Crucial travel strategies

How do I get a good Deal this year?

For one thing, keep track of those surcharges, and see if you can avoid flying on popular holiday travel dates. The airlines are banking on these high-demand days, and flexible travelers will benefit from adjusting their schedules accordingly.

Most importantly, compare, compare, compare. It’s a time-worn adage, but it’s also as relevant as ever this year. Airlines are in tough competition for a reduced number of travelers, and it’s fair to assume we’ll see lots of fare wars and competing sales as the summer travel season approaches. Start benchmarking fares to your destination as much as two or three months ahead of time, and monitor them for a few weeks to see what happens. When you find a price you like, you’ll know just how good a Deal you’re getting.

Further, this is a year where discounted last-minute flights may play a larger role in the airline business. Carriers will no doubt try to push up fares in advance of flights, with the hope that public uncertainty about pricing trends will lead people to book early rather than risk watching their fare go up. If you have a strong enough stomach, you may be rewarded with a Deal if wait until a week or two before your trip to book your flight. (Caveat: This won’t necessarily apply to the most popular destinations, such as Europe.)

Dealing with fees

Keep factoring ancillary fees into your fare comparisons, and consider airlines that charge fewer fees than the competition. Most importantly, keep up with all the new fees so that you know exactly what you’ll be paying, and try to travel with only a carry-on if you can.

United has an annual bag fee program that may work for frequent travelers. For $249 a year, you can check an unlimited number of bags on all United flights. If you know you’ll be traveling a lot, and United’s service and fares work for you, this could be a good money-saving option. So far, no other carriers have come out with a similar program.

Choosing an affordable destination

the real bargains will likely be on the ground, and savvy shoppers would be wise to start any search by looking for great hotel deals and worrying about airfare later. Most travelers take the opposite approach—airfare first, hotel almost as an afterthought—but unstable fare pricing in 2010 suggests this may not be the way to go. In fact, this is a good year to base your destination choices on price, since some destinations may offer deals too good to pass up.

Within hotels, high-end properties have generally seen larger price drops than other properties. This has resulted in price compression, where the difference between rates at high-end hotels and those at middle-of-the-pack accommodations has shrunk, making upscale rooms more accessible to budget-conscious travelers.

Airport security issues

You simply need to give yourself extra time. You may not need it here in the States, but consider it an investment in peace of mind. Abroad, give yourself an extra two hours or more beyond what you would normally budget. Again, you may not need it, but you may also be glad you arrived early.

Beyond time, be prepared for some new experiences. The Department of Homeland Security is expected to add roughly 300 whole-body imaging scanners to U.S. airports this year. These scanners can see beneath your clothing and detect some non-metallic items such as bomb-making materials and composite knives. They also create a greyscale image of your body, which many people feel is a violation of privacy. For the average traveler, this will be a very new and potentially unsettling aspect of airport security, but it appears these scanners will nevertheless become a part of the flying experience.

Lastly, keep an eye on the news, as the security situation is constantly evolving. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and foreign security officials may make policy changes, for better or worse, and you don’t want to be surprised at the airport. Make sure you pack in accordance with current restrictions so your security wait time is minimized. Use common sense and check anything that might invite time-consuming additional scrutiny.

SOURCE: USA TODAY

Top 10 Things People Steal from Hotels

Why do ordinarily honest and conscientious people think that it’s okay to take things from a hotel without paying for them?  My theory is that many times items in a hotel have the name of the hotel on them.  Therefore these items become souvenirs and since no one is watching you in your hotel room or other areas of the hotel it’s unlikely you will get caught.  So are we really honest people or just afraid of getting caught?  Here’s what I have found to be the Top 10 Things People Steal from Hotels.

1. Towels.  Do you really need more towels at home or do you just want to have something that says the name of the place you stayed.  Most times these items are available for sale in the gift Shop.
2. Bathrobes.  Who has enough room in their suitcase to steal a bathrobe?  I say bring a smaller bag and you won’t be able to steal.
3. Ashtrays.  Really?  Ashtrays are not that expensive, just go buy one.  Better yet, quit smoking.  It’s bad for your health.
4. Light bulbs.  Now this is just silly.  Do you really want broken glass in your suitcase if someone smashes it?
5. Batteries out of the TV remote.  Batteries are very expensive so I guess I could see this, but how would you like to be the next guy and not have a remote that works?
6. Bed linens.  Gross.  Do you have any idea what people do on those sheets?  I’m pretty sure housekeeping will notice and you’ll get billed.
7. Shampoo and lotion bottles.  While some hotels may consider taking these as stealing I have to say that these are put there for the guest’s use and if you don’t use them there, why can’t you take them home?
8. Blow dryers.  Do you really want that blow dryer?  In my experience they are never that good anyway.  Go buy your own.
9. Sewing kits.  These are meant to be used in an emergency and really aren’t meant to take home.
10. Bottle openers.  Now I don’t see these very often, probably because someone before me stole it!

