The following is a guest article by Catherine Ahern, Web editor of Briefings Media Group.
Business trips can provide great opportunities—or excessive stress and frustration. The following services will ensure that your upcoming business travel is painless and productive:
- LugLess. A representative from this delivery service will come to pick up your luggage, ship it to your destination via FedEx, and coordinate drop-off with your hotel or other accommodation. That can save you the hassle and cost of checking bags. And LugLess guarantees that your luggage will arrive safely and on time. Bonus: Want to squeeze in a round of golf while on your trip? LugLess can deliver your golf bag (or other specialty luggage) as well. Cost: Prices start at $39 for a small bag.
- MileWise. This free site allows you to track all of your travel rewards (frequent-flyer miles, credit cards, hotel points and so on) in one place. And when it’s time to use them, MileWise helps you determine the best bang for your buck, er, reward points. You just enter your destination, and the site will provide you with a list of options, rating them on a 100% scale. Bonus: MileWise will alert you to any airline fees, so you aren’t surprised. Cost: Free.
- TripIt for Business. This online service organizes business trips for your whole office. TripIt makes it easy for you to create itineraries for all of your travelers, who can then view them online or on their smartphones. Bonus: In addition to creating itineraries, TripIt also tracks travel expenses, helping you stay on budget. Cost: Starts at $29 per month for up to 10 users.
- TSA Pre✓™. If you are a frequent flyer with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines or US Airways, or a member of a CBP Trusted Traveler program, you can opt-in to participate in the TSA Pre✓ program. If the Transportation Security Administration determines that you are eligible to participate, information is embedded in the barcode of your boarding pass, which can then allow you to go through an expedited screening process at airport security checkpoints. Note: You won’t be informed that you’ve been cleared before you travel. It will be a happy surprise when TSA scans your barcode at the airport. Bonus: TSA plans to expand both the eligible airlines and the participating airports in 2012. Cost: Free.
What’s your favorite service for business travel?
Learn about time-saving websites and gadgets every month in The Organized Executive.
[Image source: WTL Photos]
