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AVOIDING ILLNESS ON THE ROAD
(source: Wall Street Journal)
While traveling, a lack of rest and other stresses wear down your immune system. With flu season in full swing in the U.S. and Western Europe, it is important to take extra precautions against illness when on the road, advises Dr. Phyllis Kozarsky, a travel-health expert for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a professor of medicine at Emory University.
"A lot of travelers nowadays need to go in and hit the ground running," says Dr. Kozarsky, "But if they have the option to go in a day early to get used to the time zone, it is extremely helpful. Jet lag is not something that is easily manageable. Spend as much time as you can outdoors, even if it's cloudy; your biological clock in your brain is manipulated by outdoor light. When people are exhausted and stressed out, they may be more susceptible to illness."
Dr. Kozarsky also suggests that business travelers take medication with them for self-treatment such as loperamide (Imodium) so that should they develop cramps and traveler's diarrhea, they can immediately treat themselves. Making a little travel health kit is helpful in the event of a minor illness. Of course check with your physician before taking any medication.
Other common illnesses that plague business travelers include respiratory illness, skin problems, injuries, psychological issues, and stress.
So what else can travelers do to reduce their risk?
In general, people are encouraged to wash their hands more than usual. It should be done much more frequently than just after the use of the restroom or before you eat. The best thing to do is carry an alcohol-based sanitizer or hand gel. It's advisable for travelers to have that available because when you're traveling, sometimes soap and water are not readily available.
THE WORLD'S MOST DELAYED AIRPORTS
(source: MSNBC.com)
Traveling to India and China? Pack your patience. Airports in those countries top the third annual list of The World's Most Delayed Airports.
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport takes the prize for the airport with the least timely arrivals with just 45 percent of its scheduled passenger flights arriving on time. Beijing Capital International Airport has the worst departure record with just 38 percent of commercial passenger flights leaving as scheduled. Information was gathered by FlightStats, a service that tracks historical and real-time flight information around the globe.
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and Istanbul Ataturk International Airport round out the top three worst airports for timely arrivals. For departures, Dubai International Airport and Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport follow Beijing.
A flight is considered "on time" if it arrives or departs less than 15 minutes after its scheduled take-off or landing time. In many cases delays can be attributed to growing pains at a particular airport. For example: Delhi's airport expects to open a new terminal later in 2010; Mumbai's airport plans a massive expansion by 2015; and Cairo International (fourth worst for departures at 54.7 percent) was forced to close one of its two runways in 2009 to accommodate construction for a third runway.
In many busy airports, air traffic also plays a role. "We've got three of the busiest airports in the country within a few miles of each other," explains Steve Coleman, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs JFK, LaGuardia and Newark International Airport. The latter two appeared on the list — Newark is No. 6 for worst arrivals, LaGuardia No. 10.
For the world's least delayed airports, look to Japan and South Korea. Flights at Osaka's Itami Airport arrived and departed on time 94 percent of the time in 2009, according to FlightStats. At Seoul's Gimpo International Airport, 91 percent of passenger flights arrived on time, and 93 percent departed as scheduled.
JAL DEFECTS TO DELTA, SKYTEAM
(source: Japan Airlines)
Japan Airlines has decided to conclude its partnership with American Airlines and its Oneworld alliance in favor of Delta and the SkyTeam group of carriers.
Delta and JAL cover many of the same routes, allowing the two airlines to provide better efficiency through schedule and fare collaboration.
Delta had previously offered a total $1.02 billion in financial support to JAL, including $500 million in new investment. As the leader in rebuilding the airline, however, Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp. of Japan apparently inclined to the belief that foreign financing was unnecessary for recovery, and elected to restrict any involvement with Delta to the business collaboration.
WHAT AIRLINE TRAVELERS WITH LOST BAGGAGE MAY BE OWED
(source: USA Today)
If your bag is delayed, the airline may owe you. The U.S. Department of Transportation in October clarified an existing rule that carriers cover all expenses incurred by passengers because of lost or delayed luggage up to $3,300 per traveler on domestic flights.
The department noted that several airlines had policies that would reimburse travelers only for essential items bought after 24 hours, and only on the outbound legs of their trips.
"Travelers should not have to pay for toiletries or other necessities while they wait for baggage misplaced by airlines," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a written statement issued then. "We expect airlines to comply with all of our regulations and will take enforcement action if they do not."
Airlines may also offer travelers whose bags don't arrive with them some complimentary emergency items. Delta, for instance, will often give passengers a kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash.
Despite the federal rules, airlines generally state in their contracts of carriage that they won't reimburse passengers for the loss of electronics, or other high-value items.
