As a frequent traveler, I find myself spending on average 75 nights in hotels each year. So even the little decisions I make during each trip can add up to significant savings or significant additional cost for my company. Here are a few tips you can keep in mind during the process of identifying, booking, and staying at your hotel to get the best value possible.

• Book your company’s preferred hotels. Many companies select preferred hotels only after thoroughly researching those hotels and their safety practices. By booking these hotels, you can be assured that the property meets your company’s standards for safety as well as value.
• Book via approved channels. It may be easy enough to call a hotel property directly and book a room, but if this is not your company’s approved method of booking, you may want to think twice before making that call. By booking via the approved channels, which may be the travel management company or an online booking tool, you can be sure that any discounts your company has negotiated are applied to your rate. Additionally, this will ensure your company has a record of where you are staying in the event of an emergency.
• Take advantage of negotiated amenities. Some hotels offer complimentary amenities as part of the negotiated rate. These may include free parking, internet access, or breakfast. If the amenities are ones you can use, take advantage of them rather than potentially spending more outside the hotel.
• Look at the whole picture. If multiple hotel options are all within your travel policy, try to consider the total cost of staying at one property vs. another. Selecting a hotel near your meeting location may help to reduce ground transportation costs. Additionally, some hotels may offer free shuttles to locations within a certain distance of the hotel. Considerations like these, along with total room rate and included amenities, can add up to a big difference in the total cost of your trip.

These are just a few of the basics to consider before your next trip. And if hotels are your home away from home, we’d love to hear your tips as well. Please share them in the comments below.

When

• Trip type: Some travel policies recommend that travelers use the online booking tool for domestic trips, and only very simple international trips. More complex international trips might need to be booked by a travel counselor. Make sure you know which trips should be booked online and which will require a phone call.
• Travel date: When booking a flight that will be departing in 24 hours or less, many travel policies recommend calling a travel counselor rather than booking online. This helps ensure the ticket will be issued in time.

Where

• Locating the tool: Many organizations have a link to their online booking tool available on the company intranet or travel portal. Make sure you’re using your company’s approved booking tool.

Why

• Cost: For many organizations, the service fees associated with an online booking are more cost-effective that the fees associated with calling a travel counselor. So for trips that fit the criteria, online booking is often the preferred booking method.
• Convenience: Even outside normal business hours, most online booking tools are accessible for travelers to make new bookings.

How

• Training: If your company offers online booking tool training or instructional documents, take a moment to review them to ensure you’re comfortable using the tool.
• Search criteria: Remember that your search criteria will impact the flight results you receive. Some travelers may find they can secure better airfares if they broaden their search results, for example by expanding their selected timeframe or checking alternate airports.

The common theme here is: check your travel policy. It will likely provide plenty of useful information about when and how to use your company’s online booking tool. And if you have any booking tips and tricks to share, we’d love to hear them.

Safe Travels!

If traveling within the United States be sure to check http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html to see if texting is illegal in the state you are traveling to.

If traveling internationally, the U.S. State Department does give country specific information in the traffic safety pages for each country. Additionally, the Cellular News Web site has a list of countries and the laws pertaining to texting.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html

http://www.cellular-news.com/car_bans/

With no passport required for U.S. citizens and the acceptance of the U.S. dollar, traveling to Puerto Rico is easy, safe and worthwhile. The beaches are as pristine as any tropical paradise, and the island is rich in history and culture. While many North American travelers opt for a Mexican resort for a winter vacation, I’m happy that we broke out of that mold and found ourselves on the sandy beaches of San Juan. We discovered adventure, relaxation, and more during those six days, and I had a killer tan to prove it!

Are you spending your Valentine’s Day on a beach somewhere? Or do you have any fun trips planned for the spring? Tell us about them in the comments below.

