Charitable Travel: Discounts & Deals

Shopping should feel good in more ways than one, don't you think? We spotted this interesting website for those who want to shop and do a little good while they're at it. Good Shop is a growing coupon service that allows consumers to plan family vacations and save money at more than 1,000 online stores (including Expedia, cheaptickets, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Budget Rent-A-Car and others) while supporting their favorite charity. It lists hundreds of great coupons and deals and a percentage of every sale at these stores goes back to the charity of the users’ choice. This allows people to save money and help a good cause at the same time.

Here’s how it works:

1. Go to www.GoodShop.com
2. Designate your favorite cause (you only do this the first time)
3. Click to your favorite store – check out the travel category, book a vacation with the coupons listed, and a percentage of your purchase will go to your cause

Here are some examples of coupons listed on GoodShop:

1. Southwest Airlines Vacations Coupon - Save up to $80 when you book a flight + hotel of 3 nights or more to any Las Vegas property
2. STA Travel - $25 off any flight Coupon
3. Travelocity Coupon - Book a 5-Night Vacation and Save $100

www.goodshop.com

Eco-Conscious Travel Style: Organic Rain Tees

In the Winter of 2007, Beth Doane changed her life forever. "I was running my clothing distribution company, Andira, for about two years when I started to feel this odd sense of emptiness and lack of respect for the fashion industry," Doane admits.

"I was learning so much about import and distribution of international brands through my travel internationally, trade shows, and fashion weeks, but none of what I was learned was fulfilling. I started to see the toxicity of mass production and began asking questions about price points and color-ways, when I also asked who was making this handbag or that line of dresses, where they lived, how much they were paid and what kinds of fabrics are used and how they are developed... questions the industry seemed to conveniently avoid. It seemed no amount of yoga or red wine could make my real questions or concerns about fashion go away. The more I had all this running through my head, the more miserable I became so I decided to do something about it."
Alas... Rain Tee was born.

Rain Tees, her 100% organic apparel line for women and children is designed by youth living in endangered rain forests across Central and South America, each featuring their own thoughts and illustrations regarding their tropical homeland. For every Rain Tee sold, a child involved in Kids Saving the Rain Forest, Costa Rica will receive a tree they can plant to replace one that has been destroyed.

Why tees for the rain forest?

"I knew that rain forests act like a delicate balancing mechanism for our entire planet. By keeping them intact we can control weather patterns globally. I knew this was an area in desperate need of global attention, so I started with combining nature (which affects everyone in the world)- with apparel - something that can reach everyone in the world," Doane explains. She traveled to the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, areas of La Selva Maya in Mexico, worked with teams of volunteers in Ecuador and Bolivia, researchers in Brazil, and NGO's in Peru that traveled deep into the Amazon Jungle to do art sessions with the children.

Manufactured in Peru, the tees give new employment opportunities to people who are often forced out of their homes to work for oil companies, cut trees, or poach animals illegally to feed their families because the waterways have become polluted due to industrialization. Using family-owned, vertically-integrated factories that pay their workers 25% above average wages, Doane tries to keep the manufacturing process as eco-conscious as possible, from the way the fabric is selected to the way the tees are packaged to ship. With each Rain Tee purchase, you're not only supporting fair trade and fair labor practices, but you're promoting reforestation, creating environmental education for youth living in both endangered tropical forests and in our local communities, and creating green jobs for workers in rain forest communities so they do not feel forced to work in deforestation, animal trafficking, or oil industries.

And really... if you're going to wear something cute, you might as well make the most of it.

www.raintees.com

Juicy Couture's "Pink Passport" Sale

Everyone secretly knows… if you want to truly be comfortable traveling on a plane, you wear your Juicy lounge pants. With classic loungewear, fragrances, accessories, and haute couture, after ten + years in the biz, Juicy is still the go-to favorite among slinky celebs and soccer moms.

As a tribute to their love of the jaunt, they’ve lovingly announced the launch of their "Pink Passport" travel-inspired shopping initiative. As part of the "Pink Passport" journey, customers will be presented with a two-fold opportunity; an exclusive 20% off in-store discount and a ticket to pick up the Juicy Couture Pink Passport. Each time a customer spends $200 or more on full price items at any Juicy Couture store, they'll receive a stamp in their passport and will automatically be entered to win the ultimate travel sweepstakes. The grand prize winner will be awarded with a dream trip to a Juicy Couture destination of choice. For two runner ups, prizes will include a Juicy travel tote bag filled with sunglasses, fragrance and other travel themed goodies from Juicy. The unique travel-inspired discount commenced April 1st, 2009 and is valid in all Juicy Couture locations, focusing on specific North America cities: New York City (NY), Las Vegas (NV), Aventura (FL), Boca Raton (FL), Merrick Park (FL), San Antonio (TX), Honolulu (HI), Waikiki (HI) as well as support for Asia, Dubai, Milan and soon Bruton Street - ultimately enticing shoppers to build Juicy Couture into a seamless shopping experience whether on Fifth Avenue or Hong Kong.

