Veteran travel writer Mark Seal was tired of buying disappointing travel guides. He wanted insider information about special travel destinations?the kind of tips you'd get from the locals or people who know all the best and hippest places?like celebrities.

Sixteen years and a few hundred interviews later, Seal's Celebrated Weedend feature articles?city-by-city, star-by-star investigations of the coolest places to eat, sleep, and see?have enlightened and entertained countless passengers reading American Way, American Airlines' onboard magazine. And here's the best of the best, published for the first time in one place!

Inside you'll . . .

• Raft down roaring rivers in Kevin Costner's Aspen paradise.


• Dine at Elizabeth Hurley's must-try Paris bistros and brasseries.


• Hang in the New Orleans jazz clubs where Harry Connick Jr. grew up.


• Shop at Penélope Cruz's clothing boutique in Madrid.


• Check into the landmark Philadelphia hotel where Kevin Bacon has stayed.


• Grab a burger in the New York saloon that Brooke Shields has frequented since childhood.

Tucked in between the essential are tantalizing insider stories from today's most exciting stars?told in their own words. It's like having your closest friend tell you all the best places to go.

Whether you're a serious world explorer or an armchair traveler, Celebrated Weekends has everything you need to know to enjoy the most thrilling cities in the world.