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May 31, 2007

Driving Your Own Wi-Fi Hotspot

As Americans, there's not much we don't do in our cars...eating, drinking, sleeping, working, applying makeup, or whipping up a cappuccino or a macchiato (you know that's next).  Now you can add one more thing to the list: enjoying broadband wireless Internet connectivity whether parked, stalled or in the passing lane (again, as a passenger only).

Avis Rent A Car recently launched Avis Connect, a service that provides a secure, broadband-level connection to any Wi-Fi device within close proximity to the rental car. The first Avis Connect units are available at San Francisco International Airport and will be offered in the coming weeks at Avis airport locations in San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles and Newark, followed in the third quarter at airport locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, San Diego and Seattle. The cost of the Avis Connect service is $10.95 per day.

And should you go through connectivity withdrawals while riding in your own vehicle, relax; the technology that Avis relies on is available to the public at Autonet Mobile, the world's first in-car Internet service provider.

Posted by Tom at 9:57 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

May 23, 2007

Business Trips, Passports and Palm Trees

 
Q: Tom, I am getting ready to travel to Puerto Rico on business, and my understanding is that I don't need a passport since it is a U.S. Territory. Is that correct? Also, I applied for a passport 3 weeks ago not knowing I was going to have to go on this trip, and did not expedite it. I have tried calling and emailing the NPIC and don't get anyone. Is there any way to expedite a passport that is already in process?
— Brian M.

A. I'm sorry Brian, but you are not allowed to refer to any trip to a destination where drinks cradle paper umbrellas and sand supplants pavement, as a business trip. My petty jealously aside, keep an eye on your colleagues; you know they're using air quotations when they say, Brian's "business" trip.

As for your question, you're in luck; no passport is needed for Puerto Rico (self-governing U.S. commonwealth) or the U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S. Territory). For the rest of the Caribbean (and the world), you'll need a passport if traveling by air or sea.

Unless initially set up as an expedited passport application, I don't of any way to intercept and rush it, especially with the current backlog brought on by new regulations.

I'd say keep trying to get through to the National Passport Information Center (NPIC), as I'm assured there are customer service representatives available (expect long hold time though).

Before you embrace your inner-patience and some lengthy hold times, check out your passport's processing status online; it may be on its way.

For other travelers, here's a link to processing times if you're just starting the "process."

As for passport renewal information, the good news is you don't have to reapply in person.

If this is your first passport, the world awaits you, but only after you apply in person. Here are the details.

And I must tip my hat to the U.S. Department of State's Web site. It's one of the best -- comprehensive, clear, well-designed and most importantly, informative.

Safe travels Brian, and don't forget sunscreen; some "business" meetings may take place by the pool.

Have a question for Tom?
Tom Conway, whose business trips are usually to places with metered parking and dated carpeting, looks forward to your comments below: 

Posted by Tom at 11:37 AM | | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

May 17, 2007

Traveling With Food Allergies

 
Q: Hello Tom,
My daughter has a life-threatening allergy to peanuts. A number of years ago she traveled around northern Europe with friends. When she returned she told me how difficult and frustrating it was to find foods she knew were safe to eat. Considering that, my husband and I started a business called SelectWisely.com, which produces customized laminated translation cards for travelers with food allergies. Based on that business, we've come to realize what a huge problem this is for many people.
— Pamela A.

A: Hi Pamela, thanks for the heads-up. The thought of life without cuisine's most perfect combo, the PB&J, has left me speechless (for a change). And since my only known allergy is to sit-ups and running, I am not well-versed on the subject of physical reactions to food (though I do have an aversion to okra and chickpeas). As for for your enterprise, what a great idea: bilingual and graphical flash cards for food allergies. I also like your site's informational links: Traveling with Food Allergies; and Tips for Travelers. Safe and healthy travels to you and your family.

Care to comment on traveling with food allergies?

Posted by Tom at 10:16 AM | | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

Where in the World is WiFi?

 
Q: How can I find out if an airport has WiFi availability?
-Sandra F.

A: At one time travel essentials numbered two: an airline ticket and a cup of coffee. Now so much more is expected (doggone it) and no trip is complete without a laptop. When it comes to wondering where in the world is WiFi, I'm a big fan of Jiwire.com. As it states on the site, "With 143,793 free and paid WiFi hotspots in 134 countries, JiWire's WiFi Hotspot Finder makes it easy to locate wireless Internet access around the globe." Yep I couldn't have said it better. Here's your link to connecting with the world.

Have a question for Tom?
Tom Conway, who confirms scone crumbs really can disable a keypad, looks forward to your comments.

Posted by Tom at 9:09 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

May 10, 2007

Carrying On About Carryons

 

Taking it With You

Q1: My wife and I have a trip planned. Can you tell or direct me to the Internet site regarding carry-on items on a plane?
— Dom A.

A. Hi Dom, you need to consider security and an airline's baggage policy, so I'd say visit two Web sites: the Transportation Safety Administration's (TSA) and your ticketed airline's.

Start with the TSA, the department within the Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for securing the nation's transportation systems. Next, access your airline's Web site for carry-on luggage rules. Take a look at the examples below and you should be good to go.

TSA: Permitted and Prohibited Items
Examples of Airline carry-on baggage rules
British Airways
United Airlines

 

What's Your Favorite Travel Whine Wine?