Companies have identified this as an important area of savings, and business travelers play a critical role in helping their companies achieve those savings. Here are a few tips you can keep in mind to support your company’s efforts:

• Know the policy. This tip is pretty universal, but if you don’t know your company’s policies regarding air and ground transportation, then you likely aren’t following them. Make sure you reference the most current version of the travel policy before booking your trips, and watch for details like how far in advance you need to book your ticket, which trips may need a manager’s approval, and whether you should be booking refundable or non-refundable airfares.
• Use preferred suppliers. Your company has likely selected its preferred air and ground transportation suppliers for very specific reasons—often related to value and also traveler safety. But these preferred supplier relationships are only valuable if travelers actually use those suppliers. Negotiated discounts often depend on certain levels of travel volume—so be sure you’re helping support your company’s preferred supplier relationships whenever possible.
• Watch out for extra fees. Anyone who has traveled recently knows that there are plenty of additional services travelers have the option to purchase during their travel. For example, airlines often charge fees for: checked baggage, early boarding, extra legroom, standing by for earlier flights, and more. And when renting a car, for an additional fee you may have the option to: upgrade to a larger vehicle, use a GPS device, add premium insurance coverage, and so on. Know which of these extra fees your company has approved, and which are not allowed.

These are just a few basic reminders to consider when booking your next trip. But tell us, how do you make sure you’re making the most of your company’s travel dollars?

Safe Travels,

1. Macro versus micro-economics.  Not every travel supplier can meet all of your company’s travel needs.  That’s why you get better rates on some airlines and hotels rather than others.  Chances are you get the best deals on those suppliers who can serve the largest amount of your company’s overall volume.  Travel management is a game of macro-economics.
2. Size matters.  Even though not every supplier can meet the entire need, it doesn’t mean you are better off using anyone and everyone.  The best companies build travel programs that effectively consolidate “preferred” suppliers into as small a bundle as possible to meet as much of the need as possible.
3. The almighty dollar.  The implication for individual travelers can be pretty huge.  Why should you pay more to follow the rules when it’s your travel budget on the line?  Only when you understand the macro-economic impact of your individual decision will that ever make sense.  That doesn’t make the pill any easier to swallow, it just is what it is.

Building preferred supplier programs is more of an art than it is a science.  Building a travel policy to support that program is even trickier business.  The bottom line is that each of your decisions has an impact on the bottom line!  And according to the 290 travel managers surveyed recently as a part of CWT’s 2012 Travel Management Priorities study, improving traveler compliance is the second most important priority for 2012. If you ever feel like the company’s direction doesn’t make sense, start asking more questions about the macro-economics of the deals and then perhaps re-evaluate what you can do to support the company’s overall savings objective.  Do you ever feel this kind of tension?  If so, let’s hear about it!

My typcial attire for a trek to Gobbler's Knob.

Thousands of people from around the world come to hear what he has to say, and he has met President Ronald Reagan. Bill Murray starred in a movie made about him. He has been broadcast live on the JumboTron at Times Square in New York City and appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show. He is the one, the only, Punxsutawney Phil. And, today is his day.

In case you haven’t noticed, today is February 2 or, in other words, Groundhog Day. Today the world’s most famous groundhog revealed his prediction that, alas, we’re in for six more weeks of winter. Phil emerged from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to give his 126^th proclamation. And, I happen to know him personally.

I was born and raised in Punxsutawney, the “Weather Capital of the World,” and have made the trek to Gobbler’s Knob more times than I can remember – even performing as a backup dancer on stage one year. Thousands of people flock to the small town, 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, brave the bitter cold and stand in the middle of the woods way before sunrise to hear great music, meet the members of the Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle (top hats and all), see fireworks and, of course, hear Phil’s prediction.

Phil and his Inner Circle. Courtesy of www.groundhog.org.

The legend states that if Phil sees his shadow, there are six more weeks of winter. If no shadow is seen, spring is just around the corner. Upon emerging from his burrow, Phil converses with the Groundhog Club’s president in “Groundhogese” (a language only understood by the current president) who in return translates his forecast to the world.

It’s fun; it’s humorous; and, I am proud to be part of such a great tradition. Our sports teams are the Punxsy Chucks (woodchuck being another term for groundhog), we have “Phantastic Phil’s” throughout town, and schools and businesses close to celebrate Groundhog Day. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Not to mention it put Punxsutawney on the map. When I tell people where I am from and see a look of confusion, I simply say “you know, Groundhog Day” and all is clear.

One of the 32 “Phantastic Phil’s” scattered throughout Punxsutawney. Courtesy of www.punxsutawney.com.

For more information including Groundhog Day history and fun facts, check out http://www.groundhog.org/. Or, for those of you interested, I would highly encourage a trek of your own!

If you have any questions, add them to the comment section. I would be glad to fascinate you some more! And if you traveled to Punxsutawney for the celebration this year, I’d love to hear what you thought of the festivities!

“Where?”

“Be careful. They are still fighting over there.”

“Is that part of Russia?”

It helped only a little more when I pinpointed the exact spot as Dubrovnik.

“Oh, yes, my aunt was on a cruise there once.  She loved it.”

To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure why I was going to Dubrovnik except for the fact that, like “someone’s aunt,” I never spoke to anyone who had been there that didn’t love it.  And with good reason.

Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a beautiful coastal Mediterranean town in Croatia (the former Yugoslavia).  It has long been a wealthy, maritime-based city rich in history—some of which was violent, as it was second only to Venice in terms of wealth and trade.  Unfortunately, that violence extended all the way up to 1991 with the Serbo-Croatian War, when the city came under attack by the Serbs with the break- up of Yugoslavia.

I am happy to report that Dubrovnik has been put back together with streets of marble in the Old City, beautiful turrets, walls around the city 2 km long which you can spend an entire afternoon walking, great seafood, 3 small islands off the coast with beaches and parks, and a city full of very friendly people.  Dubrovnik is very crowded during the summer, as it is a favorite stop for cruise ships. But come October, the crowds ease up and the weather is still sunny and warm.

Be sure to take a day trip to the tiny country of Montenegro next door to Dubrovnik where Kirk Douglas and Catherine-Zeta Jones summer, and where parts of a James Bond movie were filmed on the winding, mountain roads.  Combine it with a some wine tasting in the Peljesac region. Then spend a day touring the incredibly beautiful island of Korcula, supposed birth place of Marco Polo.

There is plenty to keep you busy in Dubrovnik  and environs for a week.  Hotels come in all price ranges.  The Hotel Bellevue, where I stayed, is built into a cliff with the lobby on ground level and the rest of it below ground level with beautiful views from your room’s balcony  of the Adriatic and the hotel’s private beach.

If you have time, head to either Split or Zagreb, the capital, for a couple more days in a more traditional but fun atmosphere.  But by all means, listen to “someone’s aunt”—or me—and go to Croatia!

We’re pleased to introduce guest blogger Barbara Barnard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CWT North America, to share some exciting news CWT recently received.

As a traveler, you’ve had the opportunity to visit new cities, meet new people, and maybe even get involved in different communities. As you’ve seen covered on this blog before, CWT in 2011 partnered with Habitat for Humanity to shift the focus of our annual client event toward a greater purpose than just getting together and having a good time.

The interactive event allowed participants to make their mark on a Habitat house CWT was supporting, including the chance to meet the local Denver family who would soon live there. (The family, Miriam and her children, were an inspiration to all of us at CWT. You can meet them too, by clicking here.) That house is now completed, and the family is enjoying a safe, healthy environment they can call home.

But while the house is complete, the celebration continues. We’re excited to announce that CWT’s “Impact on the Gridiron” event has been named as one of four finalists for PR News’ CSR Awards in the event category! We’ll find out in a few months whether we’ve won, but honestly, we’re just excited that the passion and hard work of our employees, event sponsors, and Habitat for Humanity have been recognized more broadly by CSR professionals. And, we’re honored to be among a truly amazing group of nominees which include renowned companies as Coca Cola, The Walt Disney Company, Best Buy, and many more. We’re proud of the focus CWT has put on corporate social responsibility, and we hope that at least one person who hears about our efforts might be inspired to become more active in their own community.

