Hey readers! Got a question or something you want to discuss this weekend?  Here’s the perfect opportunity!  Whether you want to share an interesting travel story, a packing tip, an etiquette tip, or anything else going on in the business travel world, comment here and we’ll have a discussion.

Travel tip of the week:

• Plan your meals to save money on trips.  If you don’t have a plan for your meals before your next trip you’ll most likely end up eating badly and spending more money than necessary.  If I’m traveling somewhere unfamiliar I’ll first look to see if any of the restaurants around my hotel are in my rewards card dining portal program.  If so I’ll check Yelp or Urban Spoon for reviews to make sure it’s a good restaurant.  Next I go to the restaurant’s website to see if they have any coupons or special offers.  Sometimes the front desk will have coupons for restaurants surrounding the hotel so be sure to ask them at check-in.   Finally, I check out the restaurant’s happy hour times.  Sometimes you can find things half off during happy hour and save a bundle.  Another way to save money is to go to a grocery store to buy food, especially if you have a fridge in your room.  Not only is this a healthier option in most cases, it can be a big money saver as well.  Speaking of healthy eating—be sure to check out my post on eating well during business travel if you haven’t already.  Many hotels offer a free breakfast, but I’ve stayed at plenty of places that go beyond that. Embassy Suites offers free happy hour and Homewood Suites has hot meals most nights. The food isn’t always great, but if you’re really trying to save money it’s a good option to consider.

Week in review:

• While it may not be as feature rich as the Apple Watch, the Misfit Shine is a fantastic fitness tracker that is a fraction of the cost (and gorgeous to boot).  You don’t need an Apple Watch to track your fitness.
• Points keep losing value. Don’t save them for a rainy day. Use them now! Here are some suggestions on how to do that best. Rapidly declining Rewards. 
• Plenty of things are annoying during travel, but little grates as much as unwanted phone noises. Should travelers put their phones on silent while flying? Travel etiquette: Should passengers turn their phones on silent while flying?

 

Here are travel news stories that caught my eye this week:

• Sounds pretty awesome! I love Nate Silver. Nate Silver tackles airline delays at ‘FiveThirtyEight’. via @USATodayTravel
• Some pretty cool features in these bags. Smart luggage for the high-tech traveler.  via @Foxnewstravel
• Great @NYTimesTravel article on wearable technology when traveling. What Does the Apple Watch Mean for Travelers?
• Good advice here. Female business travelers face special challenges.  via @USATodayTravel

Comments of the week:

• This week I did a post asking if passengers should turn their phones on silent while flying. @cyhu is our comment of the week and said “Absolutely, it’s only common courtesy to be silent in ANY activity we engage in on a plane. Why? As you said, it’s a confined space, and our neighbors have very little, if any control over their surroundings. On “dry land”, they could move to another spot, or even turn their chair to mitigate the noise.And let me go on record with my opinion that headphones are NOT an acceptable solution for the victim of noisemakers. Why should I have to wear a piece of equipment just because someone is impolite? (Obviously, headphones will help, and I wouldn’t stubbornly refuse to use them; I just think the burden of the solution should not lie on the innocent party.)Can’t wait to read about the perfume attack!“

Readers, chime in with what’s on your mind! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Be sure to check out my page with products I recommend for travel!

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