Planning a mid-winter escape? Have an overseas Valentine? Out of gift ideas for President’s Day?  We’ve culled a few contributor favorites from WeJetSet.com just in time for any occasion.

Me No Speak
Why fumble over words that you can’t naturally pronounce? Me No Speak language guides take the stress out of communication while traveling by allowing you to point out exactly what you mean.

Sneaker Cleaner Travel Kit
Trekking around just about anywhere in the world will beat the hell out of your kicks. Rejuvinate on the fly and stay looking fresh with this portable cleaning kit.

Portable Device Holder
The phone, the charger, the wires, all in a neat little pile. It’s a beautiful thing.

Travel Chopsticks
The most versatile utensil other than the spork in a compact, travel-friendly form.

What happens when you let a bunch of contemporary artists invent carnival games? The V&A's Village Fête of course. For those non-Brits, a Fête is what we in America call a fair, except this is so much more proper and kooky. As with most things, the V&A is giving it a modern twist by hiring contemporary artists to supply some original games and activities. They've come up with helium fueled karaoke, anarchy topiary, human pinball and a few games involving breaking ceramics (I told you it was kooky). Have a look at the full list the activities and games and go play a game or two while the weather in London is nice. The Village Fête beings tonight and runs through the weekend.

If you’ve ever wanted to add the fancy term “Hotelier” to your business card but lack the capital to actually open a hotel, here’s your chance. Our Planet Retreats, an eco-friendly company aimed at providing truly unique accommodations, is relying on donations from people just like you to get their project off the ground. For a scant $30 donation you can become a shareholder, creating a rare travel experiences for eco-tourists while boosting the local economy. Each retreat consists of 12 rooms that are more or less spheres in trees that house four people apiece, giving travelers an incomparable connection to their surroundings. Each retreat location comes with activities tailored to their environment: whale shark diving, bird watching, turtle conservation projects, or surfing, among others. The current goal is to set up four locations in Vanuatu, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea within the year. Maybe it’s time you got in on the ground floor.

Most motels across the country are unique reminders of an era in roadside elegance long gone. Their rooms are adorned by Bob Ross-esque landscape paintings and beds that vibrate for the small fee of a nickel. The Presidio Motel seeks to bring the American travel outpost up to date. Each of the recently relaunched Santa Barbara, California motel’s rooms break the cookie-cutter mold with distinct vinyl sticker art installations courtesy of Kat Trajano and Stephanie Mansolf, as well as stylish modern furnishings, adding 21st-century appeal to a mid 20th-century staple. If you happen to drive by on your way to San Francisco you may want to stop in for a stay.

One way to get the key to New York City is to get on Mayor Bloomberg’s good side. But if sucking up to politicians isn’t your style, might we suggest checking out Urban Daddy’s new Keys To The City microsite? If you really want to get the lowdown on the all of the secret nooks and hottest spots (and more than a bit of product placement) in “the city that never sleeps” from the people that know it best, then look no further. The site contains exclusive interviews from nightlife impresarios and famed restaurateurs such as David Sarner, Jeffrey Chodorow, Kyky and Uniq, who provide insight to the city as only they can. So if you’re looking for a hot evening of dancing or just the perfect place to get a clam pizza, we suggest letting Urban Daddy unlock the door.

We’ve written about plenty of travel guides, but this time we thought a) what’s one more? and b) it’s free! Whether you have a hankering for a happening lounge or a dose of architectural innovation in a distant land, Turnleft has got you covered. While their sphere of tourist influence currently only encompasses Paris, Helsinki, Amsterdam, and Berlin, the around-the-world adventure advice guides will be expanding their reach from the Americas to Scandinavia shortly. Pretty soon you’ll be able to find a tasty concept restaurant in Reykjavik or a dope design spot in Denmark. Did we mention it’s free?

I’ve been collecting the frequent flyer miles, and right now I’m in Rome for the next week (for the first time). I’m here because on Thursday I’m speaking at the TTI/Vanguard conference about the future of the social web, this new group of humans called Born Digitals, etc. The speaker lineup is pretty great, and I’m humbled to be here. But, like any good globe trotter, I’ve got some time to burn this trip (by design), and I have planned, wait for it, yep– nothing. Why would I come to Rome with nothing planned? Well, I figured a few of my faithful readers have been here and can lend a hand in recommendations. Where should I eat? What should I visit (other than the obvious city attractions?) Where should I shop? Who wants to get gelato with me? Drop me a note or leave a comment below. Ciao!

Fodor’s and Lonely Planet do an admirable job of helping first timers get around unfamiliar locales, but what about repeat visitors? After the obvious museums and landmarks, there are still plenty of cultural must sees and dos that escape our vacation radar. Le Cool publishing have found a way to bring all of the missing links of leisure to the attention of the jaded jetset. On the heels of their hometown “A Weird and Wonderful Guide To Barcelona”, the Spanish publishers have released four graphic guides: Amsterdam, Lisbon, London, and Madrid. They feature the work of top designers and insiders who find hidden gems in these Euro cities, and prove that while they may have been there, they might not necessarily have done that.

You’ve lived it up in London, found romance in Rome, and even wandered into a tourist trap in Turkey. So what’s next, you international traveler you? You could take photos of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or eat brunch in Barcelona, but that’s all been done before. Why not try a little something off the beaten path? If you’re looking for a bizarre travel suggestion that doubles as an incomparable life experience, we suggest checking in with Urbane Nomads. The self-proclaimed “travel mixologists” specialize in creating unique itineraries for those who think they’ve seen it all, but ain’t seen nothin’ yet. So if you’ve ever imagined yourself playing polo in Pakistan or at a spa in Sri Lanka, your window of opportunity is wide open.

