I looked near and far - read all the email newsletters - checked out all the event sites - looked at EVERY ning community site we belong to - “Googled” my fingers off and I am now ready to present to you the Hottest List (self-proclaimed) of Summer and Fall 2008 Festivals.

Bahamas Junkanoo Summer Festival
Date: June 12th - August 19th
Place: Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, Bahamas

Reggae Sumfest 2008
Date: July 17th - 19th
Place: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Performers: Lil’ Wayne, Keisha Cole, T-Pain, Elephant Man, Beenie Man and more…

Party in Palm Springs
Date: July 25th - 27th
Place: Palm Springs, California (Palm Springs Wyndham Resort)

Adamari Caribbean Summer Festival 2008
Date: July 27th
Place: Long Island Queen Mary Park - Long Beach, California
Price: $50 in Advance, $60 at the gate, $100 VIP, 9 & under Free
Performers: Shabba Ranks, Lady Saw, Junior Reid, Cham, Felisa Marisol, Richie Kupone and more…

The 5th Annual Turks And Caicos Music and Cultural Festival
Date: July 28th - August 4th
Place: Turks and Caicos
Performers: Lionel Richie, LL Cool J, Anita Baker, Ne-Yo, Rickey Smiley and more…

Barbados Crop Over
Date: July 28th - August 4th
Place: Barbados

Caribana
Date: July 31st - August 4th
Place: Toronto, Canada

A.T.I - R.T.I Weekend (A.K.A Jamaica Independence Weekend)
Date: July 31st - August 4th
Place: Negril, Jamaica

Lollapalooza
When: Aug. 1-3
Where: Chicago, IL
It will cost you: $190-$205/three-day pass
Headliners: Kanye West, Gnarls Barkley, Radiohead, Lupe Fiasco, Rage Against the Machine and more…

Anguilla Summer Festival 2008
Date: August 2nd - 12th
Place: Northern Leeward Islands - Anguilla, BWI
11 days of carnival and boatracing activities

The London Notting Hill Carnival
Date: August 22-25, 2008
Place: London, England (Notting Hill)

Labor Day Getaway Weekend
Date: August 29 - Sept 1, 2008
Place: San Juan, Puerto Rico

BumberShoot
Seattle’s Music & Art Festival
Date: August 30 - September 1, 2008
Place: Seattle, WA - Seattle Center
Featuring: Keyshia Cole, T.I., Stone Temple Pilots, Neko, Estelle, Adele, Jakob Dylan, !!! and much much more….too much to list!

Mr. Caribbean International 2008
Date: October 6 -13, 2008
Place: Hedonism III

Bermuda Music Festival
Date: October 1-4, 2008
Place: Bermuda
Performers: Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Steve Harvey, Bill Bellamy, Aaron Nevile and more…

That’s all I got! If you venture out let us know about. Upload your pictures to the Jet Set Community www.TwoJetSetDivas.ning.com

Contributing Source: Black Beach Week.com
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In its article, Airline fees survival guide, SmarterTravel investigates the affect those ‘hidden, little’ fees have on the final cost of your trip. They’ve also joined forces with SeatGuru and Airfare Watch Dog to put together a nifty guide which lists many of the fees charged by the big American carriers for items such as luggage, food/beverages, change fees, and more. According to the SmarterTravel, the list will continue to grow and will be updated on their…so this is good little chart to check out and keep on standby.

PFCs?
SmarterTravel does a great job in providing some travel scenarios and cost comparisons between airlines. For instance, a single traveler with no carry-ons doesn’t have to worry about baggage fees. However, if that traveler’s trip includes a layover, a PFC (passenger facility charge…hey airports are losing money too!) is tacked on to the price of the ticket. The old theory that flights with layovers are often the cheapest is now going out the window, because with every layover another PFC is added on. In their cost comparisons for the single traveler, the flights with more layovers actually ended up being slightly higher because of this.

Pay to sit?
Another fee I learned about was the seat assignment fee. In the couple traveling to Puerto Rico scenario, base airfare for AirTran and Spirit were initially lower. Of course we know Spirit charges for everything…but what I didn’t know is that both airlines charge if you decide you want to have a seat assignment.

In Part II of the guide, they discuss the lovely food and beverage charges and more baggage fees. Not to our surprise, in these cost comparisons, Southwest is still considered one of the most fee-friendly airlines out there.
Speaking of Southwest, their new commercial always makes me giggle…

Do you think we’ll ever stop being nickle-and-dimed? Doubt it…so we just have to know how to play by the rules…and beat the airlines at their own game.

