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<title>Business Travel Guide - BusinessWeek</title>
<link>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/</link>
<description>Read about business train travel. Get tips and advice about Amtrak train travel, and learn how to get corporate rates for business class train tickets.</description>
<language>en</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2009</copyright>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:05:25 -0500</lastBuildDate>
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<item>	
	<title>Rental Cars</title>
	<description><![CDATA[<p><em>If you rent frequently, stick with one brand to take advantage of preferred customer or business traveler programs. If you aren’t pressed for time, save some dough by renting in town rather than at the airport.</em></p>

<p><strong>Enteprise.com </strong> The No. 1 car rental company in J.D. Power’s rental car survey for the fourth consecutive year, scoring highly for convenience and clear contracts.</p>

<p><strong>Sixt.com </strong>A great site for inexpensive European rentals.</p>

<p><strong>Carrentals.com </strong>Aggregates 10 companies in the U.S. and Europe for lowest available prices. But beware of additional charges from the rental companies.</p>]]></description>
	<link>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/rental_cars.html</link>
	<guid>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/rental_cars.html</guid>
	<dc:creator>Charles DuBow</dc:creator>
	<category>rental_cars</category>
	<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:05:25 -0500</pubDate>
</item>

<item>	
	<title>Airports</title>
	<description><![CDATA[<p><em>When your plane is delayed, flying starts to feel like air roulette. What you need is a hug. Airports aren’t offering those yet, but they are making it easier for you to pamper yourself. Here’s how.*</em></p>

<p>IF YOU HAVE<br />
30 minutes</p>

<p><em>Eat</em><br />
<strong>Wolfgang Puck Express </strong>Thin-crust pizzas, rosemary rotisserie chicken, and more. 13 airports.</p>

<p><strong>moka lounge </strong>has cheese, wine, and chocolate tastings with video podcast commentary. Grand Hyatt DFW, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. </p>

<p><strong>French Meadow Bakery & Café </strong>Enjoy organic food from a rare on-site bakery airport. Treat yourself to butternut squash ravioli or an organic Bloody Mary. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.</p>

<p><em>Sleep</em><br />
<strong>MetroNaps </strong>Ergonomically designed “sleep pods” at Miami (Jetsetter Spa), Singapore (Plaza Premium Lounge), and Heathrow, London (Urban Retreat). </p>

<p><strong>Plaza Premium Lounge </strong>Lounges with napping areas, food, and showers. Five in Asia, plus Vancouver.</p>

<p><em>Indulge</em><br />
XpresSpa Ten-minute treatments at eight airports:massage, nails, waxing, and facials.</p>

<p><strong>Massage Bar </strong>No privacy, but instant relief. Get a 15- or 30-minute massage.</p>

<p><strong>:10 Minute Manicure</strong> Manicures in 10 minutes; teeth-whitening in 15. Six airports.</p>

<p><strong>Showers </strong>Nicely sized private shower and vanity combinations at Narita International Airport, Tokyo.</p>

<p><strong>Urban Retreat</strong> The Harrods spa offers facials and men’s cuts in 15 minutes. A valet will make your slept-in clothes look and smell great. Heathrow, London.</p>

<p>IF YOU HAVE<br />
1 hour</p>

<p><em>Eat/Drink</em><br />
<strong>Vino Volo</strong> This wine bar offers a flavor comparison “vino chart” for beginners but also has a decent selection for wine lovers. Five airports.</p>

<p><strong>The Wine Tower Bar</strong> A high-end wine bar. Radisson SAS Hotel, Stansted Airport, London. </p>

<p><strong>Post Bar </strong>This beautiful 24/7 bar features an underlit honey onyx bar, runway views, and signature cocktails. Changi Airport, Singapore. </p>

<p><em>Work Out</em><br />
<strong>The Athletics Club</strong> Fitness machines, pool, sauna, steam room, and shower. Hilton Chicago O’Hare.</p>

<p><strong>24 Hour Fitness </strong>This airport (not hotel) facility has showers, locker rooms, dry sauna, cardio machines, and more. Las Vegas McCarren International Airport.</p>

<p><strong>G-Force Health Club</strong> Pool, Jacuzzi, and gym available on an hourly basis. Dubai International Hotel, Dubai International Airport.</p>

<p><strong>Health Club at Regal Airport</strong> Indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzi, and a steam room. Hong Kong International Airport.<br />
Kempinski Hotel Airport Fitness room, pool, sauna, and whirlpool. Munich Kempinski.</p>

