Looking for Some Traveling Inspiration? Check out these blogs.
The online Magazine, SheKnows, compiled a list of their favorite travel blogs. We are Going to be featuring and breaking down their top 10 travel blogs:
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AlmostFearless This blog is written and compiled by Christine Gilbert. She talks about her travels with her husband Drew, 2 1/2 year old son Cole, and baby #2 is coming soon. They travel to some pretty amazing countries, take some pretty amazing photos, and eat some delicious food. They are making a documentary, Christine is writing a book, and her husband is creating art along their incredible journey.
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SoManyPlaces This blog is an amazing story about a husband and wife duo who both quit their jobs and sold everything in May 2012 to travel around the world. Wow! They are truly inspiring!
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DangerousBusiness Follow Amanda as she travels all over while also giving travel advice, tips, guides, reviews, personal travel stories, photos, etc.
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JohnnyVagabond Wes is the man behind this well written blog featuring gear tips, travel tips, awesome photos, crazy stories, how to travel on a budget, etc. and it keeps you laughing.
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JackandJillTravel This blog follows around a young married couple while they travel through the US and around the world. They saved up money and traveled for a year back in 2011. Instead of spending their money on a big expensive wedding, they eloped and used that money to travel instead. My kind of people!
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NomadicMatt Another blog written by a travel enthusiast who also quit his job in 2004 and has been traveling ever since! This blog was created so that he could help everyone travel cheaper, better, and for longer periods of time. He provides his readers with current travel information, tips, and photos from his trips too. He has also published a book about traveling on a budget.
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BaconIsMagic Follow Ayngelina on her journey alone through Latin America. She left her life, boyfriend, and job behind in Toronto to find out about herself. “I am creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.” Amazing! If only everyone thought this way!
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WanderingEarl This blog follows Earl (Derek) on his life journey as a permanent nomad! He thought he would just be going on a 3-month post graduation tour of Southeast Asia back in 1999 that just hasn’t ended yet! What a life! Read his posts about perspectives, transportation, travel costs, gear, tips, working and traveling, food, how tos and so much more.
- NomadicChick For all you single, mid-life ladies out there, this blog is the perfect combination of inspiration, woman power, travel resources, teaching in China, traveling by train, etc. Jeannie Mark was fed up with her normal, boring, unfulfilled life and decided to travel and write about her journeys and that is just what she is doing. You go girl!
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TheEverywhereist Follow Geraldine and her hubby Rand as they get to travel all over the US/World for Rand’s job. Geraldine got laid off and so now she travels along with him. Her writing is filled with sarcasm and wit but is enjoyable to read. She says in the about section that the reason she is blogging is mostly for her husband’s benefit so he can remember all of the amazing places they were able to go together. This blog is a series of love letters to him. I love it already!
These ten blogs are full of inspiring tales, travel deals, tips, resources, games, life, photos, and love for anyone to enjoy but we feel that they are most useful for those of us who are avid travelers or who wish to be. We hope you enjoy these blogs as much as we do.
Did You Know Corporate Housing is Not Just for Corporations?
Corporate housing is a critical “product” in the larger, extended stay lodging segment. As an industry, we need to understand that corporate housing is no longer just for traditional business travelers. There are many individuals and families seeking long-term housing, and we need to educate these renters on how corporate housing is an attractive extended stay option. Consider this: There are more than 600,000 relocations in the U.S. defense industry each year, and there are more than 200,000 traveling nurses! These individuals are already familiar with extended stay lodging. If we embrace what they already know, there will be a much shorter learning curve in educating them about corporate housing.
Stay in a residential setting instead of a transient one the next time you are called away on an extended stay business trip; are displaced from your home; are relocating to a new city and want to try an area out before renting long term or purchasing a home; are having a medical procedure away from home; off-base military housing; etc. The possibilities are endless for “corporate housing.”