So Jaunt says, “Be Juicy (since every real man wants some meat on those bones) and buy Juicy (since theirs look the best on that booty).” You’d be hard pressed to find another brand that has both practical, comfortable travel wear and high-end looks ready for that wine tasting tour in Tuscany.

*Grand prize winner's package value is up to a maximum of $3,000
**Note the sweepstakes is only open to residents of the United States

Tokyo, Japan: Shop Til You Doroppu

A Ganguro Girl - Tokyo, Japan

Doesn't she just look precious? Almost like a Japanese version of Jessica Simpson... on acid... in an Anime porn. We love her so. We also can't seem to get enough of Tokyo. Can you tell? Apparently, neither can our Devi Goddess Heroine Gwen Stefani. So here goes. Together, with Guest Contributor, Adam Fuller, your guide to the best spots to shop 'til you doroppu (at least we think that's how you say it in glorious Nippon).

TOKYO SHOPPING

HARAJUKU
(JR Harajyuku station/Omote sando station/Yoyogi koen station / Meiji Jingu mae station)

This is where Gwennie found inspiration for her line, Harajuku Lovers. Just think... you might even leave looking like this Cosplay girl:

Cosplay, short for 'Costume Play,' is where teens and young adults dress up to look like their favorite Anime characters. Go on a Sunday around Harajuku Station - that's the focal point for this fun fad. Though Harajuku's teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street), check out the Meiji Shrine nearby and Kiddy Land, one of the most popular toy stores around.

www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html

SHIBUYA
Get ready for sensory overload. The busiest intersection in Japan, this is the place you’ve most likely seen in movies or commercials with tons of people, lights and huge TV screens on the fronts and sides of skyscrapers blaring advertisements and announcements to the masses. Shibuya is one of (if not the most) popular places in Tokyo for trendy restaurants, shopping, bars and nightlife.

Shibuya 109 Building (ichi-maru-kyu)
A trendy shopping center filled with clothing boutiques. This huge, grey building with a big 109 sign on the top is a landmark. You should see it or run right into it walking away from Shibuya station and veering to the left. Shopping in Shibuya is plentiful. Your best bet is to check out this site for a rundown. Though most people I know just love to wander around and find the gems on a whim.

PARCO
(c) www.sparklette.net

This department store sells everything from trinkets from stalls, to food, and fashionable clothing. Don't get confused by all the crazy naming... the one above is parco part-2, but there's also parco part-1 and parco part-3 nearby.

Seibu Department Store (03-3462-0111)

Akihabara (JR Akihabara station)
This is also the center of Japan’s electronics with over 500 shops. About 30% less than the regular prices, and yes, you can bargain your little heart out.

Aoyama (Tokyo Subway Gaien-mae station or Aoyama ichome station)
Japan Traditional Craft Center (03-3403-2460)
Here you can find traditional crafts from all over Japan. Prices are high, but it's well worth the visit.

Tsukiji Market (Tokyo Subway Tsukiji station) Okay, so maybe you thought all the shopping was just for clothes, but this is the biggest wholesale fish market in Japan.

International Arcade (03-3571-1528) at Hibiya station is another cool place to go.

SHIMOKITAZAWA
Forget the crazy consumerism of Shibuya for a day and check out the hippest part of Tokyo. Retro pop vintage stores, music clubs and noodle shops, this is Tokyo’s Greenwich Village. With clubs like The Village Vanguard Diner, Haight Ashbury, Las Vegas, and Mojo Rising, you’ll get a hint of the homage to all things Western too. A maze of music and art, catch sight of the area while you can. Word on the streets is that developers are pushing for a road that will split the cool area in two ☹
DAIKANYAMA
Brazilian born Alexandre Herchcovitch has his hot store in this fresh area.

La Foret (03-3475-0411) – tres chic and packed with fashionable goodies

FLEA MARKETS
Togo Shrine Flea Market is a great place if you’re looking for antiques. Go on the first, fourth, and fifth Sundays

Yoyogi Park Flea Market - Sunday

Last, but not least, we found these handy websites for true shopaholic:

www.angelfire.com/id/croon/nikki/shibuyashopping.html

www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/tokyo/tokyo_shopping.html

MEK Denim: The Journey of the Jean

Talk about The Sisterhood of the Traveling Jeans! This denim line has taken traveling to the next level with a concept - and fit - second to none. I mean this with every fiber of my being when I say... MEK Denim has some of the best styles - and fit - that I've ever come across. The journey of their jeans is simple - each style is appropriately inspired, and named, after the Owner's favorite locations around the world.