<p><em>Sleep</em><br />
<strong>Dubai International Hotel</strong> Book a truly luxe room at the airport hotel. dubaiairport.com.</p>

<p><strong>Yotel</strong> Tiny, efficient “cabins” with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour in-cabin service. Heathrow and Gatwick, London.</p>

<p>IF YOU HAVE<br />
2 hours</p>

<p><em>Eat/Drink</em><br />
<strong>Gordon Ramsay Plane Food</strong> Enjoy a meal inspired by the renowned Boxwood Café. Brioche French toast with treacle-cured bacon and fried oysters for breakfast; braised pork cheeks with honey and cloves for later. Heathrow, London.</p>

<p><strong>Bonfire Restaurant</strong> Todd English’s South American-inspired steakhouse. From lobster tacos to empanadas and Kobe burgers. Logan International Airport, Boston. </p>

<p><strong>Mister G’s Steakhouse </strong>This upscale replica of a 1938 gentlemen’s social club features seafood, steaks, and more. Hyatt Regency, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. </p>

<p>IF YOU HAVE<br />
6 hours +</p>

<p><em>Sleep</em><br />
<strong>Ambassador Transit HotelSix </strong>hours at Changi Airport, Singapore.</p>

<p><strong>Westin </strong> Four-hour blocks. Detroit Metropolitan Airport.</p>

<p><br />
<em>*prices, locations, and hours at www.businessweek.com/go/sb/travel</em></p>]]></description>
	<link>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/airports.html</link>
	<guid>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/airports.html</guid>
	<dc:creator>Charles DuBow</dc:creator>
	<category>airports</category>
	<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:54:05 -0500</pubDate>
</item>

<item>	
	<title>Trains</title>
	<description><![CDATA[<p><em>Need to be productive en route? Take the train. On most Amtrak routes, four people can spread out at a table, use their cell phones, and actually do some work.</em><br />
 <br />
<strong>Amtrak</strong> All routes have business-class cars and participate in an awards program, and most have cell phone-free cars. The Boston-to-Washington, D.C., Acela Express is geared specifically for the business traveler, with adjustable lighting and large trays, and Club­Acela lounges. <em>www.amtrak.com</em>.</p>

<p><strong>RailEurope</strong> Formerly Europass, it offers single- and multiple-country passes. <em>www.raileurope.com</em></p>

<p><strong>Railteam </strong> This European high-speed network wants to snare the airlines’ business. It offers corporate rates, and if  you miss a connection between network trains, you can hop on the next one. In Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria. <em>www.railteam.eu</em></p>

<p><strong>Japan Railways Group </strong>Runs the country’s Shinkansen, or bullet train. At least six per hour operate between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations. <em>www.japanrail.com</em></p>

<p><strong>MTR and Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation </strong>offers train services throughout Hong Kong, the North West New Territories, and to major cities across mainland China. Express trains to the airport run every 12 minutes throughout the day. <em>www.kcrc.com</em></p>

<p>RZ<strong>D/Russian Railways</strong> operates services to 16 countries in Europe and Asia and offer 20-50% discounts to passengers traveling in a group of 5 or more people. There are regular express trains running several times a day between Moscow and St. Petersburg, and Russian Railways has recently launched a luxury Trans-Siberian Express train that runs from Moscow to Vladivostok. <em>www.eng.rzd.ru</em> </p>

<p><strong>Indian Railways </strong>combines local flare with modern day amenities. Some trains run century old scenic roots, but travelers can purchase tickets online and enjoy traveling in air-conditioned cars some of which even have cooking facilities. <em>www.indianrailways.gov.in </em> </p>

<p><strong>TVG</strong> high-speed trains will whisk you off to your destination at record speeds of 350 miles per hour. The French trains travel from Paris to London, Zurich, Frankfort, and other destinations in eastern France, western Germany, Switzerland and Luxemburg. You can book tickets as early as 90 days prior to departure. <em>www.tgv.com</em></p>

<p><strong>Shinkansen or </strong>the Bullet Train runs through Japan at 180 miles per hour, making stops in all major cities. The trains also run with high frequency—6 trains per hour between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka Stations during daytime hours. <em>www.japanrail.com</em>  </p>

<p><strong>P&O Ferries </strong>operate ferry crossings to Spain, France, Belgium, and Holland. Fares depend on the destination and duration of travel, and you can check out the website for special offers. Day trips to France start around $50. <em>www.poferries.com</em></p>

