Business Travel Blog

I used dot2dot last month for getting to heathrow. Not bad, cheaper than getting a taxi if you're travelling alone. Airport Transfers ...

Wanted to mention that some buyers have trouble knowing how to ensure fit of laptop to their luggage or briefcase. Most sellers refer to the screen size, measured diagonally, i.e. "17 laptop case". To ensure fit, best to measure all 3 dimensions and compare to the laptop case compartment inside dimensions. Great value and selection of wheeled 17 laptop case, wheeled luggage, and laptop totes at www.LeatherGiftItems.com ...

Yes, in my experience the best way is to contact your cc company and ask them. I think there may even be different charges for different countries?

What/how is the best way for finding out about overseas charges? Should I contact my credit card company before hand? I read somewhere else that some credit card companies will charge up to 3% for using your card overseas.

Yes that is often another thing that many travel insurance policies do not cover. If anyone is thinking of doing something sporty, it may be useful to organise the travel insurance beforehand!

Another consideration - not all travel insurances cover for extreme sports and skiing. http://www.bigtravelweb.com www.bigtravelweb.com ...

Another consideration - not all travel insurances cover for extreme sports and skiing. Travel Guides ...

Hello, Just wanted to agree that I have also switched to leather luggage, as well as my husband. We find that the new plastic like materials split from the seams and zippers, where leather is about as strong as you can get as far as durability. Trick is to find light weight frame, while strong. Thanks and have a look at our products www.TiesLeatherLace.com www.GiftItemsEtc.com http://stores.ebay.com/GIFT-ITEMS-ETC ...

Many of these are also relevant to first world countries as well.

The following are specific areas of concerns and things to watch out for when on travel to Third World destinations: 1.0) TAKE NO CHANCES WITH YOUR SECURITY: Many police agencies remain soft in their attitude towards terrorism. In many locations there is high crime problem targeting tourists and residents, but it seldom gets reported on the news. The stealing of handbags, robberies and hotel burglaries, are problem in most Third World Nations. 2.0) COUNTERMEASURE AGAINST PURSE SNATCHING INCLUDE: Use handbags and purses that have a zipper or lock. Always keep your purse zipped or latched and carry it in front of you. If your purse has a flap to open, keep the flap against your body. Don't carry your purse loosely around your shoulder. Clutch it tightly under your arm. 3.0) COUNTERMEASURE AGAINST ROBBERY: Avoid walking alone on the street after 10:00 p.m. and avoid talking with strangers on the street. Keep yourself an arm's length away from them. Walk briskly and confidently. If you are robbed, obey the robber's instructions. Give up your valuables immediately do NOT resist. No possession is worth your life. Countermeasure Against Hotel 4.0) ROOM BURGLARY: Your hotel room is equipped with a solid core wood, a dead bolt lock and peephole. Make sure you utilize these safety measures at all times. 5.0) DRUGS (GHB/ROHYPNOL): People have been known to drop small amounts of these drugs (fast-acting sedatives) into alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks in some Third World nightclubs. These drugs dissolve quickly are colorless, tasteless and odorless. Victims blackout with memory loss a few minutes after the drug has been administered. 6.0) COUNTERMEASURE AGAINST GHB/ROHYPNOL: Guard your drink against substances in nightclubs (GHB or Rohypnol). Don't accept open drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from anyone who you do not know or do not trust. While in Third World nightclubs drink directly from the bartender (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Do not take your eyes off the bartender or your order. Do not use the waitress or let somebody go to the bar for you who you do not know or do not trust. 7.0) AIRPORT ARRIVAL: Upon arrival at a Third World airport, maintain a low profile. Do not delay in the arrival terminal area. Go through passport controls, baggage reclaim area and to your waiting vehicles as quickly as possible. 8.0) WATCH YOUR LUGGAGE: Keep an eye on your luggage until it is brought into your waiting vehicle. 9.0) KEEP THINGS CONFIDENTIAL: The airport is not an appropriate place to discuss sensitive subjects, wait until you are in your hotel room. Keep all aspects of the visit confidential. 10.0) ARRIVE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS: Try to arrange your travel plans so that you check-in to the hotel during daylight hours. Upon arrival at your hotel, be aware of persons in the lobby who may have unusual interest in your arrival. 11.0) KEEP YOUR ROOM SECURE: Keep your hotel room door locked at all times and check the locks on any sliding glass doors, windows, or connecting room doors. Make it a habit to use all the locks; the deadbolt and the chain. 12.0) CARRY KEY CARD: Carry the room key card with you at all times instead of leaving it at the front desk. 13.0) PERSONS AT YOUR DOOR: Do not open your hotel room door to hotel staff or any other unknown people without first obtaining verification from the front desk. Maintain a heightened awareness for suspicious activity and to report same. 14.0) HOTEL STAIRWELLS: Avoid hotel stairwells (unless there is a fire). These are easy places for individuals to hide, and from which to escape quickly after an attack. 15.0) PERSONAL SAFETY: Add an extra dimension to your personal security by following these simple suggestions: 16.0) EXPLOSIVES MANAGEMENT: Internal security and explosives management in the Third World remains POOR at restaurants and nightclubs. 17.0) DON?T BE A TARGET: Many restaurants and nightclubs have easy road access and little or no effective security apparatus in place. Select your venue carefully, based on its potential target value (the lower the better). 18.0) FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS: Avoid crowded restaurants and bars on Friday and Saturday nights. Crowded areas, ensures full media coverage, if an incident is carried out. 19.0) LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTCLUBS: Go to local restaurants and nightclubs not frequented by many tourists. The food will be better; the experience will be more interesting and memorable. 20.0) ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: Be careful with alcohol. It could cloud your judgment and slow responses. 21.0) WHILE WALKING: Never walk alone at night in the Third World. Walk on well lighted walkways and plan your route ahead of time. 22.0) AVOID SECLUDED PLACES: Avoid secluded places such as parks or deserted beaches in the Third World. Moonlit strolls on deserted beaches may sound nice, but could turn dangerous and should be ...