Feel like a casual jaunt to Boulder? There's a jean for you. How about a hanging in Dubai? They have a sheik style with your name on it. A night out in Cape Town? No problem! Let your jeans do the traveling with you.

What was the inspiration for the journey of the jean?

"I travel a lot and I have discovered so many facinating places and different cultures which have been rich sources of inspirations for me," says Founder/Owner, Kevin Chen. "I design every pair of jeans from MEK Denim as an homage to those destinations. I take my visual impressions, the color and flavors of that place and try to capture them in the style of our jeans."

After graduating from FIT in the early 1990s, Chen immediately started designing with a line of cashmere sweaters and men’s dress shirts and ties for a private label. He then worked on the retail side of the industry with a chain of boutiques. "It was a way for me to understand the different aspects of the business before I was ready to launch MEK in 2005," Chen explains.

And understand he does. Right down to tasteful embellishments, the perfect amount of stretch, and well-placed pockets that lift that saggy or flat bum straight to the skies.

So why did he choose to design jeans?

"Primarily because jeans know no boundaries. They are so versatile and wearable from casual days to nights out on the town. And yes – they’re the best thing to wear for traveling!"

We agree with you, Kev.
And we're not just Jauntacholics,
we're Jeanaholics too.

Retails from $115-$135

www.mekdenim.com

Carry It On: Keen's Recycled Travel Bags & Totes

Sing along with me...


"Rice, rice baby... do do do... do do do do..."


Jaunt Magazine is headquartered in the heart of Hollywood which invariably means, we love sushi and we really love rice.



It also means we love to recycle and, what better way to pay homage to our love of the all things green, wrapped in seaweed, and reminiscent of the hard labor it takes to toil in the rice fields than to carry a bag that takes a stylish, earth-friendly, and, more importantly, durable, approach to travel and shopping.

Say hello to KEEN's Hybrid Transport Harvest collection, part of the environmentally-conscious shoe line turned bag and tote maunfacturer.

NORTHRUP from KEEN
This large brown tote is a great companion to any summer destination, from the farmers market to the beach. The beauty of these recycled bags? Their individuality - no two are the same, although all feature the same construction thanks to the varied patterns of the material repurposed to make these totes. It features a cushioned shoulder strap handle, internal security pocket, interior pockets to stash small accessories, and interior water bottle pockets.

Materials: Recycled Rice Paper
Color: Brown Recycle
$40.00

Back in the Fall of 2007, KEEN also launched Hybrid.STAND, an innovative program to promote sustainability through an online contest and campus outreach. KEEN gave $200,000 in grants to individuals and environmental organizations developing projects centered around sustainability. Providing high-quality products to an outdoor community while demonstrating the integrity and leadership of a company truly dedicated to social and environmental commitments, KEEN was also inspired by the 2005 Southeast Asian tsunami to redirect its advertising funds contributing more than $1.5 million to organizations such as the Conservation Alliance, Big City Mountaineers, Medicines Global, and other environmental and social nonprofits.

Talk about not leaving a carbon footprint.

This kind of forward-thinking caught our attention years ago, but it wasn't until we spotted their Harvest line of recycled rice bags that we really began to realize that their design team is stepping it up a notch.


KEARNEY from KEEN
Call it a Backpack or a knapsack. Just don't call it "garbage". Rescued from a fate worse than landfill, this bag uses materials whose lifecycle might have otherwise been underestimated. A durable, formidable, 100% recycled bag for hauling everything you need, wherever it is you're going. It features: water bottle pockets, an external lid pocket, and internal security pocket.

Materials: Recycled Rice Paper
Color: White Recycle
$50.00

It goes without saying that when someone is sporting one of these bags it's a sign that they're Keenly aware of how to make a mark.

www.keenfootwear.com

A Flair Necessity: Hard Tail Forever (and ever)

Hard Tail.

So many underlying meanings to such a name.

So many well-cut garments to choose from.

Seasonless and effortless, you're likely already familiar with their famous (and classic) roll down pant, still the top-selling product due to its excellent cut and shape. We wondered how Dick Cantrell, lounge/yoga/casual wear mogul, was able to have such a great handle on the needs of women. That is, until we discovered Cantrell is an ex-fighter pilot.

Certainly, such a man would understand precision and the subtle art of good angles. Like a well-aged Macallan, Cantrell was at the forefront of the industry over fifteen years ago as a sportswear manufacturer rooted in the southern California lifestyle. Bridging the gap between sloppy sweats and uncomfortable pantyhose, Cantrell helped usher in a casual look for both the gym and cafe. Thanks to him, women in California said hello to soft cottons and clothes that breathe. And hello to comfortable, hip fashion.