SOURCE: HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT SCHOOLS

Airline fees on the rise, again

Continental, Delta, American and United Airlines have boosted their fuel surcharges on flights to Europe by $20. Surcharges vary by route, but the airlines typically impose fuel charges of about $242 on flights to London and $280 on routes to many popular destinations on the continent.

Delta began charging $8 more for the first checked bag and $7 more for a second for Tickets sold starting January 5, 2010. Continental did the same thing beginning with Tickets sold starting Saturday. United will charge $5 more than before. It takes effect on Tickets bought beginning Thursday for travel after January 21.

The three airlines will be charging $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second if the bags are checked at the airport. The fee is slightly lower for bags checked in online.

“It’s a match” of Delta’s higher bag fees, Continental spokeswoman Mary Clark says. “But we don’t normally comment on our rationale” for matching competitors’ pricing changes.

An American Airlines spokesman said the airline has not changed their fees, but they’re studying the moves by the other airlines. Southwest Airlines does not charge to check the first two bags.

It’s easy to see why airlines raise service fees. Their final results won’t be announced until later this month, but U.S. carriers are expected to post a combined 2009 loss of about $2.9 billion, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Airlines have cut flights and gone to smaller planes in response to weak passenger numbers and high fuel costs to try to limit losses.

CONTRIBUTING: USA TODAY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

‘Nut-free’ flight option

Air Canada has been ordered by Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) to  be able to create a nut-free “buffer zone” on its flights. The Toronto Star writes the move follows “complaints from two passengers about the inconsistent and difficult experiences they faced when they asked Air Canada to accommodate their severe nut allergies.” The Toronto Sun adds “the CTA ruled (Thursday) that people with peanut and nut allergies face significant barriers to safe travel and should be treated as having a disability. As such, all accommodations should be made to ensure their safety while travelling with Air Canada.”

Toronto’s National Post says the CTA “gave Air Canada 30 days to come up with a plan to create a ‘buffer zone’ for each aircraft type when passengers with nut allergies warn them ahead of time.” In its ruling, the CTA says passengers sitting in such zones “will be advised that they can only eat foods that are peanut-free or nut-free and that they will only be offered peanut-free or nut-free foods as part of Air Canada’s onboard snack or meal will also address the risk of other passengers eating peanuts or nuts,” according to the CBC.

Air Canada says it is reviewing the decision. The Globe and Mail of Toronto notes “Air Canada stopped serving peanuts years ago, but the airline still serves cashews and other snacks that contain nuts.” As for WestJet, Canada’s No. 2 carrier, the Edmonton Sun writes it “already has a policy in place, where on-board personnel try to create a voluntary buffer zone around people with nut allergies. WestJet doesn’t serve meals and only has nut-free snacks.”

Still, despite the CTA’s ruling, Sophia Huyer – one of the passengers to present a complaint – says she’s not satisfied. The Globe and Mail writes Huyer “wants all nuts banned from all airlines.” Huyer adds to the Star: “I know no area can be totally nut-free, but if you’re serving nuts, you are actively increasing the risk anyway.”

SOURCE: USA TODAY

Viva Las Vegas!

Las Vegas is a city that barely needs an introduction. From its top-of-the-line resorts, Shopping and dining to its exciting entertainment and nightlife, Las Vegas has earned its place as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. Nevada’s largest city has long outgrown its adult playground moniker and is no longer just a gambling Mecca.

The mega-resorts that line The Strip offer visitors more than meets the eye. Behind the flashing neon and dazzling lights, each of them is a destination unto itself. Take Caesars Palace and the designer fashions available at The Forum Shops, or Mandalay Bay and its sandy beaches and wave pool or Bellagio’s world-class spa—each day in Las Vegas can be a whole new vacation. Kids and kids at heart can enjoy roller coasters and other rides at Circus Circus, Stratosphere and New York – New York and live animal exhibits at many resorts including Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage and the MGM Grand Lion Habitat. For some education with your vacation, the Springs Preserve is a fun way to learn all about the desert that surrounds Las Vegas and the Nevada State Museum, opening in 2009, will include even more informative exhibits and displays. Sun-seekers can soak up rays at resort pools at the Hard Rock Hotel, Palms, and everywhere in between.