Corporate Housing is Not Just for Business Travelers
Corporate Housing can be used for traveling nurses or for patients undergoing medical procedures away from home
Corporate Housing can be used for anyone relocating to a new city or area
Corporate Housing can be used while your home is being rebuilt
Corporate Housing can be utilized by military personnel looking for offsite housing
Women Business Travelers: Follow These 5 TSA Travel Tips to Make it Through Security
It seems these days there has been a lot of press about the TSA regarding their random screening process. It is the opinion of many that TSA agents will pull aside attractive female passengers for additional screening. Below are 5 steps you can take to try to avoid this. Being informed of your rights is the best way to be prepared for any situation.
- Dress Comfortable. Often times wearing loose fitting clothing and comfortable shoes will draw less attention from TSA officers than if you are all dressed up.
- Try to Avoid Private Screenings. If you must be patted down, make sure it’s in the public’s eye so there are witnesses in case anything happens. One of the TSA rules is that during a private screening, there must be two TSA agents and the passenger can bring along someone with them. So if you are traveling alone, it would be best to keep it out in the open.
- Be Aware of Your Rights. If you are selected to be patted down, be sure that they abide by the rule that each passenger be screened by a TSA agent of the same sex.
- Speak Up Right Away. If you are uncomfortable while being patted down, step away and ask for a supervisor and have another officer finish the pat down.
- If There is a Problem, be sure to report it. You can file a complaint directly to the TSA.
Nine Tech Savvy Devices to Keep Your Children Safer While You are Traveling for Business
You can’t always be near your children but you would still like to have that peace of mind that they are okay. Here are 9 apps/devices that will make keeping your children safe a little bit easier:
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Life360 App
Life360 Family Locator: A free app designed for iPhone or Android that you install on your kids/family phones and on your phone and then you can track where they are on a map.
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Vigilant Alarm
Vigilant PPS22BL 130dB Personal Alarm. Arm you kids with a mini, key-chain sized alarm to scare off an attacker or warn others that they are in danger. It emits a high-pitched, 130 decibel sound and can be purchased for $14.99.
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Mommy I’m Here Locator
”Mommy I’m Here” Child Locator. This two piece set can be purchased for $24.95 and includes a teddy bear shaped device that goes around your child’s wrist or ankle and a key chain transmitter for the parents. Anytime your child gets separated from you, simply click the button on the key chain and the teddy bear will shriek allowing you to find them.
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Net Nanny
Net Nanny 6.5. Use Net Nanny to control the types of websites and games your child is able to access. This will also allow you to monitor their social media activity for the low price of $28.99.
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KidSmart Vocal Smoke Alarm
KidSmart Vocal Smoke Detector. Prerecord your voice on this smoke detector with specific instructions to allow your children to make it to safety when there is a fire. When fire is detected, the machine will alert your kids to wake up and then will play your recorded instructions. This peace of mind detector can be purchased for $39.95.
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Prodigy Infant Car Seat with SmartScreen
Prodigy Infant Car Seat with SmartScreen. This car seat will help alleviate worry on the parent’s end that the car seat wasn’t installed properly. The SmartScreen technology shows you when the car seat is properly installed into the car. This tech savvy car seat is only $100.
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BabySense V Infant Movement Monitor
HiSense BabySense V Infant Movement Monitor. This comes with two sensors that should be placed underneath the baby’s mattress and they will tell you if the baby has stopped moving for more than a few seconds so you can go make sure everything is okay. This smart device costs $129.
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Drop Cam HD Video Monitor System
Dropcam HD Video Monitor System. This gadget is perfect for the parent working night shift. The camera can be placed in front of your baby’s bed and then you can watch it from your smart phone. If you detect movement you can even speak to your child(ren) with the attached speaker. This system costs $149.
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Amber Alert GPS V3
Amber Alert GPS V3. This advanced software allows parents to set up geographic areas in which their child(ren) should be within and if ever they leave the time zone or designated area, an alert is sent to you. This device allows you to track them indoors, outdoors, and anywhere in the world for only $199.