We covet his pants, hoodies, dresses, and tops. You name it, we want it. That's why we're so glad there's a shop on 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Thanks to Dick for not charging an arm and a leg, as we could easily go into debt stocking up on them. They're quite possibly the softest - and sturdest - of most casual wear and their dying secrets are second to none. Not only has he launched a 'Green Label' using only organic cottons, but all products are 'Made in the USA' and, we don't know about you, but we're tired of seeing 'Made in China' or 'Made in Bulgaria' on everything from Prada to Stella McCartney. Forgoing what many consider selling out to cheaper production costs (and little to no worker regulation) overseas, Hard Tail offers quality - and sustainability - to the US market when we need it most.

Go Dick!

Photo Above:
Hard Tail Green Label
Style #: GR-101
An organic cotton rib racer back tank dress in Swamp, perfect for traveling to and from Turks & Caicos this summer.
Retail price: $58.00

Style #: VL-13
A cotton voile bell sleeve beach tunic in Redwood perfect for lounging on the beach as you eye that Club Med cabana boy.
Retail price: $54.00

www.hardtailforever.com

A Flair Necessity: Brixton Hats

Question:
How did a couple of SoCal boys from the surfhood develop the coolest caps we've seen in years?


And how did they come up with the name Brixton?

Friends from their days at Transworld Media, a publishing company that owns some of your favorite adventure sports titles (Transworld Skateboarding, Snowboarding, and Surf), they were influenced by the culture around them and beyond. The name? A Clash song about Brixton (pst. Brixton is a part of London). While hunting for cool hats and accessories for the modern man and woman on the move, they hatched an idea and executed it, developing a line of goods perfect for the lover of surf, music, skateboarding, and art...

So here's your hat.

Launched in 2004, David Stoddard, Jason Young & Michael Chapin, inspired by vintage designs and the cultures and influences of California, attribute their traditional, yet modern designs to the friends and associates they met through the action sports community.

Our kinda boys.
For wear.
For travel.

That missing piece of the outfit that brings you to the next level.
The cool hat.

Jaunt Magazine says, "Gracias amorcitos."
The boys and I say check out:


The Clasp Women's Hat which seems to go with everything, The Castor Brown, unisex hat great for vacation, The Parlor Tan, a great women's beach hat...

And the Stout Fedora. Completely crushable, you can pack in bags and it will form back to shape no matter how badly you've packed it. Phew. Brad Pitt... it's calling youuuuuu.

Retails from $10.00-45.00

Palabra.

www.brixtonltd.com

Sardinian Daze: Sardinian Nights

Need to work on your tintarella? Feeling a little self-indulgent? Every hard-working stiff deserves a hot-blooded vacation at least once, twice (hell, three times) before they die. Whether you’re a glamour loving jet-set cat walker or lady-loving lothario, Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is the perfect summer jaunt for you.

Located south of Corsica off the Italian coast, Sardinia is the Mediterranean’s second largest island and one of the most exclusive vacation spots in the world. Heavy with the scent of macchia; a heady mix of rosemary, lavender and pine, the island’s north east coast, known as the Costa Smeralda, is a small piece of sexy Italian heaven on earth. Thank billionaire playboy Aga Khan for the Porto Cervo of it all. One day, while flying his private jet overhead, Khan witnessed the emerald green coast and imagined jade green coves packed with yachts, Missoni, Bvlgari, and Prada; a tastefully chic getaway for wealthy Europeans and stylish Milanese. With six hundred million dollars and a vision, he set about transforming the thirty five mile stretch of mosquito infested, rocky beach into the now swanky Costa Smeralda.

Long known as the summer playground for European royalty like Princess Margaret, King Juan Carlos, and Princess Caroline of Monaco (who enjoyed not one, but two honeymoons here), Sardinia has, for several years, been the au courant stomping grounds for Hollywood ingénues in heat for a fast fling or saucy love affair with a Real Madrid baller or Formula One race car driver. Mariah Carey even chose the island’s tranquil setting, dotted with stazzu style villas, as her undisclosed location to recover from emotional exhaustion a few years ago.
Billionaire, Porto Cervo Sardinia

So Jaunt did what we do best. We headed there with a bevy of beautiful, brainy New Yorkers. Aside for the trials and tribulations of traveling with three women, it was truly the time of our lives. Great food, sleek parties, gorgeous men from Milan, and plenty of opulent yachts. It was heaven... for about a week. Then, let's just say, you need a vacation from this jam-packed party of a vacation... so much excitement and activity around every gorgeous crag and corner.

