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Something is in the water… Everywhere we turn (or tune in) this week, there’s a new app in the atmosphere. Don’t worry - I’m here to make it clear. Check out Night Out, Flud, Path and more, and tell me what you’re typing into…

Night Out.

A Night Out with friends is more than tagged photos on Facebook and a hangover. A Night Out is about finding a place that you can call your own and being connected to the go-to bars, clubs and restaurants in your city. It’s about finding the next best band, drink, appetizer or party all right from your smart phone. It’s about finding out there’s a new late night Happy Hour at that same ol’ place you’ve been going to for years. A Night Out is about Discovering New Places. Finding the Deals. Connecting. Making Memories. Did I mention it’s a creation of a collective clan member? Form a line for these boys (aka Brock) ladies… 

Path.

Path is the Smart Journal that helps you share life with the ones you love — your thoughts, the music you’re listening to, where you are, who you’re with, when you wake and when you sleep, and beautiful high quality photos and videos. And for those of you who like to share on public networks like Twitter, Foursquare, Tumblr, and Facebook, you can easily check-in, upload photos and videos, and tweet directly from Path. 

New Twitter.

The latest version of Twitter offers a faster, simpler way to stay close to everything you care about on your iPhone.  Home is where you start from: a personal collection of Tweets from the sources you care about. The Tweet details show rich information such as replies, retweets and embedded images. Connect is the place to see who followed or mentioned you, retweeted or favorited one of your Tweets. It’s where you keep the conversation flowing.  Discover is where you can tap into the stories and trends people are talking about in your world. You can also find friends, browse interests, and explore hashtags here. Me puts you and your interests front and center. From here you can exchange Direct Messages with your followers.

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I’m not bothering with a book or researching for researchs sake. “Let’s just go with it” is big for a control freak, but I’m going with it. The team: Taryn (imagine the reaction to our rhyming names) of Wanderista, an Aussie named Ruby, Tim and Daniel of Ride2Rescue, and of course, Oneal… The Kathmandu Chronicles, Part III. 

Thamel.
It’s a black market… for hiking gear. North Face holds a strong monopoly here… my country-signed hiking sneakers and worn-in fleece are actually in fashion. Thamel is a third-world stereotype. The dry, dirt filled air permeates the snake like streets filled with Moo Moo shops, Pashmina outposts and WiFi-fueled (good luck with that) cafes - and tourists, lots and lots of tourists. But that’s what makes Thamel authentic, and inauthentic at the exact same time. A pilgrimage for artists and spiritualists in the 70’s, its soul seeking culture remains much unchanged, despite the influx of Nokia cell phones and misunderstood American influences like the Facebook Café. But to understand Kathmandu, is to simply except it as is – pirated DVDs, souvenirs for days, a seedy Red Light district and historic hostels, concentrated in one veracious valley. I roam the market, chill out at New Orleans Café, down a beer at Tom & Jerry’s and rent a motorbike in this hippie hub. It draws me in, it begs me to stay and fall deeper through its cracks. I change my flight, twice. It’s contagious and infectious and it gets me.

Monkey Temple.
I wake before dawn and make the morning move to Swayambhunath (translation: sublime trees) before dawn (aka before the herds). I watch the Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims ascend the 365 steps from eastern side (sans entrance fee), pass the gilded Stupa or Vajra and begin a series of clockwise circumambulations. Sitting on a hill, west of Kathmandu proper, the shrine, temple and well, holy monkey filled spot is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites, second only to Bodnath in the south. If the history (or primates) doesn’t do it for you, maybe the 20 karat gold structure will grab your attention…

