As sponsors, nay as fellow party people, it is our duty to share the good news of Mardi Gras, so you don’t get left out. Allow us to prevent you from becoming the person that hears the same stories again and again but can’t participate, just has to smile and nod and isn’t tagged in any of the best Facebook photos because you weren’t there. But, I digress, the moral of the story is that you really, emphasis on really, do not want to miss out.

Because we want you to be prepared for all of the awesome that you will encounter at Mardi Gras we’re sharing a few of our favorite pictures from last year’s festivities.

While we can only imagine what the 2010 installment will deliver, we do know that we’d hate for you to miss out. No worries, there is still time to book your Mardi Gras holiday.

And the countdown continues….

I have always dreamt of being a cabin crew member. In fact, I know a lot of people have often wished they could live the life of a flighty. Fortunately for me I have been lucky enough to be the envy of my friends and family, literally living the dream, so to speak, having been flying with V Australia for just over a year now.

And what an amazing journey it has been… with a job like no other.

It has been exciting being a part of a brand new airline, meeting Richard Branson for the first time and sharing the excitement of all our accomplishments.  From our fabulous launch party on Cockatoo Island, to the arrival of our first brand new aircraft, to our inaugural flight to LA after our grueling proving flights – an absolute testament to all my fellow crew that were able to pull it all off…

And in fabulous style I must say.

Already we have won Best Business airline and winning the hearts of lots of happy customers and celebrities that are choosing to fly with us.  I must admit that I get a bit star struck when I see the likes of Britney Spears, Liam Hemsworth, the cast of Glee and New Moon coming on board. It’s become a regular occurrence to have VIP’s on every flight.

On my last flight I was chatting to some of the ten or so WWE wrestlers flying from LA to Sydney to start their tour. They tell me that they have done quite a lot of international flights and particularly loved the uniqueness of V Australia. They referred to us as the “Party Plane”.

One of the wrestlers flying in Business class was so big he requested to sit with some of his fellow competitors in economy, so we made room for him in a spare row of three seats. He was impressed that we were able to accommodate his needs and managed to have a comfortable flight despite his size.

The wrestlers spent the whole flight chatting to cabin crew and passengers alike and even arranged tickets for us to attend the Sydney event. Being a huge WWE fan, I got to have my photo with Brutus Beefcake who happens to be one of my favourites!

Not only do we have lots of fun at work we are also flying to some great destinations such as Phuket in Thailand, Fiji and Johannesburg in South Africa – in time for the Soccer World Cup next year.

I guess that’s why when you travel with us, you really do fly like a rock star!  So come and enjoy the V Australia difference.

The stars turned out in their droves to support V Australia’s MEL-LAX launch last week with a gaggle of Aussie celebs joining the inaugural flight including actors Vince Colosimo, Tim Campbell, Pippa Black, musicians Axle Whitehead and Jacob Butler, Balinese Princess Lindy Klim and of course the fabulous V Australia crew.

There was mid-air jamming sessions and plenty of fun and laughter on board the flight to LA before the big event at Chateau Marmont the evening we all arrived.

It was all very festive with an appearance by Santa and his helper who helped welcome guests on the red carpet.

Among the crowd were Sophie Monk, Yeardley Smith (aka Lisa Simpson), True Blood’s Ryan Kwanten, Julian McMahon, Twilight’s Kellan Lutz, Jamie Durie and an array of former Neighbours stars now based in LA. They rocked the night away with the help of Human Nature who flew in from their sell-out show in Las Vegas to give some Motown lovin’ to the V Australia party goers and had the entire room dancing away. Guests also enjoyed Aussie fare including party pies and lamingtons to stay true to our Aussie roots and the V Australia crew proved a huge hit with the Guests as always. It was truly a fantastic event for our special celebrity guests, our corporate guests and industry friends and highlighted to LA that V Australia is the best choice for trans-Pacific flights.

Experience our rock star treatment for yourself and book a holiday!

Adventure: Phuket serves up the type of activities that are sure to make your friends jealous and provide the perfect photo opportunities.

Relaxation: if this scenery doesn’t wash all your worries away, there is not much more we can do.

Hydration: for these purposes we’ll consider hydration to be synonymous with happy hour and to our previous point, it does not get much more relaxing than a beach-side cocktail. Also, good for putting out the fire caused by our next Phuket favorite.