To fuel any Las Vegas getaway—however frenetic or tranquil—you’ll need plenty to eat, and the city has you covered there as well. Although the once ubiquitous 99-cent shrimp cocktail is all but extinct, it’s unlikely that you’ll starve on any budget. From specials and buffets at practically every resort to five-star, celebrity-chef restaurants—even a burger with a $777 price tag!—Las Vegas is a food lover’s dream.

Maybe Elvis said it best, “Viva Las Vegas!”

Eat for under $20 in Maui

Everyone wants to score a first-rate Deal on the road. But deals can be difficult to come by in a tourist zone — especially one like Maui, where the cost of dining can be as breathtaking as the landscape. So we went to the people who know Maui best — its residents — and asked them for suggestions on how to eat well here on a budget.

Our local experts included Charmaine Tavares, the mayor of Maui; Bobby Santos, chef instructor of the Maui Culinary Academy; students at the academy; Bonnie Friedman, cookbook author; and Benita Brazier, of the Maui Office of Economic Development.

Their advice helped us develop this list of 10 great Maui meals for less than $20, our second in a series of occasional stories on getting the best value for your vacation dining dollar.

Bon appétit, or as they say in the islands: E mea ai maik’i.

(Note: Some of the restaurants take cash only, and some are hard to find; call first for hours and directions.)

1. CJ’S DELI & DINER

Price: $7.95 to $9.95

Scoping it out: Only $10 to spend? Stop at CJ’s Deli & Diner for what may be the best burger in Maui. For $9.95, our burger combo included half a pound of Angus beef (topped with caramelized Maui onions, cheese and bacon) a refillable soda and a heaping mound of wonderfully seasoned fries. The diner is cheerful and appealing and is just down the street from the über-expensive resorts at Kaanapali. “I opened this restaurant because I was tired of all the tourist traps,” says owner Christian Jorgensen, formerly executive chef at the Westin Maui. His menu includes more than burgers: Jorgensen’s comfort meals include entrees such as meatloaf ($8.50), pot roast ($9.95) and roast turkey ($8.95). And you can BYOB without a corkage fee. Other pluses: Order lunch to take on a picnic or the road to Hana, and CJ will lend you an ice chest.

We loved. . . everything, including CJ’s wickedly wonderful sweets, such as Road to Hana brownies or macadamia nut Hana bars.

We didn’t love. . . that the place is hard to find.

CJ’s Deli & Diner, Kaanapali Fairway Shops, 2580 Kekaa Drive, No. 120 (just off Honoapiilani Road); (808) 667-0968, www.cjsmaui.com.

2. ALOHA MIXED PLATE

Price: $6.25 to $13.95

Scoping it out: Lahaina, once a whaling capital, is now a tourist hub with restaurants crowding Front Street, the main drag. Many are chain eateries with high prices — hey, you might as well have stayed at home. So try something different: Aloha Mixed Plate. The funky ocean-side restaurant features plate lunches, an only-in-Hawaii cuisine that includes foods of many cultures. Typical dishes are teriyaki beef, kalua pork, poi, rice, macaroni salad and lomi lomi salmon, but finicky eaters can skip the local food and get a burger or salad. You’ll dine outdoors on paper plates, but the view is worth a million dollars, especially at sunset: tiki torches, lush vegetation, crashing surf and a flotilla of sailboats riding at anchor. Come around 8 p.m. and you’ll hear the music and dancing from the Old Lahaina Luau next door.

We loved. . . the location and setting.

We didn’t love . . . the difficulty finding a parking space.

Aloha Mixed Plate, 1285 Front St., Lahaina (behind the Lahaina Cannery Mall); (808) 661-3322, www.alohamixedplate.com.

3. SUNRISE CAFE

Price: $5.95 to $9.95

Scoping it out: Sunrise Cafe is a day brightener. Tucked away on a side street in busy Lahaina, the diner offers breakfast specials for $5.95 each. At a resort hotel, you’d pay as much as $28 a person. This tiny, family-run restaurant has only 13 tables but is charming, with two shady covered patios for dining and people watching. It’s an easy stop on the way to the whale watching and snorkeling boats. Breakfast is served until 3 p.m., when the cafe closes for the day. After 11:30 a.m., appetizers, soups and sandwiches are added to the menu.

We loved . . . the eggs Benedict, the restaurant’s specialty.

We didn’t love . . . the cash-only policy. No credit cards.

Sunrise Cafe, 693 N. Front St., Lahaina (next to the Lahaina Library on Market Street); (808) 661-8558.

