GoCourtyard's Weekly Round-Up – Thanksgiving Edition

We want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. For those of you who are traveling this week, we hope you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy the holiday.

Here’s this week’s round-up of travel news, tips and info that we found to be the most interesting and helpful. Make sure to check out the article on phone apps that will ease your holiday travel. Also, feel free to use the comment section to let us know if we left out any articles that should have made it into this week’s roundup. Enjoy!

Jet Lag Disorder and Long Flights
http://business-air-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/jet_lag_disorder_and_long_flights
When traveling internationally, do you often feel tired, moody and achy? If so, you are experiencing jet lag. Check out this article to learn the symptoms of jet lag and what you can do to beat it.

Travel Smart
http://smallbusinessonlinecommunity.bankofamerica.com/blogs/ManagingEmployeesAndHR/2009/06/05/travel-smart
Traveling on a budget can be difficult now a days. Check out this article for some tips on how to make your trip less expensive.

Corporate Business Travel Insurance Policies
http://businesstravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/business_travel_insurance_policies
Sometimes, travel plans can change quickly. Are you ever nervous that you may have to cancel or reschedule a business trip last minute? If so, take a look at this article to learn about corporate business travel insurance policies.

Airline Safety: Tips for Business Travelers
http://businesstravel.about.com/od/healthsafety/tp/airline_safety_businesstravel.htm
Most of us always try to sit in the front of the plane because it is more convenient. However, that may not be the safest way to travel. Check out this article for some tips on how to fly safely.

5 Phone Apps to Ease Holiday Travel
http://trueslant.com/suefrause/2009/11/23/five-phone-apps-to-ease-holiday-travel/
Are you traveling during the holidays? Take a look at this article to find out which phone apps you can download to ease your holiday travel.

Some Rediscover the Benefits of Business Travel
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/business/24trips.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss
Recent studies by the National Business Travel Association have shown an 85% decrease in business travel spending since last fall. However, recent studies have shown a positive link between business travel and corporate profit, proving that companies should take another look at their budget before cutting back on business travel expenses.

Will a passenger of rights bill ever fly?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33402744/ns/travel-business_travel/
Have you ever been stuck on the runway in a cramped airplane with no food for hours because of weather, air traffic or another reason? Check out this article to find out how a passenger bill of rights may be passed in order to alleviate this problem.

GoCourtyard's Weekly Round-Up – Nov. 20, 2009

Here’s this week’s round-up of travel news, tips and info that we found to be the most interesting and helpful.  The holiday season is quickly approaching, so make sure to check out the article on Thanksgiving travel for some great travel tips during this time of year.  Enjoy!

Airline Tests Retail Sales at 35,000 Feet
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/business/17sales.html?_r=3&partner=rss&emc=rss
Did you ever think you could buy tickets to a Broadway show 35,000 feet in the air?  Take a look at this article on how airlines are going to begin selling more than just drinks and sandwiches during flights.

Pregnant Business Travel
http://www.travelingmom.com/blogger/pregnant-business-travel/
Sometimes business travel is required, even if you an expecting mother.  Check out this article for tips on safe business travel while pregnant.

No One Pays For In-Flight Wi-Fi
http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2009/11/no_one_pays_for_inflight_wifi.cfm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economist%2Fblogs%2Fgulliver+(The+Economist%3A+Gulliver
Some of us would rather pay $4 for a magazine to read during a flight than $1 for Internet access.  Airlines may be better off offering free in-flight Wi-Fi because most passengers see Wi-Fi in the air as a perk, not an add-on.

Three Thanksgiving Truths To Keep Air Travel From Becoming A Real Turkey
http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/3-thanksgiving-truths-to-keep-air-travels-from-becoming-a-real-turkey/
Traveling during Thanksgiving time can drive some people crazy with the crowded flights, long lines and increase in lost luggage.  If you are flying this Thanksgiving, check out this article for some tips on how to be prepared for the chaos.

Airlines Set New ‘Premium’ Charge For Holiday Travel
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/travelers_check/archives/2009/09/airlines_set_ne.html
Are you getting tired of the increasing flight fares?  Some airlines are beginning to charge premiums during the holidays.  Make sure you read this article to find out which airlines are increasing their prices.

Turning iPhone Pictures into Postcards
http://www.businesstravellogue.com/gear/turning-iphone-pictures-into-postcards.html
For those of you who own an iPhone, you can now turn iPhone pictures into postcards.  Why not send your kids a postcard of what you’re doing during your business trip?

Courtyard Flags Its Second Hotel in Rome, Italy

Courtyard is continuing its rapid international growth with the reflagging of the Hotel Central Park Rome. Now flagged as the Courtyard Rome Central Park, the hotel has 162 rooms and is located in a quiet neighborhood just outside of central Rome.

The hotel has spectacular views of St. Peter’s Basilica and is only 15 minutes driving distance from the Vatican. It is also located near Olympic Stadium, the Auditorium Music Hall, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the renowned Gemelli Hospital, where the Pope is treated, if necessary.

Our international Courtyards are a bit different than our domestic Courtyards, especially when it comes to the types of food they offer. Rather than The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect. that is becoming a staple in our U.S. Courtyards with the new Refreshing Business lobby, the Courtyard Rome Central Park features a contemporary fine-dining restaurant called Moscati. Moscati serves Mediterranean and traditional Italian dishes, and also features an extensive wine menu.

And for those looking to relax while in Rome, the hotel is adjacent to the “Corpus Sport Center,” which offers a sauna, Turkish baths, a relaxation area and four different workout areas. There is also a fitness room on property, a business center, concierge services and a hair salon next door. The hotel also offers a shuttle to downtown Rome for guests looking to take in some of Rome’s many fabulous sites.

