07152009.html G'day from Australia! I'm back in one of my favorite countries and getting here was seriously half the fun ... and half the price! I flew Richard Branson's newest airline V Australia, which recently entered this lucrative route once dominated by Qantas and United. Along with Delta (who began flying to Sydney on July 1), they have ruffled all kinds of feathers and fares have been slashed as the competition heats up. Read on to discover why you should visit Australia now and what makes V Australia so special. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Frank-DiScala-Mexico-2009.html Sun, sand and ... Mexican hot sauce? Find out why you should visit the Mexican Riviera, too! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07082009.html Bon bini from the island of Aruba! I'm here because it's such a popular island destination for Americans (and the Dutch, too) and to be quite honest, I'm tired of having people ask me for tips on travel to Aruba, only to see their faces register horror and shock when I say I've never been. Although this Happy Island wasn't my first choice, you're about to see why I was so pleasantly surprised. Ariba, ariba, Aruba! http://johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Mike-Cabo-2009.html Visit an exclusive vacation destination, catering to golfers, sport fishers and sunbathers alike. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07012009.html Kia orana! We left off last week from the South Pacific island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. This week, we visit neighboring Aitutaki, which many compare to Bora Bora ... minus the French. If you're looking for a tropical island setting for a family adventure or a romantic escape that's cheaper than Tahiti, but with the same incredible views and a ton of sea life (though not much human life) and all the comforts of home (Internet, TV, five-star hotel), then listen up. Aitutaki is for you! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06242009.html We left off last week just after touching down in the tropical Cook Islands. If you're interested in an affordable South Pacific getaway for families and honeymooners, then you won't want to miss the island of Rarotonga. We also have pictures from jetBlue's celebration last week at LAX, where they have just begun twice daily service to New York's JFK and Boston (rates from $109). http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Kim-Kessler-Maui-Dining-Guide-2009.html Set your taste buds watering with thoughts of fabulous dining in Maui. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Margot-Black-Maui-Four-Seasons-2009.html The Four Seasons on the island of Maui offers a family-friendly holiday that will thrill both adults and children. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/William-Darrow-Rhode-Island-2009.html Dealing with heavy rainfall can sully the best of weekend trips, but Newport, Rhode Island proved an exception to this typically steadfast rule. In fact, the city feels built for rain, with architecture featuring dark, muted colors and slanted barn-like roofs. And although Newport has all the trappings of your basic American city -- fast-food restaurants, big-name retail stores, etc. -- it also possesses a gilded nostalgia that makes it feel more urban museum than a living, breathing, get-up-and-go-to-work city. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06172009.html Kia orana from the Cook Islands! Those of you who know where these spectacular islands are located will realize that I'm in paradise. It's the perfect destination for honeymooners, adventure-seekers and families who just want to get away from it all. For those of you who need a quick geography lesson, no need to do a Google search. I will tell you all you need to know. Believe it or not, half the fun of the trip was flying the 10-hour nonstop flight on Air New Zealand, which we will cover this week. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Tom-Puerta-Vallarta-2009.html More than just sun and sand, Puerto Vallarta plays host to the annual Festival Gourmet International, attracting gourmands from all over the globe. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lisa-Mexico-2009.html Get ready for some fun in the sun; A Mexican vacation is just a short flight away! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06102009.html Pura vida from Guanacaste, Costa Rica! I'm down here for the grand opening of an incredible resort right on the Pacific: The JW Marriott Guanacaste. The great news for consumers (though perhaps not so much the owners!) is that because of the state of the economy, guests can get rooms here for a bargain. And I mean, a bargain! Just this past week, they were offering rooms for a third of the regular price: $95! And wait until you see this place. In addition, my sister GeorgieJet is also in Costa Rica and she's checking out the Lost Iguana Resort at the base of the Arenal Volcano. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Costa-Rica-2009.html A week at the Lost Iguana Resort, tucked away in the rainforest at the base of the Arenal Volcano, was like a trek back into the primordial jungle. The view of the volcano, with a ring of clouds resting on its peak and framed by the large-leafed plants and flowers from my patio, was like a scene from the movie Jurassic Park, which makes sense because Costa Rica is the youngest land on the North American continent, being only three million years old. I am told that on a clear night, you can see the hot red lava of this active volcano! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Travel-Therapy-Book-Review-2009.html An experienced journalist takes a new slant on travel by offering travelers the option of traveling for therapy. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06032009.html Buenos Dias from Costa Rica! This week, we're going to explore options to travel from New York City to JFK Airport, including one for just $7. I then fly to Los Angeles for just $119 plus $12.95 for American's in-flight Internet. There's nothing like passing time in the sky on Wi-Fi! From there, it's off to Liberia, Costa Rica via Miami. If you're up for racking up some serious AAdvantage miles, then join me on this week's adventure! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Rotterdam-2009.html Rotterdam is a fascinating new city in an old historic town. Nearly bombed flat during World War II, the residents decided to reinvent it by encouraging modern architecture starting in the '50s. Rotterdam has a young vibe and is comprised of over 160 nationalities making it the most multicultural city in The Netherlands. With over 40 architecturally distinct modern buildings Rotterdam represents everything from designers like Marcel Breur from Bauhaus School to architects of the De Stijl movement and the world famous cube houses of the '70s. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Barbara-Barton-Sloane-Calgary-Stampede-2009.html There's a reason it's called The Wild West! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05272009.html Greetings from Connecticut! This week, we finish up our trip to South America in style as we travel from Argentina to Rio and check in to one of the world's most famous hotels: The Copacabana Palace. You won't want to miss this or one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We then spend Memorial Day in my favorite place in the world - with friends and family in the Nutmeg State. Shhh ... can you hear the music? That's 50 Cent singing, "It's my birthday, it's my birthday!" Dance, everyone! It's my birthday ... on Sunday! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Amsterdam-2009.html A guide to this beautiful and historic city. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Carly-Blatt-NY-Uncle-Sam-Tour-2009.html Explore New York's West Village through a historical pub crawl. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05202009.html Hola from Argentina! Last week, we left off from the incredible Brazilian town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ouro Preto. This week, we visit one of the world's largest waterfalls, Iguazu Falls. It's so amazing that it makes Niagara Falls look like a fountain and on top of that, it borders three countries and we're going to visit them all. Woo hoo! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05132009.html Bom dia (good morning from Brazil). This week we're still coming to you from the state of Minas Gerais but we're no longer in its capital city of Belo Horizonte. This week we're in the much more beautiful locale of Ouro Preto. The town's full name is Vila Rica do Ouro Preto, which is Portuguese for "Rich Town of the Black Gold". This former colonial mining town located in the Serra do Espinhaco mountains is unbelievable! No wonder the whole city has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is featured in the book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die. It was also featured in the 1988 Richard Dreyfuss movie Moon Over Parador, which I remember watching and thinking: How cool is that place! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05062009.html Tudo bom from Brazil ... or Brasil (Brazilians spell it with an "s".) Last week I wrote about my seven and a half hour American Airlines flight from Miami to Belo Horizonte. This week, we'll explore one of Brazil's largest cities. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/David-Zuchowski-Costa-Rica-2009.html As my plane made its initial descent a hundred or so miles from Costa Rica's San Jose International Airport, I looked out the window at my first glimpse of this ecology-minded Central American nation. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Lindsay-Banas-Carnival-Splendor-2009.html Whether you're looking for a cruise filled with fun and adventure, or one that allows you to relax and bask in the sun all day long, Carnival Splendor, from Carnival Cruise Lines, allows you to do all that and more. It is a voyage to be remembered and treasured. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04292009.html Greetings from Brazil! This week we begin a trip to South America by trying out American Airlines Next Generation Business Class Seats on their 777 and 767. Check it out! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Diana-Rowe-Wales-2009.html Wales offers up world-class golfing against a breathtaking and beautiful natural backdrop. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Janice-Fuhrman-Napa-2009.html Luxury, eco-living and spa indulgence in the heart of the Napa Valley. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04222009.html Greetings from Alabama! Last week we left off from Florida and from there I traveled to the neighboring state of Alabama. Yee haw! Sweet home Alabama! Believe it or not, this was my first time there and admittedly, I had all kinds of preconceived notions. For example, I thought for sure I was getting picked up at the airport by a friend in a pick-up truck but you'll just have to read on to see if that happened. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Aubrey-Switzerland-2009.html Last time I talked to you guys, I was in Koh Samui, Thailand, blathering on about something to do with life being a beach and spending much too much time gushing about my dishy scuba instructors. I just reread that. Yikes! I guess I really needed a vacation. (The trouble with getting published is that your words are immortalized and can then come back to haunt you.) So, in Thailand, when I wasn't busy acquiring a new palette of sun freckles, trying not to die on my moto-bike, recovering from dengue fever, drinking Singha or brushing up on my French, I managed to teach eight yoga holiday retreats and get my dive master certification. Overall, mission accomplished. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Marthas-Vineyard-2009.html The island's 'secret season' is something you'll want to discover for yourself. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04152009.html Greetings from Florida! Last week after leaving our nation's capital, I flew down to Florida to see my dad and sister for my seventh or eighth visit since midJanuary. I've been using their places as a base camp for a bunch of trips. One of the trips I took was up to Orlando to speak. I didn't get to go to any theme parks but I did get to ride Amtrak and stay at a sweet hotel even better than Disneyland! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Cindy-Whistler-2009.html Whistler Blackcomb is renowned for its skiing. A quick Internet search reveals it's consistently in the list of best ski resorts in the world considered number one by many. But not everyone's a skier, a snowboarder or even all that into winter ... period. If these reasons have kept you from checking it out, hesitate no more. Plan to visit these twin peaks in the off-season. Shutterbugs and adventure-seekers take note: there's enough going on to keep everyone amused, whether you're into physical activity or not! Even a weekend here is enough to make you feel like you've spent weeks away. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Vancouver-2009.html Planning on going to the 2010 Olympics? You will find beautiful and progressive Vancouver steeped in tradition and maybe the most multicultural city in the world. While you're there, don't forget it's also the home of northwest Aboriginal art, which you will have no trouble finding after reading this article. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04082009.html I was in our nation's capital to speak at an exclusive travel conference but I left with much more than just a bunch of new friends and invaluable contacts. I think I might have left my heart there. Seriously! This was my first time to D.C. in over 10 years and I completely forgot how incredible it is. If you are one of the many Americans who are looking for a staycation this year, then my vote for your next domestic vacation spot would be the District of Columbia and its surrounding towns. In short, the city's architecture and landmarks are remarkable and give this place a real European flair. The food is tasty and you can find every type of cuisine imaginable, cooked by new and exciting chefs. Best of all, there's so much to do and see for the whole family and almost all the museums and attractions are free! That's right, FREE! Of course, I'll go into a lot of detail, including what I learned at the conference and tell you the behind-the-scenes story about my photo with President Obama! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Frank-DiScala-Met-Thailand-20092.html The travel and adventure continue as we explore Chiang Rai in the north of Thailand and then the romantic island of Phi Phi. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04012009.html If you're following me on Twitter or Facebook or are reading my blog, then you already know that I was in Phoenix last week for US Airways' Media Day. No matter how you feel about them, you have to give US Airways a lot of credit for opening their doors and allowing a bunch of travel journalists to peek into their daily lives. Of course, I didn't fly into Phoenix the morning of and leave the same day like a few of the other journalists. I played it smart and went in a day early so I could check out the brand new Montelucia Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, which is so plush that President Obama spent his first overnight outside the White House here. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Frank-DiScala-Met-Thailand-20091.html Discover the delights of Bangkok and the beauty of Koh Samui. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/David-Zuchowski-Big-Trip-Review-2009.html A comprehensive guide to extended travel http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03252009.html Greetings from San Francisco! This week we check into one of the Bay Area's newest and nicest hotels: Cavallo Point Lodge. We also stay at the city's biggest and most popular convention hotel before taking a private tour of Alcatraz. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Larry-Ferber-Israel-2009.html While Israel's major tourist draws entail Jerusalem and its bevy of high-profile attractions (the Western Wall, Stations of the Cross, Arab Market and Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum a mere sampling), ruins like UNESCO World Heritage Site Masada, and the hip city of Tel Aviv, I'm taking some roads less traveled this visit. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03182009.html We left off last week from Shanghai, which was the last international destination on my around-the-world trip with Jet Airways. In case you're just joining us now, I made stops in Florida (where I took a Celebrity Solstice cruise), Brussels, Delhi, the Taj Mahal, central India (for a tiger safari), Mumbai (48 hours after the terrorist attacks) and Shanghai (to check out the highest hotel in the world). The last leg on Jet Airways was from Shanghai (PVG) to San Francisco (SFO), but getting to the Shanghai airport was an adventure in itself. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Kootenays-2009.html Ever heard of the Kootenays? Well, neither had I until my husband Cam and I went there this February to ski and experience South Eastern British Columbia's rustic hospitality. The Kootenays is the region north of Montana over the Canadian border, which has five mountain ranges including the Canadian Rockies and Purcell and four national parks. This area is famous for champagne powder and eight world-class ski resorts known as the Powder Highway, where waiting in lift lines is unheard of. It's also famous for an abundance of wildlife, dubbed the Serengeti of the north, most known for elk. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03112009.html Ni hao from China! This week, we're continuing on with an around-the-world trip on Jet Airways. When we left off last, I'd just told you about the flight from India to Shanghai and about my stay at the highest hotel in the world, the Park Hyatt Shanghai. This week we venture outdoors to sightsee and check into another skyscraper hotel, The JW Marriott, which has the Guinness record for highest library in the world. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Cynthia-Nashville-2009.html Visit Nashville, a city of dreams where the music of the stars from today and yesterday comes surging to life. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03042009.html Bonjour. I was going to continue with my recent trip around the world and finish telling you about the second to last stop, Shanghai. But instead, I will do that next week and update you on my current travels. Unfortunately, I have some sad news to report. Natalie's 60-year-old father passed away on Sunday and I'm presently in Toronto with her and her amazing family. If you could keep them in your prayers, it would be greatly appreciated. This all happened unexpectedly and getting to Canada last-minute was interesting so I thought I would share some of my tips and experiences. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02252009.html Ni hao from China! I am currently writing about an around-the-world trip on Jet Airways and Shanghai is my second to last stop. I began in L.A., went on a Celebrity Solstice cruise in Florida, flew to Brussels (via New York), then went to Delhi, the Taj Mahal, a tiger safari in central India and last week, I left off from Mumbai -- the airport (BOM) to be exact. So if you're into making the flight to China, then checking into the highest hotel in the world, then join me and my beautiful friend Natalie for this week's adventure! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02182009.html Namaste! We left off last week from central India on an over-the-top tiger safari. While we were there, the unthinkable happened at our next destination: India's 9/11. Because of the terrorist attacks, Natalie and I ended up staying at the safari lodge an extra day to mull things over. Our hotel in Mumbai was in complete ruins. Can you believe we had a reservation at the Taj Mahal Palace? Fortunately, everyone around us could not have been any more accommodating and it was left up to us to decide if we should go on to Mumbai and continue with our around-the-world-trip or go back to home the way we'd come via Europe. Well, we weren't going to put our tails between our legs and let the terrorists win so we continued on -- even against our family's and friends' wishes. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Juliet-Pennington-Water-Club-2009.html Enjoy a getaway at Atlantic City's Water Club, the city's first ultra-luxe boutique hotel. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Juliet-Pennington-Half-Moon-Bay-2009.html I had heard about this little section of the California coast called Half Moon Bay many years ago and wanted to visit, but the opportunity never seemed to present itself. However, an invitation to a wedding in San Francisco gave me the perfect chance to sneak away for a few days and explore the area. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/David-Zuchowski-Edmonton-2009.html Go beyond the mainstream at Edmonton's popular Fringe Theatre Festival. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/V-Australia-Feb-LAX-2009.html If you haven't been to Australia, now is the time to start planning your trip thanks to last year's historic Open Skies agreement, which allowed competition to go up against Qantas and United who once dominated this lucrative route. New service from V Australia and Delta (beginning in July) has slashed the notoriously high prices. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02042009.html Last week, a lifelong dream of mine was realized; I visited the Taj Mahal. This week, we continue with this incredible trip to India and head to the central part of the country for a safari. I didn't even know that India had safaris but getting there was an adventure in itself. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Juliet-Pennington-Half-Moon-Bay-2009.html I had heard about this little section of the California coast called Half Moon Bay many years ago and wanted to visit, but the opportunity never seemed to present itself. However, an invitation to a wedding in San Francisco gave me the perfect chance to sneak away for a few days and explore the area. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01282009.html Namaste from India! We left off last week from New Delhi. This week, we travel by train to fulfill a lifelong dream. From the moment I learned about the Taj Mahal, I've always wanted to visit it. And this week, that dream finally came true. Can you believe I went to the Taj Mahal? Sometimes I still can't believe it! If you want to see this masterpiece with me and discover what it's like to travel by train in India, then come on this journey. As an added bonus, we check-in to a hotel that's not only one of India's finest, but one of the finest in the world! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Carly-Blatt-LA-NY-Times-Travel-Show.html If you're looking for a bit of travel inspiration, dedicate a day to attend the New York Times Travel Show or the Los Angeles Times Travel and Adventure Show this winter. Both shows provide the opportunity to learn about hundreds of destinations, hotels and tour operators, attend travel seminars, and speak firsthand with representatives from various companies. And, if you'd like to hear Johnny Jet speak in person, you'll have two opportunities to do so at the Los Angeles Times show. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01212009.html Greetings! I was going to write about my trip to the Taj Mahal but that's going to have to wait due to this week's incredible news. First, there was the miraculous splash landing in the Hudson River and then there was the inauguration of President Obama, making him probably the most powerful person in the world. No, I wasn't at the inauguration or on that flight but I watched both of them live on television. When I received the CNN breaking news alert about the plane crash, my heart started to race and my stomach turned. It's a horrendous subject for anyone but even more so for frequent fliers. When I turned on the television, the plane was almost completely submerged. There were no signs of passengers and I feared the worst. I'm not sure if the news agencies were just trying to suck more viewers in or what ... but for the first 20 minutes or so, they didn't mention anything about passengers disembarking safely. So when Katie Couric eventually stated that everyone had gotten out alive, my eyes welled with tears of joy. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Nantucket-20092.html Nantucket: Part 2 Beach, spa, fishing, fine dining Nantucket offers the perfect island getaway. By Charles Smith A great place to go and have some fun when the fish aren't biting or when the sun isn't shining is Cisco Brewers, home to The Triple Eight Distillery and Nantucket Vineyards. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01142009.html Namaste from India! We left off last week after just touching down in Delhi. It's my first time visiting India and there's so much to explore so let's not waste any time! Let's dive right in and see what's out there! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Nantucket-2009.html My favorite getaway destination is the island of Nantucket, which is located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Code in Massachusetts. Nantucket is an island that can take years to get to know intimately. The best restaurants, hotels and staff can change like the shifting sand dunes that make up the island from one year to the next. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01072009.html Namaste from India! We left off last week after just touching down in Delhi. It's my first time visiting India and there's so much to explore so let's not waste any time! Let's dive right in and see what's out there! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12312008.html Happy New Year! Last week, we left off in Brussels, just after touching down on a flight from New York on my new favorite airline -- Jet Airways. I arrived at Brussels Airport (BRU) at 6:58am, which was 50 minutes ahead of schedule. However, all the passengers were asked to remain seated because some idiot in business class -- a well dressed Belgian -- claimed he'd left an envelope in the bathroom with ...get this ... $10,000! No one, not even the flight attendants, were sure what was going to happen; this was a first for everyone on board. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/David-Zuchowski-The-Year-of-Festivals-Book-Review-2008.html If your list of New Year's resolutions include a determination to take a more adventurous or sophisticated slant to 2009's travel plans, two recently released books by Lonely Planet can help get a bead on where you might decide to go. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12242008.html Bonjour from Belgium! The snow is falling outside my window, which is just steps away from the Grand Place. What a way to get into the Christmas spirit! We pick up this week from where we left off, which was on the Celebrity Solstice cruise in south Florida. After we disembarked, I celebrated my dad's birthday and then flew to New York's JFK so I could check out JetBlue's new Terminal 5 and more importantly, catch my Jet Airways flight (my new favorite airline) to Brussels. If you're up for a Christmas treat, then pack your bags and come with me. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Carly-Blatt-Rolf-Potts-Interview.html I'm rarely able to read a travel narrative without wondering about the story behind the story. How did the writer end up in the situation? What aspects were left out of the published story? Did the author know he was going to write about the experience from the get-go, or did he realize later that it was a story that had to be told? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Alan-Hogenauer-Systematic-Travel-20085.html Thus far in our series on systematic travel, we have focused on visiting political units, ("countries" et al) and spatial units (sectors or quadrants defined by meridians and parallels). But there are in fact many more potential visit challenges related to these two! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12172008.html Ahoy there mates! I've never really been much of a cruise guy ... which is why I guess my name isn't Johnny Ship. Prior to this trip, I'd been on two (count 'em, two) cruises in my whole life. They were both long weekend bachelor party cruises on Carnival (to Mexico out of Los Angeles). I was even apprehensive about those and they were with 30 of my closest friends who were up to nothing but mischief. Those days are long gone (sure, they are Johnny; keep telling yourself that!) and almost 10 years have passed since I stepped aboard a cruise ship. FYI: I did take an 18 hour Irish passenger ferry to France, but I don't think that counts. Do you? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgette-Southwest-Florida-2008.html After spending a weekend with my sister and her family on the more populous east coast, my husband Cam and I headed west on Florida's I-75 (Alligator Alley) to Bradenton, north of Sarasota. Here, we spent one night at The Londoner, Manatee County's only bed and breakfast. Our authentically English host Jennifer Taylor, met us when we arrived and served tea for me and beer for Cam, and we relaxed on the 1926 wrap-around porch after our three and a half-hour drive. The inn is so cozy and each room is elegantly designed and named for a section of London. The bathrooms are all newly renovated and spic and span. Breakfast the next morning was a real treat when Jennifer cooked us an English-style breakfast, with homemade scones made from English flour with clotted cream and strawberry jam, eggs, English bacon and English tea. We hated to leave and promised to be back soon. The prices are very reasonable; our room was $140 a night. She also does an English teatime, if booked in advance. The Londoner Bed and Breakfast, 304 15th Street West, Bradenton, FL, Tel: 866-472-8283. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12102008.html Greetings from the good ol' U.S. of A! For all you readers who are new, welcome! I was on over 100 NPR stations this weekend with Rick Steves (we taped it in Seattle a couple of months ago) and I was also on about the same number of local stations with Peter Greenberg and WGN Chicago so we have quite a lot of new subscribers. To give a quick re-cap, I just completed a trip around the world, which I'm about to start telling you about this week. While I was away, I received a ton of emails from family, friends and readers, concerned about my safety, which I greatly appreciated. Thank you! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Alan-Hogenauer-Systematic-Travel-20084.html Challenges for the travel junkie. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12032008.html As I wrote last week, I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I was in India and was scheduled to check into the Taj Palace in Mumbai, just 36 hours after the attacks. There was a good chance that I would have either been in my room or at Cafe Leopold around 9:30pm. When the tragedy occurred, I was in a remote part of India on a tiger safari and I learned about it when I checked my BlackBerry in the middle of the night. When I read the CNN breaking news email alert, my eyes opened wide and my heart started to pound. The emails started pouring in from concerned friends and family. Scared and outraged, I was forced to spend an extra night at the incredible lodge where I was, before making the trek to Nagpur and then flying to Mumbai. My family thought I was insane for flying INTO the madness and not returning home the way I had arrived (via Europe). But I wasn't going to let cowardly terrorists deter me from continuing on with my round-the-world trip. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Juliet-Pennington-Las-Vegas-Trump-Hotel-2008.html The Spa at Trump at the new Trump International Hotel and Tower in Las Vegas offers luxury and extravagance and is definitely worthy of the Trump name. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11192008.html Howdy from Houston, Texas! Last week, we left off from one of the most beautiful and expensive places on earth: the island of Bora Bora. This week, we fly back to reality but not before experiencing Air Tahiti Nui's business class product. My Los Angeles to Houston leg was on Southwest Airlines so reality kicked in pretty fast ... but I have to say it wasn't all that bad. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Juliet-Pennington-Las-Vegas-Planet-Hollywood-2008.html There are many hotel options in Las Vegas and many factors that weigh into one's decision about where to stay. Location, price, quality and comfort usually top the list. Using these guidelines, I'd have to say my favorite hotel in Las Vegas is Planet Hollywood. It's located in a great spot on The Strip, it's reasonably priced and it features rooms that are not only comfortable, but way, way cool. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Alan-Hogenauer-Systematic-Travel-20083.html A few simple "rules" of systematic travel to help you determine if this approach to travel is right for you. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11122008.html Greetings! This is my last report from paradise. I know ... but unfortunately, I had to leave some time and get back to reality. We left off last week from the secluded island of Taha'a. From the posh Le Taha'a Resort you can see the famous island of Bora Bora off in the distance; it's about 20 miles away. Natalie and I were scheduled to take a helicopter from the resort's helipad directly to the Four Seasons Bora Bora. You know that would have been a breathtaking, 10-minute ride but unfortunately, there was a mechanical issue. So instead, we took the 35-minute boat transfer back to the Raiatea airport. Although it meant our trip would be 10 times longer, it was still pleasurable. We showed up just 30 minutes before our Air Tahiti flight, which was more than enough time to check in. The plane came in from Moorea and it was on time. They fly an ATR 42-500 that holds 50 passengers, not some little puddle jumper fortunately. Since Air Tahiti only offers open seating, I asked the flight attendant which side offered the best views. The left-hand side won again, just like when we came in from Moorea. Unfortunately, the plane windows were dirty and the seats were really tight but for a 14-minute flight, who's complaining? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Sarah-Smith-Peru-2008.html My first tip for traveling in Peru: When LAN, the biggest airline in the country, advises you to arrive two hours before your flight, even a domestic one, listen to them. This may be a country where you'll pass burros on the road and have to drink bottled water, but they take air travel seriously. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Alan-Hogenauer-Systematic-Travel-20082.html Continuing where we left off last week, let's look more closely at four more "country" lists, both the two previously promised and two more for good measure. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11052008.html Ia orana! We left off last week from one of the world's most beautiful (and most expensive) islands, Moorea! This week, we continue with our four-island trip to French Polynesia and take a 30-minute flight to Raiatea before transferring by boat to a secluded island called Taha'a! It's as close to Fantasy Island as you can get with five-star, luxury overwater bungalows and practically no one else around. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/FrankieD-Skiing-In-Switzerland-20082.html Welcome back to our Swiss adventure. If you missed last week's installment, you can read it here. And so, we continue. I checked into the venerable Switzerhoff Hotel. Little did I know that this spacious and elegant building, presiding over the lake and city, would become the epicenter of Mardi Gras-style madness in a matter of mere hours. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Alan-Hogenauer-Systematic-Travel-2008.html Systematically planned out travel can provide travelers with a strategy for seeing the world. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10292008.html Iaorana! We left off last week after just touching down in Papeete, Tahiti. Natalie and I spent Saturday night at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort, then ate at their fantastic breakfast buffet before taking the 9:05am ferry to Moorea. We wanted to see the market and the city but supposedly everything is closed on Sundays so there was nothing to do. The island of Moorea is 12 miles away and travelers can either take an exciting eight-minute flight (Air Tahiti or Air Moorea) or take a ferry across. The slow ferry takes an hour and the fast one cuts the time in half. No reservation is needed and I just walked up to the ticket window and bought a one-way adult ticket for 1,050 CFP ($TK USD). http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/FrankieD-Skiing-In-Switzerland-2008.html Looking for travel that's part vacation, part adventure? Switzerland's majestic mountains offer up world-class skiing in an idyllic setting that's perfect for your next getaway. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Margot-Black-Idaho-2008.html When the glaciers of the last great ice age melted, they left a wonderland of lakes, mountains, rivers and valleys across North America. Lush evergreens sprouted up on the mountains and summer sunshine warmed the waters. Modern man came along and added a few theme parks, a brewery and a stunning lakeside luxury resort and spa. Okay, now I'm enticed and eager to explore. I pack my family up and head off on a good old-fashioned road trip to the Idaho Panhandle. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10212008.html G'day! This isn't our usual newsletter so don't panic; we'll be sending that one out in the next day or so. This one is just to give you the inside scoop about Qantas' A380, the world's biggest commercial aircraft, which you have probably seen all over the news this week. As you can see from the picture, I was fortunate enough to be one of the 150 guests to go on an exclusive two-hour "VIP" flight that included Qantas ambassador John Travolta and Australian singer Olivia Newton-John. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10152008.html Iaorana! This week we're coming to you from French Polynesia! That's right, Tahiti baby! I just landed in Papeete, which is on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Did you know that French Polynesia is an archipelago made up of 118 islands and atolls? They are so spread out that the total area they cover is equivalent to the size of Europe! But if you put all the islands together, they would only make up a landmass slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island. It's crazy, isn't it? If you want to get away from all the economic strife here in the United States, then this might very well be the place for you. Join us for this four-island journey. We begin with our flight from LAX aboard one of my favorite airlines. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/MattPortLudlow2008.html Has inflation and peak oil put a crimp in your travel budget? You don't have to travel far to embark on a journey of discovery. It is the state of mind and not the actual state that creates the sense of adventure. So, can we experience the wonder of traveling abroad in our own backyard? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/David-Zuchowski-The-Europe-Book-Book-Review-2008.html For its size, Europe, the second smallest continent after Australia, is surprisingly diverse. For one, the birthplace of Western civilization has the world's largest island (Greenland) and both the planet's smallest country (Vatican City) and the largest (Russia). http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10082008.html Iaorana! I'm visiting some incredibly beautiful tropical islands right now and I don't have a lot of Internet time. So instead of our usual travel story this week, I'm going to share an article that I recently wrote for MedjetAssist (see Website of the Week). I'm pretty sure that anyone who travels will find it useful. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/SarahKBigBear2008.html When you mention Big Bear to most Californians, they think of ski trips and Christmastime cabins covered in snow. Most of us Los Angelinos enjoy a good laugh every winter when watching the news and seeing the poor residents of this mountain town getting snowed in for days at a time. But there's another side to this active city during the non-winter months when everyone comes out to play, and Big Bear becomes a magical wonderland with gorgeous scenery and a quaint environment perfect for a romantic or active weekend getaway. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/CDCFlu2008.html Rushing from flight to flight and from bus to train, business travelers and daily commuters are often so busy they forget that an illness can rapidly put the brakes on productivity or ruin a much-deserved vacation. With as many as one in five Americans getting influenza or "the flu" in some years, there is a pretty good chance that the flu will interrupt your work or play this season. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10012008.html Greetings from the Pacific Northwest! This week we travel up the west coast to Seattle, Washington to visit friends and be a guest on Rick Steves' radio show. The weather was nothing less than spectacular and so was the entire two-day trip. If you're up for some not-so-sleepless nights, tips on how to get the best deal on a car rental and take in some sightseeing, then hurry up and join in the fun. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/DaveBushellMendocino2008.html Friday morning. Early. My first assignment. In the last several weeks, I have been referred to as a reporter, a journalist, a rookie. But nothing fit. This is not what I do or who I am! I am a "movie guy". A film producer, to be precise. The lady on the phone asked, "You're the travel writer?" Liking this new identity but eschewing titles, I replied, "Yes, but no." http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/GeorgetteNewZealand42008.html Auckland, New Zealand http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09242008.html Greetings from Southern California! I'm happy to be back home after spending most of the summer on the east coast. In this edition, we travel from Toronto to New York City and then to Los Angeles. Along the way, I learned some helpful tips about New York City public transportation, where to get free Internet and even where you can find $1 tickets to travel between New York City and Washington D.C.! If you're interested in all of this, plus taking an autumn Circle Line Sightseeing tour, then flying across the country with my dad using American Airlines' new Wi-Fi, then hop on for the ride! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/NatalieAirCanada2008.html I'm not normally a business or first class kind of girl. Sure, I've got champagne tastes but the truth is, I've got more of a beer budget. And when I step on a plane to go somewhere, I'm usually so excited about the destination I'd be willing to travel with the cargo, just to get there. So, I fly economy and think nothing of it, despite cramped seats and having to negotiate my side of the armrest before things come to fisticuffs; despite the long lines to use the bathroom and the outrageously overpriced buy-on-board fare that many airlines are favoring these days. I'm rather used to flying economy, usually sitting beside that guy ... you know the one ... avoiding eye contact, burying myself in my book or Sudoku puzzles or trashy celeb magazines --my secret or not-so-secret now that I've told you, in-flight indulgence. I simply pull out my travel journal, put on my iPod and hunker down with an assortment of snacks purchased in advance of the flight. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/GeorgetteNewZealand32008.html Wellington is not just famous for boots. This small city, the capital of New Zealand, is known for its charming hilltop dwellings, its westerly wind drift, the bay, Peter Jackson and cafes. Nature is close by. The culture is tranquil chic and everyone seems to enjoy life in the beautiful city on the harbor. The temperature in winter hovers around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and in summer, it only rises to the low 70s. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09172008.html Greetings! This week we're going to take a spin on a new airline that serves New York and Toronto (other U.S. gateways are in the works). And when I say Toronto, I mean downtown, baby! The small airport this airline flies into is actually just on the outskirts of the city on an island, making it a joy to travel to and from -- especially considering the immigration process. Then we'll check into a hotel that's so plush that most Hollywood stars stay there when they're in town. And then there's the border crossing. Do I have some tips for you on driving across the border; I made the jaunt a couple of times. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/GeorgetteNewZealand22008.html Welcome back to the second installment of my four-part series on New Zealand. When we left off last week, I was in Queenstown. I flew Air New Zealand from Queenstown to Christchurch, a quick one-hour flight that can cost as little as $80 NZ. The most amazing thing was that I just walked on to the plane ... no security! It actually felt quite strange walking out of the beautiful, one-gate airport on to a plane without any hassle! This is just one reason to love New Zealand! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/MikeRimini22008.html Welcome back to part two of my tour around Italy's northern region. When we left off last week, I had visited the walled city of Urbino, Verruchio and San Leo. But as you'll see in this week's story, there's much more to this area to discover! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09102008.html Greetings! This week we fly out to California to attend a Malibu beach party and then almost head back to New York City in the middle of Tropical Storm Hanna. Would you believe that I actually grabbed my bags from the overhead bin and walked off the plane because I didn't feel comfortable? More details to come. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/GeorgetteNewZealand12008.html I really had no idea what to expect when I left Southern New England on a balmy day in June and headed for New Zealand's South Island. I was going from the middle of my summer in the U.S. to the middle of New Zealand's winter. I arrived in Auckland during a cold rain and couldn't see much from my window. But when my domestic Air New Zealand flight approached the Remarkable Mountain range of Queenstown, I was awestruck by the rounded peaks; they looked like the volcanic hills of Tahiti, but instead of tropical plants, the mountains were snowcapped and trailed by an almost black verdant covering. In all my travels, it was scenery I'd never seen before. Had I arrived on another planet? Well, almost. The people were as friendly as Munchkins, the air was cleaner than anything I'd ever breathed and little did I know ... I was in for the time of my life! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/MikeRimini2008.html In the northern part of central Italy, there exists a region of charming hill towns and imposing castles. Panoramic vistas beautify the Apennine foothills and the Adriatic appears in the background. Gazing upon these views, a visitor will quickly realize how this beautiful landscape could easily become an artist's inspiration. For centuries, saints, poets and noblemen have frequented this fertile terrain of chestnut and olive tree orchards seeking sanctuary, inspiration and a lasting heritage. History enthusiasts take note; this location has afforded complete gratification for those seeking to admire medieval grandeur and Renaissance brilliance. The picturesque region is the Merchia Valley, also known as Valmarecchia, situated between the states of Emilia Romagna, Marche and Tuscany. In addition to its striking countryside and history, the Valmarecchia boasts a celebrated cuisine that offers flavorful regional dishes accompanied by some of Italy's most renowned wines. So without further delay and with much interest, I'm pleased to say that the Valmarecchia and the Province of Rimini are my next destinations. Join me, won't you? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09032008.html I can't believe summer is almost over in North America. Labor day marks the unofficial end of my favorite season, thus making it my least favorite holiday. I guess, like Pavlov's dog, I've learned a trained response after all these years. As a kid, Labor Day meant that it was time for the beaches to close in the northeast, there would be a slight chill stinging the air and worst of all, it was time to go back to school and do homework. Boo! The good news is that my brother and I made the most of a hot summer weekend by taking a trip out to Shelter Island. If you're up for learning about this place on the far end of Long Island, then grab your boat shoes and come cruising with us. You'll love this place; it's got a little bit of Americana and a touch of the south of France, all rolled up in one. What's not to love? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/JohnSimeonHawaii2008.html Out my back window, the high desert summer is maturing. The days have been shortening and cooling to the high fifties and sixties. The few strands of summer green have become muted amongst the grays and browns of the sagebrush. It is late August in the mountains of California. The Eastside of California or "the right side of California" as I sometimes call it. Though, some might not call it that for one reason: The short season for swimming. It takes time for mountain lake waters and streams to lose their iciness. Swimming in May one bathes in solitude. In June, bathing requires fortitude. But in July and August, if you know where to go, the pristine waters of the Eastern Sierra's water holes and lakes is unparalleled, at least in the freshwater swimming department. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08272008.html Greetings from Pennsylvania! After attending a public relations conference in Pittsburgh, then checking out a few sights and dining at a handful of restaurants in the city, I've come to a conclusion: Pittsburgh gets a bad rap that it just doesn't deserve. I've been to Pittsburgh many times in the summer and each visit, it just keeps getting better. If you want to learn why, then come along for the ride. After Pittsburgh, we're hopping on a bus and driving two hours north to Erie (yes, I took Greyhound). All aboard! Oh wait; that's Amtrak's slogan. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/AnnaWashingtonHeights2008.html Since arriving in New York six months ago, I've heard many a hip Village resident proclaim, "Nothing happens above 12th Street." Visitors to Manhattan usually follow in suit, venturing only as far north as Central Park. But look a little further north, okay, more than a hundred blocks further north, and you'll find a slice of Manhattan that so often goes unnoticed. The humble streets of Washington Heights, however, have attracted political leaders, artists, immigrants since the 18th century, and more recently inspired the Tony-nominated Broadway musical In the Heights. Washington Heights also just happens to be where I have been living for the past half a year. After a long winter of hibernation, I thought it due time to get out into my neighborhood and explore. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08202008.html Greetings from America's east coast! This week we fly from Los Angeles to New York on Delta Airlines (can you believe they just raised their fees for mileage awards to a ridiculous amount?) and then on to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in one of jetBlue's new ERJ-190s. If you're interested in seeing what this plane has to offer, plus take a backstage tour of Broadway's hottest show then what are you waiting for? Let's go! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/MargotBlackSantaBarbara2008.html Picturesque Santa Barbara, California has an irresistible charm that you can't help but notice from the moment you arrive. The city has spectacular beaches, abundant scenic waterfront walkways and an elegance and sophistication that comfortably co-exists alongside a casual beach vibe. The area is packed with attractions, activities, restaurants, parks, festivals, marinas, hiking trails, shops, award-winning wineries, impressive architecture and historical monuments. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08132008.html Greetings from the world's largest passenger airplane! The A380 made its U.S. debut last week when Emirates Airlines made the first commercial landing of the mammoth, double-decker passenger plane on American soil. The A380 is so special because it's the world's only twin-deck, four-aisle airliner and I was fortunate enough to get one of the coveted invites for a two-hour cruise up the Californian coast. With all the media and hype surrounding the event (including the fact that Buzz Aldrin was on board), I felt like I was witnessing a new era in airline history. To find out what it's like to fly on this plane, see a ton of pictures and check out a two-minute Johnny Jet video, then come aboard and fasten your seatbelt! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/DavidZuchowskiDisappearingDestinationsBookReview2008.html One of the joys of traveling is becoming awestruck by a gorgeous vista or a wild, pristine and scenic panorama; to be enthralled by a visit to a remote, yet favorite hot spot such as China's Great Wall, Machu Picchu or the Taj Mahal. Yet often, the very appeal of these places begins the cycle of visitation and degradation that threatens to eventually spoil and defile them. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/DesmondGullane2008.html There's a bend in the road at Longniddry, when you come out to the sea and turn right. It opens a view that ties together the elements that bring a thrill of anticipation to anyone who has ever played Scotland's game. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08062008.html Greetings from Los Angeles! With my impeccable sense of timing, I made it back home just in time for the earthquake. I was here for a few days to attend the largest business travel convention and a couple of parties; one sane, the other not so much. This week, I have some tips and tricks for you, about flying coast-to-coast, news and pictures from the National Business Travel Association conference I attended, including shots of many airlines' new premium class seats, and pictures from a six-man volleyball tournament that should really be played on October 31. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/MarcMeredithCustomHotel2008.html This boutique airport hotel is anything but typical, offering a welcome change of pace for layover passengers. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/BuzzyTravelGear2008.html One of the more odious airline strategies to offset fuel prices (and stick it once more to consumers), is charging passengers for checked luggage. (Hopefully, U.S. airlines will not go as far as SAS, which charges even for tea, coffee and soft drinks on its intra-Scandinavian flights; if you're lucky, a hot drink might be free.) As more people start carrying otherwise checked luggage on board, the flying experience grows more frustrating: aisles clog during boarding while passengers struggle to shove bags of all shapes and sizes into overhead compartments that stubbornly refuse to expand to accommodate the increased loads. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/MillionMileFlyerJetBlue2008.html For those of you who try to leave New York on a Friday night for a weekend trip, this might sound a bit like stating the obvious but here I go: It's much easier to leave on Saturday morning! For a start, the limo ride normally takes only 40 minutes from Manhattan to JFK on a Saturday. On a Friday night, it's a lottery. It's almost impossible to judge how long the trip will take you. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07302008.html Greetings from the good ol' U S of A! I'm back in the States, this time in New York City. The flight from Dusseldorf to New York was easy; immigration was not. This week, we're covering some highlights in New York City and some lowlights, too, like my brother being diagnosed with cancer. It's been quite a week. So, turn on your air conditioning, sit back, relax and I'll tell you all about my trip to New York. BTW: Did you know that you can take a hot air balloon ride in Central Park? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07232008.html (Guten tag from Berlin. We're picking up where we left off last week, which was at the Tegel Airport. If you're interested in discovering this fascinating and relatively inexpensive city, then grab your walking shoes and don't forget your camera) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/MargotBlackBabyProductReview2008.html (Innovative products that make traveling with kids a breeze. By Margot Black) http://rd.smartertravel.com/?r=SL_jj_textlink_travel-advice002_week0725 (The real cost of flying is harder than ever to determine thanks to new fees for checked bags, food and beverages, and other services that used to be free. In part one of this Airline Fees Survival Guide, Jessica Labrencis showed you which fees to compare before you book your flight. This week, I'll be demonstrating how to avoid being caught by fees at the airport and in the sky. ) http://rd.smartertravel.com/?r=SL_jj_textlink_travel-advice001_week0725 (The U.S. is a hodge-podge of different regions, each with a unique personality. Thus, even in difficult economic times like these, when Europe and far-flung destinations seem impossible to afford, you can still find a world-class destination in your own backyard. Here are my top picks for places that I consider to be classic stops you won't find anywhere else in the world. Plus, you won't have to spend a fortune to experience them in style.) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07162008.html (Newsletter for July 16, 2008) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/MargotBlackCatalina2008.html (Catalina Island) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07092008.html (Los Angeles to Germany on Air Berlin) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/SarahKHawaii2008.html (Sarah Kozer's Fitness Vacation in Hawaii) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07022008.html (Hong Kong to L.A.; Helicopter to JFK) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/MikeMexico2008.html (Riviera Maya, Mexico) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/DavidZuchowskiCancunBookReview2008.html (BOOK REVIEW: People's Choice Guide Cancun) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06252008.html (Hong Kong, China) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/LorraineQuebec2008.html (St. Lucia) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/TomMiami2008.html (Casa Casuarina) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06182008.html (Hong Kong, China) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/LorraineQuebec2008.html (Quebec) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/MedJet22008.html (Jet Lag Tips) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06112008.html (Macau, China) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/SheliaOconnorPuertoRico2008.html (San Juan, Puerto Rico) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06042008.html (Hong Kong Airport to Macau) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/VivienSeychelles2008.html (Seychelles) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05282008.html (Connecticut and Flight to Hong Kong) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/GeorgetteLakeTahoe2008.html (Lake Tahoe) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/AubreyKohSamui2008.html (Koh Samui, Thailand) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05212008.html (MGM Grand at Foxwoods) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05142008.html (Belize and Guatemala) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/MattCirqueDuSoleil2008.html (Cirque Du Soleil: Corteo) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/DavidZuchowskiPittsburgh2008.html (Pittsburgh, PA) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05072008.html (Miami, Florida) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/KellyGrayWyoming2008.html (Wyoming) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/DavidZuchowskiSignSpotting22008.html (Book Review Signspotting 2) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04302008.html (New Orleans) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/Georgettefiji2008.html (Georgie Jet Fiji) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/ChuckFiji2008.html (Charles Smith Fiji) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04232008.html (Paris to London to L.A.) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/GeorgetteMaineKerry2008.html (Summer Weekend In Maine) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/CarolMontana2008.html (Montana Dude Ranch ) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04162008.html (Bangkok to L.A. to Paris) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04092008.html (Chiang Mai, Thailand) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04022008.html (Phuket, Thailand) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03262008.html (Bangkok, Thailand) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03192008.html (Abu Dhabi) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03122008.html (London T5) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03052008.html (Phoenix, Arizona) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02272008.html (Florida's Gulf Islands) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02202008.html (Honolulu, Hawaii) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02132008.html (The Big Island of Hawaii) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02062008.html (Super Bowl 42) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01302008.html (Cape Town, South Africa) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01232008.html (South Africa Garden Route) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01162008.html (South Africa Safari) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01092008.html (Johannesburg, South Africa) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01022008.html (Year In Review) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/YukiHonduras2007.html (Honduras) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12192007.html (St. Kitts to NYC to South Africa) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12122007.html (St. Kitts) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12052007.html (Brisbane, Australia) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11282007.html (Fraser Island, Australia) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11212007.html (Noosa, Australia) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11142007.html (Sydney, Australia) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11072007.html (Maui, Hawaii) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10312007.html (Germany to Hawaii) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10242007.html (Brussels, Belgium) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10172007.html (Cologne, Germany) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10102007.html (Wales) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10032007.html (London) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09262007.html (MAXjet and Virgin America) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09192007.html (France To JFK to Nantucket) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09122007.html (South of France) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09052007.html (Cannes, France) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08292007.html (Erie, PIT, Manhattan Beach, Air France) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08222007.html (Cooperstown, NY) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08152007.html (Rome, Italy) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08082007.html (Ischia, Italy) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08012007.html (Southern Italy) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07252007.html (Club Med Opio) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07182007.html (Toronto, Canada) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07112007.html San Juan,DFW,L.A.,NYC,CT,Toronto,Erie) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07042007.html Puerto Rico http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06202007.html Hot Air Ballooning In Albuquerque http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06202007.html Vancouver, Canada http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06132007.html Las Vegas http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06062007.html London Airport Hotel, Downtown L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05302007.html Cyprus Part 3 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05232007.html Cyprus Part 2 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05162007.html Cyprus Part 1 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05092007.html Erie to LAX to London http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05022007.html Rio to Miami to Anaheim to Erie http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04182007.html Rio de Janeiro II http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04182007.html Rio de Janeiro http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04112007.html Road To Rio http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04042007.html Curacao http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03282007.html San Francisco, CA http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03212007.html Tulum, Mexico http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03142007.html Key West, Florida http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03072007.html Rabat-Casablanca-JFK-LAX-Palm Beach http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02282007.html Fez, Morocco http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02212007.html Marrakech, Morocco http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02142007.html DFW to LAX to JFK to Morocco http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02072007.html Club Med Cancun Yucatan http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01312007.html Delray Beach, Florida http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01242007.html Housekeeping In L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01172007.html Malaysia to Taipei to LAX http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01102007.html Cameron Highlands, Malaysia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01032007.html Pangkor Island Resort, Malaysia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12272006.html Tanjong Jara Resort, Malaysia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12202006.html Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12132006.html Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12062006.html Stockholm to KL on Malaysia Airlines http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11292006.html Stockholm, Sweden http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11222006.html Madrid Airport and Cologne, Germany http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11152006.html Santiago de Compestela, Spain http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11082006.html Galicia, Spain http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny11012006.html Douro Valley, Portugal http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10252006.html Porto, Portugal http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10182006.html Connecticut to California http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10112006.html Cologne to London to Connecticut http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny10042006.html Cologne, Germany http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09272006.html Sardegna, Italy http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09202006.html NY to London on Eos Airlines http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09132006.html Pennsylvania http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny09062006.html Nantucket http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08302006.html Budapest-NYC-L.A.-Connecticut http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08232006.html Budapest, Hungary http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08162006.html London's Gatwick Experience and Vienna http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08092006.html Bratislava, Slovakia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny08022006.html Prague, Czech Republic http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07262006.html Amsterdam to NY, Dallas, L.A., NY, Copenhagen http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07192006.html Amsterdam, The Netherlands http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07122006.html Edinburgh, Scotland http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny07052006.html Lincolnshire, England http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06282006.html Paris to London http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06212006.html Los Angeles to France http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06142006.html Connecticut and New York City Helicopter Service http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06072006.html Orpheus Island, Australia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05312006.html Cape Tribulation, Australia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05242006.html Ayers Rock, Australia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05172006.html Melbourne, Australia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05102006.html Rotorua, New Zealand http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny05032006.html Treetops, New Zealand http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04262006.html LAX - Auckland, NZ http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04192006.html Scotland to Scottsdale http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04122006.html Da Vinci Code: Scotland http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny04052006.html Da Vinci Code: Lincolnshire, England http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03292006.html Da Vinci Code: London http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03222006.html Da Vinci Code: Paris http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03152006.html L.A. to L.A. (Via Cincinnati, Erie, and Toronto) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03082006.html Montreal to L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny03012006.html Toronto to Montreal http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02222006.html Sydney to Toronto (Via L.A. and Fiji) http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02152006.html Sydney, Australia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02082006.html Namale Fijian Island Resort http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny02012006.html Savusavu, Fiji http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01252006.html Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01182006.html LAX-Fiji http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01112006.html Toronto To Vega$ to Jupiter, FL http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny01032006.html Tokyo to Toronto http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny12282005.html Kyoto, Japan http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_21_05.html#editor Izushi & Miyamacho, Japan Stories http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_14_05.html#editor Kinosaki, Japan Stories http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_07_05.html#editor Los Angeles to Japan on JAL http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_30_05.html#editor Paris to Dublin to Shannon to NYC to LAX http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_23_05.html#editor l'ile de Re, France http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_16_05.html#editor Cherbourg & Paris, France http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_09_05.html#editor Wexford, New Ross, Irish Ferry http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_02_05.html#editor Dublin & Cork http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_26_05.html#editor JFK-SNN-Dublin http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_19_05.html#editor Niagara Falls http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_12_05.html#editor St. Louis II & Martinique http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_05_05.html#editor Chicago & St. Louis http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_28_05.html#editor Western, PA & Nascar http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_21_05.html#editor San Diego, CA http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_14_05.html#editor Laguna Beach, CA http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_07_05.html#editor London http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_31_05.html#editor Rome, Italy http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_24_05.html#editor Capri, Italy http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_17_05.html#editor Cilento, Italy http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_10_05.html#editor Venice, Italy http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_03_05.html#editor Zermatt, Switzerland http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_27_05.html#editor Geneva, Switzerland http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_20_05.html#editor Paris, France http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_13_05.html#editor JFK-LAX-ORD-PARIS http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_06_05.html#editor Nantucket II http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_29_05.html#editor Nantucket http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_22_05.html#editor Connecticut & NYC http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_15_05.html#editor Iceland part 3 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_08_05.html#editor Iceland part 2 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_01_05.html#editor LAX-SFO to Iceland http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_25_05.html#editor Cabo San Lucas 2, Wynn Las Vega$ http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_18_05.html#editor Cabo San Lucas, Mexico http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_11_05.html#editor Chicago, Kentucky Derby http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_04_05.html#editor L.A. Kids Parties & THE hotel in Vega$ http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_27_05.html#editor MXP-EWR-LAX, Carlsbad & La Jolla http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_20_05.html#editor Piemonte, Italy http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_13_05.html#editor Torino, Italy http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_06_05.html#editor LAX-EWR-MXP and Torino http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_30_05.html#editor Jaco, CR - TV Land Awards in L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_23_05.html#editor Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_16_05.html#editor South Beach & San Jose, CR http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_09_05.html#editor Spring Training in Jupiter, FL http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_02_05.html#editor LAX-Charlotte-PBI http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_23_05.html#editor Sideways Tour http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_16_05.html#editor NYC-CT-Pasadena-Grammy's http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_09_05.html#editor LAX-Chicago-New York http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_02_05.html#editor FLL-IAH-LA Times Travel Show http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_26_05.html#editor Palm Beach County, Florida http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_19_05.html#editor Chicago-L.A.-PHL-Erie-PBI http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_12_05.html#editor SYD-Los Angeles-Chicago http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_05_05.html#editor Sydney, Australia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_29_04.html#editor Fiji to Australia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_22_04.html#editor Fiji - Cousteau http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_15_04.html#editor Fiji - SavuSavu http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_08_04.html#editor Fiji - Castaway & Taveuni http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_01_04.html#editor Fiji- Tavarua & Tokoriki http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_24_04.html#editor Atlanta-FL-MEM-L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_17_04.html#editor Chicago-Toronto http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_10_04.html#editor LAX-MSP-Chicago http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_03_04.html#editor Florida http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_27_04.html#editor Song To FLL http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_20_04.html#editor Connecticut - NYC http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_13_04.html#editor MI-Chicago-LA-San Diego http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_06_04.html#editor Grand Haven, MI http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_28_04.html#editor Chicago http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_22_04.html#editor America West & Vega$ http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_15_04.html#editor LA/NYC/CT/Jet Blue http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_08_04.html#editor Erie, PA - LAX http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_01_04.html#editor L.A. ~ Psychic - Erie Helicopter http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_25_04.html#editor NYC - LAX http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_18_04.html#editor Longest Flight In The World; SIN-EWR http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_11_04.html#editor Singapore Part 2 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_04_04.html#editor BKK-Singapore http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_28_04.html#editor Bangkok http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_21_04.html#editor KIX to Thailand http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_14_04.html#editor Osaka, Japan http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_07_04.html#editor St. Lucia - Japan http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_30_04.html#editor St. Lucia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_23_04.html#editor LA, Jamaica, St. Lucia--Part 1 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_16_04.html#editor Train To Boston, Belmont Stakes, CT http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_08_04.html#editor NYC, Memorial Day In CT http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_02_04.html#editor LA, San Diego http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_26_04.html#editor LA, Chicago, Tony Robbins http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_19_04.html#editor CLE-ORD-LAX http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_12_04.html#editor LGA-PIT, ERIE http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_05_04.html#editor LAX-JFK, AirTrain, CT, NYC http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_28_04.html#editor Hollywood http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_21_04.html#editor L.A. House Guests & NYC http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_14_04.html#editor