So whether you’re headed to these spots, to a fireworks show near you, or just plan to relax at home, have a HAPPY and SAFE 4th!

Anywho, Essence staff go above and beyond to make this not only an entertaining weekend but also an educational one. So you can receive all your community information in the day and get groovy at night. Below is a schedule of events.

Seminars @ Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Friday - July 4th featuring: Tyler Perry, Mayor Ray Nagin, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Lynn Whitfield, and the cast of House of Payne
Price: FREE

Saturday - July 5th featuring: Al Sharpton, Dr. Bill Cosby, Dr. Poussaint, Tom Joyner, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Bishop TD Jakes, Ed Jordan
Price: FREE

Sunday - July 6th featuring: Mikki Taylor & Dr. Jaunita Bynum
Price: FREE

Concerts @ New Orleans Superdome
Each night is hosted by: Jonathan Slocumb
Friday - July 4th
Main Stage: J. Holiday, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Kanye West
Coca Cola Superlounge: Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Terence Blanchard, Peabo Bryson, Grandmaster Flash, Mint Condition, rebirth Brass Band, Christian Scott
Price: $56, $67, $72 Floor Seats: $83, $110

Saturday - July 5th
Main Stage: Musiq, LL Cool J, Jill Scott, Patti Labelle (Labelle reunion with Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx, Angie Stone, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele. Irma Thomas & Ruby Amanfu)
Coca Cola Superlounge: Irvin Mayfiels, Lyfe Jennings, Kermit Ruffins Band, Solange Knowles, Ledisi, Cupid
Price: $56, $67, $72 Floor Seats: $83, $110

Sunday - July 6th
Main Stage: Morris Day, Keyshia Cole, Chris Rock, Mary J. Blige, Frnakie Beverly and Maze
Coca Cola Superlounge: Raheem Devaughn, Chrisette Michele, Micholas Payton, Preservation Jazz Hall’s Gospel Revival, Irma Thomas, Gil Scott-Heron
Price: $56, $67, $72 Floor Seats: $83, $110




This post would be so incomplete without offering you the Late Night party information. These are the events I have so far. (If you have anything to list, we’d be happy to post it. Our readers are coming a long way to party…they need options!)

The Chocolate Bar
July 4th 8p. - until
540 S. Broad (5 blocks from the Superdome)
“The All White Experience” Another Adonis Expose and Jeff Williams Event






10th Annual All White Affair
July 5th 10p.m. - 5a.m.
Ray’s Over the River - #1 Canal St
Hosted by: Boris Kodjoe
General Admission - $35 VIP - $50
*Dress to Impress*




Grown and Sexy Mid Day Cruise
July 5th 1p.m. - 5p.m.
Creole Queen Dock behind Riverwalk Mall
Boat leaves at 1:30p.m.
$39.99 plus tax
*Attire: Grown & Sexy! You will be on t.v.!

DJ Captain Charles @ Harrah’s Casino
July 4, July 5, & July 6
Corner of Canal St. and Poydras
Doors are always OPEN
Party starts @ 10p.
**FREE** <-- Because its free it will be packed! I learned that NBA All-Star weekend.

The Amazemint Lounge
Presented by Alize and Covergirl
July 5 4p.m. - 8p.m. @ The W Hotel on Poydras
Featuring Biz Markie
RSVP to: amazemintrsvp@gmail.com




If you venture down and attend the festival…leave us a comment and let us know how it was!

Divas, we’re in the final stretch! In almost two weeks, the long anticipated Sex and the City movie will premiere on silver screens across the country. For years, we’ve watched the lives of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda unfold on the HBO series. We’ve fantasized about what it would be like to walk the streets of Manhattan in designer clothes, have breakfast/lunch/dinner at the city’s finest restaurants, and of course, cosmopolitans at the some of the most exclusive hotspots. Although these girls had TONS of love affairs come and go, their undying love will definitely be for New York City.

So, just as NYC is an important part of Sex and the City (80% of it was filmed on location), the show has become an important part of New York. The city is gearing up for the movie premiere, and welcoming those who plan to get a taste of their own real-life version of Sex and the City.