Hello, I recently shifted to leather luggage. I am having very good experience using it. Leather luggage are quite flexible and durable. I purchased on from Maxwell Scott and they offerred a 2yr. guarantee too. Have a look: http://www.maxwellscottbags.com/leather-luggage.htm http://www.maxwellscottbags.com/leather-wash-bags.htm ...

Thanks for the warning Michael. Its so annoying when luggage doesn't meet expectations!

When considering to buy the super-beautiful x-lite series of Samsonite's top series Blacklabel, be careful. The new, allegedly toughest ever material dents rather easily and, on our first long haul, cracked. Whether airline fault or not - Samsonite not only denies this might be their fault, they refuse to even repair the suitcase (which, they claim in ads, is always possible). So, unless you have $500 to throw away, be careful and consider buying something a bit more rugged.

Its crazy! They are even suspicious of chapstick and lip gloss. They are however allowing baby formula... I guess the terrorists will us that avenue.

Its crazy! They are even suspicious of chapstick and lip gloss. They are however allowing baby formula... I guess the terrorists will us that avenue.

Yes anything liquid. Apparently the suspects were going to assemble a bomb from parts and liquid they were taking with them in their hand luggage. The baby formula and milk is going to be okay - if you taste it in front of the security people!

Business men are always busy and have almost no emotion. We get this kind of impression from the media and films. But in reality they also have families and feelings. Technologies like mobile phone, internet and video conferencing made it very easier for them to be in touch with their near and dear ones while they are on business trips. Other people also can be very near to their relatives and friends living abroad nowadays using the new means of communication what was not there 20 years ago.

You make a good point Razib. We usually only see the business side of business people, especially men. However in so many hotel rooms around the world right now, men thinking of their loved ones, missing their homes and fortunately using the new technology to keep in touch. I raise a glass (of an excellent Port I am sipping on right now) to all of you out there who are away from home. May you return to your loved ones soon.

You are both welcome. Here's hoping for smooth travel for us all!

