Barnett on Business Travel for 2001

December 20: THE TRAVELING MEDICINE SHOW
People with a medical condition that requires taking prescription medicines must take extra precautions traveling today, especially since new and inexperienced airport security screeners are enforcing federal laws and not exercising judgment.

November 19: THE SLUGGISH MARKET MEANS BIG TRAVEL BARGAINS
You can stay home, worry and pray that e-mail and Ma Bell will keep you on a customer's radar screen. Or you can capitalize on the sluggish travel market and, yes, the fear of flying, save money, seal deals face-to-face and enjoy the journey. I'm not shilling for the travel industry. Things really are that good.

September 11: LAYOVER LUXURIES
Regardless of their destination, business travelers are used to seeing itineraries containing the letters DEN, ATL, ORD and DFW--the airport codes for four of the nation's busiest hubs: Denver International, Hartsfield Atlanta International, Chicago's O'Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth. Fortunately, they are evolving into mini-resorts, shopping malls and business centers. Business travelers can find refuge, relaxation, recreation, retail--or a place to get some serious work done.

September 3: TRAVEL BARGAINS WILL EXTEND INTO THE FALL
Business travelers are in for a pleasant surprise. Instead of the usually higher prices after Labor Day, road warriors can shop clearances sales on- and offline for airfare, hotel and rental car deals that are likely to extend into late fall.

August 27: LOWER-PRICED BEST WESTERN HOTELS OFTEN HAVE HIDDEN FRILLS
The more than 4,000 Best Western hotels in 81 countries retain the local flavor and personality of their owners. The properties, which meet tough guest service and comfort standards, offer a variety of amenities and affordable hospitality that’s neither boring nor skimpy. And if you’ve got a problem, you can often speak to the owner who may be at the front desk or close by.

August 6: ORBITZ.COM IS AS GOOD AS ITS HYPE
With an MIT-designed computer search engine that eliminates the scavenger hunt for the lowest fares, the new Orbitz Web site may be every traveler’s dream. Owned by American Airlines, United, Delta, Continental and Northwest, Orbitz claims to scan 2 billion flight itineraries in a split second to find the best possible price for airfares, hotel rooms, rental cars and cruises.

July 9: FINDING COMFORTABLE LODGING AT A REASONABLE PRICE
The high cost of travel has both expense-account travelers and hang-the-budget vacationers debating whether they should stay or go. Thanks to a host of easy-on-the-wallet hotel brands that offer new comforts and conveniences, the decision is almost a no-brainer.

June 25: HOOF IT TO LONDON FOR GREAT TRAVEL VALUES
The fallout from the media hype on hoof and mouth disease has prompted London’s hoteliers and restaurateurs to put on their best faces and, in some cases, their best prices. That’s good news for visiting Americans, particularly business travelers, who can wheel and deal for rooms in the ferociously competitive London market.

April 16: IS ANYONE LISTENING TO TRAVELER COMPLAINTS?
Upset by bad service? Fuming over being ripped off by a travel vendor? Make a cool, calm and well-documented complaint. At a time when airlines and hotels are scrambling to hold on to regular customers, a rational request—not a rant—can up your chances of a successful resolution for a serious grievance.

March 21: CLICK ON THE NET FOR CAR-RENTAL BARGAINS
Looking for the lowest rates on a rental car? Forget about calling the 800 numbers. Instead, spend a few minutes surfing the Web and you could turn up the lowest rental rates, the most discounts and the best values for your next trip.

Copyright © 2001-2009 by Chris Barnett. All rights reserved.