There’s even a been a section created on the NYC & Company website just for SATC fans and prospective NYC visitors. According to its website, NYC & Company is ‘the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities…building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide’. So, that’s pretty big! (no pun intended)

INF Goff

Wanna plan a trip NYC to channel your inner Carrie?
On Location Tours offers SATC tours of almost 40 locations featured on the SATC show, such as Carrie’s stoop and Charlotte’s art gallery, and sneak peak at some of those featured in the film. So put your stilettos on hop on the bus!

When: Daily at 11am and 3pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 10am, 11am, and 3pm. Private tours also available.
How Much: $40 per ticket (plus $2 ticket fee)
Where: Near Fifth Avenue and 58th Street (exact location provided upon purchase)
Advanced purchase is required, as this tour usually sells out.

For those who want to be a little more glamorous…and have deeper pockets, Destination on Location, lets you BE Carrie. This $15,000 package (excluding airfare) comes with:
- Gifts like Carrie’s ‘Eiffel Tower’ bag and a custom nameplate necklace like Carrie.
- VIP treatment with a private car to drive you around town, a private cocktail party with Jimmy Choo, a meet and greet with a red carpet designer, and your very own fashion shoot!
- Confirmed exclusive reservations at restaurants like Cafeteria, where many of the brunch scenes were filmed.
- And much much more…
Now, talk about getting a piece of the City!

If you just want to be in NYC to celebrate the premiere, here’s some specials to get you there by the May 30th.
Travelocity: 3 nights + air as low at $571.
Expedia: 3 nights + airs as low as $437.
Final price subject to change

This past weekend my best friend and I took a break from the work grind for a mini-vacay to Los Angeles. While the purpose of my trip was for educational purposes (I’m applying to grad school), it was a great opportunity to slip some vacation time in. So, I decided to extend my weekend trip and come early Thursday morning. I was so excited that my BFF decided to come with me. In my All-Girl Getaways post, I mentioned how important it is to getaway with your best girlfriends. So, I was really looking forward to the long overdue trip with mine!

Before I go on, let me tell you… I’m so proud of myself! Inspired by diva in a carry on’s motto “Real women don’t check luggage” and TravelSpark’s tips on how to travel with just a carry-on, I decided to take the challenge on this trip! Although it was only a 4 day trip, I suffer from chronic over-pack-itis, so this was a big task for me. But I did it! I managed to fit all my businesswear, beachwear, going-out wear, casualwear, six pairs of shoes, two purses, accessories, toiletries, laptop, stationery, and electronics (ipod/camcorder) into just my two carry-ons! It was hard but I proved to myself that with a little strategic planning, it was possible. Will I just do two carry-ons for our upcoming 7-day Costa Rica trip? Hmmm…let me think on that one.

Pool at The Westin Pasadena. source: The Westin

Okay, back to L.A…. After leaving LAX, and picking up our Chevy from the National Emerald Club lot, it was time to explore L.A.! We had a lovely stay in beautiful Pasadena at The Westin Pasadena. The location was great as it was within walking distance to the many restaurants and shops on Colorado and Fair Oaks Boulevards. The hotel entrance was very inviting. The living room and library near the bar area gave the lobby a warm and cozy ambiance. Although the pool was on the 4th floor, it had a rooftop feel to it, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area and the San Gabriel mountains.

The hotel rooms were nicely decorated…keeping with the cozy at home feel. I loved the dual wooden ‘closets’, which gave both of us amble space. However, the double room we were booked in was a little smaller than expected. Of course, the Heavenly Bed more than made up for that.

Okay here’s some highlights from our trip…
Thursday:
- My best friend loves The Late Late Show, so she booked tickets for us to be a part of a taping at CBS Television City. This was my first time being in a studio audience, so that was pretty cool experience.
- We met up with some of my good friends from USC for drinks at a quaint little neighborhood bar called The York in Highland Park. The Veggie Sandwich I had was yummy.

Friday:
- We found out that Diddy was going to receive a star on the Walk of Fame; so what better day to check out Hollywood than this one? Of course some of the Who’s Who in entertainment came to show Diddy support. We got glimpses of Jamie Foxx, Russell Simmons, L.A. Reid, Derek Luke, Michael Bivins, Dallas Austin, Lou Gossett Jr. and his Making da Band groups - Danity Kane and Day 26. My best friend discovered her new found paparazzi talent as she got some perfectly timed shots. Believe me…it’s not easy, and all was I getting was the back of people’s heads. For the rest of our celeb photos and more from our trip, check out our online community.