Of course, one of the greatest rewards for being a part of a socially responsible company is knowing that your organization cares about making a difference. Not just on our bottom line, but in our community, on our environment, and in the individual lives of our neighbors near and far.

What’s the most rewarding experience you’ve had while giving back to your community or a community to which you’ve traveled? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below. And if you’re interested in getting involved with Habitat for Humanity in your local community, check out their website here.

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?

Travel into the United States from Canada is slightly less restrictive but does not allow entry if you have a communicable disease or have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude (among other restrictions).  U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers further detail of such crimes and the process for applying for temporary waivers of inadmissibility on its website. It also states, “At this time, driving under the influence, breaking and entering, disorderly conduct and simple assault are not considered crimes that make a person inadmissible.”

When traveling to or from our neighboring country, keep this in mind, and if you have any questions or doubts, check the U.S. or Canadian government websites.  Better to be prepared, than to have a trip aborted at the airport.

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park

U.S. National Parks

This weekend is one of the “fee free” weekends for the U.S. National Parks that normally charge entrance fees. Some of the national parks never charge an entrance fee. The following are the “fee free” dates in 2012 for U.S. national parks:

• January 14-16: Martin Luther King Jr. weekend
• April 21-29: National Park Week
• June 9: Get Outdoors Day
• September 29: National Public Lands Day
• November 10-12: Veterans Day weekend

Additional information about U.S. National Parks can be found at the National Park Service website here.

Canadian National Parks

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park

Canada’s national parks are fee-free on Canada Day (July 1) and Parks Day, which generally falls on the third Saturday in July. Individual parks may also offer promotions throughout the year with reduced or free admission. To promote tourism, Parks Canada has not increased most of its fees since 2008.

Additional information about Canada’s national parks can be found at the Parks Canada website here. Specific questions can be directed to Parks Canada at (888) 773-8888 or information@pc.gc.ca.

Have you vacationed at a national park? Have any favorite trips to share? We’d love to hear your stories!
Safe Travels,

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

Cancun, Mexico

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?

Airline prices are rising. Hotel rates are going up. Car rental can add hundreds of dollars to an itinerary, not to mention meal expenses. So why is it that cost-conscious businesses are not abandoning face-to-face meetings altogether?

In 2010, Carlson Wagonlit Travel addressed this trend by offering clients CWT Telepresence, a packaged program that provides clients access to public telepresence rooms, enabling companies to reduce costs while successfully bringing people together to meet business objectives.

Pauline Quéré, CWT vice president, Global Customer Product Marketing, offered this perspective on this advanced form of video conferencing at the time the product launched:

“Telepresence is state-of-the-art technology that can help companies cut travel costs without compromising their business objectives…Meetings can be conducted more often, bringing more people together quickly and easily for greater collaboration. Telepresence can also increase contacts with clients and business partners outside of the company. And a better work-life balance for employees, coupled with a more sustainable impact on the environment, are also important. These are all reasons why CWT is eager to help clients successfully integrate telepresence into their managed travel programs,” she said.

While there are many benefits to forgoing a lengthy and/or expensive business trip, much can be lost when interacting with a colleague or client solely through a computer screen.  We e-mail and sit on conference calls all day long, but a full, in-person work session complete with live dialogue and human interaction can often lead to higher productivity, not to mention team building that can only come from sitting in the same room as another colleague.

CWT is offering the CWT Telepresence product as an alternative to face-to-face meetings, while still recognizing the value of in-person sessions, but do you think that video conferencing will ever replace a significant percentage of face-to-face meetings?