No matter the time of year, Rome is one of the world’s most beautiful cities in the world. We hope you’ll have a chance to visit and enjoy the comfort and service that is synonymous with the Courtyard name.

GoCourtyard's Weekly Round-Up: Nov. 13, 2009

Here’s this week’s round-up of travel news, tips and info that we found most interesting this week. Make sure to check out MeetingNews.com’s article on how President Obama is demonstrating firsthand the benefits of face-to-face meetings. Also, feel free to use the comment section below to let us know if there are articles you think should have made it in this week’s roundup. Enjoy!

1.) Business Travel: Surviving Long Flights
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2271173/business_travel_surviving_long_flights.html?cat=16
Almost everyone dreads long flights. Check out this article for some tips on how to feel more relaxed on an airplane.

2.) Business Travel Clothes For Business Trips
http://businesstravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/best_travel_clothes_for_business_trips
Women often like to have a variety of clothes to choose from when traveling. Take a look at this article and get some tips on what clothing to bring on your next business trip.

3.) Obama Demonstrates Firsthand The Benefits Of Business Travel, Meetings
http://www.meetingnews.com/mimegasite/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1004029066
President Obama has visited more countries in his first year as president than any of his predecessors. He certainly seems to understand the importance of travel for business as all of the great technology we have today can’t replace the benefits of face-to-face meetings.

4.) The Rules On Names Could Bend A Little
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/business/10road.html?_r=2
Most of us have experienced waiting in those long lines to check in and go through security. The TSA is trying to make this process a little easier for travelers and loosen the rules on matching the name on a passenger’s ID with the boarding pass with their new Secure Flight program.

5.) Important Features Of Business Class Flights
http://www.inform.com/article/Important%20Features%20Of%20Business%20Class%20Flights
Business Class has become a traveler’s friend for several reasons. Find out why traveling in business class can make such a big difference.

6.) Business Trips: Drive or Fly?
http://www.life123.com/career-money/career-development/business-travel/business-trips-drive-or-fly.shtml#STS=g1f0dz0e.1kwh
Have you ever considered not flying for business? Check out some reasons why you actually may be better off driving.

7.) How To Snag A More Comfortable Airline Seat
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32540835/ns/travel-business_travel/
Do you every feel like you don’t have enough room to breathe during a flight? Check out this article for tips on how to have a more comfortable trip with extra room.

GoCourtyard's Weekly Round-Up

If you’ve been following @CourtyardHotels on Twitter lately, you might have noticed that we’ve been doing our part to keep you up to date on the latest travel news. And now,we’re going to be doing this here on the GoCourtyard blog, as well. We’ll still continue to post company news, special deals and new openings, but we also want this to be a place where you can discover new travel tips and tricks, learn about cool new technology, watch a video, or read something you may not have otherwise found.

Every Friday, we plan to post a brief roundup of travel news, tips and info that we came across during the week. We want to help our guest keep tabs on which airline is charging for checked baggage now, which restaurants in New York City are great for lunch meetings, etc.

We’re here to help you have the best travel experience possible, so if you have suggestions for articles we should include in the coming weeks, please let us know in the comments.

Here are the articles we found most interesting and helpful this week:

1.) Being Productive On The Road
http://businesstravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/being_productive_on_the_road
Ever felt like you were wasting time while traveling? This article has a few tips on how to be productive while you’re traveling whether you are on the road or in the air.

2.) Top 7 Easy Packing Tips For Business Travel
http://top7business.com/?id=3241
Packing can sometimes be tough if you are not prepared. Here are some tips on how to pack efficiently before going on a business trip.

3.) 5 Tips For Taking Kids on Business Trips
http://www.theqfamilyadventures.com/2009/09/5-tips-to-take-kids-on-business-trip/
Traveling for work can be tough on your family, but it’s not as hard as you think to take them along. Here are some tips on what to do when taking your family along on a business trip.

4.) Time-Saving Business Travel Tips
http://businesstravel.about.com/od/luggageandpackingtips/tp/time_saving_travel_tips.htm
With all the time you have to spend in taxis, airport security lines and planes, it can feel like you don’t have enough time to get your actual work done. But there are ways to make even a busy travel day efficient.

5.) Business Travelers Take To Their Bikes
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/business/20bicycles.html?_r=2
From 2000 to 2008, there has been a 43% increase nationally in people who bike to work regularly. Now people are bringing their bikes along when they travel. If you’ve considered doing it, this article will tell you how.

6.) Your Corporate Card Is Watching You
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/jun2008/bw20080624_537181.htm?chan=autos_travel+–+lifestyle+subindex+page_travel+news
Managers: We all know money is tight these days. This post provides some insight into how to keep those expense accounts from getting out of control.

7.) A Flight Plan For Healthier Airport Eating
http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/health-and-well-being/2009/09/a-flight-plan-for-healthier-ai.html
Most of us have had more airport food than we’d like to admit. If you’ve been trying to eat healthier on the road lately, check this post out.

8.) Business Travel Can Help Bottom Line, U.S. Economy
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32916239/ns/travel-business_travel/
Even with today’s technological advances, in-person meetings have always been a crucial part of business. This article explains that even though business travel is usually one of the first cuts made in order to reduce company spending, it can actually boost profits and help the economy come out of a recession.

9.) Have A Refreshing Business Trip
http://business-travel-tips.suite101.com/article.cfm/have_a_refreshing_business_trip
If you have a rigorous travel schedule and take several trips a month, check out this article for ideas on how to turn some of those trips into mini-vacations.

10.) International Business Checklist
http://business-airtravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/international_business_travel_checklist
Great tips on how to pack and plan for international travel.