Delicious eats: forget your sunburn, it will be your taste-buds that are on fire after enjoying some traditional and spicy Thai food. Even after you leave you’ll be feeling these dishes, if only because you find yourself craving more.

Culture & history: we’d be remiss if we did not mention the wealth of experience beyond the sand in Phuket. Even the most devoted beach bums will be thrilled they took the time to venture beyond the shores.

James Bond Island: can you tell we have beach on the brain? Seriously though, if it is good enough for 007 it is certainly good enough for us. Be sure to bring your camera because this scenery will impress more than just movie enthusiasts.

We think you get get the picture, literally, Phuket is fabulous. So, now that you’ve gathered all your board shorts or bikinis- you’re ready to jet off to paradise. With fares from $399* we’re happy to get you there, service from Brisbane began Sunday. Meet you on the beach!
*conditions and restrictions apply
Photos courtesy of chee.hong & edachsund

Britney and her entourage of dancers, support singers, stage designers, “roadies”, technical support and management all flew with V Australia from the USA and arrived in Australia morning.

The Circus Tour is the first worldwide tour Britney has embarked on in five years and follows the highly successful release of Britney’s new album “Circus” which made its debut at number one in the USA. The first Australian concert will kick off in Perth at Burswood Dome this Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November before continuing on to:

Sydney at Acer Arena on 16, 17, 19 and 20 November

Brisbane at the Entertainment Centre on 22, 24 and 25 November

Adelaide at the Entertainment Centre on 29 November

Melbourne at Rod Laver Arena on 11, 12, 13 and 27 November

V Australia Executive General Manager, Scott Swift, said, “We are delighted to be supporting Britney and look forward to giving her and her entourage “rock star” treatment on board V Australia.”

He continued, “Since we launched V Australia in February, we’ve been thrilled with the response. V Australia has hit the mark with a wide range of travellers including the niche celebrity travel market.”

“Much of that is due to superb service provided by our outstanding crew and careful design of our aircraft to include features such as our “Row 5 privacy suite” in International Business Class.”

V Australia’s sister airline, the award winning domestic carrier Virgin Blue will be flying the Circus Tour team between capital cities. The airline recently supported the Black Eyed Peas’ ‘The E.N.D World Tour’ in Australia.

To get us into a party mood, we’re offering one lucky WHO reader and a friend an exclusive invite to V Australia’s sexiest people party followed by the chance to experience the glamour and glitz of LA!

Grab a copy of WHO on sale from Friday October 30 and jump over to their site. To enter the comp, tell WHO in 25 words or less why LA is a hot and sexy place and vote which of our top ten favourite locations are on the must-see list for your LA journey.

For inspiration, here are some pics of the 10 LA hotspots on our hitlist.

The Grove

Malibu Pier

Pink's Hot Dogs

Rainbow Room

The Viper Room

Venice Beach

Rodeo Drive

Santa Monica Pier

“Every great traveller knows one thing. It’s all about the bag. Or more specifically the perfect bag,” says Steven Alan.

“In creating the Perfect Bag, I aim to capture the sights, sounds, flavour and spirit of Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef from first-hand experience on my own Perfect Trip.”

@perfectproject: View of Harbour Bridge from seaplane. Climbed all the way up to the top yesterday in a climbing suit and harness.

Inspired by the people, places and lifestyle of Queensland and New South Wales, Steven Alan’s one-of-a-kind Perfect Bag will make its limited-edition debut in December 2009.

The Perfect Bag by Steven Alan will be available exclusively at select Steven Alan stores in New York and Los Angeles. The bag will reflect the Steven Alan signature style, combining perfect tailoring and casual California cool.

Inspired by travel to Australia and contributions from users through twitter (@perfectproject) and the blog, every detail will be reinterpreted for the Perfect Bag.

@perfectproject: At Jonah's in Palm Beach. Crazy views of Sydney and the ocean from here. Just spotted a whale!

For more information on the Perfect Trip to Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, please click here.

The Valley Fiesta is Brisbane’s Outdoor Street Party with international, national and local acts to feed your heart and soul.

The Valley Fiesta presents over 60 artists across three stages and with this year’s theme based on the Mexican Day of the Dead Festival, the Valley will come to life with an inspiring program for people of all ages to enjoy.