Nothing is more important than knowing your kids are safe. These high-tech devices will help you keep a watchful “eye” on your kids even when you can’t be there with them.
The Business Traveler’s Guide to Surviving Long Flights
I’m sure if you work in a form of International Business, your travels have taken you oversees or on long cross country flights. Here are some tips of how to best survive the long haul:
1) If possible, upgrade to business or first class.
The Business Traveler’s Guide to Surviving Long Flights: If possible, upgrade to business or first class.
If this is not an option, then choosing an exit row in coach will give you some additional leg room. Choosing the window seat will mean that you will be able to sleep without being disturbed by your row mates needing to get up and use the restroom.
2) Plan accordingly.
The Business Traveler’s Guide to Surviving Long Flights: Plan accordingly and get a Direct Flight if possible.
A direct flight option is always the easiest in terms of getting the most uninterrupted sleep as possible. If this is not an option be sure to plan your connecting flights accordingly so that you will not have a long lay-over. Also, if you must take two flights, try to split them up into one long flight and one shorter flight rather than 2 similar timed flights.
3) Stay hydrated and nourished.
The Business Traveler’s Guide to Surviving Long Flights: Stay Nourished and Hydrated – even if it means eating the airline meals.
Be sure to drink plenty of water before you get on the flight and then be sure to keep drinking plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages while on the flight (water and/or juices are the best options). Also, make sure you are eating the meals that are served while aboard the plane. If you would prefer not to eat these, then make sure you bring enough of your own food on the plane. Bringing your own snacks like dried fruit, granola bars, and nuts is also a good, healthy way to stay nourished on your long journey.
4) Get up and move around as much as possible.
The Business Traveler’s Guide to Surviving Long Flights: Get Up and Move Around as much as possible – sometimes you might just be able to stretch in your seat.
Especially on long flights this is extremely important to keep the blood flowing properly and your circulation up. Stretch in your seat whenever you are unable to get up and walk the isles. Lightly stomp your feet or do small kicks in your seat and shake out your arms. Deep breathing is also a good exercise in overall relaxation. There is a way to tense and release all of your muscles while you are seated as well. Feet and hands can tend to swell on long oversees flights too.
5) Have a change of clothes and toiletries on you and dress comfortably while in flight.
The Business Traveler’s Guide to Surviving Long Flights: Have a change of clothes and toiletries on you and dress comfortably.
It is always a good practice to have at least one extra set of clothes, under garments, and socks with you at all times just in case. Also, you should always keep a set of travel sized toiletries with you (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, deodorant, etc.) so you can freshen up on the plane or at the airport when you arrive at your destination.
6) Give yourself enough time between arrival and your first meeting.
The Business Traveler’s Guide to Surviving Long Flights: Give yourself enough time between arrival and your first meeting. This should help with jet lag too.
If at all possible, it is best to ensure that you have enough time to get to your accommodations so you can shower, change, and eat something before your first meeting. It would be even better if you could have the whole first day at your destination to rest from your long trip. Try not to sleep (no matter how tired you are) until around 10pm local time the first day. This will help you get some quality sleep and will help better acclimate you to the time change better.
Business travel can be hard on the body and mind. Hopefully these tips will help you the next time your work takes you on a long flight.
What Can Be Deducted on Your Taxes as a Business Expense?
Business Travel is defined by the IRS as “travel away from your tax home that is substantially longer than an ordinary day’s work and that requires you to sleep or rest while away from home.” Travel Expenses have been defined as “ordinary and necessary expenses incurred while carrying on your trade or business.” Your tax home is the primary location where you conduct business. If you work from your home, there are special rules that apply for tax deductions. Below are some of the items you can deduct when traveling:
- Transportation.
Business Travel Deductions – Limited for Cruise Ships
Travel from your tax home to the destination where you will be conducting business can be deducted for trains, planes, and buses. Cruise travel is limited in the amount of deductions you may receive and you must provide documentation that your activities were business related.