Passengers can give airlines another way to get their bags to them if luggage tags come off during a journey, says Steve Lott of the International Air Transport Association.
"It's maybe not a bad idea to put a copy of your itinerary in the bag or outside pocket," Lott says. That, he says, "would be a real easy way for an airline to find out where you're going and how to reunite you with your bag."
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
SHERATON DENVER DOWNTOWN
1550 Court Place
Denver
Perfectly located on the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is in the heart of Denver's business and financial districts and a simple 3 ½ blocks from the Colorado Convention Center. Inside the hotel, guests will find a vibrant new Denver restaurant offering convenience, exceptional service, delightful cuisine with comfortable surroundings and a friendly staff, making it the ideal place to meet up with friends after a day of meetings.
The Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel offers 1,231 rooms with beautiful mountain and downtown views. With 82 suites for added comfort, guests will be provided the ultimate in relaxation and convenience in the rooms and throughout the property. Enjoy a great night sleep on the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed®, a custom designed mattress that is made exclusively for Sheraton. These beds and added luxuries are all part of their newly re-imagined guest accommodations.
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THE WESTIN GRAND
2350 M Street NW
Washington DC
Situated in the stylish West End district of the nation's capital, The Westin Grand, Washington DC enjoys an unbeatable location. Whether one is visiting for business or leisure, the hotel is moments away from Georgetown, the Monuments / Memorials and the White House.
The staff at The Westin Grand is ready to cater to a multilingual clientele, and is decorated with an international flair. The European-style courtyard is a relaxing place to sit and meet with business partners or friends. The hotel also offers a newly renovated Westin Workout center and seasonal outdoor pool so that guests can jump in and refresh.
Feel free to spread out and work from an oversized desk in one of their spacious guest rooms. The hotel has everything a traveler needs, with High Speed Internet Access and two telephone lines. Each bathroom has a separate soaking tub and Heavenly Shower®. Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in their signature Heavenly Bed®.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Westin Grand Washington DC is $229 through April 4, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $399).*
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HYATT REGENCY
17900 Jamboree Road
Irvine
Stay in the AAA Four-Diamond Hyatt Regency Irvine. Discover the outstanding service and amenities that have made this property the only Irvine hotel to earn this highly regarded honor – from impeccable attention to detail to impressive facilities. Unwind from a busy workday at their complimentary 24-hour StayFit™ Gym with state-of-the-art equipment, or relax with a cocktail in their hip intimate lounge, Bar8. Access reports, emails, and send faxes easily at their on site Business Center. No matter what travelers' needs are, the Hyatt Regency Irvine will provide guests with the comfort, class, and amenities needed to have a successful business trip.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hyatt Regency Irvine is $179 (compared to a corporate rate of $209).*
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HYATT REGENCY
5 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco
Luxury and location converge in perfect balance at Hyatt Regency San Francisco.
This Four Diamond hotel is located in the Financial District with a unique waterfront setting on the fabulous Embarcadero and offers easy access to all transportation options including BART, Muni & the famous California Street Cable Car line.
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Guests will enjoy immediate access to both the Financial District and the city's most famous attractions, restaurants and nightlife. One will find the historic Ferry Building on one side of the hotel, the ferry to Alcatraz and the Bay on the other, and stunning views all around.
With so many options, travelers may choose to wander through Chinatown to Fisherman's Wharf, shop in Union Square or board the cable cars for a riding tour of the city.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $299).*
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ROSEWOOD CRESCENT
400 Crescent Court
Dallas
As culturally vibrant as the neighborhood in which it sits, Rosewood Crescent Hotel is a refreshing experience of contrasts. Ideally located in the cultural heart of Dallas, the hotel consistently wins hearts and accolades as one of the best hotels in America. With a bold palette of rich colors, chic European-style guestrooms with modern amenities, innovative New American cuisine and the serenity of The Spa, Rosewood Crescent Hotel offers discreet and professional service with Texas charm.
The hotel's 191 rooms range from 350 to 625 sq. ft., with a living area and bath. Each has a large closet with an automatic light, vanity with cosmetic lights, full–length mirror, individually controlled air–conditioning, flat–screen television, desk and down–feather love seat.
The 29 one– and two–story suites range from 770 to 3,035 sq. ft., and some offer private kitchens. A variety of additional luxuries such as spiral staircases, hardwood floors, dining rooms, flat–screen televisions, original works of art, antique porcelains and HiFi sound systems are found in individual suites.
With its signature transformative ambience and innovative menu, Nobu, the most innovative new style Japanese restaurant in America serves dinner and the Nobu Lounge is open daily for cocktails.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Rosewood Crescent is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $295).*
* All rates are subject to availability.
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Ovation Corporate Travel
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