Orbitz Blog

Articles for August, 2012

Cool temperatures, hot deals: Fall business travel

Thursday, August 23rd, 2012

Early autumn view of Central Park from the Mandarin Oriental, New York. Photo: Marley White, NYC and Co.

By Mark Chesnut

Within a matter of weeks, cooler temperatures will start descending upon North America. So it’s the perfect time to take a look at how to make the most of business travel during the autumn months—including how to find the best travel deals and how to avoid seasonal hassles. If you have a bit of flexibility when planning, keep these ideas in mind to make those trips go smoothly. (more…)

DIY air travel: Self-boarding and self-tagging for bags

Monday, August 20th, 2012

Alaska Airlines baggage check-in

Alaska Airlines allows passengers to self-tag their own bags at two airports, with more to come.

By Mark Chesnut

The writing is on the wall: The amount of interaction that future travelers will have with human airline employees is decreasing. (more…)

WiFi, cell phones: Connecting on international flights

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

Phone for you: Virgin Atlantic Airways is introducing cell phone service on board.

By Mark Chesnut

It may be getting harder to forget about work when you fly.

In early 2013, Delta Air Lines will begin offering in-flight Internet service on its long-haul international fleet of more than 150 aircraft. The expanded WiFi service—which business travelers will surely use to stay up-to-date with emails—will use satellites to provide coverage internationally. The carrier already offers air-to-ground Internet connections on domestic U.S. flights, provided by Gogo. (more…)

Gay Pride weekend in fabulous Seattle

Tuesday, August 14th, 2012

Sample the sushi at Hotel Max's Red Fin restaurant. Photo: Hotel Max

By Angie Jaime

I love drag queens— that much is a fact. Something about a confident, statuesque man in a sequined dress lip synching a power-pop anthem just tickles me endlessly. But let me back up a bit. If you’re a reality TV fan you may have heard of RuPaul’s Drag Race, a Top Model-like show designed to crown America’s next drag superstar.  In its fourth season sharp-witted goth queen Sharon Needles walked away with top honors. When I found out that I’d be going to Seattle over LGBT Pride weekend to hang out with Miss Needles, I was unabashedly ecstatic. To add to the awesomeness, this would be my first visit to Seattle, so I’d also get the chance to explore the city. (more…)

Luxury on the runway: Upscale airport shopping

Monday, August 13th, 2012

The new duty-free shopping area at Chicago's O'Hare airport is just one name-brand airport retail option.

By Mark Chesnut

Looking for a last-minute gift to take home to your significant other, or perhaps an emergency wardrobe upgrade for an urgent business meeting? Look no further than the airport where you’ve just landed. Well-known upscale brands are more visible than ever on the concourse — making it easier than ever to be prepared for whatever awaits at your destination.

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TV addict? Hot hotel gadgets to access movies, shows

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

An Apple a day: In-room iPads keep guests happy at Forty 1 North hotel.

By Mark Chesnut

With new gadgets and more in-room movies and game options than ever before, hotels in the 21st century are making it easy to stay entertained without leaving your room. (more…)

Aloha: 5 great business and meeting hotels in Hawaii

Monday, August 6th, 2012

 

Adventures on the expense account: First work, then play at the picturesque Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

By Mark Chesnut

In a place dotted by waterfalls, secret gardens and beaches in every color of the rainbow, Hawaii locks in bucket-list status as a vacation destination. But believe it or not, even surrounded by all that grandeur, people manage to work there, too. Here are five great hotels for mixing business with pleasure in paradise.
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New restaurants land at airports and train stations

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

Hungry? Yo!Sushi serves Japanese food at Union Station in Washington D.C.

By Mark Chesnut

The days when eating airport food meant strange encounters with bizarrely branded food are long gone. Name-brand food and restaurants are continuing to expand their presence in major transportation hubs, making meal time an easier decision for harried travelers. (more…)

Living the high life at the world’s tallest hotels

Wednesday, August 1st, 2012

Tall order: The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, is one of the tallest hotels in the United States.

By Mark Chesnut

At the end of this year, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai debuts as the world’s tallest hotel. But even before that soaring tower opens its doors, you can enjoy the views and live the high life at the world’s tallest hotels. (more…)