4. BA-LE FRENCH SANDWICHES & BAKERY

Price: $7.75 to $8.25

Scoping it out: This food court restaurant, with two locations in Maui (and 23 others in the state), may have an identity crisis. Is it Vietnamese, French or Hawaiian? It’s a little of each, with various dishes to complement the cultures. Visit here for pho (a Vietnamese soup), hot or cold noodle dishes, saimin and lunch plates featuring short ribs, teriyaki chicken and pork. Sandwiches are served on French-style baguettes. Pastries and puddings round out the offerings.

We loved . . . the fast service.

We didn’t love . . . the French bread, which was too hard.

4a: Ba-Le French Sandwiches & Bakery, 1221 Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina (in the Lahaina Cannery Mall); (808) 661-5566. Also, 4b: 270 Dairy Road, Kahului (in the Maui Marketplace); (808) 877-2400, www.ba-le.com.

5. SCOOPS

Price: $3.25 to $6.25

Scoping it out: Selling ice cream is the best job in the world, says Scoops’ owner Michael Martinelli, “because 99 out of 100 customers go away smiling.” After tasting Lappert’s Hawaii ice cream, we understand why. Lappert’s Hawaii ice cream, a boutique brand from Kauai that’s sold at Scoops, is creamy and delicious. Scoops, on the main drag in Lahaina, offers 32 flavors and is a granddaddy of ice cream stores: Martinelli has dished up frozen goodness almost every day for 22 years. His biggest seller is Kauai pie (Kona coffee ice cream laced with fudge and coconut) on a chocolate-dipped, nut-encrusted handmade waffle cone. Yes, we know, ice cream isn’t a meal. But sometimes nothing else tastes as good.

We loved . . . luscious ice cream on a hot night.

We didn’t love . . . the diminutive size of the scoop.

Scoops, 888 Front St., Lahaina; (808) 661-5632.

6. FISH MARKET Maui

Price: $8.99 to $12.99

Scoping it out: It’s easy to get hooked on the food at Fish Market Maui. If you want a great fish dinner without paying a fortune, this tiny Shop in a West Maui strip mall makes it easy. Owners Jim and Tricia Patch buy from local fisherman and resell to the public. Plan a condo picnic or beach-side barbecue and pick up ready-to-grill varieties such as opakapaka (Hawaiian pink snapper), mahi mahi, ono, wild salmon and striped marlin. Or phone ahead and ask them to cook it for you. The market also has a to-go counter with sandwiches, fish tacos and pizzas, including crab and avocado. And there’s a deli counter with delicacies such as lobster salad, poke (raw ahi salad) and smoked fish.

We loved . . . eating fish that just came off the boat.

We didn’t love . . . the location, north of Kaanapali, which is too far for visitors staying in Kihei or Wailea.

Fish Market Maui, 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina; (808) 665-9895.

7. HONOLUA STORE DELI

Price: All less than $7

Scoping it out: Kapalua is a pretty tony address. This resort community at the far end of West Maui is home to the swanky Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and other pricey digs. But it’s also home to the quaint Honolua Store, a fixture since 1929, when the area was part of a giant pineapple plantation. The store, which sells T-shirts and tourist necessities, has a new addition. In December, a deli was added; its takeout menu has quickly become so popular that locals and tourists line up outside before the 6 a.m. daily opening. Chef Romeo Arruiza, formerly of the Westin Kaanapali, offers a changing menu of lunch plates, pizzas and sandwiches. And you can walk out the door, with a beverage, for less than $10. Stop by for a picnic lunch if you go snorkeling at beautiful Kapalua Beach or drive the West Maui coast road. Or dine outside on the patio.

We loved . . . the fast, fresh, inexpensive local food.

We didn’t love . . . getting lost on Kapalua’s dead-end roads.

Honolua Store Deli, 502 Office Road, Lahaina; (808) 665-9109.

8. Maui CULINARY ACADEMY

Price: $5 to $8.50

Scoping it out: Where on Maui do you find the best food for the lowest prices? The winner, hands down, is Maui Culinary Academy, which operates seven specialty kitchens and a high-end restaurant at Maui Community College. The restaurants are part of the school’s food service program and offer a terrific place to eat breakfast or lunch if you’re lucky enough to visit the island during the school season. Sushi, seafood, pasta, salads — all beautifully prepared and presented — are available in the Paina Food Court daily. (It’s near the airport and is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.) “A lot of people think we aren’t open to the public,” says longtime chef instructor Bobby Santos. “We embrace the public. The busier we are, the more the students are going to learn.”

We loved. . . the choice, the taste, the prices.

We didn’t love. . . that it’s not open for dinner.

Maui Culinary Academy, Maui Community College, 310 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului; (808) 984-3225, www.mauiculinary.com.