From James Bond to Wertmuller, Sardinia's rugged blue coastline has simply been the perfect cinema setting for unrestrained passion (see Swept Away). Remember the photos of Princess Di and Dodi Fayed floating on a yacht amid turquoise blue waters? One word: Sardegna. Di certainly knew how to live. She was shopping at the finest boutiques and lounging on a chartered yacht moored off Sardinia's sandy crescents before that fateful Parisian accident.

Flavio Briatore, Benetton Formula One team boss (and Heidi Klum’s ex-baby's daddy), owns Billionaire, the timeless Porto Cervo nightclub shown above, which might possibly contain the highest concentration of good looking people in the world. We'd be lying if we said it wasn't a bit daunting... being faced with leggy models and dark sultry men (all wearing crisp white button-downs with initials on the sleeve, of course). Still, we do recommend finding a yacht or (be-friending one). We were lucky enough to meet some young Milanese men (bless their tanned shiny little hearts) who sailed us around Sardinia's stunning Maddelena islands, not to be missed if you have a boat. We lounged on the deck laughing, drinking Vermentino, and eating handmade pasta with that perfectly salted Italian addition, bottarga. Imagine yourself there too... dripping in diamonds and champagne. It's lovely, isn't it? if only to realize two weeks later that it's also rather silly and self-indulgent. Bottom line: it's still the best place to meet and greet your inner Diva. At least once (or twice) in your life, right?

The breathtaking beaches may not be as lengthy as our favorite Caribbean brothers, but the water, along with the sunbathers, flickers with the sparkling blues and various shades of light and dark. There are also enough babes to earn yourself a neck brace. Long Beach, like its name, is likely the best/longest beach around, but there’s also some fun to be had at the more sheltered Petra Manna Beach, Piccolo Pevero, and Capriccioli. At Spiaggia della Rosa, rose colored sand falls between your toes and Cala Granu, La Dolce Sposa, Romazzino, Del Principe and Liscia Ruia, are a bit further from the Porto Cervo center, but worth a quick trip if you’re staying more than a week.

Even if you’re Daddy Warbucks, keep in mind that during the summer months, a ten-minute cab ride can run roughly $100. That is, of course, unless you speak Italian or have a loud mouth that cries out... 'What? I refuse!" while your girlfriends call you crazy and pull you from the car screaming. A rental car and a cell phone is a must and the only way to see the island’s spectacular coves and beaches. Expect to pay at least $50-$55 a day for an economy car, but remember that the Milanese who take over the island also take over the roads. You better be handy with a stick with good reflexes. Another popular way to discover the beaches, particularly the Costa Smeralda, is by boat. If you’re women traveling alone, you can likely make some Italian friends who will take you out. Otherwise, local charter operators like Mala Kebir (www.malakebir.com) offer sailing trips with or without crew.

If you want to take a break from Porto Cervo’s gliterrati, head inland where the remnants of over seven thousand bronze age nuraghi (stone towers) dot the landscape, a reminder of the local resistance to their numerous invaders. The walled port city of Alghero is filled with medieval towers, narrow cobblestone streets, and shops selling jewelry made from local coral.

If the expenses on the island start to get you down, drown your worries with the superlative wines Sardinia has to offer. For under $5.00 at the local grocery, you’ll find some of the best wines you’ve had in years. Wild, independent, and exotic, the coastal dry plains and hills of Sardinia offer an idyllic climate for the likes of the vine. Sardinia produces some of the smoothest well-structured reds and aromatic, high-acid whites. Occupied by both the Spanish and the ancient Phoenicians, they brought over some of the best varieties around, including dry white Vermentinos, soft floral Torbato, the flavor rich Grenache called Cannonau, and traditional Moscatos from the western part of the island. An unspoken gem of vivid blue-green waters, Sardegna also has over sixty wineries on the island.

Jim Perry, owner of Sardinia Vacations has spent the last few years living on the island learning about the culture, the wine, and the lifestyle of the locals. His recommendation, “The Cannonau. It's a nice hearty red that’s fantastic paired with the local specialty, suckling pig, or lamb, goat, beef, and cinghiale (otherwise known as wild boar).”

PS. Cinghiale is also a fantastic insult. Just make sure you pronounce it correctly.

That said, the food in Sardinia is as tasty as the wine and ranges from rustic pane carasau (literally meaning 'music paper'), a thin unleavened flat bread brushed with oil, soaked in broth and topped with tomato, a poached egg, and grated pecorino to the more refined malloredus (shell shaped dumplings) and gnocchi with grated pecorino, saffron, fresh ricotta and mentuccia, a mint-like Mediterranean herb.