Pashupatinath Temple and Cremation Ghat.
I watch a body burn at Pashupatinath Temple’s Cremation Ghat. I watch a family as they watch their daughter burn. I watch the family watch the crowd, watching, staring at her anonymous face, uncovered and unmasked. The crowd snaps photos of the family, watching the body burn. I watch, and I too take photos. It’s hauntingly beautiful; the lifeless figure under the full of life fabric and flowers, the glow of darkness and the smoke and fire. And as I judge and shake my head at the loud travelers with their Canon Rebels and rupees for the Baba G’s, I snap away. I tell myself – this, is what, I do, but is it any different? Or is it just a way to justify taking a photo of a family watching me, watching them, watching a body burn in the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva…the most sacred Hindu temple in the entire world. ‘The Temple of Living Beings’ dates back to 400 A.D, the sister site to the more infamous Ghats of Varanasi. I explore in silence: Brahma Temple, Gauri and Arya Ghats, the Gorakhnath and Vishwarup Temples and then the people, dead and alive, along the holy Bagmati River. 

Bhaktapur.
There are three cities within Kathmandu Valley and we skip the most touristy of them. I’m sure Patan has its charms, but we opt for Bhaktapur, an ancient Newar town in east corner of the city. It’s a close to a Forbidden City as you could expect a 15th century town to be. It is the home of traditional art and architecture, monuments and temples and it feels completely uncomplicated. It’s the same as it always was, as a stop on the trade route between Tibet, China and India. Durbar Square is full of life - teeming with toddlers and artists sketching the day away. Sit on the top of Changu Narayan and watch life as it was and is lazily meant to be. Cheer to the curd, known as the best in all of Asia. 

Drive.
I plug in my music and I grab on. I’m not a fan of bikes, it’s an easy danger to steer clear of, but in Kathmandu, you just do. I hop on, and close my mouth shut. The debris and dust is harsh and cutting… so is the traffic. We play Frogger with the crowd, fruit, cars and cows. We drive towards a Monastery at the top of the hill. We drive to the world’s largest statue of Shiva. We drive through Thamel and beyond. I watch and listen and smile… just smile. 

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Let’s turn the tables for a hot second. I’ve been helping you plan your dream trips for the last two years, so it’s about time you return the favor. 10 Days. 1 Girl. No Plan…. Here are my Top 5 options for a quick cross-continent hop. Take your pick.

Bali.
My thoughts: I’ve never been before, but will I get bored?
Serious hotel lovers across Asia think of this intimate refuge, in the shadow of holy Mount Agung, as a kind of secret handshake. Designed by Kerry Hill of Aman Resorts fame, two thatch-roofed Balinese wantilans (meeting hall–style buildings) house 55 sleek but homey guestrooms, all with bijou balconies or patios overlooking coconut groves and the Indian Ocean.

India.
My thoughts: It’s my favorite place on earth, but should I go somewhere I’ve never been before?
It’s easy to imagine yourself a maharaja or maharani when you stay at this elegant modern version of a Rajasthan palace. Overlooking the 14th century Lake Pichola in the fairytale city of Udaipur, it has to be one of the most romantic settings in India. Turrets, domes, elegant archways and expansive courtyards dot the 30 acres of manicured grounds, and the views of the famed lake — known for its two floating marble palaces in the center — add to the intoxicating mix of history and romance.

Morocco.
My thoughts: Is it cold? Is it safe solo? It certainly wins for foodie appeal…
Escape the commotion and chaos of downtown Marrakech at this chill hotel in a palm grove overlooking the golf course’s lake. You’ll see dates falling from the trees and the snowcapped Atlas Mountains looming in the distance as you walk through the manicured gardens en route to the spa or the on-site French restaurant. But at the end of the (bright, sunny) day, this 44-suite property is all about teeing off at the prestigious Palmeraie Golf Club nearby.

Hawaii.
My thoughts: Too much of a honeymoon aka too tame?
The Modern Honolulu is a midcentury Waikiki hotel completely re-imagined as an urban resort. The hotel has a new name and new Honolulu-based management team, but still rocks Ian Schrager’s mod take on surf culture, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s Japanese fusion culinary creations and three sceney bars (two of which are open-air, to make the most of the ocean breeze). 