9. DA KITCHEN CAFE

Price: $6.75 to $13.95

Scoping it out: Ask a Maui resident about his or her favorite budget restaurant and the name that keeps popping up is Da Kitchen, which has two strip mall locations. (The main cafe is in Central Maui near the airport; an express version is in Kihei.) Da Kitchen is known for its plate lunches. It’s also known for huge portions. The teriyaki chicken plate has about 1 1/2 pounds of chicken, the kalua pork has about a pound of meat. “And at least 75% of our customers have no problem eating it all,” says Mariah Brown, who owns the cafes with Les Tomita. “He’s a big guy who likes to eat,” says Mariah of her business partner, “and he thinks we should serve big food.” That’s why their motto is “Home of da world’s biggest plate lunch.”

We loved. . . the tempura mahi mahi.

We didn’t love. . . the 30- to 40-minute wait in line for lunch or dinner at the Central Maui location.

Da Kitchen, Triangle Square, 425 Koloa St., No. 104, Kahului; (808) 871-7782, www.da-kitchen.com. Da Kitchen Express, Rainbow Mall, 2439 S. Kihei Road, No. A107, Kihei; (808) 875-7782.

10. BANGKOK CUISINE

Price: $7.50 to $17.50

Scoping it out: In some ways, this 11-table strip mall restaurant is amazing. Given the low prices, it’s amazing that the restaurant has cloth napkins, colorful sari tablecloths and bright tapestries on the wall. And there’s amazing food too. In fact, that’s the dish you should try: “The Amazing, your choice of chicken, beef or pork simmered in peanut curry sauce and coconut milk and served over steamed veggies” ($10.50). We loved it. Visit Bangkok Cuisine on the way to or from the airport or bound for Kmart or Costco.

We loved. . . the speedy service and eye appeal of the food.

We didn’t love. . . long lines on weekends.

Bangkok Cuisine, 395 Dairy Road, Kahului; (808) 893-0026.

SOURCE: LA TIMES

Full body scans are “in” for 2010

Days after a Nigerian man allegedly tried to ignite plastic explosives on an airplane over Detroit, security companies say they have new body-scanning machines capable of screening passengers for such material in seconds that could replace the metal detectors used for decades at airports around the world.

The machines could be a central part of a security review President Obama ordered Monday. The review will cover “all screening policies, technologies and procedures related to air travel,” Obama said in Hawaii.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport will begin using bodyscanners on all passengers taking flights to the United States following the attempted terrorist attack on a U.S.-bound flight on Christmas Day, the Dutch interior minister said Wednesday.

The millimeter-wave bodyscanners will be in place in about three weeks, Dutch Interior Minister Guusje ter Horst told a news conference at The Hague.

“We’ve escaped a very serious attack with serious consequences, but unfortunately in this world there are individuals who do not shy away from attacks on innocent people,” she said.

Manufacturers say they are close to removing a major obstacle by building machines that can scan under passengers’ clothing in a few seconds. Machines now used at 19 U.S. airports take up to 30 seconds because passengers must stand inside a glass portal with arms raised as a scanner rotates around them.

A machine being tested at a federal lab is “as quick as going through a metal detector,” said Peter Kant, a vice president of Rapiscan Systems, the manufacturer. “You don’t even stop walking.”

Merry Christmas from Carefreetrip.com

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas from Carefreetrip.com!

Business travel like a pro

During your business career education, you probably took classes in management, marketing, accounting, and economics, but how many courses prepared you for mastering the real-world business culture? If you’ve found yourself heading out on business trips and aren’t quite sure how to pack, network or manage your schedule, here are 100 clever hacks to help you straighten it all out and travel like a pro.

Booking Travel. Save money  for your company, which will make your  boss happy, while you get the best benefits with these hacks.

• Rack up your frequent flier miles: Ask your boss if you can put your ticket under your name and frequent flier account so that you get the miles.
• Be smart about your connecting flight: If you have to connect — and have a choice between different connecting airports — pick one of these: Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, or Portland, OR. They’ve been named the best five airports for wasting time.
• Pick your seat ahead of time: Carefreetrip.com can help you pick individual seats by price and by best location on the plane.
• Pick your own destination: To avoid getting shipped to places like North Dakota in the wintertime, keep an eye out for conventions, workshops and meetings in cities you’d like to visit, like Rio de Janeiro, which is quickly becoming a popular destination for business travel.
• Know how to pick last-minute airfares: You may not know months ahead of time if you’re going on a business trip or not, but that doesn’t mean you have to get stuck in the middle seat or fly at 5a.m. This guide will help you find last-minute deals that are still flexible.
• Find the airline with the most legroom: This list measures seat pitch and seat widths of major airlines like Air France, American Airlines, British Airways and Southwest Airlines.
• Check hotel reviews: Look up your hotel on Carefreetrip.com and to view hotel reviews in places like Boston, Las Vegas, Miami and more.
• Shop discount business class: search deals on business class seats.
• Join a hotel loyalty program: This post refers to a WSJ study that found that hotel loyalty plans are generally worth it.
• Buy with a credit card, not a debit card: This post explains that if you buy a plane ticket (and get canceled or moved) you can get your money back from the credit card company instead of fighting with the airline.
• Avoid flying at peak times: If you can help it, opt for flying during a less crowded time to save money and avoid messes at the airport.
• Be prepared to get bumped: Talk with your boss ahead of time to see if you’re allowed to accept vouchers and credits if you volunteer to take a seat on a later plane.
• Find flexible airfare: Buy plane Tickets that let you change your flight for no fee, in case your meeting is cancelled or you have to stay later.