]]> http://www.cwtsavvytraveler.com/2012/01/21st-century-business-will-face-to-face-meetings-be-replaced-by-technology/feed/ 0 http://www.cwtsavvytraveler.com/2012/01/curaco-is-a-colorful-casino-filled-city/ http://www.cwtsavvytraveler.com/2012/01/curaco-is-a-colorful-casino-filled-city/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:24:03 +0000 Cheryl Rodgers http://www.cwtsavvytraveler.com/?p=3092

There is a unique pedestrian bridge, which would certainly give you a work out if you were trying to cross it when they open it for boats to pass through. On the other side of the bridge there are more colorful shops, markets and stores set up for cruise passengers to visit while in port. Here, you will also find hotels that house huge casinos, complete with table games. This is a great spot to play table games as minimums tend to be much lower in the Caribbean, and since the majority of hotels on the island have decent sized casinos, opportunities abound if you would like to test your luck! If you’re unable to catch the bridge before it opens, there is a free ferry nearby which you can use as an alternative to cross the waterway.

Curacao is definitely worth a visit for lovers of snorkeling, shopping, gambling and relaxation on the beach.

What did you do on your vacation to Curacao?

Taxi

Many times the go-to method of transportation for business travelers, a cab ride cab be a convenient and sometimes spendy option.

• The pros: They’re readily available at the airport, and if you’re traveling with a group, a cab fare split three ways is an affordable option.
• The cons: A short 5-mile trip can cost $20 or more, depending on the city, and you also have to be mindful of a respectable tip. Some cabs also don’t take credit cards. Plus, everyone has that one bad cab story…

Car rental

Photo courtesy of National Car Rental

If you’re traveling for business, it’s likely your company has a contracted rate with a major rental car company. Whether it’s Avis or National, know your company’s preferred ground suppliers when you book your travel!

• The pros: Being in control of your transportation on a business or personal trip has its advantages—you can plan less and depend less on others to make sure you get where you need to go. If you’re in a remote area or traveling for an extended period of time, this may be your best bet.
• The cons: Driving yourself around an unfamiliar city can also be daunting, and you may incur additional expenses by choosing this option, such as GPS rental and fuel.

Public transportation

European and Asian countries are miles ahead of the United States and Canada when it comes to public transportation options, but if you’re traveling domestically, bus or rail can still be a viable option.

Phoenix lightrail

Chauffeured transportation

Not just for the rich and famous, chauffeured transportation can be an affordable and dependable way to get around whether you are visiting a foreign country or making a day trip within North America.

• The pros: Let the experts handle the details and sit back and enjoy the ride. Companies like BostonCoach pride themselves on being safe, reliable and convenient – all important factors when traveling for business or pleasure.
• The cons: If you will be out and about often during your trip or if you have a tight travel budget, other options might be best for you.

CWT Savvy Traveler readers, if you’re traveling for business, what’s your go-to method of transportation? What if you’re traveling for fun?

Have you made any resolutions for the new year? Are any of them travel-related? Maybe finally visiting that “bucket list” destination, or incorporating volunteer service activities in a future trip? We’d love to hear about your travel resolutions – tell us about them in the comments section below.

Safe travels in 2012!

Qantas has an interesting trial scheduled to begin in January involving tablet computers and in-flight entertainment. The airline will be equipping one of its B767-300 aircraft with iPads at each seat, which passengers can use to experience Qantas’ in-flight entertainment options. More information about this trial and Qantas’ in-flight connectivity pilot is available here.

Do you use your tablet computer in-flight? Tell us about it.

