GoCourtyard's Weekly Round-Up – New Year's Edition

We want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. If you plan on spending the evening out or traveling this New Year’s Eve, we hope you have a great time.

Here’s this week’s round-up of travel news, tips and info that we found to be the most interesting and helpful. Since New Year’s Eve is here, make sure you don’t miss the article on America’s top 5 New Year’s Eve travel destinations. 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!

January’s Snows Means Sales
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/travel/27pracdeals.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Have you been trying to plan a vacation but are unsure as to when you should go? January is looking like the best time to take that much needed vacation. With low passenger traffic and great deals, the beginning of the year is a great time to travel.

America’s Top 5 New Year’s Eve Travel Destinations
http://www.uptake.com/blog/holiday-festivals/new-years-eve-travel-destinations_8368.html
What are you doing New Year’s Eve? Check out this article to hear about the five best and most unique New Year’s Eve travel destinations in America for 2009.

Traveling the Turnpike and Bridges with E-Z Pass
http://business-road-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/traveling_the_turnpike_and_bridges_with_ez_pass
Who wants to sit in traffic at the tolls during a business road trip? Automatic toll collection can end up saving business travelers who are traveling by car a ton of time. Check out this article to find out more about the E-Z Pass system.

Travel Health Tips For Business Travelers
http://business-travel-tips.suite101.com/article.cfm/travel_health_tips_for_business_travelers
Becoming ill while on a business trip can be an awful experience. This article shares with us some great travel health tips for business travelers.

Will New FAA Pilot Rest Rules Affect Commuting?
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/travelers_check/archives/2009/12/will_new_faa_pi.html
The FAA may be placing new rules on limiting pilots commuting next year to assure that they are rested up for every flight. Check out this article to find out what affect this could have on travelers.

How To Prepare For A Business Road Trip
http://business-road-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_prepare_for_a_business_road_trip
If you often travel by car for your business trips, you know that it involves more than just loading up your luggage and filling up the gas tank. Check out this article for some great tips on preparing for a business road trip.

How to Find the New Year's Eve Hot Spots in a New City

New Year’s Eve is tomorrow, and many people celebrate this special night out of town. While many will flock to Times Square in New York City, others may find themselves slightly off the beaten path in a smaller city. Smaller cities actually give New Year’s Eve partiers a great opportunity experience something new and exciting for much less than they would in the Big Apple.

For instance, in Boise, Idaho, you can take a helicopter tour of the city on New Year’s Eve for $50. Just stepping into a helicopter in New York will run you 2-3 times that price, and it’s too late to book a ticket anyway. In Reading, Pennsylvania, you can still get tickets to the Reading Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve performance. Jackson, Mississippi, has a number of all-night blues clubs if you enjoy live music, and there’s a snowboarding competition right in downtown Spokane, Washington. The competition is part of a party that spans 4 city blocks, and tickets are only $10. Even the smallest of cities has its own unique character, and New Year’s Eve is a great time to experience it.

The first, easiest step to making your out of town New Year’s plans is to head down to the lobby and speak to the concierge. He or she should be able to recommend something based on the type of activity you are interested in. If not, ask for a copy of the local newspaper, which should include listings of area events and advertisements for special deals at restaurants and clubs.

Another option is to head into town. Grab a coffee and do some exploring. While you’re out, ask employees of the businesses you visit for suggestions. People who live and work in the area are likely to know of local traditions and must-see landmarks that guidebooks might miss.

These websites can also help jump start your night:

Going
http://www.going.com
Going.com covers 30 U.S. Cities and is a great resource for finding all of the events and parties in your area. Becoming a member of this free online community allows you to RSVP, view the guest list and connect with others who are planning to attend.

Time Out
http://www.timeout.com/
TimeOut.com is the online edition of Time Out magazine which offers up-to-date information and event listings for 45 cities worldwide.