Q2: What is the airline carry-on policy regarding bottled wine? In the past, if you went wine tasting on your vacation, you could bring unopened wine home on the plane in a carryon pack (less than a case). With the new regulations, what are the rules? Can you still do this or do you have to mail it?
— Pam M..

A: Hi Pamela, this is my first enophilic travel-related question. Unfortunately, the TSA won't let you carry wine on board whether bottled, boxed or in a sippy cup; that is unless it has been purchased at the airport within the same security area in which you are boarding your flight, say from a duty-free shop. Sadly, liquids are not allowed through security, with the exception the three-ounce rule.

Now if you do bring back wine in your luggage, socks and sweaters make poor substitutes for bubble wrap. In fact, I highly recommend using specially designed styro-insert boxes, which are usually available from the purveyors of grapey libations. Each is specifically made for traveling with or shipping wine, otherwise burgundy may become your (and every other passenger's) favorite new baggage color.

As far as mailing it back, there are interstate liquor laws, of which I am no expert (with the exception of the Illinois-Indiana border, familiar to me in my college years). I have found one handy site wine.com where they spell it out for you by state.

And after all this, you may want to verify that your imported wine is not already sitting on a shelf at your local Safeway. Bottoms up, cheers and salud!

Have a question for Tom?
Tom Conway, whose favorite "whine" is, "They told me this was a nonstop!" looks forward to your questions, comments and tips.

Posted by Tom at 10:58 AM | | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

May 9, 2007

Toronto: Neighborly to the North

Checking in with Toronto: Each week we select a city and ask our fellow business travelers to tell us about a favorite hotel and why it's a great place to stay.

This week we look north to the largest city in Canada, and ask where do you stay in Toronto

Comment or review great places to stay in other cities:
Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Denver
Las Vegas
London
Los Angeles
New York
San Francisco
Seattle
Toronto
Washington, D.C.

Posted by Tom at 1:35 PM | | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

May 4, 2007

It's Official; Open Skies to Europe Begin 2008

Dust off your passports; air travel to Europe just got easier. According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters, more affordable and convenient air travel for American consumers is on the horizon due to this week's signing of an open-skies air transport agreement between the United States and the European Union. The agreement will provide greater freedom for American and EU airlines to fly between the two continents by eliminating restrictions on prices and services. By expanding the ability of airlines to fly between Europe and the U.S., this agreement will spur lower-priced and more accessible air travel for American and European consumers, promote greater access to U.S. and European markets, and increase healthy competition. (Now if we could just do something about the exchange rate.)

The signing of the air transport agreement is the result of several years of intense negotiations. With the approval of the deal, every U.S. and EU airline will now be permitted to fly between every city in the European Union and every city in the United States. It will also allow these airlines to set fares freely in accordance with market demand, and operate without restrictions on the number of flights, the aircraft used, or the routes chosen. The agreement takes effect March 2008.

Posted by Tom at 2:59 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

May 3, 2007

At Home in the Emerald City

Where do you stay in Seattle or in any of the other following cities:
Each week we select a city and ask our fellow business travelers to tell us about a favorite hotel and why it's a great place to stay.
Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Denver
Las Vegas
London
Los Angeles
New York
San Francisco
Seattle
Washington, D.C.

Posted by Tom at 8:08 AM | | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

May 1, 2007

The Greening of Business Travel

Who knew when Kermit the Frog sang those immortal words, "It's not easy bein' green" that every environmentally-related headline would some how mimic Kermie's lament. And with Earth Day fresh on the heels of my Birkenstocks, I would like to reassure our riveting (or is that ribbeting) friend, it's getting easier to be green, at least as an airline traveler.

One weapon in the arsenal of the well-intended traveler is the purchasing of carbon offsets, that is, traveler-supported funding of domestic clean energy projects, such as wind farms, to offset or neutralize carbon emissions generated by airline travel.

And while I applaud the concept, I say don't stop there. Why not develop calorie offsets where you can devour dim sum, and later purchase calorie-offsets from a designated fitness buff willing to do the sit-ups for you while you reap the health benefits and slimmer waistline. (Sorry, I digress.)

Funding carbon offsets is something Expedia® Corporate Travel takes seriously and the company is committed to making its own business travel carbon-neutral by the end of the year. When it comes to our customers, we are also offering the ability to purchase carbon offsets through TerraPass, the leading retailer of greenhouse gas reduction projects in the U.S.

This option is available each time you buy an airline ticket under Traveler Tools: Carbon-Neutral Travel. Company memberships are also available. As an example, pricing starts at $6.99 to offset about 1,102 lbs of CO2, the approximate amount per passenger emitted by a 2,500 mile short haul flight or $15.99 to cover a medium haul up to 5,500 miles.

This may sound like a thinly-veiled infomercial, but that is not my intent. I wanted to share with you an innovative idea and one that's catching on. For the price of a burger and fries (okay and maybe a shake) you can neutralize a half ton of carbon dioxide. It's something to consider.

Learn more about TerraPass and Expedia Corporate Travel's partnership. 


Have a question or comment for Tom?
Tom Conway, who has been known to hug a tree or two in his day (but couldn't commit), welcomes your questions or comments.

Posted by Tom at 7:26 AM | | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)