Safe Travels,

1. Check-in online: Checking in online will help ensure great seat selection.
2. Pack lightly: Most airlines have strict luggage policies these days, so be sure to check with your specific carrier, and bring only what you need to avoid extra fees.
3. Ship gifts in advance: If you must carry gifts with you, be sure to leave them unwrapped for security purposes.
4. Prepare the children: Make sure your children know their home address and telephone number. It is a good idea to set up a meeting place at the airport should you be separated. If they haven’t flown before, explain the security process so they’re not alarmed.
5. Know your flight status: check online or call ahead to ensure your on-time departure and arrival.
6. Go light on the liquids: Transport Canada and TSA in the U.S. restrict the amount of liquid you may bring on your carry-on to containers with a capacity of 100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz.) or less that fit in a 1 liter (1 quart) plastic bag.
7. Allow enough time: Get to the airport early to ensure you have enough time to get through security and to your gate.
8. Be ready for security: Everyone can do their part to speed security lines. Remove belts, shoes and other items while you are waiting in line.
9. Leave a paper trail: make photocopies of your passports, credit cards, and other IDs. Leave one copy with a relative at home and keep another copy with you, separate from your originals.
10. Cover your bases: Ensure that you have adequate trip cancellation, interruptions and medical insurance while traveling.

Following these simple tips will help you ease through the busy airports during this time of year. Do you have any other tips or tricks to share?

My first trip was 15 years ago. I went with a group of volunteers on a work expedition to help the local youth group find coal and plant tea. We lived in the village during the week and on weekends were taken on safari.  It was great to be able to experience life as a local and to also be involved in the tourism aspect. Having experienced both aspects of life in East Africa, the thing that stuck with me most from this trip is that the locals, who have so little in food or money, seem far happier than the majority of people around the world who have so much more!

I completed my second trip last year: a safari tour with friends and family. This trip was also filled with amazing experiences. Words cannot express the feeling you have when you see the amazing animals in such close proximity. Picture giraffes running, elephants walking in front of you, lions looking you directly in the eye, a herd of zebras drinking from the river (who get spooked every once in a while), cheetahs lounging together beneath a tree, and lion cubs walking with their mom right past your window.

These are just a few of the reasons I believe everyone should go to Africa.

Do you have an amazing African experience to share?

• Being early is the best bet. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so travelers should check with their air carriers to ensure they have time to check baggage if needed and move through security.
• If checking bags can be avoided, travelers can save time and money. Reviewing the airline carriers’ baggage policies is a good idea before packing.
• Carry-ons should be well-organized, for example with a layer of clothes, then electronics, then more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help transportation security officers see a bag’s contents.
• When considering bringing food or wine along for the holidays, travelers should make sure to review Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) policies. While pies are permitted, many other items, such as dips, spreads, wine, and beer are not allowed in carry-on luggage and should be checked or shipped ahead of time.
• Gifts should not be wrapped. If a security officer needs to inspect a package, he or she may have to unwrap it. TSA also does not allow snow globes to pass through the security checkpoint, as they contain an undetermined amount of liquid. Snow globes are permitted in checked baggage.
• Travelers should have ID ready and make sure all liquid items that have not been checked are in compliance with TSA’s 3-1-1 Liquid Policy requirements. This saves time and makes lines move quickly. See the TSA’s holiday travel tips for details on the 3-1-1 Liquid Policy and other tips. Visit CATSA’s holiday travel tips page for information about traveling through Canadian airports.
• Fun fact: Within select date ranges, the following airports are offering gift wrap service for passengers who have cleared security: Calgary International Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Edmonton International Airport, Fort Wayne International Airport, Halifax Stanfield International Airport, San Diego International Airport. Check with your local airport to see if they offer this service.

Finally, a friendly demeanor can go a long way. Many travelers may be experiencing the same frustrations, so keeping a positive attitude can go a long way and make the experience better for everyone.

Happy travels!

While we can’t pretend that there is no violence in Mexico, it’s important to remember  that the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta to name a few) are safe places for visitors.  The violence we hear about is concentrated in very localized areas, primarily in the towns bordering the U.S., all of which are very far removed from the beach resort towns along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.  In fact, we’re finding that interest in Mexican resort vacations has increased considerably this year!