Yelp
http://www.yelp.com
Yelp.com connects you to user-generated reviews of local businesses in over a hundred US cities as well as cities in Canada, Ireland and the UK. Find well-loved restaurants and bars in your area, or click on the “Talk” link to peruse conversations by local users for talk of New Year’s Eve activities.

GoCourtyard's Weekly Round-Up – Holiday Edition

We want to wish everyone happy holidays! If you are traveling this week, we hope you arrive at your destination safely and have a great trip.

Here’s a special holiday edition of 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 all of the articles for some great ideas and advice on traveling over the holidays. Enjoy!

5 Fun Christmas Travel Games For Kids
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2239271/5_fun_christmas_travel_games_for_kids.html
Children almost always get bored traveling, whether they are in a plane, train or in a car. Check out this article to find out what games you can buy to keep your kids entertained while on the move.

“Up In The Air” Spotlights Airline’s Highest Fliers
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/business/15road.html?_r=1&ref=travel
Has anyone seen the new George Clooney movie “Up In The Air”? Check out this article to learn a few secrets about the world of air travel that could possibly help you out on your next trip.

Motion Sickness Bracelets, Pills & Patches: Which Remedy Actually Cures
http://www.businesstravellogue.com/travel-tips/motion-sickness-remedies.html
Are you scared motion sickness may kick in while traveling this Christmas? Motion sickness is an awful feeling that many people think is unavoidable. Take a look at this article for remedies that may cure you from that dizzy feeling.

The Flight Before Christmas
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/travel/20pracholiday.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Are you traveling over Christmas? Here is a holiday checklist that will help you navigate through the airport and prepare you for the worst to avoid all possible disasters.

Working Mothers Find Some Peace On The Road
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/01/business/01travel.html
We know that being a working mother can often be exhausting. Making dinner and putting the kids to bed after an 8 hour workday can wear anyone out. Check out this article to learn why some working mothers enjoy traveling for business.

Holiday Business Travel Tips: Find Last Minute Deals on Christmas Travel, Buy Christmas Insurance
http://business-air-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/holiday_business_travel_tips
Are you traveling for business over the holiday or just trying to find some last minute Christmas travel deals? Take a look at this article for some great tips to ease your travels and not break your bank account.

Top 10 Airline Meals
http://information.travel.aol.com/news-and-tips/airline-meals
Dining at 30,000 feet is usually not too enjoyable due to airplane food not being quite up to par. However, airlines are beginning to understand that their passengers expect a decent meal while they are in the air. This article details 10 of the best airline meals for first class passengers.

Top Tips On Coping With Christmas Travel
http://www.theage.com.au/travel/traveller-tips/top-tips-on-coping-with-christmas-travel-20091211-ko6l.html
If you are traveling this Christmas, then this article is a must read. It has some great tips on how to arrive at your Christmas destination with a smile on your face.

How To Navigate Through Security Like A Pro
http://business-air-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_navigate_through_security_like_a_pro
Check out this article for tips on how to navigate through airport security quickly, especially if you are traveling over the holidays. Security lines may be unavoidable but by planning ahead and packing efficiently, you can pass through security checkpoints quicker than ever.

GoCourtyard's Weekly Round-Up – Dec. 11, 2009

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 the five best gifts for business travelers for some good ideas on what to buy your friends who travel frequently this Christmas. 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!

Travelers Should Consider Airline Credit Cards
http://personalbudgeting.suite101.com/article.cfm/travelers_should_consider_airline_credit_cards
All different types of industries now have their own customized credit cards, which makes it difficult to decide what types of credit cards will benefit you. However, airline credit cards may come in extra handy for those of you who are frequent travelers. Check out this article to find out if you should apply for one today.

5 Best Gifts For Business Travelers
http://businesstravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/5_best_gifts_for_business_travelers
Do you have a friend or family member that constantly travels for business? Christmas is quickly approaching, and you may want to buy this person a present they can use on their travels. Take a look at this article to learn about the five best gifts for business travelers.