Restaurants
Mama Orsa (Tel: 078-999-462), Pepero (Tel: 078-994-434)
Sotto Vento and Sopra Vento (Tel: 078-992-443) all serve delicious fare, but don’t expect to start eating until ten at night.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, sip some Limoncello, start planning, and get ready to party until seven am. While heavily researching her own trip to Sardinia, Editor-in-Chief, Layla Revis, discovered that the best deal and more comfortable accommodations could be found renting a villa. Keep in mind, you need a car and a decent proximity to the nightspots listed below. For your handy reference, we've also included a rundown on the fancy schmancy hotels, most of them run by Starwood (just in case you, or your lover, is a real bonafide baller).

Villa Rentals

Iglu Villas
Who doesn’t want to do it like an Italian? Rent a spacious villa along the coast, perfect for families and a group of friends traveling together. Igluvillas.com offers holidays to over 30, 000 villas in Europe with four hundred properties on Sardinia alone. Their selection of properties includes both villas and apartments, ranging from simple accommodation to luxurious villas with private pools. Holiday bookings are for 7 or 14 nights and all departures and arrivals are on Saturdays.
http://www.igluvillas.com/

Residence Porto Piccolo
Porto Piccolo, ten minute drive from the Porto Cervo center is bright and peaceful village. In traditional Gallura style, granite rocks and wood are joined to form balconies facing the sea that overlook La Maddalena and Caprera islands. Two restaurants are available on the property with both terraces facing the blue green sea, 3 tennis courts, and a swimming pool.

Residence Chrysalis Bay (Piccolo Pevero)
Nestled next to the Pevero Golf Course, this spot is ideal for meeting other young, traveling, jet set single Milanese.
Tel: 078992526

Residence Capriccioli (Capriccioli)
www.capriccioli.it
Tel. 078996016

Hotels

Cala di Volpe Hotel
This 125-room Starwood hotel has rooms for up to $960 per person, per day during July and August where you can stay in Aga Khan’s own signature tower for a few clams more. It’s a quiet, lazy get-away with an Olympic sea-water swimming pool, trompe l'oeil wall paintings, romantic piano bars with wood beamed ceilings, and endless Bvlgari cosmetics in your room. The presidential suite occupies the entire third floor and contains an open-air swimming pool and pool-side cabana for the exclusive use of the suite's guests. From $536 per person, per day, including meals. It's nice, but again, we likey the villas. www.starwoodhotels.com
Tel: (39)(0789) 976111

Hotel Romazzino
With its’ elegant whitewashed walls and simple, delicate rooms with private terraces, the 90 room hotel’s many arches and pergolas surround the property with flowers and a green lawn that folds to the sea. The most family friendly of the hotel’s in Porto Cervo, the Beach Club at Romazzino Beach is a great stop for lunch. www.starwoodhotels.com
Tel: (39)(0789) 977111

Hotel Le Ginestre
A warm four star pink Mediterranean granite facade, this property is nestled into the mountainside and cozyyyyyy.
www.leginestrehotel.com

Cervo Hotel
Smack dab in the center of Porto Cervo village, you couldn’t find a better location to be in the mix. Expect to spend the bucks.
www.starwoodhotels.com Tel: (39)(0789) 931111

Hotel Pitrizza (Liscia di Vacca)
North of Costa Smeralda, The Hotel Pitrizza's 51 rooms and suites consist of several stone bungalows on a slope sweeping down to the sea with views of the Mediterranean and islands below. The hotel’s saltwater pool is carved out of the rocks and blends into the sea for the perfect afternoon swim.
www.starwood.com

Su Gologone Hotel (Oliena)
Madonna stayed here. With limestone peaks and a hundred year old fireplace, it’s far from the nightlife and more for the yoga traveler. A solid favorite of Italian and European travelers who come to this bucolic country inn for the tranquil surroundings and a menu of roasted meats and sharp Cannonau wines.

Restaurants and Clubs

Porto Cervo Yacht Club
Billionaire
Smaila's
Blues Cafe
Clipper
Country In (Porto Rotondo)
Spago (Baja Sardinia)
Tana dell' orso (hostera dell' orso) Poltu quatu

A Flair Necessity: Organic Accessories

Necklaces of Cardamom and Lupine?

When we say travel light, this is exactly what we mean. Reclaimed natural elements incorporated into a beautifully designed set piece. Jenny Nelson first caught our attention when we saw her interesting work and learned a bit about her life... chock full of equally inspiring experiences. Raised on the coast of Maine, inland from the mystical sounding 'Mount Desert Island' (where she currently resides), Nelson was completely surrounded by wild gardens, colorful flowers, and just the sort of woods filled with creatures who sing and buzz.

This idyllic childhood was the perfect setting for outdoor adventures... hiking and kayaking all around her forests, islands and little trees. With a passionate love of nature and words, she went on to study at a prestigious Creative Writing program straight out of high school (because they have such things in those magical Northern lands). In the years that followed, she lived 'beautifully and randomly, hauling her snowboard around the Alps, teaching skiing and snowboarding, working at small and incredibly fun bakeries, poetry cooperatives, organic farming...' until she happened upon a very well known jeweler in Northeast Harbor who soon became her mentor. She's been a full time bench jeweler for her for the past five years, as Nelson says, 'learning from someone who is a master at what they do.'