Most guide books are, well, dull. And even if you think you’ve picked the “local” spots, you’re likely to end up at the same bar or strip club with all the other tourists. Lame. But check out the new book Art Space Tokyo, and you’ll be able to really find what you’ve been looking for — at least in Japan.

The book introduces you to the neighborhoods that house the most important art galleries in the city by pairing illustrations by artists such as Nobumasa Takahashi and Craig Mod, with insightful descriptions of the areas and suggestions of spots to check out. Follow it, and we doubt you’ll run into any loud, gum-smacking tourists.

Ada Pinkston at Current TV just sent over a video they just posted featuring their Brazilian host Rico (no last name) of the Globe Patrol show getting reacquainted with Sao Paulo after being away for a decade. You know we’ve always got the best coming from Brazil covered, but watching what’s going down will give you a different angle of how I see this awesome city. Rico jumps around town to the Munny exhibit at toy store/ art gallery Plastik, goes to venue Studio SP to catch up with long-lost friends and interviews the Brazilian Larry Flynt, aka the sleazy Oscar Maroni, who was arrested last year for running a brothel. More fun with Brazil here.

Hope you don’t mind if I share something personal. I just got back from my honeymoon in Napa (no, I will not be posting photos), and of all of the tasting rooms, wine shops, and California cuisine restaurants, my best glass of juice was at Titus Vineyards. It wasn’t just the fact that I’d already blazed three dozen wineries up the Silverado Trail in my rented Mustang, like an oenophile Dr. Gonzo. This transcended my buzz (which, if you’re a CHiP officer, is pure hyperbole). This small label makes gigantic reds that are smooth but full of personality; a nice Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and a Zinfandel that will deftly remove your underwear and refuse to call the next day. I bought everything, including a Petite Verdot and Petite Sirah varietal you don’t see a lot of in the valley. If you don’t just drink, but actually enjoy wine, you won’t be disappointed.

Knock Knock Pack This! Pad: Read JS Review | Buy It ($6.99, shown as 1)
Spazzy packers like me need this to ensure that one end of the ocean is as comfortable as the next. Additionally, it keeps that nasty “Oh no, I feel like I forgot something super important” sensation pleasantly out of your gut.

Mimobot: Read JS Review | Buy It ($49.95 – $109.95, shown as 2)
There is no worse place to deal with computer problems than half way across the Atlantic, so we like to travel with our most important info safely backed up on a flash drive… and for some reason, having that flash drive in the form of a three-eyed teddy bear helps us feel even safer.

Comer-Calder Laptop Cases: Read JS Review | Buy It (2090 – 2240 pounds, shown as 7)
Speaking of computer problems, they’re a lot less likely to happen if you keep your baby safe and sound in one of Comer-Calder’s leather and carbon fiber computer cases. Elegant, buttery soft, and, okay, totally expensive, these cases will keep your laptop in pristine condition.

BOOQ Folee Bag: Read JS Review | Buy It ($199 – $204, shown as 4)
Mike Luce and readers alike swooned over this do-it-all briefcase. Easy access, portability, functionality, sleek lines – the Folee bag has it all.

WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie iPod Case: Read JS Review | Buy It ($175-$225, shown as 5)
Premium leather covers the hard shell interior of the WANT Essentials iPod case, keeping your music pumping, your electronics safe, and your vanity appeased.

FlyRight: Read JS Review | Buy It ($19.95, shown as 3)
This homeopathic remedy for jet lag works like a charm in the quest to take the edge off long hauls. A carefully concocted mix of herbs gives the solution its reportedly potent bite – but unlike everything else we swing back in hopes of smoother travels, this remedy leaves no hangover in its wake.

Last July, we were like, whoa, wejetset is coming. And since then, it came, and… it is excellent. Exactly like it promised to be, wejetset is “the store and voice of modern travel,” dedicated to “carrying the highest quality products, while its print and online publications keep travelers inspired and informed.” What this means, post-launch, is that this online travel store has exactly everything you could want when sailing off to uncharted lands. Brilliantly awesome luggage, check; the badass-est city guides, check; headphones, compact umbrellas, notebooks (guess who’s stocking Behance action pads?), and everything else you needed but never knew was in production, check. In short, wejetset is everything we hoped it would be and more – it even makes fourteen hour flights look sorta fun. Check it out before your next adventure here.

WEJETSET is coming soon. In 56 days, 12 hours, 46 minutes and 33 seconds to be exact (Snark Disclaimer: Yes, that will have changed a little by the time you read this, so don’t get all thrilled about calling me out on it). And it’s hard to say why, but whenever sites use one of those stupid time-counter deals I get antsy, and I consider biting my nails even though thats not really my thing, and I can’t help but start to care, like alot — even if I have little idea what it is, exactly, that I’m supposed to be so excited about.

Apparently, WEJETSET is — or is going to be — “the store and voice of modern travel culture” dedicated to “carrying the highest quality products, while its print and online publications keep travelers inspired and informed.” (SWEET BABY JESUS, JOSH, ARE YOU JUST DYING RIGHT NOW?) It appears that there will be stores (virtual and tangible), and publications, both committed to providing innovative and timeless solutions for modern travel, whether across town or across the ocean.

Sounds good, no? We’ll be keeping an eye on WEJETSET for the official launch, but meanwhile, head over to the site, where you can register for a chance to win a Mercedes C-Class Sports Sedan and a set of luggage. They’re also still on the hunt for contributors, so if you considers yourself well-traveled and well-worded, drop them a line.

Via notcot