Jacqueline M. Wood's Favorite Winter Travel Destinations

by Jacqueline M. Wood Tue., Nov. 26, 2013 3:21 PM PST

Paul Blundell

If there's anyone that can be trusted to pick the best winter vacay spot it's Jacqueline M. Wood. As the host of E!'s travel show Party On it's her job to—you guessed it—travel. Year-round, including winter. So that means whether your a slopes or sandy shore kind of vacationer, she's bound to have a destination that fits your idea plans. Here's Jacqueline's top 10 places to visit this time of year. 

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If your ideal getaway includes a mai tai on a sun-soaked beach while dipping your toes in an aquamarine pool overlooking the ocean or hitting the slopes and warming your feet by a chalet fire happily sipping your hot chocolate, then look no further! Depending on the kind of weather you prefer during the winter months and your level of activity, I've compiled my personal top ten winter travel destinations!

1.  Los Angeles, California: Los Angeles is home for me, but I am fortunate to have just about everything I enjoy all around me, which makes it an ideal winter travel spot and the best place for a staycation. Hike Runyon Canyon and you will be surprised how many famous faces do the same thing. Surf in Malibu even if you can't surf just sit on a board and let the waves bring you in just once in your life. People watch on the Venice Beach boardwalk and Santa Monica Thirdstreet promenade. Party at Beachers and Bootsy Bellows  and savor the food at the delectable Mr Chows and Hakkansan. When I like to escape for a couple days I usually stay at the Montage Beverly Hills or the Chateau Marmont.

2.  Mont Tremblant, Quebec: Utterly fantastic in the winter, but make sure you wear layers. If you can get a group to travel with you I suggest renting a chalet or spoil yourself and book the Fairmont Tremblant hotel and go for a swim in their outdoor heated pool after you've hit the slopes all day. Lots of great bars including some with table-top dancers, eat the incredible fattening Poutine (a local favorite) and see the speed demon skiers in action.

3. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: If you are not a certified diver I suggest attaining it before you travel or take the course while on the island, it's one of the best scuba and snorkeling places in the world and the best place to travel during the winter. Seven Mile Beach is a must, it's so beautiful and pristine you will never even notice how long the walk is (especially if you stop by the Ritz along the way for their special Mojito cocktail). Rent a motorcycle and go to "Hell" (a group of short, black limestone formations) and back just so you can say went there once. And yes, you have to go swimming with the Sting Rays—it's a must do for first timers!

NEWS: Jacqueline's carry-on essentials

Paul Blundell

4. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: To call Cabo a celebrity hot spot is an understatement, they are everywhere as it is an easy two hour getaway from Los Angeles, which is why so many people travel here during the holidays. The gorgeous Jennifer Lopez and Cindy Crawford are just a couple of the rich and famous who own homes in Cabo. I like to stay at the Esperanza Hotel, each room has its own private hot tub on the balcony and their hotel spa is beyond heavenly. Most importantly, I always feel very safe in Cabo unlike some of the other Mexican destinations. You have to party the nights away at Squid Roe and Mandala. If you are a sushi addict like I am, make sure you try out Hacienda or Nik-San. Watch whales from your balcony or splurge a little and take half a day and go deep sea fishing, utterly fantastic.

5. New York City: Who says New York is not as much fun in the winter as it is in the summer? It's awesome anytime of the year to me. Grimaldi's in Brooklyn is the best mom and pop pizza place, but don't forget to swing by the ATM before, it's cash only! If you like sushi as much as I do, you have to try Morimoto NYC and then head to Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club to end the night, it's right on the water and perfect for a chill and laid back night. Rooftop bar at the Dream downtown PH-D is always a hot spot and brings out really fun eclectic crowds. I also like to hit up Beauty and Essex when I'm in town. Sleep No More, an interactive theatre in NYC based off of the British theatre company, Punchdrunk's original production and their collaboration with Boston's American Repertory Theatre and William Shakespeare's Macbeth was by far one of the most bizarre, but awesome experiences I've ever had I my life. If you're in NYC you have to check it out! Sleep No More and the tree lighting in Rockefeller Center round out my favorite things to do in NYC in the winter.

6. Cape Town, South Africa: The 30-hour trek is worth every minute for a winter getaway. South Africa is so spectacular from the views from Table Top Mountain, which are absolutely breathtaking to their night clubs, which will astound you so much so you might still be dancing until sunrise! Cape Town has a great vibe and is culturally different in a great way. The people are super friendly. Of course, you cannot leave South Africa without going on safari. Just a two hour scenic drive and you reach Aquila Game Reserve. The sights and the sounds especially at night are almost mystical. One morning I had to call for assistance as a wild boar was standing of my front porch. Ha! When they tell you don't lean your head or arms out of the jeep when you near the lions, definitely listen closely. Cape Town is a dream vacation for an adventurer.