Malibu Canyon Rd. Not my photo, but captures our ride perfectly.
Source: geeksisiddiqui

- After all the craziness in Hollywood, we were ready for some peace and tranquility…and the Pacific Ocean. We programmed our GPS to lead us on our hour-long drive to Malibu. The drive there was absolutely beautiful….but a little frightening at times, as we winded through the jagged Santa Monica mountains on Malibu Canyon Road.

- We spent a wonderful afternoon in Malibu just laying out on Zuma Beach…minus the episode where a seagull mistook my leg as a toilet (That’s all I’m gonna say about that). The cliffs, blue water, and sun made for a picture-perfect scene. Unfortunately, our paparazzi extravaganza earlier that day in Hollywood wore my poor digital camera’s battery out - so I don’t have any photos (sorry). When all else fails - get a disposable! I’ll post some pics once they get developed.

- Sun and sand are wonderful, but they can make you thirsty and hungry. So we packed up and headed back east on the Pacific Coast Hwy. We made a stop at Malibu Seafood Market and Cafe. I had the grilled shrimp platter (get an order of Clams too!) Located right off the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), you can sit on the patio and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean. We even saw some dolphins!

- We said goodbye to Malibu and stopped by the Santa Monica Pier. I love coming here. The boardwalk and the carnival games and rides make you feel like a kid again. It was starting to get chilly…so we didn’t get to hang out long. Cold and tired, we head back to Pasadena. We planned on going out, but ended up waking up from our “quick nap” the next day. As you can see we definitely had a FULL day!

Saturday:

Breakfast at Marston’s. Pasadena.

- This day wasn’t as jam-packed for me as Friday, because I had work to do. However, we did get to make a quick late morning visit to Beverly Hills. First we had breakfast in Pasadena, at the delightful Marston’s Restaurant. This place serves an awesome breakfast. I had the California Omelette, of course!

- On your first visit to L.A. you have to see what the Rodeo Drive hype is all about. From Dolce & Gabbana to Roberto Cavalli, if you’ve got a designer itch, it can definitely be scratched here. We actually found a cute boutique on Santa Monica Blvd. that was right up my alley - Envie. A lovely sales associate named Tigrist helped me select this wonderful fragrance by Monyette Paris.

- The rest of my day was filled with work, while my best friend enjoyed the rest of her day but hanging out at the hotel pool, visiting the Norton Simon museum and stopping by our favorite L.A. fast food joint El Pollo Loco (don’t sleep on the crunchy taco, forreal!).

The Mayan. Downtown L.A.

- After finishing up my ‘duties’, it was time to hit the streets for our last night in town. Of course, the trip wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t finish it ’salsa-style’! We headed downtown L.A. to The Mayan for its Breathtaking Tropical Nights party. It is definitely a salsa club like no other. First of all it’s HUGE! With it’s Mayan-inspired decor, multiple levels, club lighting, and projector screens, the Mayan pulls you in with its sensory overload. But it’s not just the visual effects that gets you going here…it definitely all comes down to the rhythm. You get a mix of reggaeton, bachata, merengue, and the best part - the live salsa band. I had a lot of fun!

Midnight Delight

- Last but not least…after a night of dancing, I got the late night munchies and was in search of one of the many taco trucks that I’d previously seen around the city. On the way back to Pasadena, we didn’t come across very many. But just when I was about to give up…I found one! While I can’t remember the name…I just found a nifty little Taco Truck Map. Now I can always find one whenever I go back to L.A. My asada tacos with lime and cilantro, and part of my best friend’s burrito were sooo good and definitely hit the spot! Hmmm…does Atlanta have any taco trucks? Think I better just wait until I come back.

Southern Cali has become one of my favorite parts of the U.S. It’s so versatile and there’s so much to experience - there’s natural beauty, from beaches to mountains, nightlife, entertainment, great restaurants, shopping, and of course celebrity sightings! If L.A. could just get a handle on the smog…my allergies were workin’ overtime during this trip. Nonetheless, I enjoyed every minute of my getaway with my best friend, and can’t wait to do it again.

Until next time…

On the road, again.

This marks the 156th year! So on this Cinco de Mayo let us tell you where the top 5 celebrations are happening!

