In my last post I highlighted a top ten list of travel applications for the iPhone. This time I wanted to highlight an additional application (for smartphones, iPhones, and the Web) that might be pretty handy for frequent airline travelers.

The application, called FlightView, allows airline travelers to easily track the status of flights and airports. It provides real-time information on delays and allows users to graphically see everything from a flight's progress to the number of airlines being delayed at a specific airport. You can save frequent itineraries for repeated use and view everything from baggage claim info to the weather.

Tracking Flights originally appeared on About.com Business Travel on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 at 13:00:09.

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Is it stealing when the hotel leaves you a nice fluffy robe and you take it home with you? Not if they charge you for the missing robe on your bill. These days, hotels are putting all sorts of extra amenities in their rooms, from cool coffee makers to slippers to robes. If you've ever wondered what's fair game to take with you when you leave, check out this About.com video that details what you can (and can't) take from your hotel room.

What Can You Take from Your Hotel Room? originally appeared on About.com Business Travel on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 22:19:56.

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What travel application do you have loaded on your smartphone or iPhone? There are a few that I use frequently while traveling, including Kayak (great for getting current hotel prices and availability), TripAdvisor (great for hotel reviews), and TripIt (great for keeping track of itineraries).

Ned Levi, from Consumer Traveler, recently published his list of top 10 iPhone Travel applications. See what you think of his choices and let me know what travel applications you have loaded on your phone.

Top Ten Business Travel iPhone Apps originally appeared on About.com Business Travel on Thursday, August 26th, 2010 at 14:00:00.

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When it comes to Western Massachusetts, there are a number of high-end resorts and bed and breakfasts aimed at vacationers and couples wanting to get away. There are also a number of low-end motels, catering to travelers looking for an inexpensive place to stay the night. But what's been missing for the business traveler has been a solid, mid-range hotel that's nice. That's where the Hampton Inn and Suites in Lenox comes in

Read more...

Traveling to Western Massachusetts? originally appeared on About.com Business Travel on Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 at 23:24:11.

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Are business travelers all the same? Probably not. But some interesting new research from Homewood Suites does reveal some of the similar traits and habits of business travelers. (Of course, as Homewood Suites is an extended stay hotel brand focused on both business travelers staying for a few days or traveling families looking for extra space, some of these findings may not be surprising--but they are interesting).

Read more...

What Do You Like on the Road?--A Business Traveler Survey originally appeared on About.com Business Travel on Monday, August 16th, 2010 at 10:00:46.

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The Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth is a relatively new hotel in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, right in the middle of all the action.

Although the Hilton Garden Inn is basically a standard business hotel, it has an upscale, trendy design and feel that fits in nicely with the bohemian and artsy city of Portsmouth. Read my full review of the Hilton Garden Inn in Portsmouth New Hampshire. (photo copyright David A. Kelly)

Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth New Hampshire originally appeared on About.com Business Travel on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 at 14:16:05.

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It's scary, but one of the stories I've heard a lot recently is from travelers coming home from international trips to HUGE cell phone bills. If you're used to using your cell phone all the time, or pulling out your iPhone to consult Google Maps, or downloading email or stock information while on the road, it pays to think twice.

I'll dig into this a bit more in a few weeks, but for now, readers might want to take a look at my recent New York Times column on how to save money when traveling with your cell phone.Or read this quick tip on how to sign up for international plans to save on your cell phone roaming bill.

If you have a suggestion on how to save money as well, I'd love to have you contribute a tip for saving while traveling with your cell phone.

Saving Money on Cell Phone Bills originally appeared on About.com Business Travel on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 17:58:53.

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Lots of people visit California's Napa Valley for the wineries, scenery, and vacation options. But a good deal of business travelers also find their way to Napa Valley to either conduct business or attend a business meeting or retreat. Guest Author Alice Lesch Kelly filed this review of the The Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa in Napa, California. While the Marriott Napa Valley has lots (20,000 square feet) of event space for corporate meetings, the real draw is the wine country that surrounds the hotel.

Marrtiott Napa Valley Hotel and Spa originally appeared on About.com Business Travel on Monday, August 2nd, 2010 at 14:08:36.

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Sometimes what you need on a business trip is a full-service, standard business hotel. The Hyatt Regency Houston is one such hotel. It's in the middle of downtown Houston, near the convention center and the Theater District. The hotel is also connected to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and other buildings via the city's underground tunnel system. Overall, the hotel was what you'd expect: a solid, large business hotel. Good service, decent (but not overwhelming) rooms, and a good lobby bar. Read my full review of the Hyatt Regency Houston for more information or if you're planning on taking a trip to Houston.

Hyatt Regency Houston Hotel Review originally appeared on About.com Business Travel on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 14:07:24.

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I love to use airport lounges when I can. They're quiet, they're peaceful, they're a great break from the hassle of sitting in the airport. Now, if you're an American Express Platinum Card or Centurion member, you now have VIP access to US Airways Clubs in airports across the country. It doesn't even matter what airline you're flying on. Show them your Amex card, and kick back, relax, and enjoy the free perks like complimentary Wi-F, beverages, snacks, newspapers, and more.

Access is available at 17 US Airways Clubs in 13 cities, including: Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte (2), Greensboro, Hartford/Springfield, Los Angeles (LAX), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (2), Phoenix (3), Pittsburgh, Raleigh/Durham, Tampa, and Washington, D.C. (DCA).

American Express members flying on other airlines may also be able to obtain free access to other airline clubs and lounges, including the Continental Airlines Presidents Club® and Delta Sky Club™ and American Airlines Admirals^© Club - if they are flying on a corresponding airline.

Free Access to Airport Lounges originally appeared on About.com Business Travel on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at 11:19:54.

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