It’s all about getting from point A to B, but sometimes even the simplest business trips can turn into alphabet soup. Road Warriors plan for contracts, negotiations and business presentations, but they’ve also got to be looking out for flight delays, cancellations and labor strikes. You’ve got a lot riding on travel, and we can help. Consider it part forecast, part analysis, part travel news. We’ll scour the globe for events that could impact business travel, and tailor the information to help smooth out the ride. And remember, on-the-ground business travelers are our eyes and ears, so send in your tips and help a fellow Road Warrior. In that vein, here are a few travel tidbits that have been on our radar:

Off Track in Germany

If German train drivers make good on threats to strike Oct. 5 it could cripple the country’s uber-punctual, uber-efficient public transportation system. The shut-down will likely cause traffic jams, missed meetings and stressed Germans. Work stoppage is likely, as pay negotiations collapsed in September and the union’s self-imposed strike moratorium ended last week. The last nation-wide rail strike in 1992 lasted eleven days, and it’s possible this one could drag on as long. Deutsche Bahn AG has said that most of its nationwide and more than half of its regional trains will run if there’s a strike, but that’s a stretch given that 75% of the nation’s train drivers wouldn’t be on the tracks. Unless there’s a last minute deal, expect fewer routes, crowded trains and more commuters competing for alternate transportation. Give yourself extra time to make it to meetings, and confirm all regional transportation.
More on the trains:
More on the strike:

Krosa Tracks Toward Taiwan

Trouble could be brewing for Taiwan, with typhoon Krosa moving northwest toward Taipei this week. The Philippines, Vietnam and Laos felt the torrential downpours earlier in the week, and, if the storm stays on course, it could hit Okinawa and Taiwan as early as Oct. 6. These areas were pounded last month, and airports will close with little notice. If Krosa continues, travelers should keep their hotels on speed dial. To track Krosa, click here.

New Storm System Near Mexico

We’ve gotten our first peek at what could be an embryonic Kiko, a weather pattern developing over the eastern Gulf of Mexico that shows signs of strengthening into a tropical cyclone by Oct. 4 or 5. The Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, has reported rain showers and thunderstorms with a broad area of low pressure, a common recipe for a cyclone. With storms, it’s quality versus quantity, and that was definitely true for September. Last month NOAA produced alerts on eight major storms, all of which fizzled soon after they were named. Business travelers might not be so lucky in October and November, with experts calling for four more storms and at least one major hurricane. Depending on the storms’ paths and severity, travelers could be in for delays this month, so keep an eye on the forecasts.

Gulf of Mexico system:
Hurricane predictions:
Up-to-date storm information: