Jet Setter Destinations

Jet Setter Destinations

The holidays are fast approaching and jet setters are looking for the best places to gather with family and friends. We asked Scott Cutshall of private air charter company Clay Lacy Aviation what the top destinations are this year, and why private jet travel is the best way to get there.

“Many people want a snowy Christmas,” says Cutshall, “they want great skiing and beautiful settings but they don’t want to deal with airports and lines and having to check all their presents. They don’t want long taxi rides from major airports to small towns. Private jet travel does away with all that. You can take your whole family, your presents, even indulge in holiday-themed menus on the plane. The fun begins before you even get to your destination.”

According to Cutshall, if Winter Wonderlands are your thing, Aspen’s small town charm offers couture fashion, live entertainment, and is constantly ranked in the top ten for skiing. For some of the best winter landscapes in the country, Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a naturist’s dream, featuring skiing, country lodging, and stunning wildlife. An interesting mix of nature and hipness can be found in Sun Valley, Idaho and its neighboring town, Ketchum, where guests can ski all day and get dinner in the latest gastropubs at night. And while Salt Lake City might not have the elevation of the other towns listed here, it does offer some true Rockwellian delight and activities such as skimobiling, ice skating, snowboarding, and plenty of shopping.

Food and wine lovers will want to opt for Napa, which remains one of the coziest and most romantic destinations for holiday travelers. Best of all, it’s just a short trip away. “Napa is perfect for people who want to stay close to home,” says Cutshall. “People can even make a day trip of it. Shop in Aspen during the day, fly to Napa for dinner.”

Not everyone likes snow, though. “People also want warm weather and beaches,” says Cutshall, noting a trend in nearby Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Mixing old world Mexican traditions with some of the most relaxing resort comforts south of the border, it’s the perfect place to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. And of course there is nothing like the holidays in Hawaii, which offers everything from romance to family fun. From white sand beaches, gourmet restaurants, and refreshing resorts to snorkeling, surfing, and a wealth of outdoor activities that take place under the warm sun, the only real problem with Hawaii is — you might not want to leave.

Cutshall warns that planes book up quickly, so early planning is key to experiencing the best in private jet holiday travel. (858.381.2529, www.claylacy.com)     RYAN THOMAS