Talk about your regular, run-of-the-mill, renaissance Jauntophile.

"Inspired by a childhood spent in gardens and antique shops...' she beautifully writes, 'Embarking on countless adventures in the outside world, full of seedlings resting in organic soil, freshly cut wood, and salty ocean wanderings,' she carries those scented memories into her hand-crafted line.
The only impact her work leaves on the environment? Beauty and substance. Working only with organic materials, found objects, salvaged metals and conflict-free stones, adorning yourself - whether jaunting to the kitchen or the Kasbah - has never felt, or looked, so damn cool. What's more? You won't show up to the same party with the same necklace as someone else. She customizes her pieces and each one is unique.

Just like you.

Now buzz off and get some work done already.
Don't worry, you can come back later.

Pieces range from $65-$325.

www.wylde.moonfruit.com
www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5451268

Tell her Jaunt Magazine sent you.

Carry It On: The Future is Lookin' Bright

Well, I'll be...
Just when I start to lose faith in my fellow man (even with all that Obama Hope Hype), he/she goes and does something really cool. So much for talk, this is action. It may be a prototype, but if the Nords continue to be as eco-awesome as they've been in the last five to ten years, I see the Photon stuffed in every stocking from London to Los Angeles. What's the Photon? you ask. Just a portable solar panel strap attached to a handy bag that will power that battery-hungry iLife of yours, that's what.

Intended for everyday and extreme mobile use, the solar strap is designed for - of all things - paddlers, and consists of a flat waterproof dry-bag, a mobile phone case and a shoulder strap. Solar cells have been placed in the strap to maximize their exposure to the sun so that you can use it to charge that pesky fifteen-minute strong cell battery.

Designed by Kari Sivonen, part of the architectural firm, Valvomo, out of Helsinki, this cool gadget was created for a traveling exhibition project called 'SAUMA' meaning 'Seam' [Design As Cultural Interface], featuring contemporary innovative design from Finland.

Fin-land. Fuck Yeah!
(Perhaps they should re-write the Team America theme song?)

www.saumadesign.net
Prototype made by Clothing+
www.clothingplus.fi
www.valvomo.com

A Flair Necessity: For the Quick Jaunt

This just in from fashion savvy friend, Matt Meyerson. Hip, travel-friendly goodies perfect for Valentine's Day. We here at Jaunt carry six sturdy canvas shopping bags (@ $4.00/each) for all our grocery shopping needs. We then personalize them with our own cute needlepoint, but Local Celebrity’s new organic tote bag is ready-made and benefits Global Green USA. $22.00
www.localcelebrity.com

We also love:

Assorted Local Celebrity Motivational Tees (www.localcelebrity.com) - $25.00-$27.00



The WWF Vintage Tee - $25.00



www.chasermerch.com
$2.00 donated to the World Wildlife Fund. It may not be much, but hey, it's better than nothing.
www.worldwildlife.org

We know it's winter, but it's always summer SOMEWHERE, right? Cameron Diaz shimmies around in Le Doux so we do too.

Le Doux Swimwear (www.ledouxswimwear.com) – $120.00



Guess what? Bootcut is back! Wide-leg jeans, high-waisted pants, the flare... do you dare? The hippie girl in Jaunt says, "Finally! Down with the skinny jean! Down!"

Try out Fidelity Denim's assortment of chic cuts. Make sure you order 1-2 sizes larger as they're cut small (no, you're not fat, gorgeous). We like the 'Lily' High-Rise Bootcut and the 'Hyacinth,' a Five-Pocket Trouser Leg (www.fidelitydenim.com) - $198.00



Last, but not least... we get cooolllllddd when we travel which is exactly why we need the following:

True Love and False Idols (www.trueloveandfalseidols.com) hoodies. Prices vary anywhere from $60.00-$325.00 for cashmere hoodies. We like their vibrant intricate prints and silky lining.



Next up? Stay tuned for The Amazon, baby. We'll feature a swanky organized Peruvian adventure, as well as a shamanistic journey deep into the jungles of your troubled little soul. As always, send suggestions or questions to our Editor-in-Chief and we'll be sure to answer your travel queries as soon as goddessly possible.

Carry It On: It's a Croc

It's a sad, sad world when a girl can't find a decent, durable, goes with everything, fits a laptop and a pair of shoes... beach bag or carry-on. Forget gaudy prints, leather, suede, big buckles, too much weight, and fabrics that ruin as soon as you step foot in monsoon rains off the coast of Singapore.