7. Miami, Florida: Miami is the primo spot in the U.S. for nightlife and terrific weather. It doesn't hurt that the beaches are beautiful as well! Be sure to check out these wickedly fun clubs (LIV Night Club and Story). I usually stay at the SLS or Fontainebleau, both hotels are impressive in every aspect. Fontainebleau even has eight different and unique restaurants to chose from. MC Kitchen is a definite go-to on each visit  when it comes to dining as well as the SLS Bazaar tapas spot, you won't be disappointed. As far as shopping if you want it Miami has got it, so be prepared to leave extra room in your suitcase. If you want to get out of the craziness for a few hours go play with the gators. Approximately an hour drive out you can experience the thrill of an airboat flying over the Everglades, it's a total rush.  hen when they spot a gator you just drift so close you wish you had sat in the middle. Don't forget to tip your Captain for a crazy ass ride.

PHOTOS: Celebs airport style

8. Aspen, Colorado: Another celeb hot spot is the luxurious and decadent, Aspen. Right at the base of the mountain Aspen Resort has been the winter home to the rich and famous for the last two decades and is one of the largest ski resorts in the nation. Obviously known for its stupendous skiing and snowboarding, it also overwhelms you with its wide array of fantastic bars and lounges. When I head that way I usually rent a chalet with some friends or stay at the Little Nell, another fun-filled celebrity hot spot during the holidays. After a long day of challenging skiing I just like to hang by the fire pit complete with mountain views and chat with people from around the world sharing funny stories of our ski mishaps.  I also enjoy Sky Hotel, inside they have a terrific lounge and wonderful fire that is super cozy. Outside is complete with hot tub, pool and fire pits. My usual dinner spot is the mouth-watering restaurant, Matsuhisa Sushi. Later after a few cocktails with friends (note I said after a few cocktails), you must try the Ultimate Taxi it's hysterically fun. Belly up to one of Aspen's best places for live music, yep it's called Belly Up!  When your muscles can't take it any more pop into the St. Regis and enjoy the splendor of the most pampering Spa.

9. St. Barth's: White sand beaches, calm aqua waters, world renown fine dining, this place explodes at Christmas with the who's who jet-setting to  warmer weather. Saline Beach, ranked one of the Top 10 beaches in the world is dripping in micro mini bikinis that probably cost an insane amount of money for three inches of material.  Coolest place to stay Eden Rock, get ready for WOW factor. Fresh fish everywhere on the island, a very popular spot to dine with many of the jet setters is La Langouste. A terrific spot to play and people watch is the celeb-studded Baie De St Jean. This Caribbean Island is like no other, it's like being swept away in fairytale land while wearing a three inch bikini.

10. Maui, Hawaii: When Conde Nast votes this island a top travel destination year after year, I just had to go and check it out for myself.  A geologists dream and perfect for a holiday beach vacation! The variety of lava sand beaches is insane, just pick your favorite color, mine is the Red Sand Beach, Kaihalulu. Don't forget the Black Sand Beach, Waiapanapa, the blow holes are wonderful to see in action. Daredevil Beach, a surfers dream or nightmare should you hit any of those rocks sticking out of the water! Steven Tyler, Oprah Winfrey and Owen Wilson own homes in Maui.  Willy Nelson doesn't just own a home, but also has a bar called Charlie's. He didn't play the day I went, but the staff told me he pops in quite often and surprises guests with a song or two. Maui is also the breeding ground for the humpback whale, they winter in Maui before heading back to Alaska. There's so much to do here and so many incredible activities, I would recommend trying new spots on the island every time you visit, but a glorious place to start is, the hotel Ho'olei at Grand Wailea.  

Party On premieres Thursday, Dec. 5 at 10 p.m. only on E!

PHOTOS: Celebs personal vacation pics

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Taylor Swift Looks Like a Princess at Winter White Gala With Prince William—See the Pics!

 AP Photo/PA, Dominic Lipinski

Taylor Swift looked positively radiant while attending the Winter White Gala at Kensington Palace Tuesday evening.

Dressed in an elegant white gown with an intricate lace bodice, the 23-year-old looked downright regal at the black tie affair.

The "I Knew You Were Trouble" singer greeted Prince William shortly before performing for the 200-person audience during the charity dinner.

T.Swift recently opened up about how thrilled she was for the rare performance.

"I'm really excited," she said during a radio interview with BBC Radio 2. "I'm really stoked. It's the first royal engagement I've done and I'm very, very honored.''

NEWS: Taylor Swift says she's excited to perform for the royal family

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The country star also admitted that she's been brushing up on her etiquette skills so that she's fully prepared when she's around the royal family.

"I think I'm just really safe if I just shake hands and be polite," Swift explained. "I think that's being presumptuous in assuming I'll meet them, so first I'm going to be polite enough to not assume I'll meet them.''

Bon Jovi is also slated to perform. Once the concert ends, William will give a short speech and present Jon Bon Jovi with the Centrepoint Great Britain Youth Inspiration Award for his humanitarian work.

LOOK: Prince William and Kate Middleton front row at twerk show during charity visit

Eddie Mulholland-WPA Pool/Getty Images

The event will raise money for Centrepoint, a charity providing housing and a range of other services to young homeless people in the U.K.

Prince George's father has been a patron of the organization since September 2005.

And while the Palace was being transformed into a winter wonderland, the 31-year-old Brit and Prince Charles visited the London Zoo to check out the facility's latest conservation project.

The two royals briefly walked by the tiger enclosure, making sure to maintain a cautious amount of space between them and the glass wall.

Smart thinking!

PHOTOS: Taylor Swift's famous friends

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Options dwindle for UK facing winter tied to tight Norway gas

* UK at risk of price spike as Norway's exports are reduced

* Continental Europe to take more gas from Russia

* UK spot prices could rise above Russian oil-linked contracts

By Nerijus Adomaitis

OSLO, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Britain faces a tight winter gas season as it relies heavily on struggling Norwegian supplies and has few alternatives to source cheap gas elsewhere.

Britain already relies heavily on Norwegian imports to meet its needs and analysts say this dependency is set to rise as Russian gas will mainly go to continental Europe, while shipments of overseas liquefied natural gas (LNG) will mostly head to Asia, where customers pay more for gas.

The new gas year starts on October 1, when European gas buyers and sellers adjust supply volumes ahead of the peak demand winter heating season.

But Norway's biggest gas field Troll, which accounts for around 35 percent of its gas production, has had its capacity reduced for much of this year, and its operator says supplies will be limited until 2014.

"We expect to see somewhat reduced capacity into the winter at the Troll field due to technical issues at Troll A," said Morten Eek of the field's operator Statoil, adding that its remaining capacity would still allow the company to "more or less" meet production quotas.

Norway's gas system operator Gassco said production capacity would be reduced by 34 million cubic metres per day until September 2014, compared with a capacity of up to 120 mcm of gas per day before the outage.

Norway exported 103.8 billion cubic metres (bcm) of pipeline gas in the 2012/2013 gas year, which ended on September 30, including 29.8 bcm to the UK, up from 25 bcm during the previous gas year of 2011/2012.

For the first eight months of 2013, Norwegian exports to Europe fell four percent to 68.6 bcm from 71.3 bcm during the same period in 2012.

"Norway normally produces gas at full capacity during the coldest months, and Troll's outage leaves no flexibility to ramp-up production to meet peak demand in case both the UK and continental Europe freeze," said Anette Einarsen, an Oslo-based gas analyst at Thomson Reuters Point Carbon.

News about Norway's gas outage extending throughout the winter has forced British gas traders to buy more forward contracts in order to hedge against any further supply disruptions from Britain's key gas supplier.

LOW FLEXIBILITY

Should Norwegian supplies not meet demand in case of a cold British winter, UK customers could begin importing gas from continental Europe, which receives most of its gas from Russia.

But analysts say such a switch would come at a high cost, forcing British customers to pay above Russian oil-indexed gas prices to attract flows from continental Europe.

Point Carbon estimates Russian oil-indexed price at 74-78 pence per therm, compared with current UK spot prices of under 65 pence and average winter prices of below 70 pence per therm.

Russia sells most of its gas under long-term contracts linked to the price of oil, while Norway has switched increasingly to a pricing model based on gas spot markets such as Britain's National Balancing Point (NBP).

Oil prices have been relatively high as a result of booming demand outside Europe and as a result of political unrest in North Africa and the Middle East, while European spot gas prices have been low because of Europe's sluggish economy.

This means that Russian oil-linked gas prices have been more expensive than Norwegian spot supplies.

To regain competitiveness, Russia's gas export monopolist Gazprom has handed out price rebates worth billions of euros over the past year, bringing its contracts closer to the spot market, and analysts say this will increase Russia's gas market share.

"We expect the continent to take more Russian gas and less Norwegian gas, if we have a normal winter, during the next gas year," said Einarsen.

Russian preliminary gas exports to Europe rose by 14 percent to 105.2 bcm during January-August, and its gas monopoly Gazprom plans to restore supplies to Europe to 152 bcm this year after they fell 8 percent to 139 bcm in 2012.

Alternatively Britain could get gas through shipped supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from suppliers such as Qatar.

But LNG prices are high as its biggest buyers, Japan and South Korea, pay far more for cargoes than European buyers.

Asian spot prices for LNG cargoes are around $15.5 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), equivalent to 155 pence per therm, and analysts say British spot gas prices would have to rise closer to this level in order to convince LNG exporters to sell cargoes to Europe instead of Asia.

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