Toolie Travel Blog

ToolieTravelBlog: US State Department Notice for Philippines

Toolie — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:53:12 +0000

For your convenience, here is news that is pertinent to business travelers.

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and urges extreme caution if traveling there. This Travel Alert reflects the recent acts of violence in the Mindanao province of Maguindanao and is supplemental to our September 17, 2009 Travel Warning to the Philippines. This Travel Alert expires on January 6, 2010.

For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for the Philippines and the Worldwide Caution, located at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website. U.S. citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas.

ToolieTravelBlog: Airlines, Publishing, and Hong Kong

Toolie — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:52:48 +0000

Below is information of interest to business travelers.

Magazine Publisher Finds Profit in Airlines
The airline and magazine industries are struggling, but British publisher Ink is profiting by combining the two.

Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities in the world, so of course I had to share this with you!

After Hours: Hong Kong
In the evening, it’s easy to find relief from Hong Kong’s madness with green trails, a sparkling harbour and swanky bars and restaurants all close by.

Enjoy your trip!

Toolie®

Airline Tests Retail Sales at 35,000 Feet

Toolie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:22:17 +0000

Below are items of interest to business travelers.

Airline Tests Retail Sales at 35,000 Feet
“Anytime you have customers who are captive, who have nothing better to do, they’ll shop,” says a marketing professor. And who’s more captive than an airline passenger?

A Constitutional Case in a Box of Cash
A traveler used his iPhone to help his case against what he considered overzealous airport screeners.

And a human interest story…

Even in a Terror Attack, Seeing the Best of India
In the midst of a terrorist assault, a traveler sees the selflessness and humanity that draws her to India, the land of her parents’ birth.

ToolieTravelBlog: The Olympics and the Movies

Toolie — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:39:25 +0000

Vancouver, BC, Canada is just 3 hours from my home. If you’re thinking of attending the Olympics, this information may be helpful to you.

Vancouver Between Medals
During an Olympics visit, here’s where to find the city’s slightly gritty, diverse soul, whether it’s biking along the sea wall or sampling neighborhood cafes.

This article was pretty interesting. It combined two of my favorite activities: travel and the movies.

Where Hollywood Takes Flight
Two companies provide dummy aircraft and airline-related sets for filmmakers around the world. Scott McCartney checks out the fuselages.

ToolieTravelBlog: Staying Healthy When Traveling

Toolie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:06:14 +0000

For your convenience, here is news that is pertinent to business travelers.

Staying Healthy When You Travel
Fitness expert Jillian Michaels brings along as much as she can of her healthy eating and exercise habits.

Travelocity Plans New Hotel Booking Deal
Travelocity.com plans to announce that travelers who book hotels on their Web site, and then later find the same reservation at a lower price online anytime before the day of check-in, will be refunded the difference between the prices.

Saving Flier Miles From the Ax
Consumers are letting billions of dollars worth of frequent-flier miles expire unused, in part because of confusing policies. But there are steps travelers can take to protect their miles.

… And a bit of nostalgia…

Pan Am Takes Off in a California Garage
Anthony Toth has built a precise replica of a first-class cabin from a Pan Am 747 in the garage of his condo in Redondo Beach, Calif.

ToolieTravelBlog: A Better Air-Traffic-Control System

Toolie — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:30:08 +0000

For your convenience, here is news that is pertinent to business travelers.

A Better Air-Traffic-Control System
New satellite-based systems that operate over oceans include frequent automatic position reporting from airplanes and email-like communications between pilots and controllers.

ToolieTravelBlog – New Travel Alerts from the State Department

Toolie — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:04:04 +0000

Below is news of interest to business travelers.

July 24, 2009 ~ Travel Alert ~ Honduras

The Department of State alerts American citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice. This Travel Alert expires on October 20, 2009. More–>

Travel Alert ~ July 24, 2009 ~ Niger

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Niger immediately before and after the constitutional referendum on August 4, 2009, and recommends against all non-emergency travel to Niger at this time. This Travel Alert expires on August 31, 2009. More–>

I always welcome your feedback.

Toolie®

ToolieTravelBlog – Luggage Lost, Kindness Discovered

Toolie — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:56:18 +0000

Below is a story of interest to business travelers.

Luggage Lost, but Kindness Discovered
A 20-year business traveler says experience has taught her that people are the most important element of any trip.

I too have lost luggage, gadgets, paperwork etc. in transit. I even had my American Express card traded (by a waitress) with someone else’s card during a business trip! It’s refreshing to find kind, thoughtful, HONEST people still out there. Be one of them also! Help where you can.

Blessings,

Toolie®

ToolieTravelBlog – Response to Proposed Carry-On Restrictions

Toolie — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:37:56 +0000

Below is news that is pertinent to business travelers.

Travelers Weigh in on Policing Carry-Ons

Readers have strong opinions about a bill in Congress that would require the Transportation Security Administration to police the size of carry-on bags.

Cutting Those Carry-Ons Down to Size

A bill recently introduced in Congress would standardize the size of carry-on bags and require the Transportation Security Administration to enforce the limits.

ToolieTravelBlog – Best travel gadgets of 2009

Toolie — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:03:09 +0000

For your convenience, here is news that is pertinent to business travelers. On a personal note, that Victorinox gadget got my attention!

Best travel gadgets of 2009

Get in gear with the very latest smartphones, laptops, and essential trip accessories.

FAA to propose new rules on airline pilot hours

Federal aviation officials say they may ask Congress to require airlines to obtain the full training histories of pilots before hiring them.

I always welcome your feedback.

Toolie®