Hi Anna. Nice to hear from you and I like your site. Yes alone time is rare these days unless you live alone. Being in a different place alone also gives perspective on familiar things. Being alone in a different place in a jacuzzi is the best - it can reveal a lot (like how quickly one's toes crinkle :-) ...

I myself have never experienced motion sickness, but I have traveled with people who get it really badly. Your tips on preventing motion sickness seem very, very sound. Thanks for sharing them.

Going away on business trips can be heart-wrenching indeed, especially when you are going to be gone for a considerable length of time. But I agree with you in that technology somewhat abates the loneliness, and that you could use the alone time after work hours to indulge on things you cannot do when you are at home.

I AM BARRISTER DONALD YUSUF, PRIVATE ATTORNEY TO THE LATE MRS STELLA OBASANJO, WIFE OF THE NIGERIAN PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, WHO DIED ON THE 23RD OF OCTOBER 2005 AT A HOSPITAL IN SPAIN. SHE HAD TRAVELLED TO SPAIN TO UNDERGO SURGERY AND DIED FROM COMPLICATIONS RESULTING FROM THAT SURGERY, AS THE PERSONAL ATTORNEY TO THE DECEASED, I HANDLE MANY OF HER AFFAIRS, MOSTLY PROPERTIES AND FUNDS BOTH DOMESTIC AND IN OVERSEAS. IN THIS CASE MY CLIENT LEFT HUGE AMOUNT OF MILLION GB POUNDS STERLING AND SO MANY OTHER INVESTMENTS WITH MY SIGNATURES ABROAD. VERY SOON MY CLIENT'S FAMILY WILL CALL ME TO ACCOUNT FOR MY CLIENT'S PROPERTIES AND FUNDS DEPOSITED IN OFFSHORES. AT THIS JUNCTURE, I SEEK YOUR CONSENT TO PRESENT YOU AS THE BENEFACTOR TO MY LATE CLIENT'S FUND DEPOSITED IN EUROPE WHICH I WILL DISCLOSE TO YOU, SINCE I HAVE ALL THE DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE DEPOSITING OF THE FUNDS. THROUGH. I WILL PROCURE ALL NECESSARY LEGAL DOCUMENTATION THAT CAN BE USED TO BACK UP ANY CLAIM WE MIGHT MAKE. ALL I REQUIRE YOUR HONEST CO-OPERATION TO ENABLE US SEEING THIS DEAL I GUARANTEE THAT THIS WILL BE EXECUTED UNDER A LEGITIMATE ARRANGEMENT THAT WILL PROTECT YOU FROM ANY BREACH OF LAW,I PROMISE THAT YOU AND I CAN SHARE THE MONEY 60/40%. ALSO SEND ME A NUMBER WHERE I CAN CALL YOU. I BELIEVE MY LETTER RECEIVED A FAVOURABLE CONSIDERATION AS I AWAIT YOUR RESPONSE ASAP. REGARDS, Barrester DONALD YUSUF. PLEASE YOU CAN REPLY TO ME THROUGH (info_swizet@yahoo.com) ...

I AM BARRISTER DONALD YUSUF, PRIVATE ATTORNEY TO THE LATE MRS STELLA OBASANJO, WIFE OF THE NIGERIAN PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, WHO DIED ON THE 23RD OF OCTOBER 2005 AT A HOSPITAL IN SPAIN. SHE HAD TRAVELLED TO SPAIN TO UNDERGO SURGERY AND DIED FROM COMPLICATIONS RESULTING FROM THAT SURGERY, AS THE PERSONAL ATTORNEY TO THE DECEASED, I HANDLE MANY OF HER AFFAIRS, MOSTLY PROPERTIES AND FUNDS BOTH DOMESTIC AND IN OVERSEAS. IN THIS CASE MY CLIENT LEFT HUGE AMOUNT OF MILLION GB POUNDS STERLING AND SO MANY OTHER INVESTMENTS WITH MY SIGNATURES ABROAD. VERY SOON MY CLIENT'S FAMILY WILL CALL ME TO ACCOUNT FOR MY CLIENT'S PROPERTIES AND FUNDS DEPOSITED IN OFFSHORES. AT THIS JUNCTURE, I SEEK YOUR CONSENT TO PRESENT YOU AS THE BENEFACTOR TO MY LATE CLIENT'S FUND DEPOSITED IN EUROPE WHICH I WILL DISCLOSE TO YOU, SINCE I HAVE ALL THE DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE DEPOSITING OF THE FUNDS. THROUGH. I WILL PROCURE ALL NECESSARY LEGAL DOCUMENTATION THAT CAN BE USED TO BACK UP ANY CLAIM WE MIGHT MAKE. ALL I REQUIRE YOUR HONEST CO-OPERATION TO ENABLE US SEEING THIS DEAL I GUARANTEE THAT THIS WILL BE EXECUTED UNDER A LEGITIMATE ARRANGEMENT THAT WILL PROTECT YOU FROM ANY BREACH OF LAW,I PROMISE THAT YOU AND I CAN SHARE THE MONEY 60/40%. ALSO SEND ME A NUMBER WHERE I CAN CALL YOU. I BELIEVE MY LETTER RECEIVED A FAVOURABLE CONSIDERATION AS I AWAIT YOUR RESPONSE ASAP. REGARDS, Barrester DONALD YUSUF. PLEASE YOU CAN REPLY TO ME THROUGH (info_swizet@yahoo.com ...

Great. Thanks! nokia6630 ...

I really enjoyed your train story. This luxurious trip can only be compared with the first class river cruise. All those elegance, royalty, decoration, food and celebrities and the history of this especial train are interesting. You mentioned the revival of such trips which I think will be an attraction to the travelers.

You're right! It is like the first class river cruises: the same luxurious little world of refinement and moving hotel-like atmosphere. And both trains and boats rock!

I like this site! nokia6630 ...

Very interesting & professional site. You done great work. nokia6630 ...

Very interesting & professional site. You done great work. nokia6630 ...

I think its a very useful article as travelling is part and parcel of our life.I heartily thank the witer on behalf of every traveller for sharing her experiences with us and giving some easy tips which we can apply next time.

Your story and tips make me remember and laugh about a belated honeymoon that my wife and I partook in years ago. We decided to go out on a Greek fishing boat in Florida. The problem was that the specific day we did it, the waves were about 10 feet high. Because I was born in a town right on Lake Superior, I was used to fishing and being on lakes with huge waves, so I proudly didn't take the sea-sickness pill. About fifteen minutes before we reached our destination for the eight-hour fishing day, I lost my battle with the sickness and promptly joined the other "amateur" boaters in running to the bathroom. Eight hours later we were back on dry land with our friends asking if we wanted to go out and eat. Now doesn't that just make you sick? :-) ...

Hi Gary, Great story. Bathrooms are never so welcome as when one is seasick are they? Did you eat that night? And that was your honeymoon! Mine was a trip to New York and we arrived on 10th September 2001!!!! Almost as unforgettable :-) I liked your website. Would be very interested in your comments on Friday's blog when CNN asks for your opinion. Cheers, Phoenix ...

I know what you mean Razib. I am currently on a three day trip and am experimenting with extreme minimalism by only taking one spare shirt plus business equipment. Is not quite working...will blog on it soon.

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Thanks Ronnie. Good to hear from you.

Yes Nikki and people look at you in amazement that you could know such a fact. The world gets infinitely more interesting as well!!

Thank you for stopping by my site ...

Sorry for this ...

Yes,dresses are a big part for travellers. Sometimes they take too much than they need and the vice versa. But there should be a minimum preparation of what you take.

Very interesting & professional site. You done great work. nokia6630 ...

"Trivia books are strange things. I never feel drawn to reading them but if I happen to pick one up for a glance, I find myself still reading and saying inane things like, ?noooooo?? ?really? ?wow? ?you don?t say? and ?gaffawassspppiittcchwaaa?" --> haha! how true! knowing trivia also makes me feel smarter somehow. at the very least, trivias are great conversation topics :P ...

I agree Razib. We work so hard, lets all enjoy life as well!

Hi Manoj, Nice to hear from you. I am unsure how to help you out as I focus on travel for business. If you have a look at the rest of the AllBusiness.com site I am sure there will be others who can help. Perhaps one of the other bloggers? Good luck! Cheers, Phoenix ...

Maam I am MBA aspirant. I want to Know about coplete list of company name which is related to retail business only. So please help me. Please give me website address where list is available. You are good looking. I like your work.

Business travel is really a big pressure so I think people should take a break from this hasty life and find some time to enjoy. I really think this would be very helpful for them.

Thanks for those who have commented here. I especially like your thoughts about your experiences in Australia and New Guinea, Trevor. I am about to go and smell the flowers...

I think that is correct Razib. Eight hours of sleep and good food would do me well here at home right now :-) I didnt include laundry service in this blog as it is now such a standard in business hotels, but thanks for putting that in.

The features mentioned here about Hotel Occidental Seville is feature of any good hotel. Now days, in this age of globalization people just can not stay in their own country and think of running a successful business. Not only business people people of various professions such as journalists, writers, travellers, lawyers, doctors have to visit different places and they also need eight hours of sleep, good food, great window view, laundry service.

Let me be first to give you tanks for your informative article. What a great experience you have on traveling by plane. It is very essential to be concerned about the fellow passenger in a journey and it is a big chance to experience some distinct cultural and personal behavior. Your suggestion will work well to avoid some annoying persons. However, it is also a very big source of making friendly relation with somebody as you made with that mother.

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Just had to comment on this one. I haven't travelled for a while, but going back a few years found a few tricks. I travelled with five heavy boxes weighing in at about two hundred pounds so always had to pay excess baggage. For me no problem because it was other people's money and was a cost of doing business. First, don't use a brown Samsonite briefcase because people still remember the aircraft going down over Locharbie. Look at the cost of valet parking compared to long term airport parking. Not a lot dearer but wonderful after a long trip. Travel light. Count the nights away and have that number of clothes combinations up to seven. (seven socks and jocks, seven shirts couple of pants, or females seven mixes. never more, because laundry is always available at better hotels.) Take some light reading, because restaurants take half an hour to prepare a meal, and this fills the time. Business reports are too heavy and you need a break. Decide if you really need a hire car or a taxi. For me, first night out is generally very little sleep. Learn to live with it. The second night catches up and you will feel great after that. Good hot steamy shower in the morning, with clothes in the shower room hung nicely. Most creases fall out. Good hotels provide an iron and a touch up is all that is needed. If you are out more than a week, take a definite break at the weekend to play tourist. Both body and brainneed a rest then. Pace yourself and smell the flowers. Do you need to fly both directions. I would often fly to the furthest point and use a one way rental for the return trip and visits on the way home. Cost of flying and driving rentals including cost of your time are pretty much the same. Choose wisely. Drive west in the morning and east in the afternoon. In Australia, don't drive near dusk or dawn on country roads. That is kangaroo feeding time near roads, especially in the dry. If you are really going outback, have a CB radio and acknowledge other drivers. In many places you may not see another car for a couple of hours and the locals have no respect for outsiders without at least basic manners and communications. Be aware of distances. Australia is a big country and to many people travelling a couple of hours just to go to a shop is not uncommon. I once had a person ask me to travel from Mareeba to Rockhampton in two hours and could not convince her that this was a day and a half just to drive there. Be aware of the terrain. Papua New Guinea requires a lot of air transport because there are no roads. A hire car will not take you very far there. Books on tape or CD can help on long drives. Most libraries have a fair supply for the blind. If you have long distances, music can get repetitive and boring and radio stations have limited range. Enjoy what you are doing, because if you don't enjoy it, you really have no business taking up a set which could be used by someone who does. Happy travelling.

Good luck for you and give me some explanation so I can follow you ...