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in the USA

1) Denver, Colorado - lasting two days, the Cinco de Mayo Celebrate Culture Festival attracts 400,000 people. Hear live Mexican regional, Spanish rock, Latin jazz, salsa, ranchero, Tex-Mex, and Chicano rock music outdoors.

2) Chicago, Illinois - Douglas Park draws as many as 200,000 people to its colorful Cinco de Mayo celebration that includes a festival, musical events, food booths, games, kids area, and cultural displays.

3) San Antonio, Texas - Cinco de Mayo festival with music and food, concerts and other commemorations takes place at historic Market Square.

4) San Marco, Texas - this Cinco de Mayo celebration of culture includes Miss Cinco de Mayo and Little Miss Cinco pageants, a parade, and salsa/hot sauce contest, a statewide menudo cookoff, and lots of musical entertainment.

5) San Diego, California - there’s live Cinco de Mayo entertainment at Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town and a maracas-and-margaritas Cinco de Mayo blow-out in Gaslamp.

Personally I will celebrating Cinco de Mayo right here in St. Louis…didn’t know we had those types of celebrations did you? Fooled you.

Let us know how you celebrated!

Picture courtesy of Ellen Gailing Photography

Because of language barriers, we travelers sometimes have to use our hands to help get our point across. The article Etiquette 101: Hand Gestures reveals which gestures will do just that…and which are sure to offend the person your communicating with. We don’t want that to happen, so keep on reading…

In the future, Two JetSet Divas plan to occasionally highlight gestures from a specific country (the good, the bad, and the ugly) or the meanings around the world for gestures we use here in the U.S.




We’ll start with some common gestures:

Thumbs Up

America - Generally means “Cool” or “That’s good!”. Tilt the hand a little and it could mean “hitchhiking”.
Nigeria, Greece, Southern Italy, and parts of Russia and the Middle East - Considered an obscene gesture.
Austria, France, Germany - Means the number one.
Japan - Means the number five. So, you might think you said “That’s good” and end up ordering five more!




Okay

America - Generally means “A-OK”.
France - Means “zero” or “nothing”.
Denmark and Italy - Could mean an insult.
Brazil, Paraguay, Guatemala - Obscene gesture.

Peace sign

America - Generally means “peace”. If reversed (palm in), the gesture can mean “peace out” or “I’m gone”.
U.K. and Australia - If reversed (palm in), gesture is considered obscene.






Here’s a nice, yet complex chart of gestures from the Conde Nast article. The next time you trek around the globe, make sure you use your hands wisely.

source: Global Business Etiquette

Okay, I know our blog is supposed to showcase how to travel affordably and see the world without breaking the bank. But, a Diva can dream occasionally, right? I dream that some day my eight hour trek across the Atlantic won’t be cramped in the middle seat between Ms. Talk-a-lot and Mr. Snore-too-loud. SOME DAY I’ll have my very own ’section’ and be able to change my seat into a bed…an office… a movie theater…a lounge…whatever I want! Some day, I tell ya.

Although I have dreams of traveling with the first class treatment in the future, it’s a reality today for passengers who travel on Eos Airlines. In operation since 2005, Eos Airlines provides flights between New York’s JFK Airport and London’s Stansted Airport. With only 48 seats on the aircraft and each seat having 21 sq. ft of personal space, Eos boasts that it has 40% more room than traditional business class cabins. This personal space does come with a price tag, however. Ranging from $2950 for weekend travel to $6500 for last minute bookings, Eos Airlines isn’t for the average Joe (or Joanna), but its fares are considered to be quite reasonable for ‘Joe, CEO’.

More travelers will have the opportunity to fly with Eos as the airline is scheduled to add new routes in places such as Newark (this Spring) and Paris (this Fall). Also, Eos is offering a promotional package to those who book a flight by April 11, 2008. If you purchase a ticket with a fare of $4000 or more, you can receive your choice of an iPod Classic or frequent flyer points. Purchasing a ticket with a fare less than $4000 will give you an iPod nano or points. Question though….if you’re dishing out $4K for a plane ticket, are you really too strapped to buy an iPod in the first place?? I mean, really. But it’s nice for them to offer, I guess.






A roundtrip ticket on Eos Airlines may not fit this JetSet Diva’s budget right now, but it’s our duty to share cool travel stories with our reading community. If anyone has flown with Eos or ever gets the chance to…tell us about your experience. For now, I’ll just keep on dreamin’ and say, “That’s fly”…