What To Do If A Flight Is Canceled
http://business-air-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_to_do_when_a_flight_is_canceled
Finding out your flight is cancelled is a horrible experience, especially when your trip is time sensitive. Take a look at this article to find some tips and tricks on what to do in this situation.

Business Travel….With Baby?
http://www.workitmom.com/bloggers/entrepreneurmom/2008/01/18/business-travelwith-baby/
Have you ever needed to bring your baby along with you on a business trip? With some careful planning, you can easily avoid a disastrous trip. Take a look at this article and find out what to do when you can’t leave your baby at home.

How To Keep Records Of Business Travel
http://www.ehow.com/how_2155979_keep-records-business-travel.html
It is very important to keep records of everything you do on a business trip so you can claim tax deductions and receive reimbursements from your employer. This article provides 6 simple steps for how you can keep accurate records of your business trips.

The Frugal Traveler’s Holiday Gift Guide
http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/the-frugal-gift-guide/?ref=travel
None of us like to spend money on useless objects that will end up collecting dust over the years. Check out this guide and see which ten items would be of the most use to you.

Airlines Are Charging More For That Sought-After Seat On The Aisle
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/business/08seats.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Many travelers think that every seat in the coach section of an airplane costs the same amount. However, this has recently changed as airlines are finding new ways to charge for the privilege of escaping a dreaded middle seat in the back of a crowded economy cabin.

GoCourtyard's Top Business Travel Blogs

We know that many of our Courtyard guests are business travelers who spend a lot of their time getting from one place to the next. Life on the road can be tough, with much of it spent on planes and trains and in hotel rooms. Luckily, there are lots of ways to alleviate the stresses of business travel, and we’ve identified some blogs we think our guests will find helpful to make sure their next trip is a breeze.

These blogs are full of tips and the latest industry news and trends. From tips on what type of travel bags to buy, to how to stay fit on your next business trip, to news on which airlines are charging extra for baggage, to the possibility of a passenger bill of rights being passed, these business travel blogs cover all the bases. So, for those of you who travel for business several times a year or even just every once in a while, make sure you check out GoCourtyard’s top business travel blogs.

http://businesstravel.about.com/b/
About.com’s business travel blog shares a variety of tips for business travelers. If you’re looking for the rules for bringing liquids onboard an airplane, tips on how to pack efficiently or how to keep up with your travel expenses, it’s all right here. Written by a travel expert who knows the ins and outs of traveling from firsthand experience, this blog will help you plan and enjoy a successful business trip.

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/travelers_check/
Business Week’s blog, “Traveler’s Check” informs business travelers of the latest news and trends in the travel industry. Readers can use this blog to stay updated on which airlines have the most frequent flight delays, the best airline prices, ways to accrue more frequent flier miles, etc. Make sure to check out this business travel blog before booking your next business trip.

http://www.inflighthq.com/
This discusses different tools and techniques to be productive at the airport and while in the air. This blog focuses a little more on the tech side, but is still easy and enjoyable to read. If you want to learn how to book a VIP airport lounge to relax while waiting to board your plane or which airlines are offering Wi-Fi, then you will definitely find InFlight HQ informative.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/
Updated on a daily basis, Gulliver provides information on every aspect of business travel. This blog offers tips on everything from the best places to conduct business to smart habits to develop while traveling on business. Gulliver also shares their views on different airlines, hotels, airport security and more. Make sure to read this business travel blog to stay updated with anything and everything going on in the world of business travel.

http://www.businesstravellogue.com/
If you want to keep up to date on the services, tips and industry news for business travel, then this blog, WhyGo Business Travel has it all. Organized in an easy to read fashion, this blog shares news and ideas on how to book a last minute flight and how to sell your airline miles. It even offers helpful ways to find a job that requires travel. WhyGo Business Travel is updated on a weekly basis which allows readers to learn about what’s going on in the travel industry in a timely manner.