<p><strong>Tallink Group </strong>runs ferries between Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Germany. A one-way ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia will cost between $50 and $60. During the summer months there are five daily ferry crossings between the two destinations. <em>www.tallinksilja.com/en</em><br />
 <br />
<strong>Chinese Railways</strong> connects nearly every city in China. There is no English language version of the official railway website but you can find schedules and book tickets through independent travel agents and websites. <em>www.chinamor.cn.net</em></p>]]></description>
	<link>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/trains.html</link>
	<guid>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/trains.html</guid>
	<dc:creator>Charles DuBow</dc:creator>
	<category>trains</category>
	<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:45:34 -0500</pubDate>
</item>

<item>	
	<title>Hotels</title>
	<description><![CDATA[<p><em>With some budget hotels offering free in-room Wi-Fi, ergonomic work spaces, high-thread-count linens and rewards programs, you might want to consider trading down, at least for short trips. In any price range, Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz can be good places to start. Hotels.com finds rates on more than 70,000 properties worldwide; Priceline lets you request  particular hotels. The reviews at Trip­Advisor.com sometimes include ratings of business services. Lastly, hotels’ own Web sites often offer specials—good ones—not found elsewhere.</em></p>

<p><strong>Economy (average price $75/night) </strong></p>

<p><strong>Microtel Inns & Suites</strong> are rated by J.D. Power & Associates (like BusinessWeek, a part of McGraw-Hill) as highest in its class for overall satisfaction thanks to cozy rooms, comfy beds, ease of booking, and speed of checking in and out.</p>

<p><strong>The Days Inn</strong> chain has hotel locations in all major U.S. cities and some international business capitals. You can book a one-night stay in Chicago for $130 and in Beijing for $50. The hotels also offer package deals which include airport shuttle service, parking privileges, and accommodations for a fixed discount price. </p>

<p><strong>The Hôtel Campanile</strong> chain is a popular choice if you’re traveling in Western Europe on a budget. A single right stay in Paris will cost around $150. If you take advantage of package discounts such as the three-night stay for the price of two you can pay as little at $80 per night. </p>

<p><strong>The Tulip Inn</strong> chain is part of the Golden Tulip Hotels, Inns & Resorts, which runs both luxury and budget hotels in most major European cities (with the surprising exception of London) as wells as a few locations in Africa and the Middle East. The cost of a one-night stay in a standard room is around $130. </p>

<p><strong>Mid-Scale(average price $120/night) </strong></p>

<p>The big player here is <strong>Hilton Garden Inn</strong>, with <strong>Hyatt Place </strong>and <strong>Best Western </strong>making a concerted effort. Hilton Garden took top honors in the J.D. Power poll, with 24-hour business centers, restaurants, and lounges. Hyatt Place offers 42-inch flat-panel tvs, separate work and living spaces, and free Wi-Fi. </p>

<p><br />
The French hotel chain <strong>Novotel</strong> wants to cater to business travelers. Staff will help facilitate your business meeting by arranging everything from furniture to food according to your preference. You can get discounts if you book 21 days in advance or take advantage of a “city breaks” offer, over 40% off a two-night stay in select cities. </p>

<p>The Italian boutique hotel chain <strong>Jolly Hotels </strong>has locations in all major Italian cities as well as throughout Europe and in New York. Room rates start around $220 per night. The hotel’s business services include video conferencing, a copy center, as well as computer and cellular phone rentals. The conference rooms are merrily named after Italian Renaissance masters including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. </p>

<p><strong>Crowne Plaza Hotels </strong>attracts business travelers by offering the services of an in-house meeting director to help plan business meetings, as well as a company loyalty rewards program. One feature of the program is a “Travel Arranger,” which helps travel managers book multiple reservations while keeping track of each traveler’s preferences for accommodations.  </p>

<p><strong>Upscale/Luxury (starting at $150/night) </strong></p>

<p><strong>Embassy Suites</strong> is an upscale hotel that cares about business travelers. Rooms start at around $150 a night; it’s worth trying to get a corporate rate. Luxehotels.com, a Web site for independently owned luxury hotels, offers business traveler packages that include upgrades, free Internet access, and continental breakfast. The leading hotels of The world, also an association of member hotels, guarantees rates in U.S. dollars. It has its own loyalty program at lhw.com. </p>

<p><strong>The Four Seasons</strong> has famed luxury accommodations with standard rates around $395 per night. The hotel’s business services include meeting rooms with wireless Internet and up-to-date audiovisual presentation equipment. </p>

<p><strong>Sofitel</strong> is the luxury chain owned by Accor (also the owner of Novotel). A one-night stay at the Hotel Sofitel Chicago, which recently received an eco-friendly award by the Audubon International, will cost around $300.  </p>