Packing for a business trip is radically different than packing for a vacation. Here you’ll learn how to pack light, dress professionally but comfortably, and master the business travel carry-on.

• Assemble a permanent toiletries bag: Instead of packing your regular items into a toiletry bag each trip, have one set aside with travel-sized items, all ready to go.
• Remember the 3-1-1 rule: You’re allowed to pack in your carry-on 3.4-oz-sized bottles into one clear plastic zip-top bag that is no larger than 1 quart. No exceptions.
• Be aware of security regulations in other countries: For your return flight home, you want to make sure you’re just as smartly and efficiently packed as you go through security in a foreign country.
• Pick the right bag: A good carry-on bag should be durable, have secure locks, plenty of organizing pockets, and should match your personal traveling style.
• Remember your business documents: Make sure you’ve packed your zip drives, documents, laptop and other business material in a safe place in your carry-on.
• Be polished but comfortable: Bring shoes and clothing that are professional looking but still comfortable, since you won’t necessarily have time to change between landing and heading to your meeting.
• International plug adapter: If you’re flying internationally, make sure you have the comparable plug adapter for your chargers, hair dryer and other appliances and electronics.
• Clearly mark all of your bags and keep your luggage tags in case one of your items is lost.

Airports. From delays and cancellations to getting to and from the airport and zipping through security, here are tips for making the most of your time spend in the airport.

• Know your commute: You want to make sure you get to the airport in plenty of time, but don’t overcompensate. Brief yourself on the traffic, taxi wait-time, and/or parking options to calculate to the minute what time you need to leave.
• Go through the experienced traveler line: Many large airports now have separate security lines for experienced, sometime, and rookie travelers, so you won’t have to get caught behind strollers or other newbie travelers who don’t know what to do.
• Get a passport holder: Keep your passport or photo ID, boarding pass, luggage tags and other travel documents in one easy-to-access case. Just don’t lose it.
• Watch the gate attendants: If you’re nervous about your flight getting delayed, pick a seat that puts you directly in front of the ETD and ETA screen, and watch the gate attendants for signs: they’ll most likely start avoiding people as much as possible.
• Download an airport map: There are several airport map applications for the iPhone for quick and easy navigation for the world’s top airports.
• Find the free Wi-Fi: This list from SmallBusiness.com names the U.S. and international airports with free wifi.
• Buy snacks for the plane: If you didn’t have time to pack your own, make sure you pack a snack or two that travels well in your carry-on bag, especially if you’re due for a long flight.
• Don’t stray too far from your gate: During your search for an open outlet or the closest Starbucks, don’t stray too far from your gate. At least stay in your terminal so that you can hear announcements about delays and boarding.
• Check in online: Save time in check-in lines and decrease your chances of getting bumped by checking in online the night before.
• Consider staying in a lounge: If you have a lot of work to get done during a layover, consider purchasing a day pass to get access to the airport lounge.
  In the Air

From ear plugs to hacking your Kindle, here are tips for staying busy and calm in the air.

• Bring ear plugs: Block out babies, annoying conversations and the plane’s engine with ear plugs if you want a break from your music.
• You can still use your Kindle: Download a book ahead of time and take your Kindle off the wifi mode to read on the plane.
• Grab your blanket and pillow early: Don’t wait to see if there will a blanket or pillow in your seat: grab the first one you see in the overhead bin in the front of the plane (though not out of someone else’s seat).
• Stay calm: Whether or not you’re afraid of flying, an airplane trip can be stressful. Remember to stay calm, hydrated and polite. Getting frustrated will just make the trip seem longer.

Road Trips and taking the Train. If you choose to drive or take the train on your next business trip, follow these hacks for safe, efficient travel.