Abu Dhabi.
My thoughts: My not be the safest solo but hey, let’s go for the gold?
Sand dunes, camels and breathtaking sunsets are all part of the decor at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. A two-hour drive deep into the Liwa Desert from Abu Dhabi, the resort has the secluded feel of a desert oasis, and the decadent extras of an Anantara property. Soak in the scenery from a private plunge pool or relax with a Thai massage — this retreat is all about doing nothing and experiencing everything. 

Thoughts?

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Here at Jetsetter, we work round-the-clock to bring you hotels and trips that unlock classic and under-the-radar destinations around the world, and we hope you’ll forgive us if we take a moment to brag about a few milestones. In the last 365 days, we’ve debuted Jetsetter 24/7, our black book of hotels available year-round; Personal Travel Planning, and the brand-spanking-new Jetsetter Homes. To toast another landmark year, here are some hand-picked hotels fit for a party. It’s our party, we can stay if we want too… Kampaii!

Turkey. Barbaros Bay - Kempinski Hotel.
Thirty minutes from Bodrum, Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay is a sprawling spa resort in a postcard-perfect setting. Views of the Aegean take center stage, whether through floor-to-ceiling windows in rooms and suites, in some of the six on-site restaurants or from the enormous infinity pool — one of the largest in Turkey. The private beach and 60,000-square-foot Six Senses Spa (with a traditional Turkish hammam) make this destination for sun-worship and spa time, but the city action and historic sights in Bodrum are just a short drive away.

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There’s something romantic and timeless about a good old-fashioned hotel bar, a place where weary business travelers, twittering tourists, trysting couples and in-the-know locals can all feel at home, if only for an hour (or four). Belly up to any one of these classic hotel bars — some flashy, some understated — for a made-to-order cocktail and good conversation, both equal parts to a great happy hour. So grab a bar stool and sip it… 

Miami. Soho Beach House.
This beachfront refuge dazzles with its unique vintage furnishings and attractive crowd of bonafide artists and eccentrics. Currently one of the city’s most sought after hotels, no two rooms here are alike; each feels like a different showroom. The hopping pool and bar scene are a modern-day revival of old Hollywood glamour, but the perks — fresh truffle pizza, in-room bartender service, a Cowshed Spa — are the kind you won’t be able to stop tweeting about. 

Mexico City. Distrito Capital.
On the top four floors of an office building, Distrito Capital is a chic sky pad above the urban bustle. Despite its location in the upscale business district of Santa Fe, the black-and-white property is a destination for creative types who mingle amid mid-century modern furnishings: tulip tables by Eero Saarinen, angular chairs by Wim Rietveld and futuristic lamps by Verner Panton. At night, the sleek lobby and pool area go from low-key to high-voltage as Mexico City’s style-makers mix with high-profile hotel guests over mezcal.

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Let’s be honest - it’s too hot to be cool in New York City today. So instead of complaining about Celsius, take advantage of some fittingly frosty activities to keep the sweats at bay…. or just perspire on purpose. We won’t judge. And if all else fails, find a frozen margarita. Stat.  

Pool. Dream Downtown.
The recently opened Dream Downtown has a hot bar and an equally cool pool. Situated between the Meatpacking District and Chelsea, the Dream is the perfect 5 PM plan. Pretend you’re a guest, or request pool access at the Front Desk…. or be sneaky, just don’t say it was my idea. 

Pops. People’s Pops.
I come from a land of pops-on-a-hot-day-in-summer, so you can imagine my elation when I stumbled on People’s Pops at the Brooklyn Flea. A one-day experiment of tryin’ a make the world a better pop, turned into a full grown business. Sustainably grown, local fruit and herbs, freshly grated ice. Delish. 
 

Fry. Frying Pan.
Set on a salvaged lightship, The Frying Pan is no secret. It’s also not surprisingly my favorite spot for post-work booze and burgers on the West Side. But I have a weak spot for barnacle encrusted shipwreck motifs., what can I say? Note: On a hot-ass day like today, they’re known to run out of beer. So be prepared. 