<p><strong>Shangri-La</strong> is a chain of luxury hotels with locations in Asia, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. A one-night stay in Beijing will cost you around $200. Executive suites at the hotel include not only sleeping accommodations but also space to hold meetings. </p>

<p><strong>Peninusla Hotels </strong>has three domestic locations (New York, Chicago, and Beverly Hills) and five locations in Asia (Hong Kong, Tokyo, Beijing, Bangkok, and Manila). Guestrooms are equipped for utility with high-speed Internet, wireless, two-line telephones, and for luxury with marble bathrooms and oversized executive desks. The business facilities include private and semi-private offices and secretarial services.   <br />
</p>]]></description>
	<link>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/hotels.html</link>
	<guid>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/hotels.html</guid>
	<dc:creator>Charles DuBow</dc:creator>
	<category>hotels</category>
	<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:39:13 -0500</pubDate>
</item>

<item>	
	<title>Web Sites</title>
	<description><![CDATA[<p><em>The big travel sites are hustling for business travelers, but there are other good options.</em></p>

<p><strong>AccessFares.com </strong>sells discount first-class and business-class tickets for international destinations on most major airlines.</p>

<p><strong>Airlinequality.com </strong>offers extensive airline reviews and ratings.</p>

<p><strong>Low-cost-airline-guide.com </strong>searches fares on budget airlines in Britain and Europe.</p>

<p><strong>Kayak.com</strong> compares and displays prices from across the Web, often finding deals other travel sites don’t have. Fare alerts for flexible travel dates.</p>

<p><strong>Vayama.com </strong>lets you book international travel on flights originating in the U.S. Includes fares from discounters ranging from posh L’Avion to no-frills Ryanair. Book four days in advance.</p>

<p><strong>Wegolo.com</strong> finds deals on about 75 budget carriers to 700 destinations, combining different airlines’ outbound and inbound flights to get the lowest price. Flights from 12 states.</p>

<p><strong>Yapta.com</strong> lets you “tag” prospective trips on domestic carriers and sends alerts when fares drop. The site tracks prices even after you’ve bought your ticket, so you can claim any refunds or credits.</p>

<p><strong>orbitzforbusiness.com</strong> and <strong>expediacorporate.com </strong>provide managed travel services. For about $7 per transaction, you get access to corporate rates, online tools to keep spending in line with travel guidelines, and a real live person to guide you through it.</p>

<p><strong>Seat61.com</strong> is a how-to guide to train and boat travel all over the world. It sorts information by country and continent and includes helpful links to schedules and ticketing agencies. </p>

<p>TripAdvisor.com gives recommendations about flights, hotels, and travel packages. You can also read customer accommodations reviews, travel advice, and browse links to travel sites relevant to your destination. </p>

<p><strong>SeatGuru.com </strong>helps optimize your comfort while flying with helpful tips. The site has detailed plane layouts that show which seats will give you the most legroom and where you can plug in your power cord. </p>

<p><strong>WebFlyer.com </strong>helps you make the most of your frequent flier miles by aggregating information about the deals, promotions, and merchandise that you can get with your miles. It also offers a membership program that extends miles past their expiration dates. </p>

<p><strong>Concierge.com</strong> features articles about destinations world-wide as well as blog posts and advice from experienced travel writers. Last fall, site surveyed business travelers and came up with a list of the best hotel chains, airlines, and airports.  </p>

<p><strong>Uptake.com (Kango.com)</strong> helps travelers search over one thousand websites for travel destinations, hotels, and entertainment. If you’re flying to an unfamiliar city on business, this site is a good place to find things to do in your free time. </p>

<p><strong>Fodors.com </strong>posts hotel and restaurant reviews as well as travel tips specific to your destination. You can find advice for business travelers, including tips on how to stay connected during a flight, on the site’s Travel News section. </p>

<p><strong>SideStep.com</strong> looks for the cheapest flights, hotels, and car rentals. The website also has a daily “Top Deals” and “Last Minutes Deals” section. </p>

<p><strong>Businesstravellogue.com</strong> is an online business travel guide with advice about everything from fitness on the road to how to charter a private jet. Quick but comprehensive travel info about major business capitals is also listed on the site. </p>

<p><strong>cFares.com</strong> is a membership travel site that searches offers from airlines, wholesalers, and travel agents for the cheapest flights. Membership costs $50 per year, but the price might be worth it for frequent fliers. <br />
</p>]]></description>
	<link>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/web_sites.html</link>
	<guid>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/web_sites.html</guid>
	<dc:creator>Charles DuBow</dc:creator>
	<category>web_sites</category>
	<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:36:22 -0500</pubDate>
</item>

