Have you taken any business trips yet in 2012? If so, did you find that your company’s travel policy has changed for the new year? Don’t forget, it’s always wise to check the most current version of your travel policy (generally posted on your company’s intranet or travel portal) before planning your trip – there may be pre-trip approvals necessary for some trips, or you might need to double-check the expense guidelines for things like meals and ground transportation. It’s also important to make sure you’re booking with your company’s preferred suppliers to ensure your organization is getting the best value possible.

Please take a moment to participate in our short poll below to tell us about any policy changes you’re seeing this year.

Safe Travels!

Winter in New York—it’s the cozy setting for many a storybook and movie scene. And what’s better to take the chill out of the day than a steaming beverage to wrap your chilly fingers around? I can’t think of many things that fit the bill quite like a rich and delicious cup of hot cocoa. And New York is a proverbial melting pot for cocoa lovers. Check out the top five places to grab a cup of cocoa in the big apple as ranked in a recent post from Fodor’s Travel blog. Have you sampled any of the top hot chocolate spots mentioned? Personally, I have sipped the smooth, rich concoctions at Jacques Torres (mentioned at the end of the list), and have to give a hearty nod to their Wicked Cocoa. Do you have any recommendations for readers to find a warm beverage in your neck of the woods?

If you’re a procrastinator, like I tend to be, you may be wondering if it’s too late to get that much-needed winter vacation booked. And, fortunately, the answer no, it’s not too late! There are still a wide variety of options available for those of us who live in cold-weather climates and need to escape; or for anyone who just needs a getaway to rejuvenate!

This time of year it’s beach destinations that dominate in terms of customer interest – and here are some of my personal favorites:

Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Cozumel offer a wonderful location on the Caribbean Sea and boast endless days of bright sunshine, relaxing beaches and Mayan ruins. And you’ll find some absolutely wonderful all-inclusive resorts in this area that range from great family resorts with an endless list of activities kids can participate in to romantic adults-only properties (if you’re traveling as a couple consider scheduling a private dinner on the beach through your hotel – you’ll love it!).

Puerto Vallarta continues to be a favorite choice for Mexico as well. Surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta provides an exotic blend of cosmopolitan culture, old world colonial charm that is a wonderful combination.

The Dominican Republic has really soared in popularity over the past few years and having had the opportunity to travel there myself last winter, I can understand why! It offers wonderful white sand beaches and some excellent golf courses too.

And, of course, no list of beach destinations would be complete without Hawaii. You just can’t beat Hawaii for a vacation any time of year, and a trip here is sure to please nearly everyone. From those who just simply want some rest and relaxation with a fantastic beach to those who want lots of great activities, Hawaii really does have it all. The intoxicating scents and beauty of Hawaii will be imbedded in your memory forever!

And, while it’s not too late to plan your winter getaway, time is ticking so don’t wait too long!

What are your favorite beach destinations?

I mean no disrespect to Veterans’ Day by not covering it in a post, but this year blogger Michelle Hamilton wrote about some great ways to commemorate the holiday—and if you want even more info on Veteran’s Day, feel free to re-read my post from last year in the archives.

Instead, this year I thought I would offer 3 suggestions for long holiday weekend vacations, or for those of you who find yourselves in the enviable position of having “use or lose” leave time—and would prefer to use it than to lose it.

The most important thing to keep in mind for these “shorty” getaways is this: Don’t make a big deal out of getting ready for them.  If it takes you longer to pack than the length of the planned getaway, you are doing something wrong.

Following are some regional ideas to use up that vacation time, relax, and refresh:

• Northeast Getaway: Why not Washington, D.C.?  (full disclosure, I live there—but I DON’T operate a B&B yet, so you will have to stay in a hotel).  There are usually very good airfares into this region; the most expensive being into Washington Reagan and the least expensive into Dulles and Baltimore. There are many hotel deals in Washington this time of year because there are many hotels that are no longer full of summer tourists. If you want to stay in the heart of the action in a boutique hotel, try the Hotel Monaco, right next to the Spy Museum downtown—but don’t get spooked!  If you haven’t been to Washington since your high school trip, you will be surprised what a livable city it has become, full of interesting neighborhoods such as Adams Morgan.  It is far more than museums and monuments these days.

• Midwest Getaway: Remember the Alamo!  If you have never been to San Antonio you are missing a lot—the colorful Riverwalk; the Alamo, THE best Tex-Mex fare at reasonable prices, and the beautiful Hill Country with its many sprawling spa resorts.  If you are taking the little ones, there is also a SeaWorld.  You can pretty much bet that the weather will be nice.  Try the Drury Lane right on the Riverwalk—so after that 3^rd margarita you don’t have to drive to your hotel!

• Farther West Getaway: Santa Fe, New Mexico. Recommendation for Santa Fe; it is so beautiful, and so romantic—so try to leave the kids with the grandparents (they will consider that a getaway from you!). If you love beautiful landscapes, rejuvenating spas, art galleries (more than 250) and Native American culture, then this is for you. With world class restaurant and hotels with kiva fireplaces, you will truly feel you have been whisked away to a “happy place”. See if the Inn on the Alameda has any deals this time of year. And try to show some self-restraint if you are partial to beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry.

Wherever you choose, remember to turn off your iPhone or Blackberry.  It will make your 3-day escape seem more like a week!

‘Til next time,

Blogger Bob

With most of North America facing temperatures in the triple digits, pause for a moment. Now imagine a cool breeze tickling your face as crimson, maple-leafed-splendor fills your gaze. Ah, isn’t that better?!

So now let’s make that dream a reality. There’s no time like the present to start planning a “fall foliage” trip. Whether you prefer to lace up your hiking boots or slide behind the wheel , options abound for viewing the glory of autumn. Today we’ll concentrate on Canada.

Take a look below at five of the top destinations to take in the changing colors of fall leaves.

Algonquin Park, Ontario – One of the most popular parks in Ontario near Toronto. Best time to go: late September/early October.

Niagara Parkway, Ontario – Winston Churchill’s, “Prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world,” best between Queenston and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Best time to go: early October.

The Laurentian Mountains, Quebec – Mother Nature’s mountainous splendor explodes in gold, ruby reds and fiery oranges. Best time to go: late September/mid October.

The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia – A magnificent highway carved into ancient highlands where eagles soar above you, seals splash below you and moose wonder alongside. Best time to go: early October.

Johnston’s Canyon, Rocky Mountains, near Banff, Alberta – Spectacular waterfalls, rushing streams sparkling with the gold reflections of aspens and sub-alpine larch. Best time to go: September/October

For more information, see http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadatravelplanner/tp/fallfoliage.htm.

Do you have a favorite Canadian spot to watch the leaves change? If so, tell me all about it!

Watch for future blogs on U.S. fall foliage destinations.