- Car/Truck.
Business Travel Deductions – Car or Truck
Costs for operating and maintaining your car and/or truck may be deducted either using the actual expenses or the IRS Standard Mileage Rate. You can also deduct costs for tolls and parking if you use the IRS standard rates.
- Taxi/Commuter Bus/Limousine.
Business Tax Deductions – Transportation to/from airport and lodging and/or business
You may deduct your costs associated with travel by taxi/bus/limo as long as it was used to take you from/to the airport to/from your hotel/corporate apartment or a business location.
- Baggage/Shipping.
Business Travel Deductions – Lodging & Shipping of Baggage and/or business materials
If you need to ship your baggage to your temporary work location and/or ship business materials from your regular work location to the temporary work location, you may write these expenses off as well.
- Lodging and Meals.
Business Travel Deductions – Meals
While traveling for business, you may deduct all meals and lodging while on a business assignment. The IRS has established per diem rates for daily expenses or you can submit your actual expenses.
- Conventions and Trade Shows. In order to deduct these costs, you must prove that the convention/trade show has to do with your business. If you have a sales booth this would work. If you were just an attendee, you need to be able to show how this related to your business.
Business travel deductions are based on the individual’s business travel circumstances. You should always keep the receipts for all transactions purchased while traveling for business. Also, keep all records of company reimbursement as you might still be able to qualify for deductions. The type of travel might vary for deductions as well (i.e. domestic vs. international or day vs. overnight business travel).
Click here for more detailed information on business travel deductions. Always refer to the IRS website for more information and forms for business travel deductions or you can speak with your tax accountant/consultant.
Business Travel Can Be Bad For Your Health
A Columbia University study last year determined that the majority of frequent business travelers had higher levels of cholesterol, obesity, and blood pressure. In an October 14, 2012 Los Angeles Times article by Hugo Martin, the most frequent causes of business travelers were revealed. These results were found by a study conducted by a travel management consultant called CWT Solutions Group:
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Business Travel Stresses: Lost Luggage
Lost or Delayed Luggage – this was reported to be a 79 on a scale from 1-100 – 100 being the highest level of stress.
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Business Travel Stresses: Poor or No Airport Internet Connection
Poor or No Internet Connection – this was ranked 77.
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Business Travel Stresses: Sitting in Economy Class
Having an Economy Seat on a Longer Flight – this was ranked 73.
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Business Travel Stresses: Delayed Flights
Flight Delays – ranked at 72.
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Business Travel Stresses: Inconvenient Departure/Arrival Times
Inconvenient Departure/Arrival Times – stress level 69.
This study found that women tend to have higher stress levels than men and that overall stress levels increase the older we get. Women typically get the most stressed out about not being able to eat healthily and about lost luggage. Men tend to get the most stressed out about flying in coach during longer flights.
Overall, this study was done in order to help businesses increase their employee productivity. A less stressed employee is going to be a more productive employee. So employers, it may be best to confer with your employee before you purchase their flights about their travel times to and from the destination and maybe just upgrade them to business class from now on. 
GBTA Talks Travel Statistics…
175% - Business travel spending in Brazil has increased by 175% since 2005; in China, that number has increased by nearly 300%.
$1.1 Trillion – Worldwide, business travelers will spend nearly $1.1 trillion (USD) in 2012, roughly equal to the GDP of South Korea, the world’s 15th largest economy.
68% - In the United States, 68% of all business travelers operate under a managed travel program.
80% - A business traveler who visits Chicago pays 80% more in taxes during a one-night stay than a traveler overnighting in Fort Lauderdale.
8% - At US companies with managed travel programs, ancillary fee expenses account for 8% of all travel expenditures.
!! China is set to become the biggest spender on business travel, surpassing the United States, in 2015.
Smart Eating Apps for the Frequent Business Traveler
These days healthier options are all around us as well as other dietary needs being offered at national and local restaurants. The following smart phone apps will allow you to filter out the bad eating choices from the good especially while traveling.