 

Beach. Beekmans Beer Garden Beach Club.
Grab a cold Sixpoint Lager, sit back on the beach, play some pool, lounge in a hammock…. that’s really all you need to know. Overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge, Beekmans bring the beach to the Seaport. Don’t miss out on the oyster and a juicy La Frieda burger. Oh, and did I mention they’re hosting George Clinton next Wednesday? Fact. 
 

Skate. Uniqlo Skating Rink at The Highline.
Talk about catching the breeze in yo’ hair…. Friends of the High Line, thank you so much for the brand new High Line Roller-Skating Rink. Opening Thursday, July 28 to Monday, September 26, 2011, the High Line Rink will be one of the only open-air roller-skating venue in Manhattan, and admission will be free for the first 500 people on the first two days of operation thanks to UNIQLO. I’ve always wanted to be a roller girl… no really, I do.  

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The Fourth of July is almost here, and what better way to celebrate your freedom than with a well-deserved break? This year, escape the backyard with something a little more you. We’ve gathered getaways to suit every style, whether your idea of a relaxing weekend involves succumbing to the after dark scene of Miami Beach, retreating to California for a food- and wine-focused long weekend or taking a dip in a private plunge pool looking out at the turquoise waters of Antigua. Fireworks, indeed… A week away? You’ve got plenty of time!

The Mondrian, Los Angeles.
One of the first hotels to define the Philippe Starck aesthetic, the Mondrian has gone from hectic L.A. hotspot to laid-back Sunset Boulevard classic. The bright minimalist feel of the original Starck design is intact, but since the hotel’s 2008 make-over, it feels a lot warmer, a little more relaxed, but just as chic. While you still might see someone famous at breakfast, it’s more likely to be a leading lady than a supporting actress.

The Betsy Hotel, Miami.
Just steps from the turquoise Miami waters, the Betsy Hotel places you in the unequivocal heart of South Beach, right on Ocean Drive. But the hotel’s quieter-end-of-the-strip location and its upscale, plantationlike design set it slightly apart from all the other hotels. The Betsy looks like a demure Southern Belle set in a sea of flamboyant Art Deco divas. 

Donovan House, Washington D.C.
This may be Washington, D.C., but Donovan House isn’t the place to mingle with visiting diplomats or heads of state. In fact, you’re more likely to rub shoulders with young, hip Hill staffers who are at home in the sceney restaurant, Zentan, and the late-night rooftop bar, Above D.C. The edgy decor comes courtesy of urban tastemakers Thompson Hotels, so expect moody interiors with Jetsons-inspired furnishings and cocoonlike bedrooms with leather galore. 

The James, New York.
Get a taste of New York’s downtown art scene — from your room. At the brand-new 114-room James Hotel in Soho, guests are surrounded by incredible work from local artists, coddled by eco-friendly amenities and greenery and located at Grand and Thompson, right in the middle of one of New York’s hottest neighborhoods. With credentials like that, it’s no wonder it’s landed on Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List. 

Hotel Palomar, Philadelphia.
A city largely defined by its architecture and history — from the rows of Georgian homes and 19th-century brick row houses to the towering skyscrapers that make up its jagged skyline — Philadelphia finally has an eco-conscious, art-oriented boutique hotel. This hip Kimpton property is LEED-registered and right off the see-and-be-seen Rittenhouse Square, where couples snuggle up on picnic blankets and designer shops lure the well-heeled.

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If you can’t remember what you gave your dad last year for Father’s Day, it’s time to shake things up a bit. This year, treat Dad to a quick getaway or a lavish escape. You know he earned it. 

For The All Powerful Executive Dad. Abu Dhabi. 
The little-known island of Sir Bani Yas, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, is a surprisingly lush refuge teeming with impressive wildlife. Between the turquoise Arabian Gulf and rolling sand dunes (home to the world’s largest herd of endangered Arabian oryx), the Anantara Desert Islands Resort finds a way to blend lavish excess inside with natural beauty outside. It is a destination to get completely off the beaten path, while enjoying the luxuries that come standard in this opulence-loving part of the world.