• Bring your GPS: Bring your GPS or download one to your phone so you don’t waste time getting lost in a new city.
• Travel with people you like: If it’s at all possible, pick your Road Trip partner according to travel style so that you don’t have fights about taking turns, changing the radio station or stopping for bathroom breaks.
• Take care of car maintenance ahead of time: If you’re taking your own car (or the company car), make sure the oil has been changed, tires checked and windshield wipers are in good order.
• Pick a trusted train route: Unfortunately, train travel in the U.S. isn’t what it is elsewhere in the world, so before you buy any old ticket, make sure you’re going to arrive in a timely fashion.
• Bring snacks: For rail or car travel, bring your own snacks for cost- and time-effective nourishment.
• Bring accessories that help you sleep: Eye masks, pillows and blankets will make it easier to sleep despite other chatter and bumps in the road.
• Stock your iPhone: Use iPhone apps to find gas stations, speed traps and maps.
• Know the baggage rules for trains: Baggage (carry-on and checked) rules are not the same as all airlines, so make sure you check them first.
• Drive at strategic times: Get there faster and more safely by avoiding rush hour and inclement weather conditions.
• Go to the bathroom each time you get gas: This post recommends going to the bathroom every time you stop for gas, even if you don’t think you have to. It cuts down on extra stops.

Getting Around. Be strategic when booking your hotel, pal around with other colleagues, and look into airport shuttles when you’re out of town.

• Pick a hotel in close proximity to public transportation: Some business travelers like picking hotels close to the airport, but it’s smartest to pick one in close proximity to trains and subways.
• Stay close to the meeting or convention hall: You should also try to stay within walking distance (or short commute distance) to the place you’ll be working at the most.
• Find a friend: Make a friend or reconnect with colleagues you know are going to be there to share cabs or rental cars.
• Download public transit maps: Many iPhone apps offer maps of public transportation, from Google or other services.
• Take airport or hotel shuttles: Inquire at your hotel about shuttles to and from the airport or to convention halls, especially if they’re free.

Health, Diet and Exercise. These hacks will help you stay healthy and on-point with your diet and exercise routine even when you travel for business.

• Stretch on the plane or train: Stand up once an hour to stretch and bend your knees.
• Don’t eat like you’re on vacation: You may have lots of free food, more restaurant choices and networking events that tempt you, but eat in moderation.
• Keep healthy snacks on hand: You’ll probably have weird schedules, so keep cereal bars and fruit on hand when you’re hungry.
• Bring workout clothes: Bring low maintenance workout clothes and running shoes. Even if your hotel doesn’t have a gym, you can take a walk or jog around the neighborhood.
• Bring workout DVDs: You don’t have to miss your regular cardio or yoga workout when you bring the DVD for your laptop.
• Take advantage of the free food: Since you don’t have to worry about higher-priced health food, go ahead and order healthy meals and pick veggies and fruit as snacks.
• Keep up with your network: Joining an online health and fitness network like Sparkpeople.com can keep you accountable even when you’re away from home.
• Wash your hands and don’t touch your face: Especially when flying or taking the train, wash your hands more frequently and avoid touching your face to minimize the spread of germs.
• Find a way to exercise: Even if you rarely swim, bring your suit for a couple laps in the hotel pool if that’s your only exercise option.
• Get enough sleep: Your immune system will be extra vulnerable if you combine your hectic schedule with late nights and no sleep.

Free Time! If you’re lucky enough to make time for yourself on your next business trip, make sure you use it wisely.

• Find wifi: During your downtime, you may still have to email your boss reports or notes, so locate local wifi hotspots if your hotel doesn’t have Internet.
• Don’t worry about visiting people you never talk to anyway: If you’ve got an old acquaintance who lives in the same city you’ll be traveling to, don’t worry about visiting them if it will strain your schedule.
• Find a city guide: Bring a travel book or visit a city travel guide website ahead of time to pick out a few museums or monuments to check out during your free time.
• Stick to the city center: Unless you really know the area, avoid going on day trips to the country or suburbs, where your transportation options are less available and you’re more likely to get lost.
• Fight jet lag: Try to keep a normal schedule even when you have down time if you’re serious about fighting jet lag.
• Connect with friends and family: Make phone calls, send e-mails and get on Facebook to connect with loved ones back home, especially if you have to travel for extended periods of time.
• Relax: Take advantage of the fact that you’re alone away from home, and take an hour or two to just take a walk, sit in the park or relax by the pool.
• Stay responsible: Just because you’re out of town doesn’t mean you can have inconsequential affairs with strangers or business partners. Stay responsible and remember that whatever you do on a business trip will follow you back home.
• Bring your spouse: If you and your spouse never have time away from the kids, consider bringing him or her along. Just make sure you’re footing the bill and he or she has something to do while you’re working.
• Connect with colleagues: Business trips often mean bonding time for colleagues, and make a point to network with new business contacts you’ve just met on the trip.