<item>	
	<title>Airlines</title>
	<description><![CDATA[<p><em>Remember to check the airlines’ own Web sites. They’re trying to cut costs, too, so they’re offering some of their best deals online.</em></p>

<p><strong>Coach</strong></p>

<p><strong>Southwest Airlines: </strong>Southwest Airlines’ Business Select tickets cost $10 to $15 more per ticket, but you’ll get bumped to the front of the airline’s group-boarding procedure, and you’ll receive a coupon for an in-flight cocktail. Gate layouts now feature separate areas with power stations for your computer. Southwest also has its own self-managed Web site for corporate booking—flights, rooms at more than 30,000 hotels, and cars from 30 rental agencies—at Swabiz.com. </p>

<p><strong>Jet Blue:</strong> JetBlue  is expanding service on heavily trafficked business traveler routes. That means daily nonstop service from Boston to Chicago and New Orleans and new routes from Southern California regional airports to Austin, Tex., Las Vegas, San Diego, San Jose, and Seattle. Save 3% on flights when you pay with an American Express Business Card. The airline’s CompanyBlue points program includes a corporate spending tracking tool.</p>

<p><strong>EasyJet:</strong> This European discount airline flies to nearly every major city in Europe. An economy seat on a roundtrip flight from London to Paris booked two months in advance will cost around $100. You can book hotels, rent cars, and browse travel guides on the website. If you create a web account you can also receive updates about special offers. </p>

<p><strong>airBaltic:</strong> You have to fly through Riga, Latvia to reach most destinations in Western Europe and fares can be rather pricey—$600 for a roundtrip flight in coach from Moscow to Munich booked two months in advance. But this airline can be a good choice when navigating Eastern Europe, Russia, and Ukraine. It has expanded its flight service between Baltic capitals to accommodate business travelers working in Eastern Europe. Check the website for special deals on flights to Russian cities including Sochi, site of the 2014 Olympic Games. </p>

<p><strong>JetstarAsia Airways:</strong> The discount airline based in Singapore flies to destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan, and Honolulu in the United States. A round-trip flight from Sidney to Singapore booked three months in advance will cost approximately $200. Business travelers in Australia can save on domestic flights with JetSaver Light, a discount program with one-way fares starting around $59. The catch is you have to travel light: you can’t check baggage with the JetSaver Light ticket. </p>

<p><strong>Business Class</strong><br />
With competition fierce—and the major U.S. carriers actually turning a profit in 2007—some airlines are investing in their planes to attract business fliers. American has a spiffed-up business class in some of its long-haul aircraft, with lie-back seats, tray tables that interlock to create a larger work space, and privacy dividers. The Open Skies agreement, which went into effect in March and deregulates flights between the U.S. and the European Union, could result in good things for business travelers: Expect to see more direct flights to the U.S., and, in a best-case scenario, maybe even cheaper business-class fares.</p>

<p><strong>L’Avion:</strong> This discount business-class airline flies from Newark Liberty International Airport to Paris Orly Sud. Its aircraft are more like corporate jets than commercial airliners, carrying a maximum of 90 passengers. </p>

<p><strong>Virgin America:</strong> This entirely cashless airline may be a business traveler’s dream and a travel manager’s nightmare. You can order fresh food and drinks from the mini-bar right from your seat, and swipe your corporate card to pay for the treats. A roundtrip coach ticket from New York to San Francisco booked two months prior to departure will cost around $350, a business class ticket will cost around $900. </p>

<p><strong>U.S. Airways: </strong>The airline’s Dividend Miles preferred program offers membership perks such as seat upgrades, early check-in and boarding, and priority standby. Businesses can also purchase dividend miles to give to clients. A coach round-trip flight in coach between Chicago and San Francisco will cost about $550 on U.S. Airways, and a business class seat will be $ 2,000. </p>

<p><strong>British Airways:</strong> The airline’s corporate travel program, On Business, allows companies to receive loyalty benefits after a minimum of three employee trips booked on BA. The benefits are seat upgrades, hotel vouchers, and reward flights. There is a similar benefits program for individual travelers called Executive Club. A roundtrip coach ticket from Chicago to London this fall will cost around $2,000. <br />
</p>]]></description>
	<link>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/airlines.html</link>
	<guid>http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/business_travel_guide/archives/2008/06/airlines.html</guid>
	<dc:creator>Charles DuBow</dc:creator>
	<category>airlines</category>
	<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:18:31 -0500</pubDate>
</item>


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