- GateGuru
GateGuru – iPhone Screen Shot
– This helpful app can be downloaded onto your iPhone or Android phones. This app will not only steer you in the right direction for healthier meal choices, but will also be a great resource in locating shopping and service options within a particular airport so you will never be lost again.
- MyFitnessPal
myfitnesspal – food diary
– is a free online tool as well as a smart phone app that will allow you to track all of your food, drinks, and exercise done and consumed in a day. It also allows you to share your food and exercise diary with friends and family as a greater support. There are tons of fast food and restaurant food items already in the database and you can also scan bar codes to look up the dietary information.
- Healthydiningfinder.com
Healthydiningfinder – Pizza CAN be healthy!
is a website created and designed by registered dietitians. You can enter in a zip code and a list of all healthier options will pull up. They offer helpful dining tips for all types of individuals. This is a great resource for those of us who are looking to lose weight, keep it off, eat healthy, etc. There is also a healthy kids menu!
- Findmeglutenfree.com
Find Me Gluten Free – iPhone Screen Shot
can also be downloaded onto your iPhone or Android phones. This app/site allows users to find nearby restaurants that offer gluten free foods. This site/app has been approved by The Gluten Free Consumer and the American Celiac Disease Alliance (ACDA).
- Kosherrestaurantsgps.com
Kosherrestaurantsgps iPhone screenshot
offers free android and iPhone app downloads. This app is updated daily with everything kosher in your specific area. This app features 1,000s of kosher restaurants and also shows deals and discounts being offered. You can search by restaurant name, address, or zip code.
- Fooducate.com
fooducate – iPhone and Android Apps help everyone make healthier choices
can be downloaded onto your iPhone or Android phones. This amazing app allows you to scan the bar codes on food items and then it will give you a grade so you can determine the better food choice. You might think a certain product is healthy but in reality, it might not be. This app will allow you to find the best foods to live a healthier, less processed life style.
Since healthy eating is on the rise there are tons of resources out on the market today – and most of them are free – to help us make the healthier choices. Above are just a few of the many helpful apps out there. Bon appetite!
Steps to De-Stress While Traveling For Business
Business travelers are some of the most stressed out individuals. Why? Because the added stress of traveling on top of working creates a double whammy of stress buildup. Lack of sleep, working while traveling on the plane or train, and eating unhealthy foods all increase business travelers stress levels. Here are some simple, effective steps to take to de-stress while traveling:
Stress at Work – Do you ever feel like this? Below are helpful tips to de-stress.
- Deep breathing. Take slow, long breathes in and out blowing out all the air from your lungs. Doing this repeatedly will help alleviate some of the stress your body is feeling and will ultimately help you relax and refocus your energy. Imagine that your stomach is a balloon and you really want to focus on filling up your balloon with as much air as possible. Then, slowly deflate your “balloon” and pull your belly button into your tail bone.
- Be comfortable. Pack one color scheme which will allow you to pack one pair of shoes and choose outfits that are business appropriate but that are also comfortable for traveling.
- Have and create the right mindset. Rather than stressing over situations outside of your control such as delayed fights, make the best out of it. View each part of your business trip as an adventure and you will get out of anything that comes your way.
- Eat healthy foods, stay hydrated, and get the blood flowing. Most business travelers do not have the time to get a long work out in before/after their meetings, etc. and sitting all day on the plane, in meetings, etc. does not allow for proper digestion. By drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of fruits and veggies, your body will be able to break down the food quicker giving you the much needed energy to get through the day. Also, be sure to take a walk outside, even if it is around the block, which will get the circulation flowing again and get you some much needed vitamin D from the sun’s rays.
There are numerous ways to de-stress. Find what works for you and be sure to incorporate these practices into your daily life, especially when traveling. You will be sure to lead a long, less-stressed, happier more productive life! Woosah
De-stress tactics – now this business traveler has the right idea!