V Australia recommends taking some time out of your weekend to catch Brisbane’s wittiest comedians and actors go head to head in Impro Gladitators, be charmed by Brisbane’s hottest Close-up Magician, JAY JAY, and catch some of the best in Australian music from Bertie Blackman, C.W. Stoneking and The Panda Band.

For out of towners traveling through if you’d like to reconnect with your zombie mates you can find out more.

Or if you’d prefer to just jump in to the fun of the Valley Fiesta, check out the line up here.

In between it all, you also have to dodge paparazzi, sign autographs for fans, argue with your agent, and deal with LA traffic. Los Angeles is fabulous, but sometimes you just want to get away from it all. But, where? The answer is simple: escape an easy 120 miles east to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

For more than 50 years Hollywood’s A-list have used this desert oasis as a place to relax and recharge.  From Frank Sinatra and the rat pack to Angelina and Brad – they have all been here. The resort cities that lie in the Coachella Valley offer a wide range of hotels – from eco-chic to ultra-luxury resorts. So where should you stay, what should you do?

Well friends, that depends on your celebrity status.

The Social Rebel

If you made your name in independent films or you are the a bad ass rocker who just wants to hang with the band, make your way to the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, the hotel with the biggest buzz in California at the moment. Around a super-sized pool sit several buildings of a 1960s style motel. The complex has just been completely renovated, but maintains an ultra cool, vintage feel. Many communal areas like the pool areas or fireplaces call for getting to know your neighbors and impromptu jam sessions. No wonder the New York Times called it “the country’s most original new hotel”.

The Sun-Seeking VIP

After your first 100 million dollar movie it’s time to treat your significant other to a weekend getaway complete with extensive spa treatments, champagne in bed and upscale dining. For the perfect thank you retreat it has to be the glamorous Riviera Resort & Spa. Another recently renovated Palm Springs gem, this hotel has everything you expect as a pampered celebrity, including amenities like poolside cabanas with WiFi and flat screen TVs.

The Privacy-Obsessed Icon

Oscar winning celebs can be found lounging at the Viceroy Palm Springs, a small boutique resort and spa. Hotel rooms and private villas surround three courtyards with pools and gardens to create an intimate setting. Due to several extensive renovations the property has not lost any of its glamour from the Golden Hollywood years when celebrities like Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and President Delano Roosevelt stayed here.

Best of all Palm Springs does not require a celebrity size checkbook, it’s within reach for D-listers and entourage alike, especially within the summer season.  Many hotels are participating in the “Palm Springs half off” campaign, which offers great deals throughout the season in many of the area’s top resorts including the three resorts mentioned above.

Grab your sun screen, over sized black sunglasses and camera because you never know who you may end up sharing a cabana with when you escape to Palm Springs.

Now that you have heard from us, we want to hear from you. Share your best Palm Springs tips or your favorite places to escape below.

Photo Credit: D. L. Thompson & Jon Johnson

Follow your carnivorous instincts to Animal, Jon Shook & Vinnny Dotolo’s new restaurant, opened in June of 2008.   Known from their Food Network reality show, “Two Dudes Catering,” these two laid back chefs feature mostly meat on their menu to the delight of LA hipster crowds— pork chops, ribs, steaks, and mmm… bacon.   The “Food Dudes” are not known for green leafy vegetables, so bring a hearty appetite.  And if you’ve heard the rumor but didn’t believe it, you’ll just have to taste it for yourself: they even serve bacon for dessert– their signature “bacon chocolate crunch bar!”

There’s no sign on the door, so follow your “animal” instincts to sniff it out.  It shouldn’t be hard to catch a waft of the savory & smoky flavors within a mile of the vicinity.   435 North Fairfax Avenue, between Oakwood and Rosewood Avenues, (323) 782-9225 open for dinner Sun-Thurs 6 pm-11 pm, Fri-Sat, 6 pm-2 am.

If you fancy yourself more of a bacon fanatic than just a bacon fan, you might try this crowd-pleaser at your next party: the Candied Bacon Martini.

Line a baking sheet with foil, sprinkle ¼ cup of brown sugar over 8 bacon slices, and bake at 400 degrees until crisp and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.  In a large cocktail shaker, combine 6 ounces vodka, 4 ounces Applejack brandy, 2 ounces amaretto, and 2 ounces maple syrup with ice.  Shake until chilled, and then pour into 4 chilled martini glasses.  Garnish with an apple slice and half a slice of candied bacon.   Really?  What could be more delicious?!