Over the past year I’ve been fortunate enough to personally visit the Cancun and Riviera Maya area on two occasions, including one trip with my daughters, and thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Mexico each time.  Mexico offers an excellent value and a great return on your vacation dollars – visitors to Mexico will find a wide range of hotel options from the most luxurious accommodations to more budget-minded options.  If you’re looking for crystal blue waters and white sand beaches you can’t beat the Riviera Maya area!  And, what I’ve always enjoyed most about Mexico, is the people.  They are gracious, warm people who are genuinely grateful you’ve chosen their country for your vacation.

So if you’re considering a trip to Mexico, you should feel confident in your decision. Just use the same safety precautions as you would in your daily life or when traveling to any other destination.

Adios amigo!

This non- traditional method of meeting people and the mere idea that love can possibly blossom from an encounter of this nature may seem foreign and impossible to many of you, but I can tell you from personal experience that it does happen!

We were separated by 7000 kilometers and our first encounter was completely by accident. We met in a cultural chat room (not an online dating site), and after  many exchanges back and forth over a period of time we both realized that something special was evolving.  The anticipation of hearing from each other every day grew very strong and eventually I wanted more than just webcam and keyboarding exchanges.  The distance was not the issue; the problem was finding the time to get to the destination.  Neither one of us had personally budgeted to travel across the world for love, but the pull on my heart strings told me that I had to make it happen.

I finally made a decision to go to Venice.  It was my opportunity to see fine art, brush up on some history, experience Italian culture, enhance my travel experience to help benefit  my clients, and to meet my  new “friend.”  I seized the opportunity, and the result is a happily married woman! Without the amazing technology of the internet combined with my ability to travel overseas, I might still be looking for Mr. Right.

Distances may be extreme, but everyday people like me are finding love in unique ways. I have no doubt that airlines, rail companies, coach lines, car rental agencies, cruise lines and ferry service providers all contribute to the happiness of couples who have met online and followed their hearts.  In this case, we all benefit when it comes to love!

Over the years, I have been faced with these challenging opportunities on numerous occasions.  The focus I always maintain is on the recipient—making it easy for him or her to enjoy the gift I give without adding undue stress to celebrations.

Following are some of my favorite suggestions for how to handle long-distance holiday celebrations:

• Expecting Holiday visitors from afar?  Build postage costs and time into your gift-giving.  If you’re budgeting $50 for holiday gifts, spend $40 on the actual gift, and tuck away $10 for shipping.  The US Post Office and most shipping companies offer pick up services, so pick up a small food scale to weigh packages, and you can print and ship from the convenience of your own home.
• When traveling to a celebration destination, ship gifts and plan for delivery after you arrive.  Or, if you want the gifts to arrive in advance, ask the hosts to tuck them away to await your arrival (no peeking!). Most online shopping sites offer the option to indicate whether something is a gift, so the packaging will not give away what is inside.
• Print and wrap pictures of gifts for the day of the gift exchange, and place delayed orders so that the packages arrive after travelers arrive home from the Holiday celebrations.
• Get creative with gift cards.  Plan a progressive evening out for friends or family, beginning with a gift certificate for appetizers at a tapas bar, dinner at a favorite restaurant, and dessert at a local sweet spot.  While gift cards can, at times, be perceived as “cold” or “impersonal,” putting a little thought into packaging a creative evening can make a portable gift go a long way.
• If you do have space in your luggage to travel with your gifts, don’t forget to abide by TSA regulations and leave them unwrapped until you arrive at your destination.  The TSA may have to open wrapped gifts packed in checked or carry-on luggage for security reasons.

What are your suggestions for traveling around the Holidays?  Do you have any tried and true methods for gift exchanges across the miles?

How would you like to recapture that special magic once again?

If so, climb aboard and come with me. I have just the stop to add that irresistible twinkle to your eyes and a smile to your lips.

We’re headed for New York City, the New York Botanical Gardens to be exact.

It’s the annual Holiday Train Show, and what a show it is, from now until January 16, 2012.