'Cause that's exactly what happened to me. I landed on a little island off the tip of Malaysia, searched the Takashimaya Mall for a memorable bag to bring home some booty with, knocked back a few Tu Tu Kueh (tiny cakes of flour stuffed with coconut and steamed to light sweet perfection), but I could not find the one thing I was actually looking for...

A well-made, well-priced, understated, yet clearly chic carry-on. So, before I headed back home to kiss my sweet Asia good-bye, I stumbled around Singapore's impressive airport, had a shoulder massage to prepare for the 17 + hour trip home, and then ran smack dab into... the second love of my life...

Lacoste.

With several new bags capable of fulfilling all of your travel needs, my two picks include the City Croc Tote (pictured here) perfect for the beach and The Lacoste Elegance Duffle (pictured above) perfect for carrying on.

The canvas duffle zips, fits a pair of shoes, a laptop, toiletries, some spare clothes AND it has a classic stripped pattern on the inside.

Croc a doodle do it.

Both at Macy's
$475 / $140, respectively.

(now you really have no excuse for passing up a sexy weekend with that first love of your life)

A Flair Necessity: One Three Way You Won't Regret

Admit it. You like variety. That's cool. I like variety too. Problem is this...

I've got a little angel on one shoulder that tells me what I ought to be doing. Good thing that little angel says: "Do a three way... the organic way."

You know as well as I do... The Three Way is always a real challenge, but this is one three way you'll never forget. 100% Organic Cotton, hand-made in glorious LA, and perfect for versatile travel style. Made by Earth & Sky, a sustainable style company founded by Karen Kanananen and Samantha Robinson, their love of fashion and concern for the planet brings a line with deconstructed seams, raw hems, and hand-dyed colors. Relaxed and well crafted, sing after me... 'Transformer... more than meets the eye...'

Retails for $124.00
www.btcelements.com

Carry It On: The Titan X2

Oh man... I was supposed to wait to tell you guys about this one, but I can't wait any longer.

A few days ago, I was pitched a piece of luggage called 'THE TITAN.' I think, "Ballsy name." Then I see a photo and think, "Sexy good looks too?" And you know me. If it's ballsy with sexy good looks, I'm gonna get me one!

Somewhere between Swiss Army sleek and Stefani chic... is the Titan X2.

But first, I want to know this: What's up with all this great German luggage? Seems those engineering masters have the market covered. Well, works for them, works for me.

It says 'Yellow' on the website, but trust me, it's Orange.
Those cooky Germans! Maybe they're color blind.
What do I care? I'm about to make a statement.
The best part? It's made of super light polycarbonate,
handles corners like a champ, comes with it's own removable dob kit,
and has a "No Matter What" lifetime guarantee.


So, this is what you need to roll in style with me. I'd snatch up the X2 Flash International Carry-on and the Trolley, or the Red (or Pink) 360 series. The Xenon was also named "the best hardcase trolley" by German consumer magazines so you really can't go wrong with any of 'em. I have the Orange aka. 'Yellow' International Carry-on and it's cute as hell, but it may not be big enough for the likes of you.

Me? I know how to travel light.
(And I hate checking bags)

PS. Wouldn't you know...
Stefani's sporting a set in Green.

Hollaback Girl.

(I can't believe I just said that)

Retails anywhere from $420-$725
www.titanluggageusa.com

A Flair Necessity: Get Frocked

Look, I'm gonna let you in on a secret. Sometimes we don't always want to write about our favorite things because then every Tom, Dick, and Harry from Sunset Boulevard to the Southland will have them, but I'm a writer so I'm stuck.

I'm forced to cough up the goods.

Ehhm... Leona Edmiston, one of Australia's leading fashion designers.

Ugh. Sometimes it hurts, but she'll frock you just right. Whether you want to feel like a sexy secretary from the 40's, an English Rose, or an Assassin. And travelling in Leona... mama mia! Not only will you feel like a million bucks, but these dresses pack so well that there's no need to ever iron or dry clean. It's amazing. Such a good find, in fact, that after I hit 'Publish', I'm running to Sunset Blvd. to get good and frocked.

So get outta my way.

That's right... Frock You.

PS. Did I also mention they serve Australian licorice and frocktails?

www.leonaedmiston.com
Frocks retail for anywhere from $250-$600

Carry It On: Topas Gold

Gold. Grooved.
And anodized aluminum...
Rimowa Topas Gold,
I want you.

And little did I know,
Your partners are Porsche and Lufthansa.
As the leader in European luggage manufacturing,
Dieter Morszeck knows best,
"Handwerk meets Hightech."

Hallelujah.

I may have to save up for that $1,000 carry-on,
but at least I'll be "paying homage to the rich tradition of the 50's."

www.rimowa.de