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I can’t pretend, or play it cool. I am stoked to flee the NYC and make my way to a little place known as the Hamptons. What’s on my radar? Here are the first five stops I’ll be making… 

Stay. Ruschmeyer’s Montauk.
I’m heading to Montauk tonight to check out the revamped Second House via the The Surf Lodge folk. Ruschmeyer’s looks like my Indian Summer dream equipped with 19 ‘cabins’, a locally-sourced restaurant, bar and beer garden - located minutes from the beach, and on 3 acres of lush, lakeside woodland. Expect a full report tomorrow, but don’t expect me to leave… I have a feeling my Lake Bryn Mawr roots might get the best of me…. rumor has it that Ruschmeyer’s is full of tee-pees, tree-houses and hammocks. I don’t joke about tee-pees… or tree-houses… or hammocks. 

Party. South Pointe.
This Memorial Day Weekend, there’s a new sheriff in town. First Name: South. Last Name: Pointe…. And he’s raising the bar for tunes off of 27. Friday night, South Pointe Nightclub (in the old RdV East space) opens in South Hampton with a weekend full of David Berrie, Funkagenda, Drek Martinez and closing out with Calvin Harris and The Chainsmokers. Some icing on the party-cake? The spot will be equipped with palm trees, cabanas and a St. Tropez vibe… so see you on the flip side. Questions or concerns? Contact Jonathan Schwartz, just say JetsetFarryn sent you. 

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Celebrate the unofficial (ok, official) start of summer with a Memorial Day Weekend getaway. Whether you’d rather be hiking outside Jackson Hole or simply lounging on a sunny beach, here’s a few ideas to suit your long weekend needs. But next time, don’t be such a procrastinator….

Woodmark Yacht Club. Seattle, Washington. 
In Seattle’s eastern suburb of Kirkland, this 100-room property is a crowd-pleaser and a classy affair all around. The only hotel on Lake Washington, the Woodmark Hotel has a special perk for guests: a taste of waterfront life, thanks to a temporary membership to the Woodmark Yacht Club. And during this Memorial Day stay, all of the lake’s charms will start to come alive.

Malibu Beach Inn. California.
Kick off the summer at the Malibu Beach Inn, a 47-room oceanfront property that puts Southern California’s fabled good life within reach. The inn has a studiously laid-back vibe, gorgeous Pacific views, stocked in-room wine coolers and a terrace or fireplace for the still-cool nights. And after a walk or two on the inn’s beach, you won’t blink an eye when you run into a celebrity — it’s practically a daily reality along Malibu’s 27 miles of sparkling coastline.

Forty 1 North. Rhode Island. 
Narragansett Bay is your watery front yard at this new Newport boutique hotel. Since its opening in April 2010, Forty 1° North has made the most of its harborfront spot with floor-to-ceiling windows, large balconies and open-air restaurants where you can dine on fresh seafood while watching boats bob in the water and the sun sink behind the horizon.

Smith Fork Ranch. Colorado.
Get off the beaten path this Memorial Day with a trip to Smith Fork Ranch, in one of the country’s wildest locations abutting the Gunnison National Forest and West Elk Wilderness Area in western Colorado. A proud sense of heritage and down-home welcome runs through the meticulously restored buildings, which are filled with carefully curated antiques. It all adds up to one of the country’s most lovingly restored guest ranches — a place for trail rides on horseback, fly-fishing excursions, farm-to-table gourmet food and fine wine.

Cheeca Lodge. Florida Keys.
The Florida Keys’ come-as-you-are ideology and tropical simplicity have attracted travelers for many decades. In the heart of these iconoclastic islands, the historic Cheeca Lodge & Spa has evolved into a serene barefoot-luxe destination since its 1940s inception as an exclusive hideaway for the Washington elite. Renovated and reinvented over the past two years, this oceanfront retreat brings a new level of sophistication to the sport-fishing capital of the world while remaining true to the Keys’ renowned casual vibe. 