Expenses and Finance. These hacks will help you make careful, responsible choices when spending your boss’ money.

• Understand what’s tax deductible: Be smart about deducting travel expenses for taxes, or you’ll get in trouble and have to pay it all back anyway.
• Be clear about what’s being paid for: Make sure you have paperwork explaining how much you get to spend for meals, transportation, etc. each day.
• Know which credit card to use: If you’ve been trusted with a company credit card, know when you’re supposed to use it. And keep it in a very safe place.
• Keep all of your receipts: Keep every single one of your receipts in a zip-top bag. You can organize them when you get home, but your boss will probably want to see most of them, and you can save the rest for your own files.
• Find ATMs: When you first get to your destination, make a point to locate ATMs for personal withdrawals or emergencies. But know that you probably won’t be allowed to count cash withdrawals towards your expenses.
• Contact the bank: If you’re traveling abroad especially, you may want to contact your bank so they won’t freeze your credit card, thinking it’s been stolen.
• Keep track of exchange rates: Make sure you and your boss are aware of current exchange rates before you leave.
• Don’t use your boss’ card for late-night drinks: You’ll probably lose count and get over-generous with paying for drinks, so start the night on your own tab.
• Stay within the limit: Obey all credit card and expense rules, or you could lose your job when you get back.
• Use a money belt: If you’re nervous about losing the company card, use a money belt when you go out.

Security and Safety. Stay safe, protect your documents and equipment, and watch out for hackers and scammers even while on a business trip.

• Lock everything: Lock laptops, suitcases, hotel windows and doors, and anything else valuable.
• Keep your cell phone charged: Though your schedule is a bit off, don’t forget to keep your phone charged.
• Don’t put your laptop in the overhead bin: Laptops can easily be stolen or damaged if you put them in the overhead bin.
• Choose the valet if it’s late: Pay the extra few dollars to have your car valeted so that you don’t have to walk out to a dark parking lot.
• Pack valuables in a safe or your locked suitcase when you leave your hotel: Don’t leave your laptop or jewelry in plain sight.
• Connect to a secure wifi connection: Avoid dummy wifi connections supported by hackers.
• Know how to get back to the hotel: Before leaving for the night, make sure you know the address, phone number and route back to your hotel.
• Leave expensive, showy clothes and jewelry at home: Be more inconspicuous by leaving the diamonds and flashy clothes at home.
• Stick with others: Pick a travel partner for sightseeing or eating out after hours.
• Keep up with your bags: Don’t leave your bags unattended in the bathroom, the gate or the security line.

When You Get Home. The most clever business traveler knows how to set up for the next trip upon returning home.

• Take suits to the dry cleaner’s: Go ahead and do your laundry and take suits and jackets to the dry cleaner’s so they’re ready for next time.
• Refill your toiletries bag: If you’re running out of shampoo or moisturizer, put them on your list the next time you go to the store.
• Organize receipts: Take out your receipts and immediately organize them and file them for tax purposes.
• Make a list of the things you’ll do next time: Before you forget all your little mistakes, make a list of what you’ll do next time: fly with a different carrier, carry on all your luggage, or come back a day earlier.
• Get your notes in order: Organize all your scribbles and meeting notes so that they’re in proper order for your boss.
• Follow up with contacts: Send e-mails and make phone calls to the people you met at networking events.
• Eat light: Help your body recover from rich foods by eating light for the next few days.
• Catch up on sleep: Get some extra rest without destroying your regular schedule when you get home.
• Hand in company credit cards, laptops and documents: Immediately hand over any company-owned cars, credit cards and equipment you took with you on the trip to avoid losing them at home.
• Thank your boss: Small price for the rewards.

SOURCE: Career Overview

Free gift wrapping at the airport

Several airports are offering free gift wrapping service. Travelers are advised to leave gifts unwrapped prior to checking them or taking them through security checkpoints if they want to avoid secondary screening.

Volunteers at Phoenix Sky Harbor will offer gift wrapping past security Dec. 21 through Dec. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations, which will be given to charities, will be accepted. The Container Store and Southwest Airlines are teaming up for free gift wrapping service at the following airports on Dec. 21 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm: Dallas Love Field (Gate 5); Phoenix (D Gates); Denver (Gate C41); St. Louis (Gates 14 and 16) and Baltimore-Washington (Gates B1, B2 and B3). You don’t have to be a Southwest customer to take advantage of it, the carrier says.

So get your gifts wrapped at the airport this year! Happy Holidays!