Surfers Paradise & Byron Bay http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_07_04.html#editor Bondi Beach http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_31_04.html#editor The Blue Mountains http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_24_04.html#editor Sydney, Australia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_17_04.html#editor Vatulele, Coral Coast, Nadi-SYD http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_10_04.html#editor Vatulele Island http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_03_04.html#editor Castaway Island, Fiji http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_25_04.html#editor Savusavu, Fiji http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_19_04.html#editor San Diego, Travel Show, LAX-NAN http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_11_04.html#editor San Francisco, L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_04_04.html#editor LAX, Chicago http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_28_04.html#editor L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_21_04.html#editor Flight From ORD, LAX Restaurants http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_14_04.html#editor Palm Beach, Florida http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_07_04.html#editor Erie, PA & flight to West Palm Beach http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_31_03.html#editor L.A, Chicago, Christmas in Erie http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_24_03.html#editor ERI, Chicago, Las Vega$ http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_17_03.html#editor LAX, IAD, Cleveland, Erie http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_10_03.html#editor Puerto Vallarta http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_03_03.html#editor Puerto Vallarta http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_26_03.html#editor Palm Springs, San Diego, Puerto Vallarta http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_19_03.html#editor SF0, Palm Springs http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_12_03.html#editor Hollywood, Chicago, Oakland, S.F. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_05_03.html#editor Sandestin, Dallas, L.A. Fires http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_29_03.html#editor Sandestin, Florida http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_22_03.html#editor L.A., Atlanta, Fort Walton http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_15_03.html#editor Chicago, L.A., Jordan http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_08_03.html#editor Chicago http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_01_03.html#editor Denver Airport, Holister Ranch, Solvang http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_24_03.html#editor W. Hollywood, ORD, Cleveland, Chicago http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_17_03.html#editor Grand Central Station & Connecticut http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_10_03.html#editor New York City http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_03_03.html#editor L.A. & San Francisco http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_27_03.html#editor SD, L.A., D.C., Cleveland, & Erie http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_20_03.html#editor South Dakota http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_13_03.html#editor Denver, South Dakota & Nebraska http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_06_03.html#editor Alaska & L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_30_03.html#editor LAX, SFO, Anchorage http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_23_03.html#editor AJ & Jamie's Wedding In Brooklyn http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_16_03.html#editor L.A. - NYC - Aspen http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_09_03.html#editor 4th Of July In L.A. & MTV Party & Pink's http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_02_03.html#editor Connecticut, NY & L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_26_03.html#editor Erie, Fairport Harbor, Ohio & Connecticut http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_18_03.html#editor Connecticut, NYC & D.C., Cleveland, Erie http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_11_03.html#editor MTV Movie Awards, NYC & Belmont Stakes http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_04_03.html#editor Las Vega$, VH1 Diva Party & MGM Hotel http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_28_03.html#editor L.A. Proud Bird & Flt Home From Tahiti http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_22_03.html#editor Taha'a, Chicago, New York, CT http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_15_03.html#editor French Polynesia's Island Of Bora Bora & NYC http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_08_03.html#editor French Polynesia's Island Of Moorea http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_01_03.html#editor L.A.: JJ's Book! Birthdays & Tahiti http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_23_03.html#editor Hamilton Island, Sydney, Flight Home http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_17_03.html#editor Great Barrier Reef http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_10_03.html#editor Hamilton Island http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_03_03.html#editor Sydney pt. 2 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_27_03.html#editor Sydney pt. 1 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_20_03.html#editor Intro to Australia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_15_03.html#editor Flight To Australia http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_05_03.html#editor TV Land Awards in L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_26_03.html#editor San Diego http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_19_03.html#editor L.A. Times Travel Show http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_12_03.html#editor Hawaii Pt. 2 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_05_03.html#editor Hawaii http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_29_03.html#editor Niece & Nephew In L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_23_03.html#editor Dad In L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_15_03.html#editor L.A. / NYC http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_08_03.html#editor Year in Review for 2002 http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_03_03.html#editor L.A. / Cleveland http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_26_02.html#editor L.A., San Diego, Mexico http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_18_02.html#editor Vega$ http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_11_02.html#editor ERIE, CT, NY, LA, VEGA$ http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter12_04_02.html#editor CT / NY / WESTERN PA http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_27_02.html#editor LONDON - LA - NY http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_20_02.html#editor LONDON http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_13_02.html#editor L.A.- LONDON http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter11_06_02.html#editor NYC / SOUTH CAROLINA / LA http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_30_02.html#editor CLEVELAND / CHICAGO http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_23_02.html#editor NYC, SOPRANO PARTY, D.C., CLE, CHICAGO http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_16_02.html#editor LONG BEACH, THE IVY, LAX-JFK, CONNECTICUT http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_09_02.html#editor CLEVELAND / HOLLYWOOD http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter10_02_02.html#editor LA / CHICAGO / CONNECTICUT http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_25_02.html#editor HAWAII FOR DINNER http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_18_02.html#editor DENVER-BOISE-LA-SAN FRANCISCO http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_12_02.html#editor VANCOUVER http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_11_02.html#editor September 11 Special http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter09_04_02.html#editor NYC / LA / ORLANDO http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_28_02.html#editor CONNECTICUT / NYC http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_21_02.html#editor CHICAGO / LA / NY http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_14_02.html#editor CLEVELAND / LA / CHICAGO http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter08_07_02.html#editor ERIE, PA http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_31_02.html#editor SALT LAKE CITY http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_24_02.html#editor LA / SALT LAKE CITY http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_17_02.html#editor CHICAGO / CLEVELAND / DENVER / LAX http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_10_02.html#editor LAX-ORD-CLE http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter07_03_02.html#editor ALASKA / LA http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_26_02.html#editor ALASKA! http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_19_02.html#editor LAX - SLC - ANC http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_13_02.html#editor LA / CT / BELMONT STAKES in NY http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter06_05_02.html#editor JFK-LAX-JFK http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_30_02.html#editor MAUI OR CONNECTICUT http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_23_02.html#editor CHICAGO / LOS ANGELES / CONNECTICUT http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_17_02.html#editor THE KENTUCKY DERBY http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_10_02.html#editor New Mexico http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter05_01_02.html#editor ERIE, CLEVELAND, CHICAGO, L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_24_02.html#editor CONNECTICUT / NY / PIT / ERIE http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_17_02.html#editor HONG KONG? or CONNECTICUT? http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_10_02.html#editor CT / NY / LA / DISNEYLAND http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter04_04_02.html#editor BACK IN THE AIR BABY!I http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_27_02.html#editor L.A. http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_20_02.html#editor CALIFORNIA http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_13_02.html#editor ANGUILLA / ST. MAARTEN / ANITGUA / NJ / LA http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter03_08_02.html#editor LA / NJ / NY / CT / ST MAARTEN / ANGUILLA http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_27_02.html#editor GETTING READY FOR VACATION http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_20_02.html#editor L.A. / CHICAGO / MINNEAPOLIS http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_14_02.html#editor LA LA LAND http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter02_06_02.html#editor CHICAGO, NEW ORLEANS http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_30_02.html#editor CHILLING IN CHICAGO... LITERALLY http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/letter01_23_02.html#editor SURFING IN HAWAII... 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