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Colorful parades, folk dancing, mariachi bands and margaritas — now is the time to celebrate the Mexican victory over a European army more than 150 years ago. And what better way than to bring the party back to the land where it all began? Mexico is so diverse that there are seemingly endless ways to tailor an experience. We’ve whittled down your options, from romantic cliffside escapes and hot urban hangouts to private beach spots and wilderness retreats. All that’s left to decide is which trip (and bikini) suits you the best…

Esperanza. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Don’t Miss: Hand and foot massages by the pool…
Esperanza is a dramatic cliffside retreat in Cabo San Lucas that’s been drawing the celebrity set for several years. Gone is the typical Cabo Wabo tequila-swilling party crew of the spring break era. Instead, guests find peace and tranquility among gorgeous pools with unmatched views of the Sea of Cortez. 

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I’ll be the first to admit that travel is not the most eco-friendly hobby to have (Coachella = planes, cars, shuttles) but travel can be responsible, and not just in the hardcore voluntour-kind-of-way. In honor of Earth Week, here are my mean, green travel dreams for 2011…

1. Roadtrip… in a Tesla
From America’s West to the Amalfi Coast, it’s no surprise that road tripping is on my to do list. So it’s a good thing that Tesla creates electric cars that are actually… well, electric. On the road since 2008, Tesla Roadsters are more upscale, more varied and, quite frankly, just plain cooler than the traditional idea of an electric automobile. 

2. Eat, drink and buy local… in Nicaragua
Don’t be tempted by Starbucks and snow-globes! Support the surrounding community by stocking up on local snacks and souvenirs. There’s no better way to learn about a country than through its’ local traditions, crafts and of course, food, and this year I’m in need of Nicaragua (the best gift I got this year was this pack of presents from a friend in Nicaragua). Providing exclusive access to one of Central America’s lesser-known ecological treasures — the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve — Rio Indio Lodge has the benefit of being near both the rain forest and the Caribbean on the Costa Rica–Nicaragua border… a perfect place to fill my stomach, and suitcase. 

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Since 2003, Club Sportiva has offered the Exotic Car Experience, which grants everyone their God-given right to drive an Aston Martin past lustful gazes in California. It’s true: the world’s greatest sports cars (and Bentleys and Aston Martins) are just waiting to be driven through California Wine Country or down the coast. Choose your class of car — including Lamborghinis, Porsches and more — and set off on the weekend drive of a lifetime. Here’s five reasons why you should say yes, and press…. the petal to the metal, duh.

1 Chilling in Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley has some of the most beautiful stretches of road in the United States (and some of the most beautiful residents, naturally). So if you’re embarking on one of the most legendary drives in the world…you should really be driving one of the most impressive cars. Club Sportiva has been making that ambition a reality for drivers since 2003, with an eye toward bringing luxurious autos to a mass audience.
 

 2 Getting to pretend you’re a celeb in a Cribs-worthy ride. 
The power of a serious engine revving is no joking matter. I think it’s safe to say I caught the bug at Skip Barber and am now a full blown car-a-holic. With three classes of cars to choose from, there’s something for everyone —  the Connoisseur Collection, the Elite Collection and the Enthusiast Collection. Details: Porsche 550 Spyder Replica, Lotus Elite, Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Ferrari F430 Coupe, to name a few….

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It’s February and you’re sitting at your desk with the all too familiar mid-semester blues. And you may not be in college anymore (don’t worry, me neither), but its okay. It’s simply your body’s way of saying it’s time to plant the Spring Break seed.

Here at Jetsetter we’re planning now for vacations over the next few months with family, friends or your sweetheart be it a beach getaway, an all-purpose family resort or one last ski trip before the season ends. Make the most of Spring Break, the Jetsetter way. Here are my five picks for Spring Breakin-it. 

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