A whole wing of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is transformed into a wonderland of model railroads running past naturally decorated replicas of all your favorite New York landmarks—Yankee Stadium, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and on and on.  Everywhere you look—to your left, to your right, above your head–trains, trains, everywhere trains!

It’s a 20-year holiday tradition, and this year they’ve added a special treat. For the first time, visitors will be given an insider’s look at how the replicas are constructed.

But don’t take my word for it.  Go have a look yourself.  Here’s the link: www.nybg.org.

Now for the logistics:

To get there, just take the MTA: Metro-North Railroad out of Grand Central Terminal—a 20-minute ride.

Jump on the Metro-North Harlem local line to the Botanical Garden Station and merely walk across Southern Boulevard to the Garden’s Mosholu Gate entrance.  So easy!

Hours of Operation: The show is open most Tuesdays – Sundays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Check the site for certain dates with early closures or special extended hours.

To maximize your enjoyment use these two (2) strategies:

• For the least crowded viewing, plan to arrive when the Gardens open at 10 a.m.
• If time permits, come back after sunset, when all the display lights have that after-dark glow.

I’ve been three times over the past few years and every time is just as magical as the first.

So go ahead, be a child again!  Here’s wishing you a very, merry holiday season.

As a traveler, it’s worth keeping an eye on which of your company’s preferred hotels are offering the best rates at which properties during the time periods in which you’ll be traveling. Staying within corporate travel policy and being sure to book via approved methods to secure your company’s negotiated discounts are key to helping your company get the best value.

Additionally, keep an eye on which amenities may be included in your company’s negotiated rate. While many hotels had previously included amenities such as free breakfast and internet access as part of the room rate, some hotels are starting to move away from this strategy and instead may be charging separately for such amenities. If amenities such as free breakfast, internet, or parking are included in your room rate, make sure to take advantage of them whenever possible to maximize your company’s travel dollars.

As a traveler, what are the amenities you are most likely to use? Do you make sure to consult your travel policy to see what is included in your rate?

Safe travels!

The pilot is currently being conducted at four airports, and is only available at select security checkpoints, as outlined below:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International: T-South Checkpoint (Delta only)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: Terminal C, Checkpoint C30 (American only)
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport: Checkpoint 2 on the ticketing level (Delta only)
• Miami International Airport: D2 Checkpoint (American only)

At these checkpoints, eligible travelers would be referred to a specific security lane where they might be able to avoid having to remove their shoes, belts, and jackets; and keep their laptops and their “3-1-1 compliant bag” of liquids within their baggage. The TSA reminds travelers, though, that “random and unpredictable security measures” are always incorporated into the security process, and even TSA PreCheck members would be subject to such additional security.

The TSA is planning to expand the pilot to a few more airports in the near future:

• Las Vegas McCarran International Airport in December 2011 (for Delta and American passengers)
• Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport in early 2012 (Delta passengers)
• Los Angeles International Airport in early 2012 (American passengers)

Further expansion will be considered if the pilot is successful.

Additional information is available at the TSA website. Are you a participant in the pilot? What do you think of the concept so far?
Safe Travels!

Reaction to increased cell service coverage in public places  is varied.  What does it mean for you?  Is this a great new way to stay connected, or is it among an increasing number of places you’re  forced to hear other peoples’ phone conversations?

UK Public Sector Strike

There is a public sector strike scheduled for tomorrow, November 30 in the United Kingdom. Striking workers will include UK Border Agency staff – meaning travelers arriving in the UK may experience delays at immigration checkpoints. Read the CWT Hot News here for more information.

Weather impacts travel

Wind in Chicago and rain in the New York area are impacting flights into and out of those regions. Check your flight status and review the airline re-accommodation policies to see what your options are for rescheduling your travel.

American Airlines files for reorganization under Chapter 11

While this announcement is making headlines today, there is expected to be no impact to travelers. AA indicates it is conducting business as usual worldwide while it restructures its debt. Visit AA’s website or read the CWT Hot News for more information.

Safe Travels!