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Volume 6, Issue 49, December 10, 2008 |
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Wondering what to get the traveler in your life this holiday season? There are a whole slew of travel-related gifts out there. Here’s a roundup of the good, the bad — and the ugly.
Travelers on the go are usually up-to-date with the latest technologies and products, but you won’t go wrong with top-of-the line noise-canceling headphones or a membership to a global concierge service, an airline lounge or a loyalty program. With reduced budgets becoming the norm, your traveler will appreciate indulging in pleasures they may otherwise have cut. You can also purchase airline gift cards and vouchers — another great way to ease the traveler’s budget in the New Year.
If you know your traveler’s upcoming agenda, consider purchasing tickets to the theater, museums or attractions in the destination city. Another great idea: Mappetite, maps designed for foodie travelers. Covered destinations include London and New York Mappetites, with more cities on the way.
Nothing beats getting through security quickly. MobileEdge, Targus and Belkin have each created a line of security-friendly laptop bags. There is no need to remove laptops through security lines with these totes.
Even the most well-traveled among us loves to seek out new horizons, so don‘t rule out planning a fun weekend excursion to a place not usually frequented by business travelers.
Of course, there are tons of interesting (for better or worse) products out there. Quirky travelers may appreciate Plane-Wrapper, a protective covering for public transportation seats. SnorePro is a watch-type gadget that issues digital pulses to prevent snoring and identifies external factors that affect sleep and helps travelers adjust to noisy, unfamiliar environments. Traveling couples will “go dental” for the VIOlight Duo; the first portable toothbrush sanitizer designed for two uses ultraviolet technology to zap germs.
Happy shopping! 
Last week, OIAG sold 41.56 percent share in Austrian Airlines to Lufthansa. Austrian Airlines will continue to remain an independent brand, with its own headquarters, fleet and crew, but will be managed within the Lufthansa Group. Through the integration, Austrian Airlines will develop a stronger European presence.
British Airways confirmed it is considering a merger opportunity with Qantas Airways. Current Australian law deems Qantas must be 51 percent Australian-owned, but the government is considering relaxing the laws on foreign ownership, which opens the doors for a possible merger with BA. BA also announced its discussions with Iberia are continuing.
A 99-day strike of Canadian potash mineworkers has disrupted the production of runway de-icing fluid. The strike has ended, but with limited time to gear back up to normal production levels government officials are warning airlines that limited supplies could lead to flight disruptions and other delays. The airlines, facing hefty additional costs as a result of the delayed production, are planning to use alternative FAA-approved chemicals.
AeroMexico will be adding three additional routes in 2009. The airline recently announced plans for flights to Toronto (YYZ), San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN). The non-stop flights will operate daily to Mexico City (MEX). Flights between Toronto, the airline‘s first Canadian gateway, and Mexico City begin Feb. 2, 2009. San Francisco will be the airline‘s fourth gateway in California with service also beginning Feb. 2. The Denver – Mexico City route will launch March 2.
W Hotels Worldwide is partnering with (RED)WIRE online music magazine. (RED)WIRE is devoted to buying lifesaving medicine and other services for HIV/AIDS patients in Africa. Portions of the proceeds from memberships are donated to Global Fund. All U.S. W Hotels are offering free, two-week memberships to (RED)WIRE during the month of December. Through 2009, the hotels will be offering a (RED)WIRE package including a USB drive with exclusive (RED)WIRE content, a six-month digital magazine membership, bonus tracks and complimentary cocktails. The two companies are planning a variety of co-branded programs throughout 2009.
Delta Air Lines has developed another grand-slam partnership. Beginning in 2009, the airline will become the official airline of the New York Yankees. The airline will sponsor the Delta Sky360 Suite, a nine-section suite directly behind home plate. The suite will offer the best views of the new Yankee stadium and showcase the airline‘s brand and customer service. Delta will also have a permanent scoreboard advertisement, home plate and baseline rotating signage, LED and HD branding in the stadium and print advertisements in the Yankees‘ publications.