http://www.businesstraveller.com/news
Business Traveler takes an in-depth look at the travel industry and shares news with its readers that you don’t want to miss. With a variety of different articles published on a daily basis, this business travel blog does a great job keeping its readers up to date on the latest news in the travel industry.

http://travel.exportfocus.com/
ExportFocus is updated on a daily basis and is great for those who travel often for work. With all sorts of tips for business travelers such as what kind of travel bags to buy to directions on how to find American Airlines Wi-Fi flights, ExportFocus gives business travelers all the information and advice they need to know in order to have a comfortable and productive business trip.

http://businesstravel.suite101.com/
Written by an avid traveler, Suite 101’s Business Travel blog is a great resource for business travelers. With tips on issues including how to save money on corporate travel and how to beat jet lag, this blog is all-encompassing and is a must-read. Make sure to check it out and use some of the tips on your next business trip to make sure it goes smoothly.

http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/
Calling their blog “a guide to intelligent travel,” the New York Times’ “In Transit” blog keeps its readers informed of everything they need to know to be up to date with what is going on today in the travel industry. With information on airline sales, amenities that some business travelers are giving up to cut costs, baggage fees and more, “In Transit” has all of the information a business traveler needs to know plus a little extra.

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/owen-wild/business-will-travel
“On Business, Will Travel” is a business travel blog that takes an honest and understanding tone. From discussing why the air traffic control system is flawed to the chances of getting bumped off a flight, “On Business, Will Travel” informs it’s readers with new tips and news that will help them on their next business trip. Make sure to check out this blog and put the information you learn to good use in order to have a safe and productive business trip.

We hope you find these blogs helpful for your next trip. If we left any of your favorites off, please leave a comment and share your top business travel blog with us.

Thanks for helping us keep Courtyard on the go.

GoCourtyard's Weekly Round-Up – Dec. 4, 2009

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving last week! 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 the best airline websites so you know what website to use when you book your next flight. Enjoy!

F.A.A. Clarifies What Can Be Stowed in Seat Back
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/business/01road.html?_r=3&partner=rss&emc=rss
Have you ever wondered how many items you are allowed to stow in your seat-back pocket in an airplane? The Federal Aviation Administration has issued new guidelines to clarify what passengers can and cannot put in the pockets.

The Best Airline Websites
http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2009/11/the_best_airline_websites
According to Google Trends, 77% of business travelers use the internet to book flights. Check out this article to find out which airline websites are the best and what makes them so good.

Private Jet Hire With Minimum Costs
http://business-air-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/private_jet_hire_with_minimum_costs
We all know that traveling in a private jet is expensive which is why most of us probably never fly this way. However, due to increased competition, the price of private jet flights has gone down and it may actually make more sense to fly this way. Check out this article to learn more.

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Airline Miles
http://www.businesstravellogue.com/travel-tips/the-ultimate-guide-to-selling-airline-miles.html
Sometimes selling airline miles can be quite a challenge process due to different airline policies. Take a look at this article and learn about how to make this process easier.

Please Pack Less Say Baggage Handlers
http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/a-please-pack-lessa-say-aiport-baggage-handlers
Baggage handlers often get injured lifting heavy luggage. “Stop Injuries! Pack less campaign” is attempting to raise public awareness about this and a weigh limit of 15kg may eventually be placed on all checked baggage..

How To Shield Yourself From Business Travel Nightmares
http://www.inc.com/resources/travel/articles/20060401/wild.html
Check out this article for some great tips on what to do on your next business trip to avoid travel nightmares.

Top 7 Tips to Avoid Holiday Stress
http://businesstraveltips.suite101.com/article.cfm/top_7_tips_to_avoid_holiday_travel_stress
The holiday season is here and traveling during this time of the year can often be stressful. Check out this article for some tips on how to relieve holiday travel stress.