350 W. Maryland St.
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317 822 3500
www.marriott.com
My brother-in-law, nephew and I recently ventured to Indianapolis to see the Colts play the Houston Texans. We wanted a nice hotel close to Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Colts. The Marriott Indianapolis Downtown was the perfect choice for our overnight stay.
The Marriott is located in the heart of the city, just a few blocks off of Interstates 65 and 70, within walking distance of the State Capitol, the Circle Centre Mall and Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as many other shops and restaurants.
There are 601 rooms and 21 suites on the hotel’s 19 floors. An indoor pool, a whirlpool and a fitness center (complete with free weights and cardio equipment) are on site for any exercise needs.
For business, there are 33 meeting rooms, covering 40,000 square feet. The business center offers every service from faxing to a translator. This Marriott is designed for the business traveler.
The attention paid to business does not affect the comfort level. Each guestroom features amenities such as a hair dryer, an ironing board and a very spacious work/relax area. For me, the extremely comfortable bed and pillows were the highlight.
The bathroom was large. My only complaint was with the shower. Two of us could get good water pressure or good water flow in the shower, but not both together. The third did not experience the same problem.
Starbuck‘s, Champions sports bar and Circle City Bar and Grille are on the main level. Champions had a standard menu and a lively atmosphere. CCB&G had a pretty extensive menu and a relaxing atmosphere.
One thing that really stood out at the Marriott was the customer service. The concierge was quick and thorough in finding answers or making suggestions. The front desk staff and the doormen were equally as conscientious.
Score: ••••• John Wroblewski
Two Chicago hotels are making holiday shopping easier. The Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is offering the Macy‘s Holiday Shopping package. Through Jan. 31, 2009, the offer includes accommodations, a $100 Macy‘s gift card every night, an 11 percent Macy’s savings pass, complimentary shuttle service between the hotel and the store (valid Friday – Sunday through Dec. 28) and a free photo with Santa (valid through Dec. 24 only). Call 866 716 8103 or book online and mention offer SCM. The Westin Chicago River North‘s Holiday Shopping package includes a deluxe room upgrade, $100 North Bridge mall gift card for each night, a rewards book good for $500 in savings at North Bridge, a hand massage and a makeover at The Body Shop, bath products and chocolate truffles. The offer is available through Jan. 31, 2009. Call 866 716 8104 or book online and mention offer RNS.
The Crescent Hotel in Beverly Hills is donating a portion of all regularly priced room reservations to Fred Jordan Missions of Los Angeles. Through Dec. 30, the hotel will donate $40 per night. The Fred Jordan Missions helps poor, needy and homeless families. In keeping with the holiday spirit, the hotel is also delivering complimentary, freshly baked gingerbread cookies and milk to each applicable room. Help spread the holiday cheer by calling 310 247 0505 or visit the Web site.
It has never been more important to watch the weather report — and wish for frightful weather. Through Dec. 27, all Fairfax County, Va. hotels are offering rates (Saturdays only) that match the Fahrenheit temperature of the day (rate based on noon airport temperature). The offer requires a two-night stay, with the other night at full rate. During the month of December, visitors to the D.C.-area hotels can enjoy holiday-themed parades, tree lightings, ice-skating and other events. Visit theWeb site.
Air France has extended its popular business-class sale. Act now to receive flexible rates on business-class travel to Paris (CDG), originating from seven U.S. gateways. All tickets must be booked by Dec. 31; travel must be completed by Jan. 31, 2009. Sample fares include Boston (BOS) – Paris for $3,666, Philadelphia (PHL) – Paris for $3,698 and New York City (JFK) – Paris for $3,089. Call 800 237 2747 or visit the Web site.
There are more great rates available on European airfares! Virgin Atlantic Airways has significantly reduced economy, premium-economy and business-class fares for the holiday season. Economy fares are available from Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Orlando (MCO), San Francisco (SFO) and Washington DC (IAD). Premium-economy fares are available from the same gateways, plus Miami (MIA). Business-class fares are available from Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Each flight route is available for a limited time, with varying deadlines. Visit the Web site.
